The Complete Book of Textures for Artists by Denise J. Howard; Steven Pearce; Mia Tavonatti

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Art provides a wonderful means for retelling what we see and imagine. This book lets us explore what types of materials to us, and what kinds of textures can be created with them. 

Whether you prefer graphite, color pencils, or oils and acrylics, there's a quick explanation on using the materials. Then the textures are explained. You'll enjoy the notes and 4 illustrations per technique.   This book is recommended for beginners and intermediate illustrators.

Oil and Acrylic Flowers by Marcia Baldwin

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. If you are a beginning painter and want clear directions and good illustrations, this book's for you. You'll get ideas on materials and mixing colors, how to make a sketch and paint from it. The book also shows how to create textures with 2-D paints, how to choose backgrounds, and ways to highlight your flowers. 

The Grumble Free Year by Tricia Goyer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Imagine challenging yourself and your family to a year of no grumbling! That's what Goyer did - and then she wrote about their experiment. She offers suggestions and steps on how the family faced the challenge and took the opportunity for transformation. An interesting practical look at how life thrives with appreciation, honesty, and no grumbling.

Well worth reading, whether you are single, married, or have a family. This book will give you opportunities to change your trajectory from grumbling to gratefulness.

Stand Out Networking A Simple and Authentic Way to Meet People on Your Own Terms by Dorie Clark

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Relationships built up over time are valuable and can change the course of life and work. Rather than manipulative name-collecting, Clark advocates for - and explains how to - genuine networks that are of mutual and expansive in their reach.

Clark says, "Rightly understood, networking is a way of living your life with integrity, helping others, and benefiting in proportion to the mount you do and the way you navigate the world." The longterm investment of self in other people brings lifelong benefits and opportunities.

The core mindset of kindness and looking out for others is explored with how-tos, suggestions for maximum effectiveness, and encouragement to become part of a global network that brings mutual and widespread advantages.

Well worth consideration.

MicroShifts Transforming Your Life One Step at a Time by Gary Jansen

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If it's too hard to make big changes, what happens when small changes are repeated over and over again? Life transformation or big changes in trajectory can be a result of tiny decisions day after day. Jansen encourages the reader to accept challenges by moving toward them incrementally. The stories, examples, and incentives mentioned make transformation seem not only possible but attractive.

Move forward, one small step at a time. Start by reading this book.

Why? What makes us Curious? by Mario Livio

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What's the first question you remember asking? The curiosity that drives innovation and exploration is unique to humans. Livio explores the qualities of asking "why" that compel us to seek answers. No matter what work we are drawn to - science, art, mathematics, literature ... we want to know why and what and how, when, what for, and what ways things work.

A fascinating look at the inner life and outer workings of curious minds.

Radically Different by Champ Thornton

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Got a pre-teen or teen who's struggling with their identity? Someone being challenged about who God is and if he matter to us? A group of students who wonder if God makes a difference in the world around us?

This book comes with a fill-in leader guide and is recommended for small groups and their leaders. Organized by good, bad, and new categories, this will challenge students to think about and act on God-with-us in ourselves, our families, and our world. It's got colorable (and doodle-able) graphics and space to write your own thoughts, too.

Wish I'd had this when my kids were entering junior high. Recommended.