Hello kindred spirits! I’m so glad you’re here. This space was born from something deeply personal; a return to reading, a joy I nearly forgot. Growing up, I excelled at reading, but truthfully, I didn’t find much fun in it. It always felt more like something I had to do than something I wanted to. But that changed when I became a teenager. As I started spending more time out on my own, choosing my own books, something shifted. I discovered the kind of stories that spoke to me, not just academically, but emotionally. I’d read on the subway, curled up at home alone, or wherever I could find a quiet moment.
Reading became my refuge, a place to escape, where my imagination ran wild and I could travel without physically travelling. Reading also provided a safe zone. All I had to do was pick up a book and I was completely free to be curious, to reflect, to dream and sometimes just to feel. That’s where my love for books truly began. Somewhere along the way, life got louder, busier, heavier and that primal joy fell silent.
But in recent months, I made a promise to myself, in my quest for mindfulness, ascension and living a more wholesome life, that I would do more of what grounds me, what heals me. And so, I picked up a book again… and another… and another. What began as a personal re-connection has blossomed into a newfound appreciation for the beautiful, thriving community of bibliophiles. I’m honored to now call myself one of you.
Why I Review Books
I created this corner of my website not just to share what I’m reading, but to share how these books are affecting me. I believe books can be more than entertainment. They can be tools for transformation. They can soothe grief, stir awareness, inspire action and center our spirits.
Through each review, I aim to communicate my experience with clarity and soul. My hope is that others, whether healing, seeking inspiration, or simply trying to feel a little more whole, will discover books that resonate with their own journeys.
What I Look for in a Book (and How I Rate Them)
Simply rating how enjoyable a book is doesn’t cut it for me. Although I do need to enjoy the book overall, what truly keeps me reading is its value. Is it doing what I picked it up to do? Am I learning what I expected based on the title, the cover or the promise it made? Is it taking my imagination where it said we’d go? Can I connect with the characters? Does the writing skim only the surface, or does it drill deep into meaning, emotion or truth? Does it challenge me to think? Will I grow in some way after reading it? Was I left with excitement, a spark or a sense of urgency to tell someone else about it? And maybe most telling, is this a book I would want to read again?
I stay unbiased and true to my 30-point rating system, scoring every book across ten thoughtful categories. I only recommend a book if it earns at least 7 stars (21 points). I mainly read books on mindfulness, horticulture, audiovisual production, DIY, healing arts, meditation, personal care and self-help books like The Secret that speak to self-awareness and transformation. But I’m also returning to a part of me that craves a different kind of adventure: angels and demons, spiritual discovery, Doomsday storylines and gripping thrillers like The Left Behind series.
So, if you’re into books that stretch your soul, spark your thoughts, stir your spirit or bring out your inner craftsman, you’ll find honest, heart-led reviews of those kinds of reads right here.
My 10 Star Book Rating System
To make my reviews both heartfelt and helpful, I’ve created a 30-point Star Rating System based on 10 meaningful categories, resulting in a balanced and thorough review with both qualitative and quantitative insights. Each category contains 3 core scoring criteria, each worth 1 point, offering a total of 30 points; 1 point per fulfilled section (3 max per category) and zero points if criteria are unmet:
- Engaging
- Captured my attention from the start
- Held my interest throughout
- Motivated me to keep reading
- Relevant Information
- Timely and relevant content
- Aligned with theme/purpose
- Added meaningful insight
- Writing Style
- Distinct and authentic voice
- Language fits audience/genre
- Tone is consistent and fitting
- Flow
- Smooth transitions between sections
- Logical idea progression
- Pacing is appropriate
- Content / Topics / Characters
- Well-developed topics/characters
- Themes with depth and nuance
- Balanced breadth and focus
- Practicality / Effectiveness
- Clear takeaways or tools
- Actionable and realistic tips
- Content feels trustworthy
- Emotional Impact / Connection
- Evoked real emotions
- Felt personally connected
- Author’s passion came through
- Messaging / Call to Action
- Clear and compelling message
- Motivating call to action
- Empowering and thought-provoking
- Overall Helpfulness
- Would recommend to others
- Met or exceeded expectations
- Left a lasting impression
- Undertones / Voice
- Intentional and consistent undertones
- Subtle presence of author’s values/spirit
- Voice sets it apart from others in its genre
Each book I review receives a score out of 30, alongside personal reflections and insights into how it moved me (or didn’t). This isn’t about being a critic. It’s about being present with the material, being honest with the experience and sharing openly with you.
Mindful Reads for a Mindful Life
Ready to review your books with more intention and depth? I’m excited to share my 10 Star Book Review template, The Reader’s Compass, a printable PDF that reflects the same thoughtful 10-category, 30-point system I use for all my reviews here on the blog.
Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, or spiritual growth… or you’re just looking for a good read to curl up with, I hope you find this space helpful and heartfelt. I’m so excited to get to know the book-loving community more deeply, to exchange thoughts and maybe even swap titles that light up our souls.
Pull up a chair. Browse my reviews. Reach out and say hi.
With warmth,
Cheryl the TechTiller
@40DayLiving
Here’s to Books That Bring Us back to Ourselves!
