Non-Fiction Archives - The Litertarian

Book Review:: Shaolin Spirit | Shi Heng Yi

The Shaolin way is deeply philosophical and self-reflective. While there are several stances and physical practices laid out in this book, I went into it more for the philosophy and mindset discussions, and I found a treasure of value in that way. Are the ideas necessarily new and ground-breaking? No. They’re something far greater. These are ancient wisdoms, and as the author says distinctly in the book several times, they are available to all.

Shaolin Spirit by Shi Heng Yi Book Cover

If you are looking for a way to re-center yourself, look deeply and be honest with yourself, this book is an excellent resource for walking through that process. Shi Heng Yi lists so many questions to ask of ourselves, examining the whys and the hows and the shoulds — but it isn’t a lecture, not at all. It is accepting of our human natures, leaves room for our own individual natures, and encourages us to open up, redirect certain energies, challenge ourselves both mentally and physically, building resilience and personal strength in a way that is all too uncommon these days.

I took PAGES of notes on this one, as I listened to the (excellent) audiobook — little nuggets of profound little teachings that are at once obvious, but so so powerful. This is the kind of book you can return to again and again, literally daily, and it will still serve to guide you in a positive, more contemplative direction.

I recommend the audiobook. It was even calming listening to the author narrate. I think it certainly added something to the experience. Near the end it did seem to tilt toward some kind of advertisement for his establishment, which I could have done without, but overall, this is a very valuable book for anyone looking for a little self-improvement.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Shaolin Spirit: The Way to Self-Mastery
Author:: Shi Heng Yi
Genre:: Personal Development
Publisher:: St. Martin’s Essentials
Length:: 288 pages
Published:: March 3rd, 2026
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars

Book Review:: Everyday Spiritual Habits | Hanna Seymour

Everyday Spiritual Habits by Hanna Seymour was written for women like me: moms of small children, or other busy folks who want to find time to grow their spiritual practices. Inviting Jesus into the tiny moments of our lives, to cultivate the spirit, learn scripture, and feel closer to God, even in the mundane of every day.

Everyday Spiritual Habits by Hanna Seymour Book Cover

I found Hanna and her writing style to be very relatable, authentic, and inviting. She has been a Christian for what sounds like her entire life, but I’m a little baby Christian trying to find a way in to a spiritual practice for the first time as a grown up. This book is exactly what I needed.

It builds upon the framework of James Clear’s Atomic Habits and the scripture itself, teaching how to choose good habits, how to break them down, where to fit them in, and how to make them actually stick. I do a lot of self-improvement, and I got several new insights from this book on general habit forming, too. These techniques can work on any goal you have.

I love that she gives real world practical advice on how to fit in the most foundational, integral pieces of a Christian spiritual practice, specifically studying scripture, and prayer. She also emphasizes the importance of friendship and community and really gives an excellent pep talk on that subject that has really inspired me.

One of the biggest takeaways I got from this book wasn’t even a major point of emphasis in the book. It can apply to any fill in the blank:

Was that time spent with God, or just time spent?

Oof, the impact of that statement.

It’s a lesson on presence I will carry with me in everything I do.

Excellent book you have here, Hanna. I believe this has the potential to impact a lot of people, women, specifically, to live more intentional lives, and nurture their relationship to God. Thank you for sharing it with me.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Everyday Spiritual Habits: Small, Simple Ways to Transform Your Faith, Starting Now
Author:: Hanna Seymour
Genre:: Non-Fiction
Publisher:: Worthy Books
Length:: 240 pages
Published:: February 3rd, 2026
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

Book Review:: Big Dumb Eyes | Nate Bargatze

Nate Bargatze is one of my favorite comedians. His southern boy demeanor, common sense logic, and unhurried delivery are the trifecta of funny. The guy just looks like the underdog, so you root for him, even in the stories you don’t.

Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze Book Cover

He isn’t afraid of some self-depreciating humor, obviously his book is titled Big Dumb Eyes, but what I love about his act is how gosh dang reasonable it all is. He can tell a story about walking the dog and it’s hilarious. He talks about his first car. I laughed out loud. He talks about a man who worked at a furniture story he may or may not have even met, and I was rolling. Whatever the X factor is, this guy has it.

Now, Nate has famously claimed he is not a reader. He’d ‘like to be’ he says, but books are just ‘so many words’. As such, in his own book, there are breaks. I listened to the audio version, and he plays a little bit of elevator music to cleanse the palette a little bit before jumping into the next story, as to not overwhelm you with all the words. I believe in the hard copy there are several blank pages. Hilarious, and on brand.

I was actually surprised how much I laughed at the stories in this book. Nate’s humor is one of a kind and hearing these stories of his life and childhood was so nostalgic. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall at one of his family’s board-game nights. They sound like a hoot.

I also love how comedy memoirs like this one (and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are examples of this too), the comedian will tweak the narration to actually acknowledge you are listening to the book instead of reading it on paper instead of strictly reading every single word as it appears in print. If you’re not a big reader, like Nate, absolutely you should still read this…just listen to it instead!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Big Dumb Eyes
Author:: Nate Bargatze
Genre:: Comedy Memoir
Publisher:: Grand Central Publishing
Length:: 240 pages
Audio Length:: 6h 56m
Audiobook Narrator:: The Author
Published:: May 6th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Let it Settle | Michael Gaylon

Book Review:: Let It Settle | Michael Galyon

Have you seen the dreamy guy on Instagram with the soft comforting voice and the message to slow down, take a breath, center yourself, and let it settle? It’ll make you stop scrolling every time. His name is Michael Galyon, and now, he’s written a book!

(You can find his instagram feed here – you’re welcome)

Let It Settle, Daily Habits to Move You from Chaos to Calm Michael Galyon Book Cover

I received this book as an advanced listening copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and I cannot tell you how much I recommend it. If you clicked over to Michael’s IG, you’ll know what I mean by saying he has one of the most calming, gentle voices. Listening to it is like warm honey pouring across your shoulders and down your back. I don’t know if it would even matter what he was saying, I think it would be a calming experience regardless.

But what he is saying is so valuable.

This book is designed to give you lots of tools he help guide you through stress, anxiety, and bad patterns of thinking. Even more than that, honestly. It is an arsenal to guard you against the chaos the human brain can often be.

There are very introductory meditation exercises here if you’re a beginner, like the body scan, but there are also many more advanced exercises explored too, and each includes an anecdote that help to explain how they can be helpful in practical application.

Then there are the actual guided meditations. Again, the audiobook is going to give you more bang for your buck here. I’ve never felt more relaxed and centered when listening to an audiobook as I did this one. It is so soothing.

If you’re looking for some extra help managing the chaos of your life, I really recommend this book. I think anyone could find something in its pages to benefit them.

Details

Title:: Let It Settle: Daily Habits to Move You From Chaos to Calm
Author:: Michael Galyon
Genre:: Non-Fiction/Self Help
Publisher:: Wiley
Length:: 256 pages
Audio Length:: 6h 25m
Audiobook Narrator:: Michael Galyon (the author)
Audiobook Publisher:: Ascent Audio
Published:: September 24th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars