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Beyond the Spine: The Art of Bookbinding Across Cultures

  Unique Bookbinding Methods Around the World: A Journey Through Culture and Craft Beyond the Spine: The Art of Bookbinding Across Cultures When we think of books, we often focus on the words inside—their stories, knowledge, and impact. But have you ever stopped to admire how a book is physically made? Bookbinding isn’t just about holding pages together; it’s an art form, a cultural statement, and in some cases, a centuries-old tradition that reflects the values and craftsmanship of a society. From intricately sewn Japanese books to Ethiopian manuscripts bound in wood , different cultures have developed their own methods of preserving the written word. Let’s take a journey around the world to explore some of the most unique and fascinating bookbinding techniques , each offering a glimpse into history, art, and innovation. 1. Japanese Stab Binding (和綴じ, Watoji) – The Elegance of Simplicity 📍 Origin: Japan, China 📖 Notable Use: Handmade poetry books, calligraphy collections,...

How to Start Journaling as a Beginner: A No-Pressure Guide

  How to Start Journaling as a Beginner: A No-Pressure Guide So You Want to Start Journaling… Now What? You’ve heard that journaling is good for you. Maybe you want to get your thoughts out of your head, process emotions, or just develop a creative habit. But every time you sit down with a blank page (or a blinking cursor), your mind goes just as blank. Sound familiar? The good news is that journaling doesn’t have to be hard, time-consuming, or aesthetically perfect (no need for fancy calligraphy or washi tape… unless you love that). It’s just about showing up for yourself in a way that feels natural. If you’re a beginner, this guide will help you start journaling without pressure , giving you simple tips, prompts, and mindset shifts to make it a habit that actually sticks. Why Should You Even Bother with Journaling? Journaling isn’t just about keeping a record of your life—it’s a powerful tool for mental clarity, creativity, and self-discovery . Here’s why it’s worth tryi...

The Rightous mind: why polotics and religion make people divide by Johnothan

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  “Morality binds and blinds.” Why Do Good People Disagree So Much? Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind is one of those books that doesn’t just make you think—it forces you to reconsider everything you thought you understood about morality, politics, and human nature. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by political debates, baffled by someone else’s moral values, or just curious about why people seem so irrationally divided, this book is essential reading. Haidt, a social psychologist, sets out to answer a deceptively simple question: Why do good people, with good intentions, have such deeply conflicting moral and political beliefs? The result is a fascinating deep dive into moral psychology, evolutionary theory, and the hidden forces that shape our opinions. Moral Psychology: The Elephant and the Rider One of Haidt’s most compelling ideas is the "elephant and rider" metaphor , which describes how our moral judgments work. The rider represents our reasoning mind, the...

Unraveling Charlie: Book Review

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I embarked on a quest to understand the underlying reasons behind the behavior of individuals deemed as bad, delving into the realm of psychology. During this exploration, I stumbled upon a fascinating book that stood out from the numerous others I had encountered regarding pedophiles. What made this particular work intriguing was its publication in the 1980s, a time when the terminology and societal understanding of individuals like Charlie were still in their infancy, lacking the precise language we have today to describe such complex issues.  "Unraveling Charlie" by Donald McLean is a poignant and harrowing exploration of child abuse, survival, and the complex journey toward understanding and acceptance. The narrative delves deep into the life of William, a young boy who becomes entangled in the manipulative grasp of Charlie Schoeler, a respected teacher and covert predator. McLean's storytelling is both gripping and thought-provoking, shedding light on the insidious n...

Mirror, Time, Home: A Book Review Series by Janessa Burt

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  I received this series from a friend during my time as a member of the LDS community, specifically on the final day of girls camp. Those three days spent in New Mexico were quite dreary, but this series transformed my experience, making the time fly by. Initially, I had my doubts about the first book being a worthwhile romance, but from the very first chapter, it captivated me completely, convincing me that I was in for a delightful romantic journey. Typically, I don't gravitate towards romance novels, as many tend to veer into overly dramatic or uncomfortable territory, which isn't really my preference. Mirror In "Mirror," we meet Grace Gentry, a young woman whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she discovers that time can be bent and altered. As she navigates this newfound reality, Grace's journey is fraught with challenges that test her courage and resilience. The novel has been praised for its engaging plot and well-developed characters, with readers n...

update on book review

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I took a long brake after my post on  Aug 23, 24 on books that I have read and wanted to read, I honestly had to take a step back for my mental health because of the election and what was going on with the trans* community, sadly it still looks like things are not getting better for trans* youth, and other LGBTQ+ people and immigrants. He put back up the trans ban for the military, went against the DEI program, he's trying to deport indigintous people which was also something Germany was trying todo in the past, it feels like we are going backwards, I'm going to canada because its honestly the safest route do your best to stay safe too. Say nothing Genre: True crime, Biography summary: About the troubles in Northern Ireland  with the 1972 abduction and murder of Jean McConville as a central focus. The book describes the lives of Dolours Price, Brendan Hughes, Gerry Adams, and Jean McConville's children. In the image, Patrick, positioned on the right, crafts a narrative th...

I who have never known men: written letter to "The Child"

By Jacqueline Harpman  Published in 1995 originally in French, translated by  Ros Schwartz " To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering"- Friedrich  Nietzsche  I recognize that you may not be able to read this, but I want to express something profound, akin to the respect you felt for the man who passed away with dignity in the chamber. You sought to honor his memory, ensuring that as long as you exist, he would be remembered. In a similar vein, I am extending that same honor to you. Many people argue about the essence of living—whether it involves worshiping a higher power, transcending the ordinary, or embracing one's true self without concern for societal judgments regarding sexuality and gender identity. Yet, you were deprived of these experiences, embodying the very question that stirs endless debate: "What does it mean to live? What does it mean to be human?" You traversed the world burdened with unanswered questions, and eve...