Enjoyed this one. It proposes a nice way to include more mindfulness through objects that often have a spiritual relevance across cultures. Appreciate this aspect, though it does bear pointing out that some of the objects mentioned might lead to cultural appropriation - it didn't seem to me that the author sought express permission to use/mention these in her book? So on that point, best be careful, though the sentiment expressed throughout is a good one

Sadly, I was unable to download this book in time before it was archived and this I was not able to either read or review it. My apologies.

A lovely hands on book to nourish the mind and soul by crafting a variety of tools to aid in focussing on specific areas such as inner peace and calm. Some of the projects are really simple and can be done by anyone whereas others are a little more challenging. There are some great ideas and the projects are perfect during this time of social distancing to help calm the mind and soothe the soul. The only thing I would have improved was the illustrations and look of the book. Overall a great idea and a lovely creative and absorbing book.

The author makes a strong case for objects having an impact on our creative and emotional lives. She included information on the history and uses of the Dream Catcher, which was very interesting.

An interesting book on objects that can nourish our mind, soothe our mind, help us be more creative, and even enhance our way of thinking. She describes the object, for instance a dream catcher, the history behind it, the reasons for it and how it can help, and gives you directions on how to make it. Each chapter offers a theme, i.e the first section being objects on self-connection, then one for inner peace, one for self-discovery. A book to savor and use for creative objects to nourish your mind.

The Mind Remedy by Ruth Williams seemed like a promising book, though I'm not sure I found an item that spoke to me, Additionally, some of the items borrowed from other cultures could be problematic if used out of context.
Thanks to Leaping Hare Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

The Mind Remedy by Ruth Williams. Interest presentation on crafting objects to aid in daily meditative rituals for mindfulness and well being.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

The author of this title observes that objects can be symbols which are imbued with great meaning and healing potential. It is noted that this has been true over many centuries. The author also finds that objects that one makes can inspire even greater connections. In light of this,  she offers twenty different projects that bring together all that the author is trying to convey. 

This book consists of four sections:  Finding Connection, Inner Peace, Self-Discovery, and Finding Your Roots. For example, an object to make in the first section is a teacup which will help to bring togetherness by having tea with a significant person. It is pointed out that over tea we are given space to talk and to care for someone.  There is then a project for making teacups with design and ideas for discussion.  For the Inner Peace section, one might make a worry doll or worry beads or a fidget toy. The book continues in this way for each of the subject areas.  Some of the projects look like they take more skill, while some, such as making a gratitude jar feel a bit easier.  All seem to inspire.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I like the concept of this book.  If you are a crafter looking for some thoughtful projects (and thoughts), I recommend this title.

Note: The title of the ARC that I read was "The Mind Remedy: Discover, Make and Use Simple Objects to Nourish Your Soul," which is different than the title on Goodreads of "The Object Pharmacy: Discover, Make and Use Simple Things to Nourish the Mind." I was unable to find it here until I searched the ISBN, which may lead to others being unable to find reviews of the book.

This is an interesting little book that suggests crafting objects to help with problems. This isn't in a religious way, per se, but in a way that shows how traditional items from all different cultures and religions can help to do things like manage stress, connect with others, develop an identity and communicate well. It's divided into chapters: Finding Connection, Inner Peace, Self Discovery and Finding Your Roots. Each chapter features about 4 objects from various cultures that can help with the goal. It tells the history of the object and then the next pages tell how it can help you psychologically. A final two-page spread walks you through crafting your own, with illustrations (no photos) of each step.

Examples of the objects are a Native American dream catcher, a mandala, a breathing bracelet, Guatemalan worry dolls, a Native American medicine shield, an Aboriginal journey stick, a talking stick and a belief necklace. While some of these are created just for the book, many of them are traditional objects rooted in other cultures. This obviously leads to some issues of cultural appropriation. The author addressed this in one project where she says that some Native people have expressed issues with others making medicine shields and she says that you should basically be respectful and maybe just use the idea of it for your own interpretation (her project uses an embroidery hoop, canvas, paint pens and optional embroidery floss, so it is the same sort of thing but slightly changed), but it still feels a little uncomfortable for me personally. We obviously can learn great things from other cultures, but I would have preferred projects that took the ideas in a new direction and didn't feel so "culture vulture-ish." For instance, the stress beads seemed like rosary beads to me but she doesn't depict them in this way. The breathing bracelet was a great idea of 11 beads that you touch and count as you breathe in for 7 beads and then out for 11 because she says breathing out for longer than in breaths helps us get into a calm state. I prefer these to the projects that seem taken right from another culture.

All that aside, it's a very creative book and covers a topic I really haven't seen elsewhere. The projects are easy to follow for kids or adults and generally are inexpensive to make (or can use items around the house). I was more drawn to the ones that weren't based on other cultures, like a wire tree decorated with paper leaves that represent yourself and a necklace built around a small scrolled positive belief about yourself that you want to reinforce, which is wrapped with wire and strung on a necklace. I also really liked the idea of the breathing bracelet, as I've been doing a lot of breathing exercises and I like the idea of a physical object to help with the exercises and remind me to do them. It's also a book that would work well with a variety of people and a wide audience, from teens to groups to folks just looking for some meaningful projects.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

This insightful book consists of twenty different projects. Each includes the object's story from birth and its psychology. It also includes how to make it - DIY.

'It is divided into four beautiful sections,
1. Finding Connection
2. Inner Peace
3. Self Discovery
4. Finding Your Roots

Each Section has five amazing objects making it a total of twenty. A few including,
a. Talking Stick
b. Worry Beads
c. Tree of Me
d. Dream Catcher

Rating - 4/5
Recommendation - Moderately High

Conclusion,
This is a short but powerful read. Crisp writing that helps readers understand the essence of this book. Every object mentioned is explained well with ease. Loved every DIY activity for all the objects. Overall a good read.

Trigger Warnings – Nil