"How to Talk so Kids will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.
As a parent, I always strive to improve. I want my children to know that I love and respect them for their individuality. But seriously, sometimes my kids just do not listen. This is one of my main frustrations as a parent. I often feel like I am talking to myself and then I feel disrespected.
I saw this book title and thought it was worth a peek. I liked the format of the book and the ideas included.
For any parent that struggles to communicate effectively, this book offers hope and advice. It helped me evaluate the way I am speaking to the children and gave me ideas on how to alter that to get better response.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Possessing the Secret of Joy
A book that touched me, as a woman, was "Possessing the Secret of Joy" by Alice Walker.
This book scratches the surface of the atrocity behind genital mutilation. It focuses on one woman and the emotions she felt following her experience.
Honestly, before reading this book, I had a very vague knowledge of female "circumcision." The details were horrifying and the emotions hit me in waves.
I recommend this book to any woman who is serious about fighting for the rights of women all over the world. It opened my eyes to a serious issue in the midst of a troubling, touching story.
This book scratches the surface of the atrocity behind genital mutilation. It focuses on one woman and the emotions she felt following her experience.
Honestly, before reading this book, I had a very vague knowledge of female "circumcision." The details were horrifying and the emotions hit me in waves.
I recommend this book to any woman who is serious about fighting for the rights of women all over the world. It opened my eyes to a serious issue in the midst of a troubling, touching story.
How to Make Money Using Etsy
I found the Etsy website about a year ago while I was looking for an avenue to sell e-books. I loved the concept and immediately was hooked. Etsy allows people to sell their handmade products and there are some amazing items to be found there.
I checked out this book to see how easy it is to set up an Etsy shop. The book is comprehensive in explaining the process and gives some real-people examples/interviews.
If you are considering selling crafted items online, check this one out. You can find all of the same information by digging online, but if you want to have it in a book format, this one is helpful.
I checked out this book to see how easy it is to set up an Etsy shop. The book is comprehensive in explaining the process and gives some real-people examples/interviews.
If you are considering selling crafted items online, check this one out. You can find all of the same information by digging online, but if you want to have it in a book format, this one is helpful.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
One of the books that made an impression on me, as a young reader, was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. This book has a realistic, yet magical quality that sucked me in.
I read this book many, many times over the years. If you have a young reader, be sure to introduce them to this delightful classic!
I read this book many, many times over the years. If you have a young reader, be sure to introduce them to this delightful classic!
The Path to Love
The Path to Love: Spiritual Strategies for Healing by Deepak Chopra
My Rating (out of 5 stars):
3 stars. I liked it.
Amazon Description:
"Join Deepak Chopra on a wondrous journey. . . "The Path to Love." Philosophical, inspiring, and ultimately very practical, The Path to Love is a book that can change lives as it invites the spirit to work its wonders on the most complex and richly rewarding terrain of all: the human heart."
My Thoughts:
Deepak Chopra is an author that I actively follow. I love his insight into the spirit. His books motivate me to focus on myself and become a better person each and every day.
Unfortunately, this book did not make my list of favorite Chopra works. If you are at a time in life where you are focused on love and a relationship, this is a good read. At my current point in life, it fell flat.
On to the next Chopra on my list!
Who Should Read?:
Those focusing on self improvement, Chopra is an amazing resource!
My Rating (out of 5 stars):
3 stars. I liked it.
Amazon Description:
"Join Deepak Chopra on a wondrous journey. . . "The Path to Love." Philosophical, inspiring, and ultimately very practical, The Path to Love is a book that can change lives as it invites the spirit to work its wonders on the most complex and richly rewarding terrain of all: the human heart."
My Thoughts:
Deepak Chopra is an author that I actively follow. I love his insight into the spirit. His books motivate me to focus on myself and become a better person each and every day.
Unfortunately, this book did not make my list of favorite Chopra works. If you are at a time in life where you are focused on love and a relationship, this is a good read. At my current point in life, it fell flat.
On to the next Chopra on my list!
Who Should Read?:
Those focusing on self improvement, Chopra is an amazing resource!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Art of Racing in the Rain
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
My Rating (out of 5 stars):
5 stars. I loved it!
Amazon.com Description:
"Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.
Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man."
My Thoughts:
I read the description on the back cover and I was relatively sure that I was going to hate this book. Told from a dog's point of view, seriously? But I have learned to always try a book before giving up and in this case, I'm so glad I did!
It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but I ended up loving the richness of Enzo's narration. Insightful, with powerful emotion, Stein allows the reader to feel Enzo's unconditional love and to look at a life through a his unique point of view.
I was sometimes bored by the race car theme, but at times it added a layer of depth to the story.
Who Should Read This Book?:
This is a good book for anyone! In the mood for a surprising depth of emotion and wisdom? Give this a go.
My Rating (out of 5 stars):
5 stars. I loved it!
Amazon.com Description:
"Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.
Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man."
My Thoughts:
I read the description on the back cover and I was relatively sure that I was going to hate this book. Told from a dog's point of view, seriously? But I have learned to always try a book before giving up and in this case, I'm so glad I did!
It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but I ended up loving the richness of Enzo's narration. Insightful, with powerful emotion, Stein allows the reader to feel Enzo's unconditional love and to look at a life through a his unique point of view.
I was sometimes bored by the race car theme, but at times it added a layer of depth to the story.
Who Should Read This Book?:
This is a good book for anyone! In the mood for a surprising depth of emotion and wisdom? Give this a go.
Too Much Temptation
Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster
My rating (out of 5 stars):
3 stars. I liked it.
Amazon.com Description:
"Ben Badwin likes his women sexy, wild, and as uninhibited as his desires. Nothing like the brash, dirt-covered, wholesomely cute woman who just strutted into his diner. But something about Sierra Murphy's independent attitude makes Ben's fantasies run wild...
Sierra doesn't need a man in her life, not even one as tempting as Ben. But the more she keeps her distance, the more he wants her, and the harder it is for Sierra to steer clear of his teasing touches and his enticing eyes. To get him out of her system, Sierra makes a proposition: she'll sleep with him, but for one night only. Now, it's up to Ben to turn one night of pure ecstasy into a passion that never ends..."
My Thoughts:
I'll admit...I love the romance genre! I remember when I first discovered a romance book--it was at my Great-Grandma's house and I was bored. I used to read anything I could find, even catalogs! She had an old Harlequin paperback and I read it all in a few hours. I had found a new obsession! Over the years I have read thousands of romance books.
I have read several of Lori Foster's books and loved a few of them. She can write very raw, emotional characters. I love strong characters and steamy chemistry!
"Too Much Temptation" wasn't one of my favorites, but I did enjoy it. I was sucked into the chemistry between Ben and Sierra and moved by their emotion.
Who Should Read This?:
Romance readers definitely check out Lori Foster! If not this one, I would recommend "Back in Black."
My rating (out of 5 stars):
3 stars. I liked it.
Amazon.com Description:
"Ben Badwin likes his women sexy, wild, and as uninhibited as his desires. Nothing like the brash, dirt-covered, wholesomely cute woman who just strutted into his diner. But something about Sierra Murphy's independent attitude makes Ben's fantasies run wild...
Sierra doesn't need a man in her life, not even one as tempting as Ben. But the more she keeps her distance, the more he wants her, and the harder it is for Sierra to steer clear of his teasing touches and his enticing eyes. To get him out of her system, Sierra makes a proposition: she'll sleep with him, but for one night only. Now, it's up to Ben to turn one night of pure ecstasy into a passion that never ends..."
My Thoughts:
I'll admit...I love the romance genre! I remember when I first discovered a romance book--it was at my Great-Grandma's house and I was bored. I used to read anything I could find, even catalogs! She had an old Harlequin paperback and I read it all in a few hours. I had found a new obsession! Over the years I have read thousands of romance books.
I have read several of Lori Foster's books and loved a few of them. She can write very raw, emotional characters. I love strong characters and steamy chemistry!
"Too Much Temptation" wasn't one of my favorites, but I did enjoy it. I was sucked into the chemistry between Ben and Sierra and moved by their emotion.
Who Should Read This?:
Romance readers definitely check out Lori Foster! If not this one, I would recommend "Back in Black."
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I heard rave reviews from various people on this one. I checked it out, and tried a few time to get into it, but I just couldn't.
Is there something I’m missing? Should I try again?
I heard rave reviews from various people on this one. I checked it out, and tried a few time to get into it, but I just couldn't.
Is there something I’m missing? Should I try again?
Stitches
Stitches by David Small
Rating out of 5 stars:
4 stars...I really liked it.
Amazon.com Description:
"David Small, a best-selling and highly regarded children's book illustrator, comes forward with this unflinching graphic memoir. Remarkable and intensely dramatic, Stitches tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy who awakes one day from a supposedly harmless operation to discover that he has been transformed into a virtual mute―a vocal cord removed, his throat slashed and stitched together like a bloody boot. From horror to hope, Small proceeds to graphically portray an almost unbelievable descent into adolescent hell and the difficult road to physical, emotional, and artistic recovery."
My Thoughts:
This book is original and intriguing. I was hooked from page one. This was my first graphic memoir. Small uses his artistic abilities to make the reader feel his words. I was moved by the expression shown in the illustrations.
I finished this book in one sitting!
Who Should Read:
If you enjoy memoirs definitely read this one! I would also suggest to artistic readers, people who love children...or anyone, really!
Rating out of 5 stars:
4 stars...I really liked it.
Amazon.com Description:
"David Small, a best-selling and highly regarded children's book illustrator, comes forward with this unflinching graphic memoir. Remarkable and intensely dramatic, Stitches tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy who awakes one day from a supposedly harmless operation to discover that he has been transformed into a virtual mute―a vocal cord removed, his throat slashed and stitched together like a bloody boot. From horror to hope, Small proceeds to graphically portray an almost unbelievable descent into adolescent hell and the difficult road to physical, emotional, and artistic recovery."
My Thoughts:
This book is original and intriguing. I was hooked from page one. This was my first graphic memoir. Small uses his artistic abilities to make the reader feel his words. I was moved by the expression shown in the illustrations.
I finished this book in one sitting!
Who Should Read:
If you enjoy memoirs definitely read this one! I would also suggest to artistic readers, people who love children...or anyone, really!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Book Obsession...
The technical term for a person obsesed with books is a bibliophile. Intriguing term...but sounds somewhat tawdry and slightly dirty.
I'm a self-admitted bibliophile. Does that make me a bit tawdry? I'll let you decide!
I can't remember a time in my life when books were not high on my priority list. Today, I work full time in a busy profession, have 2 wonderful children and still make time to read an average of 3 books each week. I have an Excel spreadsheet filled with books to read in the future. At 3 books a week, my current list will take around 13 years to complete.
Told you I was obsessed!
You can also friend me on GoodReads!--Lindsay Martin
Love this website:
http://www.goodreads.com/
I'm a self-admitted bibliophile. Does that make me a bit tawdry? I'll let you decide!
I can't remember a time in my life when books were not high on my priority list. Today, I work full time in a busy profession, have 2 wonderful children and still make time to read an average of 3 books each week. I have an Excel spreadsheet filled with books to read in the future. At 3 books a week, my current list will take around 13 years to complete.
Told you I was obsessed!
You can also friend me on GoodReads!--Lindsay Martin
Love this website:
http://www.goodreads.com/
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