Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Mother Talk Blog Tour: The Natural Superwoman


The new health bible for women.

Women all over the world flock to Dr. Uzzi Reiss not only for his cutting-edge approach women's health, but also for his attention to their individual needs.

An expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and other natural approaches to wellness, here Dr. Reiss brings his groundbreaking philosophy to readers everywhere, explaining how they can look and feel their best-and have the energy to get through their to-do list each day-by addressing four core wellness pillars.

As Dr. Reiss explains, to be a "natural superwoman" you don't need to spend endless hours in the gym, give up delicious food, or even take a plethora of expensive vitamins and supplements. Simple lifestyle changes are all women need to reach their maximum potential. Dr. Reiss dispels the myths about hormone replacement therapy with scientific evidence explaining how-if women choose to use them-natural hormones are safe and can have incredible benefits. But nutrition; mental, physical, and emotional activity; and ideal mood balance are three other equally important pillars to prepare a woman for the challenges she faces every day. The Natural Superwoman explains:

- which hormones can enhance energy, sexuality, and memory, heal dry skin, help sleep disorders, and eliminate night sweats;
- why women should take magnesium instead of calcium to guard against osteoporosis;
- what foods help promote sound sleep, weight loss, cardiovascular and bone health, energy, memory, relaxation, and much more; and<

This book offers accessible yet authoritative information from a physician with more than thirty years of experience understanding and working with the personal needs of women. Penguin Group

MY REVIEW: I’ll be honest. I haven’t paid too much attention to all the controversy surrounding hormones and hormone replacement therapies. I figured that I would be jumping into all the info when I was older. After reading Uzzi Reiss’ The Natural Superwoman, I realize that waiting until I’m older is not necessarily the best thing to do!

In The Natural Superwoman, Uzzi Reiss shows us how to feel great, look younger, and have much more energy. He does this by introducing us to the four pillars of the natural superwoman which are Nutrition, Activity, Hormone Balance and Mind and Mood. Each one of these pillars is broken down and discussed thoroughly. Now, these are things we’ve all heard before, but Dr. Reiss has this wonderful ability to write in such a way as to make us see things even clearer than we thought we saw them! I often caught myself saying “Listen to this, Pete…” and, “ Oh my goodness! I have all these symptoms!” I really appreciate the easy-to-understand explanations of what each hormone and supplement does and how they interact. I swear, I understand it all and my eyes never glazed over even once! Lol!

I’m not one to read many non-fiction books, however, I’m glad I ventured off my regular path and read this one! Since it is just chocked full of extremely useful information, I’ll be keeping this one for our shelves. Only our favorites make it to the shelves! However, if I could somehow convince Dr. Reiss to move his practice to the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee, I’d be willing to part with my copy! Lol!!

CBS interview with Uzzi Reiss

Uzi Reiss' Website

Friday, January 25, 2008

Fallen


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Fallen

(Kregel Publications February 29, 2008)

by

Matthew Raley



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.






ABOUT THE BOOK

Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page.

Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.

MY REVIEW: This was a really thinker book for me...made me really think about sin and the confrontation of sin...both my own and of those around me. I found myself asking throughout the book, "How would I have handled that?" and I'll have to admit, I would have been a big chicken! I also thought it was wonderful that the author created a character who was able to uncover his own sins too. Upon completion of the book, I really felt an even stronger desire for Heaven...where there is no sin! lol! I'm making Pete read the book now so we can discuss it. I recommend you read it also!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Mothertalk Book Review: Persian Girls, A Memoir


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Learning about different cultures has always been of interest to me and Nahid Rachlin's book Persian Girls has certainly fed my desire to know more about Iranian women and their roles.

Opening with a scene of her aunt Maryam in the midst of her nightly Islamic rituals, Nahid Rachlin's memoir, Persian Girls, pulled me into a story about two sisters who ended up going down completely different paths. Nahid had been a gift to her aunt Maryam from her biological mother, Mohtaram. She lived with Maryam for nine years until her father came to take her back home. Of course, both Maryam and Nahid were devastated, but that didn't make a difference. Nahid's life changed suddenly with comfort coming only from a new formed relationship with her sister, Pari.

I found myself saddened by all the oppressiveness these sisters had to endure. Pari wanted to be an actress but her father would not allow her to do so...Nahid was not allowed to read certain books or write certain things. Of course, the whole arranged marriage thing makes me shake my head in complete wonder. Not only are marriages arranged, but very young girls are taken as wives. Seriously, nine years old is just not old enough to marry! Fortunately, neither Nahid or Pari had to marry at such a young age, however, Pari was forced into an arranged marriage that eventually failed. Nahid, avoided the whole arranged marriage situation when her father allowed her to move to America to attend college.

As Nahid struggled to "find her place"in America, Pari basically disintegrated in Iran. Her marriage was horrible and much to her father's dismay, she gets a divorce and loses custody of her son even though he should have been with her. Again, another area where women are oppressed! It was depressing to see how Pari's life had spiraled downward into hopelessness. Eventually, Nahid recieved the news that Pari had died so she returned to Iran to find out what happened and why.

I walk away from this book thankful that I have been able to choose my husband, my career, my likes and dislikes...everything. I am thankful that I have not experienced such oppression as Pari did. I also walk away with a sweet image of a dear bond between sisters...no matter what the circumstances. I hope that writing about Pari has brought Mrs. Rachlin some healing...

Read what others are saying about Persian Girls and if you've read the book and would like to discuss it, you can do so here!

You can also read more about the author, Nahid Rachlin at her site.

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Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Joyful Noise--Poems for Two Voices


DISCARDED

That's what happens when we don't check all these neat books out from our local libraries. If no one checks them out, then they are pulled form the shelves. Seems fair enough, but there are great books being pulled! I got this DISCARDED book at a book sale....good for me because I was able to purchase a fabulous book that I will be keeping in my personal library...bad for the rest of the library patrons because they will not be able to experience this book unless I invite them over for tea and a reading! So, go save a book....check out something you wouldn't normally check out and give it a chance!

Joyful Noise Poems for Two Voices is a wonderful book written by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Eric Beddows. This book has been awarded the John Newberry Medal. In this book you'll find poetry about insects. The poetry in this book is not your average poetry...this is poetry written for two voices. I loved reading this book with my kids even though they got tired of reading the poems over and over with me just because I wanted to perfect my bug noises! I would love to see this book read by professionals!

Just as the poetry is wonderful so too are the illustrations. I'm partial to bugs so maybe that's why I think the black and white drawings are great. I especially love the honeybee lounging on her chaise and the big-eyed cicadas. Just a completely neat DISCARDED book!

Taming Horrible Harry

How do you solve a problem like Harry? Well, you give him a book!!

Taming Horrible Harry is just the neatest book about a very bad monster that likes to scare people. He scares a little girl who drops her book...and this is where Harry's adventures with books begins. Delores del Dragon, who can read, offers to teach harry how to read...and he takes her up on her offer. Harry soon discovers that reading is waaaaay more fun than scaring people. The other monsters start noticing Harry's change in behaviour and they start asking him to read to then. Now Harry spends his time reading books and watching for the little girl he scared away...he leaves her book by the tree....open with a heart-shaped rock. Is that not the most tender thing??

Taming Horrible Harry is written by Lili Chartrand and illustrated by Roge. This story was originally written in French so we have Susan Ouriou to thank for her translation! Thank you all for such a wonderful book!!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Max's Dragon Shirt

I have fought it folks...I really have. These rabbits are so stinkin' cute and that's why this is soooooo hard for me say....I. don't. like. these. stories. There, it's out there!

Regardless of my feelings, Belle loves these stories and since I love her dearly, I will lean into the pain I feel when I am reading them. Here's what slays me about these stories.....there is NO MOM!! Where in the world is the mom?? I know, I know, these are just stories...all make believe, but I need for these little rabbit kids to have a mom. Can't. stand. it! Just show me the mom!

In Max's Dragon Shirt, by Rosemary Wells, Max and his sister Ruby head out to buy Max a new pair of pants. Ok, I will have to say that these stories do mention "Mother", but I still need to know where she is. In this story, she has given Ruby money for Max's pants....how generous, how about actually taking your rabbit son to the store instead of dumping that job on your rabbit daughter. All the stories I have seen or read have Ruby doing all the work...again, this may not be true and if I could just see the mom somewhere I would not be so crazy whacked out about this! But I digress....

Ruby tells Max that they can buy a pair of pants but there will be no more money for a Dragon shirt. Max and Ruby get separated and Max proceeds to wiggle himself into a Dragon shirt which he gets dirty. Since the shirt is dirty, it has to be purchased and Max gets his shirt after all.

Cute as cute can be, but like I said, I don't like these books! Ack!

A Talking What?!

photo by d4rmy


As she walked along, there was a cowpat lying in the road, and when the old woman stepped over it, the cowpat said, "Old woman, where are you going?"

O my great googley-moogley! Run! Run fast and far Old Woman....that "cowpat" just asked you a question!!

A few weeks ago, we were reading about ancient India in history. I read several books and reviewed them, but for some reason, this book about an Old Woman trying to get help from the Raja, completely got past me! So here's a quick review of The Old Woman and the Rice Thief retold by Betsy Bang and illustrated by Molly Garrett Bang.

This book is a retelling of an old Bengali folktale. It is incredibly fun to read aloud because of all the different characters...lots of voices to add when you are reading! You'll need to pull out your voices for an old woman, a scorpion-fish, a wood-apple, a cowpat, a razor and an alligator. I'll have to admit the cowpat voice was the most fun for me! lol!! There's also enough repetition with the words that you'll find the kiddos getting involved with the story too.

Honestly, the illustrations did nothing for me or my kids. I did, however appreciate the illustrator including the cowpat drawing on the page where the cowpat was talking. She placed it in the corner of the page...really, it should have been front and center...I mean come on, it was a talking cowpat! Doesn't it need more than a corner spot?? How many talking cowpats do YOU know? Cowpat needs more space...


Monday, September 24, 2007

Arthur's Chicken Pox


Arthur endures chicken pox with the help of his family...well, with the help of most of this family! That good ol' monster, sibling rivalry, rears it's head several times. This book opened up discussion about jealousy and how we should act when someone is sick. I give this book a thumbs up...anytime a discussion is brought about by a book, that's a great thing!

Belle's Review:
Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown

Funny part: when DW picks the pink marker instead of the red marker...everyone knows that chicken pox are red not pink!

Gross part: Arthur should not be in the tub with everyone in there with him...they may see his privates. (What?? This is coming from my child who sits on the edge of the tub when I'm trying to have my "Calgon Moment"??!)

What was learned: Don't scratch chicken pox. DW lied because she wanted to be treated the same way as Arthur...she should not lie...

Fun book!


Friday, September 21, 2007

Gilgamesh the King


As we've been studying Ancient History, we've come across some really interesting stories and books. Gilgamesh the King retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman is one of those books! This is the first book in the trilogy of Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh was a god-king who was a fierce ruler over his people. His people prayed to their gods for relief from Gilgamesh....and in comes Enkidu, a crazy wild man who lived out in the wilderness. Gilgamesh sent a lovely young woman out into the wilderness to lure Enkidu back to the palace. Enkidu does come to the palace and ends up saving Gilgamesh's life....they become friends and Gilgamesh discovers humanity!

Of course, this is only one version of the epic tale, but I think it's perfect for the younger folk. The illustrations are wonderful...except there's something about the eyes that kind of creep me out...but that's just me! lol! This book was fun to read and was enjoyed by all....there are two other books that we need to read too! You can't leave a trilogy unfinished! Never, ever do that!! lol!!

Here are some Gilgamesh links:

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Story of Wali Dad


Another story we read today was The Story of Wali Dad retold and illustrated by Kristina Rodanas. This is a story about a grasscutter who saves up enough money to buy himself a special treat. He goes to the market and discovers a beautiful bracelet with a pearl set-in. He purchases the bracelet but then soon realizes that the bracelet is far to beautiful for him to keep so he asks a friend to take it to someone who would be able to enjoy it. This act of kindness and generosity sets off a windfall of “paying back” with each return gift being bigger and better…yet harder to deal with! In the end, all works out well…

This story was originally found in Andrew Lang’s Brown Fairy Book and has been retold quite a few times. Here are some sites where you can read the story:

Myth Folklore

ReadPrint

Whootie Owl’s Stories to Grow By

Aaron Shepard has put together a list of words and how to pronounce them

My Quick Thoughts:

Nice book and a fun story to read. The illustrations are wonderful with lots of color and detail. The story reminded me of the “ripple effect” when you do one small thing and the act of kindness…or evil…reaches out and touches others…you know, the “ripple effect”! lol!! I am eager to read the original story in Andrew Lang’s Brown Fairy Book. This was a good book that I would certainly recommend!


Saturday, September 15, 2007

Raindrop Plop Review


Another book I read to my Pre-K kids yesterday was Raindrop Plop by Wendy Cheyette Lewison and illustrated by Pam Paparone.

The kids loved to help me "count" the drops of rain and we all loved the dog's antics throughout the book! It is a bright, fun, interactive book that kept my Pre-K crowd engaged...that's always a good book! lol!

This book was one of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library selections this month. If you have a child 5 or under and you live in the state of TN, you'll want to sign up for this neat service! You receive free books!! Neat!

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Friday, September 14, 2007

Lost in the Woods Book Review


Today I shared a wonderful book with my Pre-K Science class. It is titled Lost in the Woods and was created by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick. It is a story about a little fawn who appears to be lost...through the book you discover that he's not lost at all. His mother is actually protecting him from danger and allowing him to gain strength. You know, there have been times in the past that I've heard people talk about a poor little abandoned baby deer. After reading this book, I now realize that these little creatures are not abandoned at all and if I were to try to jump in and take care of a supposed abandoned deer that I would certainly be causing more harm than good!

Not only is the message good but the photography in this book is incredible. My little Pre-Ks loved looking and talking about the photos. I was pleased that this book kept their attention for around 10 minutes....now that's amazing and definitely is a sign of a good book! lol!post signature

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Life, Libby, and the Pursuit of Happiness

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Life, Libby, and the Pursuit of Happiness


(Harvest House Publishers March 1, 2007)

by




About the Book:

Libby Hawthorne makes exotic trip itineraries but never leaves Seattle. She’d like to attend church but winds up at a bookstore. She longs for love—but who has the time? Delayed happiness has been worth it, because she’s about to get her dream promotion...

Or not.

So now what?

When a corporate merger leaves her demoted and disillusioned, Libby realizes she needs to start living authentically...and soon. But just as she tries to uncover her purposed life, her cruel and unusual boss, Cecilia, demands that Libby hide Seattle’s most famous homegrown rock star in order to keep her new, bad job. For the first time in years, Libby doesn’t have a step by step plan to guide her. She must trust her faith and her heart. But what is she supposed to do with her growing admiration for Blaine Slater, a new VP from Chicago, or the surprising kindness of the rock star living incognito in her Seattle apartment? Through the humorous twist and turns, Libby uncovers a big life truth—the detours we are afraid of might just be the perfect path to happiness.

My Review:

Honestly, this book started out a bit slow for me. I wasn’t sure that I would even finish it…but I’m so glad I did! Remember…this is a new genre for me and I tend to not give new things a chance which is bad, bad, bad! Lol!! Anyway, about a quarter of the way into the book I found that I couldn’t put it down. In fact I finished the book one evening during a 4 hour reading jag…what a blessing that was to be able to have that chunk of time and to have a really good book to read…thank you Pete for giving me this time in my spa!

I loved all the “secrets”, the bookstore and Aunt Maddie….just neat!

About the Author:


Hope Lyda has always wanted to write. Ever since she was a young tyke with a spiral notebook in hand, she had the urge to fill it. Sadly, Peggy Meets the Midgets did not cause Hope to be deemed a child prodigy, so she continued her path of education. She was grade-obsessed but also truly enjoyed sharing laughs with her circle of creative friends.

Hope attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a double major in Journalism: Advertising and Telecommunications and Film. With aspirations to write screenplays or teleplays, she of course ended up doing public relations for non-profits until she entered the publishing field in which she has worked for 10 years.

Her passions are quiet ones—she loves a good read, an afternoon of free thinking time, writing, journaling, road trips, travel, and pondering life from her back yard pergola. She loiters in bookstores frequently, though has never been arrested for such. Her big hope is to encourage others to embrace their dreams and understand their faith journeys through the practice of journaling and the art of creative living. She hopes to also inspire such things through the themes in her fiction including Hip to Be Square and Altar Call. (There are also visions of a nice Casita with a hammock in Mexico—but one thing at a time.)

When not living in her head, she resides with her husband, Marc, in the Pacific Northwest.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

One Step Over the Border



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


ONE STEP OVER THE BORDER
(Center Street June 12, 2007)
by



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephen Bly is a pastor, a mayor, an antique Winchester gun collector and a writer.

He's mayor of a town of 308 in the mountains of Idaho, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. In his spare time, he pursues the three R's of ridin', ropin' and rodeo...and construction of Broken Arrow Crossing, a false-front western village near his home.

That keeps him very western. And he collect old Winchester rifles, which reflects his love of historical accuracy. He's also a fan of Jimmy Buffet music.

Stephen says about his writing, "I write about the West (historic or modern) from the inside. Born and raised on western ranches, I have both the heart and mind to describe things as they really were...and are. There are those who think the frontier has long passed and with it the ‘code of the west.’ The truth is, both are still around...and it’s fun to show that in a contemporary story. The West is so big, so diverse, so enchanting it’s a thrill to write about it in any era."

Stephen is the author of ninety-five books and hundreds of articles.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s a romp...

A road adventure...

It’s a buddy story with romantic comedy!!

Some call it CowboyLit. Rodeo cowboy Hap Bowman’s on a search for Juanita, the gal of his dreams, whom he hasn’t seen in 18 years. He seems stuck on 12-years-old and the enchanting girl he met then.

"An idiot obsession," his roping partner, Laramie Majors, chides.

But Laramie agrees to a final summer’s trek along the Rio Grande. If they don’t find Juanita during those months, Hap promises to drop the idea of the hunt for the mystery senorita. But if they find her, will she feel the same as Hap does about their years ago interlude?

In One Step Over The Border the time tested values of cowboys rub up against contemporary mores. It’s a crazy story that becomes more logical as the reader delves deeper into it. It will make you laugh and shed a tear or two.

Getting back to Hap’s pursuit . . . don’t we all have someone in the past, that we knew for only a short while, that we wish we could have known better, longer? Stephen Bly has!. So when Hap and Laramie ventured out on a quest for Hap’s Juanita, Stephen decided to invite others to go along too. Folks have been e-mailing Hap hapandlaramie@yahoo.com and asking for their own “Juanita Search Kits.”

They get a bumper sticker, magnet, bookmark, stickers, flyers, etc. It’s a whole packet of material that will equip anyone to join the fun of finding the Juanita with “the mark of God.” If they send Hap a picture of the places where they stuck their Juanita signs, they’ll receive a free copy of the book. It’s all there on the website at http://www.onestepovertheborder.com/

And there’s a very special feature on http://www.amazon.com/...some more adventures about Hap and Laramie that did NOT appear in the book, can be found on AmazonShorts in the story entitled, Aim Low, Shoot High.
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