Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World - Book Review

Title: Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World

Author: Scott Shigeoka

Publisher: Balance (Hachette Book Group)

Publication Date: November 14, 2023

Length: 228 Pages

About the Author
Scott Shigeoka is an internationally recognized curiosity expert, speaker, and author.  He is known for translating research into strategies that promote positive well-being and connected relationships around the globe, including at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and through his groundbreaking courses at the University of Texas at Austin. 

DIVE into Curiosity and Transform Your Life
The author uses the acronym DIVE to explain how curiosity is our superpower;
Detach - Let go of the ABCs (Assumptions, Biases, and Certainty).
Intend - Prepare your mindset and setting.
Value - See the dignity in every person, including yourself.
Embrace - Welcome the hard times in your life.

Readers are encouraged to start practicing deep curiosity and strengthening our capacity to connect and be transformed by the people, places, and experiences we encounter.

My Thoughts
At the beginning of this book, the author describes himself as "a city-dwelling liberal Asian American spiritually queer professor and researcher from Hawaii." He quit his job and spent a year living out of his car and meeting people that he would not normally encounter. He visited rural towns, an Indigenous reservation in Minnesota, a retreat center where nuns and millennials live together, and even a Trump rally. He became a seeker.

This is really an awesome book. It explains the difference between shallow curiosity where we are just seeking information and deep curiosity which is about making someone feel heard, seen, and validated. 

The author goes into great detail about using the DIVE model to develop healthy and safe curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of listening and communication skills. Curiosity should always come from a place of genuine desire to know who someone is and how they became that way, not trying to get them to agree with our point of view.

Finally, Mr. Shigeoka suggests the following actions to begin our curiosity journey;

• Articulate curiosity as an important value.
• Embrace curiosity as an identity.
• Bring curiosity into the spaces you're already in.

After reading this book, I value curiosity and I am a seeker.

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for an excellent reading experience.

The Joy Strategist - Book Review

Title: The Joy Strategist; Your Path to Inner Change

Author: Grace Harry

Publisher: ‎ Andscape Books

Publication Date: October 17, 2023
 
Length: 224 Pages

About the Author
Grace Harry is an artist, entrepreneur, creative muse, pleasure instigator, and speaker. After a 30-year career in entertainment, Grace, “The Joy Strategist,” found her calling leading what she calls “the Revolution of JOY.” Through her popular playdate community “Play with Grace,” she helps everyday people welcome joy back into their lives.

A Toolbox for Joy
This book is a mix of memoir, self-help exercises, and cultural commentary on joy.
The author shares tips, tools, and exercises to help you cultivate your joy, embrace a more fulfilling life, and overcome obstacles.

My Thoughts 
I love the title of this book. 
This book is upbeat and inspiring. Ms. Harry shares experiences from her own life and explains how she has changed her life for the better by implementing JOY into her mindset.

The book is designed to be interactive and practical. The author suggests deep breathing exercises, journaling, playfulness, creativity, and nurturing the soul. Self-love is a strong thread that runs throughout this book. The author reflects on her past failures and disappointments; multiple husbands, affairs, bankruptcy, and a lack of self-love and respect. She asks the question, "Were all these botched relationships just reflecting how I felt about myself?" 

The author shares advice on picking a partner. The first thing to do is make a detailed list of all the qualities you are looking for in the person. And then ... go through the list and become what you want to attract. Start with yourself and become the partner that you would like to find. Great advice!

This book was a JOY to read. It is worth reading and rereading.

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for an excellent reading experience.

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Healing From Dysfunctional Life in New Memoir

 Title: Unfold Me; Unfold Layers of Your Wounded Heart and Begin Living Your Dream Life

Author: Deirdre Maloney

Publisher: Unfolding Press

Publication Date: January 2, 2021

Length: 134 Pages

About the Author
Deirdre Maloney is the founder of High Gate Racing, Canada's largest all-female competitive cycling team. She is also the co-founder of a women's support group in her own community. Deirdre believes in sharing our stories to cultivate more collective healing.

Resilience, Insight, and Healing
Deirdre Maloney takes an honest look at her life and is determined to learn from her past mistakes and take responsibility for her actions. She was raised in a dysfunctional family and suffered an eating disorder, abuse, and molestation at a young age. As she grew older, she was involved with drug abuse, prostitution, and extremely abusive relationships with men. 

The author decided her life experience was going to be a story of resilience that needed to be shared. She was determined to turn her pain into purpose.

My Thoughts
This book is not for the faint-hearted. The author was very transparent about her life and this book includes X-rated language and experiences that might make some person blush. However, I have to admire the way she put the past behind her and focused on making a better life for herself and her family. 

The positive changes came in Ms. Maloney's life when a therapist suggested that she join a women's support group for group therapy. The most important thing she learned was acceptance. This is exactly what she needed for healing.

The last chapter in this book is titled "A Wholehearted Life". The author reflects on her healing journey and offers practical insights to anyone who is serious about making positive changes in their life.  Change does not come easy, but it is possible. This young lady has overcome some incredible challenges and I wish her nothing but the best.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I purchased a digital copy of this book with my own funds.

What Game Are You Playing? - A Book Review

What Game Are You Playing?: A Framework for Redefining Success and Achieving What Matters Most

Author: Robin Moriarty, PhD

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: September 10, 2019

Length: 171 Pages








About The Author
Robin Moriarty, PhD, is a global business executive, professor, and writer who has lived on four continents and traveled to more than 60 countries. 

It's All A Game
Life is full of choices. This book challenges the reader to redefine success in your own terms.

Dr. Moriarty believes that life is a game and it's important to play your own game...not the game that other people are playing or the game that they want you to play, but the game you want to play.

It is both exhausting and frustrating to compare yourself to other people and live by others' rules.

"Why would I want it all? Why wouldn't I just want what I want and not what everyone else says I should want?"

This book explains how to discover your own definition of success and then make the necessary changes in your life to achieve your new goals, ambitions, and dreams.

My Thoughts
I think we are influenced a great deal by the expectations of our childhood family and peers. I came from a family of school teachers and I was gently (or maybe not so gently) nudged in that direction when it was time to choose a career. (Actually, being a school librarian was a good fit for me.)  

Dr. Moriarty believes it is never too late to design your own game plan in both your professional and personal life. She has developed the following four-part framework as the organizing principle for your game;

• Your game's objective - What are you pursuing? What do you want?
• How you play the game - How do you spend your time, talents and resources?
• What obstacles must be overcome - What are your challenges?
• How do you keep score so you know you are winning? 

The author provides many examples of how to use this framework to bring change to your life. She suggests that you start with little things that feel good to you and that help others see that there's been a shift in your behavior.

Change is not easy. This author has devoted her entire book to help you discover your own game and then play with passion and courage. It is not too late to change your thinking and take bold steps toward new and different adventures, careers, relationships or goals. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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Get Things Done By Setting Destiny Goals

Volcanic Momentum: Get Things Done by Setting Destiny Goals, Mastering the Energy Code, and Never Losing Steam

Author: Jordan Ring

Publisher: Archangel Ink

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Length: 178 Pages








About the Author
Jordan Ring's primary goal is to help people live a life of less talk and more action. When he isn’t busy writing, blogging, or podcasting, Jordan is also the book marketing and launch guru for clients over at his second home, Archangel Ink. 

Never Lose Steam
Jordan Ring has written a high-impact guide for setting goals and getting things done. The first step is to dive enthusiastically into the problem. Don't hesitate. Take the leap and then take that next step.

Mr. Ring shares the following three kinds of goals that we should all set to achieve volcanic momentum and dynamic results;

• SAGS - Small attainable goals. These goals will help you achieve quick success and keep up the momentum.
• BHAGS - Big hairy audacious goals. Large goals that will have a huge impact on your life.
• Destiny Goals - These are the goals you want to achieve to leave a legacy. These goals go beyond you.

Jordan shares his own life experiences and provides inspiration, motivation and MOMENTUM to help you build the life you desire.

MY THOUTHTS

I have read quite a few self-help books that focus on goal setting for success. I believe this book is right up there with the best of them. 

This book provides well-organized information that is easy to implement and adapt to your life. The author writes in a style that is energetic, motivating and encouraging. Mr. Ring does not hesitate to share his Christian faith with his readers in an honest and straightforward manner.

I think the one thing that impressed me the most about this book was the idea of setting destiny goals. 

Destiny goals can change the world by tapping into the potential of each of us as individuals to bring about bigger change. How you choose to change the world is entirely based on your own experiences and life circumstance. We are all on different life paths, but harnessing your uniqueness into the power of a Destiny Goal will give you firm and clear direction.

It has never been easy for me to come up with a set of goals and put them IN WRITING. This book has finally convinced me to start a journal and create and track goals for my life. 

This is an excellent book to read at the end of the year to help you set goals for a happy and successful new year.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I borrowed a digital copy of this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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Book Review: I Murdered My Library by Linda Grant

One Word Book Review: POIGNANT

 Title: I Murdered My Library (Kindle Single)

  Author: Linda Grant

  Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

  Publication Date: May 6, 2014

  Length: 28 Pages


About The Author
Linda Grant is an award-winning novelist and non-fiction writer. She lives in London with fewer books than she used to.

Books Are Your Friends
What happens when you have too many books?

At the end of 2013, novelist Linda Grant moved from a large house to a two bedroom flat with a tiny corridor-shaped study. The trauma of getting rid of thousands of books raises the question of what purpose personal libraries serve in contemporary life and the seductive lure of the Kindle.

My Thoughts
I chose the word "poignant" to describe this essay about a bibliophile and her beloved books. Ms. Grant describes the bittersweet experience of having to weed the books that she has collected since childhood.

The obvious question is, "What do I do with all of these books?"
The first thought might be to give them to friends and family members. I found this quotation very poignant and real;

"The idea that I was building a library to bequeath to the next generation is one of the greatest fallacies of my life. The next generation don't want old books - they don't seem to want books at all. This is very painful to me".

When Ms. Grant looked at her new bookshelves with empty spaces glaring at her, she thought:

"My library is denuded. It doesn't seem like a library. It feels...like the house of a person who reads, but not the house of a person for whom books have been everything".

The author purchases a Kindle and is resigned to building a new digital library that she can carry in her purse. She discovers the advantages of the Kindle...it's portability, the quick ease of buying a book and the mutable font size (great for aging eyes).

I am an avid Kindle fan but I also have a stash of print books "cluttering" my home. It is difficult to adjust to change but you have to move forward. Very poignant.

MY RATING: 5 stars out of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this ebook with my Kindle Unlimited subscription on Amazon.com.

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Book Review: Family; The Good F Word by Troy Dunn

Family: The Good "F" Word: The Life-Changing Action Plan for Building Your Best Family

Author: Troy Dunn and Dr. Phil McGraw

Publisher: Bird Street Books

Publication Date: April 21, 2014

Length: 321 Pages



About The Author
Troy Dunn is the creator and executive producer of the #1 rated show on WE Network, “The Locator” and host of the TNT series “APB with Troy Dunn.” As a husband and father, Dunn truly is an expert on family — he and his wife have been married for more than 25 years and have 8 children.

The LCA Plan (Life-Changing Action Plan)
Troy Dunn is a dedicated family man and owner of a business that reunites separated and distressed families. He shares his love, enthusiasm and passion for family life in this book.

Mr. Dunn has created the "LCA Plan" to help restore families to full strength. This plan contains the following four steps;

• Determine what is wrong with your marriage/family relationship. This involves taking a personal inventory and taking responsibility for your actions in the relationship.
• CHANGE. The author puts this word in capital letters because without it you will not be able to fix your family
• Repairing damage and rebuilding your marriage or relationship.
• Empowerment and attempting to permanently stabilize your family. This includes embracing forgiveness and moving forward without clinging to destructive behaviors.

The author admits it will not be easy to implement the LCA Plan, but the benefits can be tremendous if you desire a better marriage and family life.

My Thoughts
I read this book from cover to cover and found it to be an outstanding guide for marriage and family improvement and growth.

The author includes quizzes to help evaluate areas of your marriage that need improvement. He emphasizes the importance of communication and states that silence is a silent killer in a relationship.

My very favorite part of the book is where Mr. Dunn recalls his own childhood and his father's problem with alcoholism. He states that his mother tried to make the marriage work, but she eventually packed up her three children and separated from his father. Several months later, a young Troy came home from school and found his father sitting on the front porch of the house where his mother had moved the family. His father had gone to AA and was willing to take responsibility for all the bad behavior that he exhibited during his drinking days. His family was reunited and his father's example was a strong positive influence on the author.

I highly recommend this book to readers who are ready for positive change in their family and their life. This book is the real deal and will be well worth the time it takes to read it.

RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

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Book Review: Life Code by Dr. Phil McGraw

Life Code: The New Rules for Winning in the Real World

Author: Dr. Phil McGraw

Publisher: Bird Street Books

Date: November 13, 2012



About the Author
“Dr. Phil” (Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.) is the host of America’s number-one daytime talk show and is perhaps the most well-known expert in the field of psychology and human functioning in the world today.

BAITERS - The Bad Guys
Do you give other people the "benefit of the doubt"? Dr. Phil believes you can get in trouble just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time and not listening to your basic instincts. This is why the "benefit of the doubt" is not advised in the new "life code".

Dr. Phil McGraw states that some people "win" just because they play the game of life according to a different set of rules or no rules at all. In the real world,  the cheaters sometimes win, the early bird doesn't always get the worm, and doing unto others as you wish they would do unto you doesn't always get you what you want, need or deserve.

BAITERS (Backstabbers/Abusers/Impostors/Takers/Exploiters/Reckless) are those who exploit, cheat and abuse other people. They win at any cost, especially if it is at the expense of others. Dr. Phil explains the tactics, strategies, techniques and behaviors that BAITERS use to hurt you.

New Rules For Wining in the Real World
The second part of this book explains how to be a winner in life. In order to be successful, you have to play smarter and harder in every part of your life. That means changing what you are doing and how you think. Dr. Phil created a "Sweet 16" list of strategies, mindsets and behaviors that he believes are necessary to change your life for the better.

The final part of the book deals with the importance of knowing how to negotiate what you want and need. Almost everything in your life is based on negotiation.

Dr. Phil writes a special chapter to parents at the end of the book. He believes that people who want to harm your children have more access to them than ever before. Parents must teach their children the new rules for dealing with people in their world.

My Thoughts
The world has drastically changed in the past 50 years. I believe Dr. Phil delivers some sound and sensible advice on how to live in modern times.

I wish I had read a book like this many years ago. I have been exposed to many BAITERS in my life. Unfortunately, I have also used some of the tactics that BAITERS use to further my own agendas and causes.

This book should motivate you to take a good look at how you are living your life. It is never too late to make positive changes in your choices, behaviors and relationships.

I read the digital edition of this book on my Kindle Fire. The formatting is a bit rough around the edges, but the content is really outstanding. I think this is the best book that Dr. Phil has written. It is time to "get real" with a new life code!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased the digital edition of this book with my own funds.

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Kindle Books For Kids: The Snake Who Wanted To Be A Horse by Valerie Harmon

The Snake Who Wanted to Be a Horse (Wants To Be)

Author: Valerie Harmon
Illustrator: Carol Stevens

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Date: February 10, 2013



About The Author And Illustrator
The concept for the WantsToBe Series (and this is book #1 in that series) came about when the illustrator, Carol Stevens, told bedtime stories to her youngest son. He'd pick two animals and she'd make up a story about them, ending with a mashup of the two animals. He loved those stories and they turned out so hilarious that Stevens wanted to share the story with more children.

She approached author Valerie Harmon, and together they are writing and illustrating stories about animals who imaginatively solve their problem with lots of hard work and sacrifice.

A Snake and a Horse
A colorful snake is not happy with his life. He has a tender tummy and he hates to crawl on rough and rocky roads.

One day the snake meets a friendly horse. The snake thinks that if he could become a horse, he could travel across the dirt and stones without any pain. The horse tells the snake that he needs to eat grass, neigh and gallop if he wants to be a horse. It is very hard for the snake to change but he is very determined to be a horse.

The snake is just about to give up when something magical happens! He does not exactly change into a horse, but he is much closer than he was before. The snake's hard work and determination pays off and he lives happily ever after as a "Snorse".

My Thoughts
This is a very imaginative story about a snake and a horse. Kids always love to read about these animals and I believe this story will be very popular with young readers.

The color illustrations are excellent and add a great deal of value to the text. I read this ebook on my Kindle Fire. The illustrations filled half the screen on my ereader. I would love to see this book formatted so that the illustrations fill the entire screen. 

The determination of the snake and the encouragement of the horse are great examples for young readers. I look forward to reading more books in the "WantsToBe" Series. Highly Recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital copy of this book during a free promotion on Amazon.Com. Please check the current price before purchasing.

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Kindle Books For Kids: BeeWitched by Julia Dweck

Beewitched

Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Aida Sofia Barba

Publisher: KiteReaders

Date: February 28, 2013



About The Author
Julia Dweck writes children's stories for digital and traditional publication. Her stories span the spectrum of humor, fantasy, and edutainment in rhyme and in prose. Julia's background in elementary education affords her the opportunity to be in touch with what children want to read about and what makes them giggle.

Bees Are Nice!
Beetrice adores honey bees. She knows everything there is to know about them. She even slightly resembles a bee with her yellow shirt and her huge black glasses.

One day her school class goes on a field trip to the country. While the rest of her class plays games, Beetrice watches the honey bees hover over the honeysuckle flowers. Beetrice wonders if she would have been better off being born a bee!

With a little help from some magic honey, Beetrice changes into a honey bee and learns that a bee's life is not all fun and games. Beetrice learns that the grass is not greener on the other side of the bee hive.

My Thoughts
Beetrice is a wonderful character. Her green eyes are bee-lightful and she is the local expert on honey bees. Ms. Dweck does a wonderful job  mixing fiction and facts about honey bees in this picture book for children. This story is both educational and entertaining. This author does an awesome job writing "edutaining" books for kids.

Beetrice learns a valuable story about life in this story. She learns that life as a honey bee is not as wonderful and carefree as she imagined. She learns that honey bees work very hard and face many challenges and dangers. She realizes that she still loves bees but she is perfectly content to "bee" a girl.

I read this ebook on my Kindle Fire ereader. Ms. Barba did a beautiful job with the full-screen color illustrations. The landscape orientation makes this ebook a perfect fit for the Kindle.

"BeeWitched" is a great selection for spring reading. Children will love Beetrice and will learn from her experiences. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this ebook during a FREE promotion on Amazon.Com. Please check the current price before ordering.

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Book Review: Find Your Reason To Be Here by Laura Lee Carter

Find Your Reason to Be Here: The Search for Meaning in Midlife 

Author: Laura Lee Carter

Publisher: Mimbres Publishing

Date: January 23, 2013



About The Author
Laura Lee Carter, best known for her Midlife Crisis Queen magazine online, worked as a professional reference and research librarian for 25 years before transitioning into her present work as a midlife researcher, author, and psychotherapist. She holds three graduate degrees including one in counseling, with a specialty in midlife psychology. She is the author of "How to Fall in Love Again" and several other books.

Baby Boomers Reach Midlife
What is a midlife crisis?
"Midlife crisis, or what the Jungian analyst James Hollis calls the middle passage, often first becomes obvious when we experience difficult life circumstances that convince us that our illusions are no longer secure. We do not control our universe".

Ms. Carter faced devastating career and family changes during her midlife years. In her case, desperation led to many forms of inspiration and breakdowns led to some amazing breakthroughs.

The midlife shift begins when we stop and reassess our lives, often finding some major room for improvement. By questioning most previous assumptions about why we are here and and what we hope to accomplish, we change our hearts and minds so they can work better for us as we age.

This book is based on the writings of respected psychologists and the author's personal experiences. Ms. Carter firmly believes that midlife is a time of transition, personal change and new challenges.

My Thoughts
This is the second book that I have read by Ms. Carter. I find her writing stimulating and inspiring. She is very good at presenting her research in an interesting way that the reader can understand and apply to personal circumstances.

Midlife is a time of discovery, possibilities and hope. The author advises mid- lifers to keep evolving, learning new skills, and challenging your mind and body. The best is yet to be...indeed!

Ms. Carter includes "A Life-Changing List" for people in the midlife years. I found this list to be very inspiring. If you are stuck in a midlife rut, I think this book will open your eyes and help you see some new possibilities for your life.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ The author sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

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Book Review: Get Your Shift Together by Steve Rizzo

Get Your SHIFT Together: How to Think, Laugh, and Enjoy Your Way to Success in Business and in Life

Author: Steve Rizzo

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Date: December 8, 2012




About The Author

Steve Rizzo, a.k.a. The Attitude Adjuster, is a personal development expert whose clients include American Airlines, BP, JPMorgan Chase, Scholastic, and Sprint, among others. As a standup comic, he has headlined with many titans of comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Drew Carey, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Get Your Shift Together
Steve Rizzo is a professional standup comedian turned attitude adjuster. He travels the world sharing his message of "shifting" your thoughts and your life.

People might resist the word "change", but the word "shift" is much easier to grasp...especially when it is used in a humorous and playful way. Shifting your attitude doesn't seem as difficult as changing your attitude.

This book is for both personal relationships and business interactions. The author's mission in life is to show people how to be happy and successful in business and in life, regardless of their circumstances. Mr. Rizzo shares the following messages in this book;

• If you shift your focus and way of thinking, you can turn challenging times into opportunities. 
• If you are grateful for what you have, rather than fixating on what you don't have, you can be happier then you ever imagined.
• If you unleash the power of your Humor Being on a daily basis, you will come to know that not even fear can stand against the power of laughter.

This book is both serious and funny. Mr. Rizzo is a true comedian and delivers his message with an unforgettable twist of humor. This is one of my favorite passages;

So are you ready to get your shift together? If not, then you better shift and get off the pot, because when shift happens, your life changes. At this point you've probably had enough of my shift. I guess you can say I'm full of shift. I apologize; sometimes I'm just a real shifthead. Oh shift, I did it again! Seriously folks: may the shift be with you.

My Thoughts
I can honestly say that this is one of the best motivational, inspirational, life-changing books that I have ever read. The combination of serious advice  and humor made this an unforgettable reading experience. 

The author convinced me that it is possible to make serious shifts in my life. The idea of being a "Humor Being" is priceless and emphasizes the fact that laughter is often the best medicine for physical and emotional problems.

It is obvious that the author has done a great deal of research on the mind/body connection. He gives many examples from his own life that illustrate the point that you can change your life if you change the way you think.

I don't care how many self-help books you have read in the past, this book will give you a real kick in the pants! You will find that happiness is possible RIGHT NOW if you are willing to shift your thinking and get your shift together.
Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.
 
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Book Review: A Rebel Chick Mystic's Guide by Lisa Marie Selow

A Rebel Chick Mystic’s Guide: Healing Your Spirit with Positive Rebellion

Author: Lisa Marie Selow

Publisher: Hay House Insights

Date: November 26, 2012



About The Author
Lisa Selow is a professional psychic and spiritual coach who specializes in liberating women to live empowered lives with more courage and authenticity. Lisa has used her own brand of loving humor, combined with a punk-rock edge, in the healing arts since 1998. She lives in the Detroit, Michigan, area with her husband and several electric guitars.

A Positive Kind of Rebellion
Are you a rebel chick?

Would you like to make changes in your life that could help you live your true  calling and purpose?

Ms. Selow defines rebel chicks as "women who desire to carve out their own paths in every aspect of life, including spirituality."

This book encourages women to write their own rebel chick mystic's guide by using exercises with thought-provoking questions, journal prompts and quizzes. These exercises focus on making your own life plan, letting go of your inner good girl, embracing your true self, finding your life purpose and carving out your spiritual path.

This book is a journey.  The author is a guide and coach who will encourage you every step of the way.

My Thoughts
Lisa Marie Selow gives women permission to challenge the status quo and start rocking their life to the beat of a new and different drummer. She encourages women to learn from the lessons they have learned in the School of Hard Knocks and move forward to a fresh and rewarding future.

This book provides many opportunities to write, study and learn from your past experiences and from hopes and dreams for the future. It is really an encouraging course on self-esteem, healing and growth.

"A Rebel Chick Mystic's Guide" is a joy to read and offers life-changing opportunities for all who are willing to devote the time and effort necessary to work the program.  Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

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Movie Review: Hope Springs

Kay: "It feels like Arnold and I aren't going towards anything anymore. I want a real marriage again."
Eileen: "I think for that to happen you would have to risk everything just to shake things up."

Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) are a devoted couple, but decades of marriage have left Kay wanting to spice things up and reconnect with her husband. When she hears of a renowned couple's specialist (Steve Carell) in the small town of Great Hope Springs, she attempts to persuade her skeptical husband, a steadfast man of routine, to get on a plane for a week of marriage therapy. Just convincing the stubborn Arnold to go on the retreat is hard enough - the real challenge for both of them comes as they shed their bedroom hang-ups and try to re-ignite the spark that caused them to fall for each other in the first place.

My Thoughts
We tend to fall into daily routines that are predictable and difficult to change. This is the story of a 50ish couple who have been married for 31 years. They seldom talk to each other and they sleep in separate rooms. They have not had sex for over five years.

Kay wants to find out if REAL change is possible. Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Kay is determined to find out.

The scenes with Dr. Feld, the marriage counselor, are hilarious. Arnold does not think there is anything wrong with his marriage. He does not think he needs to change. My very favorite quotation in the movie is when the marriage counselor asks Arnold the following question;

Arnold: "You come up here for one week and you're supposed to have a new marriage?"
Dr. Feld: "Arnold, your wife is very unhappy and you have to ask yourself, 'have I done all I could?'"

Kay and Arnold renew the physical and emotional intimacy in their marriage. It is a slow process, but it is worth the effort. This is a wonderful "date night" movie for couples who are not afraid to dream of new ways of connecting and loving.

This is not an action-packed show that will have you sitting on the edge of your seats. There are times when the movie is not really entertaining. The purpose of this movie is to explore the complicated interactions between a man and a woman who live in the same house but are no longer connected.

Dear Readers, are you willing to risk everything just to shake things up? Are YOU doing all you can to make your marriage the best it can be?

My Rating:  4 Stars Out Of 5

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Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Thrown Into Transition

Thrown Into Transition (My Life's Adventure)

Author: Peggy Lee Hanson

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (July 17, 2012)



About The Author
Peggy Lee Hanson was thrown into the world of transition when Delta Airlines first merged with Northwest Airlines in 2009. She has since become an expert at helping others experiencing loss of any proportion, mentoring and guiding them through their journey with proven strategies, compassion, and support.

Now What Do I Do?
The definition of transition is "movement, passage, or changing positions from one position, state, stage, subject, concept...to another."

Peggy Lee Hanson explains how she personally overcame the emotional and life-halting trauma of being forced into that unwanted position of change. She believes the best way to get through a transitional period is to look forward into the future.

Mrs. Hanson was just a few years away from retirement when she was forced into a period of transition and change. This ebook offers guidance and encouragement to those who are struggling with change in their lives.

The author believes that an unexpected change can open doors of opportunity and can be the beginning of new and rewarding endeavors. This is the time to dream of what you want and take the necessary steps to get there.

After sitting for weeks-turned-into-months I discovered the gems described in the following chapters. Once realizing I was moving forward with the dream of being my own boss, in control of my own destiny, and believing in myself, there was no stopping my progress and successes.

My Thoughts
We all have to deal with change. It seems like the older we get, the harder it is to cope with being thrown into transition.

Mrs. Hanson shares her personal story in this ebook. She explains how she took advantage of a difficult situation and decided to make her dream of being her own boss a reality. There are step-by-step instructions for working through your loss and getting started on a fresh new path in life.

Transition is a process. I highly recommend this ebook to all who are seeking a new path and a brighter future.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5


This book is being offered on Amazon as a FREE Kindle ebook TODAY!
These promotions do not last very long so grab your copy NOW.
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Book Review: Happiness In A Nutshell

Happiness in a Nutshell

Written and Illustrated by Andrew Matthews

Seashell Publishers, 1999
(Reprinted 16 times to April 2012)

ISBN: 0 9577572 6 3

About The Author

Over 1 million people have attended Andrew Matthews' seminars and keynote speeches across Australia, Asia and North America. His presentations are laced with humor and he draws lightning-fast cartoons as he speaks!

Andrew Matthews’ books including "Happiness Now", "Follow Your Heart", "Being Happy!", "Making Friends", and "Being a Happy Teenager" are now published in 38 different languages with sales of over 5 million copies in 60 countries.

Consider Changing Your Thinking

When you change (your thinking), your situation changes. It is law.

This book provides food for thought served with a large dose of laughter. Mr. Matthews shares wisdom and wit in his endeavor to explain the key to true happiness.

The law of the seed;

effort + patience = results

You reap your harvest

after you do the work.

This little volume will put a smile on your face and inspiration in your heart.

My Thoughts

I downloaded this book because it was being offered as a FREE ebook on Amazon.Com. I was attracted to the funny cartoon on the cover and was very curious about the contents of this ebook.

It took me about ten minutes to read the book and it was time well spent. The advice for finding happiness is right on target and the original cartoons are just delightful.

This is the kind of book that should be read over and over again. It is a simple and effective reminder that we can be happy....if we want to be.

FYI ~ This ebook is being offered as a FREE Kindle ebook TODAY on Amazon.Com. Please check the price before downloading.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.



Children's Book Review and Giveaway: Scribbleville

Scribbleville

Written and Illustrated by Peter Holwitz

Philomel Books, 2005

ISBN: 0-399-24303-8

 

About the Author

Peter Holwitz is a published author and an illustrator of children's books. Some of the published credits of Peter Holwitz include Scribbleville, Stick Kid, and The Big Blue Spot.

Everyone Is The Same In Scribbleville

Scribbleville is a pleasant little town where everyone and everything is scribbled. The people have scribbled houses, scribbled pets and they walk with wiggles. There is not a single straight line in Scribbleville.

One day, a stranger moves into town and Scribbleville is never the same. The newcomer is straight, not scribbled, and drives a big yellow truck that is as straight as a stick. The man builds a perfectly straight house with a white picket fence around the yard. The people in Scribbleville are shocked and upset.

Wherever he went, the people would stare.

"Look at his clothes." "Who cuts his hair?"

"He doesn't fit in. He looks all wrong.

Should someone tell him he doesn't belong?"

The Scribblers shun the newcomer with the straight house and the straight picket fence. Then a woman walks up to the straight man's fence and begins to talk to him. She has a big scribbled smile and a red scribbled dress. They soon become friends. The folks in Scribbleville are furious.

"I admit", she said, as her

scribbled head shook.

"on the outside he's odd, but

that's not where I look."

Children are often the first to accept changes. A youngster in school draws a picture that is part scribble and part straight. A teacher wears a straight tie around his scribbled neck. Soon the kids begin to wear straight lines too.

It's tough to say - to pick one day.

Things never change overnight.

But before too long, what once felt wrong,

Started to feel a bit right.

The stranger isn't strange anymore. He marries the woman in the red scribbled dress. They have two kids...one is scribbled and one is not. Now, Scribbleville is a town where everyone fits in.

My Thoughts

I really like this book. It deals with prejudice, racism, change, acceptance, tolerance and friendship. These are all social issues that children must deal with on a daily basis. This book is written in rhyme and reminds me of the way Dr. Seuss would deal with social issues in a light-hearted manner.

The scribbled illustrations are excellent and children should be encouraged to create their own scribbled drawings. These illustrations really make this book unique and wonderful.

Scribbleville is about accepting other people who are different than the majority. They might be a different race, have a disability or speak with a foreign accent. The world would be a better place if every town would follow the example of Scribbleville. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.

Book Giveaway

Would you like to have your very own copy of Scribbleville? I found this book at a Friends of the Library sale and would like to pass along my good fortune to one of my blog readers. This is a former library book. The front blank page has been removed and the word "DISCARD" is stamped on the title page and inside the back cover. The name of the library has been marked out.

This book is out-of-print and somewhat difficult to find at a reasonable price.

You must do the following TWO things to enter this contest;

(1.) Leave a COMMENT in the Comments Section of this blog post and include your email address so that I will have a way to contact the winner.

(2.) FOLLOW this blog with Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs.

(3.) Each entrant must be at least 18 years old...Only ONE entry per person.

(4.) This contest is worldwide. I will ship the book via USPS Priority mail at my expense.

I will randomly draw a winner from all the blog comments at noon (Central Time) on Tuesday, May 15. I will email the winner and that person will have 48 hours to respond by sending me their shipping address. If I don't get a reply from the winner, I will choose another name on Friday, May 18. I will announce the winner of the contest on this blog the following week.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.