The Happiness Experiment by Carl Barney - Book Review

 

Title: The Happiness Experiment; A Revolutionary Way to Increase Happiness

Author: Carl B. Barney

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: July 8, 2025

Length: 383 pages

Making a Happiness Plan and Living It Out
Mr. Barney decided to give some of his friends and associates "pre-quests" or Happiness Grants. This was money that he would have left to these people in his will, but he decided to give them the money while he was still living.

The main requirement for receiving this money was to create a happiness plan. This was a detailed plan on how the money would be spent in the next 5 years. The money was to be used to create happiness for the receivers, not to be given away.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this book and was very impressed with the process that the author used to determine who would receive the grants and the planning that was required before the money was awarded. 

It is true that a large sum of unexpected cash can definitely change your life for the better, but careful planning is a must. I have read horror stories about how lottery winners have received huge sums of money and it ruined their relationships and their life. Mr. Barney required the recipients of his grants to work with a life coach and financial planner to make sure the money would be used in ways that were aligned with the recipient's values and long term goals.

The author enjoyed watching the recipients of his generosity achieve happiness through travel, home improvements, entertainment and shared experiences with friends and family.

This experiment had a happy ending and the book provides detailed information about how anyone can achieve similar results.

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for a free digital copy of this book to read and review.

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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Setting Goals for Success - A Book Review

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals

Author: Michael Hyatt

Publisher: Baker Books

Publication Date: January 2, 2018

Length: 272 Pages



About the Author
Michael Hyatt is the former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, now part of HarperCollins. He began his career at Word Publishing while a senior at Baylor University. In the 30 years since then, he has worked in nearly every facet of book publishing.

A 5-Step Plan 
This book was released on January 2nd, but it is not just another book about New Year's resolutions. This book is a comprehensive guide on how to write, monitor and achieve goals for all areas of your life.

The author presents the following plan for achieving your most important goals;
1. Believe the possibility - Your beliefs shape your reality.
2. Complete the past - Gratitude makes the difference.
3. Design your future - Achievements and habits work together.
4. Find your why - Your what needs a why.
5. Make it happen - One journey is many steps.

"Based on decades of practical experience and the best current research on goal attainment and human achievement, this program is designed to help you find the clarity, develop the courage, and leverage the commitment you need to accomplish your most important personal and professional goals."

The Act of WRITING Goals Boosts Achievement by 42 Percent
I have a problem with writing down goals. I think about all the goals I want to accomplish this year, but they are soon forgotten. "Goals poorly formulated are goals easily forgotten." The author states that goals MUST be written down and suggests the following SMARTER model:

Specific
Measurable
Actionable
Risky
Time-Keyed
Exciting  
Relevant

This book is loaded with case studies and action steps that help you develop goals in all life domains; financial, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, marital, parental, social, vocational and avocational.

The author provides examples of goals written in his Full Focus Planner at the end of the book. I found this format very helpful and it can be implemented in any planner or notebook.

This is the kind of book you read and then you go back and really study it in depth. I know there are many resources available on the subject of goal setting, but I believe this book provides exactly what you need for planning your best year ever. Highly recommended!

RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

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

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Wealth Redefined - A Review

Wealth Redefined: Charting the Way to Personal and Financial Freedom

Authors: Bob Reby and Greg Ruais

Publisher: River Grove Books

Publication Date: August 2, 2017

Pages: 183



About the Author
After graduating from James Madison University with a BA in Finance in 1985, Robert J. Reby decided to pursue his passion for personal finance by founding Reby Advisors. After more than three decades in business, his vision and the firm’s mission remain the same: to inspire people to achieve financial peace of mind.

Wealth is More Than Money

Do you have a financial plan for your future?

Have you made goals for your investment strategies?

What are your hopes and dreams for retirement?

Drawing on over twenty years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner, author Bob Reby explores the idea that wealth means different things to different people. Your health, relationships, and family are all components of wealth, and your financial plan should be in line with those values.

My Thoughts

I think this is the first book on the subject of financial planning that I have ever reviewed on this blog. I wish I had read this book AND TAKEN ACTION on managing my finances many years ago. However, it is never too late to educate myself on financial matters that will provide freedom and peace of mind in future days.

A financial plan is unique to each individual. It is based on that person's goals for the future. A large portion of this book is dedicated to retirement planning. How can you live the lifestyle that you want without running out of money?

Mr. Reby is a financial planner and highly recommends the use of a professional adviser to keep you on track with your financial goals.  He believes that "wealth redefined means that we should strive to achieve the right balance in our lives that also takes into consideration whether we're spending our time and our money on the right things."

Mr. Reby explains exactly how to go about choosing the best financial planner for your situation. He offers information about the right kind of insurance and how to avoid paying unnecessary taxes.

The author believes the most critical financial risk facing investors today is behavioral risk. That means people who make unwise investment decisions based on FEAR and GREED.  There is an entire chapter dedicated on how to avoid investment mistakes that will shipwreck your future.

As a novice investor, I found this book very helpful. The information is presented in an understandable manner and many examples and case studies are provided. This book has encouraged me to read and study and learn more on this important topic. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. I will reply to all questions and remarks.

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

Book Review: Crowdfunding - Put the Fun Into Funding and Get the Money You Need by Zynnia Jezek

One Word Book Review: ENTHUSIASM

 Crowdfunding: Put the Fun Into Funding And Get The Money You Need: How A Little Girl Raised Over $7k In Four Days On IndieGoGo (Distinct Press Young Entrepreneurs Series)

Author: Zynnia Jezek

Publisher: Distinct Press

Publication Date: December 27, 2014

Print Length: 130 Pages

An 11-Year-Old Girl With A Big Dream
Zynnia Jezek, at the age of 11-years-old, designed a successful crowd funding campaign on IndieGoGo to provide funds for a trip from Florida to the Awesomeness Fest in Hawaii. This event is billed as the ultimate transformational experience for entrepreneurs. Zynnia believed this could be a life-changing event for she and her familly.

The problem was, they did not have the money needed to make the trip.

Zynnia and her sister created an IndieGoGo campaingn called "4 Day Awesomeness Fest Test" and made $6, 475.

This book tells exactly what Zynnia did to make her dream come true.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the enthusiasm and excitement depicted in this ebook. The young author/entrepreneur describes a real-life behind the scenes look at a successful  IndieGoGo campaign.  

This is not a primer or resource guide for designing a crowd funding campaign. It is a memoir of one girl's experience and how it changed her life.

The author provides screen shots of a series of PowerPoint slides that were used to promote and publicize this campaign. These slides were designed by Zynnia's sister and are quite creative. I think viewing these promotional slides make this book a relevant selection for anyone thinking about running a crowd funding campaign.

The editing and formatting are rough in places, but the content is informative and impressive. Kudos to Zynnia for a great effort. She proves that most anything is possible with determination and a little help from family and friends.

I predict this young lady has a very bright future!

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this digital book with my Kindle Unlimited membership on Amazon.Com.

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Book Review: Everything I Know About Success I Learned From Napoleon Hill by Don Green

Everything I Know About Success I Learned from Napoleon Hill: Essential Lessons for Using the Power of Positive Thinking

Author: Don M. Green

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Date: March 2, 2013




About the Author
Don M. Green is executive director of the Napoleon Hill Foundation and president of the foundation board at the University of Virginia-Wise. He became CEO of Black Diamond Savings Bank at 41 and studied under personal development master W. Clement Stone.

Think and Grow Rich
"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
In 1937, Napoleon Hill published his groundbreaking book "Think and Grow Rich". Today, this book continues to inspire and motivate millions of world-wide readers seeking success.

Don Green shares the lessons that he has learned about success and the power of positive thinking in this autobiographical book. Mr. Green discovered the book "Think and Grow Rich" when he was in his twenties. He details Napoleon Hill's influence on his own success, growing up in rural Virginia and going on to become a bank CEO at just 41 years old. The author has been a life-long lover of books on success, including biographies, and has gained a great deal of knowledge from these readings.

The contents of this book include the following chapters;

• The Formula
• Success
• Adversity and Failure
• Purpose and Belief
• Books
• Desire and Discipline
• Goals
• Habits and Perseverance
• Frugality and Self-Reliance
• Learning From Others
• Mentors
• Opportunities
• Visualization
• Thinking
• Your Personal Success Equation
• Perseverance and Passion
• Legacy

The principles of success do not change. When these principles are studied and applied, those who follow them can expect the same results that successful people have obtained.  But remember, you can't just think, dream, or wish for something to happen; you must take action!

My Thoughts
This book is a real gold mine of insight, inspiration and motivation. The author shares his own experiences and shares the life stories of many successful people who have influenced his career and his personal life.

As a former librarian, I am especially impressed with Mr. Green's love of reading. Biographies are true lessons in life from which the reader can glean life-changing ideas and examples. Mr. Green includes an entire chapter in this book about how reading hundreds of inspirational stories, self-help books and biographies has inspired him to great levels of success. I have always been drawn to biographies and I felt a special connection with the author and his love of true-life books.

"Everything I Know About Success I Learned From Napoleon Hill"  is much more than a guide to achieving monetary success. This is a guide for successful living that will benefit all ages. If you read this book and apply the principles to your life, you will be greatly rewarded. The lessons presented in this book are an educational course for living life to the fullest. 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: 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: New Year's Resolutions, Goals, Dreams and Aspirations by Suzanne Price

New Year's Resolutions, Goals, Dreams and Aspirations

Author: Suzanne J. Price

Publisher: Suzanne J. Price

Date: October 2, 2012



About The Author
Suzanne Price is a Personal Success Coach, Relationship, Interpersonal Skills & Personal Communications Coach, Life & Lifestyle Coach, Stylist & Image Consultant, Dating Expert, NLP Master Practitioner, TFT Consultant, Author & Workshop Facilitator and Professional Speaker.

Resolutions for the New Year
Are you writing your New Year's Resolutions today?

Do you have goals that you would like to achieve in the next 12 months?

It's the time of year which gives you the opportunity to wipe the slate clean. If you are up for the challenge and are willing to commit to the process, you may discover that achieving your goals could literally change your life.

Suzanne Price advices you to set "SMART" goals for the new year. SMART stands for;

• S - Specific or Stated in the Positive.
• M - Measurable.
• A - Achievable, Attainable, Actionable.
• R - Realistic.
• T - Timely or Tangible

Ms. Price introduces a series of exercises that will help you set crystal clear goals, prioritize and rate the goals and take action to achieve the goals.

I really like the following quotation from this book about the importance of taking action;

There is only so much planning and positive thinking a person can do before there comes a point in time where we just have to take action. After all, no matter how committed we are to a goal, or how determined we are to achieve it, we still must take action in order to reap the rewards.
 

Most people forget about their New Year's Resolutions by the first week of February. This book will teach you the secret to making 2013 your best year ever!

My Thoughts
This was a very inspiring and educational book to read on the last day of the year. If you are serious about making some changes in your life, this book will guide you in the right direction.

Suzanne Price introduces many concepts that are critical to making and achieving goals. I suggest you read and study this book as you write your own goals for the new year. The time you spend reading this book will be a great investment in your future.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ This book is being offerered as a FREE digital download for the Kindle TODAY! Give yourself a great gift for the New Year and grab your copy NOW! These promotions do not last very long so please check the price before ordering.

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Book Review: My Summer Bucket List Ideas

My Summer Bucket List Ideas - Living Life To The Fullest

Author: Roger Thatt

Publisher: Roger Thatt ~ Amazon Digital Services

Date: July 31, 2012

Length: 48 Pages

About The Author
Roger Thatt is an author and adventure seeker. He has written three ebooks that are available on Amazon.

Bucket List Ideas
The term "bucket list" gained widespread popularity from the 2007 movie "The Bucket List" staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket (die).

Roger Thatt shares his personal bucket list in an inspiring and entertaining manner. The author states his purpose for writing this ebook in the following way;

"I try not to think of this as a list of things to do before I die, but rather an ongoing process to broaden my horizons and cram as much interesting stuff into my life as humanly possible".
 

Mr. Thatt tries to keep this list as specific and tangible as possible. He has divided his list into the subjects of travel, sports, personal, sensual, arts & entertainment and winter activities.

My Thoughts 
This is a short but inspiring read about living life to the fullest. The author shares his personal bucket list and then explains why each of these activities are important to him. He writes in an informal and casual manner that encourages the reader to relate to the author and to his dreams.

I think the real value of this ebook is to inspire readers to dream big and start making a list today. Many of the activities on Mr. Thatt's list do not appeal to me, but that is OK. The important thing is that he has a plan and he is in the process of broadening his horizons each day.

If you have been thinking about making a bucket list, this is a great little book to get you started. Yes, I am going to do it. I am going to start a little list today and see where it takes me.

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received this ebook from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a free download. Please check the current price before purchasing.




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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!
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Book Review: Ten - How Would You Rate Your Life?

How would you rate your life on a fulfillment scale of one to ten?  "Ten; How Would You Rate Your Life"?, by Terry Smith, offers you a pathway to level-TEN living.

This book reminds us that God has a special future for each of us. Are you ready for your life to be a TEN?


About the Author
Terry A. Smith has served as a lead pastor of the Life Christian Church for twenty years. TLCC is a nondenominational faith community in West Orange, NJ, serving the New York City metro area. Terry is a co-founder of the New York City Leadership Center and an instructor in its Leadership Fellows program. A gifted communicator, Terry speaks in a variety of venues nationally and internationally. He is passionate about challenging, developing, and encouraging leaders.-

A Guidebook for the Journey
Pastor Smith has written a vibrant, inspiring book about how to find and live God's will for our lives. He believes that God has more in store for us than we realize and we must strive to create the best possible future for ourselves and others.

The book is divided into the following seven sections that instruct and guide the reader in living a TEN life;

• Awaken
• Discover
• Imagine
• Grow
• Act
• Lead
• Go

The author believes that people do not want enough. Not more stuff. More life. And not just for ourselves but also for others. Jesus Christ said that His purpose is to give us more "life - life in all its fullness" or "more and better life than [you] ever dreamed of" (John 10:10, NCV, MSG).

The author challenges and provokes the reader to go after the more and better life that God wants for you. The world needs people who would never be satisfied with anything less than a TEN.

My Thoughts
This book is written and organized in a very professional manner. The author makes a strong case for living your best life and he uses Scripture from the Bible as a foundation for his message.

There are "Reflection Questions" at the end of each of the seven sections. These questions are great for individual or group reflection and meditation. This book would be a very helpful resource for a Bible study group.

I love the enthusiasm and passion that the author communicates in this book. I can tell that this is a man who really "walks the talk" and "practices what he preaches". 

Pastor Smith believes we must have more than a dream. Our grand vision needs to be turned into an actionable plan. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to start living a TEN life.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary hardback copy of this  book to read and review from Audra Jennings of The B & B Media Group.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

The eBook Revolution and a Happy Book Blogger

The year 2011 is quickly coming to a close. This year has seen some dramatic changes for the book publishing and marketing industries.  I can honestly say that the Amazon Kindle has made this a fabulous year to be a reader and a wonderful year to be a book blogger.

The ebook revolution has made a huge difference in the accessibility of books, reports, articles, magazines, newspapers and essays. Amazon has reported that they are selling more ebooks than print books. I believe this trend will continue and I think this opens new doors of opportunities for both authors and readers.

I would like to share a few of my personal observations about the Kindle and the way it has changed my life for the better.

• I downloaded the free Kindle for PC Application to my laptop computer in 2009. I ordered several ebooks and was very pleased with the experience of receiving them in a matter of seconds and reading them on my computer screen. The only problem was that I could not carry my laptop computer in my purse and it was a difficult to curl up in bed with a computer.
• I began dropping hints to my husband that I would like to have a Kindle ebook reader. He didn't know what a Kindle was until he noticed a co-worker using one at his job. She showed him how it worked and he liked it. He also knew that I would like it. In October of 2010, my husband surprised with a Kindle 3.
• I had been writing book reviews on this blog for over a year, but I did not have access to the kinds of books that I really wanted to review. When I got my Kindle, a whole new world opened up to me. I was able to purchase and receive new books on their release date, receive books from authors via email and access free ebooks from Amazon.Com. I am now able to check-out ebooks from the public library and read them on my Kindle.
• My goal for 2012 is to continue to read, review and promote ebooks using this blog, social media outlets and video book trailers. I am a happy book blogger who is dreaming of writing and publishing a book for the Kindle during the next few months.

I would like to thank everyone who has taken time to read this blog during 2011. I appreciate your time and your participation. I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope to see you again in 2012.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: The Kaizen Plan For Healthy Eating

"The Kaizen Plan for Healthy Eating; Take Control of Your Diet 10 Minutes at a Time", by Lynn Johnston, will teach you how to gradually add healthy foods to your diet.
"Kaizen" is a Japanese word meaning "continuous improvement" and it is used in the business world to describe the approach of accomplishing things by making a series of small, simple changes that result in gradual improvement.

About The Author
Lynn Johnston blogs about how to take control of your life 10 minutes at a time using the Kaizen approach. She's the author of "The Kaizen Plan for Decluttering Your Computer" and "The Kaizen Plan for Healthy Eating". Lynn lives in central Texas with her husband. Her hobbies include reading, writing speculative fiction, and gardening.

Baby Steps To Better Health
Lynn Johnston experienced a health crises that motivated her to search for information about good nutrition and healthy living. After several years of pain and undiagnosed symptoms, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She was told that there was no cure for fibromyalgia and she would need to take antidepressants and painkillers for the rest of her life. Lynn did extensive research on treatments and holistic antidotes for her condition. She was especially interested in ways to improve her eating habits. After four years of slowly improving her diet, Ms. Johnston reached a point where she didn't have any symptoms of fibromyalgia at all.

The Kaizen Plan is a set of small doable steps taken one at a time. Each step addresses some aspect of the problem you want to solve or the goal you want to achieve. Each small step you take reinforces the others, so life gets better faster than you would expect.

Ms. Johnston offers the following tips for gradually improving your diet;

• Simple methods for making the foods you are already eating more nutritious.
• Tricks for sneaking more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
• Take five deep breaths before each meal to improve your digestive system.
• How to treat your vegephobia.
• New ways to prepare your vegetables.
• Drink more water.

The principles in this book can be applied to achieving any goal. Start with small changes and build on those. You will not be overwhelmed and tempted to give up.

My Thoughts
This 61-page ebook provides some helpful information on making changes in your life. We have all started on a new diet, exercise program or financial budget and ended up becoming frustrated and defeated. Change is difficult.
This book suggests no radical changes, no throwing away half the food in your cupboards, no sugar withdrawal. You'll create a flexible, personalized plan that gently eases you into better eating habits.
I am reminded of the old saying, "Mile by mile, life's a trial. Yard by yard, life is hard. But inch by inch, life's a cinch!"

This ebook is available at Amazon, Apple/iTunes, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords. The price is $0.99. This ebook offers some valuable information for a very reasonable price.

I am very impressed with Lynn Johnston's blog; The Kaizen Plan; Take Control of Your Life 10 Minutes at a Time. 

Disclosure: Lynn Johnston sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Goal Setting

Do you have a set of written goals that direct your endeavors? Can goals really make a difference in your life?  Have you ever wanted to accomplish something, but been unsure how to get started? Or maybe you started something, but couldn't figure out the right actions to take?
Goal Setting: Discover What You Want in Life and Achieve It Faster than You Think Possible, by SelfMadeEasy.Com, is a 20-page ebook that explains why you need goals, how to set them and how to review your progress. This book is currently being offered as a FREE Kindle book at Amazon.com.

What Is Goal Setting?
Goal setting is the process of writing down specific, measurable and time-targeted objectives. You figure out what you want, you write your desires down, and then you work toward achieving them.

How Do You Write Goals?
The author suggests the following five steps for the goal setting;

• Define Your Goals
• Create An Action Plan
• Affirmations
• Take Action
• Review

Evaluation
There are two types of evaluation you should do. The first involves frequent evaluation of your daily actions.

• Are you sticking to your original plans?
• Could you improve upon your actions in any way?
• Have your results met your expectations?
• What can you do to improve your results?

The other type of evaluation should focus more on your long-term progress.

• Are your plans moving you in the right direction?
• Can you think of any ways to improve your original plans?
• What are you learning about yourself through this process?
• Are you beginning to think of even larger goals you can achieve in the future?

This is an amazing little book because.....
it is a complete goal-setting primer presented in a way that will motivate you to take action. It is presented in a step-by-step format that can be used by a novice or experienced goal setter. This book will guide you in developing your own focused, targeted, personalized map - a map that will lead you wherever you choose to go.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Dream

I recently read a children's book that teaches children to dream big dreams. Dream, by Adam Montierth, is a delightful book that will challenge children to think outside the box and to dream impossible dreams. The book encourages kids to set out and accomplish goals even when others may say it can’t be done.
 The book is written in a rhyming prose that children will love. The author uses many examples of animals and people from history who have not given up on their dreams.

In their bicycle shop, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright dreamed of flying. With imagination, hard work, and determination on December 17th of 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, their dreams came true with the first controlled human flight.

Many scientists have said that it should be impossible for the bumble bee to fly. This is based on body size and weight compared to the size and shape of their wings. But no one ever told the bees, so they continue to fly.

Adam Montierth has been a writer and filmmaker for most of his life. He was very active as a child in city theatre and also studied theatre arts in high school. After that, he moved on to film studies at the University of Utah. In 2003, he partnered up with his twin brother Donovan, to create Brothers’ Ink Productions. As a writer, producer, and director he has garnered many awards for his films, including 3 Emmy awards for his short films, “Reveille”, “Suicide Club”, and “Neighborwood”. He currently resides in Mesa, Arizona and is finishing up his first feature film, “Locker 13”. Adam has been inspired to write children’s books by his wonderful wife Monica, and two amazing sons, Chase and Logan.

I think this is a wonderful motivational book for children. The illustrations are colorful and entertaining. Children will learn that dreams can come true if you set your mind to it. Teachers and parents should encourage children to do further research on the examples given in this book. A trip to the library would provide an opportunity to read more about bumble bees, the Wright Brothers and other dreamers mentioned in this book.
 
This book will provide an opportunity to discuss goals and dreams with your child. "Just remember — a man without a dream, Is like a bird with a broken wing". May your dreams come true!
 
I want to thank Mr. Montierth for sending me a digital copy of this book to read and review. It was a real pleasure.

I love to read your comments ~ Please post them below.