“Tempest” by Julie Cross
11 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews, Prose Tags: Book Review, Magic
I had a little trouble connecting withthe story at first - but
it wasn’t long before Jackson captured my interest in the spirits of the unknown.
This is a cleverly written Young Adult story with many techniques of good storytelling. The messages of values are clear and the standards of conduct are main-stream. Yet, the fantasy of time travel is such that you wonder, right up to the last few pages, what will happen.
I’ve sent this on to my 17 yr old Granddaughter, knowing I’ll have to buy the other two books in the “Epic Trilogy”.
Full Disclosure – St. Martins’ Press provided an Advance Readers Edition of this book – with my thanks – but my
reviews are not for sale. You can trust that what I wrote is how I feel about the book.
You Can Create An Exceptional Life – by Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson
25 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews, Spirits Tags: Book Review, Magic, Spirit of 13
Grab hold of this wonderful little book and prepare to spend time with two delightful people as they share their hearts and souls with each other and us. The give and take between two professionals demonstrates how we can help others and ourselves move toward emotional and spiritual well-being through the use of affirmations. Ultimately, they are teaching us ways to improve our relationship with ourselves. For learning to love and appreciate ourselves opens the door to others – including those we think we dislike.
It was so nice to read about other folks that talk to themselves, their cars and the mirror. Louise Hay shares many of her affirmations she uses in her life in order to show Cheryl how to get a hold on her life. She is the perfect example of how affirmations change the tones you hear and speak by speaking positively of herself and her world. As she stated, “if people get a hold of their day, they get a hold of their life”. Wonderfully said. And the unique way Cheryl tells their story gives the examples root to grow in your own garden of life.
This should be in your home and/or office library – available to remind you of how much you love yourself. Read the book, practice self-care, and learn the joy of loving yourself.
Full Disclosure - As a volunteer reviewer for Hay House, I was provided a copy at not cost, but my reviews are not for sale. You can trust that what I wrote is how I feel about the book.
Confidence Men – Book Review
14 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews Tags: Book Review, History, Politics, White House
Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington and the Education of a President. By Ron Suskind
Occupy Wall Street might get fuel for their fire if they read “Confidence Men”. Based on 746 hours of interviews with over 200 individuals (including President Obama) Ron Suskind has written a story of great interest.
And story-telling is the focus of the Obama campaign and White House, stories written and delivered describing the Obama who knew how to run for office, but not run his office. Add the personal, long-term relationships between Obama staff and Wall Street, from Larry Summer To Secretary Geithner, and the links to Wall Street from the White House are way too chummy. Mr. Suskind has done a good job of linking the past with the present.
It was “what did you know” and “when did you know it” all over again. And its fairly clear candidate Obama knew enough that by 10/13/11 he could have and should have had rule changes and legislation to right the wrongs of the financial meltdowns of 2008.
The startling admission in the book by President Obama that he “needs a narrative in order to function” and without one he ends up in “relitigation” on every issue, was as disturbing as the information on the connections to Wall Street.
If you want a great education in the world of derivatives and “toxic assets” then “Confidence Men” is for you. Just don’t be surprised at the President’s comments – “the reason I was in the office (of Pres.) is because I told a story to the American people”. The next story he’ll need to tell is what his prescence in the White House has changed for the better.
Getting through the historical aspect of where CEO’s came from and what they have done might require pen and paper to draw your own map. Do it! It’s worth the time. The Kindle formatting was excellent.
In My Time – Book Review
20 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews Tags: Book Review, Democracy, History, Politics, White House
In My Time
By Dick Cheney and Liz Cheney
Full of historical data fashioned as only the Chaney’s can. From his beginnings with Don Rumsfield and President Ford to the final days of the George Bush Presidency, Mr. Chaney explains his outlook and position on the recent past.
The walk down memory lane is done with dignity and honors many. Even his discontent with some Cabinet members is not based on petty politics. It is shaped around values and a behavior system often not in sink with the younger generation. You can hear the frustration in the tone of his writing. You can also hear the love for his family, friends, members of the military and country.
A good read for those interested in politics and current affairs. An educational experience everyone should read. As an e-book, it had enough section stops to provide natural breaks.
It’s a keeper.
Hay House Publication Review
07 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews, Prose Tags: Book Review, Prose
“Wishes – for a Mother’s Heart” Hay House Publishing Co.
ISBN# 978-1-4019-3534-4 by Tricia LaVoice and Barbara Lazaroff
From “The Beauty of A Dandelion”, to “Honor”, Tricia LaVoice has For You, a Wish Each Wish is unique and each wish speaks to you. Co-author Barbara Lazaroff then writes of experiences and people she’s known that match the wish and pr0vides words and actions one might take for guidance and solace. With the beauty and sensitivity of the book, it’s no surprise this is another Hay House publication.
These two women have found a way to share their experiences and knowledge in a beautiful way. The stories and guidance’s touch on a wide range of life experiences and could be the perfect gift for the women you know struggling with life’s’ challenges.
Of all the stories and ideas, for me, the best was the Wish “For Your Eternal Mother”. Start your morning by sending someone a simple”Wish of the Day”. It does not have to be poetic – just thoughtful. And how fun would that be to receive a thought each morning from someone special in your life?
Pick up several copies of the book – one for yourself for that somber day and a few more for women in need. It’s full of wishes that could come true.
Full disclosure – I’m a volunteer reviewer for Hay House who has provided me this
book at no expense and no compensation
Young Readers Book Review
01 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews, Prose Tags: Book Review, Magic, Prose
“This Dark Endeavor – the Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein”
By Kenneth Oppel
Come meet the Frankenstein twins. You’ll be quite surprised by who they are, where they live, and their secrets. From the surprises of the “Dark Library” to their various adventures, the events and characters are uniquely Kenneth Oppels.
His descriptions of people, places and things are full of life and color. Book sets the stage for a series on the Frankenstein Family that could be very intriguing – A Simon and Schuster Book for Young Readers.
Full Disclosure – Simon and Schuster provided this Advance Readers Copy without cost or compensation.
“How To Write A Sentence”
28 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews, Prose Tags: Book Review, Charlie Rose, Prose
“How to Write A Sentence; and how to read one” by Stanley Fish
After seeing a Charlie Rose conversation with Stanley Fish, I decided his new book “How To Write A Sentence; and how to read one” might be very beneficial for my own writing.
He starts with defining a sentence. “A sentence is a structure of logical relationships and the number of relationships is finite.” When that begins to sink in, you realize the only error you need to worry about is being illogical. And the only rule you need to follow – “make sure that every component of your sentences is related to the other components in a way that is clear and unambiguous. . .”
He goes on to share his experience as a Professor including writing exercises and questions to ask yourself.
• What does it go with
• What does it support
• What information does it give about some other part
• What is it referring to
• How does it fit into the logical structure
Professor Fish brings to life many fine sentences and demonstrates sequencing, content and form. His excellent writing exercise of 3-word sentences to one-sentence paragraphs is something we can all benefit from. A doer – is doing – done to something (John hit the ball) can spark endless ideas. Write several of those and then expand on them. It’s easy to get lost in some of his more complex examples, but the book doesn’t lack enthusiasm for writing.
At the least, you’ll never read anything again without thinking about the sentence. There are lots to take away and grow from.
Full Disclosure – I bought my copy of this book and reviewed it .
Beyond Rain of Gold Review
14 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Prose, Spirits Tags: Book Review, Spirit of 13
synchronicity
21 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Spirits Tags: Book Review
The Celestine Prophecy is a fictional account of the finding of the pieces of an ancient manuscript, with 9 insights. The fun part of the book is like synchronicity itself, anticipating the next insight and who might bring it forward.
The many phases of synchronicity start with what Mr. Redfield calls the “the 1st Insight” of being conscious of the coincidences in our lives that get us beyond the “me-first” attitude and the battle for control. And as we have moved from a spiritual framework to an economic one, we’ve lost our energy.
In order to get it back, we’ve found behavior ways to take energy from others – “an unconscious competition that underlies all human conflict in the world”. You can witness this in the Libya leader Moammar Gadhafi. He’s switched his tactics from “poor me” to “aloof” to “interrogator” to “intimidator”. Unfortunately for him, none are working this time around. Mr. Redfield has labeled it “drama control” and his is the highest sort you’ll find. Luckily, most drama on the home-front or at work isn’t nearly that lethal.
This unconscious “drama control” is about pressuring people to react in a way that they give up their energy to the other using one of the four “dramas” listed above.. And not allowing your energy to be taken keeps your energy levels up which keeps you aware of messages from others. The story is a fun read as well as challenges your sense of “coincidence”. The 9th Insight explains how human culture will change in the next millennium; how we must release our fear of scarcity and our need to control; we must give so we can receive those messages meant for us, if we’re watching for them.
