Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Book Reviews 8 & 9

                                     
Book #8 Don't Sweat The Small Stuff (And It's All Small Stuff)
I'm sure everyone has heard this statement before and maybe even seen this book. I have to admit how much a truly love this book. I have read this book from front to back two times now. The first time was several years ago and at that time I was really good about not letting things get to me. I'll admit that reading this book this time meant a lot more to me. The many 'lessons' this book contains conveys such simple concepts that so many of us take for granted. The battle I face every day to stay positive and focus on the good isn't always easy. I found that after reading this book though I really noticed a lot of the 'negatives' that crept into my days without me even noticing. Making sure to approach each day with many of the lessons learned in the book has been so wonderful. Telling those you love them and being a better person for myself and my family isn't always an easy job but is a little easier thanks to this book.

5 out of 5 - I can't say anything negative about this book. So many times I have let the little things get to me and have to say that since reading this book I have been able to let things go a little easier. I took Carlson's advice and found that it's really made a difference. I recommend this book to others even if you aren't one that feels you let the small things get to you. This book has so many great ideas and points out those 'negatives' you might not notice controlling your life. Take time to pick up this book and don't sweat the small stuff.


                                 
Book #9 Recondo
My lack of knowledge about our history and the various wars we have been involved in is probably one of the things that Jim finds annoying about me. I ask Jim a million questions a year about things in history that I just know nothing about. Ever since Jim and I started dating I have had three of his books in my 'I want to read' pile. Since I have set a goal of reading a variety of books I decided it was time to read one of the books. I choose this book because the other two books are written by the same guy. This guy was friends with the writer of the other books so I thought I'd read his first. I have to say that I was quite amazed by this book. Chambers truly pulls you into his missions and makes you hold your breath throughout the book. It amazes me some of the trials and adventures their groups face throughout their tours. The training and testing that he must complete to seem humanly impossible. Like most soldiers he questions their reasoning for them being in the positions they are in and I think that's what makes this book even better. Like a true soldier he steps up during each mission though and doesn't wavier in his commitment to fight.

3 1/2 out of 5 - I have to admit that books like this don't overly interest me but I did enjoy this book. I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know and found myself getting pulled into the book. There are parts in this book that I feel jumps around a little too much and parts drag on a little too much. I also found myself many times having to flip to the appendixes of the book to look up the abbreviations he uses quite often. This is truly a book written by a man that a man could relate to. As a woman I found it harder at times to get into the book because of his way of writing. Being that this is a true story that he is trying to share from his perspective it makes sense that this is the case though.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Book #7 Playing For Pizza by John Grisham


I think most people don’t realize that the great writer of lawyer dramas has written on other topics also. Playing For Pizza is the story about Rick Dockery, a third string quarterback who’s met the end of his NFL career after losing a career crushing playoff game within 11 minutes. Not ready to walk away from the sport that means everything to him he is recruited to play for the Parma Panthers in Italy. The idea is not at the top of his list but when it comes between going to Italy to play or home to Iowa the answer is simple. In a sport that barely pulls in a thousand fans and players are paid mostly with pizza; Dockery is a fish out of water. Soon enough coach Sam Russo shows Dockery the ropes of living in Italy and he doesn’t have much of a choice if he wants to play. So begins his journey to learn the game, the culture and how to bring a team of weekend (and evening) players together.

4 out of 5 stars - There are a lot of elements of this book that I really liked. First, Grisham is an exception writer and really pulls you into the story. Secondly, I like how the story progresses and the character of Rick Dockery really develops throughout the book. Thirdly, I think the book captures a lot of the Italian culture and focuses on the relationships between the players. Overall I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and think others would enjoy it to.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Book Reviews #5 & #6

Well I seem to be falling behind on getting my reviews posted. I'm actually doing pretty good on my reading. I am just about finished with Book #7 and should have book #8 finished by this weekend. While I am behind I'm still proud of how many books I have read and greatly enjoy this challenge I have set for myself.


Book #5 Stories of the Heart and Home Dr. James Dobson

This book was another book that belonged to Grandma Beaty. Anyone that has read a book of hers will know that she had a tendency to write notes and underline various parts in the books she read. This book contains quite a few underlined selections. In fact in the cover of this book she even wrote “A Must Read and Keep.” After reading this I completely agree with her. In fact I have to admit that I ended up bookmarking and underlining several things that really stuck out when reading this book. This book was compiled by taking stories from many of his other books. These stories have provided him with insight in his life and felt others would benefit from them. The stories cover so many topics and none at too preachy. Like most books containing many stories there are stories that make you smile, laugh, and even some that make you cry. Each story helps the reader evaluate the relationships in ones life. Topics range from growing up, relationships with ones parents, significant others, children, and the most important ones relationship with God. Reading this book some chapters really pulled me in and I couldn’t get enough of the stories it contained. The chapter ‘Raising Children’ was of great interest to me and I found myself underlining a lot in this section. Dr. Dobson talks a lot about the importance of being their for your children but allowing them to be their own person. In this day in age I think this is a major issue for so many families. Too many parents pamper their children too much, not nearly enough, or worst of all believe their child(ren) are perfect as pass it onto their child(ren). Dr Dobson makes many good points in his stories and I often found myself thinking ‘it’s too bad those who would benefit from these stories would probably never read a book like this.’ Dr. Dobson shares the prayers his wife and him say for their children every night. (These are now bookmarked and I think I’m going the type them out on my computer and keep by my bed)

4 out of 5 stars - This was a great read and I think many would enjoy reading this book. One of the great things about a book like this is that it’s split up into chapter topics that you could read the selections that most interest you. Also mot of the selections are fairly short so it doesn’t take a lot of time to read.



Book #6 : Swine Not: A Novel Pig Tale Jimmy Buffett

If you’ve never read a Jimmy Buffett book you don’t know what you are missing. My English Teacher, Mr Campbell introduced Jim and I to Buffett’s writings and I’ve never been disappointed in any of his writings. I believe my book library currently contains all of his books. I just happened to be looking at books at the Dollar Store a month ago and found this book. Needless to say I couldn’t wait to finish the book I was reading at the time to read this book. One of the great traits about Buffett’s writing is that he takes truth and combines it with his imagination to make some of the greatest stories. Swine Not is no different except it wasn’t originally his story. When a friend of his gave him a manuscript about her pet pig she had spent years hiding in a hotel in New York Buffett was hooked and so began his journey to write the story, Swine Not. This is such a sweet little story narrated by Barley, the kid and Rumpy, the pig. The adventures that Rumpy experiences when he moves from Tennessee to New York are quite interesting.

3 ½ out of 5 stars - While I really liked this story I didn’t get pulled into it as much as I like to when reading a book. It was easy to put the book down when I had something else to do. Unlike the other Buffett books I don’t know if I would reread this book. Still I thought this book was well written and for someone looking for a kind hearted story it’s a good selection.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Book #4: 10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew


This was another book given to me by Johnathan’s teacher to read. I have to admit this is one of the greatest informative, easy to understand, and enjoyable books to read. In 2004 Ellen Notbohm wrote an article about what Autistic kids want people to know. She never expected the overwhelming response from people. So many autism parents and groups related to everything she said, but so did ‘support groups for chronic pain, obesity, assistance dogs, inner ear disorders, home schoolers, church educators, a knitting circle - and a chocolate company.’ If given the opportunity I would give this book to everyone who ever comes in contact with Johnathan. I feel sharing these Ten Things might encourage more to read this book and perhaps give you a little insight into the world of an Autistic child.

Tens Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew

1. I am first and foremost a child. Have autism. I am not primarily “autistic”

2. My sensory perceptions are disordered.

3. Please remember to distinguish between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t (I am not able to).

4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally.

5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary.

6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented.

7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do.

8. Help me with social interactions.

9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns.

10. If you are a family member, please love me unconditionally

And the most important word: PATIENCE.


4 ½ out of 5 stars - Please if you get a chance please take time to read this book. Not only for all autistic kids but also for yourself. This book truly can open your eyes and better your relationships and understanding of others.