Showing posts with label Adult Book Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adult Book Review. Show all posts

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day by Bonnie Jacobson, PhD

This book is a self-help book stock full of strategies to save one's marriage.  Dr. Jacobson provides insight, examples and advice on how to pinpoint areas of weakness and slowly take action to make amends and work on one of the most precious relationships in our society...our marriage.

Throughout the book, one thing is made very clear...you cannot change your spouse, only yourself.  However, by communicating concerns and choosing to slowly address the problems...even at five minutes a day...positive change can be achieved.

What I Thought:
I would like to preface this by stating that my marriage is great!  Hubby and I are very happy and approaching our fifth wedding anniversary.  I know, I know...we're still practically newlyweds! 

I chose to review this book from the Thomas Nelson book review program because I figured it is never bad to read information and work on strengthening our marriage!  I've seen several friends divorce over the past few years, and it made me sad.  So, I considered this read as "proactive" and then figured it could be good to review every so many years just to keep that spark alive.

This book may not be the best for my intentions.   It really was more intended for couples who were looking to save their marriage, or at least their sanity.  Nothing hubby does drives me bonkers as to the point that I got the feeling of the examples in the book.  (I cannot speak for him though!)

However, it did provide several "aha" moments which got me thinking about things we could work on, so I was happy overall with the read.  I hope that we never get to the point where we need to use some of the strategies, but I have the resource in my pocket if needed. 

Now, I thought the book was well-written and laid out in a great way.  Each chapter included information about a potential trouble area in relationships and a story outlining an example of the problem and an effective way to communicate the issue with your spouse, along with five minute strategies on how to tackle the issue.  Extra credit snippets are also included to further work on the relationship!

(I do have to say that some of the example stories made me giggle...they seemed to resolve themselves a little too cleanly and properly.  Almost too perfect...too bad all conversations can't be that neat!)

If you are experiencing problems in your marriage and want to read a book about how to start working to fix them...even just a little at a time this is a wonderful book to read. 

Recommended. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon:  Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day by Bonnie Jacobson, PhD.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Regret Free Parenting:Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing it Right by Catherine Hickem

Catherine Hickem is a licensed psychotherapist and founder of the organization Intentional Moms, and most importantly a mother of two!  In this book she encourages mothers to be intentional.  She writes about purpose, about being intentional, about raising kids who are emotionally intelligent, about how to survive those bumpy teenage years!

Each chapter focuses on a different area, but through it all Hickem is encouraging and offers biblical wisdom with practical insight and tips on how to become a regret-free parent. 

What I Thought
I'm not a mother, but wanted to read this book for preparation of when that day comes!   This book is absolutely chock-full of great nuggets of wisdom and lots of things to ponder.

I appreciated all of her thoughts and biblical backing.   She never promises that being a parent is easy...just the opposite in fact!  Hickem provides many examples from her life, both as a parent and examples from some of her clients.  She points out successes, and scenarios that could have been handled differently.  However, in those situations she provides insight on how to resolve the issue. 

I found a lot of things that I could use in the classroom as a teacher! 

Definitely a great book for parents who want to do a great job raising their children...of any age!

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Regret Free Parenting:Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing it Right by Catherine Hickem.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. (I'll be stashing this book away for future reference!)

Friday, February 11, 2011

God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC by Chad Gibbs


In the south, SEC football is an important part of life to many people.  Many of these same people claim to Christians, but where does their true passion lie?  With their beloved football team, or their religion?

Gibbs sets off on a journey to investigate just that: faith and fanaticism in the Southeastern Football Conference.  Is it possible to be a die-hard fan for you favorite football team and on fire for Jesus at the same time?  He commits to visiting every SEC stadium for a game visiting with various fanatics and school religious groups.  He caps off every trip by visiting a local church in each college town, each a different denomination.


What I Thought: 
I enjoy the occasional college football game, but I am no where near a fanatic like many of my friends are.  My husband picked up this book and when he told me what it was about and the premise, my interest was peaked so I decided to give it a try.

Chad, a die-hard Auburn fan (who was a die-hard Alabama fan as a child, then converted in college), does an amazing job exploring this issue in a matter that is entertaining and wildly humorous way as he recounts his travels to the many SEC schools.  You will become friends with the many of the people Gibbs meets along the football circuit.

You will laugh out loud at his thoughts.  Promise.

If you are a football fan, or a fanatic about anything really, you will think about your passions and priorities.  Promise.

Overall, this is a great lighthearted read that will leave you thinking!

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC by Chad Gibbs.

Reviewed from a copy checked out from my local library.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin

When Oogy was four months young, he was used as bait for a fight dog.  The outcome of that horrid event is evident on the cover of this book...a good portion of Oogy's face was ripped off including his left ear.  By a miracle, Oogy was found by police and taken to the Ardmore Animal Hospital where in a number of events, equally as miraculous, he ended up with the Levin family.

One would think that Oogy would be a damaged dog with lots of anger and resentment towards humans.  Just the opposite!  Oogy has nothing but love and adoration of not only his family, but every person he encounters.

Levin shares story after story of not how his family provided refuge for Oogy, but how Oogy provides so much love for his family.

What I Thought:
When I saw this book on the new shelf at my library, I couldn't bear to pass it up.  Oogy's sweet face was so intriguing and within the first pages I was entranced by his spirit.

This is a story of survival, acceptance, inspiration and unconditional love.   It will make you angry to hear about what Oogy was put through at such a young age.  You'll laugh at his antics.  You'll fall in love with his spirit, and with the Levin family! 

This is a dog I'd love to meet!

Dog lover or no...you'll love this book! 

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff


This is the story of an American writer living in New York and a used bookstore in England.   What started out as business transaction as Helen Hanff was looking for antique books in good condition blossomed over twenty years into a fantastic friendship.

What I Thought:
First, the story behind how I came to read this book.  While having a blast at the Southern Festival of Books with my dad, he ran into an old friend and they started chatting.  He is an avid book lover and enjoys sharing his passion with others, including mailing boxes of books to various small libraries across the country who most likely have very limited budgets.  When he found out I was a librarian, he insisted that I must read this book.  Not only insist...he mailed me a copy along with a sealed envelope  instructions that I couldn't open until I finished the book.  The envelope contained a very nice letter and a recording of a Helen Hanff NPR tribute in 1997.   Many thanks to my new book friend for this wonderful book!

So, the book.  Honestly...this is a book that probably would have never picked up on my own.  Which would have been a shame, because it is a wonderful memoir!  The book is letters that are written between Helen and her friends regarding the bookstore.   It's fun to see the formality of the first letters, then as the years go by the mood lightens and the correspondence grows to more friends of whom she has never met!

If you've never read this book, it's a quick read that is simply delightful!  I encourage you to pick it up and give it a read.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family by Steve & Annette Economides

The Economides family shares their tips and procedures for saving money in the grocery department.  This family, dubbed as "America's Cheapest Family" has fed their family of seven on $350 a month for years.

Impossible?  This family lay out step by step plans proving that anyone can do the same!  The book covers topics such as how to plan your grocery shopping and tips for stretching that dollar at the store by seeking out the deals, organizing your kitchen, using coupons, cooking in bulk, planting a garden, recipes, and even a bonus section for singles and empty-nesters.


What I Thought:

My husband and I have recently started eating more at home and being conscious of our shopping habits, both for health and budgetary reasons.  This book peaked my interest, and I found it to be very helpful!

The authors are very aware that their lifestyle is not the norm in our society, and that it took them a long time to build up to the efficiency that they now enjoy.  In their book, they are nothing but encouraging and understanding that what they do may not be for everyone!  With that in mind, I especially appreciated the tips at the end of each chapter written specifically for people with various skill levels in mind:  tips for those just beginning, those who have been doing it for some time, and those who have been doing it for a long time and are ready for a further challenge.

I especially enjoyed the chapters about once a month shopping and cooking and kitchen organization.  These are concepts that I hope to incorporate into our lives, but perhaps and a smaller scale.  (Especially since we don't have children!)

This is a great book for those who are looking to save both time and money in the kitchen!

Recommended. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family by Steve & Annette Economides

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.  This book will make the rounds among family and friends and kept in my personal library for future reference.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Help by Kathryn Stockett


Jackson, Mississippi...1960's.   The Civil Rights movement is in full swing, but Jackson is not buying into the action.  There is still a very strong divide between the people that grips society to the utmost degree.

Meet Aibileen: a maid to a young white family and has raised 17 children...and lost her own in a tragic event.  As she goes to work everyday, to clean after the family, raise their young, and whatever else they see fit Aibileen grows more frustrated at the injustices.  But...she can't do anything about it.  Can she?

Meet Minnie: a strong willed family woman who sometimes lets her mouth get her into trouble.  After being fired for something that she didn't do, she wonders if she will every find another job.  She's tired of it all...what can she do?

Meet Miss Skeeter: a young socialite with a journalism degree from Ole Miss and a desire to become a writer.  She misses Constantine, the maid who practically raised her and was one of her closest friends.  While visiting friends, she begins to see how their help is treated and also seeks the truth about Constantine.  She decides to write a book telling the stories of many of the maids around Jackson, a very dangerous thing for both the maids participating and Miss Skeeter.

There's a lot to lose, but everything to gain.

What I Thought: 
Wow.   I have read several excellent books lately, and this is definitely one of them!  Stockett is an unbelievable story teller.  Through the voices of Aibeleen, Minny, and Miss Skeeter, Stockett gives a clear view of life for high society in 1960 Jackson Mississippi and the African American woman who worked for them.

Readers will get a clear sense of what it is like the women who work for the white families: the interesting love/despise relationship, how the ladies come to adore the children and it is made obvious the feelings are reciprocated; the embarrassment about being called "dirty" or being forced to use a separate facility...it all seems crazy in 2010.    But we all know these things happened every day.

Readers will also cheer for characters who see that this behavior is wrong, and take a stand to make it right...at great costs. 

This is a fantastic novel, entertaining, enlightening, and perhaps most of all...a reminder of past attitudes that should never again resurface.

Very highly recommended. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon:  The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

In this memoir, Justin looks back on many of the conversations he and his dad have shared over the years. 

What I Thought: 
HILARIOUS!

My husband follows Justin's twitter feed and has literally laughed until tears ran down his face.  When this book arrived at the library last week, I couldn't wait to bring it home so we could read it.  My sweet hubby let me read it first!  He got so tired of me trying to read some of the funny quotes to him aloud (I was laughing so hard that I couldn't get the whole phrase out in one breath) that he kindly requested that I not share...he just would read it himself.  :)

It's obvious by the title that this is not a kids book!  If you're easily offended by language this is NOT the book for you.  But if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, this is it.  Justin's dad definitely shares what he thinks, and doesn't sugarcoat those thoughts with anything.  But through all the crazy conversations and quotes, it is very obvious that Mr. Halpern loves his family and only wants to see his children grow up to be great human beings.

As briefly mentioned, this book came from a twitter feed that is wildly popular...and in the fall CBS will have a show by the same name featuring William Shatner.   I'm interested to see how it turns out!  (And quite interested to see how they tone down the language.)

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Friday, January 01, 2010

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks



Ronnie was not happy about spending the summer with her father in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is a city girl...her home is in New York City. Plus, she hasn't spoken to her father in three years, when he and her mom divorced.

Ronnie's first friend is not someone who has her best intentions at hand, and starts hanging out with a rough group. When she is accused of stealing, Ronnie's situation becomes dire. She has a record of theft in NYC, and this arrest could land Ronnie in jail.

While she waits for her court date, she befriends a nice young man who she eventually falls in love with and over time heals the relationship with her father.

It's a summer she'll never forget, full of fun, laughter, sadness and tears.

What I Thought:
Another great Nicholas Spark novel! Make sure to have a box of Kleenex handy for this one!

I enjoyed the transformation Ronnie experienced in this novel. She went from a spoiled bratty girl, to a wonderful young woman.

A great book for a light read, and one that teens could enjoy as well.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell



One of Julie Powell's greatest childhood memories is her mom making Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon for a dinner party. She also loved flipping through her mother's copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Now, Julie is quickly approaching the dreaded 3-0, her dream of becoming an actor didn't work out and she eventually accepted the invitation to turn a temp job into a full time job--as a secretary, she has a "syndrome" that makes it difficult for her to have a child, and her and her husband moved into a small apartment. But she loves to cook!

Eric, Julie's husband suggests that Julie take on a challenge and Julie decides to work through the Master the Art of French Cooking in one year, recording every success, failure, and disaster with a blog.

Along the way, Julie shares snippets taken from Julia's life.

As she works through her hefty tasks, Julie shares her life, her cooking experiences, and how Julia Child--in one form or another--changed her life.

What I Thought:
What an interesting book! I will be honest, it wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I had seen the movie before reading the book which usually is not a smart thing to do!

The movie and the book do differ quite a bit, but I think that is a great thing.

The book gets into a lot of background of why Julie took on this project, her family's feelings about her endeavor, emotional breakdowns and stories about many of the dishes both the ones to eat and the ones to clean! There are several snippets of Julia's life, mostly ones of her years before she found her cooking.

This book was kind of hard for me to get through, as I said I ruined it by seeing the movie first. (I so know better than to do that!) However, I think that it was an interesting read and I feel inspired to cook! (Maybe even try a Julia Child recipe!)

Recommended, especially for foodies!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell

Reviewed from a library copy.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Neffenegger



This is a love story...the story of Henry DeTamble and Clare Abshire. Henry has the unique problem of being chrono-displacement (CPD): he time travels. Clare first encounters Henry at the young age of six. She is playing in the meadow near her house when a man in his late 30's speaks to her from the wooded area. Thus begins a relationship that will span age of times.

As Henry travels through time and lives in the present, the readers will learn of his life and of Clare's through both their voices. As with any couple, there will be happy times, sad times, difficult times. But as with any good love story, love conquers all!

What I Thought:
Wow. This is a book that I normally probably would not pick up, but I did due to the wildly positive feedback from friends and the upcoming movie release. And I am SO GLAD that I did. This book is a science fiction book that is driven by its relationship/love story elements.

This book is insanely good. Neffenegger does an outstanding job weaving together a solid story while telling parts of it in sections. The reader must pay attention as there is a lot of jumping around in time and ages (due to the time travel aspect) and it can be somewhat confusing to figure out where in the overall story you are focusing on. It's hard to explain, but the author accomplishes this in a perfect way.

The love story will simply melt your heart and leave you wanting more. This book will definitely be one that you will want to read over and over, because I am positive that you will get more tidbits of the story each time.

If you are planning to go see the movie based on this book, I highly recommend that you read the book first. I myself am excited to see the movie very soon.

This book is a must read for anyone who loves a good love story.

Very Highly Recommended!

Want to see more? The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Neffenegger

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult



Imagine wanting to have a baby so badly, and when you finally conceive a child you are beyond thrilled.

Imagine your heartbreak when you find out that this baby has a life threatening disease that, if she survives the delivery, will cause her bones to break with the lightest touch. You, as a mom, spend your life waiting...waiting for the next broken bone and trip to the emergency room.

If you had the option, would you consider aborting the child that you love so dearly if you knew what life would be like?

This is the story of the O'Keefe family and how one decision to file a wrongful birth lawsuit can change the lives of so many.

What I Thought:
Jodi Picoult writes novels that I simply find captivating, and this book is no different. I read this book in three days while on a recent cruise vacation and would bypass fun cruise-ish events to sit in my room (or on the deck) and read!

She creates such intricate stories with such delicate precision. Several characters voice their story allowing the reader to understand the story from several different angles. There are several underlying issues besides the main plot line, such as relationship troubles, eating disorder/cutting, and the journey to repair broken roads. Add in the court battle, the medical issues and this is a story you won't be able to put down.

If you're a fan of Picoult, you won't be disappointed by this work, and if you've never picked up one of her books...this one is a great one to start with!

Very Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey



The famous duo from the wildly popular Rick and Bubba radio show has written a book giving practical marriage advice using Biblical standards while mixing in stories from their own marriages and family lives, and of course lots of laughs!

What I Thought:
I'll be honest. I didn't have high expectations for this book--and I was pleasantly surprised! I don't get to listen to Rick & Bubba's show, I don't even know much about them except that they are funny and popular.

I think they did a perfect job blending the serious topics such as dealing with the death of a child with the seeming trivial issues while making the entertaining.

This book will make you look at your marriage and you will find something you could be doing better for your spouse, laughing all the way!

Recommended for all married couples.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey .

Sunday, July 05, 2009

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks



Logan Thiboult has never really seen himself as lucky, just a regular guy. After college, he followed his father's footsteps and joined the Marines serving three tours in Iraq where he watched many of his fellow Marines die during the call of duty.

While in Iraq, he comes across a picture of a beautiful girl and two guys while running. His friend called that picture a "lucky charm" and encourages him to seek out this girl if nothign else to thank her for being his lucky charm.

After a cross-country trek (on foot!) with his beloved dog Zeus, Logan finds her.

Beth is a single mom living with her grandmother who is recovering from a stroke. Together they run the family's kennel and dog training business when a man begins to help out and eventually becomes so much more...much to her ex-husband's dismay.

They all deserve to be happy, but will Beth understand why he came? Will her ex-husband leave them alone?

What I Thought:
Sparks is simply a wonderful author! I have enjoyed all of his books, this one is no exception.

This book seemed to be written with a movie in mind, because I think it would be a great one! Rumors are out on the internets about such a thing, but I couldn't fine a reliable source to say for sure.

While this isn't my favorite of Sparks' works, it is definitely a worthy read!

Recommended.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Front of the Class by Brad Cohen



Brad Cohen was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome as a child, but dealt with the effects of the disorder long before that. Tourette's was not a well known diagnosis and Brad was confronted with teasing and other issues all throughout his childhood. He was in constant trouble at school because he could not stop or help the twitching and vocal outbursts that happened on a regular basis.

When Brad was finally diagnosed, he took hold of his situation and begin to stand up for his rights and educate others about Tourette's Syndrome. He worked tirelessly to inform his classmates and teachers and to fight for his right for an education just the same of his peers.

Brad never gave up, and soon found himself a college graduate and hunting for a teaching job. While this journey proved difficult, he eventually found a job and the rest is history.

What I Thought:
This is simply an inspiring book about a man who overcame great obstacles to receive great reward. It's a book about not giving up and dealing with the cards you are dealt.

A wonderful book, one we all should read.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen and Lisa Wysocky.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter



In January 1988 a small defenseless kitten was dropped in the bookdrop at the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa. Outside, it was bitterly cold, and while one may think that this act was inhumane, it saved the life of this small kitten.

This kitten was later named "Dewey Readmore Books" and lived at the Spencer Public Library. This book chronicles his life as a library cat and how he changed the lives of many people and had a hand in revitalizing a small farming town, in his own little way.

What I Thought:
This isn't a book I typically read, but as this book came in and out of the library and I stared into the face of this adorable cat I just couldn't resist. Plus, I love to read books about other libraries.

I found this memoir to be a delightful read. It was heartwarming to see how Dewey changed the face of that library and made a personal connection with just about every patron that entered the doors. He had a sense to see those who were sad and spent extra time with that person to brighten their day. He was just plain amazing!

It was especially touching to read about how the author made a special connection with Dewey (and vice versa) as she went through life's ups and downs.

If you are an animal fan (especially cats) or a library fan...this is a book for you.

What to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter.

I also recently learned that this book is set to be a movie. According to the January/February edition of American Libraries, the American Library Association's bi-monthly publication, New line Cinema has purchased the film rights and it is rumored that Meryl Streep will be playing Vicki Myron's role. Very cool!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Marley & Me by John Grogan (and the other Marley books too!)


In this memoir, John Grogan shares numerous stories about his beloved dog Marley, an exuberant yellow lab. Readers will travel along with the Grogan family as the ponder the decision of obtaining a puppy, the early days and the innocence of puppy love, and throughout Marley's long and often frustrating life.

Marley was a special dog, with the heart of gold and the innocence of an angel he managed to terrorize many by his pure size and harmless mischief. Marley provides a ray of light when times are hard, and Grogan demonstrates this fact over and over again.

What I Thought:
I read this book in preparation to see the film version of this novel. This book is simply a wonderful, heartwarming, feel good memoir about a family and their beloved dog. I laughed out loud, probably provoking stares of fellow diners at McAlisters as I chuckled at Marley's latest antic. Tears flowed down my face as Grogan describes Marley's last days and the hardships he faced as an elderly dog.

Simply put, it is a not-to-be-missed gem.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Marley & Me by John Grogan.

Marley's story is unique, as Grogan rewrote the story with an edition for every member of the family. Marley & Me was written for adults as he includes many hardships his family faced such as fertility issues, neighborhood happenings (such as a murder in the neighborhood), and other topics that more clearly show Marley's character and devotion to his masters', but may not be so appropriate for kids.

Check out Grogan's novel Marley: A Dog Like No Other for a wonderful version of Marley's story that is kid friendly and includes the same stories of Marley's antics.


(I read this story earlier this year and it is a wonderful book as well. I laughed, I cried...it's just superb and a story that is well suited as a family read aloud.)

For the youngest children, Grogan teamed up with illustrator Richard Cowdrey and released Bad Dog, Marley!, a picture book of some of Marley's antics.


(I've read this book as well and it is a super book for children who love animal stories, or who have a rambunctious dog of their own at their house.)

And finally, if you can't get enough of Marley, check out my review of his Christmas story here.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval




In this book, Thaler and Koval give example after example of how simply being nice can provide numerous benefits. While most of the examples were based around the business world, it is very applicable in other settings. The authors show time and time again how simply showing consideration and kindness to others will provide rewards in ways that one never expects-from landing business accounts to getting that perfect job!

Each chapter ends with exercises to increase your "niceness" entitled "Nice Cubes."

What I Thought:While this book was for a class project, I enjoyed it very much! I think the principles were great and applicable for everyone, no matter the career track. Couldn't the world use a little more nice? I sure think so!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Dirty Little Secrets from Otherwise Perfect Moms by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile




This book reveals the confessions of moms from all over in this short book that was born from the research the authors conducted for their first book, I Was a Really Good Mom Before I had Kids.

This book is super short, each page holds one confession, but it is very sweet and very humorous.

I am not a mom myself, but can am very sure that the confessions are the thoughts of many moms worldwide.

What I thought:

This book is super cute and a very fun read. It won't take long, I read it in about 20 minutes and just had to share some of the quotes with my husband. I think any mom, anyone who wants to be a mom, or even anyone who works with children would enjoy this book. (And dads would probably get a kick out of it as well!)

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Dirty Little Secrets from Otherwise Perfect Moms by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile.