Audiobook Review: Working it Out by Abby Rike

This is an awesome book that will have you crying, sighing and ultimately cheering.
Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope Abby Rike

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (May 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609419898
• ISBN-13: 978-1609419899
• 6 CDs Approximate time 7 hrs; includes a pdf of photos and letters.

Genre: Motivational, Memoir
      My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Product Description
DESCRIPTION:
In 2006, Abby Rike lost the life she knew and loved when her husband and two young children were killed in a car accident. Devastated and numb, she shut down. For nearly three years she walked through life like a spectre, present in body only. As she descended, so did her health.
Fortunately, Abby was not alone. She had loving parents, supportive friends, and a faith that continued to sustain her. Little by little she found the courage to return to life. Joining The Biggest Loser proved a catalyst for the physical and emotional changes she needed to make. In fact, against all odds Abby gained strength, courage, wisdom, and continued her steadfast relationship with God. Instead of anger, she found herself slowly but steadily healing. She lost a hundred pounds but gained hope.
In this riveting book, Abby tells her story--from her joyous life before the accident to the unbearable pain that followed it and her eventual emergence as a woman reinvigorated by her faith in God. Today Abby's resilience and positivity are a testament to the power and importance of faith in the darkest hours.

Review: This is a wonderfully powerful audiobook. Yes, the story tells of a terrible tragedy but it also reveals great resilience in the human spirit when it is grounded in a secure faith that offers hope.

The story starts with the tragedy that destroyed Abby’s world as she knew it.  Her loving husband, Rick, precocious and adorable six year old daughter, Macy, and her new born son, Caleb, are killed in an accident. It is stunning... how does a young woman go on after such shocking loss?

The story flashes back to describe Abby’s life as a single mother before she meets Rick. The story then brings the reader along through the courtship, the wooing of Abby and Macy, their eventual marriage and team-ship. I really liked how the author presented a picture of her real life through recollections supported by the reading of  cards, notes and  journal entries. She reveals a love as it grows through romance, job struggles and adjustment to life as “Team Rike.”

Abby shares the pain and beauty of the heartfelt memorial speeches presented by five students as well as the Pastor’s eulogy at the funeral service.  The Pastor tries to encourage Abby explaining that God loves Rick, Macy and Caleb and God loves Abby and will be there every step of the way to help her through.

Abby describes her feelings going from the top of the world with all her dreams on track to suddenly having all her dreams gone. She exposes her pain and depression as she questioned her purpose in life without the family that made her who she was: a wife and mother.

Abby moves forward with her experiences as part of the Biggest Loser cast in 2009 when she struggles to regain her sense of worth.. In the process she recognized that it is okay to accept help from others. It took the help of her family, friends and some tough coaching to get her on track but she pulled herself through. I appreciated the comments of Abby's father when he reminded her: "God and you equal a majority." As Abby concludes this book she encourages the reader to learn to appreciate the journey of life, even when it is hard.

This story flows with great depth and makes a truly wonderful audiobook. I was struck by how absolutely perfect the narrator was in presentation and then I realized that Abby is the narrator.  It was no wonder you could hear the catching of her breath in pain and sorrow and the joy and triumph when she succeeds in her goals of physical and mental healing.  I recommend this as an inspiring read for anyone - who among us can’t use encouragement and hope as displayed by another person who has survived such tragedy?

Sheila at Bookjourney was reading the print version as I listened to the audiobook so we agreed to link our reviews and share some questions.

I asked Sheila the three Qs below:  To see the three questions Sheila asked me and my answers, check out her review!

Q1:  Were you familiar with The Biggest Loser program before reading this book?

SD:  I am familiar with the Biggest Loser tv show and have watched many of the seasons including the one that Abby was in.
Q2:  Do you think you would have the support group and/or faith to see you through a tragedy like this? 
SD:  Great question.  I have a great support team around me, more now then when I did go through a similar tragedy in 1996.  I have a lot of faith and believe as tragic as this would be I could make it through.
Q3: Do you think that The Biggest Loser paid for the traveling expenses and the the gyms and trainers donated their services as sponsors?
SD: I think so.  I am not sure.

Thank you Sheila for sharing/linking our reviews.

Book Review and Giveaway: From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice

This is a smooth and uplifting memoir with lots of gems of poetry and scripture to enjoy.

From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice by Neil Cullan McKinlay

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Nordskog Publishing (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982707479
• ISBN-13: 978-0982707470

Genre: Memoir, Inspirational
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
An adventurous, captivating and poetic memoir of the author's courageous and spiritual journey from Scotland to Canada to Australia in his quest to "find the Truth and know the living God." Neither an apologetic nor a polemic, he corrects much misinterpretation and misunderstanding of Freemasonry. We learn how inspiration from Masonic teachings about Solomon's Temple, the arch, and keystone led him to a deep study of the revelation from the Bible of "the stone the builders rejected"; which is Christ. Readers will be uplifted, inspired, and delighted as they follow along with him in the discovery of his calling to become a minister.

Review:
I don’t read lots of memoirs but this ‘life-story’ caught my interest.  Masonry is shrouded in secrecy and not looked upon favorably by fundamental Christian organizations. I thought that reading this book might give me insight to the nature of the Masons. The book goes beyond the nature of Masonry and the real story is the author’s spiritual journey through the Mason's shortcomings.

The book starts with personal background as the author relates how he initially sought  fellowship in the Masons. As I understand from the book, the purpose of the Masons is to encourage men to be good workers and workers of good and this goal was originally founded on Biblical teachings and centered on the building of Solomon's temple. However in the 1800s a directive was made which diluted or stifled the Christian aspects in order to encompass a broader membership of men from all faiths. Although the teachings encourage a relationship with God, it would seem that members are not to push religion nor to even discuss Christ in their lives.

This dichotomy presented a puzzle that gave Mr. McKinlay the impetus to study deeper into scripture. Mr. McKinlay studied first to understand how the scriptures related to the teachings of  Masonry and later how they related to the ‘practices’ or living walk of the Masons. Each level or degree he achieved brought more disenchantment with the practices of the organizations and a more in depth study of God.

As McKinlay studied the Bible he began to see the creator God everywhere in the world around him.  For a time he felt lost, as a spaceman floating without a tether, until he recognized Christ as the only way to God the Father and thereby he found the missing “cornerstone” - the stone that was rejected - Jesus Christ.

I really enjoyed the easy flow and phrasing McKinlay uses. The early chapters at first seemed disjointed but  then I realized that there was a meandering path that moved the journey along, with some side trips in memory. The 'Ministry' section is more direct, perhaps because it is the most recent in time and the author no longer has to tread the fine line of discussing his Masonry experiences. The author does not seem to disclose any real secrets but rather presents revelations of basic tenets and their impact on him with some philosophical insights as well.  He also gives a cogent discussion of the trilogy which is a very difficult concept for many to grasp.  I view the book as a grouping of revelations,  recollections, and reflections on the spiritual awakening in the author’s life.

I admit that sometimes I fold the corners on a page (I know an awful habit) to mark a particularly poignant phrase or point. The problem I found with this book is I was apt to fold every couple of pages as comments repeatedly struck my own spirit. This is an easy read and an enjoyable, as well as informative book.

Three word description: Personal, lyrical, uplifting.

Thank you to Pump Up Your Book Tour and the author for the book to read and review.
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the review copy:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. Comment on the Author's Interview for TWO extra entries.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 24, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Audio Book Review and Giveaway: Katie Up and Down the Hall by Glenn Plaskin

A warm tale of a charming dog and the neighbors she draws into a family.
Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family by Glenn Plaskin

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (September 8, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609410386
• ISBN-13: 978-1609410384

Genre:  Memoir
My Rating: 4.25

Product Description:
A personal memoir by bestselling author and celebrity journalist Glenn Plaskin, KATIE is a moving story about a man who discovers the true meaning of family after adopting a cocker spaniel puppy. Through the magnetic personality of his mischievous dog, the author soon makes powerful connections with several of his down-the-hall neighbors in a high-rise located in the unique Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. First, Katie trots into the lives of Pearl and Arthur, a warm-hearted elderly couple just a few doors down from Glenn. Later, John, a single Dad, and his rambunctious young son, Ryan, also move in and are seduced by Katie's charms.

All of their lives are profoundly changed as they are transformed from neighbors to friends to family, with Pearl as matriarch. The motherless boy finds a "Granny"; his Dad inherits a mother, Glenn discovers a confidante. Set in New York City, we witness nearly sixteen years of antics and family adventures spanning Hollywood high times, bad health, accidents, blustery winters, even the terrors of 9/11. Through it all, the family clings to each other, sharing a deep bond that give each comfort, support and security.

Based upon a widely-read article in Family Circle, here is an unforgettable story about the love that makes a family-one that transcends the hard realities of time, tragedy, and inevitable loss.

Review: This isn’t just a dog story but it is really a people story filled with sharing laughter and heartaches.

This audio book explains how the author found the Battery Park City community and it describes  the author’s early fears of dogs. The story progresses to the selection of a dog and the fortuitous procurement of Katie, a sweet cocker spaniel who isn’t wanted by her breeder. The listener then gets to enjoy Katie’s antics as a pup; Katie as a star with the stars Glenn interviews and for many years with the neighbors in the apartment building. Much of the story is about these neighbors, particularly Arthur and Pearl (affectionately called “PeRRL”, “Granny” or “Oldest”), the hall grandparents, and John, the single father with his three year old son, Ryan, who grows up with Katie. While Glenn goes to work, Katie spends the day with Arthur and Pearl and races up an down the hall with Ryan when he is little and later when he is home from school.

The book spans 15 years of Katie from lively puppy, to smart and sassy character and then to ailing senior dog. Many of us have smart and beautiful dogs and we can relate to the portrayal of  Katie with her own quirks, foibles and beauty. I enjoyed the author’s personalized communications with Katie.  I could certainly relate to that.

There were some great tidbits in the discussions of the people and their relationships with Katie. Glenn himself went through a depression for a time but was jolted out of it by a terrible accident. That made him thankful for his blessings and allowed him to see that “a grateful heart can’t be depressed.”

There seemed to be some very brief repetition of information as though the author wasn’t sure where to place the sentences and inadvertently they were left in twice. That is very minor. Be prepared however for a full disc on Katie’s aging followed by another disc on Pearl in her 90s as her health declines.  Those were not so cheerful listening but were interesting and ended with a loving upbeat tone.

The author narrates this audio and you learn about him, not only through the story, but also through the laughter and sadness that you can hear through his narration. I thought he did a very good job adding personality to the story.  This is a pleasant and enjoyable listen that would be good for any pet lover.

THANKS TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING THREE AUDIO CD BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Comment on either a) OR b) to enter; good for TWO entries.

a) Read an Excerpt or Listen to an Excerpt and leave a comment about that; OR
b) Visit the Book Website and tell me something you found there of interest.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. For two more entries, leave a meaningful comment about this review.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 16, 2010.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review + Giveaway (Open Worldwide): Notes to Stephanie... by Jeff Turner

This little gem has love and life Notes worth marking so you can return to them and contemplate another day.

Notes To Stephanie: Middle Aged Love Letters And Life Stories  by Jeff Turner

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Jeffery W Turner (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615323529
• ISBN-13: 978-0615323527

     Genre: Non-fiction, Contemplative
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
Young adults are not the only ones that fall in love and get married. People in their middle age do that too. This book is the story of one such couple as told by the "notes" written by the husband to his wife. These notes are not just love notes but also tell the tale of how life tests people and how its events sometimes feel overwhelming. They also show how couples do get through difficult times and proceed on through their lives, not knowing to what destination many times. If you sometimes wonder if you are the only one over 40 with a difficult adult child, a conflict at work, or something else trying your patience, you are not alone. You will also know that life is also good, and sometimes filled with hope and love. Even for a brief time. These tales of life's events and stories that we all share are contained in these pages, these "notes to Stephanie".

Review: This book reminds me a bit of the days when I would gaze at the sky and wonder about life.  It is an unusual work - not a novel but a journal of sorts. It is a chronological compilation of love and life notes from the middle-aged author to his sweetheart, then wife, over a period of two and a half years.

The beginning notes are filled with the upbeat enthusiasm of newly infatuated love.  Throughout the collection there are encouraging observations on life and family, observing both the ups and downs.  There is star gazing and rainbow dreaming. Like life, it isn’t all hearts and flowers as there are times of stress and “fussing” as the author calls the friction going on at times in the family relationships.

Although the details are not discussed, the letters make it clear that the (mostly) grown children were not thrilled by the marriage between their parents.  This of course creates a source of stress and sadness. Also job stresses, holiday stresses  and resulting tensions are commented on.

I want to share some titles and summaries to give you a small idea of the depth of the notes and the empathy and pathos they can evoke.

In April 2007 a note is entitled “Beads.”  The author compares life to a string of beads sort of like “life is like a box of chocolates.” He points out that beads are all different sizes and quality;  some are flawed and some beautiful. Each of us has our own unique strand of beads that we choose to wear as our life experiences.

In March 2007 there is an entry entitled “Our Dance Step.” The title itself brings a picture to mind. The author discusses the couple learning to dance the two-step for an event. Then he likens that to how they are learning their “own dance step” in their new marriage together.

The January 19, 2009 note is entitled “The Other Side of the Sky.” The author comments on the sadness of his daughter when they visit her at college.  As they drive away he observes the cloud layer and notes that our lives are like the cloud cover and “the past is always on the other side of life’s sky, not ever to be the same again.”

Some of the later notes have a bit more cynicism and almost depressed tone to them. It seems apparent that the author is struggling with difficult times.  The book comes to a rather sudden end and I was sorry to close it.

I liked reading a few days at a time, soaking up the exuberance and joy or the questioning and observations of life’s cycles and struggles. If you enjoy contemplating life, even as seen through the eyes of another family, I think you would enjoy this unique and lovely book.

Thank you to Jeff for this fine book to read and review.
Jeff has also provided THREE copies of  Notes To Stephanie: Middle Aged Love Letters And Life Stories for me to Giveaway.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
Please leave your e-mail with at least one comment!
YOU MUST DO #1 or #2 TO ENTER Please.
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you learned there. One Entry.

2.  Check out Jeff's interesting photo gallery and tell me if there is a particular photo that you like.  Three Entries.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

5.  For five extra entries comment on the interview post or ask a question at that post.

(Twelve total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* I decided I wanted to share this opportunity with my overseas followers/visitors so this giveaway is open WORLDWIDE.  I will mail ONE book to an international winner and the other TWO will go to US or Canadian winners..
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on November 12, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.  THREE WINNERS!

Review - When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead Audio Book by Jerry Weintraub

If you are a movie buff or like memoirs you would truly enjoy this engaging audio book!
When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (June 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607889684
• ISBN-13: 978-1607889687

Rating 4.75 of 5.0

  I am writing this review without the synopsis or Product description which you can find here if you wish to read it either before or after reading my review.   I wasn’t quite sure how I would like this but it sounded interesting so I chose it. I don’t follow movies, stars or producers so I didn’t know who Jerry Weintraub was. I must say I was impressed.

Review:

The audio book starts and ends with the big band “swing” sound which seems very appropriate. The story is read by the author with his very distinct Brooklyn, New York accent.  This wasn’t always comfortable listening, but I think it was perfect because in the presentation you catch his persuasive personality, his quick-to-anger temperament, his caring nature and especially his emotional loss upon the death of his parents. By the end you feel as though you have had numerous sit down chats enjoying the company of a man who has lived a very full life.

Mr. Weintraub is a consummate “salesman”: a promoter; a Hollywood mover and shaker. Born in the 1930s, Jerry Weintraub established his own careers through sheer imagination and bravado. The book presents the progression of his success as a concert promoter, star manager and promoter and ultimately successful movie producer.  The journey is set out in ten year career blocks, but not all of the stories are chronological as the the wonderful antidotes jump around a bit in time.

Mr. Weintraub paints a memorable picture of the New York neighborhood and Hollywood from a by gone era but the majority of the focus is about people and relationships.  There are stories of how he “negotiated” with Colonel Tom Parker and became the promoter for Elvis Presley. There are stories of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He describes how he discovered John Denver and helped to “brand” him and make him popular across many lines of audiences. He also depicts their angry split.

This is a man who was not only active with stars but he became the friend of Presidents and politically influential men.  He shares stories of his friendship with George Bush, Sr. and his association with Jimmy Carter. He talks about his long time friendship with business tycoon Armand Hammer, and he touches on his religious experiences with prominent hasidic rabbi and leader, Lubavitcher Rebbe.

He tells interesting tales about how actors were found for some of the movies he promoted or produced, including Oh God, The Karate Kid, Nashville, The Diner and Ocean Eleven. He also gives humorous details of working with many of the stars and his more recent associations with the Oceans 11, 12 and 13 team.

Throughout the engaging glimpses of his relationships with clients and family, Mr. Weintraub drops some pearls of wisdom for success in life.  He stresses that it is the relationship that matters both in business and life. He also encourages people to accept who they are and the niche or brand that works for them.  You can be successful being yourself when you will probably fail at being someone else. He tells of one of his own business failures that I think resulted from this error.

This is an engaging autobiography.  If you like memoirs, or Hollywood tidbits, or if you are interested in some American history, or even if you just like human interest stories, you would enjoy this audio book.

xxx

Thank you to Hachette and Anna who provided this book for listening and review.

Three lucky people can win this book thanks to Hachette allowing me to host a Giveaway.

Giveaway - Three Copies of the Audio Book When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead by Jerry Weintraub

This audio book is truly worth taking a second look at -- lots of interesting antidotes with a "who's who" in Hollywood.

WHEN I STOP TALKING, YOU’LL KNOW I’M DEAD (Unabridged) by Jerry Weintraub with Rich Cohen read by the author Maverick movie producer Jerry Weintraub's hilarious, autobiographical account of what it takes to make it to the top, in life and business: a de facto primer in the Art of Persuasion. Listen to an Excerpt Start Reading Online Grab an OpenBook™ Widget "Like" Jerry Weintraub on Facebook Available in CD and Digital Download Formats

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the AUDIO CD:

1. I'll give you a choice for the entry Comment: you can do any ONE or all if you wish - it will only count as ONE entry.

a) Read the full description of the book and comment on it;  OR
b) Listen to an excerpt and leave a comment about that; OR
c) Tell me if you have a favorite movie produced by Jerry Weintraub.
d) This is longer but I found this interesting interview that you might like to view and comment on something you learned there.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4. For two extra entries comment on my review.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close 12 Midnight (Central) on August 29, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.