Book Review: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

This is a wonderful time management book focusing on Biblical principles.
Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed
Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

• File Size: 277 KB
• Print Length: 99 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1581349130
• Publisher: Crossway Books (June 26, 2007)
• ASIN: B00283PQDS

Genre: Nonfiction
My Rating: 5.0 content but 4.5 due to editing errors.

Book Description
Publication Date: June 26, 2007
Overwhelmed. Miserable. Exhausted. These are often the words that women use to describe their high-demand lifestyles. How are women who are always on the go expected to cope with the demands of work, family, and ministry?
Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw, recognize the needs of Christian women today. Shopping for Time offers the solution to women who truly desire to glorify God with every use of their time.
These authors offer five tips to help ladies do it all without becoming overwhelmed: rise early, sit down, sit longer (occasionally), choose friends wisely, and take fifteen minutes. By weaving biblical principles of God's Word into these keys, these authors give women practical advice on how to fulfill-and excel in-their daily responsibilities.

Review:
This is a lovely time management guide based on biblical principles. It is direct and on point while being very quick and easy to read. The authors relate to personal, everyday life experiences. Most people can relate to planning a shopping trip, as when you go to the market or outlet mall. Even those, like me, who do not shop a lot, usually make a list or have a purpose when heading to the store. This book compares our purposeful intent in shopping to ‘shopping’ for time with the intent of doing what God wants to do in our lives.

The focus of the book is to PLAN to make time for God and the most important priorities in our lives: family, relationships and service. The arguments are extrapolated from Ephesians 5:15-16 which states: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. The goal is to “assist you to bring glory to the Savior through every season” of your life. The authors list and discuss five tips to manage our time to be fruitful in our service to God.

Not all of the tips or tools suggested are new but, for me, they are given with new insight and with the best purpose of all. The underlying message confirmed to me is the biblical foundation of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)  I don’t feel I can describe too much detail without giving spoilers. However, consider that I marked 45 notes out of 99 pages! Also I have instituted a new method to add to my Bible study with two questions the authors suggest.

The only reason I did not rate this book as 5.0 is due to the errors in the kindle version.  There were repeats in phrases and the letter “u” came out as “v” throughout. It is still easily read but the errors are distracting and off putting. I would encourage the authors and publisher to go back and clean up the text.

I really enjoyed the tips and the great nuggets in this little gem. It was a perfect book for me as the first book of 2015. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to spend more time serving God.

This is the book I chose for my First Book 2015.
It is from my 2009 TBR Kindle list and qualifies for: 2015 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge; Full House Reading Challenge 2015; The 2014-15 Winter COYER challenge; The Official 2015 TBR Pile Challenge, The TBR Double Dog Dare

Book Review and Giveaway: The Mystery of the Shemitah by Jonathan Cahn

This is a thought provoking study that is also a call to action.

The Mystery of the Shemitah: The 3,000-Year-Old Mystery That Holds the Secret of America's Future, the World's Future, and Your Future!
by Jonathan Cahn

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Frontline; First Paperback Edition edition (September 2, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1629981932

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
The book you can't afford NOT to read.
It is already affecting your life…
And it WILL affect your future!
Is it possible that there exists a three-thousand-year-old mystery that…
· Has been determining the course of your life without your knowing it?
· Foretells current events before they happen?
· Revealed the dates and the hours of the greatest crashes in Wall Street history before they happened?
· Determined the timing of 9/11?
· Lies behind the rise of America to global superpower… and its fall?
· Has forecast the rising and falling of the world’s stock market throughout modern times?
· Lies behind world wars and the collapse of nations, world powers, and empires?
· Holds key to what lies ahead for the world and for your life?
· And much more….

Review:
The Mystery of the Shemitah is full of detailed information explaining certain Jewish words and traditions as they related to God’s people and His beloved nation, Israel. Mr. Cahn then shows how those words and the impact, or consequences, of the conditions also fit America as a country that was founded on faith in God and profoundly blessed by God.

Mr. Cahn discusses the harbinger warnings (see The Harbinger) that have been issued to an American society that has drastically turned away from God especially during the past 50 years. Then the author explains the history and purpose of the Shemitah which was to be a ‘Sabbath’ every seven years. This was a time when the people would trust God for provision and allow the land to rest. But when the people failed to honor and celebrate the cycle of the Shemitah voluntarily, it became a judgment forced upon the people and the land by God. (Leviticus 26:31-35 and 2 Chronicles 36:15-19.)

The book tracks the greatest economic and financial crisis of the past 100 years showing charts for stock market crashes. These reflect that 85 percent of the crashes occurred during the Shemitah years. The details regarding the financial turnarounds is even more astounding as 100 percent of the crucial financial events occur during the Shemitah periods.

Mr. Cahn also makes a connection to the falling of the “towers” that might not be as clear without the Jewish understanding of the meanings and importance of the tower walls. Even Christians know the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, but many are not as familiar, or do not realize the full significance of the destruction of the towers and walls of Jerusalem.

I was struck by the detailed analysis and comparisons that this book presents. The message in the pattern is clear: if America does not cease to worship idols and does not turn back to God then America will suffer consequences of economic and financial destruction. This will also have a global impact around the world and is likely to result in shift of power.

Mr. Cahn is careful to note that he is not stating any specific date for calamity but he is pointing out the signs and pattern of the Shemitah and Tishri connections that are greater than “mere coincidence”. He is saying that the warnings have been given and the people need to take heed and act.

We read this for ladies book club and we were all excited to discuss it. One woman said she had to pause often to contemplate the hardships that her parents and grandparents experienced which most of our generation has not. Another one of our more mature members noted that in her day they did not have insurance and did not rush to the doctor for coughs and cuts. They experienced God’s provision on many occasions such as receiving gifts from others that met the needs of maternity dresses and money just in time for birthing expenses.

We all agreed that this is an important book to read, recommend and share with others. We also agreed that, although the message of the book speaks calamity that we will face, we are all secure in the hope we have in salvation and in God's control of events. We all felt called to pray and spread the message of God's saving grace through Christ Jesus.

A section of the book that particularly struck me states at page 234:

    Without God, there is no true security or safety for America. Without His hand of protection, no matter how many systems of defense the nation employs, they will fail just as they did on 9/11. America cannot defy the God of its keeping and expect that protection to continue. “Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps 127:1). America, without God, is not safe. America, in defiance of God, is even less safe.

This was our Ladies Book Club reading for discussion in November.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a print copy

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
visit THE AUTHOR'S Hope of the World Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) December 1, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 1, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible by Arthur W. Pink

This is a wonderfully edifying and encouraging listen.
The Divine Inspiration of the Bible
Author: Arthur W. Pink
Narrator: Ralph Cosham

Runtime: 3.2 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 5.6.2014
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Nonfiction/Religion
ISBN-13: 978-1-4830-0194-4
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/06/14
Summary
“Deny that the Bible is, without any qualifications, the very word of God, and you are left without any ultimate standard of measurement and without any supreme authority.”—from the book
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity. In The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, Arthur Pink sets out to defend the belief that this holy book is, in fact, the true word of God. In doing so he examines the idea of divine inspiration and presents various arguments that aim to prove God Almighty is the author of the Bible.
This book not only examines evidence for the trustworthiness of scripture and what belief in inspiration means but also helps Christians achieve a firmer understanding of the Bible’s authority.
Originally published in 1917

Review:
I loved this audio book. I read Pink’s The Sovereignty of God about 20 years ago and remembered that I thought it was sound, if sometimes difficult, theology teaching. I already believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God but I was interested in the presentations that Pink would make. The book is laid out with each chapter dedicated to a specific, concise argument. As an attorney I appreciated that the arguments and proofs are supported by logical statements and examples that make sense to a person with an open mind and heart. The first chapter presents a “Presumption in Favor of the Bible”. Again, this resonates in legal precedence for me. Other chapters discuss the “Character of Its Teachings”, “Fulfilled Prophesies” and the “Wonderful Unity” as just a few of the themes explored with precision and confidence. Some of the supporting statements I had heard before but others were fresh and all of it was edifying.

I found myself excited about how well the text fit with and encouraged my current Bible reading. It also reinforced past studies I have read (and led) that show how the Old Testament and the New Testament speak as one from the beginning (“In the beginning God created...” Genesis 1:1) to the ending warnings not to add or take away from the scrolls (Revelation 22:18-19).

This book was originally published in 1917 but it is timely today. It has a scholarly, gentle, but forceful and confident, tone that lends strength to the arguments. The audio is a quick listen - less than four hours. I highly recommend this to everyone. Believers and followers of Christ will be encouraged and uplifted. Those who are seeking, and even those who would object or rebel, will find sound arguments if they read (or listen) with fair-mindedness.

Audio notes: The narration by Ralph Cosham enhanced the book for me. It matches the text by being precise and on the side of elegant. This is a book I could, and suspect that I will, listen to repeatedly just for the shear joy and uplift it brought me.

I received this from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Book Review: Let Me Get This Off My Chest: A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares by Margaret Lesh

This is a very informative memoir that handles a difficult subject with sincerity, humor and hope!

Let Me Get This Off My Chest:
A Breast Cancer Survivor Over-Shares
by Margaret Lesh

• File Size: 454 KB
• Print Length: 203 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615812511
• Publisher: StoryRhyme.com Publishing; 1 edition (January 3, 2014)
• ASIN: B00DQSVL4W

 Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Tamoxifen hot flashes, mastectomy, reconstruction, breast cancer etiquette, Frankenboobs, bras with special attachments—Margaret Lesh shares all in her funny, heartfelt collection of essays, anecdotes, and life lessons from the perspective of a two-time breast cancer survivor. She’ll tell you when it’s okay to play the cancer card, what you should take to the hospital, and gives suggestions on how to cope in those dark moments of the soul. With practical tips sprinkled throughout, LET ME GET THIS OFF MY CHEST explores how breast cancer changed her outlook on life, offering honest insights, humor, and sensitivity as she looks for the silver lining in a not-so-great situation.

Whether you are a woman diagnosed with breast cancer or whether you know someone with breast cancer, this book was written for you.

Review:
Ms. Lesh takes a sensitive subject and shares from her personal experience with sincerity and lots of humor. I appreciated her attitude which seeks the “silver linings” while dealing with the stark realities of diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Ms. Lesh was only 34 in 1999, with a two year old son, when she felt a lump and they discovered cancer. She had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. Because the cancer was stage 1A, chemotherapy was not recommended at that time. After the radiation treatments she was prescribed medication for five years and celebrated when she could throw those bottles away. Although many years passed successfully, Ms. Lesh was one of the unfortunates who had a recurrence after 11 years so her story continues with more aggressive treatment. The second time around she had to make more difficult decisions and treatment that included chemotherapy so she shares those experiences as well.

This book has wonderfully upbeat quotes at each chapter which I find encouraging.  There are many good resources shared and specific tips that I have already used and know I will be referring to as my own treatment proceeds. The chapters are short and focus on specific events, decisions or treatments so it is easy to look up certain sections to refer back to. Cancer, like most diseases, impacts upon close family and friends as well as the individual. There are chapters in the book that give insight to friends and family on the fears and emotions that are being experienced and shared.

This is a quick, informative and easy read. It is comforting even though there is anxiety and sadness shared. I think a big part of cancer treatment focuses on faith and hope which Ms. Lesh conveys throughout, even through the stumbles of fear and depression that are natural. The book confirms something I have quickly learned through friends and on-line cancer boards. The diagnosis and treatment are unique for each individual, but we all share a common bond and can be helpful and supportive to others as well as accepting help and support graciously for ourselves.  I  recommend this book to any woman facing their own cancer journey and to those who wish to be supportive and understand more clearly what the patient is going through.

I give a big THANK YOU to Ms. Lesh for responding to my daughter’s frightened messages on Facebook and being so warm and gracious to gift this book to me!

Audio Book Review: The Last Battle by Stephen Harding

This is an interesting and worthwhile presentation of a special historic event.
The Last Battle:
When US and German Soldiers Joined Forces in the Waning Hours of World War II in Europe
by Stephen Harding
Narrated by Joe Barrett
    Unabridged
    LENGTH    7 hrs and 16 mins
    RELEASE DATE    09-03-13
    PUBLISHER    Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genre: Nonfiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

May 1945. Hitler is dead, and the Third Reich is little more than smoking rubble. No GI wants to be the last man killed in action against the Nazis. But for cigar-chewing, rough-talking, hard-drinking, hard-charging Captain Jack Lee and his men, there is one more mission: rescue 14 prominent French prisoners held in an SS-guarded castle high in the Austrian Alps. It's a dangerous mission, but Lee has help from a decorated German Wehrmacht officer and his men, who voluntarily join the fight.

Based on personal memoirs, author interviews, and official American, German, and French histories, The Last Battle is the nearly unbelievable story of the most improbable battle of World War II - a tale of unlikely allies, bravery, cowardice, and desperate combat between implacable enemies.

Review:
World War II is almost over in early summer of 1945. The American soldiers want to finish up and get home. None of them want to be the last man killed by the Nazis. There are 14 prominent French officials who are being held as special, political prisoners in a famous, but declining, castle in the Austrian Alps. The prisoners have always been treated fairly well but they are at risk of being killed before the war ceases.

One of the prisoners has been exercising and making unsuccessful escapes during which he learns the surrounding forest paths. A couple of them have become friends with the staff who are secretly working with the resistance. Even some of the German officers have turned to help the resistance forces. One of the staff manages to get out to meet up with the American forces where he has to convince rough Captain Jack Lee that the Americans must take on the mission to rescue the French prisoners.

The book sets out the history of the castle and the prisoners. It then follows the efforts to reach help and the obstacles and mishaps that occur as Jack Lee and only a small group of men make it through to the castle. Some of the troops are diverted and much of the heavier equipment has to be left behind as it would not fit over the narrow, weak bridges. There is tension as the battle begins with the small group of Americans facing the determined German troops surrounding the castle. Some of the German soldiers are no more than boys and have little training or heart for the fight. On the other hand there are the determined, well-trained SS soldiers engaging in what they may realize will be the last battle of the war.

When I saw this title offered for review I thought it would be worthwhile to listen to a real-life battle. This is different than fiction as it is like a documentary in the way it is told. The characters are identified with background and personality traits and the author even follows up to tell what happens to each after the war. The real difficulties of communication, transport and territorial lines of the troops are all part of the remarkable event. It was interesting to hear how the prisoners, who had their own animosities, pulled together during the battle only to separate again as soon as the danger was passed. Although this didn’t have the flair of a novel, anyone who is interested in real-life war history would find this a good listen.

Audio Notes: Joe Barrett manages to keep the documentary approach moving so that it doesn’t fall into ‘too dry’ mode. He provides nuances to convey the challenges, chagrin and frustrations that are faced during the rescue mission.

I received this for review from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Book Review and Feature: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing - Bewitching Blog Tour

This book is a wonderful resource for current reviewers and a must read for anyone who is contemplating  becoming a reviewer.
E book ON SALE FOR BLITZ DAY ONLY!

On March 19th, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will be on sale for that day only for $2.99 instead of the regular price.  The purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Slippery-Art-Book-Reviewing-ebook/dp/B004OL2JTQ

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/slippery-art-of-book-reviewing-mayra-calvani/1100069609

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

by Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards

Publisher: Twilight Times Books
http://twilighttimesbooks.com/
ISBN: 978-1-933353-22-7
Genre: Reference/Writing
Format: Trade paperback
Price: $16.95 print, $4.99 ebook
Pages: 180
Chapter excerpt:
http://twilighttimesbooks.com/SlipperyArt_ch1.html 

Description:

Are you passionate about books? Do you have the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers, yet are unsure about what makes a good review? Are you curious about the influence reviews have on readers, booksellers, and librarians?

If you’re an experienced reviewer, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will serve as an excellent reference tool and amalgam of resources. If you’re a beginner, this book will show you how to write a well-written, honest, objective and professional book review. It will also teach you:

·        How to read critically

·        How to differentiate the various types of reviews

·        How to rate books

·        How to prevent amateurish mistakes

·        How to deal with the ethics and legalities of reviewing

·        How to tell the difference between a review, a book report, and a critique

·        How to start your own review site

·        How to publish your reviews on dozens of sites and even make money while you’re at it, and much more

If you’re an author, publisher, publicist, bookseller, librarian, or reader, this book will also bring to light the importance and influence of book reviews within a wider spectrum.

Amazon                               BN

Awards:

ForeWord Best Book of the Year Award Winner under the Writing Category!

2011 Global Ebooks Awards Winner for Nonfiction/Reference!

*US Book News National Best Book Award Finalist!

*Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist!

*EPPIE Award Finalist!

*Used for reviewing course at 3 US universities and 1 university in the Netherlands.

For more information, visit Amazon or Twilight Times Books.

Authors’ bios:

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. She’s had over 300 stories, articles, interviews and reviews published both online and in print, in publications such as The Writer, Writer's Journal, Acentos Review, Bloomsbury Review, Mosaic, and Multicultural Review, among many others. A reviewer for more than a decade, she now offers numerous book reviewing workshops online. She also offers workshops on the art of picture book writing. She's represented by Mansion Street Literary and Savvy Literary. Visit her website at www.MayraCalvani.com  

Anne K. Edwards is an award-winning multi-genre author, reviewer and editor of Voice in the Dark Ezine. Her latest novel is the suspense thriller, Shadows Over Paradise, published by Twilight Times Books. Visit her website at www.AnneKEdwards.com

 

Genre: Non Fiction; Resource
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description (from Amazon)

This book was written not only with the aspiring reviewer in mind, but also for the established reviewer who needs a bit of refreshing and also for anybody--be they author, publisher, reader, bookseller, librarian or publicist--who wants to become more informed about the value, purpose and effectiveness of reviews.

2011 Global eBook Award Winner in the category of Reference Non-Fiction 

MBS Review:

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing provides a lot of information in easy to read and follow chapters. The text is divided into three parts and the presentation flows well.

The longest section, and most “hands on” helpful, is Part One: The Art of Reviewing. The authors first identify five important keys to becoming a good reviewer: command of language; clarity of thought; honesty; objectivity and tact. The authors then discuss the parts of a book that may be covered for a careful and objective review. These elements to be aware of include: plot, setting, writing, characterizations, construction, point of view, “showing v. telling”, the mood of the book and the audience for the book.  The length of the review, the reviewer and the site instructions for where the review is to be posted will effect which elements are included. 

I like how the authors lay out steps and elements and then present specific formats for short or in-depth critique reviews.  They also give guidelines and examples of positive, negative, overly praising and inappropriate 'slamming' reviews. There are tips for specific types of reviews including audio, technical or non-fiction reviews and more. The authors discuss the different entities who might seek reviews, such as publishers, authors or publicists, as well as when and where reviews may be posted.  Ms. Calvani and Ms. Edwards even have a chapter comparing Reviewers and Bloggers, acknowledging that there are varying levels of formality or informality in reviews.

Part Two of the book provides information on The Influence of Book Reviews.  Many different points of view from various sources are discussed. I found the details and poll results interesting.

Part Three, Resources, contains very little narrative but provides an extensive listing of specific sites that can be researched for print, online and even paid reviews. This portion is useful for looking up sites for specific genres or purposes. 

There is a lot of very good information provided in this book. I believe that there were some updates added in 2010 to the original 2008 manuscript.  I was surprised however that sites like Goodreads, particularly but also Library Thing and Shelfari were not discussed but it seemed that the links were added as after thoughts in the resource section. One completely missing site for reviewers that I thought was a glaring error is NetGalley http://www.netgalley.com/.

Although I felt the book may have been missing some up-to-date data, it is still an excellent learning and resource tool.  I plan to use a brief checklist of the tips to help keep me on track with my own reviewing. This is a book that any existing reviewer could glean from for improvement and anyone interested in reviewing would want to read for guidance and insight.

Thank you to the authors and Bewitching Books Blitz Tour for providing the pdf for review.

Practical Advice to Remember When Reviewing

By

Mayra Calvani

•           Keep your writing style concise, direct and reader-friendly. Don’t try to impress readers with fancy words.

•           Whenever possible, try to specify the intended readership. Some books are specialized and appeal to only one group of people.

•           Stay away from clichés like “A real page-turner!” “Un-put-down-able!” It’s a pity, but even big newspaper reviewers sometimes use these expressions. You see them on the back of paperbacks all the time.

•           Don’t let a few typos affect your review if the book is good. Even books published by major houses sometimes have small errors.

•           Be advised that the most commonly preferred tense when writing a review is the present.

•           Read different types of reviews to get a feel of what a review should be like. Soon you’ll be able to differentiate the well-written reviews from the mediocre.

•           Try not to review books from family members, friends or people you know. The less you know about the author or publisher, the less chance of conflict of interest and the more freedom you have to be honest.

•           If you read all kinds of books, then review all kinds of books, but if you mostly read books in one genre, then it’s more sensible to only review books in that genre. Your reviews will have more insight, more ‘meat’ when you’re familiar with other authors and books in that particular genre.

•           Try to review books in the order in which you receive them. This will help in keeping up with deadlines and is only fair to the person who submitted it.

•           If you plan to review books in all categories, make sure you understand the various types of genres and subgenres. It’s embarrassing to complain in your review that a story has highly improbably situations if the story in question happens to be a parody!

•           Don’t be prejudiced. Don’t assume that a self-published or small press book will be poorly written. Give it a fair chance and let it speak for itself. Likewise, never assume a book published by a major NY house has to be good.

Book Review and Giveaway of 52 Small Changes by Brett Blumenthal

Who is ready for healthy, happy changes in 2012?

52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You
by Brett Blumenthal 

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: AmazonEncore; 1 edition (January 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1612181392
• ISBN-13: 978-1612181394

     Genre:  Health, Fitness

     My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

 

Product Description

Whether as New Year’s resolutions, birthday wishes, or daily promises, most everyone vows at some point to make a major life change. But change is easier said than done, especially when it comes to better managing our wellness amidst the chaos of everyday living. Fortunately, wellness coach and award-winning writer Brett Blumenthal has devised a way to inspire and motivate her readers to live healthier and make positive changes in their lives. Although Blumenthal’s method is not a quick fix, it is a surprisingly simple one: make one small change per week, for fifty-two weeks, and at the end of a year, you’ll be happier and healthier. After all, it is the small changes that are the most realistic, instead of trying to overhaul your lifestyle all at once. 52 Small Changes addresses all areas of wellbeing, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, mental wellness, and even the health of one’s home environment. By guiding readers through these changes at an easy, manageable pace, Blumenthal provides an engaging roadmap to lasting results and “a happier, healthier you.”

Review:
Who doesn’t like to try to make their life healthier both physically and mentally?  This is not a diet book or a “fix” everything book.  It is a book to help you focus on easy steps to healthy and happy changes in your life.  It is set up to motivate the reader to make one step at a time. Not all of the suggestions in this book are new to me and I don't agree with all of them. However, I love the way this is laid out.  The author covers one topic of change for each week of the year. The changes fit into four categories (followed by the image used to identify the area):   Diet and Nutrition (apple), Fitness and Prevention (walking figure), Mental Well-being (half sunny leaf) and Green Living (leaf).

Many of the changes are basics that we have heard before, like the first two weeks which cover drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep.   I have gone through times when I do good on these and then forget or let them slide. But at the end of each week this book concludes with a reminder to follow-up on the previous changes as well as learning the new one.  By the end of the book you have a full checklist that fills a page and can be easily referred to.

As noted I don’t agree with all of the proposals. The author encourages using whole grains, which is debatable, and eating lots of fruit, which I believe needs to be more selective. It would be easy to substitute your own details for any suggestions that you don’t agree with. I really like that it includes more than just diet and fitness as mental health is important too.

The author provides specific suggestions: basic exercises for fitness, lists of foods and recipes.  The reader can add to these, or substitute with their own favorites.  There are also additional resources in the back and on the author’s website. The idea to me is that I, for one, may be more likely to incorporate the new change each week while keeping up with the previous ones on the checklist.  I’m not going to outline all the topics as they are available through the “look inside” feature and I am going to direct you there as part of the giveaway.

I recommend this book if you want to make even a portion of the changes covered. I have already gotten my daughter started to do the program with me.

MBS Where Are You Reading? Map link.

This will also go towards my ARC, New Author and Eclectic Challenges.

I received the book for review from Amazon Encore.

HERE IS MY GIVEAWAY - FOUR WINNERS total.
To encourage others who are interested, I am doing this giveaway: I will give a print book to TWO US or Canadian followers and I will give a Kindle or Nook version to TWO International followers who will commit to try the program with us. I will either set up a post or a google group so we can share our progress and encourage each other. Please only enter this giveaway if you are willing to Try the program and participate in the group for eight weeks...hopefully longer.  Others who get the book will be welcome to join in the encouragement!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there OR check the Look Inside feature and tell me a chapter that interests you. This is required for entry.

Please note the special commitment requirement above and WITH YOUR COMMENT YOU MUST TELL ME IF YOU ARE US/CANADA OR INTERNATIONAL SO I CAN PUT YOU IN THE RIGHT LIST FOR CHOOSING THE WINNER.
2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

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

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

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

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 14. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Here are other Giveaways if you want to try elsewhere to win this book:

• http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com/2012/01/book-review-52-small-changes-by-brett-blumenthal.html

• http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/52-small-changes/

Book Review: Help! for Writers by Roy Peter Clark

This book is full of good, practical tips that can help writers of ALL types!

Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces [Hardcover]

by Roy Peter Clark

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (September 21, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316126713
• ISBN-13: 978-0316126717

   Genre: Nonfiction; Improvement
   My Rating:  5.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 21, 2011

The craft of writing offers countless potential problems: The story is too long; the story's too short; revising presents a huge hurdle; writer's block is rearing its ugly head.

In HELP! FOR WRITERS, Roy Peter Clark presents an "owner's manual" for writers, outlining the seven steps of the writing process, and addressing the 21 most urgent problems that writers face. In his trademark engaging and entertaining style, Clark offers ten short solutions to each problem. Out of ideas? Read posters, billboards, and graffiti. Can't bear to edit yourself? Watch the deleted scenes feature of a DVD, and ask yourself why those scenes were left on the cutting-room floor. HELP! FOR WRITERS offers 210 strategies to guide writers to success.

Review:
This easily laid out text covers tips for writing from “Getting Started” to  “Finding Focus” to “Building a Draft”, and all the way to the final chapter, “Keeping the Faith.”   Each of seven chapters is broken into three subsections that key in on specific topics to help a writer move along in the right direction.  This starts with the basics like finding ideas in everyday situations, researching, and organizing ideas and research. Next the author directs focus to beginning, looking for the right language, then building a draft.  Once you are into the piece you need to assess your progress and determine how to meet your deadlines. Clark address 'sagging' middles and getting the ending right. Finally you get to learn to accept criticism, improve by revising and editing. The author gives tips to get around writer’s block and gives encouragement to ‘keep the faith.’

The style of this book is engaging and easy to follow. I had marked a good half dozen tips before I was halfway through the book. I particularly liked the section on looking for language, finding fitting words and pacing by the use of sentence structure. Also I liked the suggestions on defining the ending and then working towards that with the beginning and middle. Sort of backing into the story from the desired result. I know that not everyone writes that way as many authors are "pansters" and say how the characters lead them in the story. But working to a goal makes sense to me.

I picked this to read as I was sure I could get some tips from it. I don’t write fiction although I do write legal briefs or memoranda now and then and there were tips applicable for that. Also I write reviews and I found tips and ideas that help for review writing too. I recommend this book to anyone who writes no matter the genre or whether you write for fun or professionally.  Sorry I’m not giving this one away since it’s one I can keep on the shelf and use now and again.

I received this book from Little Brown & Company for an impartial review.

Book Review: I Never Thought I'd See the Day! by Dr. David Jeremiah

Have you sometimes been shocked at what you see and hear around us in the world today? Here is a book that addresses some of the shocking changes that have occurred in our culture in our lifetimes.

I NeverThought I'd See the Day!: Culture at The Crossroads.

by David Jeremiah

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (October 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446565954
• ISBN-13: 978-0446565950

      Genre: Nonfiction
      My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Is Western civilization in an accelerating decline? And if it continues will it eventually weaken and cause us to come to the end of cultured civilization as we now know it? "Yes," says David Jeremiah, and in his book, I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY! he details numerous signs of this cultural decay including:

    America held hostage by Iran
    Marriage becoming obsolete
    Creeping socialism
    The invisibility of culture's enemies
    Increase in "spiritual warfare"
    America turning its back on Israel
    Atheist attack on religion

Can this downward spiral be reversed? Yes, but only if one person at a time returns to God with our heart, our manner of life, our dedication to genuine worship of God, in serving God by helping others, in our giving, and in prayer.

Review: This may not be an easy or simple read - there are hard thoughts and issues to ponder - but it is quite interesting and worthwhile.

Dr. David Jeremiah presents details on historical, political and social changes that have occurred primarily during his own lifetime.  He raises the question whether the Church has lost its right to be heard.  I appreciate how he compares the Christian momentum to Admiral Perry traveling against the ice flow - while he thought he was gaining ground forward, he was really moving backward because the ice flow was moving him faster in the opposite direction.

I made notes on the chapter topics as I read but there is just too much to put it all in my review. I liked how there are historical facts and statistics supporting many of the discussions.  I particularly liked Chapter 2, When Christians Wouldn’t Know They Were In a War.  The author describes the true enemy, Satan, and the many techniques used to keep Christians ineffective.  If Christians do not recognize these basics it is easy for them not to see the war going on in the spiritual realm and they will be unprepared in the battle.

There are three chapters discussing how Jesus, The Bible and the Church have been profaned, ridiculed and diminished to a point where they are deemed irrelevant by many.  I was fascinated by Dr. Jeremiah’s insightful comments on two master pieces painted by Vincent Van Gogh, Starry Night and The Church at Auvers.  Apparently Van Gogh had been rejected by the church with a startling negative impact. In the paintings the church is portrayed with closed windows, no lights, no doors, and the pathway in front splits to by-pass the church altogether. If that is how the church is seen then no wonder people do not seek refuge there.

The Church shouldn’t be closed to those in need but it also must be careful that it doesn’t become so “politically correct” and intent on entertaining people that it loses it’s message and effectiveness.  These chapters, as well as others on marriage and morality, reveal that Christians are too often blending with society rather than standing out and standing up for what is right in God’s word.

In the final chapter, When Changing Your Mind Could Save Your Life, the author exhorts the reader to recognize the importance of salvation, turning one’s life over to God and obeying and relying on His assurances of salvation and a better life in the future. Dr. Jeremiah is an optimist and still sees hope for all people although he does not see hope for the return of America to the high days of prosperity. He notes that this is supported by Biblical teachings that things will get worse before they get better which will only happen upon Christ’s return.

As a strong fundamentalist Christian I really appreciated the history, details and scripture references presented. I did have to wonder how a non believer might respond as parts of the book are loaded with Biblical quotes.  I think anyone could benefit from the wisdom and material, although I think Christians, and particularly pastors, would appreciate it more. I will be passing my copy on to my Pastor to enjoy.

Thank you to Faith Words division of Hachette for this book to review.

Book Review: So You Want to Write a Guest Blog? by Jaime McDougall

This is a very informative resource tool for authors!

So You Want to Write a Guest Post: An Author's Guide to Promoting with Guest Blogging by Jaime McDougall.

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 210 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0052F477U

     Genre:  How To/ Nonfiction
     My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
The publishing world keeps on changing and, now more than ever, it is important for authors to have a presence on the internet. But where do you start? So You Want to Write a Guest Post is an easy to follow guide that will help you connect to bloggers and to write guest posts that get potential readers interested in your book.

Review: I wish many authors would read this informative pamphlet and at $0.99 it is money well spent!
Jaime works with promotions at Pump Up Your Book so she has first hand experience to add to this work. Jaime approaches the Guest Post topic in an easy format with concise explanations, examples and suggestions.  I can say that as a reviewer (and publisher) I would love to see authors read and follow this informative guide.  I know from experience as a reviewer and as a small publisher, with new and backlist authors, that it is surprising how many authors have no clue what it takes to promote their book.  The publisher hopefully will give help in promoting but the larger burden these days falls on the author.  The bottom line of success may well be a result of the author's own efforts to promote their book.

This “How to” is short and easy to read but FULL of good advise. Here are some, but not all, of the items covered and my brief comments regarding the topics:
•    The Purpose of Guest Posting - Jaime briefly but assuredly expresses why authors should be concerned about Guest Posting.
•    Finding, Researching and Contacting Hosts - Jaime sets out something that should be basic but isn’t necessarily clear to authors... research the blog hosts you submit to. She provides tips where to research too.
•    When Contacting the Blogger - Jaime provides wonderful suggestions and samples to help make a professional contact with the right Blog hosts.
•    When Words Count: The Importance of Word Count in Your Post - I agreed strongly with Jaime’s suggestions in this section.  It is not all about word count but it does matter.
•    Selling Your Book Without Selling - As Jaime notes, the Guest Post is not to be just an ad for buying your book.  It is a tool to draw a reader in let them know about the author and the book and to direct and encourage the reader to buy the book. This is a time when courtesy and subtlety are nice.
•    FAQ: Is Using a Guest Post More Than Once Okay - Jaime discusses the pros and cons and some etiquette rules of this question in a unique way that I liked. I recently followed an Author Blog Tour which included a giveaway. I was a little surprised to see repeats of the same GP during the one tour.
•    What to Do After the Post is Live - Jaime provides input on what to do with your post including announcing your post and making contacts to encourage visits.
•    The Do and Don’t List - Jaime does a nice summary of the dos and dont’s for a quick guide and wrap up.
•    Guest Post Ideas - Jaime provides some topic examples and suggestions that could help an author begin to prepare guest posts or expand on their repertoire of posts.

This is a wonderful resource tool and I encourage authors to use it to help their promotional efforts be more efficient and effective.

I received the eBook from the author for an honest review.

Jaime asked me to add a footnote on this tour blog:  
'Thanks to the wonderful reviewers who have hosted me on this tour, I will be coming out with a revised edition in August with more content'. :)

Book Review: The Healing Code by Alexander Loyd and Ben Johnson

If you are interested in healing issues in your life I recommend you check out this book.
The Healing Code: 6 Minutes to Heal the Source of Your Health, Success, or Relationship Issue by Alexander Loyd and Ben Johnson

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style; 1 edition (February 9, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781455502011
• ISBN-13: 978-1455502011
• ASIN: 1455502014

      Genre: Non Fiction
      My Rating: 4.5 of  5.0

Product Description
Discover the revolutionary formula that heals the source of illness and disease, even success and relationship issues. According to Stanford, Harvard, Mayo Clinic, the CDC, and other research centers, there is one source of up to 95% of all illness and disease, and it is not your thoughts, emotions, conscious beliefs, actions, or even your DNA. Solomon revealed this source more than 3000 years ago. In 2001 Dr. Alex Loyd discovered how to activate a physical function built into the body that consistently and predictably removes this source so that the neuro-immune system takes over its job of healing whatever is wrong in the body. His findings were validated scientifically and by the thousands of people from all over the world who have used The Healing Codes® system to heal virtually any physical, emotional, or relational issue, as well as realize breakthroughs in success. It is this system that healed Dr. Ben Johnson of Lou Gehrig s disease (ALS) in less than three months; he has been symptom-free since 2004. Dr. Loyd's testing has also revealed that there is a Universal Healing Code that will heal any issue for anyone. In this book you will get that Universal Healing Code, which takes only 6 minutes to do. You will also get: The 7 secrets of life, health, and prosperity (DVD also available) The 10-second Instant Impact technique for defusing daily stress Access to The Heart Issues Finder, the only test in the world that identifies your source issues in a 10-15 page personalized report (which you can take as often as you like) This is your healing kit for life to heal the issues you know about, and the ones you to heal the issues you know about, and the ones you don't. With The Healing Code you have so much more than just a book. ... you have the keys to unlock your own God-given health potential.

Review:  I enjoyed reading this.  The authors present a fundamental cause of most deceases, physical, mental and relationship troubles.  I will not reveal that cause as that would be a spoiler but the presentation makes a lot of sense to me and is something I have recognized in my own health and weaknesses.  I can not say if the Code works on major deceases but there are many testimonies in the book and more made available through links.

I was impressed with the easy and direct style of the book.  It is laid out in a logical fashion and written in a manner that kept my attention and made it a surprisingly quick read.  The book addresses many skeptical arguments including that the Code is like a placebo -  that it is mind over matter.   I like the fact that the book is consistent with biblical teachings particularly since I already have a very strong faith that relies on God as the great Physician and Healer.

After reading the full book I tried the Code myself.  I was concerned about doing the Code as directed as I do not have great imagery of negative moments in my past. Maybe I am blessed to have a forgiving nature and one that lets go of wrongs. However the book describes how the Code can be effective even with suppressed memories and cellular memories and those chapters made good sense to me too.

I have back trouble that flares occasionally but God has kept the worst of that pain away for ten years. I am older so I have aches and pains: first the shoulder hurt, then the toes, now a knee. When anything flares enough, I take some ibuprofen. The first night I tried the Code I did not take any medicine and I preformed the Code right before bed.  I was pleasantly surprised as I lay there feeling absolutely no pain anywhere in my body. I have used it each night since and experienced the same peace and pain-free relief. The pain in my knee is not completely gone during the day but it is less than a week ago.

I found the summaries insightful and supported by facts and testimonies. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in seeking to address the cause of problems instead of just treating symptoms and who is willing to be open minded enough to consider the recommendations offered by these professionals.

You can check the trailer here.
Author Website.
Other links for Alexander Loyd.
I am not giving this one away as I plan to share it with some close friends.

Thank you to Hachette for this book to read and review.

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.