Review with $25 Giveaway: 365 Affirmations to Smile by Kelly Clanton

365 Affirmations to Smile by Kelly Clanton, 2016, Self-Help, Journal, 189p, My Rating=3
Source: Ebook provided by blog tour host in exchange for an honest review

365 Affirmations to Smile gives light to darkness in a world with so much negativity. Kelly’s passion is to inspire others with her affirmations and allow them to journal their thoughts.

I could certainly use a daily smile so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book.  I love the concept of an encouraging statement for each day of the year followed with lined spaces to write your thoughts.  These affirmations served as journaling cues for the day.  Fantastic idea! 

An Ebook version is not ideal for journaling as you can imagine because I was not able to jot down my thoughts since it was not electronically interactive.  I would have to produce my own notebook and basically re-write the affirmations and my impressions on said paper notebook.  That said, I think I lost a bit of the quality of accounting my thoughts right there and then.  Hence, unless you want to save money, an Ebook edition is for you, but for the full effect, I recommend you get a printed copy. 

Unfortunately, I did find some errors; mainly in spelling.  Sadly, that did not make this a clean book so it does not appear professional.  I also found repeated affirmations, one verbatim and several similar.  Consequently, this could have used another once over.

Aside from the oversights, this journal did have some great encouraging words to ponder, inspire, and smile about.  :)



About the Author:

I am from Midwest City, Oklahoma which is the heart of a large Military Base and a town committed to Friday night football. After graduating I married, raised a family and working in the family business several years juggling many responsibilities. I’ve always been one to journal my thoughts as an escape to a hectic day or to remind myself of all I am capable of achieving. In a world with so much negativity, my passion is to inspire positive thoughts one thought at a time and my hope is that I can inspire you! This has been an incredible journey and one I’m not finished writing.

Excerpts:

January 5

You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breath, trust and see what happens. Remind yourself it’s ok to not be perfect. It’s not selfish to love yourself. Take care of you and make your happiness a priority.

February 5

It doesn’t matter how rich, talented or cool you think you are. Your integrity and how you treat others says it all. You have to water flowers daily for them to last.

March 10
In life, you have to do what makes you happy. Be with ones that make you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe. Love as long as you are living. Every day is a new beginning – look to what it can do.

April 1
Sometimes our lives have to be shaken up a bit – moved around to put us where we need to be. Look ahead and always smile. You never know what a change it can make.

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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Review: Shine: How To Walk the Talk by Nancy Segovia

Shine: How To Walk the Talk by Nancy Segovia, NF -Self-help, 2013, 114p, Rating=4
Source: ebook provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16

The Bible tells us we need to "shine before men," but what does this mean and how do we do it? In Shine: How to Walk the Talk, Nancy Segovia lays out a series of simple steps you can to take to walk the talk: to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. Using parables, folk tales, and struggles from her own life, she provides uplifting insights into the Christian walk that can make your first steps easier. She examines scripture for clues on what it means to shine, how to reflect God’s love, and what to do when the muddy messes of life blot out God’s light in you. You will relate to her failings, those "Duh!" moments when spiritual understanding begins to dawn. Most important, you will learn how to apply that understanding; you will learn how to turn your talk into your walk and how to help others to do the same.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught principles that replace and transcends some aspects of the law of Moses.  This self help book focused on one of those teachings, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).  The author thus wanted to show how to "walk the talk" as the title states.  In other words, if one says he's a Christian then his actions should reflect so.  She went through this process of  practice what you preach and so she was speaking from experience.  She candidly shared personal revelations that strengthen her testimony in God that aided her in how to live according to his teachings.  Her "Duh!" moments were plenty and that made her human to me.  She made several excellent points through analogies (buttercups, cracked pot, etc) that can inspire one to understand God's love. 

I'm not one for highly preachy Christian talks or books (ones clearly giving lip service).  This one did not come off that way.  Instead it was motivated by desire to uplift.  It made for a pleasant read.  Well done, Ms Segovia!

Before I go, the author quoted Mahatma Gandhi that I thought spoke volumes about what she wanted her readers to ponder ...Gandhi was once asked about Christianity and his answer, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.  Your Christians are so unlike your Christ".  Yikes, great reminder to shine and truly walk the talk!  Ergo, this book is a decent source to show you how.

Purchase here:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Facebook | Goodreads | Website

 

Nancy Segovia has been a professional writer for over 20 years. She has achieved publishing success in the fields of adult fiction, children’s literature, newspaper journalism, feature magazine articles and poetry. She is happily married, and has five daughters, five granddaughters and one, adorable grandson. She loves to fish and is a prize-winning cook. Her other published works include “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “Benjamin’s Pride” both of which are scheduled to be released later this year from Faith and Reason Publishing. She also has several other completed works which will also be published by Faith and Reason Publishing over the course of the next few years. Nancy Segovia has a Master of Arts Degree in Religion from Northwest Nazarene University, and a Masters of Liberal Studies in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. She currently writes and teaches college-level English classes. You can contact her at www.nancysegovia.com.

Review: Living Your Covenants Every Day by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt

Living Your Covenants Every Day by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt, NF -LDS, Self-help, 2013, 145p, Rating=5
Source: provided by author in exchange for an honest review

The little things we do on a daily basis don’t just matter—they can make all the difference. Intentional daily acts focused on covenant-keeping will bind us to the Savior as we are deliberate and determined to follow Him in small and simple ways. Drawing upon the teachings and lives of ancient and modern prophets, author Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt identifies patterns of truth that encourage increased commitment to covenant relationships while diminishing the binding grip of the adversary. Included are chapters on the need to be consistent in covenant- keeping, on recognizing Satan’s tactics and lies, on undoing self-destructive routines, on the role of the Spirit to help us both feel and follow promptings, and on the power of daily scripture study and prayer in establishing habits that reinforce and support our commitment to the Savior.

A wonderful self-help book that reminds the latter-day saints to basically live each day as Jacob did in the Book of Mormon, "to choose to anchor our lives in Christ and take the Spirit as our guide." (pg75).  The author encouraged its readers to find ritualization in our daily activities that represent what we truly value and believe.  For example (my example), if you value family, spend quality time together.  Moreover, this ritualized life consists of three fundamental parts: preparation for the event, participation in the event, and reminiscence of the event.  Thus, "think of it as doing what you normally do with greater purpose and intention" (pg35).

Ms. Platt referenced the book of 2nd Nephi a lot, particularly verse 9.  This is so because it contained a teaching of the Atonement.  Rightly so because the Atonement does play a great deal in living the covenants every day as the title states.  "It is by recognizing our reliance on the Lord that we are able to do what is required of us.  We only fail when we try to do it alone." (pg107) ..love that!  I also love that the author gave personal trials that she learned from that helped to demonstrate a particular principle.  Likewise, statements from modern prophets.  Furthermore, I especially love the stories of people she met that gave her insights, spiritual uplifts, encouragements, and support. 

Overall, this book reminds us that Satan is relentless in his quest to join him in misery so fight his lies and temptation by believing in Christ and living the principle of the Atonement each day.  The homework at the end of each chapter served to aid in doing so.  They were thought provoking, reflective, and more importantly supports action.  A format like you would find in Church teaching manuals.

I highly recommend this book.  It is full of caring words of wisdom.  So I will conclude with one of my favorites, "remember that the most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you discovered why" (pg98).



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Blog Tour & Review: Are We Special by Jeffrey S. Reber & Steven P Moody

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour for Are We Special by Jeffrey S. Reber and Steven P. Moody.  Following my review you will find info on the authors, book video, tour schedule, and tour giveaway.  Happy reading!

My Review

Are We Special by Heffret S. Reber & Steven P. Moody, LDS, Self-help, 2013, 267p, Rating=5
Source: provided by authors in exchange for an honest review

Are We Special? examines the source of the feeling experienced by so many of us and portrayed in so many films and books, that we are more than merely mortal beings and may even be chosen to fulfill some special destiny. Drawing upon the scriptures and the teachings of modern-day prophets, Are We Special? contrasts the true, divine origin of this special feeling with the worldly counterfeits propped up by the Adversary that lead us away from the love of God and produce feelings of pride, selfishness, and despair.

Are We Special? provides insights from the gospel that are reinforced by psychological research and the authors' therapeutic expertise that will help the reader become more vigilant against the subtle manifestations of the Adversary's lie and more receptive to the resources God has provided us to know how truly and wonderfully special we all are.

This book began with a premise that we once lived with Heavenly Father and when we came to earth, the separation from Him caused a void in us that longed to be filled.  This book ventured the psyche of man in his relationship with God to identify how we fill that void.  Guided by the principles found from the teachings in the LDS* church, the authors came up with a system of ideas to help us understand why we think and do what we do.  They categorized this theory into personality quadrants (Pharisees, Egoists, Nihilists, Disciples)**, using a combination of belief in the TRUTH or LIE.  At any given time, one can be found in a quadrant.  The best quadrant to be is "Disciples", where you accept the truth and deny the lie.

My copy of this book is all marked up and frankly, stained with tears.  I found it to be very insightful, edifying, hopeful, and especially caring.  It not only provided the "what" to thought processes but the "why" and so I came out of the read armed with the power of knowledge that can help me succeed in truly filling the "void".  Such power came from the scriptural and prophetic words that were cited.  The author's personal examples also strengthened my understanding.  Overall, my spirit felt the truth of the admonition that were being conveyed.  God's message of love radiated in this book and seeped to my heart.  It was and is an amazing feeling.  Read this book and you will feel it too.

Moving, truthful, and empowering ..period.

Footnote:
*LDS: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

**	Accept the Truth	| Deny the Truth
Accept the Lie	| Pharisees	| Egoists
Deny the Lie	| Disciples	| Nihilists

Amazon * Deseret Book

About the Authors

Jeffrey S. Reber holds a PhD from Brigham Young University in psychology. He’s an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at BYU. His publications look at the relationship between religion, psychology, and interpersonal relationships. He has also worked with LDS Family Services and has served as a bishop.

Steven P. Moody received his master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Southern California. At USC, his clinical work focused on families, including marital therapy and relationships. Steven has worked as a counselor with LDS Family Services. He is now a therapist in private practice specializing in both relationships and addictions.

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Review: Make It Happen by Kylee Shields

Welcome to my stop in this blog tour hosted by The Book Bug.  Thank you Lexie for inviting me and a big thank you to author, Kylee Shields, for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Don't forget to swing by the Tour Page for other fun stops in this tour. Ms Shields is also giving 4 generous Giveaways for this tour, $25 Amazon gift card, $25 Target gift card, and a hardcopy and an ebook copy of the book, so be sure to enter that below!

My Review

Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles by Kylee Shields, NF, 2012, ebook, 136p, Rating=4
Source: provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Purchase:  Deseret Book | Amazon

Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS Singles
Author: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Genre: LDS Self Help

Book Description:
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?
If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.
Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.

When I was invited to be part of this book tour, I jumped at the chance!  I have a few friends in the single boat and wanted to know what this book had to say about the topic ..in hopes to find something to tell said friends.  I got in the tour, I read the book, and what can I tell my friends?  I don't think much that haven't crossed their minds already, but now just has terms/structure formed by the author ...and that's big!  Ms. Shields had thoughts outlined well, had inspiring quotes and principles, and the "Action Questions" after each chapter served to put some reflective pondering.   All good to get an LDS (Latter-Day Saint, aka Mormon) single motivated to enjoy the now instead of what he thinks should be.

I'm no stranger to the LDS single scene.  I didn't get married until I was thirty-two, so I experienced the longing and heartache for a married-family life.  Hence, I was able to relate to this book.  Ms. Shields was pretty candid about her experiences and that's where the book took an autobiographical feel.  It's a turn-off when there's a look at me/look what I have accomplished force to a read.  So there were points in the read where it seemed to wonder off the main topic yet where she went was so inspiring that it didn't matter and it tied in afterall.  It didn't come off as a look at me/look what I have accomplished obligation but rather sincere imparting of helpful ideas.  Then it was the ending that just brought it to a home run. 

Although this book is geared to LDS singles, the principles and planning guidelines would certainly benefit anyone wanting direction to living happy in the present and knowing the future is for the making.

About Author

Find Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

“My name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8 children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston, and currently live in Arizona.
I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.
I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the "punk kids" and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!
When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music--singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.
I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.
I love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and am is because of Him.

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"Get Organized the Clear & Simple Way"

...Reclaim Your Home, Your Office, Your Life by Marla Dee, NF, Self-help, 2007, Playaway digital audio, 8hrs, rating=3.5

Thousands of professional organizers have been trained by Marla Dee, Founder of Clear & SIMPLE and creator of the Clear & SIMPLE Systems. Now you can get inspired and bring this seasoned expert's skills into your home for less than the cost of a consultation!
Restore freedom, order, and clarity to your home, your office, and your life. Follow the unique Clear & Simple Systems which will transform your experience of getting organized from stressful and overwhelming to fun and simple:

• SEE IT, MAP IT, DO IT --organizing systems for success
• S.T.A.C.K.S --"step by step" guidelines to getting it done
• The ART of letting go --clutter clearing made easy
• Simplify your life -finding peace amidst the chaos
• Reclaim your home --10 tips for creating beauty, order, & serenity
• Stake your claim --10 tips for creating an office you want to work in
• Powerful Paper systems --freedom from the piles
• Freedom from guilt --honoring the "time of your life"

(book cover)

This was an interesting self-help book. It provides more than organizing the tangible clutter but also of mind and body. I was inspired and empowered to tackle my cluttered home.

I started with my kitchen sink and countertop and do I feel great! There really is something to a clean and uncluttered area. Oh, and I've been doing pretty good at maintaining it too!  So I then undertook my kids' bedrooms.  I had sent my kiddos to their grandma and spent the entire afternoon to declutter (got through one room and did the other the next day).  At this point the general areas are clean and simplified.  There are just things that were sorted to an organized pile to later then find a home.  It was quite a workout and seriously overwhelming!!  But it was a great start.  ~Thanks Ms Dee!

In sum, a decluttered surrounding can bring about a happy life.  I'm looking forward to being ecstatic!!

"Lifetime Encyclopedia of Letters"

by Harold E. Meyer, NF, 1992, 435p, rating=4

A month ago this book came in handy and it was quite helpful.  I had been with the company for ten years and decided it was time to resign.  I found the "perfect" template under Resignation ... Want Less Travel.  Cool!

Words don't come quickly to me and I tend to spend too much time searching for the right words so this truly saved me time. 

The book's blurb sums up this book well so here it is:

"Now you can save hours of time and effort writing your own correspondence with this monumental collection of 850 letters for virtually any business or personal occasion. 
Whether it's answering a customer's complaint.. welcoming a new employee.. apologizing for a mistake.. requesting a favor.. or any other situation that calls for written communication --this complete, one-volume resource provides you with the precise letter that clearly expresses the proper tone and exact message you want to convey. 
Revised and updated for the 1990s, this Second Edition covers over 500 categories, and includes ready-to-use model letters for:

• thank-you and appreciation
• sales and fund-raising
• requesting and declining favors
• answering classified ads
• sympathy and condolence
• applying for a new job
• collection and warnings
• resignation and termination
• making tributes
• asking for a job interview
• and much more!

To find the exact model letter you want, just scan the easy-to-use Index or Table of Contents.  Letters can be quickly located by name, category, or topic.  Then choose the appropriate letter and copy it --or personalize it with a few words of your own.
And to boost your own personal letter writing confidence, each group of letters also includes a complete "How To Do It" section that shows, step by step, how to:

• write an interest-arousing opening sentence
• write a persuasive closing sentence
• make a sales letter sell
• solve the problem of saying "no"
• express true sympathy in a letter

With this extensive collection at your fingertips, you'll never again be concerned with what to say -- or how to say it!"

Although one can get help from the Internet, it sure was convenient to have this for reference.  :)

"You On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management"

by Michael F. Roizen & Mehmet C. Oz, narrated by Johnny Heller, non-fiction, 2008, Playaway audio, 10.5hrs, rating=4

"For the first time in our history, scientists are uncovering astounding medical evidence about dieting. Now Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz translate this cutting-edge information to help you shave inches off your waist, by giving you the best weapon against fat: Knowledge. Through their signature entertaining style, Drs Roizen and Oz teach you about your body how and why it stores calories, burns fat, and reacts to the foods you test your body with. Ultimately, they give you the Plan and formulas that will help you lose up to two inches from your waist in two weeks on your way to your ideal size." (Goodreads)

YOU-reka!  A true manual  ... it contains detailed-seemingly boring gist (biology and physiology of fat and such though I actually thought it was fascinating!), sprinkled humor (can get irritating if you listen/read through the entire book), illustrations (I had to get the bound book too), and index (cool). 

If you're motivated enough and ready for the leap of healthy eating then this might be the book for you!  It was quite informational and motivational.  My favorite part was the mantra, "At the next available moment, make an authorized YOU-turn.".  Overall, impressive book.

It was good that I listened to this book first.  Mr. Heller's narration was vibrant and effective.  Perhaps if I had read it, I would have found it too taxing. 

Did I try it.  Not yet but it did motivate me to walk everyday for 30 minutes ..okay, almost everyday.  It's a start!  :)

"Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids"

by Reba Bowman, non-fiction, 2009, 212p, rating=3.5

"Mom, you are in a war for the lives of your children. The enemy is real and deceptive, and his weapons are varied. If your children are going to become the men and women that you want them to be, you must take this battle seriously and prepare to fight. Battle-Ready Moms Raising Battle-Ready Kids equips mothers with the weapons they need to fight for the spiritual survival of their children. You'll learn • Why your role as mom is critically important to the well-being of your children • How to encourage good choices through connection, not rules alone • How to build character and nurture individuality • How to guide both girls and boys from infancy to young adulthood. Using Bible-based wisdom and experience-based advice, Reba Bowman challenges you to become the best mom you can be -- because the destiny of your children depends on it." (book's blurb)

I was attracted to the title but after seeing the title description A Biblical Strategy for Confident Parenting and reading the blurb, I sat on it for awhile.  I just wasn't up for something heavy.  Well, I finally got to it and it is definitely a Christian book.  God and scriptures were heavily mentioned.  Rightly so since Ms. Bowman was outlining how to raise children in God's influence.

I didn't get into this book until Chapter 5, which happened to be where the analogy of the military began to set in for me.  It was an excellent way to shape the book's substance.  The military has guidelines in training its soldiers to come out of a battle successfully, so as this book's point that God has also provided the guidelines to come out of Satan's grasp well, particularly as it relates to raising children.

This was a fine line on being preachy.  But even with the abundance of Christian language, it didn't give the hell fire tone.  Ms. Bowman was sincere in her words to reach out and offer her knowledge.  And she did so in an orderly and specific manner. 

Being under the umbrella of a Christian faith, I followed this book well.  So much so that it was not like I was generally learning anything new but was getting a refresher course.  Definitely nothing wrong with that!  Hearing something more than once is an excellent way of really sinking in a concept.  And this book has many potential Ah ha! moments for parents.  So if you're a parent who wants to raise your child(ren) in God's influence, then read this book and you might find the Ah ha! moment you've been looking for.

"Dream Bigger: Reclaiming a Life of Joy and Ease"

by Julie Wise, non-fiction, 2010, 133p, rating=3.5

"Take a moment to remember daydreaming as a child.  Recall the joy, freedom, and sense of possiblity you felt.  Imagine being able to experience that every day!  You can with Dream BIGGER, Julie Wise's heartfelt and inspriring guide to realizing your deepest desires.  Using her experience as a life and relationship coach, Wise provides personal anecdotes and numberous client examples to create a living, breathing roadmap for those seeking insight and wisdom on their daily path." (back cover)

When I come across self-help books my first thought is gift, asking myself, "Who can I give this to?".  My thinking goes something like this, Well, I'm not sure how to help you but this book might.  ~Especially this book, the author's name is Wise, how can you go wrong? :)

One big thing that I get weary about self-help books is it's approach.  Yes, I picked up the book wanting answers (figuratively speaking of self-help books, this particular book came to me for review for the publisher).  Most likely specific ones to tell me exactly what to do.  But please, Don't tell me what to do!  Yet, on the same token, do tell me what to do but make it seem that I thought of it and that I can conquer it!  Does that make sense?   Anyway, this book actually could do that.  In generic workbook format Ms. Wise tells you what to do.  Mind you, I read this book straight through so I didn't take the time to do the exercises but it was floating in my head and the drills seem rational.  I also appreciated Ms. Wise's openness about her personal life.  At first thought, divorce, suicide thoughts, and seizures would seem not the best thing to see on a life and relationship coach's resume.  But think about it, you're sitting in front of her and she's there!  She overcame.  So she does know a thing or two.  Pretty impressive resume after all!

There were several examples of people who succeeded in their dreams.  Nice stories and they enhanced the fact that dreams can be realized and more importantly those dreams made a difference in the lives of other people.  Just wondering how much of those successes were direct correlation to Ms. Wises's coaching.

I would gift this book.  It's simple, practical, and sensible.  It didn't give the vibe of a high and mighty know-it-all so listen to me life coach.  Put in the correct hands, this book could change one's life for the amazing.

My immediate dream right now is to have a sparkling house!  I think I might come back to the exercises and see where it leads me.  Should my house sparkle in the end, I will change this review to a 5!!  :)

P.S.  I do like the exercise to have a journal where you write down your moments of success at the end of each day (as simple as, I read to my kids today) ... I think of it as a form of a thank you journal.  Awesome!  I'm going to start this tonight.

"The Secret"

by Rhonda Byrne, 2006, 198p, rating=1

"The Secret has been passed down through the ages... coveted, hidden, lost, stolen, bought for vast sums of money, and known by some of the most exceptional people who ever lived: Plato, Galileo, Da Vinci, Beethoven, Edison, and Einstein, to name but a few.

The Secret book reveals how you can change every aspect of your life. You can turn any weakness or suffering into strength, power, unlimited abundance, health and joy.

Everything is possible, nothing is impossible. There are no limits. Whatever you can dream of can be yours, when you use The Secret." (book's website)

An inviting looking book... pretty paper, fancy pen-to-ink kind of font, and a neat small book.  The promise of revealing the secret was also alluring.  The temptation worked.  I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar!  I acquired the book and read it. 

Oh my, a potential life changing kind of theory but with a hidden cult feel to it.  I'm for the basic premise of positive thoughts bring positive karma.  I can run with that, but to say that your thoughts summoned all your negative circumstances is a stretch.  So the malnourished children of the world sent out negative vibes to keep food away from them?  Your child had so many negative thoughts that he brought leukemia upon himself?  You asked to be raped?  Then, it looks like money does grow on trees and cars, houses, jobs, spouses, etc. fall from the sky.  All you have to do is order what you want from the Universe, pretend you already have it, and then it will magically come to you.

Much of the statements found in this book out of context is sound and plausible.  These statements from past great minds and modern gurus independently are words of inspiration to improve your life.  Like, be grateful for what you have now, love yourself and everyone, and there is power in positive thinking.  So there are some truth in the book to make it appear that the whole theory must then be on the ball.  But it's a gimmick.  I don't see a bio on the author.  The gurus and past great minds have one spelled out to prove credibility but all we know of the author is that she stumbled into the secret and generously compiled a thesis of it for us.  This could be interpreted that she's a businesswoman out to make a buck and laughing her way to the bank.  Yet, I really don't know that and perhaps she is sincere in her invitation to help us better ourselves.  Except that there are flaws in her overall hypothesis so just be careful how far you follow The Secret.

"All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten"

by Robert Fulghum, 1986, 196p, rating=5

I've found reading adult non-fiction books to be a tedious read because it involves many facts.  I finally gave up on one that I've had for almost a month because telling me every detail history of her relatives just got too much and it looked like she wasn't going to let up!  But this book had nothing tedious about it.  It had me chuckling through the entire book.  It was sooooo easy to turn from one page to the next and time just flew by.  I would have been disappointed that it ended but Mr. Fulghum ended it with reference to Mother Theresa so he left you inspired.

Catchy title, huh?  This author's credo impressed Washington's Senator Dan Evans (he was in the audience when Mr. Fulghum, a minister, shared it in a primary school celebration) and eventually was read into the Congressional Record.  The credo caught on and before long one would find it in 'Dear Abby', Reader's Digest, read by Paul Harvey and Larry King, and posters of it all over schools nationwide.  This enthusiasm, I would venture to guess, launched this book.  But he didn't go on about kindergarten stuff but instead wrote about collected favorite observations of his vision of the wonder of everyday life; uncommon thoughts on common things.  Small observations with big meaning.

Seriously a fun read!!  Zany thoughts that make you go hmmm.  Few of my favorites were:  one about the raccoons, the story of Menon and the elderly Sikh, one he called "The Mystery of Twenty-Fifth Avenue, Northeast", Hong Duc's trick or treating at Christmas, and of course the one about Mother Theresa.

I'm giving it a 5 for ease of read, fun content, creativity, and big meanings. 

Now here is the credo:

Most of what I really need to know about how to live and how to be I learned in kindergarten.  Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there is the sandpile at Sunday school.  These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life--learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

"Women Food and God"

by Geneen Roth, 2010, 211p, rating=3.5

In the last few months I've gained more weight than I care to say so when I came across this book I was eager to see what Ms Roth had to say and hoping that it would enlighten me.  OK, honestly I was hoping to lose weight just by reading it!  No luck!  Funny thing, I was thinking about digging into that double chocolate brownie ice cream in the freezer while I was reading the book!  Also the adobo and rice and basically all the food at home was eye candy!  Tells you how engrossing the book was.  But really, Ms Roth did have some very interesting and compelling things to say.  I was just waiting to finish the book before I started to diet ... quite similar to the I'll start my diet tomorrow excuse I tend to tell myself.  Well, I finished the book so what did I learn?  Would I apply them? 

The first thing that came to mind after finishing the book was that going to her retreats would be necessary to fully grasp her theories (personally, I'm having a hard time with what she calls "Inquiry").  I'm sure she summed it all the best she could but I would imagine being there in her twice a year retreats which some of her students seem to take for years goes to show that this would need continued work?  Yet, I'm not saying one wouldn't be able to be successful by reading the book alone.  I think it would depend on whether the reader believes her theories enough to give it a shot.  Or perhaps desperate enough (me!) to try anything, even this one, to lose the perpetual excess pounds!

There's really so much information and wonderful insights that it's too overwhelming for me to sum it up.  But will go directly to what I was hoping to get when I started this book... guidelines!  This of course needs to be in conjunction with "Inquiry" which basically (meditation) tells you to sense your body, ask certain questions, find associations with the sensation to a feeling, disengage from and dispel The Voice (negative thoughts), pay attention to censored thoughts or feelings, and don't try to direct the inquiry with your mind.  So without further ado, here's The Eating Guidelines:

• Eat when you are hungry.
• Eat sitting down in a calm environment.
• Eat without distractions.  Distractions include radio, television, newspapers, books, intense or anxiety-producing conversations or music.
• Eat what your body wants.
• Eat until you are satisfied.
• Eat (with the intention of being) in full view of others.
• Eat with enjoyment, gusto and pleasure.

So what does this mean for me?  I'd like to go back to that I'll start tomorrow excuse but why not eat when you're hungry and feel what you're feeling when you're not (can't find her actual phrase at the moment) give it a try now!  Here goes something!!

The following "my quotables" (word I made up, apparently) might give you a sense of some of the things in the book.

**My quotables:
"Yes something is wrong, but it will not be fixed through losing weight." pg 33
"Compulsive eating is a way we distance ourselves from the way things are when they are not how we want them to be.  I tell them that ending the obsession with food is all about the capacity to stay in the present moment." pg 37
"Change happens not by hatred but by love." pg 121
"It's an axiom in both love and food that getting what you want is worlds apart from wanting what you can't get." pg 162
"When a diabetic tells me that she can't eat what she wants because what she wants will kill her (and therefore she feels deprived), my response is that what will kill her is wanting another life than the one she has, another condition than the one that is hers." pg 184