After finding a picture during his stay in Iraq, marine Logan Thibault, in the words of his fellow solider and superstitious best friend, Victor, "had found himself a lucky charm." Although Thibault didn't quite believe it himself, he felt as though it were his destiny to find the woman in the picture, with the urging of his friend after the numerous times Logan had stayed alive when it would have been more probable for him to have died. What his destiny with her was, he didn't know, but he was soon to find out.
I had to read this book for my book club, and been excited since I haven't read Nicholas Sparks in a few years, and I recalled that I liked his writing before. If it wasn't for the fact that this book was placed in North Carolina, had church-going, marine characters, and had his name on the front cover, I wouldn't have known it was Nicholas Sparks who wrote this book. Although it was pretty quick to read, I was extremely disappointed with it, and am now unsure of where I stand on him as an author. Much of the dialogue literally resembled the quality of dialogues I had written while I was in middle school, and the characters were flat, egoic, predictable, and stereotypical. The plot was mediocre, and predictable as well, and many scenes felt choppy, unedited and rushed, including the ending and epilogue. It was unclear whether Logan survived, especially with the line: "It was Logan's legacy to Ben, and as such it held special meaning for him." until he just was show more waiting for Elizabeth to come home from the cemetery, which maybe would have been suspenseful had it not been terribly written, and in the matter of Keith Clayton, what did the town or the Clayton family have to say afterwards? The epilogue in this story was useless. I would definitely not recommend anyone spending their time on this book. I wonder what Hollywood was thinking when they made this into a movie. (A movie I will not be seeing.) show less
I had to read this book for my book club, and been excited since I haven't read Nicholas Sparks in a few years, and I recalled that I liked his writing before. If it wasn't for the fact that this book was placed in North Carolina, had church-going, marine characters, and had his name on the front cover, I wouldn't have known it was Nicholas Sparks who wrote this book. Although it was pretty quick to read, I was extremely disappointed with it, and am now unsure of where I stand on him as an author. Much of the dialogue literally resembled the quality of dialogues I had written while I was in middle school, and the characters were flat, egoic, predictable, and stereotypical. The plot was mediocre, and predictable as well, and many scenes felt choppy, unedited and rushed, including the ending and epilogue. It was unclear whether Logan survived, especially with the line: "It was Logan's legacy to Ben, and as such it held special meaning for him." until he just was show more waiting for Elizabeth to come home from the cemetery, which maybe would have been suspenseful had it not been terribly written, and in the matter of Keith Clayton, what did the town or the Clayton family have to say afterwards? The epilogue in this story was useless. I would definitely not recommend anyone spending their time on this book. I wonder what Hollywood was thinking when they made this into a movie. (A movie I will not be seeing.) show less
The Energy of Love: Applying the Five Elements to Turn Attraction into True Connection by Leta Herman
This book describes the 5 Elemental Energy characteristics of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water that are rooted in Chinese Medicine, with techniques for creating and maintaining harmony in any relationship based on an explanation and acceptance of the traits typically associated with that person, even, and especially, if that person is yourself.
As Peter said, "This book reads like an online horoscope." It was quick and easy to read, albeit sometimes a bit too over-the-top with the enthusiasm and humor-attempts, but ultimately it opened my eyes to relax more, be completely authentic and true to myself, and accept others as they are. It is an easy-to-understand primer that has planted a seed of curiosity of Chinese Medicine and the Dao, and the knowledge both can offer.
As Peter said, "This book reads like an online horoscope." It was quick and easy to read, albeit sometimes a bit too over-the-top with the enthusiasm and humor-attempts, but ultimately it opened my eyes to relax more, be completely authentic and true to myself, and accept others as they are. It is an easy-to-understand primer that has planted a seed of curiosity of Chinese Medicine and the Dao, and the knowledge both can offer.
A cohesive collection of stories, exercises, and information with a mingling of ancient and modern wisdom for the understanding of the cyclical nature of womanhood and what it means for you physically, mentally, creatively, emotionally, sexually, energetically and spiritually.
I loved this book! I was drawn towards learning more about the aspects of my menstrual cycle outside of just the biology of it, and this book was so wonderful in doing just that! I now have a much deeper connection and view of my bleeding, as well as the other phases (before ovulation, during ovulation, before menstruation and during menstruation). I learned so much from this book, and the exercises were incredible! I've never had such intense and vivid visualizations before the ones I found here, and with the awareness of the energies of each phase I've found my magic, art and lifestyle greatly enhanced. I like the idea of the moon dials and can't wait to begin traditions to pass on to my future generations. This book is one I will be referring to often in my life, as well as passing its teachings, and its content on to my children, and any other women who are yearning to feel the sacred connection in depth! It fills me with longing for ritual and community with other moon sisters and mothers! I highly recommend this book!
I loved this book! I was drawn towards learning more about the aspects of my menstrual cycle outside of just the biology of it, and this book was so wonderful in doing just that! I now have a much deeper connection and view of my bleeding, as well as the other phases (before ovulation, during ovulation, before menstruation and during menstruation). I learned so much from this book, and the exercises were incredible! I've never had such intense and vivid visualizations before the ones I found here, and with the awareness of the energies of each phase I've found my magic, art and lifestyle greatly enhanced. I like the idea of the moon dials and can't wait to begin traditions to pass on to my future generations. This book is one I will be referring to often in my life, as well as passing its teachings, and its content on to my children, and any other women who are yearning to feel the sacred connection in depth! It fills me with longing for ritual and community with other moon sisters and mothers! I highly recommend this book!
The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Citadel Underground) by Timothy Leary
2.5 Stars
A guide for the use of psychedelics for an enlightenment, ego-release, or spiritual purpose based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
I have had such expansive and enlightening experiences in my life. These came through and to me in Divine Love and was without outer guidance of any sort. While I like the idea of this book existing for those who do not fully trust the path within, their higher consciousness, and All That Is, I found that most of what it was saying was unnecessary for me to read, as I have already passed through or beyond such “phases” in said, and other, experiences. However, I did like his mention of physically closing your ears to listen to the sounds that your body-processes make-that was a really interesting “meditation” that hasn’t occurred to me since childhood. I also like that he prepares you for simply flowing, rather than trying to grasp or interpret meanings until after the session, which I think enables you to have a clearer, more profound experience, and that he mentions grounding your body into the floor or the earth whenever it is necessary for you. I would like to someday have a guided or tribal setting experience with a harmonious community I trust, though this isn’t the book I’d want to have read to me, it could be a helpful aid to those who are deeply invested in ego games (as he describes it:”‘Games’ are behavioral sequences defined by roles, rules, rituals, goals, strategies, values, language, characteristic show more space-time locations and characteristic patterns of movement. Any behavior not having these nine features is non-game: this includes physiological reflexes, spontaneous play, and transcendent awareness.”) who are ready for a deeper life, though I think it would be enough to simply set up in a loving environment, and know that fear is never the way.
Note: I think a book like "The Power of Now" or "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle would be something wonderful to read in preparation instead of Timothy Leary's "The Psychedelic Experience", because it teaches ego-death, as well as "Nonresistance, Nonjudgement, Nonattachment" which are perfect "practices" to take into any instance of life, and he gives examples and other teachings that work in both a psychedelic and general life setting. These were the books that significantly brought awareness into my life.
Quotes from “The Psychedelic Experience”:
✦ “The specific reaction has little to do with the chemical and is chiefly a function of set and setting; preparation and environment. The better the preparation, the more ecstatic and revelatory the session.”
✦ “Flexibility, basic trust, religious faith, human openness, courage, interpersonal warmth, creativity are characteristics which allow for fun and easy learning.”
✦ “Remember the bliss of the Clear Light. Let it guide you through the visions of this experience. Let it guide you through your new life to come.”
✦ “The veil of routine perception will be torn from your eyes.”
✦ “Blissful passivity. Ecstatic, orgiastic, undulating unity. All worries and concerns wash away. All is gained as everything is given up. There is organic revelation. Every cell in your body is singing its song of freedom- the entire biological universe is in harmony, liberated from the censorship and control of you and your restricted ambitions.”
✦ “Dominating this ecstatic state is the feeling of intense love. You are a joyful part of all life. The memory of former delusions of self-hood and differentiation invokes exultant laughter.”
✦ “Beyond the light of life is the peaceful silence of the void. The quiet bliss beyond all transformations. The Buddha smile. The Void is not nothingness. The Void is beginning and end itself. Unobstructed; shining, thrilling, blissful. Diamond Consciousness.” show less
A guide for the use of psychedelics for an enlightenment, ego-release, or spiritual purpose based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
I have had such expansive and enlightening experiences in my life. These came through and to me in Divine Love and was without outer guidance of any sort. While I like the idea of this book existing for those who do not fully trust the path within, their higher consciousness, and All That Is, I found that most of what it was saying was unnecessary for me to read, as I have already passed through or beyond such “phases” in said, and other, experiences. However, I did like his mention of physically closing your ears to listen to the sounds that your body-processes make-that was a really interesting “meditation” that hasn’t occurred to me since childhood. I also like that he prepares you for simply flowing, rather than trying to grasp or interpret meanings until after the session, which I think enables you to have a clearer, more profound experience, and that he mentions grounding your body into the floor or the earth whenever it is necessary for you. I would like to someday have a guided or tribal setting experience with a harmonious community I trust, though this isn’t the book I’d want to have read to me, it could be a helpful aid to those who are deeply invested in ego games (as he describes it:”‘Games’ are behavioral sequences defined by roles, rules, rituals, goals, strategies, values, language, characteristic show more space-time locations and characteristic patterns of movement. Any behavior not having these nine features is non-game: this includes physiological reflexes, spontaneous play, and transcendent awareness.”) who are ready for a deeper life, though I think it would be enough to simply set up in a loving environment, and know that fear is never the way.
Note: I think a book like "The Power of Now" or "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle would be something wonderful to read in preparation instead of Timothy Leary's "The Psychedelic Experience", because it teaches ego-death, as well as "Nonresistance, Nonjudgement, Nonattachment" which are perfect "practices" to take into any instance of life, and he gives examples and other teachings that work in both a psychedelic and general life setting. These were the books that significantly brought awareness into my life.
Quotes from “The Psychedelic Experience”:
✦ “The specific reaction has little to do with the chemical and is chiefly a function of set and setting; preparation and environment. The better the preparation, the more ecstatic and revelatory the session.”
✦ “Flexibility, basic trust, religious faith, human openness, courage, interpersonal warmth, creativity are characteristics which allow for fun and easy learning.”
✦ “Remember the bliss of the Clear Light. Let it guide you through the visions of this experience. Let it guide you through your new life to come.”
✦ “The veil of routine perception will be torn from your eyes.”
✦ “Blissful passivity. Ecstatic, orgiastic, undulating unity. All worries and concerns wash away. All is gained as everything is given up. There is organic revelation. Every cell in your body is singing its song of freedom- the entire biological universe is in harmony, liberated from the censorship and control of you and your restricted ambitions.”
✦ “Dominating this ecstatic state is the feeling of intense love. You are a joyful part of all life. The memory of former delusions of self-hood and differentiation invokes exultant laughter.”
✦ “Beyond the light of life is the peaceful silence of the void. The quiet bliss beyond all transformations. The Buddha smile. The Void is not nothingness. The Void is beginning and end itself. Unobstructed; shining, thrilling, blissful. Diamond Consciousness.” show less
This is the account, in a form that seems to blend both an essay and a journal entry, of Aldous Huxley’s experience on mescaline.
Although I have never taken mescaline, I have had many spiritual experiences of higher consciousness, and of what he describes as the “Mind at Large”, and I have to say that this was a wonderful account of “suchness”, of “being”, of “awareness”, of spiritual reality, enlightenment, of “naked existence”. It was reassuring, and empowering, inspiring and vivid. What he was able to describe, and with such accuracy, was profound.
✦ “Embraced, the lovers desperately try to fuse their insulated ecstasies into a single self-transcendence; in vain. By its very nature every embodied spirit is doomed to suffer and enjoy in solitude. Sensations, feelings, insights, fancies-all these are private and, except through symbols and at second hand, incommunicable. We can pool information about experiences, but never the experiences themselves.”
✦ “However expressive, symbols can never be the things they stand for.”
✦ “He could never, poor fellow, have seen a bunch of flowers, shining with their own inner light and all but quivering under the pressure of the significance with which they were charged; could never have perceived that what rose and iris and carnation so intensely signified was nothing more, and nothing less, than what they were-a transience that was yet eternal life, a perpetual perishing that was at the same time show more pure Being, a bundle of minute, unique particulars in which, by some unspeakable and yet self-evident paradox, was to be seen the divine source of all existence.”
✦ “We can never dispense with language and the other symbol systems; for it is by means of them, and only by their means, that we have raised ourselves above the brutes, to the level of human beings. But we can easily become victims as well as the beneficiaries of these systems. We must learn how to handle words effectively; but at the same time we must preserve and, if necessary, intensify our ability to look at the world directly and not through the half opaque medium of concepts, which distorts every given fact into the all too familiar likeness of some generic label or explanatory abstraction.”
✦ “When we feel ourselves to be sole heirs of the universe, when ‘the sea flows in our veins…and the stars are our jewels,’ when all things are perceived as infinite and holy, what motive can we have for covetousness or self-assertion, for the pursuit of power or the drearier forms of pleasure?”
✦ “But the man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same as the man who went out. He will be wiser but less cocksure, happier but less self-satisfied, humbler in acknowledging his ignorance yet better equipped to understand the relationship of words to things, of systematic reasoning to the unfathomable Mystery which it tries, forever vainly, to comprehend.”
✦ “‘A gratuitous grace,’not necessary to salvation but potentially helpful and to be accepted thankfully, if made available. To be shaken out of the ruts of ordinary perception, to be shown for a few timeless hours the outer and inner world, not as they appear to an animal obsessed with survival or to a human being obsessed with words and notions, but as they are apprehended, directly and unconditionally, by Mind at Large-this is an experience of inestimable value.”
I will be reading this book again. show less
Although I have never taken mescaline, I have had many spiritual experiences of higher consciousness, and of what he describes as the “Mind at Large”, and I have to say that this was a wonderful account of “suchness”, of “being”, of “awareness”, of spiritual reality, enlightenment, of “naked existence”. It was reassuring, and empowering, inspiring and vivid. What he was able to describe, and with such accuracy, was profound.
✦ “Embraced, the lovers desperately try to fuse their insulated ecstasies into a single self-transcendence; in vain. By its very nature every embodied spirit is doomed to suffer and enjoy in solitude. Sensations, feelings, insights, fancies-all these are private and, except through symbols and at second hand, incommunicable. We can pool information about experiences, but never the experiences themselves.”
✦ “However expressive, symbols can never be the things they stand for.”
✦ “He could never, poor fellow, have seen a bunch of flowers, shining with their own inner light and all but quivering under the pressure of the significance with which they were charged; could never have perceived that what rose and iris and carnation so intensely signified was nothing more, and nothing less, than what they were-a transience that was yet eternal life, a perpetual perishing that was at the same time show more pure Being, a bundle of minute, unique particulars in which, by some unspeakable and yet self-evident paradox, was to be seen the divine source of all existence.”
✦ “We can never dispense with language and the other symbol systems; for it is by means of them, and only by their means, that we have raised ourselves above the brutes, to the level of human beings. But we can easily become victims as well as the beneficiaries of these systems. We must learn how to handle words effectively; but at the same time we must preserve and, if necessary, intensify our ability to look at the world directly and not through the half opaque medium of concepts, which distorts every given fact into the all too familiar likeness of some generic label or explanatory abstraction.”
✦ “When we feel ourselves to be sole heirs of the universe, when ‘the sea flows in our veins…and the stars are our jewels,’ when all things are perceived as infinite and holy, what motive can we have for covetousness or self-assertion, for the pursuit of power or the drearier forms of pleasure?”
✦ “But the man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same as the man who went out. He will be wiser but less cocksure, happier but less self-satisfied, humbler in acknowledging his ignorance yet better equipped to understand the relationship of words to things, of systematic reasoning to the unfathomable Mystery which it tries, forever vainly, to comprehend.”
✦ “‘A gratuitous grace,’not necessary to salvation but potentially helpful and to be accepted thankfully, if made available. To be shaken out of the ruts of ordinary perception, to be shown for a few timeless hours the outer and inner world, not as they appear to an animal obsessed with survival or to a human being obsessed with words and notions, but as they are apprehended, directly and unconditionally, by Mind at Large-this is an experience of inestimable value.”
I will be reading this book again. show less
These are 10 letters that Rainer Maria Rilke sent in reply to a young man who began the correspondence with regard to his own poetry's worth.
I would very much like to read more from this man. Many, many things that he said (though not all) were deeply-profound and affecting, one quote by him in particular was relevant and moving in my life right now, and so I am thankful to have been able to read such words as his. His perspective, even where mine differed, engaged me in deep and interesting thought.
"To express yourself, use the things that surround you, the pictures of your dreams and the objects of your recollections. When your daily life seems barren, do not blame it; blame yourself rather and tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for the creative worker knows no barrenness and no poor indifferent place."
"And when from this turning inwards, from this retreat into your own world, verses come into being, then you will not think of asking anyone, whether they are good verses."
"You cannot disturb [your course of development] more drastically than if you direct your thoughts outwards and expect from without the answer to questions which probably only your innermost feeling in the quietest hour of your life can answer."
"Attach yourself to Nature, to the simple and small in her, which hardly anyone sees, but which can so unexpectedly turn into the great and the immeasurable."
"Ripen like a tree which does not force its sap, but in the storms of show more spring stands confident without being afraid that afterwards no summer may come."
It makes me long for such meaningful correspondence with another, and I think that all artists should glimpse upon these words, for the book is short, but will last beyond the pages.
"And for the rest, let life happen to you. Believe me, life is right in every case." show less
I would very much like to read more from this man. Many, many things that he said (though not all) were deeply-profound and affecting, one quote by him in particular was relevant and moving in my life right now, and so I am thankful to have been able to read such words as his. His perspective, even where mine differed, engaged me in deep and interesting thought.
"To express yourself, use the things that surround you, the pictures of your dreams and the objects of your recollections. When your daily life seems barren, do not blame it; blame yourself rather and tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for the creative worker knows no barrenness and no poor indifferent place."
"And when from this turning inwards, from this retreat into your own world, verses come into being, then you will not think of asking anyone, whether they are good verses."
"You cannot disturb [your course of development] more drastically than if you direct your thoughts outwards and expect from without the answer to questions which probably only your innermost feeling in the quietest hour of your life can answer."
"Attach yourself to Nature, to the simple and small in her, which hardly anyone sees, but which can so unexpectedly turn into the great and the immeasurable."
"Ripen like a tree which does not force its sap, but in the storms of show more spring stands confident without being afraid that afterwards no summer may come."
It makes me long for such meaningful correspondence with another, and I think that all artists should glimpse upon these words, for the book is short, but will last beyond the pages.
"And for the rest, let life happen to you. Believe me, life is right in every case." show less
A short, young children’s book that identifies the colors white, blue, yellow, red, orange, brown, and black.
The description that I was given of this book: “In this new Kissing Hand board book, Audrey Penn brings us more maternal wisdom to solve another of early childhood’s little issues. Whether on a trip, in a restaurant or a store, children can become bored and fussy. Chester’s Favorite Game provides an activity that will entertain young children anywhere — finding things in many colors: White, blue, yellow, red, orange, brown, and black.” was misleading. I thought that this book would be more similar to an Eye Spy color-finding game, which it wasn’t. As a story, it was lacking immensely. It wasn’t very entertaining at all, and some of the colors aren’t shown as effectively as they could be.
The description that I was given of this book: “In this new Kissing Hand board book, Audrey Penn brings us more maternal wisdom to solve another of early childhood’s little issues. Whether on a trip, in a restaurant or a store, children can become bored and fussy. Chester’s Favorite Game provides an activity that will entertain young children anywhere — finding things in many colors: White, blue, yellow, red, orange, brown, and black.” was misleading. I thought that this book would be more similar to an Eye Spy color-finding game, which it wasn’t. As a story, it was lacking immensely. It wasn’t very entertaining at all, and some of the colors aren’t shown as effectively as they could be.
0 stars
A children's book to show that many religions pray.
This book had potential that I hope to find well executed someday. This book, however, was more of a list, that was lacking emotion, even in the artwork, and was missing many religions, like nature-based, or polytheistic religions. This book starts with: "Christians, Jews and Muslims all pray, and so do Hindus and Buddhists." It doesn't do anything informative or descriptive besides the labels, and stereotypical pictures, but includes a list in the back asking if you've ever wondered what "Jew" means and then defining it as: "A Jew is someone who follows Judaism, a 3,500 year-old religion based on the Torah, revealed to the prophet Moses on Mount Sinai. The holy book of the Jews is the Tanakh, which is made up of the Torah and other books of the Jewish prophets. A Jewish place of prayer is called a synagogue." As you can see this is not age appropriate, nor faith-informative, and so I would not recommend this book to anyone.
A children's book to show that many religions pray.
This book had potential that I hope to find well executed someday. This book, however, was more of a list, that was lacking emotion, even in the artwork, and was missing many religions, like nature-based, or polytheistic religions. This book starts with: "Christians, Jews and Muslims all pray, and so do Hindus and Buddhists." It doesn't do anything informative or descriptive besides the labels, and stereotypical pictures, but includes a list in the back asking if you've ever wondered what "Jew" means and then defining it as: "A Jew is someone who follows Judaism, a 3,500 year-old religion based on the Torah, revealed to the prophet Moses on Mount Sinai. The holy book of the Jews is the Tanakh, which is made up of the Torah and other books of the Jewish prophets. A Jewish place of prayer is called a synagogue." As you can see this is not age appropriate, nor faith-informative, and so I would not recommend this book to anyone.
0 stars
A book told mostly through the journal entries of an unhappy house wife who finds out that she is shallow through a quiz in Cosmopolitan. She can't accept this and so seeks out self-help books, and finds the one which guided her to start the journaling to find her Inner Goddess and true self.
The cover pulled me in, and the workbook aspect sounded like an interactive read, where we'd both go on our inner journeys "side-by-side", but this was not the case at all and I couldn't finish this book because it was comprised solely of the egoic, and of course, shallow complaints of the author, and is the most negative book I think I've ever read. Maybe she finds some peace and positivity in the end, I don't know, but I couldn't waste my joy and peace hearing this woman constantly and dramatically self-pitying, and putting down or dreading her children, among other hateful and ungrateful things. Examples: 1. "Does my Inner Goddess share the weight of this burden? If not, I'd like to go within, punch her in the face and then help myself to more peanut butter." 2. "My chemicals have managed to balance themselves out, so today can be handled with optimism and patience. Of course, my kids are still asleep so my sunny disposition is subject to change." Seriously? (And that was just between a page and half.) I decided to skim through the book, in hopes of finding more material from the workbook itself, but in doing so, I kept coming across the word "hangover" and knew it wasn't show more going to be a read that was "worth it" to me. show less
A book told mostly through the journal entries of an unhappy house wife who finds out that she is shallow through a quiz in Cosmopolitan. She can't accept this and so seeks out self-help books, and finds the one which guided her to start the journaling to find her Inner Goddess and true self.
The cover pulled me in, and the workbook aspect sounded like an interactive read, where we'd both go on our inner journeys "side-by-side", but this was not the case at all and I couldn't finish this book because it was comprised solely of the egoic, and of course, shallow complaints of the author, and is the most negative book I think I've ever read. Maybe she finds some peace and positivity in the end, I don't know, but I couldn't waste my joy and peace hearing this woman constantly and dramatically self-pitying, and putting down or dreading her children, among other hateful and ungrateful things. Examples: 1. "Does my Inner Goddess share the weight of this burden? If not, I'd like to go within, punch her in the face and then help myself to more peanut butter." 2. "My chemicals have managed to balance themselves out, so today can be handled with optimism and patience. Of course, my kids are still asleep so my sunny disposition is subject to change." Seriously? (And that was just between a page and half.) I decided to skim through the book, in hopes of finding more material from the workbook itself, but in doing so, I kept coming across the word "hangover" and knew it wasn't show more going to be a read that was "worth it" to me. show less
If you shall read but one series, let it be The Lord of the Rings.
If you shall read but one series, let it be The Lord of the Rings.
If you shall read but one series, let it be The Lord of the Rings.
If you shall read but one series, let it be The Lord of the Rings.
First, I have to say that the art in this book is beautiful! I immediately fell in love with it! The characters are so cute-Bearful Bear has such a personality, and the faun and trees were my favorite! (Although I had a difficult time trying to decide, since they all felt like my friends!) Even when it comes to the story, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I was having reading it, and reading it aloud! The word play and the rhyme makes it very enjoyable! There was guessing based on small hints in the pictures on which friend he would meet next, which wasn't even needed because the story alone made me want to groove along with Bearful Bear, but it was a really nice addition and made it that much more interactive!
Not only would I recommend this book, and want it for my (future) kids to read, but I'd also love to see more art by this illustrator (Marcie Ferron), as I think it'd be perfect for the nursery and the hobby/homeschooling room I plan on having in my home! Amazing work and so much fun.
Not only would I recommend this book, and want it for my (future) kids to read, but I'd also love to see more art by this illustrator (Marcie Ferron), as I think it'd be perfect for the nursery and the hobby/homeschooling room I plan on having in my home! Amazing work and so much fun.
1.5
Both photography and research, this book gives an in-depth look on the migrations of the Monarch Butterfly.
Although this book had incredible potential, there were many times I caught myself skimming past repetitive information, or uninspired quotes. I felt that Turley threw in every quote he found about butterflies, rather than just a selection of ones he felt were fitting and meaningful, and the page design for these was poorly executed. One of the quotes that he included was from National Geographic's take on this topic, which I honestly found myself wishing I had read instead. As for the topic writing, it seemed that every sentence was taken from one source or another, and made me feel as though this was just him stringing along others' sentences to form his own book.
While looking through his photography, I found myself taken aback by the absolute wonder and splendor of such a beautiful creature, but I also found myself wishing he'd have not included some of the photographs that he did, as I felt that they were mediocre at best, and seemed to take away from the breathtaking pieces that he had included. I also felt that some of the photographs were nearly identical, and imagined that he couldn't decide on which one to be included, and so, unprofessionally, threw both in. That said, I did enjoy the fact that he included the camera and lens information that he used for the shots, and I thought that the poem on the final page was well-chosen.
Both photography and research, this book gives an in-depth look on the migrations of the Monarch Butterfly.
Although this book had incredible potential, there were many times I caught myself skimming past repetitive information, or uninspired quotes. I felt that Turley threw in every quote he found about butterflies, rather than just a selection of ones he felt were fitting and meaningful, and the page design for these was poorly executed. One of the quotes that he included was from National Geographic's take on this topic, which I honestly found myself wishing I had read instead. As for the topic writing, it seemed that every sentence was taken from one source or another, and made me feel as though this was just him stringing along others' sentences to form his own book.
While looking through his photography, I found myself taken aback by the absolute wonder and splendor of such a beautiful creature, but I also found myself wishing he'd have not included some of the photographs that he did, as I felt that they were mediocre at best, and seemed to take away from the breathtaking pieces that he had included. I also felt that some of the photographs were nearly identical, and imagined that he couldn't decide on which one to be included, and so, unprofessionally, threw both in. That said, I did enjoy the fact that he included the camera and lens information that he used for the shots, and I thought that the poem on the final page was well-chosen.
Things have gone topsy-turvy in Townsville! The line between good and evil is blurring, and that which has always been is in question now.
This brought back so many memories! It was quirky, the story line was full and satisfying, and I was literally laughing out loud at some parts! I want to know what happens next!
This brought back so many memories! It was quirky, the story line was full and satisfying, and I was literally laughing out loud at some parts! I want to know what happens next!
This children's book introduces yoga poses to children in the form of the ABC's using short, rhyming descriptions and instructions of each colorful, illustrated pose.
This is an incredible book for families! The children in the illustrations are realistic, and diverse, which I feel helps all children with connecting with the those in the book! The illustrations are magical and colorful, and I was impressed with the way the author could effectively teach a child how to do a pose, in a way that didn't feel like learning, and all with a rhyming that didn't seem forced or overdone! Some of the poses were made-up, but all incorporated balance, relaxation, flexibility and/or strength. While looking through it, I could feel my younger self fill up with wonder and excitement with the discovery of new ways to move my body. I will definitely be purchasing this book for my (future) children! I think it'd be a wonderful book for them to read and incorporate on their own, and the enticing illustrations will do just that!
This is an incredible book for families! The children in the illustrations are realistic, and diverse, which I feel helps all children with connecting with the those in the book! The illustrations are magical and colorful, and I was impressed with the way the author could effectively teach a child how to do a pose, in a way that didn't feel like learning, and all with a rhyming that didn't seem forced or overdone! Some of the poses were made-up, but all incorporated balance, relaxation, flexibility and/or strength. While looking through it, I could feel my younger self fill up with wonder and excitement with the discovery of new ways to move my body. I will definitely be purchasing this book for my (future) children! I think it'd be a wonderful book for them to read and incorporate on their own, and the enticing illustrations will do just that!
Mindful Discipline: A Loving Approach to Setting Limits and Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by Shauna Shapiro PhD
There is no better way to describe this book, than using its quotes from within.
"The Mindful Discipline invites us to wholeheartedly meet our children, ourselves, and life, moment by moment."
"The Mindful Discipline approach is holistic, flexible, pragmatic, and most importantly, focused on long-term development more than short-term compliance."
If I could give this book more stars, I would. I think every person who is or will be a parent should read this, even 10 years in advance-it will change your life, and all of your relationships, including the one with yourself. I honestly wish that my mom had read this book, and I will be purchasing this for myself, every baby shower, expecting parent and all friends and family-it's that good, necessary even.
If you've ever visited my website (www.evolvingthread.com) you'd know that I honor, harmony, balance, transformation, wisdom, and Divine Oneness, and this book embodies it all! It provides real-to-life examples, research and practices in a book that I just couldn't put down and guarantee that I will pick up again and again! This book also uses incredibly wise, relevant, profound, simple and understandable metaphors that I absolutely loved! One of my favorites:
"Rather than thinking of your child as a stone to be sculpted...In a way, your child is like a plant. She starts out as a seed: full of potential, but undeveloped. If the seed receives the nourishment it needs, it will grow root, push its way out of the ground and develop show more through various phases: shoot, sapling and, eventually, a full grown tree that bears the fruit of maturity. (Neufeld 2004)
You, the parent, are like a gardener. Your role is to provide the nourishment needed in order for the plant to survive and thrive. If the plant's growth seems to be stalled you try first to understand what form of nourishment might be missing. More water? Which nutrients? Protection from other invasive species? A gardener knows that she can't simply shout at the plant to make it grow faster. Nor will pushing and pulling it result in a tree's maturing and bearing the fruit before it is time. Nature unfolds in its own way and its own time. We play an important role in our child's development, but it's not all up to us. Our job is to read our children's needs, do our best to provide the nourishment, and be patient. We must trust ourselves, our children, and the developmental process...The guiding premise isn't that our role as parents is to discern what nourishment is needed, moment by moment, and to provide the nourishment that nature needs to bloom our children into their full potential. We offer this book to support you in becoming the most trustworthy, flexible and intuitive gardener-parent you can be."
This book is one of my favorites I've ever read. The cover is as beautiful as it is enticing. I immediately knew this book would be important in my life without having read a single part of the description. Some other things that I enjoyed in the book: I loved that in "Mindfulness Awareness Practice # 7: Body Scan" that the crown chakra was actively used, without ever being mentioned by name, which I think makes this book perfect and accessible to people of all paths, practices and states of consciousness. I also enjoyed the way the authors broke this practice down. I've seen many versions of this and this was the most simple and effective one I've come across. I also loved the "Mindful Awareness Practice #14: Wise Elder Visualization." It is original and is now my go-to practice in any situation that I find stressful or difficult. I had tears reading Shauna's beach story, and have never felt more pull towards wanting to start my own family than the desire I felt completing it. Many times I stopped reading, called in Peter, and read passages to him. He enjoyed them so much that he asked me if he could read aloud to me, and did so with a grin on his face the entire time. We'd pause, sparked by the immense wisdom, and would have wonderful discussions and visualizations of our future family together, and then we'd eagerly turn back to reading more!
This is the honestly the hardest book review I've had to write, because it's that remarkable and important. There is so much more I want to add, but especially I want to add a thank you to the authors for writing it. I am so grateful for the existence of this book-it will bring harmony to the world. show less
"The Mindful Discipline invites us to wholeheartedly meet our children, ourselves, and life, moment by moment."
"The Mindful Discipline approach is holistic, flexible, pragmatic, and most importantly, focused on long-term development more than short-term compliance."
If I could give this book more stars, I would. I think every person who is or will be a parent should read this, even 10 years in advance-it will change your life, and all of your relationships, including the one with yourself. I honestly wish that my mom had read this book, and I will be purchasing this for myself, every baby shower, expecting parent and all friends and family-it's that good, necessary even.
If you've ever visited my website (www.evolvingthread.com) you'd know that I honor, harmony, balance, transformation, wisdom, and Divine Oneness, and this book embodies it all! It provides real-to-life examples, research and practices in a book that I just couldn't put down and guarantee that I will pick up again and again! This book also uses incredibly wise, relevant, profound, simple and understandable metaphors that I absolutely loved! One of my favorites:
"Rather than thinking of your child as a stone to be sculpted...In a way, your child is like a plant. She starts out as a seed: full of potential, but undeveloped. If the seed receives the nourishment it needs, it will grow root, push its way out of the ground and develop show more through various phases: shoot, sapling and, eventually, a full grown tree that bears the fruit of maturity. (Neufeld 2004)
You, the parent, are like a gardener. Your role is to provide the nourishment needed in order for the plant to survive and thrive. If the plant's growth seems to be stalled you try first to understand what form of nourishment might be missing. More water? Which nutrients? Protection from other invasive species? A gardener knows that she can't simply shout at the plant to make it grow faster. Nor will pushing and pulling it result in a tree's maturing and bearing the fruit before it is time. Nature unfolds in its own way and its own time. We play an important role in our child's development, but it's not all up to us. Our job is to read our children's needs, do our best to provide the nourishment, and be patient. We must trust ourselves, our children, and the developmental process...The guiding premise isn't that our role as parents is to discern what nourishment is needed, moment by moment, and to provide the nourishment that nature needs to bloom our children into their full potential. We offer this book to support you in becoming the most trustworthy, flexible and intuitive gardener-parent you can be."
This book is one of my favorites I've ever read. The cover is as beautiful as it is enticing. I immediately knew this book would be important in my life without having read a single part of the description. Some other things that I enjoyed in the book: I loved that in "Mindfulness Awareness Practice # 7: Body Scan" that the crown chakra was actively used, without ever being mentioned by name, which I think makes this book perfect and accessible to people of all paths, practices and states of consciousness. I also enjoyed the way the authors broke this practice down. I've seen many versions of this and this was the most simple and effective one I've come across. I also loved the "Mindful Awareness Practice #14: Wise Elder Visualization." It is original and is now my go-to practice in any situation that I find stressful or difficult. I had tears reading Shauna's beach story, and have never felt more pull towards wanting to start my own family than the desire I felt completing it. Many times I stopped reading, called in Peter, and read passages to him. He enjoyed them so much that he asked me if he could read aloud to me, and did so with a grin on his face the entire time. We'd pause, sparked by the immense wisdom, and would have wonderful discussions and visualizations of our future family together, and then we'd eagerly turn back to reading more!
This is the honestly the hardest book review I've had to write, because it's that remarkable and important. There is so much more I want to add, but especially I want to add a thank you to the authors for writing it. I am so grateful for the existence of this book-it will bring harmony to the world. show less
A children's book about deeds children can do in their community.
Although this book was filled with many positive messages (such as composting, tree planting, recycling, and donating) and adorable full page artwork, I wouldn't buy it for my (future) children, or for anyone, and here's why. I am a raw, vegan Sunfoodist, and so I don't eat SAD (or the Standard American Diet-and there's a reason it's labelled this way so that it spells the word SAD-depression and anxiety levels rising nationally every year? Hmm...) and neither will my children. Because I know that eating whole grains, carrots, and sweet corn (especially since it is primarily GMO) are harmful for your body, with most of the world ignorant to this, I understand its placement, however I do not, and will not condone it. It also mentions fresh eggs, which again, as part of the SAD it isn't recognized for what it is-part of an extremely cruel process, with the literal disposal and murder of male chicks, hormone usage, murder of the female chickens once they stop producing eggs, and the cruel "living" environment, no matter how "free-range" commercial companies would like to say they are (and many won't even say that they are because their chickens live in cages that are too small for them, in environments that are unnatural, not sunlit, and cement.) This story also mentions much junk food like cupcakes, cookies multiple times, and sprinkles (do you even realize what is in sprinkles and how it effects your body?) show more Another negative is the multiple mentions of grandparents, that many children don't have. I think was an unnecessary additive, and I didn't like some of their word usage such as "spectabulous."
That said, I liked the inclusion of a handicapped child, as well as the mention of overseas schools, because although I don't agree with the implemented school system, especially in this country, I liked that it brings awareness to the global community. Some other things that I liked: how the tomato says in a blurb "Am I a veggie or a fruit?" (because it opens up learning beyond what'd you think to get out of this book), when it said "happy things happen when hearts shine with love", and how when the boy dreams at night of what he'd like to be when he grows up, it isn't stereotypical. He dreams of becoming an inventor, or farmer, or teacher or author and I thought that was saying a lot. show less
Although this book was filled with many positive messages (such as composting, tree planting, recycling, and donating) and adorable full page artwork, I wouldn't buy it for my (future) children, or for anyone, and here's why. I am a raw, vegan Sunfoodist, and so I don't eat SAD (or the Standard American Diet-and there's a reason it's labelled this way so that it spells the word SAD-depression and anxiety levels rising nationally every year? Hmm...) and neither will my children. Because I know that eating whole grains, carrots, and sweet corn (especially since it is primarily GMO) are harmful for your body, with most of the world ignorant to this, I understand its placement, however I do not, and will not condone it. It also mentions fresh eggs, which again, as part of the SAD it isn't recognized for what it is-part of an extremely cruel process, with the literal disposal and murder of male chicks, hormone usage, murder of the female chickens once they stop producing eggs, and the cruel "living" environment, no matter how "free-range" commercial companies would like to say they are (and many won't even say that they are because their chickens live in cages that are too small for them, in environments that are unnatural, not sunlit, and cement.) This story also mentions much junk food like cupcakes, cookies multiple times, and sprinkles (do you even realize what is in sprinkles and how it effects your body?) show more Another negative is the multiple mentions of grandparents, that many children don't have. I think was an unnecessary additive, and I didn't like some of their word usage such as "spectabulous."
That said, I liked the inclusion of a handicapped child, as well as the mention of overseas schools, because although I don't agree with the implemented school system, especially in this country, I liked that it brings awareness to the global community. Some other things that I liked: how the tomato says in a blurb "Am I a veggie or a fruit?" (because it opens up learning beyond what'd you think to get out of this book), when it said "happy things happen when hearts shine with love", and how when the boy dreams at night of what he'd like to be when he grows up, it isn't stereotypical. He dreams of becoming an inventor, or farmer, or teacher or author and I thought that was saying a lot. show less
This book shines light on many patterns of behavior and thinking that lead “Earth Angels” to circumstances such as toxic relationships where they are taken advantage of, as well as why they’re not reaching their dreams, with many listed ways for handling these situations.
I have Doreen Virtue’s “Healing with the Fairies” Oracle Cards, which spontaneously came into my life over the summer and have been one of the most powerful transformative aids I’ve ever had, and I am an empath, so not only did I really want to connect with this book, but I had high hopes for what lay within. So, I must say that while reading this book, many times I felt disappointed by its contents. I felt as though the author had many “hit or miss” statements, at least in the way she went about her descriptions. I think that in order for people, many of whom are ruled by their ego, to identify with this book, she speaks inclusively generic, and exerts a lot of negativity into the book, which, while reading, would shift my energy levels up and down. I understand that she was trying to bring attention to the negative ways for many Earth Angels who exist on this planet, but rather than be life-affirming, many times it became too bogged down in repetitive, over-description of these negative habits, and so as reading as one who who is highly sensitive, and the audience to which she is writing to, (in her words: Earth Angels are so attuned to energy. We can feel when others are stressed, show more angry, sad, or uncomfortable. Their emotional energy affects us directly.”) I’m not sure if this set-up is as effective as it could be, and it wasn’t completely “feel-good”. While reading books, I keep a journal and this is an excerpt from my entry for this book: “A lot is unnecessary and drags or repeats. This book could have been worded more fully and in less words so that it would be more positively and powerfully affecting, rather than negativity-affirming to scoop those in ego to listen…If they don’t go further than the beginning, she may have very likely done more harm than good.” That said, I think that everyone will find something in this book if they are willing to dig through sand piles to find some gems. The ending is much better than the beginning, I felt a definite shift in her voice, and much more wisdom here. I have been healing with trees for as long as I can remember, so I liked that this practice was recognized and included in this book for others to connect and benefit with.
A few quotes I enjoyed or thought that others would benefit from reading:
“Each time you practice a new behavior, it becomes easier and more natural.”
“When you say no, you’re modeling healthy behavior for others. Part of the reason why they may react angrily toward you is because it’s never occurred to them that they could say no to unreasonable demands put upon their own time…Don’t feel like you have to explain why you’re saying no, though. The more you explain why, the more leverage the other person has, which he or she can use to manipulate you into changing that no into a yes.”
“A gift out of guilt is tainted with toxic energies.”
“When an Earth Angel steps in and rescues someone who’s capable of rescuing him-or herself, this is called enabling. It means that you’re taking away someone’s opportunity to grow and learn.”
“If they would put half the energy they expend arguing for what they can’t do toward arguing in favor of what they can do, then they would be well on their way to living their dream lives.”
“When you complain, are you looking for sympathy or solutions? The honest answer to this question can help reveal hidden fears of which you were unaware.”
“Your body is one of the most accurate divination tools on this physical plane. It is a crystal that resonates with energy vibrations.”
“Not even God can intervene when someone has made a freewill choice to suffer, or perform a hurtful deed.”
“By focusing on other people’s dramas, you attract drama into your own life.”
“It’s time to stop playing ‘little’! Your life purpose could be the one to change the world and save the entire planet…Power comes from God, plain and simple. Since you can never be detached from this power, no one can block you from it-that is, unless you give it away. Giving your power away means that you wait to get permission from someone else before following through on your inner guidance…All it takes is for you to recognize and assume your power and it’s automatically enacted, to the point where you’re aware of it and appreciate it.”
Overall, this book wasn’t horrible- I found a few phrases worth reading and would probably share with someone who was still in the grasp of their ego. show less
I have Doreen Virtue’s “Healing with the Fairies” Oracle Cards, which spontaneously came into my life over the summer and have been one of the most powerful transformative aids I’ve ever had, and I am an empath, so not only did I really want to connect with this book, but I had high hopes for what lay within. So, I must say that while reading this book, many times I felt disappointed by its contents. I felt as though the author had many “hit or miss” statements, at least in the way she went about her descriptions. I think that in order for people, many of whom are ruled by their ego, to identify with this book, she speaks inclusively generic, and exerts a lot of negativity into the book, which, while reading, would shift my energy levels up and down. I understand that she was trying to bring attention to the negative ways for many Earth Angels who exist on this planet, but rather than be life-affirming, many times it became too bogged down in repetitive, over-description of these negative habits, and so as reading as one who who is highly sensitive, and the audience to which she is writing to, (in her words: Earth Angels are so attuned to energy. We can feel when others are stressed, show more angry, sad, or uncomfortable. Their emotional energy affects us directly.”) I’m not sure if this set-up is as effective as it could be, and it wasn’t completely “feel-good”. While reading books, I keep a journal and this is an excerpt from my entry for this book: “A lot is unnecessary and drags or repeats. This book could have been worded more fully and in less words so that it would be more positively and powerfully affecting, rather than negativity-affirming to scoop those in ego to listen…If they don’t go further than the beginning, she may have very likely done more harm than good.” That said, I think that everyone will find something in this book if they are willing to dig through sand piles to find some gems. The ending is much better than the beginning, I felt a definite shift in her voice, and much more wisdom here. I have been healing with trees for as long as I can remember, so I liked that this practice was recognized and included in this book for others to connect and benefit with.
A few quotes I enjoyed or thought that others would benefit from reading:
“Each time you practice a new behavior, it becomes easier and more natural.”
“When you say no, you’re modeling healthy behavior for others. Part of the reason why they may react angrily toward you is because it’s never occurred to them that they could say no to unreasonable demands put upon their own time…Don’t feel like you have to explain why you’re saying no, though. The more you explain why, the more leverage the other person has, which he or she can use to manipulate you into changing that no into a yes.”
“A gift out of guilt is tainted with toxic energies.”
“When an Earth Angel steps in and rescues someone who’s capable of rescuing him-or herself, this is called enabling. It means that you’re taking away someone’s opportunity to grow and learn.”
“If they would put half the energy they expend arguing for what they can’t do toward arguing in favor of what they can do, then they would be well on their way to living their dream lives.”
“When you complain, are you looking for sympathy or solutions? The honest answer to this question can help reveal hidden fears of which you were unaware.”
“Your body is one of the most accurate divination tools on this physical plane. It is a crystal that resonates with energy vibrations.”
“Not even God can intervene when someone has made a freewill choice to suffer, or perform a hurtful deed.”
“By focusing on other people’s dramas, you attract drama into your own life.”
“It’s time to stop playing ‘little’! Your life purpose could be the one to change the world and save the entire planet…Power comes from God, plain and simple. Since you can never be detached from this power, no one can block you from it-that is, unless you give it away. Giving your power away means that you wait to get permission from someone else before following through on your inner guidance…All it takes is for you to recognize and assume your power and it’s automatically enacted, to the point where you’re aware of it and appreciate it.”
Overall, this book wasn’t horrible- I found a few phrases worth reading and would probably share with someone who was still in the grasp of their ego. show less
3.5 Stars
This is the story of Melchior, a man who's story starts in his childhood in a poor town as a rug-maker, with his family, and the trials that bring adulthood, his destined profession as a magi, and his Faith. It tells the story of the birth in Bethlemhem, through the eyes of one of the "Three Wise Men".
This is a simple story that only took me two hours to finish, but it held my attention the entire time. Although it is definitely a work of fiction, it was a loving tale, and with the exception of a few ill-fitting statements, one seemingly forced/unnatural conversation between Melchior and Reta, and a jump in time that was not adequately transitioned (but was made up for with the story that followed), I greatly enjoyed the voice of the main character, and narrator, Melchior, and the way that he spoke. The characters were really well done for such a short book, and there were some really honest and touching lines that I loved. I probably wouldn't buy this to read again, but I like the way it feels in the air after it has ended.
This is the story of Melchior, a man who's story starts in his childhood in a poor town as a rug-maker, with his family, and the trials that bring adulthood, his destined profession as a magi, and his Faith. It tells the story of the birth in Bethlemhem, through the eyes of one of the "Three Wise Men".
This is a simple story that only took me two hours to finish, but it held my attention the entire time. Although it is definitely a work of fiction, it was a loving tale, and with the exception of a few ill-fitting statements, one seemingly forced/unnatural conversation between Melchior and Reta, and a jump in time that was not adequately transitioned (but was made up for with the story that followed), I greatly enjoyed the voice of the main character, and narrator, Melchior, and the way that he spoke. The characters were really well done for such a short book, and there were some really honest and touching lines that I loved. I probably wouldn't buy this to read again, but I like the way it feels in the air after it has ended.
A detailed account of a journalist's adventure from Germany to Antarctica without spending any of his own money.
I read this book this morning in just a few hours, and while I learned a few things geographically and met quite a few interesting people, it wasn't a book that I'd recommend anyone take the time to read. The writing was very simple, and many times I thought that Michael Webbe went over-the-top either, for example, in getting into a fight with his bus driver in South America, or especially by selfishly taking from people, who often times had little themselves, for the sake of this book project, when he is carrying his German credit card on him with money from his many television shows, and books, among other sources of income. I found myself pushing on for its conclusion, only for the sake of writing this review.
I read this book this morning in just a few hours, and while I learned a few things geographically and met quite a few interesting people, it wasn't a book that I'd recommend anyone take the time to read. The writing was very simple, and many times I thought that Michael Webbe went over-the-top either, for example, in getting into a fight with his bus driver in South America, or especially by selfishly taking from people, who often times had little themselves, for the sake of this book project, when he is carrying his German credit card on him with money from his many television shows, and books, among other sources of income. I found myself pushing on for its conclusion, only for the sake of writing this review.
This was the story from the point of view of an eleven year old girl, Kristen, who had to spend the weekdays of her summer vacation at a retirement facility because she stole bricks from her neighbor. She convinced her friends Amber, Joshua and Jessica to join her, and it tells the story of their time that summer at the home, and the stories they heard from a friend they made there, Miss Linda.
Before I get to the content of the book, I want to say that my copy had many spelling errors, and physically 9 pages just fell out of the binding of the book.
In terms of content, this book would best suit children between the ages of 8-13. It was from the point of view of an eleven year old, so the writing was very informal, made up mostly of attempts at humor, especially right after something serious, which I didn't think was very effective, or something that should be taught. This book is also extremely Christian-religion based, which I felt should have been mentioned somewhere on the back of the book. In the beginning it was only occasional references to God, but the ending was made completely up of said religion, including references and quotes to Bible scripture and story, and just the faith in general, for example: "Children aren't ours to keep, they are ours to raise; God entrusts them to us. We are to raise them as best we can. Teaching and admonishing them to fear and trust the Lord." With the failed attempts at humor, and preaching throughout the book, I can't say I'd show more recommend this book to anyone, even those who follow the faith, although I suppose having the main character find her love of God at the end may inspire some parents to want to give it to their children to read, if they're trying to convert them to Christianity, although there are probably more effective, and less predictable, books for this. (Or, better yet, you could embody what you'd like your children to practice, rather than just preaching, because they learn more from your actions than your words.) show less
Before I get to the content of the book, I want to say that my copy had many spelling errors, and physically 9 pages just fell out of the binding of the book.
In terms of content, this book would best suit children between the ages of 8-13. It was from the point of view of an eleven year old, so the writing was very informal, made up mostly of attempts at humor, especially right after something serious, which I didn't think was very effective, or something that should be taught. This book is also extremely Christian-religion based, which I felt should have been mentioned somewhere on the back of the book. In the beginning it was only occasional references to God, but the ending was made completely up of said religion, including references and quotes to Bible scripture and story, and just the faith in general, for example: "Children aren't ours to keep, they are ours to raise; God entrusts them to us. We are to raise them as best we can. Teaching and admonishing them to fear and trust the Lord." With the failed attempts at humor, and preaching throughout the book, I can't say I'd show more recommend this book to anyone, even those who follow the faith, although I suppose having the main character find her love of God at the end may inspire some parents to want to give it to their children to read, if they're trying to convert them to Christianity, although there are probably more effective, and less predictable, books for this. (Or, better yet, you could embody what you'd like your children to practice, rather than just preaching, because they learn more from your actions than your words.) show less
"The Lost Sisterhood" entwines parallel stories, the first is of a young woman, Diana, eager to learn more about both the Amazons, and about the grandmother she loved who disappeared, and the second is the story of a young woman, Myrina, who was an Amazon in the time of the fall of Troy. These are the stories of the dangers, and discoveries they both encounter along the way.
"Although it was already summer, Earth was in no hurry to unveil her splendors before the approach of the Sun; not until he reached out with golden fingers, reminding her of the heat of his touch, did she shed the final layer and welcome him back with a burst of birdsong."
This book was marvelous and magical, just dripping with mythology! The parallels are supremely executed separately and finely woven together, it is a beautifully crafted, captivating and alluring tale I couldn't put down! I am in love! It's sexy, suspenseful, romantic, adventurous and liberating! I found myself holding my breath, laughing aloud and squealing so many times throughout my reading of it! I could not believe just how full it is-it is all I could think and talk about the last 2 days, and I know it will linger long after I've set it down, because it leaves intoxicating air in its wake. This is a new favorite, and I look forward to reading more of her books. Anne Fortier is an incredible storyteller!
"Although it was already summer, Earth was in no hurry to unveil her splendors before the approach of the Sun; not until he reached out with golden fingers, reminding her of the heat of his touch, did she shed the final layer and welcome him back with a burst of birdsong."
This book was marvelous and magical, just dripping with mythology! The parallels are supremely executed separately and finely woven together, it is a beautifully crafted, captivating and alluring tale I couldn't put down! I am in love! It's sexy, suspenseful, romantic, adventurous and liberating! I found myself holding my breath, laughing aloud and squealing so many times throughout my reading of it! I could not believe just how full it is-it is all I could think and talk about the last 2 days, and I know it will linger long after I've set it down, because it leaves intoxicating air in its wake. This is a new favorite, and I look forward to reading more of her books. Anne Fortier is an incredible storyteller!
The Remembering Process: A Surprising (and Fun) Breakthrough New Way to Amazing Creativity by Daniel Barrett
4.5 Stars
This book describes a process of thinking, "The Remembering Process", that is aligned with the Law of Attraction and manifestation, for making your "best life" the life you are living now, filled with creativity and peace.
This book was highly inspiring and empowering! I dove right in, and have already shared it with the ones I love! It is loaded with wisdom from the authors and from many others, including Einstein.
In their own words: "In a world as relative as the one we are speaking of, we have the responsibility to scan and hold fast to the most empowering version of the truth that we can discern at any given moment." This is that book, and I recommend it to anyone.
(The only reason it didn't get the full amount of stars is due to the fact that I, having much experience in similar concepts, and this being a more powerful addition to what I was already doing in visualization, magic, and positive manifestation, adopted the process early on, and therefore a lot of it was repetitive, or unnecessary explanation for me, but it's a jumping-off point for many, and for you, it could be completely perfect. I highly recommend it!)
This book describes a process of thinking, "The Remembering Process", that is aligned with the Law of Attraction and manifestation, for making your "best life" the life you are living now, filled with creativity and peace.
This book was highly inspiring and empowering! I dove right in, and have already shared it with the ones I love! It is loaded with wisdom from the authors and from many others, including Einstein.
In their own words: "In a world as relative as the one we are speaking of, we have the responsibility to scan and hold fast to the most empowering version of the truth that we can discern at any given moment." This is that book, and I recommend it to anyone.
(The only reason it didn't get the full amount of stars is due to the fact that I, having much experience in similar concepts, and this being a more powerful addition to what I was already doing in visualization, magic, and positive manifestation, adopted the process early on, and therefore a lot of it was repetitive, or unnecessary explanation for me, but it's a jumping-off point for many, and for you, it could be completely perfect. I highly recommend it!)
This is a memoir of a woman who built her own home, within the allowed travel size of 8.5 ft x 13.5 ft, downsizing everything she thought she needed, and rediscovering the "small" things in life, that often mean the most.
This story was written in an almost-addictive ramble that resembles a pen pal letter. I listened, intent most of the time, as I got a peek into the life of another person on this planet. She feels like a friend, someone I may reflect on from time to time if roused out of memory from this relatively quick read. She made me laugh, and reminded me of why I can't wait to move out and live more harmoniously aligned with nature, although some of her perspectives I wasn't really fond of. It's one of the first memoirs I've read since I became an adult, and after reading this I think I'd like to find another (although maybe more spiritual, but that's just me.)
This story was written in an almost-addictive ramble that resembles a pen pal letter. I listened, intent most of the time, as I got a peek into the life of another person on this planet. She feels like a friend, someone I may reflect on from time to time if roused out of memory from this relatively quick read. She made me laugh, and reminded me of why I can't wait to move out and live more harmoniously aligned with nature, although some of her perspectives I wasn't really fond of. It's one of the first memoirs I've read since I became an adult, and after reading this I think I'd like to find another (although maybe more spiritual, but that's just me.)