Book 10

Book 10: Living Green A Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability by Greg Horn

The month of November has flown by very quickly.
If you are looking for a lite quick read OR a book to help you make some big or little changes quickly, this is a great book for you.

Simple and resourceful. The author gives lots of insight on places, people, opportunities, organizations, and businesses involved in sustainable and simple green living.

Sustainable Health, Home, and Future are the three Parts/Chapters of the book.

His personal story is an interesting to read too. He was a former CEO of GNC who is now the CEO of Garden of Life.

Happy Reading!

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 9

Book 9: Food Rules by Michael Pollan

I LOVE reading books about health. Especially, ones that give great practical advice that I can
adapt quickly into my life. Simplicity is key for me. This next book is that type of book.

Michael Pollan (an author who was involved with the making of Food, Inc.)
has given the world a book called "FOOD RULES an eater's manual".

I have been reading this 140 page book randomly (not cover to cover).

Couple of my favorite tips so far are:
#26 (out of 64) Drink the spinach water. (I just made spinach yesterday and drained it. Then I read this tip today and realized "duh, that makes perfect sense!"He mentions in the book that the water cooked with spinach will be rich in vitamins and other healthy ingredients; he recommends reusing the water in a soup, other recipe, or drink it.)

#21 It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (e.g., Think big Mac, Cheetos, Pringles, etc.)

#10 Avoid foods that are pretending to be something they are not. (e.g., imitation butter, margarine)

#7 Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third- grader cannot pronounce.

AND LAST

#64 Break the rules once in awhile. (I like this ending because it removes the pressure and encourages the balance needed in life and our relationship with food). The author discouraged obessing about all the "food rules".

Quick daily read. Devotional - style lay out.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 8

Book 8: Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

While watching an interview done at Comic Con 2010, Kathy Reichs was asked to join in on the stage. It was at that moment I took notice of Kathy Reichs (who is the inspired author for the show "Bones").

After the interview, I wrote on my closest girlfriend's facebook profile,

"Hey, I got a new book for us to read."

We both agreed this would be the next book we read together. It seemed so appropriate considering our mutual love for the show. (Be warned, the book is NOT like the show, even though the main character has the same name).

My dear friend (I call her my soul sister) and I have been reading books together, and then discussing them for the past several years. When she lived near, we would meet up after work and spend hours at the local book stores chatting, decompressing from our day, and trying to decide which book we would read next (sometimes different books). Miss those days.

So, this book 8 reading is dedicated to her! Hope it is a good one!


Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 7

Book 7: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn


This book entered my life by way of recommendation (Dr. Knox).
I can not wait to read it!

It is known as one of those books to challenge the way I, as
an individual, see the world. Especially, when it comes to my
relationship with the environment.

The writing style is quick, conversational, and easy to read
in a weekend.

Hope you get the opportunity to read it.


Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 6

Book 6: Change your Brain, Change your Body by Daniel Amen, M.D.


Why this book?
I want to be more healthy.

How long will it take to read it?
Long time! Taking it very slow.


When will I give a full review?
After the last page.


Who referred it to me?
My wonderful extremely healthy Grandmother.

Do I recommend it now for everyone?
Yes and No.
Yes, to those who desire to learn and apply what they learn.
No, to those who are looking for a quick fix, weight loss solution.

This book is about overall and everyday health. Dry but helpful.


Cheers,
Stephanie

Movie: EAT PRAY LOVE

Movie Review: EAT PRAY LOVE
4.8 Stars

Let's face it.... some movies (most movies) are just not as good as the books!
Yes! It is true.

However,

I saw this movie TWICE and I do not believe the statement above is true for this book.
I do find that the movie holds true to the book in many ways. I enjoyed viewing it first with
my grandmother and again with a beloved friend (who is more of an avid reader than I am).

There are many critiques against this book for many different reasons. I say "to each their own!"

I loved it!!! Of course, I am of the belief that I can enjoy something even if I do not agree with it 100%.


Watch Trailer Here

Cheers,

Stephanie

Book 5

Book 5: Who's Pushing Your Buttons by Dr. John Townsend


I believe in this world EVERYONE has someone in their life at some point in time that is difficult to be in relations with. My husband was given this book as a recommendation to read and he asked me to get a copy so we can read it together and then discuss the topics.

Just for the record, this author is on my list of favorites. I have MANY of his books and his partner Dr. Henry Cloud. (Authors of the book: Boundaries)

I expect nothing less than great practical advice and a greater understanding on this topic. In my opinion, there is always room for growth and opportunities to better oneself for the enhancement of the many relationships we all come in contact with on a daily basis.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 3 Review : Part 1

Book 3 Review: Part 1
Book Three: Eat, Pray, Love
Results: TBA
Published: 2006

This book is 3 books in one. The author labels the books by the countries she visits: Italy, India, and Indonesia.

Italy: The Pursuit of Pleasure
India: The Pursuit of Devotion
Indonesia: The Pursuit of Balance

One of the most intriguing parts (to me) about the first book "Italy" is the authors pursuit of pleasure includes her desire to learn the language. She actually goes there specifically to learn Italian and does very well in my opinion. There are three languages I hope to be fluent in in ten years starting in 2011 (Tagalog, French, and Spanish). Therefore, I found great connection and encouragement from this authors passion, persistence, dedication, and success in learning Italian.

There is history, culture, and FOOD involved in her story. It seems to be the beginning of relational, spiritual, and emotional healing for this woman, as well as, self discovery. She is artistic in her descriptions and sometimes a little too descriptive if you know what I mean (hint: foul language in multiple languages).

Looking forward to reading about her Journey through India.
Final rating of this book will be on Book 3 Review: Part 3.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 4 Intro & Review

Book 4 Intro & Results
Book 4: I am NOT a Cop! A Novel by Richard Belzer
Review: 3 Stars


This book is one of the books I listed in the "Other books I am currently reading this month" list.
I ended up finishing it before I will finish Eat, Pray, Love so I thought I would blog about it while waiting to review the other.

Law & Order: SVU is one of the most popular shows of the Law & Order Series. It is my personal favorite too, which is why I was initially drawn to this book. The author of this book is Detective John Munch in Law & Order: SVU.

His dry sense of humor, conversational writing style, and story line is part of what makes this book a good read. The only deterrents for me are the bad language. I am not a person who likes to read foul language in my books. I was not aware this book had it. Being that the author is very detailed the story line, the investigation takes a while to get really going, but towards the end it picks up. Totally predicable - but nonetheless, a fun, light read. It is a mystery any fan of Law & Order can solve.


Cheers,
Stephanie


P.S. - Click on the picture to be linked to Amazon and read a sample. His other books will be listed. B.T.W. I recommend the paperback version - it is cheaper.

Book 3

Book 3: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert


As I started reading this book last night I realized it is going to be a pleasurable read (could barely put it down ). The writing is conversational and smooth. I am excited to read about this woman's spiritual journey and life adventures.

This book reading is dedicated to my Grandmother. I can see so many similarities already between her life and the author's. Thanks to her for sharing with me!

Can not wait to see the movie together.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 2 Results

Book 2 Results
Book Two: Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy
Results: 4.5 Stars. Highly Recommend.


Great read! Great Chapter Structure (short to the point- only 1-3 pages long)! Great Encouragement!

There were 21 tips this book offered to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time. I would read one to three tips (max) in the mornings when I first woke up before I exercise and it was awesome! Very motivating. This book encouraged me greatly by pointing out the tips I already incorporate in my life and challenging me in new specific areas. I was going to post my favorite tip, but now that I am done with the book I can not pick.


Next Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
(for my Grandmother; she has read the book and we plan to see the movie together once it comes out in theaters this August)


Cheers,
Stephanie

Other Books I am reading this month:
Change your Brain, Change your Body by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.; I am not a Cop! by Richard Belzer (Fiction), Our Stolen Future (A Scientific Detective Story- Non-fiction) by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, and John Peterson Myers; Your God is too safe by Mark Buchanan.

Book 2

Book 2: Eat that Frog by: Brian Tracy

I am now reading book 2. This is a business book about "21 great ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time." It will be a quick read because the chapters are so short and well versed. Right now I am on tip 4 out of 21.

I chose to read this book because I believe it will help me to learn new tips in how to be more efficient in my professional and personal life. There is always room for growth! This is not an area that I struggle with on a daily basis, however, there are times when I do and would like to learn new ways to improve those specific situations.

(For example, I am writing (slowly) an important research analysis paper on a controversial policy that I hope to one day present my alternatives before the appropriate officials for consideration. My deadline is in two weeks and I do not have nearly enough research done.)

In what ways are you procrastinating in your life?

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 1 Results

Book One: A Wrinkle in Time by: Madeleine L'Engle
Results: 3.5 Stars.

I now have clarity as to why this book troubled me as a 5th grader.
This book is quite deep in its philosophy and vocabulary. I was shocked to discover a mix of theology throughout the book too. Reading it as an adult brings a whole different perspective.

All through out this book I kept saying to myself, "Why in the world would my teacher have chose to read this book out loud to the class?". If only I could ask her now what a great conversation that would be. Still my curiosity is fulfilled.

Moving on to the next book- Eat that Frog by: Brian Tracy

Cheers,
Stephanie

Other Recommended Books I am reading this month:
Good to Great by: Chip Ingram ; Humility by: Andrew Murray ; Harry Potter 5 by: J.K. Rowling ; Food, Inc. Edited by: Karl Weber

Book 1

Book One: A Wrinkle in Time by: Madeleine L'Engle 

Have you ever thought back about the books you read growing up through school?  This book is one of those for me. I only have a slight memory of the story line, but I remember it troubling me as a child (in 5th grade to be exact). Therefore, being the curious adult, I bought it to read again.

This is book one out of a four book series. Winner of the John Newbery Medal.

I will give my star count (review) upon finishing the book. In the meantime, what is your childhood book of interest that you might consider re-reading as an adult? Please share!

Cheers,
Stephanie

New Beginnings...

I am probably the most excited about this blog out of my four (which all my blogs are VERY different in topics). This one is most exciting because I am going to talk about one of my favorite earthly treasures ... BOOKS! One of my favorite hobbies which I am never satisfied with the amount of time I devote to is reading.

This blog is my personal book club. Meaning, I hope to use this blog as a means to talk about the book(s) I am reading and whether I would recommend them to others. I will rate each book by the scale of 1-5 stars (*). It is my way of encouraging others to read and connecting people to the written word.

Cheers,
Stephanie