Book 17

Book 17: Becoming a True Spiritual Community: A Profound Vision of What the Church Can Be by Larry Crabb

What an intriguing title to me! It seems obvious what the book is about so I will not patronize you. Community is a big deal in some cultures, especially in religious/spiritual circles. However, the "church" has far from perfected the art of community. I have observed animals who have stronger community with their species than I have had with the church.

One thing the author points out that has stuck with me is the observation and experience of the popular types of communities. For example, the community of "fixers". "Fixers" in a community are always listening with one ear to hear and the next to hear themselves talk about how to solve your problems.

I do not know about you, but I am not looking to be a "fixer" of people or be in a group of people who feel they need to fix me! I am reading this book because not only does the subject pique my interest , but I have been attending a community group of about 16 total (all friends). I am hoping this book will give me more insight as our group is being developed.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Celebrating One Year!

Happy Anniversary to me!

It has officially been one year since I started "My Book Club" blog. I almost cannot believe it! I have accomplished my goal of blogging consistently for one year. WOW! I am confident that other bloggers will totally understand why I am so amazed!
The total number of books that were blogged about for one year (June 2010 to June 2011) was 16 out of 22 read!

What a great year of reading, but still not satisfactory in quantity.
There are many more books I desire to read (apart from my academic reading) and too many times where the TV or internet (aka: time suckers Facebook and email) steal my time from reading.

Every season brings with it changes and the next season for "My Book Club" comes exciting changes. New design, new post structure, new tabs, and new BOOKS to read! Also, this year there will be Kindle books read and posted! Stay tuned to experience these changes.

Now, what would an anniversary be without a CELEBRATION gift.
You can probably guess what that gift will be. Yes, a book is correct!
For anyone who chooses to celebrate this blog's first anniversary by either becoming a public follower or simply liking the Facebook post and telling me what the title of their favorite book is, their name will be entered into a drawing to win a
FREE NEW BOOK!! If you do not like the book, just sell it and make pure profit!

Celebrating with others for any occasion is better than celebrating alone, hence the gift.Thanks for celebrating with me and here's to another great year of reading and blogging!

CHEERS!
Stephanie

Book 16

Book 16: This Fine Life: A Novel by Eva Marie Everson

Summer is full of great reading for me! I decided to read a few new fiction books this summer to give my mind a rest from all the academic and personal growth material I have been reading for the past several months.

This book exceeded my expectations!

First, I bought the kindle edition - (electronic book). (Yes, I got a new kindle a couple months ago, thanks to my best girl friend and her encouragement to get one).

Second, it was FREE! Who does not like FREE? Kindle offers promotional books that are free for a limited time only. I got this one just in time.

Third, the story is captivating. I ended up pulling an "all niter" just to finish it.
I was up until 4am reading this book. The character development was intriguing. The relationships (marriage, family, friendship, etc.) all provided great perspective and insight for that generation and particular lifestyle. It also weaves into the story line accurate and monumental historical events for the time period it is written in.

I definitely recommend this book for a quick summer read.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 15

Book 15: The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber

Q. What the E in E-Myth?
A. Entrepreneur.

The book is about why most small businesses do not work and what to do about it. This book is different from other books that place an emphasis on the failings of small businesses. It provides an encouraging outlook on running a business and suggests practical solutions for how to succeed. My favorite part so far is the understanding the author portrays through his writing. He uses an educational approach to explain his reasoning and expertise about the inner workings of a small business.

It is a great book for anyone who owns their own business (obviously), but more so for those who are on the outside of the business world. Whether you specialize in the business arena, public sector, or in non-profit
organizations, this book is a great quick read. Everyone can
learn something from this authors perspectives and ideas.


Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 14

Book 14: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

The complete and final book of the Harry Potter series. I almost cannot believe it is the final book. I started it on a Sunday and finished the book on a Friday. 800 pages and worth every minute I spent on reading it.

Thank you J.K. Rowling for such a great series! I started reading your books in the late 90's when the first Harry Potter book was published, and will continue throughout my life.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 13

Book 13: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Book six of the series! Who is with me?
I know one person who is re-reading this book with me. I would love to know if there are any others.

I started reading this series when it first came out in the 90's, but then stopped in 2003. In the past two years, I started the series over again in the midst of my other reading. I can only read these books at certain times in life because once I start, I cannot stop until I finish the book.

Since book one, the author has captivated me by her writing skills and story line. Good verses evil. Will evil triumph? How long will the good have to fight?
Relationships, conflict, the journey of personal development, death/life, and so much more are involved in these characters lives. So many real life implications in this story.

Wonder why the WORLD is so obsessed and intrigued?
You will have to read them to see. Do not relay on just the movie - there is
no comparison to the greatness that is in the books.

Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 12

Book 12: Outliers The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

January went by so FAST! I am wrapping up two other books that I was reading in January, besides How Full is Your Bucket, and now looking forward to starting February's books.

First Book in February is ..... Outliers!
Topic is Success.
I am interested to see what Malcolm's paradigm is on the topic.

If interested ... click the picture to read the table of contents and first pages!


Cheers,
Stephanie

Book 11

Book 11: How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath & Donald O. Clifton, Ph.d.

Happy New Year fellow readers!
Hope you already set your new reading list for 2011 in place.
Does it excite you as much as it does me?

This year I decided to start the year of with a book about positivity.
It is short and sweet - a quick read for a daily reader, for sure!

What is so wonderful about positivity in the world is it is contagious. It is healthy and beneficial for all involved.

Look! they even have a book for kids.







So, now that I have shared my first book for the new year ...... will you share yours?


Cheers,
Stephanie