"The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy

The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a very short book with illustrations on every page.   It is about a young boy who becomes friends with a mole, a fox and a horse.  It is thought provoking because the boy asks some interesting questions.  It has some life lessons that apply to both young and old people with some humor too.  It is about kindness, friendship and love.  It's a happy quick read that is very unique because it is handwritten!  We enjoyed it, always like books with talking animals! 
(Karen & Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)

Teaser (pages are not numbered):  "Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself."  What is the bravest thing you ever said?" asked the boy.

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"That Good Night" by Sunita Puri (Two Different Opinions)

That Good Night--Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour by Sunita Puri is a true story.   Sunita works in Palliative care.  This is where people are who are in bad shape health wise.  She tells the stories of some of her patients.  She also details the lessons that she learned from her mom, who was a doctor and life lessons from her dad.

WOW!  This book is very good!  I hated to see it end!  I got lost in this book many times.  The stories she tells of her patients are really good!  These touched my heart.  The part that deals with her parents was good too!  This is my book of the month so far--a must read!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review (we differ on this one):
That Good Night by Sunita Puri is about Sunita’s journey to becoming a doctor on a Palliative care team. As I understand it, Palliative care deals with getting families to realize what their dying loved ones want concerning end of life care. Sunita shares different patient scenarios and conversations with their families concerning their care as well as snippets of her personal life. This book is thought provoking and sad. I read it because my husband said how good it was, but I would not recommend it. I found it tedious to get through and although I enjoyed hearing about the different patients, it just moved very slowly for me. I look forward to getting back to fiction! (3 stars)

Teaser from page4 33:  I pursed my lips tightly.  I was a fledgling intern, a neophyte doctor.  How could I possibly tell him how long he had to live? 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Originals--How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant

Originals—How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant is an interesting non-fiction book about developing creativity and how certain creative individuals have changed the world. Much of it is about corporations but the second half is more about ways in which to get creative ideas accepted by others and encouraging creativity. As I was reading, some things really caught me interest and I wish I had a pen and paper to take some notes. There were some parts that bored me which I skipped. I was happy to find that at the end is a nice summary of the key points that interested me most! I was also pleasantly surprised to see that I finished the book much sooner than expected because so many of the last pages are references.

Here are the points I found interesting:

• Procrastinate strategically—(like dad did) mull things over, don’t be in a rush to get something done ahead of schedule.
• Seek feedback from peers.
• Highlight 3 weaknesses of idea to give reasons not to support it, especially if presenting it to those opposing it, then invite them to name more which helps them see it’s not so bad after all.
• Don’t try to calm down when anxious, get excited instead!
• Welcome criticism.
• Link good behaviors to moral character when complimenting children (You have been very helpful. You are a kind person.)
• Explain how bad behaviors affect others to promote empathy and guilt to get people to change their behavior.
• Emphasize values over rules.
• Youngest ones in family are generally bigger risk takers, comedians and more creative than first-borns.

(Karen's review, 3 stars)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Leadership Lessons from West Point" Can Apply to Leadership in General

Leadership Lessons from West Point is written by different Army officers who have had actual battle experience in leading men. It is actually a textbook that is well organized and addresses many different aspects of effective leadership. I must admit I did not read the entire book word for word because it nicely set off main points of each topic. I read those main points and if it was related to something that I felt would be helpful to me as a Sunday School teacher or volunteer coach, I read those entire passages. After reading Hope Unseen about an army officer who became blind due to a war bomb in Iraq and eventually got a teaching position at West Point, I wanted to read this book to see more of what West Point cadets were taught about leadership.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In—Lessons From an Extraordinary Life" by Louis Zamperini (UPDATED)

Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In—Lessons From an Extraordinary Life by Louis Zamperini and David Rensin is a book of life lessons told by Louis based on what he learned.  It is fantastic!  I really LOVED IT!  the stories are very good and short so you get a lot.  Louis was one of a kind and the world was better with him in it!
(Gerard's review 1/10/15, 5++ stars)

Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In—Lessons From an Extraordinary Life by Louis Zamperini and David Rensin is a quick non-fiction read that contains nuggets for living that he shares examples from his own life to back up.  What struck me most in this book was how his life turned around once he submitted to God and trusted Jesus as His personal Savior.  Although he accomplished much in his lifetime and had many adventures including being a rascal as a kid, an Olympian runner, surviving being lost at sea, surviving two and a half years of brutal treatment as a prisoner of war, battling with PTSD, what he wants to be remembered for is his charitable heart.  He has shared his story with many young people and has been instrumental in guiding troubled youth into being productive adults.  What an inspiration he is!  I also enjoyed that he has a sense of humor.  For example, he says the secret to a happy marriage is “When you are wrong, admit it.  When you are right, keep your mouth shut.”  Much of the lessons he shares in this book that he finished just two days before he died at age 97, are scriptural but he shares them in a way that isn’t preachy or condemning.  He definitely was an extraordinary man-- I love that he was skateboarding in his 80s!  

(Karen's review 1/9/15, 5 stars)

 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Grumpy Guide to Life--Observations by Grumpy Cat"

The Grumpy Guide to Life--Observations by Grumpy Cat is a small book with pictures of Grumpy cat on every page and bits of advice that are depressing, negative and none of which one should actually follow.  Although this, of course, is meant to be humorous, I just found it distasteful and felt sorry that this poor cat is portrayed this way just because of its looks.  Most of the advice is just twisting well-known sayings around.  Certainly, if you want to know how to become grumpy, this would be a very helpful and practical book for you.    

(Karen's review, 2 stars)

 


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Death Class--A True Story About Life" by Erika Hayasaki

The Death Class--A True Story About Life by Erika Hayasaki tells about an actual class called "The Death Class" taught by Norma Bowe.  The author of this book took the class for four years and there is a three-year waiting list to get into it.  The author tells the true stories of four of the students which are fantastic!  This is a real page turner for sure.  Norma is an excellent teacher who goes above and beyond for her students.  Erika tells the stories very well.  Put this on your TBR list--it's worth it!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"A Woman's Passionate Pursuit of God—Creating a Positive & Purposeful Life" by Karol Ladd

A Woman's Passionate Pursuit of God—Creating a Positive & Purposeful Life by Karol Ladd took me several months to get through because I was reading it for a ladies Bible Study that met just once a month.  I finally just went ahead and finished it out.  It is actually sort of a commentary on the book of Philippians.  It has study questions in the back for use in group Bible studies in addition to the reflective thought questions at the end of each chapter.  I particularly liked that the author includes chapter summaries of the main points following each chapter to easily find main points.

After reading this book, I am going to make an effort to more gentle to all.  That is the chapter that spoke to me the most.  Although I liked her other book better, The Power of a Positive Woman, I would recommend this one too.  It has a lot of good advice and interesting examples.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Save Our Bones Program" by Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

When I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis and told to get a prescription for a couple drugs that promote bone density, I tried them but quickly quit because they made me feel worse.  I experienced side effects that I did not want such as pain in my legs and thighs and sometimes my leg even locking up on me.  Then my doctor advised me to take Prolia, a shot every 6 months.  I didn't do that because it even had worse side effects! 

I was thrilled to come across the New Expanded Edition of Save Our Bones Program-The Revolutionary Treatment That Prevents and Reverses Bone Loss Naturally by Vivian Goldschmidt, MA which gives an alternative to taking the prescription drugs to strengthen bones.  It contains diet information, exercises specifically geared to building bone density and lots of practical things to do to improve bone health without prescription drugs based on lots of scientific research!  I ordered it for my 60th birthday.

I like the specific lists of foods, the explanations for the do's and don'ts that affect bone health and that many of the things are easy to implement.  

I recommend it to anyone who is dealing with Osteoporosis.    Time will tell if it really works but others have testified that it has worked for them.  Visit www.saveourbones.com for more information or to order the book.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home" by Sue Halpern is Fantastic!Visi

I like brightening people's day at the Nursing Home, woof!

A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home:  Lessons in the Good Life from an Unlikely Teacher by Sue Halpern is a fantastic book! Our dog, Abby, goes to a nursing home every weekend so when I saw the title of this book, it was no-brainer, I wanted to read this! I enjoyed it very much! When she was trying to get her dog certified so they could do visits was a very funny part. The stories about the patients they visited touched my heart and were as interesting as the parts about her wonderful dog.

If you have a dog and want to visit nursing homes, this book is a must read for you! We enjoy visiting with our dog a lot, and I’m sure Abby likes it too! (Gerard’s review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

I and II Peter written by Simon Peter Inspired by God

Need some encouragement?  Ever wished there was an instructional manual for living?  Want to know what the future holds?  The Books of First and Second Peter deals with all these issues and more! 

I enjoyed reading I and II Peter very much.  Peter was one of Jesus' inner circle of friends who was an eye witness to things Jesus did when He lived on earth.  The book of Acts records many things Peter did after Jesus returned to heaven. 


It is an encouraging book about hope that addresses how to respond to suffering, how to live a life pleasing to God including advice for husbands and wives, and a little about the end times and how this world one day will be destroyed by fire.  There are many interesting topics in these two short books and lots of practical advice. 

I got a lot out of it and encourage you to read the Sunday Sharing posts where I share some scripture highlights from it.  This is a quick read:  Just 5 chapters in I Peter and 3 in II Peter.  I highly recommend it!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Find out more:
How To Avoid Becoming Useless
The Connection Between Scripture and My Life
God Answered My Prayer in a Surprising Way

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"True Legend" by Mike Lupica is more than Basketball

True Legend by Mike Lupica is about a young man who finds that all of life's lessons are not found on a basketball court. The writing is really good and the characters in this book are believable and realistic. Even if you do not like sports books, give this teen one a chance because it is more about life lessons than basketball. I enjoyed it!
(Gerard's review 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Two Different Takes On "A Dog Named Leaf" by Allen and Linda Anderson (UPDATED)

I like Leaf, Woof!  Woof!

A Dog Named Leaf by Allen and Linda Anderson tells the true story of a man facing life-threatening brain surgery and the love and life lessons learns from his dog, Leaf. Leaf is an awesome dog! My dog, Abby, and Leaf would be good friends.

I found out about Leaf in my current issue of BEST FRIENDS magazine and LOVED it. If you have a dog, had a dog or are between dogs, you will be able to relate well to this book. For you it is a must read! God’s blessing to your wife and you, Mr. Anderson, and give Leaf a treat and a belly rub for me!
(Gerard’s review, 5++ stars)

A Dog Named Leaf--The Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life is one of the books my husband and I differ on. He loved it but I found myself having to plow through. The majority of the book is about Allen and his brain surgery and the special bond he has with his dog, Leaf. It does contain some issues that the dog had when they first got it from the shelter and how the dog improved in time. The dog inspired Allen to persevere, not give up and to face his fears. I was bored with it and enjoyed other dog books much more, especially the other book they wrote called Angel Dogs.
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach

WOW!! This book is good, really really good! It's about a college baseball team, the president of the college, and his daughter. The good news is that you do not really have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this book. There is plenty of action off the field, trust me. Did I tell you that the ending is fantastic? It is! Read and enjoy. They hype about this book is true!

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

You can help our charity of the month just by leaving a comment on any of our blogs! We will donate 50 cents per comment at the end of the month. The charity for this month is at the top of our blog.

"Growing Up Colt" by Colt and Brad McCoy

I am a Cleveland Browns fan so when I heard our Quarterback is a Christian and wrote a book about his life, I wanted to read it. I was surprised to find that his dad wrote some of it as well. This was an interesting read because Colt and his dad share very personal experiences from Colt's childhood and also how his training growing up helped him to become the leader and the role model that he is today. Brad, his dad, shared four main principles of parenting while balancing discipline and love:


 1. Prepare the kid for the path, not the path for the kid.
2. Prepare your children to do their best.
3. Prepare your children to be leaders.
4. Prepare your children for open and closed doors.

I also thought the lessons Colt said he learned were very good, such as always finish what you start, treat everyone with respect, listen to advice from those more experienced than you and relax because "the hay is in the barn."  He used this phrase in his first NFL start as a Cleveland Brown and the guys asked him what it meant.  It means they practiced and put in the work, so now they can relax and go out and play.  (He grew up on a farm in Texas.)

It was nice to read about someone who walks with God and didn't make a lot of bad choices that messed up their life. I think the book balances his childhood training, football games, and his walk with the Lord well. I enjoyed learning so much about Colt through this book. He's definitely a leader with character and I am happy he is our Quarterback! I recommend it to parents, all Browns fans and anyone who is interested in football.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

You can help our charity of the month just by leaving a comment on any of our blogs! We will donate 50 cents per comment at the end of the month. The charity for this month is at the top of our blog.

"The Power Of Half" by Kevin and Hannah Salwen

This video was made by the brother in the book explaining about their family project which the book is all about.

The Power of Half by Kevin and Hannah Salwen is an inspirational true story about how their family lived with less to make a sizable contribution to really make a difference for a lot of people.  Hannah the teen daughter, co-author of this book, had a deep desire to help people less fortunate than her and was instrumental in getting her family to take a trip to Africa to actually see the people they were going to help with their donation to The Hunger Project.  The parents wanted to get their children to be more involved in their charitable decision making so agreed to go along with Hannah’s suggestion to down-size, sell their $1.95 million home and give half to charity. 

This book was written to encourage families to be more involved in helping others and share their story on how they did it.  It in no way recommends that everyone sell their home and move into a smaller one like they did.  Kevin, the father, summarizes the benefits their family experienced by going through the process of deciding how much to give, what charity to give it to and down-sizing by getting rid of a lot of things they didn’t need.  Through this process his family drew closer, communicated on a deeper level, enjoyed having a common goal to work towards, and an increased respect for each other.  His teens became more self-confident and developed leadership skills. 

One of the key points in the process that really gave the teens ownership of the project was to give every family member an equal vote in the decision making.  It was interesting to see the inner workings of this family and how they worked together.  I thought they should have actually sold their house first and then decided what to do with the money instead of promising the money to a charity before the house even sold.  You can visit their website at www.thepowerofhalf.com.  Some other suggested websites mentioned in the book are:  www.rebuiildingtogether.org, www.sharesavespend.com, www.handsonnetwork.org.

I liked Hannah’s heart but found myself plowing through the book to finish it.  I recommend it to parents who are looking for a way to unite their family and draw them closer or to anyone looking for help on how to get their children to be less selfish. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?