Reading Reviews- February 2013

Is February over already? I actually wished I had more time to read! Here are the things that I did get a chance to read:

The Cloud Atlas by Liam Callanan

   This book was a mistake. I meant to read Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell- the one that is a movie.  Still this book held my attention, even after I realized my mistake. I learned something new about WWII- Japanese balloon bombs!  That part was interesting, but the story and the characters got less interesting as the novel went on.  Enjoyed the story, hated the ending.
Verdict: I would say pass, but hold the right to change my mind once I read the "right" Cloud Atlas.

Blogging for Dummies by Susannah Gardner & Shane Birley

I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on any tips or tricks for blogging. I really shouldn't read this dummy book; they are always very basic.  I hoped to figure out how to post streaming twitter feed on this blog- no luck.  I did learn the blog is a mash up of web log, so that was something.
Verdict: Blogger is intuitive, you don't need this book.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

   I'll admit it, it was a tear jerker.  I am a sucker for dogs, so I loved a story about a family, told from a dog's view. I am treating my dog extra extra nice now! It was a quick read, almost like a short story, but it captured everything perfectly.
Verdict: If you love dogs, read it!

The Dirty Parts of the Bible:  A Novel by Sam Torode

  At the end of chapter one, I knew this book wasn't for me, but I soldiered on til chapter 6 before I finally gave up. This story somehow manages to be crude and yet feature an (unbelievably) innocent character. I probably should have guess it from the title.
Verdict: Nope. Not even a little bit.

The Everything Juicing Book by Carole Jacobs

  After watching "Hungry for Change," I start thinking about getting a juicer. After reading this book, I bought a juicer.  The first couple of chapters give you practical information on choosing a juicer and then there are chapters for detoxing, weight loss, and specific health conditions. Each of the chapters discussed the important vitamins for each condition and is followed by tons of recipes.  Very well laid out and it got me excited about all the flavor combinations!
Verdict: A very good resource if you are interested in juicing for health.

Frommer's Australia by Lee Atkinson, Ron Crittall, Marc Llewellyn and Lee Mylne
  Australia is my goal destination for my 40th birthday!  I got this book to inspire me to start saving up for it, but now I am not sure if I want to go. I do want to go, but traveling to a foreign country sounds like work!  Anyway, I did figure out I probably only need a week in Australia to see the things I want to see- Sydney, The Great Barrier Reef, Blue mountain and of course kangaroos and koalas.
Verdict: Don't buy this book until you are about to go on the trip. It had detailed information on places to stay and eat, which will probably be outdated in a year.

Citizenville by Gavin Newsom
  This was a fascinating read!  This book discusses how to reinvent the way citizens and government interact (spoiler: the answers are technology and communication).  People are frustrated and disengaged with government and politics. The quote that best sums up our current state:  "I truly believe that it' not the problems we face that are complex- it's the system we've designed to solve them that's complex."  Many examples are given of specific programs enacted throughout the country that have made a difference.
Verdict:  Wonderful read, I felt inspired that maybe things can change for the better.

Articles of Interest:

Ditch your inner Pollyanna!  "Stop Apologizing: Why are Woman so 'Sorry' All the Time?"
http://jezebel.com/5980683/stop-apologizing-why-are-women-so-sorry-all-the-time?utm_hp_ref=women&ir=Women#13599992764063&{"type":"iframeUpdated","height":2395}

This is written by Ian, he is a CrossFit owner, trainer and police officer. Here are some of his thoughts on being in law enforcement and the service and sacrifice it requires:
http://crossfitcenturion.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/service-and-sacrifice/

Beyonce rocked the Superbowl- here is breakdown on her fabulous!
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/lets-talk-about-beyonce-rhapsodizing-kickass-womanhood/