Reading Reviews- March 2014

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
 

     This author has an amazing gift at historical fiction.  He tells a story and teaches you something. This story has both a past and present narrative and an interview with the author reveals he did this to breakup the sadness of the story. There is a twist in the story that reminded me of a soap opera, but overall it was well done.

Verdict: This is a very sad sad story, but it is a good one. This is the second book I have read from this author and am interested in reading more of his books.

 

The Telling Room by Michael Paterniti

 

     I may have been too busy to give this book a fair chance, but after reading the first pages I gave up.  It just didn't catch my interest.

 

Eat, Move, Sleep by Tom Rath

 

     This is a collection of advice the author has come across when researching the "best" health practices. There are 30 short chapters that give you suggestions you can implement immediately.  The advice is quite similar to what I have found to work for my health.

Verdict: Recommend. This is a easy and useful read that could change your life.

 

Sorry, not a lot of reading this month because I was working on project management courses.

Reading Reviews- February 2014

Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby

     This reminded me a little of The Night Circus, but it was less about magic and more about finding where you fit in.  This was the author's debut novel and she definitely has storytelling talent.  I read it in 3 sittings, but only because I was forced to do other things required by life :)

Verdict: I will be on the look out for more books by this author.

Your Network is Your Networth by Porter Gale

    

     I started listening to a new podcast "Glambition" and the author was a guest.  Something about the title of the book appealed to me, so I bought it (I rarely buy books).  Each chapter has short practical exercises.  I did find myself skimming through the "real life" stories because I thought they were rather extreme examples of success (i.e. woman takes a swing dance class and then choreographs the famous Swing Khaki Gap commercial).

Verdict: This book was just what I needed to help me examine what is up with my life.  If you like stories, this book is full of it.  If not, they are easily skimmed and there is an end-of-the-chapter summary so you can double-check you didn't miss anything important.

Why Men Fake It by Abraham Morgentaler

     The author is a medical doctor but he is also I really insightful person into human nature.  I was genuine surprised at how much this book about men explored gender issues in today's changing world. The doctor explaining medical stuff with stories and humor.  I listened to this as an audio book and found myself laughing out loud.

Verdict: Great read for men and woman. Bonus-turns out chivalry isn't dead.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

     This is a book about Germany during WWII and is narrated by the Grim Reaper. As you can imagine, he was very busy during this time and pretty depressed. I didn't like it or dislike it.  It just didn't stand out as special or unique.  I feel like I have read this story before.

Verdict:  The book is about to become a movie, so there is a lot of buzz about it. I mostly likely will not see the movie.

EZ Anatomy and Physiology by Barbara Krumhardt

     It was either this or the Anatomy for Dummies and I never like the Dummy books. This book was part of channeling my inner nerd and looked manageable compared to regular anatomy textbook. I liked that each chapter had quizzes with fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice and T/F,so you got to review the chapter material three times. Although, I stopped taking the quizzes after chapter 2 :)

Verdict:  I would prefer a cartoon version with songs, but this book is in definite second place.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

     I was fortunately to get this as an audio book, read by Tina Fey! It is an autobiographical tale told with lots of exaggeration and humor.  It is almost like a comedic version of Lean In(much more relatable), giving career and life advice to woman.

Verdict: Loved it!

Soy Sauce for Beginners by Kirstin Chen

 

     I read this based on a nods from Amazon reviewers.  I really disliked the main character and found the whole story stereotypical and unrealistic. For example, her friend sleeps with the guy she is seeing and she kinda strugs it off.  Ummm no... that is not how girl code works!

Verdict: It was like I was reading a different book then the reviewers on Amazon?

A Grumpy Cat Book by Grumpy Cat

 

     I do enjoy the Grumpy Cat on people Facebook's post, so I thought this book would be a fun read.  Do you know Grumpy Cat also has his own website, TV shirts and mugs!

Verdict: Grumpy Cat's owners are brilliant!

Reading Reviews- January 2014

Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett

     I finally got this book for Christmas!  It is all about optimizing movement.  The book is a really nicely laid out with photos and explanations of common CrossFit movements. I really liked the first half of the book and read it thoroughly. The second half, I skimmed because it was about improving flexibility and I am pretty darn flexible.

Verdict: A wonderful reference books, which I will probably refer to for the rest of my life.

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

     I almost stopped reading this book,but I am glad I kept reading. The beginning just didn't catch my interest.  It is a beautiful sad and happy story of a family and how they deal with the loss of a member.  How his memory haunts and really causes some people to not live out the rest of their lives to its fullest potential.

Verdict:  This author knows how to write captivating stories that leave you thinking, thinking, thinking.

 

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

 

     This book was kinda creepy. It starts with the perspective of a serial killer and then recounts war time situations.  It is a  very well structured story that intertwines two timelines.  It also has a mystery component and it was fun trying to guess who the killer was. 

Verdict: I really enjoyed it and could barely put the book down once I started reading it.  Reccomend (if you aren't squimish).

Whole by T. Colin Campbell

 

     This is Dr. Campbell's follow-up to the China Study, in which he reccomends a whole food plant based diet (no meat, no thanks).  However, I can agree with him that nutrition is one of the most important contributors to good health and that our current health system is really a disease management system. While he does discuss his diet reccomendation, the main point of this book is to call out the goverment, the media and pharmacuetical companies for hiding the truth.  Bottom line: good nutrition is a a better than any man-made drug.

Verdict: Dr. Campbell is 79 years old and in this book he just lays his opinions out and I do admire that.  Go Dr. Campbell!  That said, this book is not an easy read. I listened to it as an audio book and I only got through about half.

 

Rowing for Crossfitters by Marc Monplaisir

 

     I am not a good rower, so I thought this would help.  It doesn't actually talk about rowing, just how to use the rowing machine.

Verdict: If you have a rowing machine, all this information is probably in the manual. If you don't have the manual, you can figure it out without this "book."

 

Reading Reviews- December 201

     I counted and this year I managed to read 85 books!  Reading is an adventure and you never quite know what you are in for- some were good, some were bad and a few were really terrible.  Here are my December reads and my top 10 for 2013!

 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

     I have been wanting to read this book for some time, but the library did not have a kindle version, so I finally got it as an audio book.  I did enjoy listening to it, but thought the author might have tried a little to hard to incorporate historical events.  The whole story almost felt a little forced, but it was overall good.

Verdict: I had heard so much hype from it being made into a movie.  It was good.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

     After going to see "Catching Fire" at the theater, I had to re-read the third book of the Hunger Games series.  This book doesn't have the happiest of ending. Things are better, but Katniss is permanently damaged.  I wonder how they will end the third movie, because American movies tend to end with a "happily ever after" feel.

Verdict: The whole series is good and they are doing a really good job with the movies too. Highly Recommend.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey by J.R.R. Tolkien

     I haven't read this book in years, but with the second movie coming out I read it again.  It is a good story, but the movies really do bring it to life and make it better.

Verdict: You can skip the book and just see the movie (and this isn't something I say often).

Maddaddam by Margaret Atwood

    This is the final book of the trilogy, which brings the narrative and characters from books one and two together.  I really liked this story- it kept me interested and moved me.  The author did a wonderful job bringing the story to a hopeful and satisfying conclusion.

Verdict:  This book series were part of my top 10 favorites for the whole year.

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

     This is a collection of personal essays by the author. I got this via audio book and the author read them himself, which gave it an even more personal touch.  The author is definite honest and has a knack for bringing seemingly random together together.

Verdict: I don't know if I would have continued reading the book, but I did enjoy listening to the audio book at work.

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon

  

     Per the author's title, this is what Downton Abbey is based on.  There is a castle and a town and a staff to run it, however, the TV show does it better.  This book is written like a book report based on a collection of hearsay.  It is an uninteresting mix of facts and guesses.

Verdict:  If you like the show, watch the show. This book will not add to your enjoyment.

Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt

     I listened to the author's podcast "This is Your Life" and was pleasantly surprised the kindle edition of this book was only $2.99.  As in the podcast, the advise is practical and well-laid out.  I actually took notes.

Verdict: Totally worth the price and I suggest checking out the podcast.

 

Here are my top 10 recommendations from 2013:

1.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  This was my favorite book of the year. It was a moving story told from the perspective of a dog (and I am a sucker for dogs!).

2.  The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker.  This story was engaging and the ending quite surprised me. The world didn't end and people never gave up hope. This was a beautiful story of people adapting to change and still living life.

3.  Cooked by Michael Pollan.  I love the topic of food and Michael Pollan is a such a gifted writer, who has an ability to weave together stories and facts into a bigger commentary.

4.  Gone Girl by Gillan Flynn.  I was fully expecting to roll my eyes at this popular novel, but instead I got pulled in and even I couldn't guess the ending.  It is crazy good!

5.  Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum.  This book started off sad, got dark but ended with a lot of hope. Good people can make a difference, even when the odds are against them.

6.  Heads in Beds by Jacob Tommsky.  Have you ever worked in the service industry?  Do you stay in hotels?  You will truly appreciate this memoir for its witty stories and practical advice. 

7.  The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.  This I read along with taking a self-defense class and I think everyone should read it.  The basic message is trust your instinct, fear is your friend.

8,9 &10.   Margaret Atwood's post apocalyptic trilogy of Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood and Maddaddam.  I read a lot of post-apocalyptic tales this year, this was by far the most engaging and original. 

Reading Reviews- November 2013

     I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Eat, give thanks and then eat some more!  I got back into reading this month, but could not really get into anything I did read. Then I found Margaret Atwood's post-apocalyptic trilogy and fell in love with reading all over again!  Here they are November reads:

Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedel Smith

     This is the story of Elizabeth II- the currently reigning queen of Britain.  The queen is known for being a rather private and reserved person, but this book attempts to show another side.  I found the  first few chapters interesting.  Once she becomes queen it is all business and ceremony.  I definitely don't want to be queen, just a member of the royal family living off the money.

Verdict:  According to my Kindle, I only made read 15% of this book.

Third World America by Arianna Huffington

     This is a heavy dose of reality and the author has facts and personal stories to back-up the current state of things in America.  None of this information is new or surprising but the collection of it all in one place is well- depressing.  I almost stopped reading it, but the last chapter promised a summary of "what we could do about it."  Everything in this book is pretty much why I don't watch the news.

Verdict:  I didn't like it, but it is all true. So if you need a summary of how badly things are going, this is a great resource. Sigh....

How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup

     Don't worry I am not trying to monetize, but I am interested in the topic of blogging in general.  I found this book to be very big picture with not a lot of details on how to actually do what the author recommends.

Verdict: Definitely not worth $4.99.  Thankfully, I got to read it for free through my Amazon Prime membership.

The End of San Francisco by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore

     This book got a lot of praise for being a deeply personal memoir and pushing the boundaries of gender identity.  Okay I will give it that.  The writing style is pretty unbearable and disjointed. This is my absolute least favorite kind of story- where the content or theme is somehow suppose to trump the author's actual ability to write.  I just don't get "art."

Verdict: To steal a quote from Despicable Me  "This is literature?"

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

     First book I really got into, in a loooong time.  I started reading it and couldn't stop. It is (another) story about a post-apocalyptic future, but  is still very original.  Told through one character's point of view, the author does a great job keeping you interested and in suspense on how it came to be.

Verdict: This book is part of a trilogy and I look forward to continuing the story.

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

     This is the second book of Atwood's post apocalyptic story and it is told from different character's point of view.  I found the first half of the book kinda boring, but then the time lines from the first and second book overlap and the dots start to connect.

Verdict: Can't wait to start book 3.  I am on the waiting list at the library, so it might be next month.

  

An Apple a Day by Emma Woolf

     I have never understood anorexia, but after reading this memoir I feel more enlightened.  I still don't understand not eating. If I miss a meal it is a minor crisis and reading this book made me feel very hungry.  But the author did a really honest and sincere job of sharing her experience.  The author points out that most woman have hang-ups about food and that is what helped me to empathize.

Verdict: Highly recommend. This is really written and relatable.

Teatime for Firefly by Shona Patel

     This started off being very interesting but I got less and less interested as the story progressed. It is very well-written in that the author creates a captivating scene. I just didn't see what the purpose of the story was?  Towards the end it kind just drags on.

Verdict: It is just a nice story. Nothing more, nothing less.

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

 

     This was a story within a story within a story! This was truly a work of art- an amazing story, beautifully told. It has one of those endings that makes you think.  It was the first audio book I borrowed from the library and the author read it herself.  I really would suggest the audio book, as the author has a very lyrical style.of writing. 

Verdict: This is literature at its best!

Reading Reviews- October 2013

     It was a busy month for doing and a slow month for reading. I started several books and just could not get into them ( I didn't even bother mentioning them below). The three I did read were okay.

The Brief History of Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

     This was a interesting concept of "purgatory" and definitely an original take on the apocalyptic tales so many books are about these days.  Some of the character breakout stories seemed dragged out and not important to the overall story development. The end of the story is kind of a fizzle.

Verdict:  I think it would have worked better as a short story, but I would still recommend this because of its originality.

Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman

     This is a story of an around the world trip competition between two woman in the Victorian era. They both made it around the world "unchaperoned." Sounds interesting, but I found the telling of the story not at all interesting. It was like reading a book report by a high schooler (no offensive high school- you don't get paid to write).  I could barely get through the first two chapters.

Verdict: I could not get through it and ended up cheating and just checking wikipedia for who won.  Spoiler alert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_Bly

Wired by Douglas E. Richards

     Usually I am not into the mystery/thriller genre, but it said NY Times Bestseller so I thought I would give it a try. It is part conspiracy theory, part romance novel and part save the world.  This book can best be described as superficially deep.  I didn't completely hate it, I just wanted to like it more.

Verdict: I won't be reading the sequel "Amped"

Just not a good month for reading I guess?  What did I do with all that extra time- YouTube.

Reading Reviews- September 2013

     I tried to focus more on quality than quantity this month.  I was getting a little competitive about how many books I could read each month. So this month I tried to get back to actually enjoying reading again.

The Cooked Seed by Anhee Min

     I don't know what to think of this autobiography?  There were times I was routing for the author and other times I felt she was really dumb. I guess it takes courage to write about your life- good, bad and ugly. The thing is sometimes I felt she was lying or at least embellishing.  I read this story and tried to practice not judging others. But there was something about it that just didn't feel right?
Verdict:  It is unlikely I will ever read anything by the author again.

The Bed of Procrustes by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

     People really love this author. I have tried to read all of his books, but I don't enjoy them at all.  This latest book is a compilation of his philosophies- so it is a bunch of quotes. They seemed preachy and arrogant????
Verdict: I tried, I don't like his stuff.

19 Lesson on Tea by 27Press

     Tea is the new wine?  I wanted to learn more about tea and this book was exactly what I was looking for. It provides an overview on the different types of and how to brew them.  It did so in a concise yet interesting way.
Verdict: I got it for free through Amazon Prime, but would have paid the $2.99.

Then They Came for Me by Maziar Bahari

     This author did an amazing job of intertwining the 118 days he spent in an Iranian prison with the political, religious and social backdrop of the country.  The American political system has many problems, but this book made me appreciate how good we have it!  After reading this, I truly understood the importance of separation of church and state.
Verdict:  Read it or if reading is not your thing, a movie is coming out soon (directed by Jon Stewart).

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

     It sounded like an interesting take on the Robin Hood tale. Will Scarlet, Robin Hood's sidekick, was actually a girl named Scarlet.  I didn't realize this was a Young Adult's book, so my expectations were much to high.  It reminded me of Twilight.
Verdict: Such a good idea, but disappointing execution.
   

Reading Reviews- August 2013

     I beginning to feel like I read too much?   This month had one of the best books of the year and one of worst...

The Dinner by Herman Koch

     This book was described as the European version of Gone Girl. It wasn't even close. It had  twisted characters and a dark plot, but it wasn't clever.  The first half of the book drones on with useless details to keep you in suspense, but that didn't work either.
Verdict: Really bad read.

My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

     Her memoir was done in a fair and balanced narration, just like a judge :)  Honestly, I didn't like it.  I found this retrospective narration of her childhood forced. Obviously, her story does have a silver lining, but there is no way she knew this while going through the bad times.
Verdict: I like her as a person. I did not like her memoir.

The Power of the Pussy by Kara King

     Every month I get a free book from my Amazon Prime membership, so I try to pick something I wouldn't normally read. This is waaay outside the box.  Despite its explicit content and writing style, the author has a lot of valid points.  Woman stop being doormats and make men treat you right.  She is also very funny.
Verdict:  This is a naughtier version of "He's Just Not Into You."  It was fabulous!

Mind/Set by John Kim

     Written specifically for CrossFittters, the author discussed the mental game needed to improve performance and overcome mental blocks. He gives very specific advice, you can implement immediately.
Verdict: CrossFitters it is $2.99 for the Kindle version- buy it!

Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum

     One of the best books I've read all year!  The author tells a moving story of abuse, despair and hope through multiple character's perspectives. Some may find some of the content disturbing, as children are mistreated physically and emotionally, but in the end good prevails in a realistic and uplifting way.
Verdict: Loved it!  Could barely put it down once I started reading it.

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

     Book 4 of Game of Thrones and it was a let down. It was terrible actually. All of the characters the author familiarized with in books 1-3 were missing.  Apparently, book 4 and 5 were meant to be one, but it was too long. Were is this guy's editor?
Verdict: Pretty much all of book 4 could be edited out.  Save yourself hours of reading and wiki it.

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R.Martin

     Book 5 of Game of Thrones. It was better than book 4, but not as good as book 1-3.  This series was meant to be a trilogy and so far there are SEVEN books planned but the author says there may also be an eighth. I am really begin to fear this series might be lost?
Verdict: Not giving up hope yet. Book 6 release date is 2014. Fingers crossed!

Reading Reviews- July 2013

With 100+ degree temperatures, what else is there to do except stay inside and read :)


The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

     I did not love reading this book, but I did love this book.  It is a beautiful story of how books are used to connect the author with his dying mother. Stories help them discuss some difficult issues.  It fed right into my love of reading and discussing books.  My major issue was he has led a very privileged life and that made it unrelatable to me (i.e. associations with Harvard on mentioned on every page, he read the Hobbit while his family was vacationing in Morocco, boarding school).
Verdict: Read and discuss book. Just maybe not this one hehe

Late Bloomers by Debra Eve

     The author puts together true stories of people, who found their niche after the age of 35.  My favorite story was of 71 year old Wu Ying who started a Hip Hop Grannies dance group. They are actually really good check it out Here!
Verdict:  The author publishes these stories as a blog at LateBloomer.com. If you are over 35, like myself, you can find some inspiration.

Farm City by Novella Carpenter

     "I have a farm on a dead-end street in the ghetto."  With that first line the author draws you into to her urban farming adventure. From veggies to honey bees to turkeys, ducks, rabbits and pigs, it is amazing what you can do with an empty lot in Oakland, Ca. I do admire her risk-taking and she pulls off some crazy plans.
Verdict: A story well-told and a look into what it is like to raise (and kill) your own food.

The Essential Urban Farmer by Novella Carpenter and Willow Rosenthal

     Unlike the free-spirited tale in Farm City, this provides a in-depth practical guide for starting an urban farm.  It starts with designing your farm, then crops and finally animals. The ultimate goal is to help you produce your own food in whatever space you have.
Verdict:  I see a container garden on my patio in the near future.

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

     I read this book many years ago, but I just started listening to the Freakonomics podcasts so I wanted a re-read.  They discuss the material in the book a lot on the podcast, so it was not that interesting a read because I already knew what the data would show.
Verdict:  I like the podcast better.  The most recent podcast was called "Government Employees Gone Wild." Very amusing and you learn something.

Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

     The first book in the Game of Thrones saga and I read it before. I said I didn't like it and didn't see what all the fuss was about? Then I watched Season I & II and liked that, so I gave the book a second read.  I love it! The TV show is very good, but I actually think the books are better. I really don't know what my problem was the first time around.  My theory is that in the first read, I was overwhelmed by all the characters, places and history. Once I saw the show, I had a much easier time enjoying the story, because I understood the context.
Verdict: The books are looooooong, but well worth the effort. They give much more detail and background than the show.  I will be reading the other 4 books (and watching Season 3, when it comes out).

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

     This is book 2 of Game of Thrones.  With much effort I read it in a day and a half.  Towards the end I started to skim it because it was bogged down with detail (and I saw Season II).
Verdict: Long but still worth the read

A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

     Book 3 of Game of Thrones. It starts off very slow and is full of (unneccesary) detail, but about mid-way it turns into a roller coaster of happenings.  No character is "safe."  The author has no problem killing off main characters and the book leaves you wanting to read the next one!
Verdict: The last half of the book is very exciting!

Life after Life by Kate Atkinson

     The reviews on this book were very good, so I was excited to read it. I only got a few pages in and decided this was not my cup of tea. I found myself bored, even though the concept of the book was very interesting.
Verdict: Either you love it or don't get it. I didn't get why other people love it?

Reading Reviews- June 2013

This month had some really good reads and some really bad reads...

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

    This was an excellent story and I  can't wait to see the movie for the visuals!  The fate of the world rests on children and video games- simply scary and fascinating.
Verdict:  A quick, easy and interesting read.  The movie might make it even more awesome!

Sweet Hell on Fire by Sara Lunsford

    An insightful memoir of what it is like to work in a prison and be a personal prison of pain.  The author actually dreamed of being a writer, but decided to be a prison guard to pay the bills. Strange choice of a "day job."  The twist in the story comes almost at the end and it contrasts the strength and vulnerability of the author.
Verdict: Read it, unless you are easily offended. This is rated R content.

Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine

     I am not trying to be a Navy Seal, but I thought I could learn something from that kind of tough mentality. Turns out, not really.  He recommends cultivating a quiet mind and I already got that message from yoga.  I did learn where the CrossFit motto run, walk, crawl comes from- the Seals of course!
Verdict:  This manual was written not for me.

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher

     The economy changed for good in 2008 and the American Dream is just a dream.  This book covers what to do next.  It is part self-help, part practical advice.
Verdict:  It was so unique, I wrote a blog post about it

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

     Imagine a world where the earth's rotation is slowing down, wrecking the balance between day and night. The whole world changes. This story is told from an eleven year old's perspective, whose life is already changing with adolescence.  It is a moving story with the backdrop of an interesting apocalyptic phenomenon.
Verdict: Oprah recommends it and so do I.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

     My generation has become disconnected with nature, but the current generation has no connection with nature. Electronic devices provide so much more sensory stimulus. The author presents his case for reclaiming nature. He cites that exploring nature was his "Ritalin."
Verdict:  Spending time in nature is important, I just couldn't get into this book and skimmed it.

The $60,000 Dog: My Life with Animals by Lauren Slater

     The title is misleading. This is a story about her messed up childhood, not animals. I would like to say this book was terrible, but that doesn't seem fair since I only got through the first chapter (in which her mom kills the family dog with NyQuil because he barks too much at night).  Before I quit reading it, I did read the reviews and they confirmed this book was not really about animals.
Verdict:  From what I did read, it was not an interesting story and the author writing style is rambling.  My biggest issue is that it needs to be retitled, so that animal lovers don't get sucked in.

$20 Per Gallon by Christopher Steiner

     A fascinating look at how our society will change will the rising cost of gas.  The author actually paints a picture of good news- our health and the environment will benefit. We will live in cities, eat locally grown food and use public transportation.  The chapters outlines the incremental changes that will happen when the price of gas moved from $6, $8, $10...$20.
Verdict: Highly recommend if you need some hopeful news for the future.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

     Popular culture always tempts me, so I couldn't pass up reading this book. It was a fairly original idea told in a most unoriginal way.  The main character is very much like Bella was in Twilight- always getting injured, has 2 guys in love with her, etc.  I guess I shouldn't judge it too harshly as it is written for a tween audience.
Verdict: Like Twilight, I didn't love it or hate it.

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

     Another post-apocalyptic story.  This time it was a flu. This got really good reviews, but I found the story and writing flat. The ending is not conclusive. It leaves you wondering.
Verdict: I am wondering why I read it?

10 Things I Learned Reading “Choose Yourself!”

     Recently, I came across a book that had an interesting proposition. Prove you've read the book and the author will give you your money back.  That deal, as well as, the topic intrigued me.  So I am using this blog post as my “proof” that I read and learned something- 10 things actually.   

1.        We are in a Choose Yourself era. The economic meltdown in 2008 changed things forever. The American Dream has left the building. It is time to face the new reality and build your own path.  There are two employment paths: entrepreneur and temp worker.

2.       You have to start with a strong foundation: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. As a side note, I find it interesting that contemporary self-help book address physical health. Let’s face it people, eating right, sleeping and doing some regular physical activity are basic life principles that we as a society are seriously lacking.  Unless you get those in order, you are screwed.

3.       Do you ever find your mind going in circles with worry and thinking, thinking, thinking?  That is because your mind likes to be busy- very busy. So give it something to do. Think of a problem and tell your mind to find 10 solutions, then 10 more.  I think this was the most important thing I took away from this book.  The mind can’t be silenced, so make it productive.

4.       Live in the present, otherwise you are “time traveling”. Reliving the past and worrying about the future takes you away from the right now.  Recognize your situation, moods and thoughts and accept them.  See #3 if you can’t stop obsessing.

5.       Surround yourself with positive people and minimize your exposure to naysayers. 

6.       Stop judging by changing statements into questions: I should do that.  I should do that?  This applies to judgment of others too:  She should do that. She should do that?

7.       Hitting “Like” on Facebook releases oxytocin which reduces cortisol (stress) levels.  Finally some good news about the internet... Like.

8.        Stop wasting brain space on paranoia, resentment, regret, and perfectionism.  “Subtraction, and not addition, is what makes the window to the brain more clear.”

9.       You learn most when listening, so stop talking.

10.   “This is how we form a better society. First we become better as individuals”

     The book covered many more subjects, including advice on how to be an entrepreneur, self-publish a book, take care of yourself and get your mindset straight. The author also presented case studies of people who choose themselves and were very successful (i.e. Gandhi). I would recommend this book, even if I wasn’t getting my money back J

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher. Here are the details for on the author’s offer of read and refund:

http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2013/06/nobody-has-ever-made-this-offer-before-i-am-paying-people-back-if-they-read-my-book/

Reading Reviews- May 2013

A lot of good reading this month...

Cooked by Michael Pollan

     I read this and fell in love with cooking (again).   Michael Pollan has a talent for weaving together stories and information and this book kept me interested (and hungry) the whole way through.  Then he brought it to a higher level:  "Cooking is all about connection, I've learned, between us and other species, other time other cutures (human and microbial both), but, most important other people."
Verdict: I have not only read all of Michael Pollan's books on food, I own them. This one is my favorite.

A Taste for Wine by Vincent Gasnier
 
     I've had this book for years and was finally inspired to read it when a Total Wine store opened  in my town. That store is pretty awesome, but I honestly didn't even know where to start, so this book's subtitle "20 key tasting to unlock your personal wine style" sounded promising.  The book is beautifully done and give specific wine suggestions. It is almost too much information- I've got at least 6 types of wine I want to taste now!
Verdict: Wonderful reference book.  Overwhelmed with choices and recommendations. I guess I have to rely on the tasting method :)

The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald

     Somehow I  have managed to never read this classic.  It wasn't the movie that is coming out, but Stephen Colbert announcing he would have a book discussion on his show that finally did it.  It was a good story about reinventing/losing one's self. Seems like a timeless theme- trying to figure out who we are and who we want to be.
Verdict:  It is a good read.

The Sisterhood by Helen Bryan

     This felt like a cross better "The DaVinci Code" and a generic romance novel.  It was a drawn out combination of religious mystery and girl power.  It was an ambitious historical fiction, I just felt it was too long in the telling.  I skimmed through most of it and the ending was cheesy.
Verdict:  This is a perfect book to read if you are traveling. This story is interesting enough if you have some time to kill.

The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley

     I like a good story and this was an excellent story.  This historical fiction details 17th century French society, which includes witchcraft and woman's (lack of ) rights. It even has some romance. The main character is interesting and likable and the setting feel authentic.
Verdict: Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. 

Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn

     I kept hearing people talk about this book, so I gave it a try. I found the first part boring and almost stopped reading it, but the reviews I read said this book had twists. The first twist I guessed, but the rest was a surprise!  This story is crafty.
Verdict: I am now raving about this book like everyone else :)

Reading Reviews- April 2013

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

     This book was recommended to me by a self-defense instructor.  It covers the psychological aspects of being violently attacked.  It is fourteen chapters of people who did it wrong and got victimized, then chapter 15 says not to worry so much.  Despite myself and that last cynical sentence, the message of the book is solid: 1) Trust your gut. If something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable, pay attention to that feeling.  2) Worrying about all the bad things that could possibly happen actually dulls your natural instincts to protect yourself from real danger.  3)Safety before manners.  Women stop being polite to people (especially strangers) who make you feel uncomfortable.
Verdict: Read it!  Then sign up for a self-defense course.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

     I finally got the legit copy, after getting The Cloud Atlas by mistake.  According to my Kindle, I read 3% of it.  It is just not an interesting read. Really I have nothing else to say about it.
Verdict: Not my style.

Dancing Dogs by Jon Katz

     This is a collection of story stories about dogs- one of my favorite topics. Based on the title, I expected happy stories. Most of them were about dogs dying or people dying or dogs and or people getting old. They were good stories, I was just expecting something more uplifting.
Verdict: Do you like to cry? If yes, then don't wait any longer to get this book!

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

     The world has changed and unfortunately our society and institutions haven't caught up yet.  Each chapter could be a stand alone short story, but  together it weaves into a larger narrative of navigating career, family and a personal definition of success. I loved chapters 1-6-  I wish someone had told me this stuff in my twenties. Chapters 7-9 focus on how to get married, have babies and not feel guilty about working a million hours, so I did not feel it applied to me.
Verdict:  I wanted to love this book, but the last chapters were a big conventional yawn fest. Despite that, I would still recommend this book because the current workforce norms need to be shaken up and modernized.

The False Friend by Myla Goldberg

     The premise is that this is a mystery story, but actually it is about bullying. The ending is abrupt and confusing. I actually tried using Google and Wikipedia to try to understand the ending.
Verdict: I still have no idea what happened?

Salt, Sugar and Fat by Michael Moss

     This book dives into the manipulative practices of the food industry.  They have learned to exploit our biology and get us to consume food products that make us fat and sick.  The chapter entitled "Is it cereal or candy?" pretty much sums it up.  I had a hard time reading this book and ended up skimming it. It was like a bunch of drug pushers justifying their industry practices.  It is a good book with facts and stories, just a hard topic for me to stomach.
 Verdict: Processed food is evil! If you need convincing or specific examples, please read this book.
   
We Are All Weird by Seth Godin

     The author calls this his manifesto against mass production and marketing and encourages everyone to embrace their inner weirdness.
Verdict: It is a weird read.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

     I am not usually a sci-fi fan, but I like this one! Written in 1968, this story was surprisingly original and fresh. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where people the main character hunts down fugitive androids and wants to own a real animal. The story has a lot of heart.
Verdict: Highly recommend!

World War Z by Max Brooks

     Spoiler alert- the movie comes out in June, but it will probably take a different spin on the post-zombie wars.  Rather than focus on the zombies, this is about the humans that survived. Their decisions, conscious and sacrifices during war time.  Coping with fear and keeping hope alive are central themes.
Verdict: It was interesting but depressing. I am guessing the movie will have a more traditional happy ending.

Articles of Interest:

Worrying really is a waste of time http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karl-a-pillemer-phd/how-to-stop-worrying-reduce-stress_b_2989589.html?utm_hp_ref=women&ir=Women

This is an article written by one of my CrossFit coaches about raising girls to have body confident. Strong is the new skinny:  http://www.buildingabetterathlete.com/creating-a-healthier-society-of-girls-5-tips-for-parents-and-coaches/

Reading Reviews- March 2013

I am kinda of surprised this much reading got done this month since the weather has warmed up.  This month's reading was definitely  more about learning something than reading for pleasure, but there will still some gems.

Rich Food, Poor Food by Jason and Mira Calton

    My first impression was- this is a fabulous book! It is beautifully laid out with practical information and advice on the current state of food.  They named names- which brands are good, better and very bad.  I brought the book to the grocery store and could find very few of the brands they recommended. That was incredibly disappointing.
Verdict:  Nope. Unless you don't mind grocery shopping online. Most of their recommendations can be ordered that way.

Fun Inc.: Why Gaming Will Dominate the 21st Century by Tom Chatfield

     I have never been into video games, so I thought this book would help me understand.  I really tried to keep an open mind. The author lost me at Chapter 6, which was dedicated to his online game of choice- World of Warcraft. The author did his best to convince me that video games are good. They facilitate learning, create social interactions and generate revenue.  All I have to say to that is so does real life.
Verdict: If you love gaming, but feel guilty about spending so much time online, this book will help you feel better. Game on gamers!

Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson

    Yes, yes I know I said I need to stop reading these Dummy books, but this one was actually good!  I liked that it covered the logistical things of managing your finances but also the emotions we attach to money.  The chapters were clearly marked, so you could skip around to the ones that most applied to you.
Verdict: This is one (and only, so far) Dummy book I recommend!

Heads in Beds by Jacob Tommsky

    This is a hilarious memoir of a hotel employee's experience.  I've never really liked staying in hotels and this book didn't help, but I will be amused the next time I stay at one. Besides funny stories, he also gives practical tips for how to have a better experience (Hint: tip the front desk for an upgrade or perks).
Verdict:  This is one of the cleverest book I have ever read!  Highly recommend!

How to Quickly Get Started as a Personal Coach by Christian Mickelsen

   My MBA is now 5 years "old" and I feel the need to do something more. Coaching maybe? Well I do have a degree in psychology.  This was a good starter book. It is kinda brilliant the way the author uses this opportunity to promote the Coach Training Program he has developed.
Verdict: I thought it was good. I plan on reading more books on becoming a coach, so not sure how this one will hold up.

Life Coaching: A Manual for Helping Professionals by Davis Ellis

   This book was on the opposite of the continuum, which made it a great contrast to the other life coaching book I read this month.  The author shares his guiding philosophy, as well as providing practical tips for being a life coach. After reading this book, I don't think life coaching is for me, because I like to tell people what to do- that is called consulting :)
Verdict:  This book was a very good read and guide. Would recommend if you are considering doing life coaching.


Articles of the Month:

Lately I've felt like sitting 8 hours a day is crippling me, so this article inspired me to spend less time in chairs.  In fact, I sat on the floor, while writing this post. "Floor Living: Do you spend enough time on the ground?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/#axzz2MgUTBhMY

Coffee going GMO because of coffee rust- oh no! Better stock up on the Hawaii stuff:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/25/coffee-rust-cenicafe_n_2935249.html