Book Review: You Are a Gift to the World by Laura Duksta

About the BookLaura Duksta lost all of her hair at age eleven.  She was bullied, teased and humiliated throughout her teenage and college years. Even today, she remembers so clearly when someone at a party grabbed her wig and tossed it across a dance floor.

As a result, Laura became introverted and depressed, and tried to fill the void caused by feeling like a misfit in unhealthy ways. It wasn't until her thirtieth birthday, and after the idea for her first book, I Love You More, that she was finally able to accept herself, and her bald head.

The idea of I Love You More came to Laura after she saw her sister dealing with issues of being a young mother, and her nephew as a victim of those difficulties.  Laura self-published I Love You More and sold more than 50,000 copies.  Sourcebooks then released the book and it went on to become a New York Times bestseller.  Now, she is releasing a new book, You Are a Gift to the World (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; April 19, 2011; $16.99; hardcover). 

Laura has become a champion for our children, writing books like I Love You More and You Are a Gift to the World to spread a message of love, appreciation and acceptance. I Love You Morewas written for her nephew, so that he—and all children—might know that no matter what's going on in their lives or the world around them, they are loved. Only recently did Laura realize that writing I Love You More was also a healing experience for her.

You Are a Gift to the World has a powerful message for children and adults about appreciating one another and the world around us. It also continues to generate the conversation of love amongst people everywhere.

My Take on the BookThis ingenious book is an excellent springboard for parents and children to discuss what special gifts the child has and how everything in the world is a special gift to us..

The book is a flip book. It is two books in one. One book is on the front and as you read it , you finally get to a middle section which then allows you to flip the book over and read the second book.

Let's a begin with YOU ARE A GIFT TO THE WORLD

The first section is a delight. A father and his daughter are enjoying each other's company and the out doors. He tells her she is the best gift in the whole world. He proceeds to describe some of the reasons he tells her this: she is one of a kind, she sings sweetly, he loves to hear her laugh, her smile brightens his day,her hugs are the best.

The flip side: THE WORLD IS A GIFT TO YOU

So what is the greatest gift in the whole wide world? You only need to look at your surroundings to find some of the answers. So discuss what you see. Do you live in the mountains or by the seashore? Do you have trees in your yard which are homes to birds ?

Are you able to play in the water of an ocean, lake or river?

The story illustrates the miracle of life through baby birds and the seed that becomes a beautiful flower.
Our oceans are a gift supporting the lives of whales, fish, turtles, crabs, many plants, and more.
And don't forget the sun which sustains all life on Earth and produces amazing sunrises and sunsets.

It does not take much to look around and see the gifts the world gives each and everyone of us.

This book ends in the same center page as the first book did. There are two sentences as a closing. YOU ARE A GIFT TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD IS A GIFT TO YOU. SO AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGH LIFE, YOU SEE ALL THE WAYS IT'S TRUE.

Do take the time to tell your child about their specialness and the gifts the world has for them.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: THE SUPER SPROWTZ: I AM BRIAN BROCCOLI AND I AM SUPER STRONG

Meet the Super Sprowtz! from Super Sprowtz on Vimeo.

Super Sprowtz gives moms an easy and effective way to teach their kids to enjoy eating vegetables.  Finally, there is a solution for the picky eater who won't eat broccoli or carrots or spinach -- Super Sprowtz!  And it doesn't involve hiding fresh veggies in other foods to trick kids into eating them.  I founded this company - with these fun and engaging veggie superhero characters - because I passionately believe moms need better tools to help their young children build honest and healthy relationships with healthy food.  My full bio is online, but a quick overview -- my background includes:  fitness instructor, organic restaurateur in New York City (I own 2 organic restaurants with my twin sister), film and TV producer for 10 years, and lifelong food enthusiast. 

My Take on the Book
This delightful book introduces the reader to vegetables as the main characters. The first page of the book gives the reader a short file of information about Brian Broccoli and the mission he and his vegetable comrades must accomplish.. Brian Broccoli must stop Greasy Grease Cart from destroying the fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers' market.

As the story progresses, you meet not only Brian Broccoli , but also Oliver Onion, Grete Garlic, and Colby Carrot. They are living on a rooftop greenhouse and have befriended a little girl named Rayne who takes care of the greenhouse and the plants who live there.
Colby Carrot spies the Greasy Grease Cart heading towards the farmers' market with the intent of destroying the vegetables and fruits .
The vegetable friends are mobilized and speed in Suzy Sweetpea's peapod-cycle to intercept and destroy the cart.

The story of course has a happy ending.Our authors are educating the readers into seeing that fresh fruits and vegetables are healthier eating alternatives to greasy foods.

The authors include information about the value of ten fruits and vegetables in the glossary and include a delicious vegetable side dish that you and your child can prepare together.

I can see a family enjoying the book and then purchasing various fruits and vegetables for tasting and cooking together.

You can make a difference in what your child eats and this book is a good beginning to a healthier YOU.

Buon Appetito!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Soft Launches NEW Limited Edition Brooklyn Artists Tee Series

Soft Launches NEW Limited Edition
Brooklyn Artists Tee Series
Proceeds Will Be Donated To FREE ARTS NYC

What Inspires YOU? 

NEWS Soft Clothing is proudly based in Brooklyn NY and is inspired by the street art and visual artists that surround their Bushwick design studio. In an effort to support local Brooklyn-based artists' work, they are set to launch a Limited Edition Brooklyn Artists Tee Series on February 14, 2011. A portion of profits from the sale of these long sleeve printed tees will go toward supporting FREE ARTS NYC, a NY-based organization that provides under-served children and families with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs. "We commissioned three well known local artists to create a tee shirt design based on what inspires them. The process itself was very inspiring for us! For the tee design, we thought a lot about what kids love, how they make art, and how open and potent their imagination can be. Creativity is very important at Soft, and as a former educator, I am so happy to be able to support both local artists and art education through this creative project." States Soft Founder, Jessica Ralli. "Free Arts NYC is thrilled to be a part of Soft Clothing's inaugural Artist Series collection and pleased to support the local artists involved." FREE ARTS NYC What Inspires Our Artists Ipswitch Tee: Drawing by Timothy Hull, Artist "I am inspired by patterns, phenomenon and antiquity. This particular drawing, however, was directly inspired by my 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon sailboat."   Graffiti Tee:Photo silhouette concept and design by Gisel Florez, Photographer Kid photography by Ellen Letcher, Artist "I am inspired by adventure. Within my photographs, I try to convey the energy and emotion associated within the subject." We Tee: Mixed media collage by Ellen Letcher, Artist "I love photography, painting & design. I am inspired by love and imagination, and this mixed media collage was inspired by the differences between robots and humans."   To view the bios of the Brooklyn artists CLICK HERE   About Soft Many children are extra-sensitive to the texture and feel of clothing. Soft® is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with sensory sensitivity, a common symptom of Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD and many Developmental Disabilities. Soft® provides extra comfort with their use of flat seaming, 100% of the softest combed cotton, wide collars, encased elastic waistbands, printed labels (tagless) and more. Soft is based in Brooklyn, New York and designed by Jessica Ralli, a Special Educator, and Suzy Kogen Friedman, a mom and caring family member to a child with Autism, both of whom share a common goal to design clothing that can enhance a child's social skills, sensory organization and concentration by addressing unique sensory needs but without sacrificing personal style and self expression. Soft® supports organizations that support Autism Research, Inclusive Education, and dis/Ability awareness such as the Autism Society Of America, SPD Foundation and Autism Speaks.   About FREE ARTS NYC Free Arts NYC provides under-served children and families with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs that help them to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential. Brooklyn Artists Tee Series available at Sprout Kidz in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Website: www.softclothing.net  Social Network: www.softsensoryworld.com Blog: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rvqkvhcab&et=1104222852088&s=18405&e=001bCGOe3tL-uCKgOUCikijnG7U5WkV1KKsnDqBZpkowXR7lfYrV7jPtsEoF6IGltmz7QFMPEDJGaRvqPR_zl05Zd5UeH_W54gjm3aGWLbrejesbLC53QGJzrMGLT6lN_TK FREE ARTS NYC: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=rvqkvhcab&et=1104222852088&s=18405&e=001bCGOe3tL-uAehSOMabjfL1dYofNyV41HLWVP1RfnbwZkQbwZx6pC6iqCyR6dwP0ytbC-IcteaxvikDltstMdGUf_3f4GOMupQw2f50yDasZe8rPQEGTXhQ==

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Book Review - The Family ADHD Solution

About the Book

In this accessible guide, developmental pediatrician Mark Bertin demystifies ADHD and offers advice to overwhelmed parents that includes clear explanations of:

• Biological causes of ADHD, and the ins and outs of a thorough evaluation
• Common symptoms, showing how they extend far beyond inattention and hyperactivity
• Behavioral, educational and medical approaches that increase academic and social success
• Research proven mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques for parents that benefit the whole family
• Advice to help your child build self-esteem along with  healthy relationships with peers and with you

Mark Bertin, M.D., is a pioneering developmental pediatrician in private practice in Pleasantville NY, Director of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the Westchester Institute for Human Development and assistant professor of pediatrics at New York Medical College.  He trains physicians, teachers and psychologists in ADHD care, and leads stress-reduction classes for parents.

My Take on the Book

We have been wondering lately if our oldest daughter may have ADHD. While she tests in the normal range, there are simply some tendancies that make us wonder whether this still might be the case.

This book is a must have for families that are struggling to understand ADHD as well as trying to understand what they can do to help their child in being successful. At the same time this book does a great job at helping parents cope with the issues and tendancies of an ADHD child.

I appreciated the fact that the author comes into the writing of this book with so much experience behind his belt. His expertise impressed me, and I know that in reading this, I would definitely take his thoughts and run with them seeing that he brings so much practical experience to the table.

Overall, the author not only explains the science behind how ADHD affects the brain, but also provides real tools, techniques and resources for parents to both help their children succeed at home and school as well as provide balance (and hopefully peace) back into their lives.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review: The Maverick Experiment

About the Book
Straight from the mind of a U.S. intelligence and special operations officer comes The Maverick Experiment, a novel that will bring readers closer to the duties and lives of our own special forces than any news story ever could. Breaking all the rules, a battle-hardened group of fighters confront Afghan terrorists on their own terms.

Join an independent team of American warriors on a deadly undercover mission. An experienced operative, well-trained in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, Derek Stevens is the ideal candidate to lead a crew on a top-secret mission into Afghanistan to neutralize Taliban leaders. However, the mission turns out to be much more than even he had expected.

The Maverick Experiment is a fast-paced, well-plotted military thriller that is enhanced by the author's vast knowledge of U.S. Intelligence, the Special Operations community, and the psychology that drives terrorists.  The immediacy and accessibility of the prose, the conversational language, and the action-packed storyline will quickly engage readers and hold their interests throughout.

The first in a series, the book expertly lays the groundwork for further Maverick missions.

Check out www.drewberquist.com and www.themaverickexperiment.com for more information about Drew and "The Maverick Experiment".

About the Author
Drew Berquist is a senior intelligence consultant for United States government. Prior to his position there, he served as an officer with the U.S. Department of Defense, where he conducted intelligence and special operations. Berquist, who was trained in Arabic, speaks to audiences as an expert on Afghanistan and the global War on Terror. Berquist currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife and child.

My Take on the BookThis book was a page-turner! From the beginning to the end you are on a roller coaster of excitement. Like many books that I enjoy reading (action adventure) this book kept me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the next move of the main characters and wondering where the plot would lead next.

This was a book that captivated me, and I found that I could not put it down. Typically a slower reader, this book encouraged me to keep going and I was done in only about two days. I probably could have been done sooner, if I had stayed up a bit later!   

The book has good character development and characters all-together and I found myself being drawn into the back story and intricate plot that the author weaved for his characters and for his readers!



As I mentioned above this is the start of a series of books and I for one am looking forward to the sequels!



All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: Fragile

About the Book
For 50 years, Amanda Geist has held a torch for her childhood love Tris Holloway, saving herself and expecting the same from him. Holloway, meanwhile, is stuck in a loveless marriage, having always felt that his life was never fully realized. When Geist walks into the hair salon of single mom Holly Schenck to get a trim before her high school reunion (where she hopes to see Holloway), she sets off a chain of events that bounds all three together. In a failed bid for profundity, debut novelist Katsaropoulos employs a fragmented, head-jerking storytelling style with a fractured point-of-view meant to imitate a film's sense of simultaneous action. Unfortunately, the effect never quite gels; cramped for space and trapped by their own passivity, his characters come across as shallow and unsympathetic. Most frustratingly, Katsaropoulos falls back on easy shock-value plot twists to compensate for a lack of compelling drama.

My Take on the Book
This book looks at how easily a human can be broken and on the lives of three main characters whose lives definitely are in this state.Each of these characters' stories are so poignant and telling, that you are simply drawn into the world that the author constructs and you find yourself losing yourself in the intricacies of the story itself.

I found the writing of this style unique, as much like the characters, the book itself is written in a broken format, with chapters in small segments chopped up, and not in any certain cadence that was evident. This is not a negative trait for the book, but it is something you do not always find in writing styles today.

Because of this fragmented style of writing, it does take a bit of time to get used to the disjointed jumping around that happens. In most cases as a reader you can follow the line of the plot, but there were a few times where I did struggle with this as well.

The author does a great job though in building up his characters, and developing a beautiful and intricate web of interconnectedness that leads the story forward!

Overall a good book, and one that I would recommend, just know that it will be one that will be different than most that you have ever read in the past!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: Exploiting My Baby

About the Book

EXPLOITING MY BABY, the honest, hysterical, and touching new mom-oir form television and radio personality Teresa Strasser just hit stores, and I want to make sure you and your audience are aware of this fresh look at motherhood.

LA Weekly recently raved about the book, writing that “Teresa Strasser cuts right through the mucus plug with Exploiting My Baby*: *Because It's Exploiting Me. With such titles as ‘Sitting Stretch Mark Shiva’ and ‘I'll Miss You, Toxins,’ Strasser's funnier than your funniest friend and her neuroses are more acute than Joan Rivers' Having a Baby Can Be a Scream. From the initial wondering, ‘Would both my ass and my mind wear mom jeans?’ to her post-birth home that ‘looks like Chuck E. Cheese after an earthquake,’ Strasser's hilariously forthcoming about every step of the process. And as for exploiting her little bundle of joy, she states: ‘Kid, I just made you a spleen and some eyebrows. The least you can do is get Mommy a book deal’.” And check out Teresa’s fantastic interview about the book and motherhood with THE TALK (CBS-TV):  http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_talk/video/?pid=Z8geNK5gF9rDeBnzdZuigCVok1RPATWX&vs=Clips&play=true

Teresa Strasser, an award-winning journalist, thought to herself, “If Tori Spelling and Kate Gosselin can milk their children for all they’re worth, why can‘t I?” So she has given birth to EXPLOITING MY BABY, BECAUSE IT’S EXPLOITING ME: A Memoir of Pregnancy and Childbirth, the unflinchingly honest, always hysterical, and surprisingly heartwarming collection of essays about being a mom for the first time at 38. Strasser’s unique and candid take on motherhood is certain to open up a more honest dialogue between moms everywhere, and is a refreshing entry into the mom-oir world.

Experience Teresa in action, both on television and over the radio, on her website (http://www.teresastrasser.com/ ), and her blog, ExploitingMyBaby.com (http://teresastrasser.com/blog).

Whether discussing her significant “mommy” issues with her own mother and “stepmonster,” the physical toll that comes from carrying around a growing human being for nine months, or her nagging doubts about her ability to be a good mother, in EXPLOITING MY BABY Strasser provides an uninhibited and edgy look into the life of a new mother. With Strasser’s honesty about her flaws and fears along with a candid look at the highs (having doors opened and seats offered) and lows (leaking breasts and uncontrollable gas) of pregnancy, EXPLOITING MY BABY takes on many of the things that annoy real moms, including:

•  Advertisements for pregnancy products featuring models with glowing skin and zero weight gain
• The formula versus breast milk debate
• A list of bad mothers (like Marilu Henner, whose own parenting book, “I Refuse to Raise a Brat,” features her two young sons on the cover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teresa Strasser is an Emmy-winning writer (Comedy Central’s “Win Ben Stein’s Money”) and Emmy-nominated television host (TLC’s “While You Were Out”). Radio audiences know her as a frequent guest on Adam Carolla’s podcast, the most popular podcast in iTunes history. As a journalist, Strasser is a contributor to the Los Angeles Times and a columnist for The Los Angeles Jewish Journal. Her first-person essays have garnered three Los Angeles Press Club Awards, including Columnist of the Year. Other television credits include serving as a field correspondent for WNYW-TV’s “Good Day New York,” and for Fox shows “Good Day Live” and “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.” TV writing credits include  “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” and “The Chair,” both for ABC. Strasser co-hosted the weekly pop-culture round-up “TV Watercooler,” which airs on the TV Guide Network, and currently co-hosts KABC’s morning radio news show in Los Angeles. Strasser has appeared on numerous countdown shows on basic cable, mainly for the E! Network, including “50 Cutest Child Stars” and “101 Celebrity Oops” and has written for the popular magazine features Stars Make Us Laugh (In Touch Weekly) and Fashion Police (Us Weekly). She has also commented on celebrity culture for CNN’s “Headline News” as well as covered the red carpet for The Academy Awards, The Tony Awards and The Emmy Awards. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Visit her website at www.teresastrasser.com. 

My Take on the Book

I did not know a lot about Teresa before reading this book, and if she is as funny in person as she comes across in her writing, I can tell why people would enjoy knowing her. This book is witty, clever and humorous and for anyone that has been pregnant or has gone through pregnancy, she captures (and makes light of) many of the fun moments during this time.

While I have never been pregnant, my wife has and I shared the book with her and she also thought that the sections that she read through were funny and engaging. This book is an easy read, and because of the humor, it makes you want to continue reading to get through it and see what else the author has to say (what's her last word going to be?). 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Book Review: Fall in Love Like a Romance Writer

About the BookAccording to Romance Writers of America, romance fiction tops the publishing charts with $1.37 billion annual sales* - Now that's sexy.  Clearly, romance is alive and well in the world of publishing.  Readers can't get enough, which is why the timing is ripe to unleash a book that goes beyond the fictional bedroom doors…between the story-filled satin sheets…to uncover the intimate secrets behind the real romantic relationships of more than 65 beloved, bestselling romance novelists.
Linda Lael Miller, Mariah Stewart, Robyn Carr, Heather Graham, Joan Johnston, Kat Martin, Pamela Morsi, Sabrina Jeffries, Eloisa James, Rachel Gibson, and many others share what has made their own true romances loving and lasting.  At the heart of Fall in Love Like a Romance Writer (HCI Books -- $14.95) is the author--bestselling romance writer Amelia Grey.  Together these ladies of luscious language tell secrets about their own true loves.
Readers will enjoy glimpsing into the exclusive and private world of their favorite romance writers.  Humorous, poignant, and entertaining from beginning to end, Fall in Love Like a Romance Writer reveals what it takes to have your own happily ever after, just like the ones your beloved writers are creating…and living.
Amelia Grey is a pseudonym for Gloria Skinner, the author of more than 20 books and winner of the Booksellers Best Award and Aspen Gold Award for writing as Amelia Grey.  Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she has won the Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter, the Maggie Award, and the Affaire de Coeur Award for best historicals.  Her books have been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs and have sold to many countries in Europe, Russia, Indonesia, and China.  She grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle, and has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for more than 35 years.  Learn more about the author at: www.ameliagrey.com.

My Take on the Book
This book is a treasure trove of great short examples of what love should and could be. I loved the fact that there were so many authors sharing their thoughts on love. and what was best about this was the fact that these individuals are supposed to truly know what they are talking about (as they write about it in their novels). I would have liked to have seen some male authors possibly, but maybe they would not have been able to give the same type of background and insight that these authors provide.

Each section is short and to the point and most of all, easy to read. If you are looking for a great book that gives you many of the steps that each of us should consider in our loving relationships, look no further!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

  

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Book Review: Precarious

Luminis Books is proud to present Al Riske’s short story collection, Precarious. The book, which contains the Blue Mesa Review award-winning short story, “Pray for Rain,” is generating rave reviews and an avid fan base hungry for a return to the classic short story format.

The stories in Precarious are about doing the right thing and regretting it - about making bets and dancing naked. They play out in rain-soaked Seattle and drought-stricken California. In the front seat of Mom’s Malibu and a vacation cabin on Cape Cod. On a tiny island and in a desert filled with light and heat and sand that slips through your fingers like friendships you once had. In these fifteen stories you will meet a boy trying to make it through that summer between the end of high school and the start of something else. A woman attracted to a man with muscles, because it makes her feel safe . . . until it doesn’t. A man who can only imagine what it’s like to sleep with many different women, but that’s OK—he has a good imagination. In prose that is by turns spare and lyrical, the stories of Precarious capture the feeling of late summer. A never-ending game of Kick the Can. All sense of time lost among the stars.

Laura Matter, of Blue Mesa Review, says, “Riske’s characters brim with the fears, desires, and idiosyncrasies of real, complex human beings. In the collision of spiritual and sexual concerns that plague them, we find a truth that makes us believers in the power of his fiction.”

About the Author

Al Riske grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, and ghostwriter. His short stories have appeared in Beloit Fiction Journal, Pindledyboz, Switchback, and Blue Mesa Review, where his story “Pray for Rain” won the review’s 2008 fiction prize. He now lives in California with his wife, Joanne, and their dog, Bodie.

My Take on the BookThis book is an amazing collection of true-to-life stories that relate to the rlationships between men and women. What I found interesting was that the characters in the book do tend to form themselves into the people that are closest to you (or so it seemed to me). You see all of the human complexities within each of the characters, things like joy, pain, sorrow, anxiety and other such conflicting emotions.

The author does an amazing job at crafting a book that draws in the reader while still leaving out enough to make the reader want to read that much further and quicker.

Each of the stories shared in this book were easy to read and engaging. You will not want to put down the book after you begin. The book goes by very quickly as each story is short and to the point. Most of these stories were ones that made you wonder, what's next. The author writes with such passion and ease you would guess that he has been writing for some time, not in the fact that this was his fist publication. I know that I, for one, will be awaiting his next book!   


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Minnie's Masquerade

COME JOIN MINNIE, MICKEY AND PALS IN AN ADVENTURE THAT CELEBRATES THEMES 

OF FRIENDSHIP, TEAMWORK, SHARING, PROBLEM SOLVING AND DRESSING-UP 

Just In Time For Valentine’s Day, Disney’s New Preschool DVD 

 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade

Debuts February 8th, 2011 

Parents and their preschoolers are invited to join in the ultimate masquerade party with Minnie, Mickey and pals in a fun-filled collection of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse latest episodes that celebrate themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Masquerade is the perfect gift to dress-up your Valentine’s Day, available on Disney DVD February 8 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.  

This latest release features four playful Minnie-themed adventures previously seen on the Mickey Mouse 

Clubhouse TV show, a never-before-seen episode, and a free paper mask with festive embellishments that kids can personalize. And as a special option for consumers, Disney has packaged a version of the DVD to include the exclusive Mickey Mote – a child-friendly handheld remote control, shaped like Mickey ears, that takes children’s viewing experience to a whole new level of play. The DVD + Mickey Mote Play Set is the ultimate value for moms and equally fun and engaging for kids! The Mickey Mote uses infrared wireless technology and may not be compatible with all devices. 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Masquerade starring Disney’s Fab Five -- Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Daisy – takes viewers on an all new adventure as they dress-up in their favorite costumes for Minnie’s Masquerade Ball.  In this episode, Minnie needs some help getting everything ready for her party including making royal crowns for their costumes, searching for Sir Goofalot’s lost shoe, stringing up paper lanterns and much, much more. At the ball, Professor Von Drake hosts the great Clubhouse Costume Show and gives out prize ribbons to all the friends who have dressed up in some funny and fancy costumes.  All it takes is a heaping helping of imagination…and the right Mouseketools.  

About Disney’s Exclusive Mickey Mote: 

Disney’s Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode™ feature – an interactive “Watch & Play” feature on the DVD.  All parents have to do is program the remote control - there’s an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD- and select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen.  Within minutes, kids will be easily responding to questions, throughout the story, about scenes they just watched by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device -- a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square – to click in their responses.  Discovery Mode features include two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as the child grows. 

The Mickey Mote can be used with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode feature. To date there are more than 11 titles that can be used with the remote control, just take a look at the back of the package to make sure. 

STREET DATE:  February 8, 2011 

Direct Prebook:  December 14, 2010 

Distributor Prebook:  December 28, 2010 

Suggested Retail Price: Single Disc DVD + Mickey Mote = $29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada 

Single Disc DVD = $19.99 U.S. / $24.99 Canada 

Rated:    TV-Y 

    *Bonus materials not rated 

Run Time:   Approximately 120 minutes 

Aspect Ratio: Full screen (1:33:1) 

Sound: Dolby Digital Sound 

Languages: English, Spanish, French 

My Take on the DVD

Entertaining and fun, this DVD has a myriad of different episodes that will just keep your child's attention. My youngest loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (we are a Disney Family!) and she has tried the Mickey Mote in the past and loves to be in control of the remote. This DVD also works with the Mickey Mote and engages even young children. I have been amazed at the lessons that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse teaches while keeping the learning light and fun.

Overall, this was a great DVD, and one that I would recommend for any family that is a Disney fan!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review -Always True: God's 5 Promises for When Life is Hard

About the Book

Follow bestselling author, speaker, and pastor James MacDonald as he delivers the biblical hope of God’s promises in the midst of life’s storms.

2 Peter 1:3 refers to certain portions of God’s Word as exceedingly great and precious promises. GreatPrecious promises are ones that we find strong enough to hold us up and resilient enough to get us through. God’s promises become exceedingly great and precious to us when nothing else will do. By way of digging into the theology of God’s Promises, Pastor James uncovers 5 major categories of promise in the Bible and the 5 areas about which God repeatedly makes promises. From what to do with fear and doubt to God’s goodness, help, and victory—the Bible has much to say about God’s presence in our difficulty. promises are ones that don’t fall apart during difficult times; they reveal hope in the midst of the storm.

Last year, Pastor James released When Life is Hard to point you toward hope in the midst of trials. Always True will point you to God’s promises, which are always true.

About the Author

JAMES MACDONALD received his BA from London Baptist Bible College in Ontario, his MA in 1988 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois and his D.Min from Phoenix Seminary in 1996. He is the founding and senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Pastor MacDonald is the author of Lord, Change My Attitude...Before It’s Too Late, Gripped by the Greatness of God, I Really Want to Change ... So, Help me God, Seven Words to Change Your Family; God Wrote a Book, Downpour, Ancient Wisdom, Way of Wisdom, Restore My Soul, and 10 Choices: A Proven Plan for Change.

Pastor MacDonald’s teaching, which emphasizes the precise exposition of God’s Word and its practical life application, can be heard on Walk in the Word (www.walkintheword.com), a daily 30-minute radio program heard on outlets across North America, and Listen Up, a one-minute feature, which can also be heard on numerous stations.

Pastor MacDonald and his wife, Kathy have three children and reside in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

My Take on the Book
This book, though not long, brings the reader to a place of remembrance and knowledge that God keeps his promises to the faithful. Through stories that will touch the soul, the author offers some tips and resources for people to know God better as well as walking the reader step-by-step towards the knowledge that there is a higher power that is holding each and every one up to the life situations that we have been faced with.

The author shares five promises that he feels all people must understand and remember:

(1) God is ALWAYS with ME. I will not fear.
(2) God is ALWAYS in CONTROL. I will not doubt.
(3) God is ALWAYS GOOD. I will not despair.
(4) God is ALWAYS WATCHING. I will not falter.
(5) God is ALWAYS VICTORIOUS. I will not fail.

MacDonald does a wonderful job taking these five statements and supporting them with both Scripture and experiences. The book is very practical and allows the reader to take what is important with them by helping them make the promises their own.


I recommend this book for individual or small group Bible study.All people who are trying to become closer to God will definitely take much from this book!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Book Review: THE NAKED MOM by Brooke Burke

MOTHERHOOD REVEALED BY CELEBRITY MOM AND CO-HOST OF DANCING WITH THE STARS

THE NAKED MOM

A Modern Mom’s Fearless Revelations, Savvy Advice and Soulful Reflections

by Brooke Burke

**On-Sale: February 1, 2011**

Motherhood revealed-by a high-profile celebrity mom, dynamic CEO, and Dancing with the Stars co-host and winner.

Brooke Burke knows all too well that when you're raising four children, running a household, tending a relationship, building a multimillion- dollar business and pursuing a television career, there's no room for pretense or posturing. Rejecting the idea that there's some simple step-by-step path to the Perfect Body, the Perfect Relationship, or the Perfect Career, she reveals the truths about motherhood with the sincerity that today's smart, sexy and soulful moms need. Brooke lets readers know what really goes on behind the scenes of a surprisingly ordinary life as a celebrity mom, and how she manages to make it all work (on the good days). Always acknowledging the chaos that is present in any woman's life, Burke offers readers a more calculated approach to life and motherhood: dance through it. It's all about hearing the music, finding your footing, and moving gracefully.

From tips about caring for your body, to her own stories about the missteps she's made as a mother, to advice about how to handle the tough emotional challenges moms face, Brooke paints an honest picture of motherhood that all women can relate to, insisting that it's not about being right or wrong, it's about being your authentic, naked self.

My Take on the Book

While I am a Dad, I will say that this book shares a very transparent look into motherhood in the limelight. I have done many interviews with fathers that are doing this as well, and I have to commend Ms. Burke for the openness and honesty that she shares in this book. What I liked about this book was that it gives some great advice and resources for all moms (and it might even give some dads some things to think about as well).

If you are looking for a book that shares openly one well known mothers' journey, this book is one that I would highly recommend!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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