Dad of Divas' Reviews: 2025

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Book Review - Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organization

Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organization




About the Book
Every company or team assumes they are curious, that their questions are a strength. In my experience, that assumption is often wrong. In many organizations, questions have become something else, something negative.

In Question to Learn we learn that the good news is that we all have the power to change that. It just means tapping into a skill we all had as kids—pure, unfiltered curiosity.

Question to Learn is a mix of my life story, the stories of other professionals like me and examples of companies who have struggled and thrived with questions. My goal is to guide you through a journey from feeling stuck to unstuck, much like I would with clients in a workshop.

If you’ve ever felt like you wanted to ask a question to learn but buried it below a layer of self-doubt or fear, this book will help you break that cycle. If you’ve ever been asked a question that was clearly not intended to learn, this book will help you create an environment where questions are used in their purest form—to learn. If you’ve ever been frustrated by endless meetings spent debating something that could be learned simply by asking, this book is for you.


My Take on the Book
As someone who values lifelong learning and open dialogue, Question to Learn really struck a chord with me. Joe Lalley reminds us that curiosity isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that can unlock growth, innovation, and stronger human connections. What I loved most about this book is how practical it feels; Lalley doesn’t just talk about the importance of asking questions—he shows how curiosity can reshape team culture, leadership, and personal development.

The blend of personal stories, workplace examples, and actionable insights made it an engaging read. I especially appreciated the emphasis on shifting from “having all the answers” to “creating space for discovery.” It’s a refreshing approach in a world obsessed with quick fixes and certainty.

For leaders, educators, and anyone eager to grow through curiosity rather than control, this book offers both wisdom and inspiration.


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Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Book Review - Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential

Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential



About the Book

In Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential you are asked: How much of your potential remains untapped? Throughout our lives, we catch fleeting glimpses of the greater capacity within us-but what if you could consciously and consistently harness more of it?

Soulgery is your lifetime companion for uncovering that deeper potential. It offers an organic yet transformative way to accelerate your growth through the natural course of everyday life.

Spanning a broad spectrum of human experience-from everyday challenges and performance to deeper explorations of love, wisdom, and meaning-Soulgery brings a rare depth by revealing how your sense of self can profoundly shape each of these dimensions. With engaging real-life stories that bring its insights to life, Soulgery stands apart as a uniquely effective guide.

Are you ready to discover your untapped potential and embrace the richer, more fulfilling life you were always meant to live?


My Take on the Book

Soulgery is the kind of book that invites you to slow down and look inward in a way many self-development books try—but rarely achieve. As I worked my way through each chapter, I found myself reflecting on the beliefs and habits that shape how I show up in the world. Ahmet Bozer draws from his personal and professional experiences to show how growth isn’t a one-time breakthrough but something we cultivate in everyday moments.

What I really appreciated is how practical the guidance feels. The models and reflections aren’t overwhelming—they give you a structure for moving from intention to action. The stories he shares make the concepts relatable and remind you that pushing toward your best self is universal work, no matter your background or career.

This is a book I can see myself pulling off the shelf again whenever I need a reset or a spark of clarity.


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Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Book Review - Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More

Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More



About the Book
If you’re struggling to get things done or meet your goals, the problem isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough, it’s that you’re trying in the first place.

When it comes to getting stuff done, we fall short more often than we like to admit. This can leave us feeling frustrated and ashamed, because despite trying our very best we can’t seem to meet our goals. Why? The surprising answer is ingeniously outlined in Stop Trying!: The Life-Transforming Power of Trying Less and Doing More—an evolutionary guide that evokes the revelatory force of The Five-Second Rule and the sublime practicality of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Put simply, it turns out that trying is just an illusion for doing.

Stop Trying! illuminates the deception in a mindset built on trying, which can lead to anxiety, procrastination, perceived loss of control, fatigue, fear of failure, lack of follow-through, and overall life dissatisfaction. Importantly, this book offers a way out of the rut and into practical, progressive action. Stop Trying! reveals the compelling science behind our brain, behaviors, and beliefs when it comes to the notion of trying. Pulling from positive psychology, the science of habit formation, clinical studies, and more, motivational speaker Carla Ondrasik guides us to proven-effective strategies for better doing—and ultimately to goal achievement and a more fulfilling life.

Readers will learn techniques and tips, build skills through interactive activities, and hear sincere stories from everyday people who’ve made the transformative switch from trying to doing. Achievement is just one “do or do not” decision away, and it starts with eliminating “try” from our vocabulary. Stop Trying! shows us how to do that.


My Take on the Book

As a dad, I often catch myself telling my kids to “try harder” when they get stuck—whether it’s homework, sports, or even chores. Reading Stop Trying! made me rethink that completely. Carla Ondrasik lays out a simple but powerful truth: effort without action is just spinning your wheels. What really matters is doing. That hit home for me because I realized how often I fall into the same trap—overthinking, planning, and telling myself I’ll “try” tomorrow.

This book doesn’t just inspire, it gives you practical ways to shift from hesitation to forward movement. The blend of science, real stories, and easy-to-follow activities made it feel less like a lecture and more like a guide I could put into practice immediately. I’ve already started using the lessons with my kids, and honestly, with myself too. If you’re ready to stop circling and actually move forward, this is a must-read.


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Book Review - The Oneness Guide for Today: The Oneness Guide for Today: A Book of Insight for Young Women

The Oneness Guide for Today: The Oneness Guide for Today: A Book of Insight for Young Women




About the Book
Discover Your Connection to the World from Within...

There are countless paths that a young person can take to adulthood. Between family, friends, and school, there are many influences affecting every step of that path. Yet, the teenage and young adult years are when one’s independent voice blossoms alongside feelings of doubt and disconnection. It may help to know that others have painfully wandered through adolescence searching for happiness, only to find that their inherent beauty and peace was inside their own heart all along. Perhaps the words of Rumi speak clearest in today’s world:

“There is a life force within your soul, seek that life.
There is a gem in the mountain of your body, seek that mine.
O traveler, if you are in search of That
Don’t look outside, look inside yourself and seek That.”


How can this message be heard and understood in a world of social media and cell phones, common tools meant to enhance communication that instead have become ways to critique, discredit, and even hurt others? Especially during the teenage years?

The Oneness Guide for Today now provides a down-to-earth roadmap that offers compassionate guidance and self-empowerment tools in straightforward language without preaching. This is where Faith Spencer, an expert who teaches young women how to embrace and accept themselves, has developed effective ways for girls to identify, express, and respect their true selves despite the ups and downs of peer pressure and negative energy from others. Throughout the book, Spencer points readers toward a source of comfort and guidance that is always available to them, which is an inner connection with a greater source of life.

The journey of adolescence is challenging, filled with unnecessary pressures at this critical and formative age. The Oneness Guide for Today offers guidance to help young women connect to an inner sense of peace and harmony and learn to navigate life on their own terms.


My Take on the Book
As a dad raising daughters in today’s complicated world, I found The Oneness Guide for Today to be both grounding and hopeful. Faith Spencer’s words reminded me of how important it is to help my girls see beyond the noise of social media and peer pressure, and instead tune into their own inner strength and self-worth. What struck me most was how the book balances gentle wisdom with practical exercises, making it feel approachable without losing depth. The themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and trusting your intuition aren’t just good lessons for young women—they’re reminders we could all use. I especially appreciated how the author frames oneness in a way that’s both spiritual and practical, offering young readers a lens through which to see themselves with more compassion and confidence. As a father, this is exactly the kind of resource I want to share with my daughters.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Book Review - Make Your Destiny Happen




About the Book
Take control of your future—don’t leave your destiny to chance.

In Make Your Destiny Happen, global business leader and transformational coach Donzel A. Leggett delivers a proven, experience-driven roadmap to personal transformation. Grounded in the innovative Destiny Development Delta™ Model, this book shows you how to rise above life’s chaos, confront self-doubt, and take intentional control of your future, charting a course toward the life—and legacy—you truly want.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience and personal triumph over adversity, Leggett equips you with the mindset, models, and methods to:
  • Break free from the “cycle of no destiny control” that traps so many in frustration and stagnation
  • Discover the A-Attitudes of Leadership™—a powerful, values-based framework to build confident and authentic leadership while maintaining holistic balance and personal well-being
  • Master the iLEAD Change™ model, a practical, step-by-step process for designing and activating a personalized life plan
Transform your life—personally, professionally, and spiritually—on your own terms

Make Your Destiny Happen is more than a motivational read. It’s a comprehensive coaching experience packed with personal stories, reflection exercises, and powerful calls to action.

My Take on the Book
Reading Make Your Destiny Happen felt like sitting down with a mentor who genuinely wants you to succeed. From the start, Donzel Leggett’s story pulled me in because it’s not theory—it’s lived experience combined with practical guidance. The Destiny Development Delta Model gave me language for something I’d struggled with for years: feeling stuck in a cycle without clear direction. What I appreciated most was how the book blended professional strategies with personal reflection, showing that leadership and life planning go hand in hand. The exercises pushed me to look honestly at my own habits and start mapping a path forward that actually feels doable. I also found the personal stories inspiring—they made the concepts relatable and reminded me that setbacks don’t define us, but what we do next does. This isn’t just a motivational read; it’s a playbook I know I’ll revisit often.
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Monday, August 25, 2025

Book Review - The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery

The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery



About the Book
There's a seismic shift happening worldwide, as individuals from every social class question their relationship with alcohol and drugs. While marijuana gains mainstream acceptance, a profound inquiry persists: Is this okay? Am I drinking too much? Is this normal? These questions resonate deeply, particularly among professional women who are drinking at higher rates than anyone else, and White women are drinking themselves to death. Beyond the health risks, high alcohol consumption affects women's personal and professional relationships and ability to successfully function and lead in their professional roles.

The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spiritually-Based Recovery encapsulates Ms. Marginot's journey through addiction to redemption. Delving into Karen's tumultuous past, she narrates how she found healing and renewal through spiritual tools, transcending addiction to create a fulfilling career in tech and leadership coaching.

This isn't merely a narrative on redemption; it shines a light to a way out for those grappling with the devastation of alcoholism and addiction. The Bad Girls Club doesn't preach; it shares a deeply personal odyssey from self-destruction to empowerment.


My Take on the Book

Reading The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery was both heartbreaking and uplifting for me. Karen Marginot doesn’t hold back as she shares the raw truth of her descent into addiction and the long climb back to wholeness. What struck me most was her honesty—she writes without sugarcoating the dark moments, yet somehow infuses her story with hope and courage. I found myself reflecting on my own patterns, even outside of substance use, because the deeper themes of self-worth, resilience, and spiritual connection are so universal. Her voice feels like both a friend confiding in you and a guide pointing toward a healthier path. By the end, I wasn’t just reading her recovery story—I was reminded that change is always possible, no matter how far we’ve fallen. This book is more than a memoir; it’s a beacon for anyone searching for renewal and authentic empowerment.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Book Review - Impact: How to Inspire, Align, and Amplify Innovative Teams

Impact: How to Inspire, Align, and Amplify Innovative Teams




About the Book
Impact explores the people and culture teams need for sustained innovation and problem-solving.

This transformative guide is aimed at leaders who have earned their roles through subject matter expertise, a capacity for impact, and innate leadership skills, and who now face the challenge of building innovative teams. This is the high-impact engineer turned manager, or the rising scientist turned lab director, or the founding startup executive. Subject matter proficiency and leadership intuition can initially take leaders far, but team performance ultimately hits a wall when leaders lack team-building expertise.

Impact guides individuals across the leadership spectrum, from the new player/coach to the seasoned team builder, helping them sidestep common scaling pitfalls such as diminished team impact, lower productivity, culture dilution, disempowerment, and loss of focus. It presents a two-tiered framework that examines culture as a system and leadership as a discipline. The first tier offers team-wide practices to drive focus, cultivate alignment, and unlock collective brainpower and horsepower. The second tier provides individual-centered practices to ensure the team hires, promotes, and retains those most likely to contribute to the mission.

Drawing from Keith V. Lucas’s direct experience in building teams and advising startups, Impacts offers practical insights for effective team building and leadership.

My Take on the Book
Reading Impact: How to Inspire, Align, and Amplify Innovative Teams felt like getting a personal coaching session on how to truly lead, not just manage. As someone who has seen how quickly talented individuals can lose focus without the right guidance, I found Keith Lucas’s approach both refreshing and practical. What struck me most was how he balances the need for structure with the freedom for creativity—showing that real innovation thrives when people are aligned on mission but empowered to think for themselves. The two-tiered framework gave me concrete tools I could immediately apply, from hiring with intentionality to creating systems that keep culture strong as teams grow. Some sections are dense, but that depth made me reflect more deeply on my own leadership habits. This book reminded me that building great teams isn’t about charisma—it’s about clarity, alignment, and disciplined practices that unlock lasting impact.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Book Review - 7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World: How to Stay Calm in a World Designed to Make You Anxious

7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World: How to Stay Calm in a World Designed to Make You Anxious




About the Book

How do you stay calm in a world that seems determined to keep you on edge?

How do you break free from the noise in your head?

How do you train your mind to stay resilient in the chaos that surrounds us?

7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World is both a philosophical and practical guide to managing the constant mental noise that weighs us down. It offers ways to quiet your mind without relying on anyone else, while also helping you navigate your relationship with the world around you.

In this book, you'll discover:Why a lack of clarity about who you truly are is the root of your restless mind
  • How to express yourself fully and authentically
  • What purpose your soul should serve-and why it's essential to define it clearly
  • How to care for your mind and body
  • A dead-simple but highly effective way to break free from overthinking
  • How to escape your echo chamber and seek information wisely
  • How to quickly interrupt negative thought cycles
  • The right way to consume online content
  • How to communicate with the world like a pro
  • How to cultivate great taste-and why it matters
This book takes a holistic approach to training your mind. It considers both internal and external influences and offers timeless, grounded advice to help you deal with the anxiety of the present-and the uncertainty of the future.

My Take on the Book
Reading 7 Rules for a Calm Mind in a Chaotic World felt like having a thoughtful conversation with someone who’s been through the storm and is finally at peace with the weather. I picked it up hoping to find a few tips to help settle my ever-busy brain—and I got more than that. The book doesn’t rely on grand promises or trendy jargon. Instead, it offers honest, steady guidance on building clarity, setting boundaries, and staying present. I appreciated how each chapter tackled a different angle of internal and external calm, without ever sounding preachy. The personal stories helped connect the dots, and I found myself nodding often, especially during the chapters on mindful communication and consuming information with care. The reflections at the end of each chapter made it easy to revisit what mattered most. It's a book I’ll return to—not for answers, but for reminders I trust.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Book Review - 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die

100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die



About the Book
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die
Take a ferry ride back in time to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the car-free destination in the Straits of Mackinac where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. Here, the streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings, and getting around is by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or bicycle. Centuries ago, it was a gathering place to the Anishinaabek, a sacred place. By the late 1800s, the picturesque island had become a popular escape for city dwellers seeking fresh air, scenic beauty, recreation, and amusements, and that appeal continues today. Explore the island from the bustling shops and eateries of Main Street to the trails and natural wonders of the state park, like spectacular Arch Rock. Take a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour for an overview of the sights. Explore historic Fort Mackinac, and sit a spell on the world’s longest porch at Grand Hotel. Sample the fudge at the many candy shops, and be sure to take home a slab or two as a memento. In 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo helps you explore this historic island. This book will assist you to make the most of a day trip and introduce you to the many reasons you could easily spend a night or several at this captivating spot.
My Take on the Book
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die instantly transported me back to one of the most charming places in Michigan. I’ve visited the island before, but this book gave me a whole new appreciation for just how much more there is to discover. From trails I hadn’t explored to spots I walked past without realizing their significance, it’s full of fresh ideas and little-known gems. Kath Usitalo’s insights helped me imagine new ways to experience the island beyond the fudge shops and Fort Mackinac (though both are still favorites!). The mix of historical context, scenic suggestions, and unique activities makes this book more than a checklist—it’s like a friend sharing insider tips. I’m already planning to return with this book in hand, especially to try a few of the guided tours I’ve never taken. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, this book will deepen your connection to the island.


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Book Review - 100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die

100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die



About the Book
In a NASA photo of North America, Michigan’s handprint on the earth, surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes—Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior—is a standout. Labeled as lakes, they are really freshwater seas. You have to see them to appreciate their size, might, and incredible beauty. The only state comprised of two peninsulas, Michigan’s motto is, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” and each is distinctly different and worthy of exploration. Visit sites related to the first people who called this state home, such as the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways, and learn about the 17th and 18th centuries at Colonial Michilimackinac. Tour the Quincy Mine and other vestiges of the copper boom in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Learn about Detroit’s musical phenomenon at the Motown Museum. Travel through American history at The Henry Ford, an indoor/outdoor complex that’s truly one of a kind. Explore the natural beauty of the national parks, including Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior and Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan. In 100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo shares tips about this four-season destination. Take a road trip and discover the wonders of our pleasant peninsulas.

My Take on the Book
As someone who’s lived in Michigan most of my life, I didn’t expect to find much in this book that I hadn’t already done or at least heard about—but I was pleasantly surprised. 100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die is like having a travel-savvy friend whispering in your ear, urging you to revisit beloved destinations and venture off to new ones you’ve somehow missed. Kath Usitalo’s love for the state is clear, and her suggestions go beyond the typical tourist stops. From historic gems tucked away in the Upper Peninsula to flavorful food finds downstate, this guide offers a blend of culture, nature, nostalgia, and discovery. I especially appreciated the seasonal balance and the clear organization by category. It’s inspired me to plan a few new road trips and finally check out places I’ve always meant to visit. A perfect gift for Michigan fans and explorers alike.

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Saturday, June 14, 2025

Game Review - Pickle Everything – Flippin’ Pickles


Pickle Everything – Flippin’ Pickles




About the Book
  •   A PICKLE-TASTIC MATCHING GAME! – Get ready to flip, match, and crunch your way to victory in this fast-paced pickle-themed card game! Match the right pickles before your opponents and claim the title of Top Pickle!
  • THINK FAST OR GET IN A PICKLE! – Players take turns flipping cards and racing to find the perfect match. But beware—some pickles have a sneaky twist! Stay sharp, or you’ll end up in a real pickle!
  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN FOR ALL AGES! – Designed for 2-4 players, this easy-to-learn game is perfect for kids, teens, and adults looking for a game that’s quick, exciting, and full of laughs!
  • QUICK 15-20 MINUTE GAMEPLAY – NO TIME TO MARINATE! – A fast-paced matching challenge that keeps everyone engaged. Whether it's family game night, a party, or a travel game for road trips, Flippin’ Pickles brings the fun in minutes!
  • A DILL-ICIOUS GIFT FOR GAME LOVERS! – If you’re looking for a funny and unique gift for board game lovers, party game fans, or pickle enthusiasts, Flippin’ Pickles is a must-have! Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and game night surprises!  


My Take on the Game
Flippin’ Pickles surprised me with how much punch it packed in such a small deck. I brought it out during a rainy afternoon with my kids, and suddenly we were all locked in a fierce—and hilarious—battle to be crowned the ultimate pickle-matcher. Each turn feels like a race, with just enough visual trickery in the cards to keep you second-guessing even the closest matches. What seems like a simple memory game quickly becomes a test of reflexes, observation, and a bit of laughter when someone confidently flips a “Peace Pickle” that’s totally off. I loved that the game was quick to learn and plays in under 20 minutes, making it perfect when we want something fun without a long setup. Whether it’s for a road trip or family night at home, Flippin’ Pickles delivers fast-paced fun that kids and grown-ups can dive into together.


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Game Review - Pickle Everything Eat Your Words


Pickle Everything Eat Your Words




About the Game
  •   A WORD GAME WITH A TWIST! – Get ready for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud guessing game where every answer starts with "C," "P," or "B"—but you MUST say "carrot," "pickle," or "banana" after your guess! Sounds easy? Just wait!
  • THINK FAST OR GET IN A PICKLE! – One player gives a clue, and the others race to shout out the right word with the correct food name. Mess up, and you’ll have everyone cracking up!
  • PERFECT FOR GAME NIGHT & PARTIES – Whether you're hanging out with friends or looking for a fun family game night challenge, this quick-thinking word game is great for 3-5 players who love a little competition.
  • QUICK 20-MINUTE PLAYTIME – NO TIME TO SLIP ON A BANANA! – The rounds are fast, frantic, and full of fun, making it perfect for players who love quick-witted, interactive games without long rulebooks.
  • A RIPE CHOICE FOR GAME LOVERS! – If you love word games like Taboo, Catch Phrase, or Scattergories, you’ll go absolutely bananas for this one! Makes a great gift for game night fanatics, party hosts, and wordplay lovers.  

My Take on the Game
Eat Your Words caught me completely off guard—in the best way. I expected a quirky little word game, but what I got was full-blown silliness mixed with lightning-fast thinking. Every guess has to start with a "C," "P," or "B" and be followed by a food word like "carrot," "pickle," or "banana." It sounds manageable… until the pressure’s on, and suddenly your brain short-circuits trying to yell “beach carrot!” while everyone else is shouting nonsense. The chaos is absolutely the charm. We played with a group of four, and it quickly became a shouting match of hilarious wrong guesses and creative food fusions. Rounds are short, which kept the energy high, and no one ever got bored. It reminded me of games like Catch Phrase but with a weirder (and tastier) twist. If you like word games and don’t mind getting a little ridiculous, this one’s a must-play.


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Game Review - G'Nuzzle – Fast-Paced Puzzle Game for Kids, Families & Adults

G'Nuzzle – Fast-Paced Puzzle Game for Kids, Families & Adults




About the Game

  •   🧩 PUZZLE, HUSTLE, G’NUZZLE! G’Nuzzle is the riotously fun, fast-paced puzzle game where strategy meets speed! Race your friends to drop all your pieces first — it's part game, part puzzle, all sizzle. Perfect for families, kids, and game night enthusiasts!
  • 🥒 PICKLES AND PETS? DON'T MIND IF WE DO! From fuzzy furballs to crunchy cucumbers, G'Nuzzle serves up two hilarious puzzle themes in one box! Play the Purrfectly Peculiar Pets Puzzle for adorable chaos or the Picture-Perfect Pickle Puzzle for briny brain-twisters. Twice the themes, double the G’Nuzzle!
  • ⏱️ 1 MINUTE TURNS, LIFETIME OF BRAGGING RIGHTS Each player has just one minute per turn to hustle, shuffle, and G’Nuzzle their pieces into play. Match your pieces with others or extend the puzzle board to outwit your opponents. First to finish, wins!
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FUN FOR 2 TO 4 PLAYERS, AGES 7 & UP Whether it's a duel or a full-on piece-flying frenzy, G'Nuzzle is built for 2 to 4 players ages 7+. It's a quick-thinking, family-friendly game that’s perfect for after dinner, parties, or weekend fun
  • 🎁 GREAT GIFT FOR GAME LOVERS & PUZZLE FANS Looking for a unique birthday gift, holiday surprise, or something new for game night? G’Nuzzle is the perfect mix of brainy and zany – with enough pizzazz to make Grandma giggle and Uncle Gary grumble!  

My Take on the Game

I didn’t think I’d love a puzzle game, but G’Nuzzle totally won me over. It mixes the fun of traditional puzzles with the thrill of racing the clock and outsmarting your opponents. Each player gets their own set of pieces and just one minute to add to a shared puzzle, which makes every turn feel like a mini adrenaline rush. I really enjoyed the quirky themes—yes, there’s a whole puzzle of pickles in people clothes, and it’s as ridiculous as it sounds (in the best way). The colorful pet option was easier to navigate, but the green-tinted pickle chaos added an unexpected challenge. It’s quick to set up, easy to explain, and great for both kids and adults. Whether you’re into puzzles or just want something new for game night, G’Nuzzle brings energy, laughs, and just enough strategy to keep everyone engaged. Definitely keeping this one in the rotation!

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Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Book Review - From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership




About the Book
In From Founder to Future, learn how to transition leadership, implement shared ownership, and preserve your organization's core values—setting the stage for your business to thrive for generations to come.

This visionary but practical handbook offers mission-driven business owners a roadmap for ensuring their company's lasting impact, building leadership internally, and fostering participatory management.

Through inspiring real-world stories of B-Corps, worker co-ops, ESOPs, and employee ownership trusts, this book demonstrates how to create resilient organizations that benefit workers and communities.

Drawing on his 50-year journey with South Mountain Company and extensive research, Abrams outlines five critical transitions for mission-driven businesses to become what he calls a CommonWealth company:
  • From founder to next-generation leadership
  • From sole ownership to widely shared
  • From hierarchical control to democratic management
  • From unprotected mission to preserved purpose
  • From business-as-usual to B Corp force for good
From Founder to Future is an essential guide for mission-driven leaders seeking to reshape their businesses for inclusivity, longevity, and positive impact. Whether you're a retiring owner planning your exit, a young entrepreneur building for the future, or an employee working in a purpose-driven business, this book offers a blueprint for creating enduring, values-driven enterprises in the emerging regenerative economy.

As 3,000,000 U.S. small business founders over 55 prepare to retire, $10 trillion in assets will change hands over the next two decades. This timely guide shows how to preserve your company's mission and legacy while empowering the next generation.

My Take on the Book

From Founder to Future is one of the most thoughtful and actionable books I’ve read on building a lasting business that doesn’t just survive—it evolves with purpose. As someone who’s been thinking deeply about leadership transitions and sustainable impact, I found Abrams' insights incredibly relevant. What struck me most was how clearly he lays out a path for companies to move from founder-centric to collectively led, while staying true to their original mission.

Rather than offering vague inspiration, the book is full of practical tools and examples from real companies that have shifted ownership and leadership in creative, equitable ways. I especially appreciated the nuanced discussion of employee ownership models—not just why they matter, but how to make them work.

If you're building something that matters and want it to outlast you in the best way possible, this book provides both a compass and a detailed map for the journey ahead.


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Monday, May 12, 2025

Book Review - Gold In Your Backyard: Lessons in Life, Leadership and the Power of a Dream

Gold In Your Backyard: Lessons in Life, Leadership and the Power of a Dream



About the Book
How to succeed in business and in life? How to take the first seeds of an idea and grow them into an exciting and prosperous company? And how do you create a company culture that prizes innovation and inspires your employees to become the very best they can be? These are just a few of the questions that author Ron Rubin answers for us in this brilliant new book. And Ron is a true expert in entrepreneurship and business leadership. He took over The Republic of Tea in its infancy and built it into an industry leader and a pioneer in innovation, healthy living, and corporate social responsibility. Then, in his 60s, Ron Rubin did it again. He bought a small winery in Sonoma County and built it into the River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, another bold, pioneering venture—and for Ron it was a decades-long dream come beautifully true. As readers will see, GOLD IN YOUR BACKYARD is not a typical business book. It is a book of rare wisdom and inspiration, shining a bright light on how to live your life to the full and how to help others all along the way. It's a jewel, don't miss it!

My Take on the Book
Reading Gold in Your Backyard felt like being mentored by someone who’s seen success, failure, and everything in between—and wants you to benefit from all of it. Ron Rubin doesn’t just share business insights; he opens a window into a life lived with purpose, creativity, and care. What stood out most to me were the short, focused chapters—each one packed with a story, a lesson, and a clear takeaway. I appreciated how personal it felt, like a calm conversation with someone who genuinely wants to help you succeed, whether in business or just navigating life. The book is stunning in design, but it’s the content that lingers. It reminded me that leadership doesn’t have to be loud—it can be thoughtful, intentional, and deeply human. I’ve already flagged several sections to revisit, and I know this is a book I’ll return to again and again.

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Book Review - The Biggest, Highest Wave

The Biggest, Highest Wave




About the Book
In The Biggest, Highest Wave you get a  graceful, gritty, and courageous female surfer faces the mighty force of nature's waves -- inspired by the world-famous, record-breaking swells that occur in Nazaré, Portugal. It's a testament to the human spirit and a young girl's ability to get back up after being turned upside down.Ages 3 to 8.
  • Full color picture book.
  • Hardcover with dust jacket.
  • Picture book measures 7'' wide x 12'' high.
  • 32 pages.

My Take on the Book

The Biggest, Highest Wave instantly became a favorite in our home. I read it with my young daughter, and we were both swept up in the story—her by the exciting action and bold illustrations, me by the quiet strength of the message. The main character’s determination in the face of towering waves isn’t just about surfing; it’s about bravery, falling down, and finding the will to rise again.

The tall book format adds drama to each scene, making the ocean feel truly immense. My daughter gasped at the size of the waves and cheered every time the little surfer got back up. The rhythm of the text carries the flow of the sea, and the vibrant images are frame-worthy.

It’s more than just a bedtime story—it’s a reminder that courage often comes in small packages. I’d recommend this to any parent looking for a beautiful, empowering read for their child.


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Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Book Review - The Career Game Loop


The Career Game Loop: Learn to Earn in the New Economy



About the Book
Design a more fulfilling, resilient career for the new world of work

In The Career Game Loop: Learn to Earn in the New Economy, veteran gaming, education, and workforce executive, Jessica Lindl, and her team at Unity Technologies deliver an exciting playbook for navigating today's dynamic career landscape inspired by an unlikely source - gaming. Drawing parallels between gaming and career advancement, you'll explore why learning, earning, and advancing are continuous, interwoven, and life-long processes, and how you can navigate a fulfilling career in the 21st century economy.

Lindl dives deep into the data of modern job hunting, training, networking, recruitment, and more as she tells the stories of real people who have overcome daunting obstacles to find the career they've always dreamed of. She also explains the mindsets, behaviors, and practice tips drawn from gaming you can implement immediately to create resilient, future-proof careers in a world where adaptability is the ultimate power-up.

You'll also find:
  • Discussions of the Silicon Valley talent development model that helps make careers more resilient
  • Cost-effective alternatives to the cost-prohibitive four-year degree model
  • Resources you can access immediately to move quickly into more fulfilling, high-paying work

Perfect for new graduates and young professionals just entering the global workforce, The Career Game Loop is also a must-read for anyone considering a career change, people re-entering the labor force after an absence, HR professionals, and employers from around the world seeking new insights into how modern employees think about work.

My Take on the Book

I did not know a lot about The Career Game Loop when I picked it up, and it turned out to be a game-changer—literally. Jessica Lindl takes a brilliant approach, comparing career growth to the mechanics of gaming, and it just clicks. The book breaks down how learning, earning, and advancing aren’t separate phases but an ongoing cycle, much like leveling up in a game.

What I really appreciated was the real-world advice. Lindl doesn’t just throw theories at you—she shares stories of people who’ve navigated career challenges and come out ahead. The practical tips on adaptability, networking, and skill-building felt actionable, not just motivational fluff.

Whether you’re a new grad, switching fields, or just rethinking your professional path, this book offers a fresh perspective on career growth in today’s economy. If you’re ready to rethink the way you approach work, this is a must-read.


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Friday, March 14, 2025

DVD Review - Shameless - The Complete Series


Shameless - The Complete Series



About the Series

Meet Frank Gallagher (series star William H. Macy): proud, working-class patriarch to a motley brood of six smart, spirited and independent kids who, without him, would be... better off. In Frank's booze-addled view, parenting just eats into his hard-earned bar-crawling time around Chicago -- so he leaves it to eldest daughter Fiona (series star Emmy Rossum) to hold down the fort. Bearing the de facto parent badge/burden, she's donned the proverbial apron and makes sure her younger siblings do their chores, keep a clean-ish home, and everyone (no matter how small) works to keep the house lights on, as well as food on the table. Brothers Lip (series star Jeremy Allen White), Ian (series star Cameron Monaghan) and Carl (series star Ethan Cutkosky) use their intellect to break every rule in the book to survive and make the bank, while younger sister Debbie (series star Emma Kenney) would sooner steal her share. Toddler Liam, the youngest, is just happy to be along for the ride. The Gallaghers are irreverent, endearing, resilient -- and they're absolutely, wildly and unapologetically SHAMELESS.


My Take on the Series

Having just finished Shameless - The Complete Series, I can confidently say this show is a rollercoaster of raw emotion, dark humor, and unpredictable chaos. From the very first episode, the Gallagher family pulls you into their world of dysfunction and resilience. William H. Macy’s portrayal of Frank is both frustrating and mesmerizing—his drunken rants and questionable parenting make him one of television’s most complex characters. Meanwhile, Emmy Rossum’s Fiona is the glue holding everything together, her performance filled with heartache and determination.

What makes Shameless stand out is its ability to balance humor with gut-wrenching drama. Each character grows in unexpected ways, making it impossible not to get attached. While the show loses some of its charm after Fiona’s departure, it remains compelling through its final season. If you enjoy unapologetic storytelling with flawed yet loveable characters, this collection is a must-have. Just be prepared for an emotional ride!


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