Book Review - 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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Game Review - 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

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

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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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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Book Review - 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

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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