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Book Reviews

Book Roundup for People Who Love Books

December 5, 2008 by Joi 1 Comment

Riding Into Your Mythic Life

As I said a few posts back, I recently overloaded my book reading plate. Actually, if life hadn’t thrown me a few curve balls, they probably wouldn’t have seemed so overwhelming – but, as it was, having a cat with one leg in a cast and more online work to do than one person should even TRY to do found me staring at my pile of books like, “Are you even serious?!”

When the holidays decided to join in the mix, complete with baking, decorating, and shopping – I stopped staring at the pile of books, I put them out of view. The ones that were sitting, politely, waiting to be reviewed as well as the ones that were waiting to be read – they were each ushered to a shelf on a wall I seldom see. I promised them that I’d come back for them, after I caught my breath.

I was glad to see, this morning when I did in fact return for them, that they were right where I’d left them. And they were in good spirits, too. That’s the great thing about dealing with books – they’re so intelligent and insightful.

I just wrote a review about one such book on my Mental Fitness blog. The book is titled The Language of Emotional Intelligence and you can read the review by clicking the link. It was an incredible little book.

Below are other books I’ve enjoyed reading. They’d make great books for yourself AND/OR for book lovers on your Christmas list.

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet: I have a confession to make. When I got this book in the mail (to review) it happened to be only a day or two after my much beloved, oldest cat Prissy (she was 19 then) had suffered a really bad stroke. She had already lost her sight and with this stroke, I knew my girl was on borrowed time. When I brought the package into the kitchen and opened it, right in view of Prissy lying on her favorite pillow, I burst into tears when I saw the title.

I put the book into a roll top desk because I didn’t like what it had on its mind – Goodbye. I was not ready for goodbye! Amazingly, neither was Prissy! She celebrated her 20th birthday recently and seems to be doing as well as expected for a tiny, antique cat. She purrs just about constantly and remains the happiest, best natured little thing on earth.

When it was clear that we’d weathered that storm, I brought the book out and read it. As one of the biggest animal lovers the world has ever known, I always want to read books by other animal lovers. Kindred spirits and all that.

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet is a beautifully written book. Any pet lover would appreciate it, whether they’re currently having to let go or not.

Riding into Your Mythic Life

Riding into Your Mythic Life: Transformational Adventures with the Horse is a must read for horse lovers. Living in Kentucky, I have the great fortune of seeing these beautiful animals daily. I always knew they were beautiful and very special, but this book caused me to appreciate them even more.

I know horse lovers everywhere would cherish every word of this book.

The Way of the Horse: Journal

Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery – A Book of Exploration and 40 Cards is one of the prettiest books or journals I’ve ever seen. The artwork takes your breath away. This journal is positively something you MUST get for horse lovers on your Christmas list. Coupled with the book above, you couldn’t go wrong.

The Hero With a Thousand Faces

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Bollingen Series) was originally written by Joseph Campbell in the 1940’s. This is a profoundly interesting book. It’s easy to see why it is one of the most widely read books of the 20th century.

I always encourage everyone to occasionally read “up” or “above” the reading level they currently read the most often. For me, personally, I generally hover around Dean Koontz and Agatha Christie – they’re my happy place when it comes to reading fiction. I try to stretch my mind as often as possible, though, by reading books that are more challenging – whether it’s Shakespeare (Love Shakespeare!), other classic literature, or great non-fiction books from years ago, like The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Bollingen Series) is a brilliant way to stretch your mind while educating yourself.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books I Love Tagged With: Book Reviews, books

Thou Shalt Not Whine by January Jones (Review)

November 1, 2008 by Joi 3 Comments

I understand that some things, some situations, and (Heaven knows) some people beg to be complained about. However, for the most part, I absolutely detest complaining or whining of any type. When my girls were small, they got the idea fast enough. The same “Mommy” that wouldn’t blink if they argued in the back seat, smiled through their Kool-Aid spills and usually cleaned their messy rooms up for them would practically have a melt down if one of them whined or complained.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU THINK SHE GOT MORE FRIES THAN YOU DID?!?! WHOEVER SAID THE WORLD WAS ALWAYS FAIR, LITTLE PERSON?!?!

My girls spent the day with some friends and their family once when they were around 6, 8, and 9. It was one of the other kid’s birthday, so the brave parents had custody of about 20 kids all day. They went on a hay ride, grilled hot dogs, played games and watched gleefully as the father sprouted gray hairs one… by one… by fifty.

Later that evening, the parents told me that my girls were exceptionally well behaved and that they were the only ones who didn’t whine or complain about anything all day. When other kids complained that it was (first) too hot, then (later) too cold, my girls just went with it.  When other kids complained that they were (first) too hungry and (later) too full, my girls didn’t join in. The parents seemed totally amazed by this development. I guess they didn’t realize I’d exorcised the whines out of them years ago.

Actually, let me say this – while they did catch on SOON that complaining wasnt’ something “she who is with us all day and all night” tolerated, I honestly believe they’re simply good-natured girls who are quite honestly too thankful for all they have to be bothered by what they don’t have.

We’ve frequently gotten this type of compliment on our daughters – that they’re good-natured, don’t complain, and can adapt well to different situations. Personally, I think it makes them super cool .

When I saw a book by January Jones called, “Thou Shalt Not Whine,” I knew I’d found a kindred spirit – someone else who understood what a nasty, vile sport whining is. But, unlike me and my mini meltdowns, this anti-whiner was taking her campaign global.

This book is an absolutely hilarious look at human nature, particularly the part that makes some people want to gripe, nag, complain, and whine. January Jones (come on, is that a great name or what?) has divided the whiners into categories: Children, teenagers, baby boomers, men, women, seniors….. In each section, she gives common whines along with advice on curing these whines. Although the book is laugh out loud funny, the advice is excellent and spot on. It’s the type of book that you find yourself quoting from to everyone you know.

“You can overcome anything if you don’t complain about it.” – Samuel Johnson

Here’s an example of advice from the book. She points out in several places that Baby Boomers and Seniors sometimes complain and whine about getting old and looking older. Her advice is a perfect mixture of humor and brilliance. She suggests to simply stop looking in the mirror and to act any age you choose – preferably the age you remember as the best time of your life.

No one can dictate how you feel on the inside or control how you act on the outside. Remember, you are the star of your own show, so make it a good one! It is time to start doing things that amuse, amaze, and astound you rather than continue a cycle of activities that only makes you kvetch and complain ad nauseum. – January Jones, Thou Shalt Not Whine, page 101

I was thrilled to see, at the end of the book, that there are plans for future “Thou Shalt Not Whine” books. It’ll save me from having to whine until she writes more.

Useful Links:

  • January Jones on YouTube
  • January Jones and The Whine Tester Blog!

Other Books by January Jones:

  • Jackie Ari & Jack : The Tragic Love Triangle
  • Oh, No… Jackie-O!

Buy Thou Shalt Not Whine: The Eleventh Commandment: What We Whine About, Why We Do It and How to Stop on Amazon (it’s also available on Kindle!)

 

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books I Love Tagged With: Book Reviews, January Jones, Thou Shalt Not Whine

You’re Going to Love O’s Big Book of Happiness (Review)

October 27, 2008 by Joi 7 Comments

O's Big Book of Happiness

Every once and again I read a book that I love SO much that I practically run to my computer to tell the world about it. Naturally, I can’t my review to the entire world – so I end up just telling as many people as possible, by giving it a shout out on all of my blogs.

This one’s a winner, y’all.

O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration is a big, beautiful book with Oprah’s gorgeous smile warming the cover.

My daughter, Stephany, and I are both huge fans of Oprah, so when the book came in the mail, we immediately started scrambling for reading rights. Unfortunately, when we came into the house, I had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and rolls to make and Steph? Well, she had a big beautiful new book to read.

O’s Big Book of Happiness is a compilation of O Magazine’s best stories, articles, wit, wisdom, and advice. For those of us who have seen our magazine purchasces come to a stand still (thank you grouchy economy), this book is even more appreciated. It’s like several huge stacks of magazines rolled into one big inspirational and glamorous book.

I’ve always found Oprah to be incredibly uplifting, motivating, encouraging, and inspiring – all while being just as entertaining.

Anyone who doesn’t love this woman doesn’t watch, read, or listen to this woman! Honestly, there’s nothing not to love.

Through willpower, determination, intelligence, hard work, and perseverance – she made herself a household name. Along the way, Oprah has helped more people than any one person could ever hope to count. I recently overheard an interviewer refer to someone in the business world as the “Oprah” of his industry.

Wrong.

If your name isn’t associated with giving to those who have less than you and improving the lives of children – you’re most definitely not the “Oprah” of anything.  Don’t just throw the name around  – because few are anywhere near deserving a comparison.

Reading the positive, uplifting stories in O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration makes you feel as though Oprah is in the room with you, introducing you to her friends and encouraging them to inspire you and lift you up – teaching you something along the way.

The book is positively wonderful and has been awarded the prominent place on the table in our living room – you know the type, the table that likes to showcase “important and impressive” books, pictures, etc. This great-natured book, with it’s helpful disposition, wonderful sense of humor, and sparkling personality is so lovely, it begs for such positioning.

In a recent post, I sounded the trumpet for adopting new good habits. We agreed to read more, laugh more, love more, complain less, and be more thankful – among other things (I’m conveniently leaving out the water and exercise, aren’t I?). Buying this book would be a perfect step in the right direction! Oprah and her “friends” will provide all of the inspiration, motivation, and insight you could ever hope for.

There are over 100 wonderfully (wonderfully) written articles in this powerful book.  Each article is actually a chapter in, and of, itself.  Trust me, after reading each you’ll want nothing more than to just spend some time soaking in what you just read.

The first article I read was one written by Oprah, herself, about a special dog of hers’ named Gracie.  I laughed. I cried. I was moved. I was inspired.

The second article I read was by an author named Martha Beck.  The article was titled “The Cure For Self Consciousness” and packed more of a punch  than any book I’ve ever read on the subject.  It summed the whole process up with one word.  I’ve used this one word several times since reading the article and I swear to you on my Starbucks card, this is powerful.

If you want to know the one word… read the book! Sorry to resort to trickery, but that’s how much I want you to read this book.

There are articles about relationships, beauty, fitness, health, cooking, and more.  Oprah interviews Bobby Kennedy, Jr. about the environment and his infamous family.  Queen Latifah gives her “Aha” moment – describing the point in her life when she realized she didn’t need to change herself to “fit” any mold.

I actually don’t have the other O books yet – O’s Guide to Life: The Best of O, the Oprah Magazine (The Oprah Magazine) or Live Your Best Life: A Treasury of Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration from O, The Oprah Magazine… Emphasis on yet.

I’m going to need a bigger table in my living room.

I hope you’ll buy a copy of this book today. After you read through the wonderful stories, I know you’ll want to put a copy in the hands of your loved ones. This book would make an excellent Christmas present – presented with a subscritpion to O Magazine, I guarantee your gift will be appreciated and talked about for months and months. What’s more, they’ll think about YOU every single time they curl up and read.

Buy. This. Book. Today! – O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books I Love Tagged With: Book Reviews, inspirational book reviews, inspirational books, Oprah

The Last 6 Books I Recommended to My Own Family (2008)

September 24, 2008 by Joi 3 Comments

Just Who Will You Be by Maria Shriver
Even though this blog post was written in 2008, I still stand firmly behind each of these book recommendations. They’re just as inspirational, informative, entertaining, and important now as they were then. Each will still stimulate your mind, encourage self growth, and help you find the happiness and success you deserve. Especially the first one. 

I was just responding to a comment left on one of my posts when an idea for this post struck me.  My husband and three daughters (Emily, Brittany, and Stephany) are very busy people.  They come and go at all times – most of our cats gave up, long ago, trying to keep up with them.  One, Alexa, is fighting the good fight and still stays on top of watching the revolving kitchen door.

When one of these busy bodies or one of their boyfriends (we’ll exclude my husband on that one) comes through the door, Alexa will find me to “tell” me they’re here.  She knows I like to go meet them at the door and see what they’d like…  coffee, tea, hot chocolate, food, or an ear.

Needless to say, they don’t have as much time to get lost in a great book as I do.   Ahhhh, the sweet perks of working from one’s home.  I read all the time – as I’ve said before, I usually have at least 3 books going at once.  If I recommended EVERY single book I like to them, they’d think I was completely off my nut.

I’m still trying to keep that fact a secret from them, so I only recommend only the books that I KNOW will touch their lives and make them and their future brighter and better.  The following are the last 5 books that I recommended to my much beloved family.  I’d like to recommend them to you, because I heart you a great deal, too!

  1. The Bible.  Obvious, much?   I’ve always loved the Bible and reading it has been a constant in my daily life for too many years to even count.  Every single one of life’s problems can be found in the books of the Bible and I’m convinced that the first step in living a better life begins with being a faithful Bible reader.  After losing my mom, far sooner than I should have, I found a great deal of comfort by turning to Psalms.  The beauty of the words brought more calmness into my heart than it thought possible.
  2. Just Who Will You Be? by Maria Shriver – Click HERE for my review of this remarkable little book.  Each one of my family members has read this book and commented on how much they loved it.  It’s a very fast read, and I think each one of them read it in one sitting.
  3. How to Think Like a Millionaire – Read my review of this exceptional book HERE.
  4. One Can Make a Difference: Original stories by the Dali Lama, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Dennis Kucinch, Russel Simmons, Bridgitte Bardot, Martina … Dozens of Other Extraordinary Individuals – How’s that for a title??  This is another wonderful book that’s also easy and fast to read.  It’s actually compiled of a series of amazing essays, so they can be read in a one essay a day fashion.  I would actually advise you to read them that way, because each essay stands on its own as a powerhouse of motivation and inspiration.  The book is so amazing that you’ll want to devour them all at once.  I have to confess, that’s the way I did it.  But I’m going back now and reading them one essay at a time – really allowing each one to “set in” before moving to the next.  This is a profound and powerful book that will change you forever.  The truly beautiful thing?  If enough of us are changed, we can change the world!
  5. Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude: How to Find, Build and Keep a YES! Attitude for a Lifetime of SUCCESS – A wonderfully fun, yet highly motivational little book. It, too, will change your life for the better – by changing the way you “look at” things. It’s a make-over for your attitude, which is pretty essential because your attitude touches every single inch of your life.
  6. Strength for Life: The Fitness Plan for the Rest of Your Life – My family’s health is even more important to me than my own, so I recommended this great all-in-one book to them. The author, Shawn Phillips, has as much knowledge about nutrition and fitness as any author I’ve ever read. He lays it all out for the readers in an easy-to-read and easy-to-live style that puts better health within arm’s reach.

For my daughters, I also recommended a fictional book by Kate Jacobs: Comfort Food. She’s the talented, engaging author who also wrote “The Friday Night Knitting Club.” I love her style! Comfort Food is about a lovable host for a television show on the Cooking Channel. The main character, Gus, is a fifty year old mother who has had this show for 12 years. The ratings are dipping, so the producers add a diva-like co-host, Carmen. Carmen loves nothing more than Carmen, so you can imagine how well that goes over.

Carmen decides to use her show as an on-air cooking class that brings together her fighting daughters Sabrina and Aimee.

Another great character, Oliver, provides the romance for the novel. He’s the new culinary producer who adds spice to Gus’ life. Sorry, I couldn’t resist the spice comment. I tried – but, in the end, I had to go with it.

Other Books You’ll LOVE:

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books I Love, Vintage Self Help Daily Tagged With: Book Reviews, books, recommended books

Books, Beautiful Books!

September 9, 2008 by Joi Leave a Comment

The Emotional Lives of Animals
Every now and then, I absolutely, positively overload life’s plate. My eyes will write checks my calendar can’t possibly cash. I’ll line up a billion and one things that I just can’t live without, then stand around wondering, “How did I ever think I could manage all that?”

Hmmm, there’s an unsettling similarity in my approach to budgeting, too…

My desk is covered, literally covered, with amazing books I’m reading. I’m honestly in the middle of 5 right now – a personal best. The two I just finished, How to Think Like a Millionaire and The Emotional Lives of Animals (Click the link to read my review of this beautiful book) were each great books. I’ve been on a real roll this year. One Can Make a Difference, Strength for Life, and Why the Wind Blows (review in the works) are just three that come to mind as being super special and life-changing.

I’m nearly halfway through another beautiful book titled, “The Hero With a Thousand Faces.” It’s by Joseph Campbell and I honestly get hand cramps from all the note taking. But I just stretch out, pour more coffee, and get back to something I dearly love – getting lost in a great book with a great author.

People don’t read enough books lately, if you ask me. Sure, we read blogs, e-mails, and online articles – and, when we have time, we even read the newspaper. We should all (oh no I didn’t just include myself here) make a point of reading more books.

There’s just nothing quite like curling up with a cat, a cup of coffee, a homemade cookie, and a great book. Or five.

Filed Under: Books I Love, General Tagged With: Book Reviews, books, reading, self help blog, The Emotional Lives of Animals

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