REVIEW: "My Formerly Hot Life" by Stephanie Dolgoff

There was a lot in this book that I could definitely relate to, and lots of good advice, too.

The book was depressing, yet encouraging... depressing because Stephanie pointed out some aspects of "formerly-dom" I'd not yet realized/noticed in myself, and encouraging because she makes you realize you're definitely not alone in all of the changes taking place. ;)

Overall, Stephanie seems to be letting us know that "hotness" comes from within, not from any external appearances.

A decent, quick read, if not entirely what I'd expected.

Rated: C
[This book was received via Random House, Canada, and the author, herself.]

Reviews Index

Here you'll find all of my reviews in one place:

CHRISTIAN FICTION:
Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith (Wives of King David, #2)
A Bride Most Begrudging by Deanne Gist
All She Ever Wanted by Lynn Austin
An Eye for An Eye by Irene Hannon
A Well-Behaved Woman's Life by Susan McGeown
A Woman's Place by Lynn Austin
Blue Enchantress, The by M.L. Tyndall
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy
City of the Dead by T. L. Higley
Everything's Coming Up Josey by Susan May Warren
Fearless by Robin Parrish (Dominion, #2)
Finding Anna by Christine Schaub
Forsaken by James David Jordan
Gathering Place, The by Becca Anderson
Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy
Hadassah Covenant, The by Tommy Tenney
Havah by Tosca Lee
Heir, The by Paul Robertson
Hero's Tribute by Graham Garrison
Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
Leave It To Chance by Sheri Sand
Merciless by Robin Parrish (Dominion, #3)
Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay & Rene Gutteridge
Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren (P.J. Sugar, #1)
Offworld by Robin Parrish*
One Little Secret by Allison Bottke
Piece de Resistance by Sandra Byrd
Preacher's Daughter, The by Beverly Lewis
Rachel's Prayer by Leisha Kelly
Relentless by Robin Parrish (Dominion, #1)
Rekindled by Tamera Alexander (FC Chronicles, #1)
Revealed by Tamera Alexander (FC Chronicles, #2)
Sacred Cipher, The by Terry Brennan
Savannah From Savannah by Denise Hildreth
Shack, The by William P. Young
Silent Governess, The by Julie Klassen
Stolen Lives by Brian Reaves
Stones, The by Eleanor Gustafson
Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate
Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove
Thirsty by Tracey Bateman*
This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury
TSI: The Gabon Virus by Paul McCusker
Yesterday's Embers by Deborah Raney


CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION:
7 Faith Tribes, The by George Barna
10 Things I Hate About Christianity, The by Jason T. Berggren
A Glimpse of Jesus by Brennan Manning
A Hope and a Future by Don Wilton
Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit Church... by Ken Ham & Britt Beemer
A Novel Idea by Chi Libris
A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper
Apologetics for a New Generation by Sean McDowell
A Scandalous Freedom by Steve Brown
Backward Life, The by Jarrod Jones
Barbarian Way, The by Erwin Raphael McManus
Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World by Kathi Macias
Blah, Blah, Blah: Making Sense of the World's Spiritual Chatter by Bayard Taylor
Breaking the Barriers by Jason Frenn
Christian-ish by Mark Steele
Christianity in Crisis: The 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff
Crave: Wanting So Much More of God by Chris Tomlinson
Dying to Live by Clive Calver
Eats With Sinners by Arron Chambers*
Feeding Your Appetites by Stephen Arterburn*
Finding Organic Church by Frank Viola*
Fixing Abraham by Chris Tiegreen
For Couples Only by Jeff & Shaunti Feldhahn
Forgotten God, The by Francis Chan*
From Clutter to Clarity by Nancy Twigg*
Get Out of That Pit! by Beth Moore
Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson with Cecil Murphey
God Has Never Failed Me... & The Buzzards are Circling... by Stan Toler (2 reviews)
Godly Love by Stephen G. Post
Heart of Christianity, The by Marcus J. Borg
He Came to Set the Captives Free by Rebecca Brown
He Loves Me: Learning to Live in the Father's Affection by Wayne Jacobsen
Hidden in Plain Sight by Mark Buchanan
Hope Unleashed by Andy Hawthorne
How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph by Linda Massey Weddle
King's Legacy, The by Jim Stovall
Looking For God in Harry Potter by John Granger
Lord, I Just Want to Be Happy by Leslie Vernick
Losing Control & Liking It by Tim Sanford
Lost Christianities by Bart D. Ehrman
Messages to Myself by Helen McIntosh
Naked Fruit by Elisa Morgan
Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer
No Idea by Greg Garrett
No More Christian Nice Girl by Paul Coughlin & J.Degler*
One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda*
Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight by Karen Scalf Linamen*
Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola & George Barna*
Ragamuffin Gospel, The by Brennan Manning
Recover Your Good Heart by Jim Robbins
Sacred Obsession by Becky Tirabassi*
Sacred Pathways: Discover Your Soul's Path to God by Gary Thomas
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall with Denver Moore
Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience by Ronald J. Sider
Scandalous Grace by Julie Ann Barnhill
Scars & Stilettos by Harmony Dust
Secondhand Jesus by Glenn Packiam
So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore
Totally God's by Megan Clinton & Tim Clinton*
Truth & Fiction in The Da Vinci Code by Bart D. Ehrman
Twilight Gospel, The by Dave Roberts
Us: A User's Guide by Daniel Tocchini
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell
What Bothers Me Most About Christianity by Ed Gungor
Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God by Mark Batterson


SECULAR FICTION:
A Song In Stone by Walter H. Hunt
Best Mariachi in the World, The / El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo by J.D. Smith (children's/bilingual)
Blankets by Craig Thompson*
Crossed Wires by Rosy Thornton*
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Southern Vampire, #1)*
Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs
Diplomat's Wife, The by Pam Jenoff
End of the Beginning, The by Avi*
Evermore by Alyson Noel (Immortals, #1)*
Eyre Affair, The by Jasper Fforde
Flirting With Boys by Hailey Abbott*
Godmother by Carolyn Turgeon*
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips*
Her Only Desire by Gaelen Foley
I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder*
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely, #2)*
Just Like That by Marsha Qualey*
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian (Midnight Breed, #1)*
Kommandant's Girl, The by Pam Jenoff*
Life of Reilly, The by Sue Civil-Brown*
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris (Southern Vampire, #2)*
Losing the Moon by Patti Callahan Henry
Mosquito by Roma Tearne
Old Man's Secret, The by Sandra Kay Austin (YA Fiction)
Other Boy, The by Hailey Abbott*
Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott*
Persuasion by Jane Austen*
Red Sea by E. A. Benedek
Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer
Slightly Settled by Wendy Markham
Sunnyside Blues by Mary Carter*
Thirst [vol.1] by Christopher Pike*
Thirteenth Tale, The by Diane Setterfield
Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch*
Vagabond Clown, The by Edward Marston
Vince & Joy by Lisa Jewel*
Wearing the Spider by Susan Schaab
When the World Was Steady by Claire Messud
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely, #1)*


SECULAR NON-FICTION:
100 Simple Secrets of Successful People by David Niven*
Blue Jean Buddha by Sumi Loundon*
Creative Habit, The by Twyla Tharp*
Dream Homes: A Memoir by Joyce Zonana
Daring Female's Guide to Ecstatic Living, The by Natasha Kogan
Enough Already! by Peter Walsh*
First 30 Days, The by Ariane de Bonvoisin*
It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh*
Last Lecture, The by Dr. Randy Pausch*
One Small Step Can Change Your Life by Robert Maurer*
Start Talking by Mary-Jo Rapini & Janine Sherman*
Switch by Chip & Dan Heath*
This Year I Will... by M. J. Ryan
Unlikely Disciple, The by Kevin Roose*
Year of Living Biblically, The by A.J. Jacobs*
Zig-Zagging: A Memoir by Tom Wilson, Jr.*

HEALTH & FITNESS TITLES:
100 Days of Weight Loss by Linda Spangle
Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl, The by Shauna Reid
Back On Track by Carole Lewis*
Best Life Diet, The by Bob Greene*
Body for Life by Bill Phillips
Chocolatherapy by Karen Scalf Linamen*
Courage to Start, The by John Bingham
Denise's Daily Dozen by Denise Austin
Diet Fads by Barbara A. Zahensky (for teens)*
Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? by Peter Walsh
Dr. Colbert's 'I Can Do This!' Diet by Dr. Don Colbert
Eat Smart, Walk Strong by Leslie Sansone
Eden Diet, The by Rita Hancock, M.D.
End of Overeating, The by David A. Kessler, Ph.D.
Fat Girl: One Woman's Way Out by Irene O'Garden*
Fattitudes by Jeffrey & Norean Wilbert
F-Factor Diet, The by Tanya Zuckerbrot*
Finally Thin by Kim Bensen
First Place 4 Health by Carole Lewis
Fit For Life by Harvey & Marilyn Diamond*
Fit For My King by Sheri Rose Shepherd
Fit From Within by Victoria Moran
Flexitarian Diet, The by Dawn Jackson Blatner*
Getting Thin & Loving Food by Kathleen Daelemans*
Get With the Program by Bob Greene
G.I. (Glycemic Index) Diet, The by Rick Gallop*
Half-Assed: A Weight Loss Memoir by Jennette Fulda*
How to Survive Your Diet by Linda Moran
Hungry by Allen Zadoff*
I Can Make You Thin by Paul McKenna
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
Live a Little! by Susan Love & Alice Domar
Look Great, Feel Great by Joyce Meyer
Mindful Eating by Jan Chozen Bays, M.D.
Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink, Ph.D.
Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel
Never Say Diet & The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer by Chantel Hobbs
No S Diet, The by Reinhard Engels
One Day Way, The by Chantel Hobbs
Overcoming Overeating by J.Hirschmann & C.Munter*
Portion Teller, The by Lisa R. Young*
Safe Dieting for Teens by Linda Ojeda*
Secrets of a Former Fat Girl by Lisa Delaney
Secrets of Skinny Chicks, The by Karen Bridson*
Secrets of Successful Weight Loss by Diana Burell*
Skinny, The by Robin Aronson & Melissa Clark*
Sugar Solution, The by Sari Harrar
SuperFoods Rx Diet, The by Wendy Bazilian and Steven Pratt
Thin Again by Arthur & Judy Halliday*
Thin Commandments Diet, The by Stephen Gullo, Ph.D.
Thin People Don't Clean Their Plates by Jill Fleming*
Thin Within by Judy Wardell (secular version)
Thin Within: A Grace-Oriented Approach... by Judy & Arthur Halliday
Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone
Weigh Down Diet, The by Gwen Shamblin*
Weight Watchers' Tools for Living Companion by Weight Watchers Int'l
Why Weight? by Geneen Roth*
Winning After Losing by Stacey Halprin
Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size, The by Julia Cameron
You: On a Diet by Dr. Oz & Dr. Roizen*

((Note: Those Health & Fitness reviews, above, that are marked with a purple asterisk (*) link to their respective pages my other blog, MizB's Health & Fitness Book Reviews, and those other reviews with a green asterisk (*) link to my Should Be Reading blog.))

REVIEW: "Live a Little!" by Susan Love and Alice Domar

This book is based around the fact that most of what we’re told by the media and health industry is just speculation — a better rule of thumb is to follow your own gut instincts in regards to your health.

The one quote I got from the book sums this up nicely: “…understand that no one has total control over their health — then exercise, eat wisely, and manage stress anyway.“

The book looks at 6 key areas of our lives (sleep, stress, exercise, eating, relationships, & health screenings), and debunks the myths surrounding the health “rules” we all know and try — mostly unsuccessfully — to live by. For example: We’re told that we need to get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night in order to function properly, avoid weight gain, and live a long life. Well, the authors have looked at all of the studies done, and have concluded that in reality, only YOU know how much your own body REALLY needs… you can trust it to tell you whether or not you’re getting enough sleep. Mind you, the authors also tell you that, based on their findings (from studying the studies done on sleep & health), 7 hours of sleep is a good number to aim for — but it doesn’t have to be “uninterrupted”, as we know that’s not likely to happen for most of us.

The last chapter of the book, “A Pretty Healthy Life, Decade by Decade“, looks at each of the decades of a woman’s life –from their 20s on through to the 70s and beyond– and gives general guidelines on what to do to live a “pretty healthy” life without falling prey to the worries that the media can create (“If you don’t exercise for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, you’ll die of decay & rot!“).

Overall, this is a smart book. It really is encouraging to know that, even if you’re only giving it 80% effort most of the time, you’re still going to be “pretty healthy”, and that’s enough. As long as your health habits enable you to enjoy life more — and don’t make you miserable in the process — then you’re doing okay.

Definitely recommended.

Rated: B+

REVIEW: Denise's Daily Dozen by Denise Austin

Denise is so very encouraging, and this book is hugely motivational. I loved how she constantly encourages you to believe in yourself.

You’re given 12 daily exercises you can do for each day of the week, as well as daily meal plans. The exercises don’t seem too crazy, so anyone could probably do them.

My favorite parts of this book were the 12 “Fidget-cizers” (moves you can do to stretch & strengthen while in the kitchen, etc), and the success stories.

While I’ve never before done any of Denise’s workout videos, I’m certainly inspired to seek one out and give it a try! And, for the record, I was stunned to find out that Denise is over 50 yrs old! She sooooo doesn’t look like it! Guess that just goes to show what living such a healthy lifestyle can do for you — and that’s all the more motivating!

Recommended.

Rated: B+

Just a side note: Much as there were pictures of the “Daily Dozen” exercise moves in the book (along with instructions on how to do each move), it would’ve been nice to see a copy of Denise’s “Get Fit Daily Dozen” DVD included in the back of the book.

((This book was received through LibraryThing.com's Early Reviewers program.))

REVIEW: "The SuperFoods Rx Diet" by Wendy Bazilian and Steven Pratt

I found this book online, the other day, while searching for books about healthy eating & the Mediterranean-style of eating. It just so happened that my local library had a copy (at my branch, nonetheless), so I went and picked it up, and started reading it right away. I didn’t intend to read the whole thing, but it was quick and really interesting!

This book has an absolutely fascinating concept as far as a weight loss plan goes… it has the SlimDown, which is two weeks of more strict adherence to get you off to a good start, and then the FlexPlan to loosen things up a bit while still maintaining control. But, the most interesting part was the “Prep & Practice” week you do before the SlimDown. It’s where you start planning what you’ll do in your SlimDown, and you practice some of the meals & exercises. Very cool!

Now, when I talk about “strict adherence” for the SlimDown part, please don’t misunderstand me… this seems different than other diet books I’ve read where you have to give up all sorts of different foods and/or categories of foods. For this, it’s more about adding in the “superfoods”, and making sure you follow the plan. It’s not difficult, nor does it seem like too much.

Some of the “superfoods” listed are: Oats, Blueberries, Soy, Turkey, Oranges, Tomatoes, Broccoli, and Spinach… and a whole slew of “sidekicks” (other foods that are good for you, that you should add into your new plan).

I also liked that you basically make up your own meal plans, based off the SuperFoods categories (there are 3 main ones), and you can pick and choose what works best for you for exercise.

This plan is very flexible, and has some great ideas! The book even promotes listening to your hunger cues, so that was a big plus for me! (I’m a big fan of that!).

While there are still some points of this book that I don’t really agree with, overall I really like the concept, and think it’s a good thing to try out, especially coming into a new year! (the “Prep & Practice” week could be the last week of the year, and then you start the SlimDown come January 1st!)

Recommended. Rated B+

REVIEW: Weight Watchers Tools for Living Companion by WW Int'l

Weight Watchers’ Tools for Living Companion is a handy, little reference book that outlines their 8 “Tools for Living“:

Winning Outcomes
Empowering Beliefs
Anchoring
Storyboarding
Mental Rehearsing
Motivating Strategy
Reframing
…and Positive Self-Talking

I’d read about these before, and thought them to be really helpful. I’m glad to now own this book where I can reference back to these from time-to-time, and find inspiration!

Rated: B+

REVIEW: Finally Thin by Kim Bensen

Kim used to weigh over 350 lbs. Finally, one day, a Bible verse sparked her to try losing weight just one more time, even though she’d almost completely given up hope that she could ever be thin again. (Don’t be turned off by the mention of the Bible, though, as this book only had a couple very brief references to verses).

With a friend, Kim signed up for Weight Watchers and, within two years, had lost 212 pounds! (without surgery!)

This book doesn’t necessarily outline yet another plan. Instead, it’s meant to be used in conjunction with whatever diet plan you’ve already chosen to do. And, if you’re still searching for what plan might work for you, there’s also a fairly thorough list of the diets out there, with pros and cons of each one.

The book includes tips for the “journey” as well as for the maintenance phase. I really enjoyed this one!

Rated: B+

REVIEW: The Courage to Start by John Bingham

A fantastic book for those who are thinking about taking up running, or for those who are seasoned runners and just need to “return to basics” a bit.

I loved how most of this book stressed the importance of following your intuitition, and listening to your body for what it needs! And, I loved how Mr. Bingham showed that it’s okay to do your own thing — and not have to strive for the same things others strive for. Just because someone else says you “should” do your running “this way” doesn’t mean you have to… your body is the better judge of that. Of course, there are certain rules & guidelines to be followed in order to avoid injury. But otherwise, it’s all up to you!

Great book! Highly recommended!

Rated: A-

REVIEW: Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel

While this book teaches you the basics of non-dieting (eat only when hungry, eat what you love, pay attention, stop when satisfied, etc), there’s also a lot of ‘avoidance‘ mentality, too.

Even though Ms. Frankel is constantly encouraging you to eat what you want, and what your body needs, she also frequently mentions how she avoids this or that food, and suggests that you should “choose” to do the same if you want to be naturally thin.

Still a good book with a lot of great advice, but I just don’t agree with having to avoid foods, regardless. If you’re going to follow your hunger signals to be naturally thin, that’s all you need. I learned that through practical experience, so I know it’s true.

Rated: C

REVIEW: "The Thin Commandments Diet" by Stephen Gullo, PhD

One of the better “diet” books I’ve read, this one mainly focuses on changing your MINDSET with regards to food and eating.

Dr. Gullo recommends knowing your food “history” so you can build a *strategy* that will work for you, personally.

If you have trouble / problem foods, he recommends you either “Box them In” (meaning you allow them, but only at spefic times), or you “Box them Out” (meaning you totally avoid them).

I didn’t care for the menu-plans, or the advice to eat low-fat or fat-free. But, I really liked most everything else! I think it’s smart to learn how you ate all of your life up to this point, and then build a strategy that works with that in order to change your thinking and your habits.

Recommended.

Rated: B-

REVIEW: Mindful Eating by Jan Chozen Bays MD

Those who know me know that I love anything to do with the “intuitive eating” method. This book was all about that, even though it calls it by its other name, “mindful eating“.

This book is based on a lot of Buddhist principles and practices, as the author lives in a monastery and practices Buddhism. But, a lot of it is really just common sense based off of how our bodies were made to function. It talks about slowing down while eating, not eating amidst distractions, waiting until you’re hungry before eating, and stopping BEFORE you’re “full”. All good things!

Recommended.

Rated: B-

REVIEW: Dream Homes: A Memoir by Joyce Zonana

Joyce was born in Cairo and, shortly thereafter, emigrated with her family to America.

As she grew up –an Egyptian Jew, Joyce struggled to figure out who she really was, and where she truly belonged.

She never really settled in any once place, moving frequently for on reason or another. But I think she finally discovered her “self”, nonetheless.

An interesting book, though I could’ve done without the bits about Joyce’s “relations” with this or that person.

Rated: B-

REVIEW: Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer

"REGENCY BUCK" by Georgette Heyer

Description (from Amazon.com):

An altogether unsatisfactory arrangement

After their father's death, Miss Judith Taverner and her brother Peregrine travel to London to meet their guardian, Lord Worth, expecting an elderly gentleman. To their surprise and utter disgust, their guardian is not much older than they are, doesn't want the office of guardian any more than they want him, and is determined to thwart all their interests and return them to the country.

With altogether too many complications

But when Miss Taverner and Peregrine begin to move in the highest social circles, Lord Worth cannot help but entangle himself with his adventuresome wards...

MY REVIEW:
At first I thought I wasn't going to like this book. First off, because I'm apparently biased -- Gaelen Foley has spoiled me with her excellently-written Regency romances, and it's hard to find anything that lives up to those. ;)

But, Ms. Heyer has a loyal following, so I made sure to give her book a fair chance. Sure enough, the story got better once it got going, and I ended up enjoying it.

I really found Ms.Taverner/Judith to be very 'prissy' in the beginning, and I didn't like her much. But, as the story progressed, the gal grew on me, and I ended up rooting for her.

Lord Worth was just the right amounts of annoying, and yet mysterious. ;)

Overall, this was a good book, and I would recommend it to others. I'm not sure if I'll try another book by this author, though. I have one in my collection, so we'll see.

Rated: B+

REVIEW: "A Song In Stone" by Walter H. Hunt

"A Song In Stone" by Walter H. Hunt
Publication Date: November 4, 2008

Book Description (from Amazon.com):
There is a mystery in a chapel, and a man who must find the answer.

A Song in Stone begins with the premise that Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland is part of an unfinished larger church - and that it contains a mystery, one clue of which is found in the intricate stonework of the chapel. It goes from there to the Middle Ages, taking Ian Graham, currently-unemployed television personality, with it, literally, as he tries to learn the chapel's secret before it is too late to return to his own time, his own life.

Before he goes, he must find the music that the stone points to.

My Thoughts:
This book was very well written! I loved all the twists and turns, and how you sometimes had to really pay attention to get what was going on. There was lots of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put the book down!

The facts and such were very interesting, too. Fans of mathematics will find this book intriguing, as there's lots of that included. But, even those NOT a fan of such (like me) will still really enjoy this one. ;)

I look forward to more by this author!

Rated: A-
(highly recommended!)

REVIEW: Red Sea by E. A. Benedek

MY REVIEW:
Red Sea brings the weaknesses in America’s defences to the forefront. A work of fiction, it is taken right from today’s headlines. This book reinforces the danger that lurks just beyond our borders. It shows us how those at the front lines in the war on terror must always be vigilant, and use every asset at their disposal to keep our country safe.

Benedek has woven an intriguing tale of suspense, mixed with a woman’s desire to find out who her father really was. She has secured a spot on the “most wanted list” of today’s best suspense novelists. Well done!

Rated: B+

REVIEW: The Best Mariachi in the World / El mejor mariachi del mundo by JD Smith

This is a bilingual children's book that I received (as a review copy) from RavenTree Press. It's written in English, but it has certain words & phrases that are in Spanish. There's a vocabulary list at the back of the book.

It's a cute story that teaches you to keep searching 'til you find your own talents. ;)

This Year I Will... by M. J. Ryan

I found the title of this book when I was browsing Facebook’s “VirtualBookshelf” application, so I checked my local library, and was pleased tofind they had a copy. I ordered it immediately.

And, what a cool little book! It touches on soooo many topics:- neural pathways & their “plasticity” (a lot of the book focused on this,acutally)- positive affirmations & creative visualizations- prayer- your personal “success formula”- past successes- intentions… and sooooo much more!

I really loved the bits about creating new neural pathways… when you do something repeatedly, it creates a “pathway” in your brain. Kind of like a train-track. From then on, your brain will take that path unless it feels threatened… then it tends to “jump” track, and go back to your OLD habits/pathways.

Anyway. This book had lots of great advice on how to create new habits, and how to follow your dreams. I liked how she made it very clear that, what works for one person, usually isn’t going to work for everyone. Hence why you have to find your own PERSONAL success formula. Everyone has a set of actions they use to succeed, and those actions are transferrable skills… you can apply them to anything you’re trying to do differently.

Great book… recommended!

Rated: B+

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

This is the first book in the “Temperance Brennan” series (from which the “Bones” TV show is based), and I had it on my TBR list for years, because I’d heard Reichs was a good author.

Well, whoever told me that was correct — I had a really hard time putting this book down! I really enjoyed the mystery, and didn’t have it figured out until I was about 100 pages from the end…and even then I wasn’t *fully* sure I had it right. ;o)

Now I’m no longer worried about having bought most of the books in the series… I’m glad I did! LOL. I’ve been collecting them ever since I heard about Reichs being a good author to read if you like mystery/suspense. I have all but the latest 2. LOL.

Recommended.

Rated: A-

Wearing the Spider by Susan Schaab

I think this was the author’s first attempt, so for that, I have to say she did a very good job. BUT, there were some things I couldn’t overlook.

This book would’ve gotten an A+ rating from me, as I couldn’t put the book down! But, I didn’t like that, in a lot of instances, the characters’ actions were a tad unbelievable. And, there were times where the author would change who was speaking, but didn’t indicate the change with a new paragraph… so I got confused as to who was “speaking”. A couple of times I had to stop, go back a couple of pages, and figure out where the change had happened in order to make more sense of what I’d read.

Otherwise, though, the book kept me wondering. You kind of *know* whodunnit from the beginning, but the author did a good enough job of throwing suspicion on other characters to keep you guessing. And, the pace was pretty intense. ;o)

Here’s the blurb about the book (from the first part of the inside front-cover):
“It starts with a simple, unwanted kiss and evolves into a labyrinthine traile of forgery & illusion, a hijacked identity, a corruption scandal involving a U.S. Senator accused of channeling illegal benefits to a shady South American firm, even kidnapping and murder.”

I found this book here: http://www.habitualreader.com/index.html

I’d still recommend this, despite the flaws. They were minimal enough. ;o)

Rated: B+

Losing the Moon by Patti Callahan Henry

This was the author’s first book, but you’d never know it. She did a fantastic job!

Amy Reynolds has been happily married for the last 25 years. But, before that, she’d been head-over-heels in love with her college sweetheart, Nick Lowry. When Nick went off to Costa Rica for a school project, Amy expected him to come back, and for them to be together forever. Things didn’t turn out like she’d hoped.

Fast forward to the present time, where Amy’s son is dating none other than Nick’s daughter! Seeing Nick again throws Amy into a tailspin — questions abound. Nick is similarly affected. The two must discover what it is that went wrong in the past, and where they’re meant to be now.

I couldn’t put this book down. It was very moving. Hard to read, as it too closely reflected some things from my own past, but still a very good read. Very highly recommended! (Warning: there was some coarse-language throughout, but I was able to overlook it in favor of the great story).

Rated: B+