Shannon's Review - The Best Angel Stories 2013 by Guideposts

Title: The Best Angel Stories 2013
Series: Yearly
Author: Guideposts
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction, Spirituality, Angels, Short Stories
Publisher: Guideposts
Received: as a gift
Release Date: 2013
Pages: 288
Rating:





Author Guideposts Official Websites:









Website:
https://www.guideposts.org/

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/guideposts

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/guideposts

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/guidepostsmagazine/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Guideposts is generally a company that shares hopeful spiritual stories that actually happened. This book is full of those short stories but focused on angels.

There are so many uplifting tales reminiscent of Chicken Soup For The Soul books. I really enjoyed the ones about angels in the form of animals. All of the stories were very sweet.

While every story is by a different person a lot of them overlapped and they ended up too similar to each other.

Even with it’s faults I would still read more from guideposts or any series of books similar.

Shannon's Review - If You Were Me And Lived In The Mayan Empire by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In The Mayan Empire

Series: If You Were Me And Lived In

Author: Carole P. Roman

Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Children’s. Picture Book

Publisher: Create Space Independent Publishing Platform  

Received: From Author For Review

Release Date: March 2017

Pages: 66

Rating:

Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:

Website

http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog

http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Another book from the “If You Were Me And Lived…” series.  This edition is about the Mayan Empire.  

This series is great for kids to learn about history. Since I don’t have kids I think is also great for adults who do not read much history and want to learn by not getting overwhelmed with a huge history book. I learned many things that I did not know, like the fact that descendants of Mayans still live in the area and still speak Mayan. They placed boards on babies heads to elongated the head.  They embedded jewels in their teeth.

There is a lot of information in this little book. My only problem is the info does not really stay in my head but I think that is a me problem not a book problem.  Luckily since it is a kids book it is small and you can re-read the book quickly.

Carole P. Roman does a great job on the research of the history and on what to place in the books. I look forward to reading and learning more from the other books in the series.

Shannon's Review - Pinterest Power by Jason Miles and Karen Lacey

Title: Pinterest Power
Series: N/A
Authors: Jason Miles and Karen Lacey
Genre: Non Fiction, Business, Marketing
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Received: From publisher
Release Date: October 2012
Pages: 230
Rating:


My Thoughts:

Pinterest Power is book to help you market your online or offline business.

As a regular Jane with an average brain, I did learn new things about Pinterest and how to connect to my business.  

Although I feel the way it was written was hard for me to understand. I did try some of the techniques at the peak interest on Pinterest but no sales yet. It is has only been a week.

I found that The Idiots Guide to Pinterest Marketing was a much better way of learning new things to do with Pinterest.  



Website:

Official Pinterest Power Website
http://www.pinterestpower.com/

Review - Alexandra The Last Tsarina by Carolly Erickson

Title: Alexandra The Last Tsarina
Series: N/A
Author: Carolly Erickson
Genre: Non Fiction, Biography, History
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Received: Swapsite
Release Date: September 2001
Pages: 384
Rating:


What is it About?

Biography of Russia’s last Tsarina.   We follow her from before her wedding until her horrific death.

My Thoughts:

The last Tsarina of Russia, Alexandra, is told to marry a cousin she doesn’t care for specially after she meets the Prince of Russia, Nicholas.  After many years of begging to the Queen of England, Alexandra’s grandmother, if she could marry Nicholas the Queen agrees. Her destiny to be Queen of Russia, her love of Nicky and their 5 children can only end in tragedy.

I learned so much about Alexandra’s personality. I did not know she had illnesses that ailed her.
Most of the book I knew about but I love to read about the Romanov’s.  There is just these attraction of love for each other and their natural beauty. Alexandra loved her family and Russia she try to keep both together for her husband was not natural leader like Alexandra he was
lover not a fighter.  I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Russia and the Romanov.


Website:

N/A

Review - An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison

Title: An UnQuiet Mind
Series: N/A
Author: Kay Redfield Jamison
Genre: Psychology , Non Fiction
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Received: Purchased
Release Date: January 1997
Pages: 224
Rating:


What is it About?

A psychologist writes of her own struggle with depression and bipolarism.

My Thoughts:

Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison writes about her life dealing with bipolar. Her struggle with schools, relationships and her inner critic.

My own psychiatrist recommend this book hoping I would relate that this was another woman struggling with illness and gaining the upper hand on. I really did not find that much I could relate with her since she has bipolar and I have schizophrenia. She pretty much examined her whole life and realized she had this illness very early in her life. I respect that she has accomplished much in her life. I don’t know if I will ever accomplish to the degree she has done. You may not agree with my rating for every person it will probably be different.

Website:

N/A

Review - Our Finest Hour by Barbara Baker Burrows

Title: Our Finest Hour
Series:
Author: Barbara Baker Burrows
Genre: Coffee Table, History, Non-Fiction
Publisher: Time Home Entertainment
Received: Bought
Release Date: October 2000
Pages: 192
Rating:


What is it About?

A coffee table book that has many pictures and quotes from those who served in the army in WWII.

My Thoughts:

Looking through one of these book with the great many pictures I sometimes hope to see my Grandfather who served in WWII in Italy.  Or since I do research for the family tree I look for simple books that delve into the War that gives me some info on what he went through since he is no longer here so I can not ask.

The quotes were interesting and pictures are a statement in time but I wanted more out of it then it had.  So while it is a good coffee table book that will stand the test of time but does not tell all of the story.

Website:

Official Time Home Entertainment Site

http://www.timeinc.com/home/

Review - Tuesday With Morrie by Mitch Albom

Title: Tuesday With Morrie
Series: N/A
Author: Mitch Albom
Genre: Grieving, Non-Fiction
Publisher: Broadway
Received: Purchased
Release Date:  October 2007
Pages: 199
Rating:


What is it About?

A non-fictional story about Mitch Albom and old teacher who meet every week to share wisdom.

My Thoughts:

I have read almost everyone of Mitch Albom’s books that are heartfelt.  I think this was his first was this book and  while this one isn’t my favorite or as memorable as say One More Day or Have A Little Faith. These honest books get to the heart of matters and always make me cry at some point.

This is a quick read not because it is just simply written but because I eagerly wanted to learn what was next.  I love that the author always meets such interesting people to write about and they are such regular people, people you want to know.

Website:

Mitch Albom Official Website
http://mitchalbom.com/ 

Review - Caterpillars by Marilyn Singer

Title: Caterpillars
Series:N/A
Author: Marilyn Singer
Genre: Picture Book, Non Fiction
Publisher: Early Light Books
Received: From Publicist
Release Date: June 2010
Pages: 48
Rating:


What is it About?

Non fictional children’s book displaying info and pictures of different caterpillars

My Thoughts:

What kid hasn’t played with a caterpillar? As kid I was fond of all creepy crawlies but as I grew some became just creepy.   Caterpillars aren’t as creepy but there are some in this book that I would not want to see up close.

I really loved looking at the images more then reading of the prose.  This is another book with a layout of the words I wasn’t fond of.  It made the book less interesting.  

It is hard not to give this a high rating because it is about caterpillars.  Really can not think of anyone who never liked them.

Website:

http://marilynsinger.net/

Review - Duke Elllington's Nutcracker Suite by Anna Celenza

Title: Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite
Series: N/A
Author: Anna Celenza
Genre: Children’s Book, Non- Fiction Picture Book
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: From Publicist for Review
Release Date:  July 2011
Pages: 32
Rating:


What is it About?

Jazz extraordinaire Duke Ellington’s vision for a jazz version of the famous Nutcracker Suite. Included is a cd of the Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite.

My Thoughts:

The art has a very free flowing feeling like listening to Jazz.   The colors are bright, vivacious and fun to follow.

The story is not one with much action but imagination.  It is fun to read the words of how Duke Ellington and his jazz entourage might have been told to play the musical suite in jazz form.  Even while reading it without listening to the cd you can hear the music and feel it.  I think that is what Jazz is all about.



Website:

Anna Celenza Official Website
http://www.annacelenza.com/

Female Force : Ayn Rand by John Blundell

 





Title: Female Force: Ayn Rand
Series: Female Force
Author: John Blundell
Genre: Comic, Non Fiction
Publisher: Bluewater Comics
Received: from publisher for review
Release Date: May 2011
Pages: 32
Rating:


What is it About?
Biographical comic on author, economist Ayn Rand

My Thoughts:
Now I have never read anything by Ayn Rand nor will I probably ever but I have seen her books and I know they do well.  I can’t say this made it interesting to learn about her.

The art is sub par for a comic in my opinion.

I don’t know if it was that I don’t like Ayn Rand or how she is written about in this comic.  I felt it took a very negative view point of the person when I would have liked a general knowledgeable opinion.  I am not saying that the information given is incorrect I just feel it a biased a opinion of a person.

I just didn’t enjoy this.

Website:

N/A

Well-Being For Dummies editor Elizabeth Kiball

Title: Well Being For Dummies   
Series: For Dummies
Editor: Elizabeth Kiball
Genre: Self Help   
Publisher: Wiley Publishing     
Received: From FlyLady.net (not for resale)
Release Date: 2010
Pages:68
Rating:

What is it About?
This book talks about all the basics of being healthy.  How to not stress, how to build brain power, plan retirement and be social.


My Thoughts:

Consider this suppose to be a simple book  for Well-Being.   I can say this book made me think about my well-being more but more then anything stressed me out more.

They have “easy” crossword puzzles in the book.   I don’t how “easy” it really was I barely could figure out any of the answer out.  And thinking about retirement funds or 401k when you are disabled already not really helpful in that area.  The not stressing about things that was okay and somewhat helpful as was having a social all things that are really basic to know if you are trying to get healthy.

Website:

None

Walt Disney : An American Original by Bob Thomas

Title: Walt Disney: An American Original
Author: Bob Thomas
Genre: Biography, Non-Fiction
Publisher: Disney Editions
Received: Purchased for fun
Release Date: May 1994
Pages: 397
Rating:


What is it About?
The Life and Creations of Walt Disney from time birth to after his death.


My Thoughts:

Walt Disney has always been someone I admired as a child and probably more so now as an adult.  He inspired so many and this book describes about how it did not just come easy for Walt.   Every thing he did was hard and he had to work even harder to work for what he believed in.   Whether it was lying about his age to go into the Red Cross or talking up a movie before it was even made that it would be great.  There are sides to Walt Disney that was not perfect or definitely not simple.  No, Walt was not a simple man.   From even a young age he showed imagination and potential.  As did his brother Roy always by his side.
I am more inspired as a person to work harder after reading this book.   It seems that Walt saw potential in everything and everybody he saw or met.   I am lucky enough to have seen some of his creations like movies and Walt Disney World. Even if some of it did not pan out as he envisioned.  A very inspiring man and book.

Website:

None that I could find

The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson

Title: The Devil In The White City   
Author: Erik Larson
Genre: Non-Fiction, History
Publisher: Vintage
Received: Purchased for Book Club
Release Date:     February 2004
Pages: 447
Rating:



What is it About?
Creation of the Chicago’s World Fair and tie between serial killings of a deceiving doctor around the same time.


My Thoughts:
This book goes back and forth between the architects that built the World’s Fair and a man who pretended to be a doctor and hid his brutal serial killings.


I wish the architects side of the story was more interestingly written as the serial killer's had been.   So unfortunately I would say that I skimmed when ever I was reading about the architects but was more interested the mind workings of the serial killer which was probably just because the architects story was more on facts and measurement and the killer mindset was more imagined.

Near the end of the book the architect side does become more interesting.  We learn of the first Ferris Wheel and the fire that took it all down.   


While I enjoyed reading parts of this book which why I say I liked it but I did skim a lot that I felt was boring.  I did feel that some of it was a learning experience about the time and setting of the era.  I don’t think I would re-read but some of the book was still interesting.

Website:

http://eriklarsonbooks.com/