Saturday, April 25, 2015

Next Man Up!: Ohio State's Unbelievable 2014 Championship Season

This book was excellent, I love the Ohio State Buckeyes and this book is a excellent read.  So many pictures and interesting information.  This book was awesome and I loved it.  I will read as many books as I can by this author. 

The Husband's Secret


I absolutely loved What Alice Forgot and the Hypnotists Love Story, so was super excited to see this had come out. And it was again, a wonderful read. It's a rare author who can be such a consistently great story teller.

This book tells the story of several people, whose lives become intertwined and the twists that are offered as the story comes to a head could never be assumed. I hate reading reviews that try to tell the story, and possibly ruin any surprises, so I apologize for the vague description... Sadly this book cost me a good night's sleep, but a price I happily pay!

A fantastic escape into other people's lives that you won't want to put down. Special thanks to the author for the last chapter - that was quite simply, the perfect ending.

The Ways of the Dead: A Novel

debut novel drawing on the author’s twenty-five year career as a journalist (fourteen with the Washington Post), The Ways of the Dead is atmospheric, taut and fast-paced – but not your clichéd serial killer tale. Instead we are treated to a deftly-plotted, original and informed story that draws the reader into the dark underbelly of the nation’s capitol and the life of a journalist fighting to get, and then tell, his story. Although there are occasional information dumps that easily could have been edited out, they are more than offset by passages of lyrical writing that will leave readers breathless.

Jim Napier is a professional crime-fiction reviewer based in Canada. His book reviews and author interviews have been featured in several Canadian papers as well as on such websites as Spinetingler Magazine, The Rap Sheet, January magazine, Reviewing the Evidence, Crime Time, Shots Magazine, the Montreal Review of Books, and Amazon.com, as well as on his own award-winning site, Deadly Diversions.


Thursday, April 16, 2015

The Great Vegan Protein Book

The cookbook is divided in 5 chapters, including an explanation about the different plant proteins, as chapter 1. Then follows the recipes: Beans and Legumes, Grains, Nuts and Seeds, Tofu and Tempeh and finally the chapter about Seitan that includes two recipes of homemade Seitan!
From salads to sandwiches, from soups to dips and entrees, this cookbook has it all. The recipes are easy to follow, using every day and easy to come by ingredients. Notes are included with tips and suggestions. There are several pictures throughout the book that will tempt you to use this cookbook every day.
If you have ever been concerned about you protein intake while following a plant based diet, this cookbook is for you, and for everyone else that enjoys eating right.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry & Into the Arms of the Savior

It usually takes me a few weeks to get through an average book (I prefer autobiographies), but this one only took a few days! It's a real page-turner and is highly recommended! Annie gives an open and honest look into a world that few of us know much about. For many of us, we make excuses for our own sin and are so quick to judge the sin of others, as if they are somehow worse than us. We're all guilty and this book gives a true story of redemption and shows that nothing can separate us from the love of God. There's no sin he can't forgive and no wounds he cannot heal. God bless you Annie!

Beautiful Chaos


I had only found out about Robert M. Drake by stumbling upon his Instagram page (rmdrk), what a happy accident. Then, I had found out he had written books, so I decided I needed to get my hands on at least one of them.

This book in particular is a hauntingly beautiful collection of poems and thoughts. It draws you into his mentality and makes you never want to leave. He writes of love and life so passionately, as if the emotion and experience are sacred things to be treasured at all times.

Gotti's Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia

I thought the book was on the money, thanks to George Anatasia along with John Alite, I felt like I was there every step of the way as the stories unfolded. I am not going to deny, I had very mixed emotions while reading "Gotti Rules", I cried for Johnny because he was a really good kid with a bright future and he was drawn in and eventually fell into such a corrupt lifestyle where rules only apply as the Gotti's felt fit for themselves (One has to think, did Johnny, ever really have a chance at that very young age knowing about the "Gotti Rules"). I cried for myself because I had to read about people that were hurt or even killed that meant something to me personally. Perhaps because I grew up in "Deadhaven" as we called it along with Johnny and many others. I got to experience pain first hand when my brother along with 20 or so others died of Aids caused by heroin addiction. Therefore, I don't have a doubt the stories Johnny is telling are true

Next Man Up!: Ohio State's Unbelievable 2014 Championship Season

I love college football and this book is a great read.  The author does an excellent job talking about the story and how well the team has adapted to adversity.  Urban Meyer is one of the best coaches of all time and this book talks about him perfectly.  All my friends have loved this book. 

Friday, April 10, 2015

How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents Can Do Today for Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success

I've been through the toddler years four times. There were things in this book that I wish I had understood better back then such as the message that it is not the parents' job to make their toddler happy; their job is to help the toddler find appropriate ways to cope with unhappiness. I also didn't realize how much toddlers resist change and the anxiety it can cause which explains why something as seemingly benign as putting stuffed animals away in a different order than usual can send a three-year-old into a meltdown. To us as adults, it seems no big deal but to a toddler something major has happened and it can be upsetting. I would have been more patient with things like that had I known better how important structure and routine are to toddlers.

I also like that this book is not about permissiveness and lack of discipline. The author stresses that the parent is in control and that being present and consistent are important in raising a toddler. The book has many examples of situations parents of toddlers face with helpful suggestions for handling them. There are several pieces of advice that I agree with such as approaching raising toddlers with a sense of humor intact (good for parenting in general, actually), slow down and understand that a toddler's development takes time, and remember how little your child really is. As a toddler, they have only been in this world a short time, barely past their baby years.

The book topics include understanding the mind of a toddler and how to crack the code of their emotions, how they learn, why they do the things they do, and the importance of routines. It is a good source of common-sense information that is practical and easily implemented, and is a book that would not only benefit parents of toddlers but also grandparents and teachers and anyone else who interacts with this age group.

Jesus, Jihad and Peace: What Does Bible Prophecy Say About World Events Today?

Michael Youssef is an excellent pastor, and after reading this book I see that he is also a talented writer. This book explains what is happening in the world today. With all the wars and Islamic extremists battling it out for world domination, Dr. Yourself tells his audience why these things are happening, and what the truth is behind Islam, and see that the Christian faith is essential for the world to see and understand.

The Great Vegan Protein Book: Fill Up the Healthy Way with More than 100 Delicious Protein-Based Vegan Recipes - Includes - Beans & Lentils - Plants - Tofu & Tempeh - Nuts - Quinoa

The cookbook is divided in 5 chapters, including an explanation about the different plant proteins, as chapter 1. Then follows the recipes: Beans and Legumes, Grains, Nuts and Seeds, Tofu and Tempeh and finally the chapter about Seitan that includes two recipes of homemade Seitan!
From salads to sandwiches, from soups to dips and entrees, this cookbook has it all. The recipes are easy to follow, using every day and easy to come by ingredients. Notes are included with tips and suggestions. There are several pictures throughout the book that will tempt you to use this cookbook every day.
If you have ever been concerned about you protein intake while following a plant based diet, this cookbook is for you, and for everyone else that enjoys eating right.

Living Candida-Free: 100 Recipes and a 3-Stage Program to Restore Your Health and Vitality

Incredibly informative, super-creative recipes, and encouraging text. I didn't realize that some of my symptoms might be from candida until reading this book cover to cover. The author has so much knowledge about the topic and I found the quiz in the back to be very helpful as well. I am definitely going to try this. I have already tried recipes from her blog and her dessert book, so I know they are going to be great. While the recipes are vegan because the author is, it's not just a book for vegans. I eat high-quality meats now, and will use this book for my side dishes and also for the eating plan.

Pillars of Fire

This book is the second in the series and picks up where the first one left off. There is more going on in ths book, and it is more on the suspenseful side. The main character, Vero, has advanced in his abilities and is coming to realize what he will leave behind when he becomes a full fledged angel.

It is an interesting and fascinating read. It is fictional, but it gives an imagined look at what might be going on behind the scenes in the spiritual realm. I don't feel this series does a discredit at all to God or angels, but is a fun and interesting read. The book has good morals and lessons, and very likable characters. A definite recommendation for juvenile readers and adults who enjoy juvenile fiction

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Love Letters from the Edge: Meditations for Those Struggling with Brokenness, Trauma, and the Pain of Life

This is a best seller in the making! God has used Shelly and Wanda to tackle tough topics with tender style. Having been through some very traumatic experiences in my life, this book was very cathartic for me. The topics dug deep, while the writing reached in and touched my soul! The candid responses "from God" made me feel as though He was right next to me, gently cradling me in His arms. This is a must read for anyone that has been through sexual abuse, physical or mental abuse, death of a loved one, sickness, really any trial where you have asked God "Where were You?" The Lord will definitely use this book to help those that are hurting through the pain.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Europe by DK Publishing

DK guides are excellent resources. I use them mostly for trip planning- the spectacular pictures and wonderfully researched information have never let me down. These travel books would also be perfect for armchair travelers- they really give a feel for the places covered.  I love reading these books, I don't get to travel much and this book lets me feel like I am there.

The Vegiterranean Diet: The New and Improved Mediterranean Eating Plan--with Deliciously Satisfying Vegan Recipes for Optimal Health

I am thrilled to have Julieanna's new book. As Nutrition and Cooking Instructor for PCRM, I try to find new clients all the time but they say to me, "Oh, I already follow the Mediterranean Diet, so I am healthy." We now know that this Mediterranean diet is not the optimal diet and people on this diet eat some good foods but also foods that have no fiber and which still harm our bodies. So now with Vegiterranean Diet, we have all the all the wonderful flavor of the Mediterranean diet without the foods that that cause obesity, heart disease, diabetes.  I love this author and how well this book is written. 

Vegan Pressure Cooking: Delicious Beans, Grains, and One-Pot Meals in Minutes

The idea of pressure cooking has always been intimidating to me. When I learned of this cookbook from JL's blog I decided it was time to give it a try. Now, I couldn't live without one. Jl's recipes are very user friendly. I absolutely love the black eyed pea and collard green chili, and the Chick'n and Lentil Noodle Soup has become a permanent fixture at our Friday night dinner table. The mashed sweet potatoes are quick, healthy and to-die-for. While Root Veggie Tagine sounds exotic, all ingredients can be commonly found in the supermarket or Trader Joes, but tastes like it came from a Middle Eastern city on the other side of the globe.

Healthy Latin Eating: Our Favorite Family Recipes Remixed

This book was excellent and I loved so many recipes in it.  My family enjoyed all the recipes in this book.  I loved the Coconut-Corn Pancakes. The crunchy and sweet combo was divine! They are going to be great nibbles for the upcoming holiday.  I love this author and the recipes he comes up with.  I will be reading more of his titles. 

Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology

This book is an excellent read and you learn so much through the pages of this book.  The author of this book has a excellent idea on how nutrition works.  The nutrition class  I took used this text book and it was excellent.  The teacher went over each chapter of this book in detail and I learned so much about how everything works.  I kept this book even after the class and still review it.