Sunday, August 27, 2017

the Bet

"How to Change a Life...." by Stacey Ballis is a novel that centers on Eloise and her decision to change her life based on a bet with her two best friends from high school that have reunited after a favorite teacher dies.  Eloise, Lynne, and Theresa make a bet, a "By 40 bucket list" where each woman has a list of things to better her life that must be completed by the age of 40 ( in 8 months) or pay $5000 to a scholarship fund.  Eloise, an unsocial, personal chef, must broaden her social world, further her career and renew her former athletic life.  This includes her love life- or lack of it.

This book gets more interesting as it goes.  I had a hard time caring in the beginning.  As time went on it become more emotional and less about cooking.  Though the cooking was interesting, it did dominate the book and was very detailed.  It became more balanced the further the book moved along.  I received this book from www.firsttoread.com in exchange for an honest review. 

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Tebow Homeschools

"Know Who You Are: Live Like it Matters" by Tim Tebow is an interactive guide for homeschoolers.  This book mostly pertains to writing curriculum as well as reading and self expression.  Designed to be read one lesson a week for 36 weeks; each lesson contains a key verse, a reading material, an in your own words, and something to think about.  The In Your Own Words section in the writing lesson is either journaling, poetry, lists, etc.  There is usually a focus as well, such as being descriptive, using dialogue, or acrostic poetry. 
Having never been homeschooled I am not sure how well this would go over in that environment, however, I am a certified teacher and I can see where the varied writing assignments would be stimulating.  He also kept the writings in a middle schooler's interest level.  I would recommend it to homeschooling parents.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review from www.bloggingforbooks.com

Friday, August 18, 2017

Laura

"The Lauras" by Sara Taylor is the novel about a child's journey across America as Alex learns his mother's past and present.  Alex, a non-gender pre-teen, is the child of a mother who is constantly needing to be on the move. She had lived a life of constant movement in both foster homes, her parents series of moving, and group homes.  She leaves his father and their home abruptly in the middle of the night without much plan other than to make good on promises made 20 years before.   Alex gets to know his mother in a way that most people don't think about.  Do you really know your mother?  Do you know her past?  Really?
The writing in this book is amazing.  The characters are enthralling.  I originally was just reading it when another book I was reading grew tiring, but couldn't put this one down.  I highly recommend this book.  I can't figure out why the star average isn't much higher.  It does have some sexual content, including an assault, so it might be for the adult crowd.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review from www.firsttoread.com

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Surprisingly good

"A New Model" by Ashley Graham is an autobiography about a supermodel and her journey for acceptance for her size.  Ashley Graham is a plus-size model that has reached the supreme level in the modeling/fashion industry.  Which is not a group of words that are  usually put together.  Though she is so gorgeous she will make the most straight woman question her sexuality, she still has a constant uphill battle to not only represent her size, but to also be a trailblazer at acceptability. 
I love this woman; she is soo great.  Her writing, however, I wasn't expecting much.  I was thinking supermodel quality.  She is actually a very good writer.  She writes in a speaking voice, so it more like you are talking to a friend rather than reading a traditional autobiography.  She does state that she is dyslexic, so that would explain the nontraditional style, which makes it all the more enjoyable of a read.  She is only 29, so the read is a short one, but I still highly recommend this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review from www.edelweiss.plus

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Teen self esteem

"Let's Be Real" by Natasha Bure, social media star and The Voice contestant, has written a book to help teens with their self esteem and goal setting in their lives.  Now, I am no teen, but I do have two daughters: 12 and 21; and a 19 year old son, so I live in the world of teens every day.  Bure gives advice in every aspect including how to post on social media and how to deal with the backlash of what you post.  She writes tips on goal setting, on confidence, and at the other end of the spectrum, make up tips and clothing choices.  The whole while she wears her Christian faith with confidence, drawing from it to share her advice honestly. 
Though she is incredibly young to be handing out life advice, she is also mature and perfect for the eyes and ears of the upcoming generation.  Her writing is arranged in a format that keeps the younger reader's attention.  There is a running dialogue as well as boxes of short information; a sort of magazine style.  My 12 year old has started to read this book and has taken an interest.  I recommend it to anyone (probably a girl) who has started the trek of finding herself.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review from www.booklookbloggers.com.