I Books

Anna Quindlen, Dave Barry, and Roz Chast are brilliant, and I'm one of those people who uses such an adjective mighty sparingly. Like any anthology, this collection is, of course, uneven, but in general, it helps parents of teens laugh, feel less alone, and recognize what they are and are not doing right--and that's worth a lot!

Thirty writers offer their wisdom, humor and insights on the challenges of parenting teens in I Wanna Be Sedated: 30 Writers On Parenting Teenagers. Writings come from many notable literary sources, from columnist/humorist Dave Barry to novelist Barbara Kingsolver and more. Each presents their own stories of experiences with teens; from handling sexual issues to racial profiling, drinking parties and more. A 'must' for any parents facing the teen years.

Reading this book came at a time I was feeling overwhelmed with teenage issues and it gave me a sense of perspective that I sorely needed.

I read this book in one sitting and was delighted. This book offers a smorgasbord of honest views in re parenting teens/young adults and offered refreshing insights. I was delighted to see two of my favorite authors, Joyce Maynard and Louise Erdrich among those included in this book. Each author has helped shed even more light on an interesting aspect of their lives.

The essay format personalized the accounts and made the reader feel included. Joyce Maynard, a gifted writer included an essay about her son's girlfriend spending the night. Her essay was unflinchingly honest; clear, sharp and direct as are all her works. That is what makes them outstanding and effective. I like the honest conversations she had with her three children and how she took a healthy and honest approach to sex and sexuality. To her credit, she taught them the correct names for genitals instead of silly, infantile euphemisms. One funny anecdote she shared was when her youngest child, then 4, sang about vaginas on a city bus, much to the consternation of his fellow passengers. I like the way she responded and kept communication lines open for her children.

Erdrich's account of her daughter's driving was touching and funny. One can almost feel the snow and ice as they navigate the icy streets of Minnesota. The inclusion of fathers' essays helped make for a nice balance and richer picture. This book is a beautiful mosiac, pieced together by the brilliant works of each author.

I don't know if I feel better or worse after reading this incredible book. I could see myself and my teenagers in so many of the stories. I'd laugh, I'd tear up, I'd holler to one of my three teens to "listen to this, sounds like us (you, me)"
This is must reading for every parent of teens, it is our lives. No family is perfect, nor even close, but it's so easy to think everyone else has it easier than we do.
We all have our struggles, most mutter through somehow.
It's just the getting there that's so roller-coaster.
Teenagers are so roller-coaster.
Great book.

A friend shared this book with me on a recent trip to Maine, where I typically "escape" to re-capture the core of my being. As I read, I "listened" to the writer's charmingly sophisticated, yet simple straight talk that recalls
reminiscent ideals for the ears of today's world.

Rick Roberts skillfully contrasts our current realities with the romance of his nostalgic "Grandpa's" values that are echoed in his chosen idyllic lifestyle in Maine. Likewise, each of us has a voice to cast as a glistening pebble skimming the pond. Our collective energy will then radiate peacefully with infinite resonance. The world will see. The world will hear. The world will be touched.

Our future generations are only as great as the exemplary ideals and legacies we, as role models, hand our children. Not just for "Boomers," this book is a must for parents, teachers, and all responsible adults.

Thank you, Rick!

What every boomer needs to remember. It is in this book. Can't put it down, can't stop thinking of what it says, or what we, the Boomer Generation needs to remember.

Richard Roberts timely book is a must read for everyone, not just the Boomer generation. Roberts heralds a wake-up call to look at what impact we can (and do) have on our world, now and for the future. Most importantly, he outlines what steps to take to make positive changes now. Whatever your politics or spiritual beliefs are you will find this book a fresh take on our world today. Run, don't walk to buy this book.

Someone has finally written the great American novel! Well, it's not exactly a novel...more like a cross between a Michael Moore script and an Andy Rooney commentary. Rick Roberts' book is a warm hearted, straight talkin' wake up call to baby boomers - this nation's biggest generation ever. We boomers gave birth to a Dream in the sixties; and now, he says, it's time to finish the job: it's time to start living that dream. All I can say is buy this book by the armloads and pass it out to all your friends. It's a rollicking, great read...and when you're done turning pages you can continue to use it as an alarm clock.

I couldn't put Rich Roberts' book down! No matter what your politics, religion, gender, or race, it'll hit a nerve in anyone who questions today's personal, professional, or political priorities. Each chapter is extremely relevant. Rich's 'baby boomer rantings' are insightful, well researched, and full of wonderful, though sardonic, humor. Starting with Chapter 1 I penciled "X's" next to my favorite passages only to find by the end of the book nearly every paragraph was "X'ed!"

What more can I say than this: I enjoyed the book so much that I bought 20 copies and gave them to my friends, who also say "it is a must read!"

Aveline

this book was in pristine shape; it got here quickly and was so affordable!!!!!!

I like this book because Tutu Tilly gets a tutu for her birthday and she wears it at the market, and at her family hay ride and she weared it at the swimming pool. It it a very good book. From Sophie

We just happened upon this book at the library. After the second page I realized this book was talking about my daughter!(or any little girl who loves to dance and loves pink!) After maxing out our renewal limit on the book, my husband and I decided to purchase the book for our little one for her 3rd birthday.We love it!

I bought this for my two-year-old who has become obsessed with two things -- ballerinas and books. What a perfect combination! This book could have been written about her! The storyline is simple, easy to read and has a great message. It should prepare her for dance class next fall. It is sure to become a favorite in our home.

We first purchased this book a few years ago when our oldest daughter was about 3 1/2 years old and she would wear a tutu EVERY day to school, shopping, etc. She often looked "silly" (just like Tilly in the book) but she was happy and she loved the idea of being a ballerina. This book perfectly captured the intensity of her desire to dress how she wanted. It really was a precious time in her childhood. We even framed an illustration out of the book and have it up on her bedroom wall because it so wonderfully captured who she was during those pre-school years. I wear my Tutu Everywhere is a great book for all those pre-school wanna-be ballerinas. We read it many times over and highly recommend it!

I am a public health nurse working with victims of violence in Oakland. I found this book extremely helpful both professionally and personally! Jerry White outlines actions and attitudes which assist people in recovering from life's unexpected events. His stories about his personal experience coupled with those of others are an inspirational and practical guiding light. What a rare treat. I recommend this book highly.

Nobel Prize winner Jerry White is the co-founder of Survivor Corps and the author of I Will Not Be Broken. The inspirational book shares his story of how he dealt with being injured by a landmine and his journey in leading his own life and others to help those like himself in countries all over the world. You will find some inspiration here, for sure. In the book, five steps are laid out by White.

There is not on overtly Christian message in what White writes. I need to say this for my readers since my blog here has reviewed explicitly Christian books for the most part. (I must also disclose that I was given a book after correspondence from the Survivor Corps people--which is one customary perk bloggers can claim at times).

What I think I can glean from all of this is that this cause is one that as a Christian I want to share with you. So, I am. Click over to Survivor Corps for more information on this amazing charitable organization.

This book by Jerry White is very uplifting and provides practical steps to overcoming tragedy. It is extremely remarkable in it's approach to reaching deep inside a person to reveal hidden strengths and the power to overcome.

Mr. White does an amazing job of bringing together the stories of many people who could have chosen to fall victim to their circumstances yet instead chose to thrive and beyond that, be full of joy. His own story of losing a leg in Israel at a young age is uplifting and challenging to the reader. I appreciate how he reminds us to make self-assessments and to choose how we will feel instead of falling victim to situations. This five steps to freedom are also practical and very helpful in the process of overcoming tragedy.

Overall, this is an encouraging and uplifting book and it is definitely worth reading for anyone who has suffered a tragedy in their life.

"I Will Not Be Broken" succeeds brilliantly at being what it sets out to be: a thoughtful, sensitive, and useful guide along the path of survivorship. I found it inspiring in all the right places, well-reasoned, and down-to-earth. Being able to discover more about White's own journey and where he looks for guiding lights is also a valuable aspect of the book. We have much we can learn from him.

White intersperses his very accessible philosophizing with his own personal stories as well as those of the people he's met in his work and travels. The result is a very readable book filled with useful tools and reflections on their practical applications by real people.

I Will Not Be Broken: Five Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis

Just finished reading I Will Not Be Broken by Jerry White and this is an amazingly uplifting and hope-filled book.

In 1984, Jerry White lost his leg in a landmine accident while on vacation in Israel. He later became a co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network, which has recently changed it's name and broadened it's mission to become Survivor Corps

The book is a compilation of Jerry's own experiences and the lessons learned in surviving by many other people he's met, and it's subtitled "5 Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis".

The book breaks down the keys to surviving and Thriving during that survival, into the 5 steps,which you can find listed on the website for the book, and for me, that was part of why I felt the book would be such an invaluable tool for anyone recovering from a cataclysmic loss in their life. Because of my volunteer work with Soldiers Angels , I was particularly thinking of wounded soldiers while I was reading this book.

Many wounded soldiers refer to the day they almost lost their life in combat as their "Alive Day", and although Jerry doesn't use that term in his book, I found this sentence on page 7 that seems to epitomize what "Alive Day" means...." I want to encourage all of us to honor our toughest dates - the tragedies that bind us - in an effort to transform victimhood into survivorship."

The book does a wonderful job, in my opinion, of giving practical advice for How to "transform victimhood into survivorship",and is also filled with the stories of How so many Other survivors of tragedies have done exactly that.

It's an easy read, and I would recommend it highly to anyone who is currently facing a life-altering tragedy in their life, or the life of someone close to them.

This is one of the best books I've ever read on any subject. It was compelling reading--I, too, couldn't put it down.
I love its honesty. Nothing was left out of this book. And yet it is not sensational or graphic. It's an honest, humane, and brave book about a terrifying time.
I'm so grateful to the author for writing it.

This book is great! I have always been interested in this subject and i don't normaly read books! I'm a junior in high school and i enjoyed this book ALOT!!! Great character plot and great ending!! I don't want to return it to the library!! Also i share the same last name!

The book I will Plant You A Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman is an excellent book. I would most likely recommend it to girls though. I would recommend it to girls because the book talks about Hannelore getting sexually assaulted and other things like her falling in love with Bernard (Dick) Hillman. I would also recommend this book because it talks about true fact that happened during the Holocaust. This book has been the best book I've ever read. One reason it is would be because she expresses her feelings about the people she loved and lost, but also how she hated what was happening to the Jewish religion. All in all if you're looking for a good read I think you should read the book I will Plant You A Lilac Tree.

One day I had nothing to read and I decided to get this book because I heard was great. It kept me on the edge of my seat through the whole book! I finished in less than two days and have read it five more times since.

This is the first-person account of Hannelore Wolff, a survivor of Nazi death camps and a Jew on Schindler's List. The story chronicles Hannelore's time when she leaves safety to accompany her mother and brothers to first a Jewish ghetto and then to a concentration camp in an effort to keep the family together. Hannelore then spends the next three years living day to day as she survives the disease, death, and horrors of the Holocaust. Her story is by turns one of luck, faith, and perseverance as she ultimately finds herself on Oskar Schindler's famous list and thus brought to the relative safety of his factory. Along the way Hannelore meets and falls in love with her future husband, Dick. Mrs. Hillman gives us a chilling account of a desperate time and helps us all to remember those who should not be forgotten. A tremendous story that will touch you deeply. Highly recommended.

I bought this book on Friday and had it read by Sunday. I picked it up in the store looking for something for our church's Sr. Highs, and was fighting back the tears in the store. I was amazed by BJ's devotion. He was so totally spirit filled. Just to let others know if you use this in a study group there is a free study guide to download on the publishers sight www.revellbooks.com. I had emailed BJ's dad to tell him how great the book was and he e-mailed me with this news.

I purchased this book on a Thursday, started reading it, and finished it at 2am on Friday. I could not put it down. BJ Higgins' life, and the way he lived, is a battle-cry for those of us who call ourselves Christians to step up, even if it's just a little. I realized as I finished this book, that, although my life may not be called to be a missionary, I can certainly do more than just go to church on Wednesday and Saturday. I didn't feel guilty, I was just touched that this young man made Christ his sole focus, and a relationship with God is what he sought. A true modern-day David, I shudder to think about all of the times I've squandered when I could've have taken an opportunity to share the Word with someone. Here is a young man who was truly used by God and who's story should be told over and over. Who will take BJ's place? I will....

I ordered this book for my youth group and we have had a great time reading it so far. We are about half way through the book and the youth is very excited about finishing the book. My group has commented on being able to connect with the authors (mom and dad) as well as BJ himself. It has been a phenominal tool God is using to tug on our hearts!

Seeing into this young man's heart was exactly what I needed. When I think about what God did through him in 16 short years, I am inspired. What would God be able to accomplish if I let Him use me?

This book will definitely challenge you to be the person God intends you to be. Get several copies and share them with others. It won't only inspire Christians, but it makes clear salvation-- what a legacy BJ left behind.

This book ROCKS!! I do not read much and I couldn't but this book down. A story of a young man and his passion for the Lord. We should all live this life seeking, obeying, and putting our lives down for the Lord. This book helped me through God's Amazing Grace to draw closer to the Lord. I highly recommend you to read it.

I told my husband the boys were all his that morning. I had to get a breath of air. Thank God He placed this book in my hands when I reached the Christian bookstoore at the mall. It was a Godsend. Someone really understood after all. I wasn't alone and I was not a bad mother. I have read this book over and over and have given copies to other moms who think no one can understand. Thank you to Maurine Adamek.

This book served as an awesome encouragement to me and my fiancee. It got in touch with feelings that I remember from my childhood and gave me a vision of what it is going to be all about when I become a parent. I'll Do Better Tomorrow is a great reminder of what parent/child relationships are to be based upon

This book served as an awesome encouragement to me and my fiancee. It got in touch with feelings that I remember from my childhood and gave me a vision of what it is going to be all about when I become a parent. I'll Do Better Tomorrow is a great reminder of what parent/child relationships are to be based upon

This is an adorable, sweet, funny, touching book written for kids but which speaks even more to parents. If you have kids, you can't help but see yourself in the pages of this little book. The artwork is great, too. I did like "Love You Forever," but as the ad says, I LOVED "I'll Do Better Tomorrow, I Promise." Excellent addition to any family's library.

Have you ever had days when your kids make you crazy? And at night, when you go in and see their sleeping little innocent bodies, you feel so badly that you were not more patient with them? This book will entertain your children and make you cry (which may entertain your children even more)!

I found this darling book several years ago, and later tried to buy another. The book was out of print and unavailable. Recently, I was showing the book to a friend and she really wanted a copy. We tracked down the author who told us the book was back in print! I am thrilled and have already purchased 3 books for friends. You will not regret this purchase!

The little ones who read this book love it. They read it over and over again.

I first received "I Stink" from a friend since my 4 yr. old wants to someday be a garbage man! We then moved onto "I'm Dirty". He loves them both. We just bought this book for his Easter basket, and after reading it myself I'm sure it will be another hit! I brought all three books to my college class (a room full of soon-to-be teachers) and they also loved these books. We all agreed that the font is so much fun, there are great words for beginning readers to read, the story is told in a fun way, AND it teaches children about different types of vehicles. The writing is clever and funny...and there are plenty of opportunities to show children how big font means big voices...my son loves to yell out certain parts that he's memorized. And while these books were bought for my son, my daughter also loves them!

My 3 year old LOVES this book. Also I'm Stinky and I'm Dirty by the same authors. He sits and reads them over and over, even though he can't read yet. :) He has me read them to him, and he "reads" them to me telling me what's in the pictures. My son is one of those who will Not sit still unless it's REALLY worth it. i definately recommend it.

Compared to the classic "trash talk" from the garbage truck in "I Stink", this tugboat doesn't have show nearly as much personality--he likes to brag about how big and heavy the barges he tows are, and that's pretty much it. This is still a lot of fun, though; the illustrations are terrific, and it's very good for explaining to a young child just what a tugboat is, and and what it does.

The children at the Library love this one! You should check out the other two books in this series, they're alot of fun too.

If you want to be smart with your money, then this is the book for you! Everything is detailed simply with easy to follow examples. The techniques used are easily applied to real life situations. With this book, planning your financial future isnt as difficult as you may think.

This book is a great resource for anyone planning for their financial future! The examples and tools in the book provide the reader with a clear understanding of many financial areas that are overwhelming to the average person. The book has great examples and is written in such a way that it is easy to understand.

When I heard the title of the book I was intrigued because the name says it all. I was pleasantly surprized by the how content was easy to read and apply in real life. I have learned so much about many topics and specifically benefited from the home ownership process. Although I had been a homeowner already I learned many new things that bettered my situation. I can't wait to put the rest of the book's information to use.

My husband and I are both over 75. We have homes in Micigan and Florida and need to sell both and purchase another in the Kentucky area. Frankly,we didn't know where to start. A friend of ours recommend that we take the time to read this book and I am really glad we did. The book explained, step by step, what we needed to do to get the most from our homes while protecting ourselves. It then went on to help us maximize our buying potential. I would recommend this book to retires and first time buyers as well.

Having no formal education in finance I have had to depend on advisors and books for what I know on this subject. From no single source have I received such as wealth of information as this book. The author has presented the information in an easy to read style and has made it very approachable. I would recommend this book be made part of your financial library and will repurchase it when it becomes available via hardback or paperback.

This is a great story told from the perspective of the dog. The unconventional format was enlightening to our child who is used to reading stories told by little girls or other narrators.

I came across this book in a Goodwill pile and paid all of 49 cents for it. What a gem! I read several chapters in the car before I left the parking lot and laughed out loud! Brought it home to my 13 year old son who finished it faster than any book I've known him to read, and just lent it to my adult (over 50) male office mate this morning. He and the book have disappeared (hmmm) so it must be reminding him of his older yellow lab. I don't know which is funnier, Jack or the cats' commentaries. I am not even a "dog person" and think this book is a lot of fun. You know that dogs must be thinking this sort of thing, and cats as well. I recommend this book to anyone, any age... it is a hoot. And I am glad to see that Jack has written another book recently!

I bought this book for my 7 year old daughter at her school book fair, along with several other paperbacks. She devoured it and kept insisting that I read it. I said ok, thinking I want to encourage her love of reading and knowing how much fun it is to recommend a good book to someone so you can then talk about it when they are finished. I did not expect to enjoy it so thoroughly, however! I laughed right out loud, highly recommnended it to my husband when I was finished, and read it to my younger son soon after I had finished it the first time. I laughed while reading it to him, too! If you've ever wondered what the heck a dog must be thinking to do what he/she does, this book is of tremendous help. I often find myself thinking in Jack-terms when dealing with our 18 month old Chocolate Lab. I just purchased the next Jack book and thought I'd take a minute to add my positive review of the first.

My 9 year old sons and I have laughed ourselves silly reading aloud this book. The author does a wonderful job of getting inside the mind of a big goofy yellow lab. Jack's "voice" could fit every labrador I've ever met. The boys could easily read it on their own, but reading it aloud is so much more fun. Even kids who don't like to read would have a hard time putting down this book.

Reluctant readers will actually clamor to read this book aloud to others because of the howls of laughter that ensue. Jack, in his exuberant love of life and canine innocence, is a most engaging character.