Better with Age: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Training

Better with Age: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Training
Author: Phyllis Strupp
ISBN: 978-0-9746727-1-7

I was extremely excited to get a copy of this book to review.  I have a fascination with how the brain so able to adapt and learn.  So when I looked at the description, I knew I needed to add it to my 'to read' list.

This book is a self-help book, for those who are middle-aged up.  Now that doesn't count the young people out.  The motto is 'use it or lose it'.  We all know that is true for the rest of our body, but the unseen organ called the brain is no different.  In fact, is should be our number one concern.  We live in a time of high pressure and stress.  We have all the world at our fingertips but should we neglect our precious brain.  Before I started studying Education, I had no idea of the capabilities of our minds.  As I near the end of my degree, I have become more and more interest in our potential as human beings.

This book tackles our abilities from the perspective that we need to help ourselves, especially as we age.  Science now knows we can keep learning and strengthening our brains right through life.  I have to agree as I see elderly people who are vibrant.  When I question them, most have kept learning and held on to their hope and dreams.   They have continued to 'help themselves' while continuing to grow.  This book offers insight into continued growth and redevelopment of the brain.  It is not a book of crossword puzzles and mind benders.  It is a book of genuine growth and continued development. 

The author offers insight into brain diseases like Alzheimer's and brain injuries.  There is a scientific insight into this amazing part our body that we often neglect.  I enjoyed the science incorporation in the book along with the examples of people who have defied the odds and restructured their brains to continue life to the fullest.

This book is for everyone.  It is aimed at the more mature age groups, but I differ on this idea and would encourage all ages to read this and take on board some of the ideas presented.  You are never too young to take care of your mind, after all, it makes your body move, digest, love, and speak.  Start looking after the most important part of your body today.  A good starting point will be reading this book; it's easy to devour and just as easy to start following the principles within.

Check out Phyllis Strupp's web site at http://phyllisstrupp.com/  There you will find the links to her book and information about Phyllis.

Description:

Offering a whole new approach to “use it or lose it,” Better with Age moves way beyond crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or computer games. With over 70 color illustrations, this compact, no-nonsense book describes a proven strategy for boosting brain performance.

 

Award-winning author and brain coach Phyllis Strupp puts theory into practice by using real-life stories to show what neuroplasticity looks like at all ages. Tools, tips, and techniques from her years of teaching—all presented with her trademark warmth and humor—demystify the science and encourage a lifestyle of brain-building habits.

 

No prior knowledge of neuroscience is necessary. A glossary and a list of resources (publications, research articles and studies, and web sites) equip the reader for further learning. A comprehensive index enables quick review of important concepts.

 

 

Happy reading

Richelle

 

 

 

One more day

Hi Everyone

Scroll down and you will find my review for this book.  I got to read this before the publishing release date, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher supplying me with a copy.

Well, it is now available to everyone from Amazon. Follow this link and get yourself a copy http://www.amazon.com/One-More-Day-Kelly-Simmons/dp/1492618640/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454619019&sr=8-1&keywords=one+more+day 

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book in advance.  All the best to Kelly Simmons with her future novels. 


Blurb:

Don't turn away
No one wants to be the mother whose child disappears. It's unthinkable, the stuff of nightmares. But when she turns her back to pay a parking meter, Carrie Morgan becomes that mother. Ben is gone, and more than a year later, it's clear that he is never coming back.

Until he does...for just twenty-four hours, before once again vanishing from his crib without a trace. Rumors start to circulate through Carrie's small town. Whispers that she's seeing things. That her alibi doesn't quite add up.

Her husband and friends start to think she's crazy. The police start to think she's guilty. As the investigation heats up, Carrie must decide what to share, and why. Because the crime is about to be solved... and her secret revealed.

Happy reading

Richelle

 

The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist
Author: Jessie Burton
ISBN: 9781447250937

Hi Everyone

Here is a book that I wanted because of the cover.  This time, I wasn't let down.  The idea of a miniaturist revealing all the secrets of a household grabbed my attention.  The miniaturist exceeded my expectation. 

The characters were interesting, every one of them.  They all had their place in the story making it almost as though there was more than one character.  It was the sister in-law that I liked the most.  She was strong and independent yet without faults and secrets.  The husband annoyed me, which was good as every good book needs a character that is annoying.  It keeps you reading.  There was another male character in the book that just went beyond making me angry.  I cant tell you who or why without a spoiler alert... Read it. 

The plot was fantastic.  From the beginning, it moved to places I didn't see coming.  By the middle of the book, I was glad I was on holiday because I needed to read and read!  The ending is not what I expected, and it made the book.  I love unexpected happenings in books; it is what keeps me picking up the authors next book.  As for the miniaturist, I  cannot say I got to know them.  I got a glimpse, but that was all.  I think I liked it that way.  It created a mystery.  I couldn't wait to see what the next miniature item was going to be.

Would I recommend this book?  Definitely.  But you may need time out by the middle of the book as that is when I found it was hard to put down. 


Blurb:

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed ...On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways ...Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realizes the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall? Beautiful, intoxicating and filled with heart-pounding suspense, Jessie Burton's magnificent debut novel The Miniaturist is a story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.

Happy Reading

Richelle

This was available from:  Amazon, Fishpond and Book depository

http://www.amazon.com/Miniaturist-Novel-Jessie-Burton/dp/0062306847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454127137&sr=8-1&keywords=the+miniaturist

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Miniaturist-Jessie-Burton/9781447250937

http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Miniaturist-Jessie-Burton/9781447250937

Worthy of repeating

Hi everyone

This is what touched me most and got me thinking this week.  There are two youtube clips here, that have both been on the net for a while now.  One is about how society shapes us especially during the teen years.  The other is about what we would change if we could change one thing to do with our body. 

I find it interesting that as children, the answers were fill of hope and love.  They believed totally in who they were.  Why do we lose this?  How is it that we wake up one day and decide society should shape us and diminish our dreams?

I have a dream, to inspire and encourage all children to read, learn and shine.  I encourage all you book reviewers out there today to keep going.  We need to have reveiws for books out there because it makes people want to read them. To all the authors out there that send me books and pdf's of their novels, you need to keep writing.  Follow your dreams, like you did as a child, and don't let publishers stop you from keeping going.  Children need to have stories it is where dreams start!  Other worlds can be entered through turning of a page!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs

 

Come on girls remember who you were and the dreams and goals you had and go for it

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tEcxLDDd4

 

You have only one life and one body enjoy it like a child

 

 

One last word... Go get a book and sit down and enjoy a story.  Go to another land, world or time and remember what it was like to read as a child.  Then think about reading a story to the children in your life they are worth it.

 

 

Happy reading

Richelle

 



One more day



One More day
Author: Kelly Simons
ISBN: 9781492618645

When I first got this book, I was so excited by the blurb.  I couldn't help but open it quickly and start reading.  I have to say that it was nothing like what I expected.  I was thinking of a storyline where a child is taken, returned, and taken again.  While that is the base of the story, it is far from what the story develops into.

I am impressed by this story.  The depth in which the story developed had me up last night reading at 2 am.  'One more day' becomes 'one more day' all throughout the book as more characters are introduced.  Has that got you intrigued?  It is what kept me reading.  As more secrets opened up through 'one more day' events, I had to keep reading to see what was real and what was not. 

I had no idea what the outcome was going to be until the end.  I like books that keep me reading until the end to find out what I need to know.  I liked the stress of the story and characters.  It had me turning page after page to find out where each secret was heading.  Everyone seemed to have a secret and they were being exposed in the bizzare ways.  As secrets are revelled and told the mystery of the missing child evolves, but you have to keep reading to discover where it all leads. 

This is a very well written book, in my view.  It is different from anything I have read and that's what I enjoyed the most.  An unpredictable plot which takes you into many lives as secrets evolve making the main character, Carrie, seem unstable yet so real.


Blurb:

Don't turn away

No one wants to be the mother whose child disappears. It's unthinkable, the stuff of nightmares. But when she turns her back to pay a parking meter, Carrie Morgan becomes that mother. Ben is gone, and more than a year later, it's clear that he is never coming back.

Until he does...for just twenty-four hours, before once again vanishing from his crib without a trace. Rumors start to circulate through Carrie's small town. Whispers that she's seeing things. That her alibi doesn't quite add up.

Her husband and friends start to think she's crazy. The police start to think she's guilty. As the investigation heats up, Carrie must decide what to share, and why. Because the crime is about to be solved... and her secret revealed.


This was available from:  Book depository, Fishpond and Amazon

http://www.bookdepository.com/One-More-Day-Kelly-Simmons/9781492618645

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/One-More-Day-Kelly-Simmons/9781492618645

http://www.amazon.com/One-More-Day-Kelly-Simmons/dp/1492618640/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453491372&sr=8-1&keywords=one+more+day+by+kelly+simmons

Todays choices

I was out for a run this morning, it was peaceful, and the sun was shining.  These types of runs lead me to an inner calm.  I have to breathe the air around me just to survive, as I pound the road beneath me.  Today I got to thinking, of some of the decisions I have made in my life and where I have got to today.  What I have become is due to choices made yesterday, the day before or years ago.  I am the outcome of more than the people around me.  My parents had their time of making my decisions, and part of that has influenced who I am today.  But more so it is choices I have made.  Each day I am faced with possibilities, if I chose to see them, take them or leave them. 

Many occasions passed through my thoughts, as I breathed each breath on my run.  I remembered things I wanted, but couldn't get, yet didn't fight for either.  I remembered the things I did fight for, the things I worked for,  and the way I grew through so many occasions to become the person I am today.  This made me realise I am an outcome of my choices.  I am reaping the results of choices I made days, months, even years ago.  Each choice has an outcome.  Sometimes I think I have no control over the things happening in my life, but I do have a choice in how I will react and how I will feel.
 
As this year takes us all to places, we have planned or never imagined, remember we are all able to make choices.  Think of things you value the most and where you want life to take you.  Then base your choices on these things and make them happen.  Only you can make things happen, because only you know what you really want in life.

Last library before the Antarctic

Hi Everyone

I have been away on a much-needed summer break.  It's good to be back with you all again.  I can travel no further south!  I can find no other library closer to the Antarctic than this!  It is small and open short hours, the bookshelves hold only a few books in comparison to other libraries, but it has been worth the journey.  Where is this library?  Stewart Island.  Way down the bottom of New Zealand.  It is the most relaxing, refreshing little island I have ever been to.  There were only a few cars but there were plenty of friendly people.  Everyone smiled.  Everyone had kind words to say.  And to add to the beauty and atmosphere, the sun was shining. 

 

What more could one ask for?  Internet, yes the internet.  My kids needed to find the one and only street that had free internet.  It was of primary importance.  I have to smile here; I take them to the most beautiful, relaxing place, and they go on a hunt for internet.  Lucky for them it was also the street that contained the library.  I wanted a photo of the library for all you book lovers, and the kids got their internet.  Now they have re-named the street (my kids that is) Internet Street.  All the locals had no idea what the kids were on about but once explained they totally understood.  Beyond their adventure to the one free internet street, they loved the island.

If you are looking for a place to go on holiday, New Zealand is worth looking into.  Remember to take the trip to Stewart Island.  They make good coffee, have the best fish, the scenery is divine, the bird life beautiful and the atmosphere beyond tranquil.  And, they have a library!

 

 

Where can you find libraries?  I have always loved old churches and architecture but now I am seeking out libraries they hold more stories than the books within.

 

Happy reading

Richelle

 

Disclaimer:  I took these photos and do not know any of the people within them.  They just happen to be on the streets of Stewart Island and enjoying the scenery, at the same time as I took the photo.  If you recognise yourself in them then your welcome to let me know.

The 1-Hour Goddess

The 1-Hour Goddess
Author: Anne Clara Laugesen
ISBN: 978-1518819926

 



When Anne Laugesen offered this book to me, I was extremely excited.  I love fitness.  I have been a runner since I was ten years old.  A year ago I started to feel my hip aching and decided it was time to slow down the running and take up walking.  Walking was too slow, so I tried pop-pilates and loved it.  So when this book came up for viewing, I had to take a look.  I sat down and read it in two readings. 

So what do I think of this one?  I agree with most of the things she has written.  I would say that I agree with all of it, but will have to read it again before I make that kind of statement with any health book.  There is much on offer out there for health advice but over the years I have come to believe that whole food and getting moving is the only way to optimised health.  This book promotes all this and more.  Taking a look at strength training, she makes some good points.  There needs to be time for your muscles to work to their maximum ability and a time to heal the soreness resulting.  I heard this theory years ago from a body builder and never took any notice of it until I picked up this book.  It got me thinking, I have found Pilates good for my health and fitness, but the way I do is in line with Anne's philosophy, of which she has included reference to her research. 

She has included links to her exercises that made them easy to understand and follow.  Considering it is so simple to have incorrect form when strength training I give Anne credit for thinking of this.  It is what I liked most about this book.  I have an electronic copy, so I am not sure how it works in print form but it's great clicking the page and being taken to a link showing how to do each thing.

So, in conclusion, I give credit to Anne Laugesen's research, writing and presentation of a fitness book I am pleased to have taken a time to read.  Do I recommend it?  Yes, I do.  After the past year of Pilates, focusing on more than cardio for fitness, I agree with the importance of balance.  Food, cardio and strength training together make a good foundation for health. 

I am just realising the importance of stretching, as I slowly incorporate time to relax and stretch.  We have a body, and each part of it is important.  When I get a sore finger, I realise that it affects my strength in other parts of my body.  So I question why we tend to focus on just the heart and lungs, or just the way the muscles look in our arms look, or even what food to eat so we can stay slim.  As we all enter 2016 and take up new diet fads or exercise programs, take a look at the health of your whole body.  And if you want a good read to motivate you along the way take a look at this book and the links within.

Happy new year, it's good to be back with you for 2016.

Richelle

This was available from:  Amazon, Book depository and Fishpond

http://www.amazon.com/The-1-Hour-Goddess-Happiness-Lifting-ebook/dp/B017SNKP8S/

http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=the+1-hour+goddess&search=Find+book

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/1-Hour-Goddess-Anne-Clara-Laugesen-Alexander-Ribin-Contributions-by/9781518819926

Gratitude!

 



If there is one thing I have learnt this year it is 'growth begins with gratitude'.  It is not what others can do for you; it will never bring happiness.  They will never add up to your expectations.  At times, I wonder if they have any idea of my expectations.

You can search for happiness in endless things but with out growth we become stagnant.  When we become stagnant nothing good follows.  The more I look for things to be grateful for the more I see the beauty in the little things.  In the buttercups of my life.

When I was a little girl, my teacher would send my class for a run around the school grounds.  I loved running, but the buttercups and daisies were more interesting.  Us girls would sit and make the daisy's into chains and the buttercups would glow under our chins as we laughed over who 'liked butter'.  As I got older, the buttercups became weeds.  Every week I mow them down.  Every week they have the strength to poke their heads back up and grow again.  As I walked down my driveway the other day I stopped and took the above picture of the buttercups in my driveway.  The weeds that need to be chopped down.  I saw beauty in the picture.  I thought of the strength behind the small flower and thought of how I am no longer grateful for their beauty as I was years earlier.

I thought of the people in my life, the buttercups that are mowed down without knowing.  Those people have a strength we should all be grateful for.  Each week they turn up.  Each week they put on smile and help. 

I am grateful for all the buttercup people.  The people who have laughed with me when they wanted to cry.  The ones who made me coffee when they were tired.  The ones who encouraged me when they really needed the encouraging.

Who are you grateful for this Christmas?

Merry Christmas everyone!  I am grateful to each of you that look in every week, making my reading and writing a joy.


Happy reading

Richelle

Life of Fred

Life of Fred
Author: Stanley F. Schmidt, Ph.D.

 

Hi everyone,

 

Today I bring to you my favourite curriculum for the year, 'Life of Fred'.  The kids have loved working their way through the story of Fred a six-year-old genius who teaches.  It sound's like an impossible concept, but the kids enjoyed it.  Now this is no little kids curriculum; it goes right up to teaching linear algebra.

 

How often do you hear, "Why do we have to learn this I will never use it anyway?"  This is exactly the question that led me to the purchase of this series.  I was able to teach algebra, but I could not answer how it would be used.  Life of Fred does this in a fun way, through a story.  At the end of each chapter, there are questions to try, and answers.

 

I liked the way this captured the thinking of the kids.  I also like that it is a complete series.  So often I have been able to get primary aged books, but secondary curriculum lacks.  As you can see from the following list, there is good follow on from book to book:

 

Life of Fred: Fractions
Life of Fred: Decimals and Percents

 

Life of Fred: Pre-Algebra 1 with Biology
Life of Fred: Pre-Algebra 2 with Economics

 

Life of Fred: Beginning Algebra
Life of Fred: Advanced Algebra

 

Life of Fred Geometry
Life of Fred: Trigonometry

 

Life of Fred: Calculus
Life of Fred: Statistics
Life of Fred Linear Algebra

 

 

I have been using this curriculum in addition to Saxon Math this year, and it has been a great extension to the kids math.  I know of others that are using it as a stand alone curriculum and are finding it good without the addition of Saxon.  The reason I have done both is because Saxon math works with the kids I am teaching.  The reason I added 'Life of Fred" was to answer the questions of why would algebra be of any use in the real world. 

 

Happy reading
Richelle 

 

This was available from: Amazon, Stanley Schmidt, Engaging Minds, and Life of Fred math

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=life+of+fred

http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html

http://www.engagingminds.co.nz/

http://lifeoffredmath.com/


Taking Tiffany

Taking Tiffany
M K Harkins
ISBN: 6456984532454

This novel was refreshing to sit down and read at the end of each day.  I enjoyed the richness of the characters as they lived in a world that could give them everything yet they all still desired everything else.  Although Tiffany had all the money one could envision, she still had a spirit about her that made her likeable.  I hate it when I read a novel with spoilt rich young adults, but this one went beyond the normal plot with Tiffany wanting to live a normal existence within her world. 

Angela was another character that I found myself connecting with.  She seemed to have issues beyond imagination, yet I liked her.  In fact, I would say she made the story for me.  I loved the way her hardness disappeared but not in a predictable manner.

The connection between Angela and Tiffany didn't unfold to later in the book which left me guessing and I can't tell you if I guessed right or wrong without spoiling the book.  You will have to pick up a copy, along with a coffee, and read it.  I am sure you won't be disappointed it has just enough of everything: love, drama, suspense, action and mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for supplying me with a copy of this novel to review.


Blurb:

Young socialite, Tiffany Thompson, seems to have it all, everything but love, that is. Guarded since her high school boyfriend’s betrayal, she wouldn’t recognize real love if it hit her over the head. Unless it’s a can of paint, and successful financier Todd Jameson is behind it.

Todd fell hard and fast for Tiffany a year earlier, but, unwilling to risk his own heart after a college sweetheart shattered it, he avoids Tiffany and vows to keep his distance. Fate has other plans, however, and changes both their minds.

But not everyone is happy with their budding romance. Unbeknownst to either of them, a vengeful enemy stands in the shadows with plans to take Tiffany, and Todd is in the way.

Halfway around the world, Angela Bartholomew, a former foe in Tiffany’s circle, is serving a year-long sentence as a volunteer in a Romanian orphanage in payment for her lying, manipulative ways. That or be disinherited by her parents. The spoiled debutante is determined to get home at all cost, but Fate has plans for her, too, and Angela is not prepared for how her life will change.

Will love conquer heartbreak, or will greed and revenge ruin all three lives?


Happy Reading
Richelle


This was available from: Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Tiffany-MK-Harkins-ebook/dp/B0161V9HBY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450489204&sr=8-1&keywords=taking+tiffany

Worthy of repeating

Hi everyone

This morning I woke up, jumped out of bed (sorry I am a morning person) and sat down with my breakfast and emails.  Marie Forleo regularly inspires me or gets me thinking and this morning was no different.  I have placed her posting below for you watch.  I think she makes some good points about how we spend our days working when we want to spend time doing the things that are really important to us.  It is all about choice.  Sometimes I think I have no choice as the demands around me expand.  In reality, I do.  I just have to breathe.  I am sure I forget to do this sometimes!  Come on guys, who out there goes about their day and hardly takes the time to breathe, I can't be the only one! 

As we enter into the holiday season, first off take the time to breathe.  At least, take enough time to realise you are breathing.  It is so important to relax and realise you are alive, you are a person, and you are worthy.  Then look around you.  See the family and friends.  If you have little or no family then what friends have become your family.  If you feel alone... it's a lie!  Just shut your eyes and see what stands in front you, it may surprise you to remember the people you haven't phoned this year.

All the best
Keep reading and smiling

Special thanks goes out to Marie Foleo for staying true to herself as she inspires people to be all they can be.  Your video clips are always fun and informational, keep going girl!

Marie Forleo's youtube channel link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsW4-JmLtfw

You can also find her at:
http://www.marieforleo.com/

The old lady who loved to read

The old Lady who loved to read
Author: John Winch
ISBN: 1863884610
Picture book

 

Hi Everyone

 

I had trouble finding where to get this book from so if you can find somewhere that I can link below let me know in the comments.  I got this from the library so try your libraries if you can't buy a copy.

 



The pictures are full page beautiful colour.  The story is simple and enjoyable.  What I liked most about this story was the fact the lady thought she should move house to get peace and quiet so she could read.  Life proved to be just as noisy and busy as the city.  It's the old tale of life isn't always greener on the other side of the fence.

This story is a brilliant way of showing children that what we wish for isn't always what we want.  The animals will attract any child as they are characters in themselves in each picture.


Blurb:

The old woman thought that when she moved to the country she would have plenty of time to read.  But she soon found that each season brought other tasks to keep her busy...

John Winch, who lives in the outback New South Wales, lovingly depicts the ups and downs of rural life.


Happy reading

the ship of sight and the hand of shadow

The ship of sight and the hand of shadow
Author: Brydie Walker Bain
Pages: 209

 



Thanks to Brydie Walker Bain for sending me this book, I got to experience the second adventure of Nat and her friends as she travelled throughout New Zealand to complete a task or die.  This book follows after 'The Secret of Sinbad's Cave' and the adventure continued without disappointment.

This book has a lot of Maori place names, just like the first book did.  In the back is a glossary that will help any reader who stumbles over the words.  I read this aloud to my kids and I stumbled over the pronunciation but that is only because I knew what they should sound like.  This book is one that should be read in all New Zealand schools as they venture to include Maori as part of the curriculum dynamics.  What I liked most were the places Nat and her friends ventured to places I recognised, throughout the North Island of New Zealand.  The scenic adventure included rivers, waterfalls and the ocean, all of which are in part what makes New Zealand such a beautiful country.

The adventure and fantasy continued to impress me.  There was more fantasy in the first novel but, the adventure in this novel was greater.  The friendships were close and the dialogue between the characters re-enforced this, making it a great middle read of friendship and adventure. 
So, for all you teachers in New Zealand, this book should be on your class shelve.  Pick up a copy and include it into your class reading for 2016.

Blurb:

A phone call before dawn launches Nat Sheppard into a world of intrigue that leaves her fighting for her life. Entrusted with a sacred task that must be completed within two phases of the moon, Nat and her friends race up New Zealand toward Cape Reinga. But the ruthless villain they outwitted last holidays is hunting them, and she will do anything to stop Nat completing her mission.


This was Available from Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Ship-Sight-Shadow-Natnat-Adventures-ebook/dp/B010YW1UOI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449945047&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ship+of+sight+and+the+hand+of+shadow

Worthy of repeating

Hi Everyone,

Summer is here!  Now I know that many of my followers are waiting for snow but I got to walk in the beautiful sunset of this photo.  To finally head to the beach, with no wind, was amazing.  To arrive there and walk in the quiet, that the scene presented, was tranquil after a day keeping everything under control. 

When I opened my mail the next morning, there was a quote stating 'Close your eyes and see'.  Now quotes are there to make us think.  To seek deeper past the distractions of everyday noise.  I had seen the beauty of the sunset, in the heat I had long awaited.  Had I heard past the noise?  Past the distractions of the day?  To be honest, no.  I had enjoyed every moment with my family, walking in the tide yet the noise still drained some of the peace. 

I love to sit, quietly and clear my mind, listening past all distractions.  I am learning to do this, and I recommend it to everyone.  When I sit in my own space, I hear my dreams.  I block out any worry and listen deep within.  I find peace in myself rather than seeking it from others.   I hear myself rather than hoping someone will just hear me and listen. 

Are you worthy of being heard?  Start by shutting your eyes and hearing yourself.  Your dreams and passions.  If you don't want to hear you, then why do you expect others to find you worthy of hearing?  You hold treasures beyond imagination, you just have to shut your eyes and hear, you!

Animal Soup

Animal Soup
Author: Ian Whybrow & Teresa Murfin
ISBN: 978-0-439943-05-5
Picture book

 

Hi Everyone

 

This has to be one of the brightest, imaginative picture books that I have picked up in a while!

I remember the joy of alphabet soup when I was a child.  We mainly had rice in our soup, but when we got alphabet pasta it took soup to a new level of enjoyment.  The author of 'Animal Soup' has taken this imagination and placed it into a brilliantly illustrated book.  The placement of the pictures versus text enhances the story and read along effect.  I have to give this book top marks for presentation and language.

 

Each page rhymes, yet the rhyme doesn't overtake the story like some narratives do.  I read this book to some kids then went back over the narrative to seek out the rhyme.  They enjoyed the exercise, and I will use it again when teaching.  We giggled at the concept of the story and enjoyed each accompanying illustration.  I will be taking this book from shelf to couch, to classroom.

 

Blurb:
Hold on to your witch's hat - it's time for some animal magic!
Oliver loves his Animal Soup, especially when the animals come to life...
Watch out for elephants, whales and crocodiles in this spectacular soup adventure!

 

 

This was available from: Fishpond, Book Depository and Amazon

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Animal-Soup-Ian-Whybrow-Teresa-Murfin-Illustrated-by/9780439943055

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Animal-Soup-Teres-Murfin-Ian-Whybrow/9780439943055

 



http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Soup-Ian-Whybrow/dp/0439943051/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449460584&sr=8-1&keywords=animal+soup+whybrow

Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
ISBN: 0-140-36618-0
Pages: 141

 

I have always enjoyed the movie that is based on this book.  It screened here a couple of months ago and upon raving about it, my sister handed me the book to read.  It is such a cute little paperback novel.  I thought I would have it read in no time, so decided to read it aloud to the kids.  Well, don't be deceived by size.  This book took quite a bit of reading.  I put this down to it being a classic.  All classics seem to have depth in the language which make reading aloud different from modern novels. 

Did it match up to the movie?  No.  I still like the movie more.  This is the first time I have liked a movie over a book.  I suppose it had to happen sooner or later.  That being said though, it is a lovely story of friendship.  The movie was based more on the happenings in Terabithia.  The book was based more on friendship.  It was Terabithia that grabbed my imagination in the movie and I thought the book lacked this. 

If you want a book on friendship for your kids, this is worth the read.  It does come with loss though, so this may be something you want to consider before choosing who to read aloud to.  My kids enjoyed it.  They thought the book had its merits but still enjoyed the movie more.  I think this book is best read to and by those who haven't seen the movie.  It is a good, traditional classic that hasn't lost its spark or interest in today's modern world.

 

 

Blurb:

 

'We need a place,' Leslie called to him, '...just for us.'

 

It was Leslie who invented Terabithia, a secret kingdom on an island across the creek.  Here Jess is strong and unafraid.  so when something terrible happens, Jess finds he is able to cope better than he could ever have imagined.

 

A powerful, moving story about friendship.

 

 

This was available from: Amazon, Fishpond and Book depository

 

http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Terabithia-Katherine-Paterson-ebook/dp/B001UFP6JY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449260297&sr=1-1&keywords=bridge+to+terabithia+by+katherine+paterson

 

 http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Bridge-to-Terabithia-Katherine-Paterson/9780061227288

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Bridge-Terabithi-Donn-Diamond-Katherine-Paterson/9780061227288

 

 

Worthy of repeating

Hi everyone

I have a few things to repeat today.  First is I have a Facebook page for you to connect into.  Search read learn and shine, and it will give you another way to connect into my reviews.  Also, check out my twitter by clicking the link in my side panel.  It's great connecting with you all, so please link in.

The next thing is the Goodreads 2015 votes are completed. Look in on your Goodreads and see what won.  Did you vote?

Now to what I found interesting and thought-provoking this week. I have no idea where this came from other than the fact it was sent to me on my Facebook page by a wonderful friend. This friend is the greatest of people at lifting others up.  I love the people in my life that don't spend all their time running others down.  In fact, I have left behind the people who spend their time degrading others.  There is only so many people one can help in life, and the rest needs to be done by the individual.  I have heard the odd friend comment that it is a good thing to set people straight.  Yes and no.  To the benefit of the person, with grace and love, then yes.  But you had better be a really good encouraging friend before you pick holes in someones life just because it doesn't measure up to your thoughts.  To use your words to support and encourage a friend, will grow the individual and the friendship more than you can imagine.  I don't understand why we put people down other than the inner issues we hide.

Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to be all you can be.  You are free to dream.  You are free to seek those dreams.  Find the people who will encourage you and help you.  Then do the same for someone else.  One person at a time, one friendship at a time.

BookTuber of the month



Calling all BookTubers!  Would you like me to check out your channel?  Then leave a comment below and let me know about you.  Each month I search the world of BookTubers to see what is happening in the book review world.  There are the ones that I have watched for a long time, but what about all you new people out there.  It would be nice to highlight some of the newbies,  we all deserve a chance when we are starting something new.  So here is your chance.  Flick me a comment and your link and I will take a look.  You never know, you may just make it onto my BookTuber of the month list.
This month I have chosen Riley Marie.  I have no idea how long she has been doing her reviews for but she looks fresh and young.  Good on Riley for telling us all about the books she has been reading.  I enjoyed her honesty and her reasoning's.  Keep on reading and reviewing, Riley.

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iu1V64MVlc


Happy Reading!

Worthy of Repeating

Hi everyone

This week I would like to share a quote from verybestquotes.com that touched me.  I have led a good life.  I have little regrets.  I have tried more than my best at most things in life.  Good friends and great family are ever present around me. 

Does this mean that I will be happy when my life flashes before me?   It got me thinking about the things I don't do and the things I never got to say.  Maybe my biggest problem is being too busy.  I miss the things I would like to see flashing over and over before my eyes.  The gentle smile of the friend I never took the time to say hello to.  This is partly because I was shy at the time, partly due to being tied up in my world and then there is the speed of life.

It is the unspoken things that I think I will regret the most.  The friendships I missed just because,  and the phone calls I didn't make when a text was quicker.

Quotes are good for getting you to think.  What will flash before your eyes?  Will it make you smile or will it just scare you?  We never look at ourselves but maybe one day we will.  I want to be happy with the picture painted of me in time to come.  I want to make a difference in the lives around me.  I would like to think I have inspired someone in just a little way.

Go on, make a difference today.  Make someone smile.  Inspire and uplift someone.  You will feel better for it, and you will like the picture painted of you one day when you get no say in what someone else thought of you.

Valley of Chaya

Valley of Chaya
Author: Tracey Hoffmann

 

Hi everyone,

 

When I first got this book I was only able to find this book in Ebook format.  I am so pleased to see that it is now available in print.  I have this on my Kindle shelf, but it needs to be lined up on my bookcase too.  This is the best book I have every come across addressing the issue of human trafficking.  The lengths the family goes to, to find Charlotte makes one want to cry.  The bond that Charlotte makes with one little girl is immense.  The result of the abduction brings an ending that will challenge your moral thinking.  If you have an e-reader then add it to your wish list, or better yet get it. 

 

I have a problem now.  I have just noticed that there is a second book in this series.  Eli: Valley of Chaya - Book 2, has been added to my Kindle.  Now I need more reading time!  Roll on Christmas holidays and summer, I am going to sit in the long awaited sun with my Kindle in hand.

 

 

The best way explain what this book is about is by reading the blub:

 

Deceit, corruption and forced prostitution are words that never crossed Charlotte's mind as she finalized arrangements for a trip to India. Her travel partner pulls out at the last minute and Charlotte's father steps in forbidding her to leave alone. Failing to persuade her brother Eli to join her, Charlotte slips away under the cover of night setting off a chain of events that would change her life forever. Snatched from her world on the streets of Mumbai young Shanti now faces unspeakable horrors. Her short life had always been one of hardship but she'd always felt protected and loved by ten-year-old Ashok, her only family. Where was Ashok now? Would he come for her? Why was this happening? Eli and Ashok are determined to rescue their sisters from the dark world of human trafficking. Will their courage and love be enough to bring them home or will they find more than what they were looking for?

 

 

Happy reading.

 

 

 

This was available from: Amazon, Fishpond and Book depository

 

http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Chaya-Tracey-Hoffmann/dp/1478106719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448053358&sr=8-1&keywords=valley+of+Chaya

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Valley-of-Chay-Tracey-Hoffmann/9781478106715

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Valley-of-Chaya-Tracey-Hoffmann/9781478106715

 

 

 

 



Worthy of Repeating

Hi everyone,

I joined in with some authors and publishers today in a writers panel.  It was awesome to meet these great people.  It was interesting to hear their journey's through the publishing world.  The dynamics of publishing ebooks, printed books, family reunion books and blogs.  The view from the publishes side of the printing and all the extras people don't always take into account before seeking publishing.  It was also interesting to hear how each person set out to write their books.  I teach children how to write and there seem to be so many rules and structures to learn.  Then you listen to authors and their writing follows passion, character formation, instinct and the enjoyment of the journey.

There was the argument of ebooks verses print, as everyone has their own a view on what's best.  I like to have the option of both.  There is nothing like a new book, a coffee, chocolate and a lie in on a day off.  Then again, when you are delivering children from after school activity to the next event, there is a place for the kindle to be tucked quietly inside my handbag.  The kindle enables me to take the characters everywhere I go.  They travel quite happily never complaining (out loud anyway).

I now have a few extra books on my 'to be read list'.  I am especially awaiting the arrival of Syd and Max Head to Bluff.  This book is connected to my family in just a little way and will have to gain a place on my bookshelf.  Syd and Max books is a series of picture books based around the Southland area in New Zealand.  If you can get your hands on Snail Mail then you are in for an artistic treat inside a children's book.  These books will be added to The Ship of Sight and the Hand of Shadow, that Brydie Walker Bain has kindly sent me a copy of.  Keep checking in so I can let you know about each one as I read them.

Anyway, this lead me to this weeks Worthy of Repeating.  I found this over at freelargeimages.com.  There are lots of quotes on their site, free and able to be used for wallpaper on your PC.  As I enjoy poetry and quotes I couldn't resist this one.  We spend far too much time dwelling on the past rather than writing the next chapter.  After all what is it that you want to be remembered for?  Why keep reminding everyone of the things we cannot change rather than showing them the greatness we all hold somewhere inside.  Start writing the next chapter and make it greater than the last... your worth it.

 

 

Hello from the Gillespies

Hello from the Gillespies
Author: Monica McInerney
ISBN: 978-1-921901-81-2
Pages: 518

 

Every year Angela sends out a letter to a hundred friends and family.  Every year the letter tells of all the shining events her family has encountered.  Now, come on... we have all received these shining portrayals from friends and families over the years.  Now we received them everyday over Facebook.  Well, this year all goes wrong.  Angela has been suffering from headaches and has the burning desire to tell the truth.  And the  truth she tells.  Upon reading her email she decides to delete it and start again.  That's when it all happens!  The email doesn't get deleted and her husband kindly sends it (without first reading it). 

The book is based on the email and the events documented within.  It made me laugh to imagine the whole situation.  I know I should have been open mouthed but sometimes you just have to giggle.  What a stupid thing to do in the first place.  The lives of each character carries events that make the book readable and enjoyable.  I liked every character, connecting in different ways with each situation as they grew through the moments. 

I enjoyed the way the blurb twisted the events.  I thought.... but ... (cant tell).  If you want a book for the holidays, that are fast approaching us again, then this is a good choice.  It's light hearted and enjoyable.  It's long but  not hard to read.  Check it out.

 

Here is the blub:

For more than thirty years, Angela Gillespie has sent to friends and family around the world an end-of-year letter titled 'Hello from the Gillespies'.  It's always been cheery and full of good news.  This year, Angela surprises herself - she tells the truth...

 

The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be.  Her husband seems to be having a mid-life crisis  Her grown-up twins are having career meltdowns.  Her third daughter, badly in debt, can't stop crying.  And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.

 

Without Angela, the family would fall apart.   But when Angela is taken from them in a most unexpected manner, the Gillespies pull together - and pull themselves together - in wonderfully surprising ways..

 

From the best selling author of 'The house of Memories' comes a funny and heartfelt novel about miscommunication and mayhem in a family like no other.

 

 

This was available from:  Fishpond, Book depository and Amazon

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Hello-from-Gillespies-Monica-McInerney/9781405914154

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Hello-from-the-Gillespies-Monic-McInerney-Ulli-Birve/9781486217083

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_17?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=hello+from+the+gillespies&sprefix=hello+from+the+gi%2Caps%2C563

Writers talk...

Hi Every one

An opportunity to come meet me.  I will be part of a writers panel event in Winton, New Zealand on 17 November.  There is a range of writers from authors to bloggers and I have been asked to join them.  I would love to meet some of my followers, so if any of you are in the area, come introduce yourself. 

While you are in the area, I highly recommend you take a look in Country Matters and With Grace.  They are two of my favourite shops.  Reading and shopping... now there is a good day for any girl.

Happy reading.

 

Worthy of Repeating

Hi everyone

This weeks Worthy of Repeating came to me through social media.  This one spoke to me loudly.  I explain and apologise for everything.  Now, I do mean everything!  Never on earth, could it be someone else that should come to me to do the talking.  No.  I explain far to much to keep everyone happy.  For goodness sake it may just be time to stop and let someone else do the explaining.  Maybe that way we all get to not only talk, but also think and listen. 

Yes listening, now that is another subject.  How much do we all really listen.  Not just have a coffee and hear what we want.  I mean really listen.  There are so many people out there suffering from depression.  What if someone listened, really listened, before depression set in?  The world seems to be in such a hurry.  There is family, friends, work, study, social media...  No wonder we feel there is need to explain every action, when we are connected to everything, yet nothing all at the same time.

Now stop and think.  Why do you explain so much?

Then stop and think.  Are you hearing what others have to say?  People in your life are important.  Love them and care for them.  Listen not just to what you want to hear.  Try it, maybe even for just one day.  Consider it a challenge.

Keep smiling

 

The girl on the train

 

The Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
ISBN: 978-0-857-52232-0
Pages: 320

 

Ever thought of who might be watching you?  That innocent person passing by each day, what do they know of you?  What kind of life do others see in you actions, while not knowing you?

 

Each day we look into other peoples worlds.  These are the worlds they want us to see.  What world are they actually living beyond what they want us to know.  We put on faces when we open the door to the outside world.  Us women are really good at it.  We put on a pretty dress, shoes from the growing platform in our wardrobes, and make up to cover every blemish.  We smile and know just the right things to say.  We are socialised this way from infancy.  Schools mould us.  Friends influence us.  Work places structure us.  Then we enter our world at home, where we take of the makeup and shoes and relax with a book. 

 

This book shows the secrets behind three families, linked in ways that will twist your mind.  The girl on the train sees the perfect side, from the safety of the carriage.  She hides her own misfortunes and drinks away the pain.  Lost is her perfect world, as her ex-husband lives with his new family covered with smiles and beauty.  The couple viewed from the train, are her vision of perfect.  She creates their world, through the window of the train and her imagination.  All is a shattered as the train stops, for just an instance, and she sees... (SPOILER!)

This book is written as a diary, of all three homes.  It took me a while to get into the structure of this one.  I have to admit the first few entries confused me, as it skipped from one person to the next.  Then I realised each person was writing their own diary entry.  It is not just one persons entry.  Once I got head around this idea, the book was really good.  The twists and turns; the annoyance I developed for each character along the way; the sorrow I felt for them also grew.  Then, I had to keep reading to find out the connections and answer all the questions.  So many questions were needing answered by the end of the book, there was no way I could put it down. 

If you pick one up off the shelf, keep reading.  I was tempted to put it down, but I'm glad I didn't.


Here is the blurb:

To everyone else in this carriage I must look normal; I'm doing exactly what they do: commuting to work, making appointments, ticking things off lists.  Just goes to show.

Every day the same

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning.  She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens.  She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses.  'Jess and Jason', she calls them.  Their life - as she sees it - is perfect.  If only Rachel could be that happy.

Until today

And then she sees something shocking.  It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough.  Now everything's changed.  Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar.  Now they'll see she's much more than just the girl on the train.

 

This was available from: Fishpond, Book depository and Amazon

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Girl-on-Train-Paula-Hawkins/9780857522320

http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Girl-on-the-Train-Paul-Hawkins/9780857522320

http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Train-Paula-Hawkins/dp/1594633665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446839120&sr=8-1&keywords=the+girl+on+the+train

Worthy of repeating

After a week of exams, I had to have a laugh at this one.  It gives one point to the boys and one point to the girls.  It is always interesting to see the impact punctuation can make.  Thanks to the friend that sent this one through to me.

Well exams are through for this semester.  I am redecorating the house this week.  I enjoy decorating and craft, so I am going to grab the chance while I take the next couple of weeks for a bit of relaxation.  There will be more time to finish some of my TBR pile, keep looking in and I will keep you informed with what is being read.  I also have a speaking event coming up which I will put the details up for, so if any of you out there are in the area you can come meet me.

Happy reading and keep smiling