How to Have Peace When You're Falling to Pieces by Rebecca Rode

 
Title: How to Have Peace When You're Falling to Pieces
Author: Rebecca Rode
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: LDS Non-Fiction
Rating: LOVE
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "'How can I have inner peace as a mother when I feel so stressed and scattered?' For mothers who feel they are constantly juggling multiple demands, How to Have Peace When You're Falling to Pieces is packed with uplifting stories, poems, quotes, and scriptures that instill fresh perspective on the work of a mother" (Amazon.com).
Opinions: For the last few weeks I have carried How to Have Peace in my purse wherever I went, then when I would be waiting at a doctor's office or to pick up my kids from school I would whip it out for some uplifting reading. I have been going through a difficult time lately trying to balance taking care of three incredibly awesome kids (two with some special needs), along with my parents starting the process of divorce, major health issues, and much much more. How appropriate then was it for me to pick up this particular book, written by this lady (and yes I know her and will brag about her).

Through her humor, honesty, and kindness Rebecca Rode opens up to the reader about things she has learned through the trials of life. Utilizing scriptural quotes, personal stories, and fun ideas she makes it easy to relate to her and be a little more honest with myself. As a result of reading this book I have been able to  pinpoint aspects in my life that I can tweak just enough to make my life as a wife, mom, individual easier to manage.Though geared toward LDS (Mormon) moms, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for that gentle reminder of what you can do to find peace in your life.

The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

I know. I know. It has been many, many months since either Stephanie or I have posted a review.  Life has been odd, difficult, crazy, weird for both of us.  As things start to hopefully calm down we will try to post more and more reviews.  In fact I'm currently reading no less than four books (a feat I know).  As for my first review back from this life hiatus here is an awesome book to read.

 

Title: The Emperor's Soul
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: " When Shai is caught replacing the Moon Scepter with her nearly flawless forgery, she must bargain for her life and create--by Forgery--a new soul for the emperor in less than one hundred days" (King County Library System).
Opinion: This is a fascinating novella that won the Hugo award just this year. I have always been impressed by Brandon Sanderson's ability to create an intricate in-depth magic system and world. He does not fail in what, for him, is an incredibly short book. I love the main character Shai for the person she is, the Essences she has created to change pieces of who she is on a moments notice, and her ability to use the soulstones. With each page I grew more intrigued by her life, her character, and her goals.  I was also fascinated by the Grand Gaotona and in his role convincing Shai to help save the Empire and the Emperor.

The overall creation of the Emperor's Soul is a magical insight into what choices craft a person into who they will become. It was beautiful, creative and very thought provoking.  Whether or not you like fantasy, I highly recommend that you read this book.  This would also make a perfect book for a book club discussion.  I intent to bring it up for the book group I attend the next time we are choosing books to read.