I've Got Sand in All The Wrong Places by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

Title: I've Got Sand in All The Wrong Places
Author: Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Non-Fiction Humorist
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: Mild Language
Premise: "Lisa and Francesca are back with another collection of warm and witty stories that will strike a chord with every woman. This six book series is among the best reviewed humor books published today and has been compared to the late greats, Erma Bombeck and Nora Ephron. Delia Ephron said of the fifth book in the series, Have a Nice Guilt Trip, "Lisa and Francesca, mother and daughter, bring you the laughter of their lives once again and better than ever. You will identify with these tales of guilt and fall in love with them and fierce (grand) Mother Mary." This seventh volume will not disappoint as it hits the humorous and poignant note that fans have come to expect from the beloved mother-daughter duo" (goodreads.com)
Opinions: Apparently I am late to the game on this dynamic mother/daughter writing duo. I've Got Sand in all the Wrong Places is the sixth book in the series, but the first one I've read/listened to. My husband and I listened enamored as we escaped our kids for our 15th anniversary for our first ever stay-cation (I know, we live life large). Their humorous take on events in their lives was brilliant, realistic, and hilarious. They didn't sugarcoat the rough parts, but tugged at our heart strings as they were honest about trials, muggings, their opinions on Spanx, Francesca losing her mother in the streets of New York, EXes, and so much more. We were both laughing, shaking our heads, and even teared up at several tender moments. And the quality of their writing was flushed with anecdotes, hidden gems, and beautiful flow. I especially recommend getting the audio version of their books, as the authors read their own work, which adds a brilliant Italian-American flare to their story that might have been missing otherwise.

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson

Title: Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander
Author: Phil Robertson
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings:  Instances of drugs, alcohol, but the consequences of those actions are also talked about.
Premise: "Life was always getting in the way of Phil Robertson's passion for duck hunting. An NFL-bound quarterback, Phil made his mark on Louisiana Tech University in the 1960s by playing football and completing his college career with a master's degree in English. But Phil's eyes were not always on the books or the ball; they were usually looking to the sky. Phil grew up with the dream of living the simple life off the land like his forebears, but he soon found himself on a path to self-destruction--leasing a bar, drinking too much, fighting, and wasting his talents. He almost lost it all until he gave his life to God. And then everything changed. Phil's incredible story tells how he followed a calling from God and soon after invented a duck call that would begin an incredible journey to the life he had always dreamed of for himself and his family" (King County Library System).
Opinions: I haven't had a lot of time to sit down and read a book lately. So instead I've been picking up books on CD from my library to listen to in the car while I'm driving my kids around or dropping my husband off at the train station. On a whim I picked up Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson. I knew of him from watching the show Duck Dynasty on A&E several years ago. But then we got rid of cable and I haven't seen it in years. So I figured, why not?

The CD of this book is read aloud by Phil's oldest son, Al. I was fascinated to learn about how Phil grew up in a very hard life, but that they had always been taught how to be happy, and really didn't understand that they were poor. Learning about how his mother struggled with depression and underwent electric shock therapy while being institutionalized, while around the same time his father had fallen off an oil rig and had to where a plaster cast from neck to hip for two years while trying to raise 5 kids during his wife's on and off absence.  I loved learning how he and Ms. Kay got together and I cried through their struggles as he went through several bad years of rebellion. Let's just say I have an new and incredibly high respect for Ms. Kay.

There were times I got lost when it came to Phil talking about all the types of ducks and their specific calls, but the stories about his life, his struggles, and how was blessed with family who cared enough and loved him so much, and how he chose his religion to help him through it all.

You may not agree with his life style, you may not agree with his political views, but after reading (or listening to this book) I believe you will come to respect Phil Robertson for his determination, perseverance, hard work ethics, and his love for his family and his God.   He has come far and is doing what he loves with a family he adores. That sounds like a great life to me. And listening to the story of his life has brought me a greater appreciation for my own. 

So yeah I think you should read this book.

It's Just My Nature! by Carol Tuttle

Title: It's Just My Nature! A Guide To Knowing and Living Your True Nature
Author: Carol Tuttle
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Non-Fiction Self-Help
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Reveals a startlingly accurate method for assessing your personality and behavioral tendencies with a new system called Energy Profiling TM" (King County Library).
Opinions: This book explains that everyone's personalities down into four types: Air, Water, Fire, and Earth with a thorough explanation of the reasons and science behind this breakdown. Everyone has all four aspects to their nature, but this book suggests that everyone has one of the types that is dominant over all the others. And then explains that if you accept what your true nature is and to live by it that you will feel more at home in your own skin.  I had heard about this premise before from several friends who have already read into Carol Tuttle's Energy Profiling system. When a friend loaned  me this book I was eager to see what all the hype was about. The intriguing thing is it made a whole lot of sense to me. Eventually I was able to pin down that I am a Type 1: Air person who lives by hope and looking up and having an upbeat personality. Secondly, I am a Water type as I tend to be sensitive and also try to make others feel comfortable. The break down of each type is fully explained including the strengths and difficulties a person of that type would face. It also suggests how to work with someone of a differing type then yourself, which I found extremely helpful. The more I read, the more I began to understand other family members better and what it is that I could modify in my own behavior to help meet their needs. I was grateful for the insight in how to work better together as a family to help each other grow closer together. I am looking forward into reading her book Child Whisperer to help me further understand my children's personalities and how I could be a better mother to support who they are. I especially enjoyed being able to go back to my friends who recommended this book and see if they agreed with my assessment. It's a great topic of discussion.

Your Cup of Cake by Lizzie Early

Title:  Your Cup of Cake
Author:  Lizzie Early
Reviewer:  Karen
Genre:  Adult Non-Fiction/Cookbook
Rating: FABULOUS!!!!
Alerts/Warnings: Dangerous Calories lie ahead
Premise: The tantalizing scent of warm cupcakes wraps you in nostalgia, transporting you to the coziness of your childhood kitchen. Now, in a modern twist that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth, the treats of your youth will once again tempt your taste buds as you embrace the cupcake craze in your own kitchen cupcakery. Starting with a cake mix, popular food writer and photographer Lizzy Early taps into America's love affair with the never-ending flavor combinations of this tasty treat-from the comforting classics of vanilla, German chocolate, and carrot cake, to the fanciful flavors of maple and bacon, churro, and root beer float. Complete with delectable photographs and handy hints for the cupcake novice, Your Cup of Cake is your ultimate guide to America's favorite gourmet goodies.
Opinions: Oh my, this book is my new favorite cookbook!!!!  I've tried four of the recipes so far, though I've read through all of them multiple times, and I'm addicted. I have plans to try out at least four more recipes this week as I'm getting ready for a bake sale.  If you love to mix up your usual cake mixes to create something incredibly scrumptious then get this book. So far everyone that I've given cupcakes to have LOVED them. I cannot get enough.

Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals by Angie Voss

Title: Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals: A Practical Daily Use Handbook for Parents and Teachers
Author: Angie Voss, OTR/L
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Self-Help/Non-Fiction
Rating: FABULOUS
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "A practical, daily application handbook for parents, teachers, and caregivers to help understand sensory signals versus behavior and how you can help! This user friendly "go to" handbook is geared for daily use and as a quick sensory reference guide. Enjoy the simple, organized format to give you the essential and useful information for over 110 sensory signals. The handbook provides simple every day sensory strategies and techniques to help ALL children; including SPD, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, APD, and developmental disabilities. This handbook provides guidance and understanding as to why children do what they do in regards to unique sensory processing differences and needs" (GoodReads.com).
Opinions: Okay this book is simply remarkable. Two of my children have recently been diagnosed with developmental delays -- Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism. We have found wonderful programs to help my children build on their strengths and identify tools to help themselves to overcome their delays. However, my biggest struggle has been in regards to my role in their development. When my kids come home from their various appointments and schools I often feel overwhelmed by all the data I was given that explains what my children are experiencing.  Very  little made sense to me, and I wasn't sure how to do practical application as their mother with the information overload I was given. Then one day my daughter's Occupational Therapist showed me this book.  Oh my GOSH!!!! Is it ever fantastic. 

This guide is a hands-on tool for parents and teachers to help them understand what kids are experiencing as they are experiencing them.  This book breaks down by action what your child is doing at that exact moment, why they are doing it, what questions you need to consider, and then tells you what you can do to help your child.  For example, my daughter has difficulty processing all the sensory signals she was seeing and sometimes normal physical movements wouldn't register the same with her as other children. So she would repeatedly run into walls or objects to trigger a physical impact that she could register. Now that I have this book, when my daughter runs into something I look up the sensory signal from the list at the beginning and it leads me to the page that describes why this is occurring and what else I can have my daughter do to safely get the same sensation without damaging herself or my wall. 

This is a practical, handy, easy to understand guide that has changed the way I view my children and has helped me to feel a sense of control knowing that there is something that I can do to help my children.  I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just families with special needs. This book is great for teachers, administrators, parents, church leaders and so much more.  If you work with children and often wonder why they do some of the things they do, then this book will definitely help you.  As for me, I went out and bought my own $10 copy off Amazon to keep on hand. And, whenever I can afford it, I'm going to buy several more copies to hand out to. . . oh just about everyone I know and love.  It's that helpful and great.

Finished Being Fat by Betsy Schow

This book just released to the public on January 8, 2013.



Title: Finished Being Fat: One Woman's Accidental Adventure in Losing Weight and Learning How to Finish
Author: Betsy Schow
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction
Rating: FABULOUS!!!!!
Alerts/Warnings: None (other than be prepared for lots of honest laughter)
Premise: "Not everyone can win the race, but everyone can finish it. In her quest to wish away an extra 75 pounds, Betsy changed her life for good. Using her Philosophy of Finishing, she snowballed her efforts from weight loss into a bucket list of seemingly impossible dreams. This inspiring account of one woman's journey will help you find the strength to conquer your most daunting goals and unfinished projects" (Amazon.com).
Opinions: This is NOT a diet book!  This is a book about self-discovery and overcoming your own weaknesses.  I know Betsy personally, but I am still not biased. This book was fabulous. Major kudos to Betsy for opening her heart to the public to let us see her fears, her dreams, and her progress toward success. Betsy's honest, self-deprecating snarkiness is brilliant and fun to read and helps the reader feel like they are having a conversation with their own best friend. In fact, I felt so welcomed into her story that it was really hard to put the book down.

How can you not be drawn in by such statements like: When sharing a dessert, always assume that 90 of the calories are in the other person's half. Ghosts of Fat Past. Does God Have a Return Policy? And that's just a few chapter titles. There are similar jewels interspersed throughout the entire narrative causing multitudinous laugh-out-loud (LOL) moments. 

Betsy's open, honest, and hilarious story about her progression is so inspiring that the walls of reticence in my own life started to break apart. As a result, I now have my own list of self-evaluations I am doing and am more determined to be a finisher and not just a starter. Thank you so much, Betsy.  Please, please, read this book and then pass it on.

How to Hug a Porcupine by Dr. John Lewis Lund

Title: How to Hug a Porcupine: Dealing with Toxic and Difficult to Love Personalities
Author: Dr. John Lewis Lund
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Self-Help
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Dealing with toxic and difficult to love personalities." (King County Library System)
Opinions: This book is fantastic if you want to learn how to deal with a loved one who you love, but simply can't trust or like at the moment due to the way they treat you. It explains how someone with a toxic personality "is anyone who adopts manipulative behaviors and attempts to control others in selfish ways" (pg 5). It is full of insights and stories, citing examples from Dr. Lund's own patients who struggled with family or friends with very toxic personalities. This book teaches you how to protect yourself so that you can choose to stay in the relationship if you want without letting it destroy you. It also gives you clearer ideas to know when the best option is for you to leave. Later in the book Dr. Lund also discusses what to do if you realize that you are the one who is toxic and want to overcome yourself. I found this book very helpful for me personally and highly recommend it for anyone else dealing with toxic family or friends.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

The following is a book review from a guest reviewer:

Title: Eat, Pray, Love
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Reviewer: Kristen
Genre: Adult non-fiction
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Language and sex
Premise: "A celebrated writer pens an irresistible, candid, and eloquent account of her pursuit of worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and what she really wanted out of life. Driven to despair by a punishing divorce and an anguished love affair, Gilbert flees New York for sojourns in the three Is. She goes to Italy to learn the language and revel in the cuisine, India to meditate in an ashram, and Indonesia to reconnect with a healer in Bali. This itinerary may sound self-indulgent or fey, but there is never a whiny or pious or dull moment because Gilbert is irreverent, hilarious, zestful, courageous, intelligent, and in masterful command of her sparkling prose. A captivating storyteller with a gift for enlivening metaphors, Gilbert is Anne Lamott's hip, yoga-practicing, footloose younger sister, and readers will laugh and cry as she recounts her nervy and outlandish experiences and profiles the extraordinary people she meets. As Gilbert switches from gelato to kundalini Shakti to herbal cures Balinese-style, she ponders the many paths to divinity, the true nature of happiness, and the boon of good-hearted, sexy love." (King County Library System)
Opinions: I read this book a couple months before I moved to Portugal and it helped me get excited to move to a new country and be immersed in a new culture. The author is a bit “woo-woo” and narcissistic at times, and we definitely have differing religious beliefs, but I still enjoyed reading about her journey.

Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat by Debbie Farmer

Title: Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!
Author: Debbie Farmer
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Every parent has had one of those days— like when you invented the neatest idea for your son's sharing time only to realize the next morning that it was the silliest thing you'd ever done... or when you returned the library book to the video store and the video to the library. Parents have days like these all the time, and when viewed in just the right light, with a smile on your face, they become some of the funniest days of your life! Syndicated writer Debbie Farmer has a good bead on the lives parents lead. With two energetic children of her own, she has plenty of stories to tell, and she always serves up the very best medicine—laughter!" (Amazon Product Description)
Opinions: I have been slowly reading this book over the last three months. I bought it on sale several years ago while walking down the parenting section of my local bookstore. This book is full of short life-lessons that Ms. Farmer has learned over the years while dealing with children, life and family. I could not stop laughing. Ms. Farmer's sense of humor is fantastic and I could relate to several of her stories (including what it is really like while real women shop for swimsuits, toddlers using our cooking utensils for activities like playing in the sandbox, and much more). This book is perfect when you only have a few minutes and would like to read something hilarious and uplifting and that helps you feel better about your own life. This book is brilliant. For all the adults out there I highly recommend this book.