Conquering Your Goliaths is one of those books that could easily be read in an afternoon. Just because it can be done does not mean that it should be done. For best results, I suggest reading this book by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones at least twice. Read it the first time to get the “feel” of the book and read it again to soak in the many lessons that it is teaching.

Conquering Your Goliaths is about more than just a woman that is looking for a new job. It is about the lessons that she learns while trying to find that job.

The “five stones” that provide the basis for this book are: listening, trust, optimism, tenacity, and constancy.

The author has created a modern day parable that teaches some great life lessons in a fun and enjoyable manner. Kathryn Elizabeth Jones has said more in this one short book (104 pages) than what many “self-help experts” have tried to say in multiple volumes. The book is simple and straightforward with no “pie-in-the-sky promises”.

What other bloggers have said about Conquering Your Goliaths by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Beyond the Myth” by Maria T. Holmes is a well-illustrated book with many beautiful pictures and some thought provoking quotes. If the book contained only the quotes and pictures, it would have a permanent place on my coffee table.

The problem is with the text.

“Beyond the Myth” is based on the “Law of Attraction”. As I understand it, this law promotes the idea that people control their own life and situations. If a person puts out positive energy, then positive things will happen.  A quote from the book says, “If you want something to happen and you are able to focus enough intellectual and emotional energy on it, you can make it so.”

Though the author does use some quotes from the Bible in her book, the discerning reader will quickly discover that the concepts she presents are not in line with Biblical teaching.

My suggestion is that you buy the book, enjoy the pictures and quotes but ignore the text.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

As a father who has survived watching his two daughters grow up, I can attest to the fact that it is not always fun and easy being a teenage girl. What’s Wrong With Me? by Daree Allen addresses many issues that I observed as my two daughters grew up.

All the chapter titles in What’s Wrong With Me? begin with “What’s wrong with…”. The book offers advice in areas of friends, work, family, money, relationships, sex, and more. Much of the advice is given from a Biblical perspective.  Throughout the book, Daree Allen shares her experiences growing up as well as some of her adult life history. These glimpses into her life are meant to reinforce the lessons that she is trying to teach young girls.

As a parent, I would not advise just giving this book to your daughter. The parent (or responsible adult) needs to read and study What’s Wrong With Me? first. After that, I would suggest using it as a conversation/discussion starter. Not all the guidance given in this book is going to fall in line with the beliefs or convictions of all parents.  Use the book with caution, temper it with your beliefs, and know what your daughter is reading.

I was somewhat concerned about some of the sharing about her personal life that was done by Daree Allen. The reader will soon discover that she was not a “model young lady”. She discourages her readers from doing many things that she admits to doing in her book. In doing this, the author reminds me of some evangelists I have seen that seem to glorify their past to point of loosing the message that they are trying to teach. Instead of the message of “don’t do this”, it could be quite easy to walk away thinking, “I can do the same thing and still be successful later”. I’m sure this was not the author’s intention, but it is a possibility when dealing with impressionable young people.

Although this book is definitely written for the African-American girl, much of the advice could be easily applied to young ladies of any race. With some minor changes in the manuscript, this book would have been one that could have been used by all girls.

Despite these reservations, I feel that What’s Wrong With Me? does offer some sound advice for growing girls. This could be a good resource for the families that are willing to go through the book with their daughters.

What other bloggers have said about What’s Wrong With Me by Daree Allen: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Understanding the Angels by Dr. James Hodges is all about angels. In this book, he describes the types of angels that were created by God and what their responsibilities are. There are numerous scriptures cited to back up his characterization of the seven different classes of angels.

Even with the large number of scriptures cited, I felt a little uncomfortable with some of the ideas that he presented. The one that concerned me most was the idea that we are able to call upon angels to help us or someone else and they will obey us if we are in alignment with God’s will. 

Dr. Hodges shares in his book how he “…would command the angels of protection to guard every door she would walk through … angels to stand guard over her locker… At one point I filled the gym and cafeteria with angels over her.” (The her referred to is the author’s daughter.)

Dr. Hodges comes across as an “angel specialist”.

Near the end of Understanding the Angels, there is a short chapter on new age philosophy. This chapter contains some good information but does not seem to be in line with the rest of the book.

In conclusion, I must say that Understanding the Angels does contain some useful information. This book would make a good basis for a study group where the members took time to read and study the scripture references given as well as their context.

NOTE: The correct title of the book is “Understanding the Angels”. My original title of “Organizing the Angels” was a commentary on how I felt the subject of angels was treated in this book. I apologize for any misunderstanding this may have caused.

What other bloggers have said about ”Understanding the Angels” by Dr. James Hodges, Ph.D.: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

One of the reasons I have always viewed history as boring is because it (for the most part) does not change. There is nothing new about the story of Washington crossing the Delaware or the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The other major reason that history has always bored me is because I see much of it as not relevant to my life.

Both of those obstacles were overcome when I read “Eleanor Roosevelt’s Life Of Soul Searching and Self Discovery – From Depression and Betrayal to ‘First Lady of the World’ ” by Ann Atkins.

Ann Atkins did not rewrite history, but instead shared facts that are not usual taught in a history course. Her book gives the reader an in-depth look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. The book goes beyond the public side of her and explores her private life. The narrative brings Eleanor to life and turns her into a real person with real problems.

Each part of the book begins with a “Context and Comments” section. This section provides a brief glimpse into the cultural setting during that time of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. Each part of the book concludes with a “Reflections for the Reader” section. It is in this section Ann Atkins compares the stories just shared with current movies and events. In doing this comparison, the reader is given an opportunity to reflect on the life and accomplishments of Eleanor.

“Eleanor Roosevelt’s Life Of Soul Searching and Self Discovery” is a well-written book that is both informative and easy to read. The book is well researched with numerous footnotes.

 I personally look forward to reading more books in Ann’s Flash History series.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The keyword in this book is “satisfillment”.  Satisfillment is how Eden Sterlington defines her pathway to a powerful, satisfied, and fulfilled life. SatisFillment: Your Proven Pathway to Power is the first book of a 3 book series designed to lead the individual in living their life to the fullest both mentally and physically.

Each of the 6 focus points in the book contains three different sections: encouragement, instructions, and explanations. The author presents her multi-disciplinary approach to satisfillment in a very easy to read and understand format.

While many of the concepts she presents are not original, this book combines the best ideas from many schools of thought into a short, concise book.

How much the program presented in SatisFillment will change the reader’s life depends largely on how dedicated the reader is and how much effort they put into following Ms. Sterlington’s advice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Full title – Only Angels Can Wing It – How to Write a Eulogy Quickly and Present it Compassionately

Only Angels Can Wing It by Frances S. Ponick is a crash course in how to prepare and present a eulogy.

This unique type of speech is one that is normally given under the most stressful and emotional of circumstances. To make it even more difficult, the eulogist normally has only a few days to prepare their comments. One or two hours of that short preparation period would be well spent reading this manual. At less than 100 pages and containing no “extra fluff”, this book is ideal for the person that needs some quick guidance preparing a eulogy.

This manual begins with defining what a eulogy is and then moves on to give the eulogist guidance on how to gather information. From there the eulogist is guided through organizing their thoughts, practicing their delivery, and how to handle themselves on the day the eulogy is given.

I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is faced with or feels they may one day be faced with the task of delivering a eulogy. Even the most polished and experienced speaker could take some lessons away from the information that Frances Ponick presents.

Funeral directors and clergymen should consider putting a few copies of this book in their library that could be loaned out or given to people placed in this difficult situation.

I personally do not look forward to using the guidance given in this book, but I am glad to have it on my bookshelf for when I need it! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do Something Scary: Get Undressed for Business has nothing to do with getting undressed or even changing the way that you dress. It does have everything to do with changing your mindset in how your business is run. H.A. Thompson has written a book that speaks to everybody in the business world from employee to CEO or owner.

Anybody that has attended a business seminar, taken a business class, or read some business books has probably heard some of the ideas in this book before. What makes this book different is the way the ideas are presented. Each idea is described in a 2 – 3 page chapter. As a bonus, every chapter has a quotation relating to the idea.

Unlike many business books I have read, there are no long explanations with statistics, testimonials, and such. This business book is actually quick and fun to read. The entire book is less than 100 pages long!

Author’s website: http://www.dosomethingscary.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 Who Will Care When You're Not There? Estate Planning for Pet Owners by Robert E. Kass and Elizabeth A. Carrie is full of practical advice about how pet owners can ensure their pets are taken care of after the owner’s death. The book is well organized and easy to read. The authors do an excellent job of translating the legal aspects of providing for pets into something that can be easily understood.

 Kass and Carrie are estate planners who have recognized the need for including pets in an estate plan. The book makes it obvious that they have done a great amount of research on this topic and have a passion for it.

After reading Who Will Care When You're Not There?, I became more aware of the need for planning for my pet’s care after my death. I plan for my children’s future, so why shouldn’t I put some effort into planning for my pet?

I believe this book is a must read for pet owners!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

In Accidental Genius, Mark Levy teaches a skill that should be taught and re-taught in every school. He teaches the reader how to write. It is not just plain and simple writing, but a form of creative writing where the writer puts his unedited ideas down on paper.

This method is called free writing.  Using this method, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure does not count. The main purpose is to get your ideas on paper so they can be evaluated, expanded on, or tossed out later. Free writing can be helpful in identifying a problem as well as finding a creative solution for it.

Each chapter of the book begins with a specific principle involved in free writing. Mr. Levy then continues the chapter with an explanation of that principle and examples of how it can be used.

Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content is not only a fantastic book to teach the art of free writing, but also a book that demands a permanent spot on the reference shelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”