Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Down the Rabbit Hole

Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy BunnyDown the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny by Holly Madison
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I always loved the show Girls Next Door & just always was intrigued by Holly - the girl who wanted a story book life & loved Disney Princesses... but always confused how she thought she could get her Happily Ever After with a man who had to have multiple girlfriends.

I'm also a big fan of hearing people's stories so I was interested to read her story & see behind the scenes of her life.

While I thought the book was interesting at points, it got kind of old of hearing how frustrated she was with the other girls (what did you expect?) & it just seemed a lot of misery & whining & complaining & making you feel like she was stuck in some sort of prison sentence

There's nothing earth shattering being revealed - just really a sad story about a girl who really ended up just wanted to be loved & really couldn't find much love in her life. I'm glad in the end, Holly did get her Happily Ever After with a husband & a baby.

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Thursday, February 18, 2016

The Julian Chapter

The Julian Chapter (Wonder Story)The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so love this world of Auggie.
& so loved to hear the other side of the 'bully' Julian.
There's always 2 sides to every story - & there's always lessons to be learned in life.
Love this quick read that shows us more of the story & the beautiful lesson we learn about Julian.

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Sunday, February 14, 2016

Jesus > Religion

Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good EnoughJesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough by Jefferson Bethke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always love Jefferson Bethke's videos & how real he says everything. This book goes with exactly the same person he is in the videos.
This book looks at the difference between "religion" & Jesus.
I so appreciate this book because I just have a hard time when people use the word "Religious" ... like if someone were to say, "are you religious?"... I am a follower of Jesus. A big difference to me.
& this book, Jefferson digs a little deeper into that thinking. With today's things that are hot topic issues & Jefferson's honesty in his own life & short comings & all the way to simple mercy & grace. I really love that the last chapter is called "Why Jesus loves the church (& you should too)" ... because again, people have the idea of "church" & use it as Jesus.
Its just a great reminder that Jesus is over it all! GREATER THAN it all.
A really good & fast read.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Paris Street Style

Paris Street Style: A Coloring BookParis Street Style: A Coloring Book by ZoƩ de Las Cases
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am an Adult Coloring book NUT! Like obsessed with them.

So when I got this one, my level of obsession just went up.

This coloring book is full of all things "paris street style"... not your typical coloring pages of shapes & designs. This has gorgeous art work in it just waiting for you to put your own style on it.

& the binding of the coloring book is beautiful in itself - black & gold & thick & just lovely. It even has a little tie to hold the book closed.

I really can't say enough about this one.

I feel like if you had a teen age girls room, or a dressing area, some of these would be beautiful even pulled out & framed. That's how gorgeous some of these designs are.

Total thumbs up!

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Wonder

WonderWonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How is this not a movie yet? I can totally picture it in my head....

I have always wanted to read this book but when I was out shopping with my 11 yr old nieces, they let me know that I probably couldnt handle it. My one niece even told me ***SPOILER**** Aunt Bec, his dog dies. Well, that is usually what does me in on not reading a book, but I went ahead & dug in, mentally preparing myself :)

I am so glad I read it. The story of August - the boy who won the lottery on a birth defect - 2 rare things occuring at once to form what he had to endure. August is on all account a normal boy otherwise - probably wiser & kinder then most kids his age being "used to the stares" that he has to deal with every day.

& after being home schooled his whole life, his mom thinks its time for him to venture into middle school in 5th grade.

I love the story is told from different perspectives, seeing the world around August & how it not only effects him, but everyone who knows & loves him.

The book is a great reminder that kindness is always the path to take. & that courage comes in different forms.

I really want to read the follow up book now - I guess I need to check with my nieces to see if I can handle that one :)

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

Who Do You Love

Who Do You LoveWho Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was so wrapped up in this story.
The story of 2 kids that meet in the hospital - one with a heart condition & the other injured with a broken arm. How their paths go through time & how they always keep coming back to each other. What a fun read to take in near Valentine's Day.
Rachel - the daughter of Jewish parents who want nothing but the best for her.
Andrew - the son of a single mom who lives in a poor area of town & is friends with the local handy man & relies solely on his running to get him through life.

I loved seeing Rachel & Andy through all the years of their life -as children, middle school. college, starting life on their own, all the way into adult years....

The story took turns that I wasn't expecting but all I wanted were these two to come back together. Totally had me hooked. This book had my heart as well.

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Monday, February 1, 2016

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless DemandsThe Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It only took me a year to read this.
How dumb is that when the point of the book is putting things in priority - giving it your best yes in life.
That's what you call ironic & a wake up call.
Started the book all over again & was intentional about it & zoomed right through it.
It was so encouraging & full if insight on what is important in a life & how to go to God on decisions that need to be made.
I think half my book is highlighted... I always need more help in not feeling guilty about doing it all, about saying no & about feeling like every decision has to be the one way perfect answer. Not going to happen.
I'm just really glad I opened this book back up.

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