Winning in Life Now: How to Break Through to a Happier You!

By Michelle Prince

Zig Ziglar penned the forward in this book. Michelle takes you on a trip to a purposeful life with exercises taken from real life. She has lived it and can help you become a happier you. The writing style is conversational with examples from Michelle’s life. Winning in Life Now is like having a comfortable talk with your best friend in a relaxed setting.

Reading this book, is looking at your life as it is, and seeing if you are on purpose. Most of us wonder why we are here and what we want to be when we grow up, but life has a way of interceding with what we think we will be as children. There is a career, bills, family, and more that can interrupt our plans for what it is that makes us happy.

Following along and being introspective, we can get back on purpose in our life and become happier with ourselves. If we are not happy, with whom we are; how can someone be happy with us? If we do not love ourselves, how can anyone else love us?

While this book may not help you overnight, reading it can help you take the first steps toward becoming whom you want to be which is a happier, more purpose-knowing person. Perhaps you will find the answer as to why you are here. This is not a religious book, but a spiritual one that transcends any denomination.

Winning in Life Now is a small yet powerful book that is recommended as a must read, and is awarded a four star rating from this reviewer.

Dragon Domain: Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy

By Theresa Chaze

In this book, Cheyenne and Celeste have a parting of the ways all because of the one known as Dominic. Celeste and Dominic steal from Cheyenne. More happens to darken the mood at the farm. Cheyenne must come up with money to pay the farm’s mortgage payments. She could lose the farm. Also in Dragon Domain are some old friends from Awakening the Dragon like Rachael Franklin, Kevin, Carmen, and others. There are also some new characters in Dragon Domain.

The new characters come to the aid of Cheyenne and those from the dark side. The House of Christ and its supporters are back again with their bigotry and narrow-mindedness. There are some truths that will come out, that are not been spoken of, and a few twists that no one might expect. While Dragon Domain is the continuing saga in the trilogy, it also has some new information and characters that add to the depth of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. Waiting for the third book isn’t easy. A recommendation is to find all three and read them in sequence.

What happens in the forest when the new characters end up not showing up when expected? Will things turn out as Cheyenne hopes, or will the dark one prevail? This is a story of light and dark, good and evil from a nonreligious point of view. It is from a belief system within the participants involved in the struggle and their determination and inner strengths.

The House of Christ is of little use, and is more of a hindrance, by not allowing things to run their course. There are more things that we are unaware of than things that we do understand in the world around us. Dragon Domain explores some of them. It is up to the reader to believe or not. The book is fiction, but is it really?

This reviewer awards a four star rating to Dragon Domain.

Awakening the Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy

By Theresa Chase

Who is Rachael, and why has she come to Coyote Springs? In a town of bigotry and religious zealots, Rachael is opening the Dragon’s Den bookstore. Why at this particular time has Rachael and her cats come to Coyote Springs? What of the people at “The Farm”, as the town’s people refer to it, is there something that Rachael must do? She has more questions than answers as she begins life in Coyote Springs.

Out of town, lies a cottage that the towns’ folk want burned down, why do they want it destroyed? The owner and rather powerful person in town, Kevin, will not allow its destruction. He doesn’t want it destroyed and doesn’t want to rent it out, why? People are afraid to enter the cottage. When they enter, strange things begin to happen to them physically. No one can stay in the cottage for any length of time. Kevin even has trouble lasting in the cottage for more than a few minutes before he becomes ill.

Along comes Rachael, she talks to the previous owner who is dead and is welcomed into the cottage. Is this some supernatural ability, or is there really something within Rachael growing stronger, why Rachael, and not someone from Coyote Springs? Is there a mission for her to complete that Rachael is unaware of as to why her mentor sent her to this particular town?

Cheyenne from the farm is someone that the House of Christ is against along with Rachael Franklin. Is there a real reason or is just that the members of the House of Christ don’t like someone who is different and will not conform to what the reverend and followers believe people should think and believe.

This is only a small glimmer into the story in Awakening the Dragon. You will have to read the book to find out the intricacies of the story.

This reviewer awards a four star rating to Awakening the Dragon.

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher

By Peter Bowerman

Given the state of today’s publishing industry, and the number of books being published yearly, have you considered self-publishing as an alternative to the mainstream publishers? While there are many self-published books in today’s market, the problem with many is the poor quality of the writing (lack of editing) and physical design (especially book covers). In this comprehensive book, Peter explains about what it takes to be a successful self-publisher. Incidentally, he doesn’t consider POD self-publishing, but offers up several scenarios where POD makes sense for certain books/authors.

In TWFSP, you will find information on why self-publishing might make sense, getting comfortable with the sales and marketing process, building a book, targeting buyers and building demand, building a book website, distribution, Amazon, maximizing mainstream media, article writing, radio shows, the ins and outs of live appearances, creating multiple stream of income from your book, and much more. The appendices contain self-publishing resources, info on a valuable companion marketing e-kit, a self-publishing time line, and a section of foreign rights.

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher is a complete manual for a business as a self-publisher. In today’s publishing environment, finding an agent, then waiting and hoping that your book will get published, can be a dead end. This book shows you how to do it yourself and still get your book on bookstore shelves.

Items discussed in TWFSP are the cover, how to make your self-published book compete with the mainstream publishers’ books in look, feel, and quality (books that don’t compare to those coming out of publishing houses will be hard to promote to reviewers, wholesalers, distributors, and bookstores). Especially useful is a chapter explain and demystifying the concepts of “Sales & Marketing” that terrify many authors today, but which they’ll have to learn and use to get their book into the hands of readers.

The Well-Fed Self-Publisher is a roadmap to self-publishing and getting your book into the hands of readers. This book, filled with information about the publishing industry and what authors need to accomplish in order to become a published author, is delivered in a conversational tone from someone who’s successfully self-published his books (over 50,000 copies of his first two books are in print). Check out The Well-Fed Self-Publisher “Biz-in-a-Box” Teaser in the back of the book.

This reviewer gives this book a five-star rating. If you are considering self-publishing, read this book and find out what self-publishing is about.

Overcomers, Inc

Compiled by Lynne Klippel

Read stories of thirty-eight diverse authors as they talk about Hope, Courage, and Inspiration in Overcomers, Inc; they speak of triumph over adversity with their true-life stories.

The book that will assist you in coming to terms with whatever is troubling in your life, and to create your own triumph of adversity, it is your outlook that dictates much of what we as humans feel and how we react to outside or internal stimuli.

In Overcomers, Inc:
You will find tools to create success out of your failures.
How-to awaken your life purpose.
How-to let go of the past, no matter what you experienced.
Find the strength and courage to persevere in the face of any challenging experience.

Do not let fear from the past dictate how you live today and your life’s purpose. Overcomers, Inc can help you with this as you read the stories compiled from the author’s true-life experiences, and did not allow themselves to wallow in self-pity and despair, but found the courage to move forward in their lives to success out of their experiences.

There is a good deal we can all gain from keeping this book handy and reading the stories of the authors as we experience failures and wish to move forward in spite of them. Overcomers, Inc would make a good reference book for all of us when we need to move forward and in finding our life’s purpose.

This reviewer awards Overcomers, Inc a five-star rating.

Word Trippers: The Ultimate Source for Choosing the Perfect Word When It Really Matters

By Barbara McNichol

As Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter–it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

That’s why choosing the exact right word is important. For example, do you know when to use “affect” versus “effect” in your writing? Or “further” versus “farther”? Or “famous” versus “notorious”?

If you’re not sure, Word Trippers is the perfect reference ebook for you. This ebook contains 49 pages of 300+ pairings of words in alphabetical order and searchable on your computer, so they’re easy to find. Each word pairing is explained, then used in sentences to easily show how each is properly used, like this:

Affect, effect – “Affect” is a verb meaning to change or influence. “Your quick action affects (influences) the outcome.” “Affect is also a noun to mean feeling, emotion, or emotional response. “During his grief process, my client displayed an uncharacteristically flat affect.” “Effect” is a verb meaning to bring about, to cause. “You can effect (bring about) a change easily.” “Effect” is also a noun meaning result or outcome. “The story has a desired effect.”

Whether you’re writing for business or crafting the next great American novel, this Word Trippers ebook will lead you to choosing the correct word when it really matters. It’s been created by expert nonfiction editor Barbara McNichol.

This reviewer highly recommends Word Trippers as an excellent reference tool, and gives it a four-star rating.

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers

By Brigitte Thompson

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers is a wonderful book for those that are, or thinking of becoming freelance writers. This book covers getting started, recording income, business expenses, business use of your home, automobile deductions, entertainment and travel, employee versus subcontractor, business management, taxes and audits, blank forms, and resources for your writing business along with a glossary.

Bookkeeping Basics for Freelance Writers covers most of the income reporting and deduction question you may have about running a business out of your home, or even from an out of the home office. Brigitte has even covered the items needed in a business plan you will need in case you decide to apply for a business loan for your business.

The chapter with the forms contains samples of Monthly Income, Annual Income, Monthly Direct Expense, Annual Direct Expense, Inventory List, Indirect Monthly Expense, Indirect Annual Expense, IRS Adjusted Mileage Allowance, Actual Expense, Automobile Registration, Annual Summary, Entertainment Log, Travel Log, Profit and Loss Statement, Accounts Receivable Summary, Accounts payable Summary, and Balance Sheet.

Brigitte also explains the difference between the Cash, Accrual, and Hybrid accounting methods in Bookkeeping basics for Freelance Writers. Business types are also explained, the Sole Proprietorship, S-Corporation, or Partnership. While there are differences in various states, while Brigitte mentions the basics, you may need to visit an attorney or paralegal to find the laws for your individual state.
This book will teach you how you may legally reduce your income tax. Depending on the individual state, you may need to consult a tax professional. This book however, will clue you in to record keeping and more.

This reviewer recommends this book for more than just Freelance Writers. It is awarded a five start rating from this reviewer.

The Well-Fed Writer (TWFW)

By Peter Bowerman

If you’ve ever entertained the thought of being a freelance writer, or as Peter calls it, Freelance Commercial Writer (FLCW), this book will give you all of the information you need to start and run a freelance business. While most people think magazines when they hear “freelance writing,” TWFW isn’t about writing for magazines, but rather “commercial freelancing” – writing for businesses, large and small – a lesser-known and exceptionally well-paying freelancing specialty, where hourly rates can run $50-125 and more.

The bad news is that, like any business, if you don’t do the work described in this book, you won’t succeed. TWFW provides all the information necessary for creating a thriving freelance commercial writing business, but you must follow through. Should you purchase it? If you have ever thought of writing for a living like this reviewer has, yes.

The good news, according to TWFW, is that if you follow and implement the principles laid out in its pages, you can create an income that will allow you to leave the cubicle world and work from home on your terms. Reading TWFW is the first step. The book is full of information from someone who’s been there and done the work, and is helping others by writing this book.

Topics covered include: Why become freelance commercial writers (writing for businesses) in the first place? The traits and first steps to becoming successful; sales and marketing fundamentals; all about websites; where to find the work; cold-calling; what to charge and how to get paid; networking; working in small markets (for those in rural areas); resources, and more can all be found in this wonderful book. This great reference should have a prominent place in your home office. It is within reach on mine. Read it before you begin and you’ll save yourself a lot of trial and error.

Reading the success stories will show you it works no matter where you live. This reviewer lives in a town with a population of 1,600. For anyone considering writing as a way to make an income, this reviewer recommends purchasing this book. Also, check out The Deluxe Well-Fed Tool Box & The Well-Fed Writer’s Time Line (discussed in the book).

This reviewer recommends this book for those thinking about freelancing (five-star rating).

The Evolution Conspiracy Vol. 1

Exposing Life's Inexplicable origins & The Cult of Darwin
By Lisa A. Shiel

Whether you are an evolutionist, creationist, or some other belief, The Evolution Conspiracy is a well scientific researched book that examines the theories revolving around evolution. Do you believe that humans are descended from apes, or some other animal? The Evolution Conspiracy is a book that examines from a scientific perspective that theories from the various scientific disciplines.

This reviewer found the book filled with science, not conjecture, although some of the paleoanthropologists and paleontologists only have theories with scant proof other than incomplete fossils and conjecture from these incomplete fossils.

Read The Evolution Conspiracy and make your own decision about evolution, this reviewer did and gives this book a four star recommendation.

Kaleidoscope

By Paul Gehrman

This book is the first novel by Mr. Gehrman; it is well written and engaging. It is spiritual and freethinking at the same time. There are quotes or bible passages beginning the chapters that relate well to the subject matter of the chapter. This reviewer found the characters multifaceted and believable.

There are quotes from some of the world’s greatest thinkers. The premises of the book, has multiple levels of information, freethinking, spirituality, along with a good storyline. David Chambers, one of the main characters is a person of wealth and power, which he uses in philanthropic endeavors. There is a good deal of history, Christian, Mormonism, and spirituality in the chapters of this novel that people will find themselves thinking about.

If you are looking for a good book to read, this may just be the book for you.
Kaleidoscope is a story that most reader will enjoy reading. This reviewer gives this book a four star rating.

Babysitting Sugarpaw

By VS Grenier
Illustrated by Kevin Collier

This book could be a child’s first book. The book is a picture book that tells the story of Sugarpaw, and his babysitter Bonnie Whiskers. Sugarpaw does not want a babysitter, but his parents feel differently.

See what Sugarpaw does to get his way with the babysitter, a far as the time for bed, snack and more. This reviewer found this a perfect book for a child’s first book. The illustrations and writing are well done; and will make this book a joy in a child’s life. This book could become one of a child’s favorite books, and something that is something to pass on to their child, if treated with some care. This reviewer has no doubt that children and parents will like this book; and it will be read over many times.

This reviewer is keeping this book for his Great-Grandchild. This book receives a four star rating from this reviewer.

The god of the Church Growth Movement

By Martin Murphy

Is the Church a building, or the people in it? No matter the denomination, is the Church merely the bricks and mortar, or is it more? What does The Bible say about what a Church is?

Trough the reading of this book, Mr. Murphy, through scripture explains the meaning of the Church and the Growth movement within. This reviewer was intrigued with the premise and the writing in this book. If you are a person of faith, this book will give you pause to think about the term and meaning of the word “Church.” This reviewer found it easy reading and a different perspective about what a Church is and the meaning of it in today’s society. Is the “Church Growth Movement” a theological or philosophical movement? You will need to read this book and make your own determination.

This book receives a four star rating from this reviewer.

The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book

Do not think that this title says it all and this book is for children. This book is an educational book as well as reference book for all individuals. Writers writing about the reefs of Hawaii have a fantastic reference guide to facts for their books. Most authors want their writing to be accurate. This book has the Hawaiian names for the fish.

As an educational text, this book contains a vast amount of information about the Hawaiian reefs. This reviewer found numerous uses for this book. This reviewer recommends the book as a school text, reference text, and something found in author’s libraries. Writers never know where the next idea will come from. This reviewer found it an inspiration for possible storylines. This book receives a four star rating from this reviewer.

Moments of Forever: Discovering the True Power and Importance of Your life

By Dr. Bill R. Path

This reviewer found this book to be truly inspiring, and the points made by the author give the reader food for thought. This book gives readers an opportunity to examine their individual lives, and what is most important to them, and to examine their outlook on their life. By reading this book, the reader can gain, or possibly change their perception of what is genuinely important.

Although, written from a Christian perspective, please do not let that dissuade you from reading this book. This is a book for the masses. What is success in relation to family and success in your own mind? In this book, this reviewer found many valid points about living your own life and not trying to be like anyone else. This book receives a four star rating as a recommended read.

Not a Book but an Inspiring DVD

Work Your Way Up - A film about entrepreneurship.
A film by Patrick Sargent

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an entrepreneur? This film will teach you a good deal, about what it takes to run a business and the type of person that it takes to be an entrepreneur. Are entrepreneurs born or made? This film may answer that question for you.

Being captivated by a movie, is not something that usually happens, as a reviewer. This film was informative, enlightening, and engaging. For anyone wishing to be an entrepreneur, this movie is a must see. There is much that you should hear from people that have been there in the real world, with real world experiences as well as instructors in academia.

Do yourself a favor and find a copy.

The Daughter-In-Law Rules

By Sally Shields

This is a humorous look at the dynamics of the daughter-in-law, mother-in-law relationship while also giving some insight about how to get along with your mother-in-law.

While reading this book as a reviewer, the reading was easy to understand, and found that one could reread some of the rules over and over again. They are humorous and thought provoking at the same time.

These rules are almost tongue in cheek, but they are also true on a deeper level. It ultimately comes down to attitude. This book is fun and easy to read, while imparting information for all readers. This book receives a four star rating from this reviewer.

The Six Common Small Business Failures … and how to avoid them

By Frederick Jones

As a reviewer having read many business oriented books, this one is different from the rest. This book examines failure. If you have lived any years at all, you should have come to the realization that often more can be learned by failure than from success.

This book is about personal experience and teaches a good deal about the way you look at things and how much the proper attitude can help in success. You will also be asked to define what success is for you.

Each person’s definition of success will be different. It is up to the individual. Some people are a success with less than the next person is, while others need more. Where does it reach a stage of greed?

This book should be mandatory reading for anyone thinking of going into business for themselves, and in corporate America as well. This reviewer recommends this book as a must read.

Catwalk – A Feline Odyssey

by Kathie Freeman

This book is one recommended for people of all ages. This is a story not only for animal lovers, also even for those that may not like animals. It is a story about heart and home. Reading a story from an animal’s point-of-view is refreshing and unique. This reviewer found this book hard to put down, what is going to happen next, will keep you riveted and loath to put this book down.

For those that are cat lovers, this book will extremely poignant and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The cat knows where her home is; and the people that love her beside the circumstances that brought her to them both.

The main character is a female cat with a never give up attitude that is refreshing and real, although this is a fictional account of her travels. She could be called “peripatetic Tiger, Tuffy, Gypsy, Princess Regina, and Kiki” along her adventure not of her own making. What will her final name be and who will she be with? You will have to read this engaging book to find out.

AllBook Reviews June Book Giveaway

The AllBooks June book giveaway is over tomorrow. Visit http://tinyurl.com/bpzumq or http://tinyurl.com/desuql to enter.

Finding a New Direction: How to Survive and Thrive During Major Life Transitions By Judith Albright

If you find yourself widowed or divorced, this book is a thorough guide to move forward. You will find everything from money issues to dating, and more within the pages of this book. It is enlightening and informative for everyone not just the widowed or divorced. There is information that couples could learn and implement in their everyday life.

Do you own a business? Do you own property? What about your investments or savings accounts in common? The time to know things is before something happens, not after. This book will explain many things that couples should be aware in case of the death of a loved one, or divorce. If one person in a relationship is a stay at home person, have you considered that fact that you may have to find work if the breadwinner were to pass away?

These are but a few of the items that this book addresses. Many marriages today end in divorce, while others may end with the loss of a loved one. What does the surviving partner do and what do they need to know. By reading this book, you will have some knowledge of the things to consider.

This reviewer recommends this book as a must read for everyone, single considering marriage, or married for years.

Jumpstart You Publishing Dreams by W. Terry Whalin

Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams is not just for book authors, it is a manual that gives the reader information and resources about the publishing industry, editors and wring for the freelance writer. In this book, you will find information and resources about writing for magazines, information on how to approach magazine editors with queries, and what you need to do to enhance your chances of becoming a published author.

Mr. Whalin has more than twenty years of experience writing magazine articles, books, and editing in the publishing industry. He has written 60 books, and published in more the 50 magazines. Having read some other book by Mr. Whalin, this book is the nuts-and-bolts of what every writer, storyteller, and freelance writer needs to know and take to heart.

Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams is loaded with information, resources, and links for more information. After visiting many of the links, this is a book that you will revisit often, also the websites, articles, and book to peruse when more time is available. There are some special offers that Mr. Whalin has for the writer. Do yourself a favor, take advantage of these special offers, you will not regret it.
If you aspire to publication, Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams is one book that should be in your writer’s library. It is a book with a high recommendation by this reviewer.

Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams:
ISBN-10: 1935085506
ISBN-13: 978-1935085508
Available at:
http://jumpstartdreams.com/Buy-Paperback.html
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

7 Question Interview with Shirley Roe

To order books by this author, visit WritingRaw’s Amazon Book Store by clicking on the link below:

http://astore.amazon.com/writingraw-20

Shirley Roe is the Managing Editor of the Allbooks Review (founded in 2000 as a review source for POD authors, and voted one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writer's Digest for two years straight)and the author of a historical fiction series known as the Martha Whittaker series. Some of her novels are:

• The Whittaker Family Reunion
• Of Dreams and Nightmares
• A Call to Faith and Freedom

Her official website can be accessed here: http://www.allbookreviews.com

The WritingRaw.com 7 Question Interview

Please let us know who you are and how we might know you:

I am Shirley A. Roe, author of three historical fiction novels and the Managing Editor of Allbooks Review. Allbooks Review is a review and promotional source for authors from all over the world. I encourage your visitors to check out: www.allbookreviews.com for their review, editing, and promotional needs.

Any news you would like to share concerning upcoming projects:

I am currently working on the third book in the Martha Whittaker series, Return to Whittakerville, which is to be released in the summer of 2009 by RealTime Publishing.

Thoughts concerning the current state of the literary world:

More and more authors are getting published thanks to the many POD sources and ebook publishing. I feel this is an excellent way for authors and writers to get their work to the waiting public. As founder of Allbooks Review, this is a constant stream of new authors needing our services. The economy has forced the closing of many newspapers and magazines around the world, however the internet seems to grow stronger in its place in the literary world.

Who is your favorite author and why?

My favorite author is Catherine Cookson. I am a historical fiction fan and no one compares to Cookson in this genre. I have read all of her books. Another author that I admire is Mathias Freese, author of The I Tetralogy. His work is haunting. It makes you think.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to publish?

I have been very fortunate in having my books: Dreams and Nightmares: The Martha Whittaker Story, The Whittaker Family Reunion, and A Call to Faith and Freedom all published. Return to Whittakerville is the third book in the Whittaker series and is being published in 2009. All of my books are available in both print and ebook format, including Kindle.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I would like to thank my readers for letting me know how much they love the Whittaker family and look forward to the next book. Reviews on Amazon have been 5 star and I appreciate all of the reviewer's comments very much. Celtic history buffs loved A Call to Faith and Freedom and I have had several people contact me with questions on Druids and the Celtic practices portrayed in the book.

How do you feel about what WritingRaw.com and other literary sharing sites are attempting to do for new writers?

I think authors both new and experienced need sites like this one. It helps to promote not only our work, but ourselves as upcoming authors and writers. I thank you for this interview and your continuing support.

WritingRaw.com would like to thank Ms. Roe for taking the time out of her busy schedule for this interview.

Afraid by Jack Kilborn

This is a debut Horror novel by Jack Kilborn. This is a gripping novel. I found it hard to put down once I started it. There are turns and twists, unexpected happenings, and relationships with very believable characters.

This book has everything from Red-Ops, a small town setting, and a hunt for a person. Does the person hunted for even exist? Are they in hiding? Where are they, will the townspeople tell where they can be found? What will happen if, or when the hunted lives, and found?

You will have to read this very good book to find the answers to these questions, as I enjoyed reading to find out. This is a book I would recommend for readers of Horror novels.

ISBN-10: 0-446-53593-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-446-53593-9

The Fearless Factor by Jacqueline Wales

The Fearless Factor is a book for all of us that fear inadequacy, or that somehow we don’t measure up to some arbitrary standard. In this book, you will find that the only fear we have is the one we create for ourselves.

Your life will not change just by reading this book. What will happen though is that your attitude may change and you may see things from a different perspective, one of coming from a positive and accepting place.

Through the stories and anecdotes in this book, we can all see places where we are not living with a positive outlook. We are living from things over which we have no control, but we can change how we choose to look at them.

This is a book recommended for all to read.

7 Ways You Screw Up Your Life: (and how to unscrew it) by Marti Lawrence

Ms. Lawrence has written a book of down to earth common sense ways to improve your life, with a bit of humor. It is our mindset, which holds us back from achieving what we want in life. Ms. Lawrence gives you, with the help of guest contributors, some common sense ways to help change your mindset to reach your goals.

With some personal information from Ms. Lawrence, you can see where you might have set up some roadblocks to moving you life forward instead of being stuck in the same old rut. It does come down to the individual to improve their lot in life by playing the cards you were dealt, we all have to.

By reading this book and analyzing where you are in life, you have some tools and a different perspective that you can view your cards and improve your hand by dealing with the ones in your hand by looking at the hand differently. Turn what you think is a band hand into a great hand.

This book will help, but only if you are willing to do the work. I recommend this book to all for a look at how to improve your life.

Bubba and Giganto by Lea Schizas

Ms. Lea Schizas tells the story of Bubba, bullying, and friendships formed while in the ninth grade.Bubba arrives at a new school, his father moves for construction work. On the first day of school, Bubba steps off the bus, thus begins a tale of opening one’s mouth. What happens as a result of this action? Think you know, don’t think so. You’ll have to read this engaging tale to find out.

This is a story that children and their parents should read. This is a story about more than just bullying, or being bullied by someone. Many things happen in our schools; this tale is about Bubba, David, and Jason. There is a backstory, as to why Jason acts the way he does towards people. Right or wrong, Jason directs his taunting toward David.

Ms. Schizas has woven a tale that is easy to read, and contains living breathing characters we can all connect with, and the time we spent in school. I would recommend this book to all for a good read, also learning something about bullying, and those that bully.

Green School Primer: Lessons in Sustainability

This is a book about modernization and the building of new schools making them eco-friendly. With the maintenance costs rising, using the green designs in this book, costs could be lowered while also making the classrooms more conducive to learning.

Lowering costs in a time where teachers need to spend their own money for the basic classroom necessities, and school districts in shortfall with their budgets, anything that could substantially lower operating and construction costs would seem to be something to consider.

The Green School Primer is such a book for the times we live in. What better way to teach about the environment and global warming than to have a school built taking these concerns into the construction, and retrofitting of older schools to make them eco-friendly and lowering operating costs for the school districts?

I found this book interesting in its concept and design featuring ways to lower the cost of running a school while teaching the students by example about going green and how to help global warming in the process. I would recommend that the various school boards consider reading this book as well as those in the construction industry.

Cracked: Timeless topics of nature courage and endurance by Alice Shapiro

This book is an anthology of poems that vary in length and stanza structure. It covers poems from 2007 and 2008. The subjects of the poems vary widely. The poems are well-written, evoking emotions in the reader. Evoking emotions and creating scenes in the reader is the job of the poet, and Ms. Shapiro does this well with the poems in this book.

Poetry isn’t for everyone, but the poems in this book are easy to read and well worth picking up and reading through the poems for pleasure and a good read. The poems in this book might be able to introduce poetry to new readers. The poems are not those that most people think of when you say poetry. These poems are of varying length and subjects that are something for the masses to read and enjoy, from young to old will enjoy reading these poems.

Take a chance with this book and read some poetry; you might be surprised that you can enjoy poetry. This book has my recommendation for a book that should be read.

Watermelon Faith by Dr. Evelyn Murray Drayton

Dr. Drayton has written a book that shows through her own life and experiences, and through the thoughtful use of scriptures, just how easy it is to find the perfect watermelon, while we can’t root out evil in our lives as easy. This is a perfect analogy for this tale of personal experience and shows how evil people can lurk, even in some righteous of places, righteous people.

Also included in the back of the book is a Spiritual Checklist. A kind of survey you will find interesting. Look at it and see what you think, you might be surprised, by your answers to the checklist.

One must always be careful, for evil and the devil are about us, it’s not like choosing a ripe watermelon as Dr. Drayton so aptly writes in this book. This book is a good read and I would recommend it to all. This isn’t just a religious book, but a book that shows through examples and the judicious use of scripture to show you how evil can lurk among us and temp us in everyday situations in our daily lives, including our spiritual. I recommend this book as a book everyone should read, not just those that believe in good and evil.

Hard Times and Great Blessings by Kenneth F. Worth

Mr. Worth has written a memoir that lists the blessing from God throughout his life. This book is about his life and career in the military, and as a civilian working for the military in various capacities.

From adversity as a young boy, through his life, and finding his soul mate. Read a well-written memoir about how life can change, and progress with the help of God in our lives, when you have faith. You may not begin with the faith you need, but life has a way of leading you to it when you least expect it.

This is a book about a life lived to its fullest, and belief that things will work out. Mr. Worth is a good storyteller. He has a book that everyone should read, old, or young, you will find something in this memoir for you. I recommend this book for all to read, not just those that believe.

Anyone will find this a book well worth the read.

Vision Board - Review by Joyce Schwarz

The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life is an apt title for this book.

The Vision Board is a book to help people in all aspects of their lives with exercises and education about the use of visioning and an area in the back of the book for taking notes about the exercises and anything else you’ve learned or noticed along the way in this guidebook.

A step-by-step guidebook on how the use of visioning, and vision boards can lead you through the law of attraction can help you reach your goals and achieving what you desire for yourself in the process. Vision boarding is much like the “Power of Intention” by Dr. Wayne Dyer. The difference is that this book will guide you through the process with simple but effective means to help you achieve your goals with exercises and anecdotes about celebrities that have achieved their goals using vision boarding techniques.

Vision Board shows how to create and use the technique of boarding in your life to attract what you desire. This will work in all aspects of your life from personal to relationships, to wealth and well-being.

Joyce has written a wonderful book that can lead you to the kind of life you desire, and helping you find out what your true desire really is. Through the art of visioning, you can attain it.