Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life by Alexandra Stoddard

 

Originally reviewed January 31, 2006

Description:
Bursting with creative ideas and brimming with illuminating anecdotes, this concise, joyful, and practical book shows how to find -- and forge -- happiness in the large and small events of everyday life. Based on her more than thirty years as a noted thinker and speaker on personal contentment, Alexandra Stoddard shares what she has learned about the small but significant changes you can make in your mind, heart, and surroundings to be happier day by day.

My Thoughts:
A nice little book for some good inspiration. This book talks a lot about living in the present moment and being grateful for what you have and choosing happiness day to day. Sometimes I felt the sections of the book got a little to hokey, and didn't need to be in the book, but overall a good read. It's got some really good inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout the pages as well. I'd recommend it to people who like inspirational/self-help sort of books.

Rating: B-

30 Days to a Simpler Life by Connie Cox & Cris Evatt

 

Originally Reviewed November 7, 2005

Description:
In their book, 30 Days To A Simpler Life, co-authors Connie Cox and Cris Evatt share their ideas on simplifying your closet, your bedroom, your bathroom, your drawers, your furniture, your knickknacks_your life! Their incredibly resourceful and detailed guide will show you the way to a simpler and more organized lifestyle. And scattered throughout are helpful hints on small details that make large impacts on our lives.

My Thoughts:That basically sums up the book pretty well. It has some great ideas for organizing and simplifing every room in your house, and it's something that I am definitely going to refer back to in the future. It takes things one day at a time and gives you tiny time increments so anybody can get organized. A great reference for anybody who wants to get organized and simplify their lives!

Rating: A

Bird by Bird - Anne Lamott

 

Description:

Lamott's ( Operating Instructions ) miscellany of guidance and reflection should appeal to writers struggling with demons large and slight. Among the pearls she offers is to start small, as their father once advised her 10-year-old brother, who was agonizing over a book report on birds: "Just take it bird by bird." Lamott's suggestion on the craft of fiction is down-to-earth: worry about the characters, not the plot. But she's even better on psychological questions. She has learned that writing is more rewarding than publication, but that even writing's rewards may not lead to contentment. As a former "Leona Helmsley of jealousy," she's come to will herself past pettiness and to fight writer's block by living "as if I am dying." She counsels writers to form support groups and wisely observes that, even if your audience is small, "to have written your version is an honorable thing."


Originally Reviewed March 5, 2004:

I found this book to be very inspiring. Ms. Lamott gave suggestions on writing and shared her knowledge, and I found it very useful. This book is also very funny and light and a quick read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to write or needs advice on writing, because I think it is an excellent source of information.

Rating: A

Marley & Me - John Grogan

 

Originally Reviewed February 9, 2006:

Description:
Labrador retrievers are generally considered even-tempered, calm and reliable;and then there's Marley, the subject of this delightful tribute to one Lab who doesn't fit the mold. Grogan, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and his wife, Jenny, were newly married and living in West Palm Beach when they decided that owning a dog would give them a foretaste of the parenthood they anticipated. Marley was a sweet, affectionate puppy who grew into a lovably naughty, hyperactive dog.

My Thoughts:This is a great book that any animal lover (especially dog lovers) can relate to on some level. It's funny and touching and I've been telling everyone I know about Marley the dog. Definitely read with kleenex close by.

Rating: A

Bitter Is the New Black - Jen Lancaster

 

Originally reviewed 6/23/09

I actually read this book for a book club, and I'm so glad we picked this book! This book is made up of short stories that give you a very real and funny look into Lancaster's life after she is fired from her job. During this time she applies at every company imaginable, gets married, adopts a couple of dogs, and even loses her apartment steps! This book was laugh out loud, and I can't wait to read her other books!

Rating: A+

Affluenza - John De Gaaf

 

(Originally Reviewed December 18, 2004)

Description:
From the producer of the award-winning TV specials Affluenza and Escape from Affluenza, uses the whimsical metaphor of a disease to tackle a very serious subject: the damage done — to our health, our families, our communities, and our environment — by the obsessive quest for material gain. The authors examine the origins, evolution, and symptoms of the affluenza epidemic. But more importantly, they explore cures and suggest strategies for rebuilding families and communities and for restoring and respecting the earth.

This book was very eye opening! The author really explains how advertisers pull in their consumers, and why we always feel the need to buy stuff. This book also asks us: is the stuff we buy really what makes us happy? Is it helping our environment as well? This book really made me think about how wasteful I am, and I recommend this book to anybody and everybody!!

Rating: A

The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch): Lessons from a Life in Feathers by Caroll Spinney

 

Reviewed June 11 2003:

This book is more of an autobiography rather than "The Wisdoms of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch". I feel that some chapters really had nothing to do with their title. The book was also somewhat repetitive, and I thought the ending was good, but a big cliche.

However, I grew up watching Seasame Street and really enjoyed hearing behind the scene facts about the show, puppets, and the people who worked on it. There were also some very heart-warming moments in the chapters. It's a pretty easy read with short chapters. This is definitely a read for any Seasame Street or Jim Henson fan, but don't expect a lot of actual "wisdom", just fun stories about the show and the puppets!

Rating: C+