Book Review Times Two - Brandon Sanderson

I've just finished a couple of books I really enjoyed, both by the same author.

"Elantris"

and
"Warbreaker"


both by Brandon Sanderson.  Both of these books fall into the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category which is not usually my thing.  (I'm a huge mystery/suspense/thriller fan.)  BUT, I love anything with good writing, a good plot, and at least a little suspense.   So I make exceptions.  (A lot.)   My other stipulation for giving a book a big thumbs up is that the writer doesn't rely on gratuitous s-e-x to fill the pages or swear too dang much.  (A book I absolutely hate for this reason:  "The Pact" by Jodi Picoult)

These books fit the bill.  Both sucked me in from the very first page and kept me reading.  (Too much, too fast!)  Both have strong characters and well crafted plots and what I call "artistic unity" (which means that everything in the book is in there for a reason) and although they both include swear words, they're made up swear words in a made up language.  So not offensive to me at all!

Now, I must say that "Warbreaker" does include some s-e-x.  Nothing graphic but it is part of the plot: since two characters get married and are supposed to make a baby.  To me, that excludes it from the "gratuitous" category so I don't get all het up about it...but it is in there.

One other thing I don't enjoy in all Sci Fi/Fantasy in general?  Made up nouns.  I like being able to pronounce things and I have no idea what the proper pronunciation is for "T'Telir" or "Susebron".  But, I can never have everything I want.  Even my perfect husband likes Country music, after-all...!  So I try not to be too bugged.

When I started "Elantris", Doug told me I'd be sorry there is no sequel.  He was right.  I was sad to finish it.  Which is why I started "Warbreaker" soon after.  That's my idea of a good story.

Therefore, I highly recommend these books.  Especially "Elantris".

Have you read these books or any others by Brandon Sanderson?  What did you think?
Read anything else I'd love lately?

Hard Times and Holy Places - Book Review and Giveaway

"Trials and difficulties can, if we let them, become holy places — places where we can feel the power of the Atonement in our lives. Our struggles can be consecrated to our good and growth, and you and I can become more like Christ." — Kris Belcher

A few months ago, I received an autographed copy of "Hard Times and Holy Places" written by none other than Kristen Belcher.  MY sister-in-law.  I was extremely excited to read it and devoured it in an afternoon. 

 
My immediate next thought was "I need to do a blog review of this book!"  But then I thought "...but Doug hasn't read it yet.  I should let him read it first.  Cause I want to be able to talk to him about it n' stuff."  So I gave it to Doug and commanded him to read it.  And he did.  Over a period of about two months.   And again I thought "I need to do a review of this book."

THEN I thought, "...but hey, I'm going to Utah in another two months.  I'll wait until I'm there, get a few copies autographed by Kris and do a giveaway!"

Then I went to Utah.  

And saw Kris.  

But I didn't have any copies for her to sign.  

Then I DID go to the bookstore and bought three copies of her book...

but didn't see her again!  

SO, I have a book to give away, but it is NOT signed by the author.  
(sigh)

Now, about the book.  This book...is incredible!!!  It is life changing and thought provoking and funny and spiritual.  I like it even though she left out the chapter all about me.  (I'm sure her editor made her leave it out.)

In case you think I'm biased because I'm related to Kris and I'm just hoping to get another free copy of her next book, here are a few unbiased reviews:

Fabulous Photographer Jen:  "i meant to tell u that i just read ur sis in laws book... kris belcher's hard times and holy places. i LOVED it. since my mom got diagnosed with ALS i have been reading a lot of church books and this was my favorite. i went and bought 2 more and gave one to my mom and one to my friend who just had to give her adopted baby back to total loser parents after having her for almost a year, and then her house burned down a couple weeks ago. she said the title even made her cry. ur sis in law is amazing and i would luv to meet her one day." 

Sister Dahl:  "Kris's book was such an inspiration to me that I read it twice in one weekend!  And it really put into perspective the health issues I've been worrying about.  Kris is my hero!  She must be one of Heavenly Father's very elect to have weathered all her storms with such grace and dignity.  I highly recommend her wonderful book of faith and acceptance and love."

Kim:  (I found this one on the Deseret Book website.)  "This book was so amazing! It gave me the strength to look back at my life and find my own personal Holy places that I didn't realize existed. The author beautifully weaved adversity and testimony into an inspiring and entertaining book. She shows you the way to see your life for what it truly is. A difficult and trying test, yet a rewarding journey. I laughed, I cried and I will certainly read it again."

For more info about the book or Kris, here's her website: 

hardtimesandholyplaces.blogspot.com

WANT A FREE COPY???

LEAVE A COMMENT!!!!!

I'll pick a winner on Sunday August 9th.

The rest of you, BUY A COPY!  

You can thank me later!!!

Book Review: Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. (AND a give-away!)

Do you ever read "Self Help" books?  Ever read one that make you want to exclaim out loud after every paragraph?  That makes you want to highlight every other paragraph and buy copies for all of your friends and family because they need to read it also?  A book so life changing that for ONE SOLID WEEK after reading it you completely change your behavior?!?  (Which is 6 days longer than with the other books you've read...?)

Well THIS is THAT kind of book.  My new friend here, Neen*, let me borrow it.  

After her father-in-law died of a heart attack, she and her family resolved to eat better.  And this is one of the books that inspired them to do it.

So I borrowed it from her and in the midst of reading it, my father had a heart attack which could have killed him.  And my mom is not exactly in optimum health either.  And I've known for a long time that my youthful skinny genes would only take me so far before I'd start to gain weight and feel yucky.  (Turns out, those genes took me right up to age 30 and then dumped me on my now-expanding bottom.)  

In other words, the time has come for me to reevaluate my eating habits.  (We're not going to talk about exercise just yet.  One major life change at a time, alright?)  

Currently, I weigh 20 pounds more than when I got married.  Which isn't a huge deal since I was under-weight then.  But still...it's not a trend I want to continue.  

But my main concern is, I just don't feel good.  I don't have a ton of energy and I don't feel healthy.

Enter this book.  I started reading it with my kids in mind (specifically Max who was recently diagnosed with ADHD)...not me...but it turns out, it helps the whole family.  We're already eating better and we're just getting started.

In this book, Dr. Furman talks about the link between the foods we eat and disease:  How poor eating leads to disease and superior nutrition leads to health.

Dr. Furman asserts (and I found that I agreed with him) that superior nutrition can, "For today, reduce asthma, ear infections, and allergies.  For the future, protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer."

He explains why so many more people have allergies, why girls start their period's earlier and earlier, and why many foods we think of as healthy, are actually hurting us.

Here's the thing:  I am not an alarmist, extremist, or conspiracy theorist when it comes to health and nutrition.   But this book did change my outlook on many things and I have resolved to do better.  Much better.  Not just for me, but for my kids and my family.  

And since I want the whole world to read this, but can't afford to buy that many copies, I've decided to start small and just give one away.  Out of my own pocket**.  Just because I'm a Nicey-Sugar-Spicy.

To enter, leave a comment.  (Anonymous comments don't count.)  To get an extra entry, post a link (to this site) on your blog. (and then tell me in the comments).  If you don't feel lucky, get it at your local library!  You'll definitely learn something and it just might change your life!

The contest will go until next Monday.  A week from today.  Which is probably Sunday night for you, but whatever.

Good luck and HAPPY READING!

*Neen and her husband were our sponsors before we moved here and I was determined to win her love an affection with all sorts of baked delights upon meeting her.  Turns out, it wasn't necessary.  And she doesn't eat sugar so it wasn't a very good plan to begin with.)

**This expenditure/random generosity not approved by Doug.