[Book Review] Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World 

by 

Jennifer Armstrong

Blurb:

"In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and 27 men sailed from England in an attempt to become the first team of explorers to cross Antarctica. Five months later and still 100 miles from land, their ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice. When Endurance broke apart and sank, the expedition survived another five months camping on ice floes, followed by a perilous journey through stormy seas to remote and unvisited Elephant Island. In a dramatic climax to this amazing survival story, Shackleton and five others navigated 800 miles of treacherous open ocean in a 20-foot boat to fetch a rescue ship. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World vividly re-creates one of the most extraordinary adventure stories in history. Jennifer Armstrong narrates this unbelievable story with vigor, and eye for detail, and an appreciation of the marvelous leadership of Ernest Shackleton, who brought home every one of his men alive. With them survived a remarkable archive of photographs of the expedition, more than 40 of which are reported here."

My Review:

I love this book! It is an amazing story! Seriously amazing, and I think it teaches wonderful lessons about hard work, determination, working together, and great leadership. It is so well written that it reads as fiction. I love the format with the pictures and the maps. I love to just look at the pictures because they capture the moment so well. I look up to Ernest Shackleton because of his great leadership ability. As you're reading, you know that no one dies, but you can't believe it!  These men go through so many trials and hardships, and not one of them dies. It is incredible! Ms. Armstrong did a great job with this book and I highly recommend it! I recommend it as a read-aloud and also as a personal read. This book is one of my all-time-favorite nonfiction reads!

Rating: PG+ (It is clean, but they do suffer through a lot of hardships, some of which are not pleasant to read.)

Age Recommendation: Fifth Grade and up. It is a great read-aloud for home or school, and is also a wonderful book for kids and adults alike to sit down and read. Parents may want to read it first just so they know if it is appropriate for their child.

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*This post was first published on 8/8/12, and was updated on 1/10/18.

[Book Review] Snow Crystals by W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys

Photo Credit: goodreads.com

Snow Crystals

by

W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys

Blurb:

"Did you ever try to photograph a snow flake? The procedure is very tricky. The work must be done rapidly in extreme cold, for even body heat can melt a rare specimen that has been painstakingly mounted. The lighting must be just right to reveal all the nuances of design without producing heat. But the results can be rewarding, as the work of W.A. Bentley proved. For almost half a century, Bentley caught and photographed thousands of snow flakes in his workshop at Jericho, Vermont, and made available to scientists and art instructors samples of his remarkable work. In 1931, the American Meteorological Society gathered together the best of these photomicrographs, plus some slides of frost, glaze, dew on vegetation and spider webs, sleet, and soft hail, and a text by W.J. Humphreys, and had them published. That book is here reproduced, unaltered and unabridged. Over 2,000 beautiful crystals on these pages reveal the wonder of nature's diversity in uniformity: no two are alike, yet all are based on a common hexagon."

My Review:

Since I woke up to at least six inches of snow this morning, I thought this book would be very fitting for today. I love any nonfiction book that captivates and intrigues the reader, especially if that reader is a child. This book does just that. The text at the beginning is too difficult and technical for my girls (9 and 6), but that has not stopped them from pouring over each and every snowflake pictured in this book. When it was due at the library they begged me to renew it because they didn't want to let it go. It is fascinating! The beginning text is very interesting, yet a bit technical. It talks about the different types of snowflakes and how they are formed, it talks about how Mr. Bentley painstakingly photographed each and every snowflake, and it talks about different natural phenomena like dew, sleet, hail, and frost. I found it intriguing, but I read through it quickly because I couldn't wait to see all the beautiful pictures. It is amazing how intricate and detailed some of the snowflakes are! I had no idea that some snowflakes look like columns. Yes, they look like actual Roman columns, 3D and everything. There are many different shapes and configurations. No two in the book are the same. My favorite ones are the ones you think of when you think of snowflakes, with many delicate and intricate details. Frost is beautiful too! After reading this book, I can now look outside at all the snow this morning and not only see, but appreciate the beauty in it as well. This book would be fabulous for science teachers, art teachers, photography teachers, and all teachers looking to introduce more nonfiction books into the classroom. It would also be a great addition to any home library. I highly recommend this book.

Rating: G (Clean!)

Age Recommendation: Everyone! (For a silent read I would say 5th or 6th grade and up to be able to understand the text, but everyone can enjoy the photographs.)

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*This post was originally published on 12/29/14; updated on 1/5/18.

[Book Review] Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage

Photo Credit: Amazon.com


Jesus the Christ
by
James E. Talmage

Blurb (Credit: Amazon.com):

Considered one of the all-time great classics of LDS literature, Jesus the Christ is a comprehensive look into the life and ministry of the Savior. Written at the request of the First Presidency by the Apostle James E. Talmage, and penned from an office inside the Salt Lake Temple, this volume is more than a simple outline of the Savior's life. It presents a far-reaching view of the Savior-including His life in the flesh, His antemortal existence, and His activities across time as the world's Redeemer. Allow this unparalleled work to enhance your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as it magnifies your understanding of the scriptures.

My Review:

Every once in awhile a book comes along that changes your life. As you read it, the words influence you so much that you will never think the same way about the subject again; you will never be the same. A few books I've read in my lifetime have made me feel this way. Believing Christ by Stephen Robinson was one, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo was another. And today I add Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage. It's hefty, for sure! The edition I read has 793 pages, and it is not an easy read. It took me months to read. James E. Talmage was a very intelligent man, and his vocabulary is off the charts. I had to look up the definitions of many words. It's strange, because at first it took me forever, but by the end I was in the groove, and his style and language became easier to understand. This is the most comprehensive book on the life and mission of Jesus Christ that I have ever seen. It's incredible. It begins with why we need a Savior. Then it takes you through many of the prophets of the Old Testament that prophesied about the coming of a Savior. A Messiah. It delves into the lives of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Talmage takes you step by step through the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ here on earth. He is very comprehensive in his writing. He discusses Christ's teachings and miracles. I loved learning about life in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas; who the different groups of people are and how they came to be. The events take on different meanings when you know more about the context in which they happened. Sometimes when I'm reading the parables of Christ I understand their meanings and sometimes I don't. This book explains them all, and it helped me so much. He goes into detail about the symbolism in the writings of the New Testament, which, once again, is very helpful in finding new meaning in the words on the page. One thing in particular that helped me was learning about the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees and scribes, the Samaritans and the Jews. It was also extremely helpful to learn about the structure of the Roman government in Jerusalem, and who was in power over what. The detail Talmage puts into his description of Jesus Christ's Atoning sacrifice helps you to understand the importance of this moment. 

 Christ's agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause. The thought that He suffered through fear of death is untenable. Death to Him was preliminary to resurrection and triumphal return to the Father from whom He had come, and to a state of glory even beyond what He had before possessed; and, moreover, it was within His power to lay down His life voluntarily. He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused Him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of soul such as only God was capable of experiencing. No other man, however great his powers of physical or mental endurance, could have suffered so; for his human organism would have succumbed, and syncope would have produced unconsciousness and welcome oblivion. In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, 'the prince of this world' could inflict.

Next, Talmage takes you through Jesus' arrest and trials before Herod and Pilate. Then he thoroughly discusses Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. At the end, he goes into some detail into the lives of the eleven apostles and what occurred after they were all gone, and he even goes a little into the dark ages. 

This is an amazing book! It takes a long time to get through it, but it's worth it. It was written by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes known as Mormon or LDS), but anyone wanting a better understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ will benefit from reading this book. I promise it is worth the effort. Your understanding and love for the Savior will grow tenfold. Reading this book changed my perceptions and increased my love and appreciation for my Savior, Jesus the Christ. 

Rating: PG (Clean)

Recommendation: 16 years-old and up. (A younger person could read it, as it is taken from the Bible, but Talmage's language is difficult to understand because of his awesome vocabulary, so I think 16 and up are more likely to understand it.)

An Unseen Angel

An Unseen Angel

by

Alissa Parker

Blurb:

"When Alissa Parker lost her daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting, she started a life-changing journey to answer soul-searching questions about faith, hope, and healing. As she sought for the peace and comfort that could help mend her broken heart, she learned, step by step, how to open her heart to God's grace and will. One step brought her face to face with the shooter's father, where in a pivotal and poignant meeting, she was given an opportunity to forgive. Another step brought her into the sheltering compassion of her community as family, friends, and even strangers reached out to buoy her up with their shared faith. And several miraculous manifestations of Emilie's continued presence and influence lifted her heart and will validate the faith of every Christian. The story of Alissa and Emilie reminds us that the bonds of love continue beyond this life and that despite tragedy and heartache, we can find strength in our family and our faith."

My Review:

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard about the Sandy Hook mass shooting. I was driving around town running errands; I had the radio on when a breaking news story came on. Immediately I turned the station to my local news station, and listened in shock to the details. I was sobbing as I drove; tears streaming down my face. There had been shootings before, and they were horrible, but this, this was beyond that. This was pure evil. When I had the opportunity to review this book I accepted because I was so drawn to that story. I knew it would be difficult to read, but I wanted to hear Alissa's story. Well, I was correct-this is not an easy book to read. I cried most of the way through it. However, it is well written, touching, and full of faith and hope. Alissa did a very good job of telling the story with all it's ups and downs, and with its hard days and good days. I liked that she was very real in the book. There are darling pictures of Emilie throughout the book, and it just breaks your heart to recall the tragedy of her death. I think the real story in the book is how Alissa and her family were able to heal and find hope after Emilie's passing. I loved that she opening spoke of her faith, and how it may have even wavered, but in the end it brought her comfort and peace. I truly believe that we will see our loved ones again, and that hope helped Alissa through the difficult days. Hearing about the small miracles brought me to tears. Even though this is a heartbreaking story to read, I was glad I did. Alissa and her family are truly an inspiration.

Rating: PG-13+ (Although there isn't an profanity or "intimacy," she does talk about and describe how her daughter was killed during the school shooting.)

Recommendation: 16-17 years old and up. This may even be too much for some 16 year-olds.

The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia Story

by

Chip and Joanna Gaines

(with Mark Dagostino)

Blurb:

"Sometimes the messiest stuff and the biggest mistakes can take you someplace wonderful. With the help of their hit TV show, Fixer Upper, the husband and wife team of Chip and Joanna Gaines have transformed the seemingly everyday work of renovating homes and flipping houses in Waco, Texas, into something much more. With their fun personalities, good humor, strong love of family, and unique design style, they've managed to capture the hearts of Americans from all walks of life. It all happened so quickly, their ever-multiplying fan base has been left to wonder: Who are these people? Where did they come from What's the secret to their success? And should I pack up and move to Waco, too? From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together to the project that nearly cost them everything, The Magnolia Story offers a peak behind the curtain of who Chip and Joanna are today. This first book also includes stories and photos from the childhood memories that shaped them and the twists and turns that led them to the life they currently share: on the farm with their four kids and countless farm animals, and in their ever-expanding roles and entrepreneurs, designers, and good neighbors. It also answers (in hilarious detail) the one lingering question that fans of the show always ask: Is Chip really that funny? 'Oh yeah,' says Joanna.' He was, and still is, my first fixer upper.'"

My Review:

I have a confession to make. Yep, you guessed it. I'm an HGTV addict. I may watch a few too many shows on that channel. (When I'm not reading, of course!) Fixer Upper has always been one of my favorites. I think that Chip and Joanna seem so sincere, and you can feel the love they have for each other and their children just radiating through the tv waves. When I saw this book at the library I grabbed it. And now it's four days late, so I better review it and get it back to the library quick! I really enjoyed this book! It is written from both Joanna and Chip's perspectives. There are two different fonts representing each of them, and it's easy to read. The voice they have is great. I love how much importance they put on their family, and the importance they put on their marriage. Their voices in this book are great. They say that individually they are good, but together they make each other stronger, and I love that! They didn't have perfect childhoods, and not everything has come easy to them, but they work very hard, and they dream big. They have some fun stories from their childhoods, and also from their marriage. The big houseboat surprise is hilarious. I liked that they made it clear that they are not perfect. They have disagreements, they have made a few poor business choices, and they each have areas they need to improve in, but they do their best, they forgive each other, and they always put family first. This book is well written, has a positive voice, and is inspirational. I love that they discuss how God has blessed them, and the miracles they've witnessed in their lives. 

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: 5th grade and up (My daughter is in 5th grade, and I'd be fine with her reading it. I don't really think she'd care to, but it is appropriate.)

Settle For More

Settle For More

by

Megyn Kelly

Blurb:

"In the three years since her show The Kelly File premiered on the Fox News Channel, Megyn Kelly has cemented her reputation as one of the most respected, hardest-hitting journalists in America. Tackling issues from both sides of the aisle, live on prime time five nights a week, Megyn has embraced difficult questions and pressed for real answers, redefining the face of news for her more than two million regular viewers. Now, in her debut book, Megyn goes behind the scenes of the stories and the storms that landed her in the anchor chair of the most successful news broadcast in cable news. Having grown up in a family whose values rejected the 'trophies for everyone' mentality, Megyn traces the experiences that shaped her professional ascent--from her father's sudden, tragic death while she was still in high school to the events that propelled her rise in journalism. Speaking candidly about her decision to 'settle for more'--a motto she credits as having dramatically transformed her life at home and at work--Megyn discusses how she abandoned a thriving legal career to follow her dream in the news business. Through her unique blend of hard work, humor, and authenticity, she has won fans across the political divide. Megyn also opens up about the controversy that made her, unwillingly, one of America's most-talked-about public figures, giving her side of Donald Trump's feud with her while sharing never-before-heard details about the first Republican debate and how she was able to persevere through the difficult aftermath. In addition, Megyn sheds light on the challenges she has faced as a professional woman and working mother, revealing her approach to issues of gender in the workplace, as well as how her success is rooted in the adage 'Be so good they can't ignore you.'"

My Review:

No matter what your political viewpoints are, no matter where you stand on the issues, and no matter your opinion about Fox News, you have to admit that Megyn Kelly is a strong woman. Her hard work ethic, determination, and attitude have worked to put her at the top of broadcast news. I saw her at the Republican debate when she asked Donald Trump the infamous question that resulted in their feud, and I was curious to know more about that whole situation. I hoped her book would shed some light on the subject. I had also heard about Roger Ailes and the women reporting that he had sexually harassed them, and I hoped to learn more about that situation as well. So I picked this book up at the library. It was slow going at first. Learning about her childhood and youth years was interesting, and it always helps you learn more about the person, but it was definitely slow. I really don't know much about practicing law, so maybe that's why, but I though those years in her book were also a bit slow. However, I was very impressed with her courage. Making the decision to leave a high powered and high pay job to go do something completely different with a lot less money would be a difficult decision. If the job is killing you though, maybe it's an easy decision? I thought the book got much more compelling once she got to the last few years. The "Year of Trump," as she calls it, sounds awful. It kind of scared me, actually, that someone running for president of the United States could use his resources (and supporters-real people) to wage such a bitter vendetta against a reporter. Yes, she asked a difficult question, but really?? That much?? The section about Aires was also crazy. Seriously, I had no idea that situations like that still went on in this country. Thankfully, I've never encountered anything like that. Megyn's writing style is easy to read (unless she's discussing the specifics of law, which seem like a foreign language...), it flows well, and is well written. I like the message of her book; it's empowering. The title message comes from a Dr. Phil quote: "The only difference between you and someone you envy is, you settled for less." So go out there and don't settle, work until you get what you want! Her message also includes taking responsibility for your own product, actions, results, etc. The blame game is not productive. Another part of the message that I liked was that instead of worrying about things you can't control (finding a boyfriend, getting a raise, the way other people think about you, etc.), "Put all of [that] energy back into yourself." In other words, don't worry about it or stress about it-just do the best you can do. Be the best you, and things will work out. Overall, I liked the book. She does highlight a lot of her successes, making it seem like she's bragging a bit, but she also does talk about her failures. And, if you've gotten to where she's gotten in life, and you've worked that hard to get there, then I think you deserve a small right to brag. :)

Rating: R (There's quite a bit of profanity, including several "f" words. She doesn't say them, but she's quoting others who do. There isn't any "intimacy," and there isn't any real violence, besides discussing stalkers and such. There are many adult themes as well.)

Recommendation: Adult

Rise

Rise

How a House Built a Family

by

Cara Brookins

Blurb (taken from amazon.com):

If you were inspired by Wild and Eat, Pray, Love, you’ll love this extraordinary true story of a woman taking the greatest risk of her life in order to heal from the unthinkable.

After escaping an abusive marriage, Cara Brookins had four children to provide for and no one to turn to but herself. In desperate need of a home but without the means to buy one, she did something incredible.

Equipped only with YouTube instructional videos, a small bank loan and a mile-wide stubborn streak, Cara built her own house from the foundation up with a work crew made up of her four children.

It would be the hardest thing she had ever done. With no experience nailing together anything bigger than a bookshelf, she and her kids poured concrete, framed the walls and laid bricks for their two story, five bedroom house. She had convinced herself that if they could build a house, they could rebuild their broken family.

This must-read memoir traces one family’s rise from battered victims to stronger, better versions of themselves, all through one extraordinary do-it-yourself project.

My Review:

Wow. Just wow. I can barely use a drill to hang a picture on the wall, let alone build a whole house! Cara's story is filled with heartbreak, fear, anger, heart, hard work, inspiration, and achievement. She has dealt with many hardships in her life, including domestic violence, and building a house was a way to bring herself and her children out of fear and paranoia and into strength and hope. The book is well written. It switches off between Rise chapters and Fall chapters, which describe their current situation of rising above the abuse and their past of dealing with domestic violence and abuse. It seems a little choppy at first, but soon finds a rhythm and seems to transition much more smoothly. Cara's writing style is easy to read and understand, and definitely catches your attention. I like her voice in this book. Her optimism is contagious, and helps to put things in perspective. Learning about her ex-husbands and the situations she was in was heartbreaking. I have to admit that her ex-husbands scared me, and I'm safe in my own home far away. There was one thing in the book that I didn't quite understand, and that was the whole Benjamin/Caroline aspect of it. Cara would meditate and would apparently see either Caroline or Benjamin during her meditation. I'm still not sure why they got those names, or why she saw them, but I thought that they almost distracted from the story. I would have loved to have seen pictures of the different stages of the build. I read an advanced reader's copy, and it did not have pictures except the back cover picture, and I think more pictures would be great. The published copy now for sale may have photos in it. If not, Cara's website has many photos that you may look at:  https://carabrookins.com/portfolio/ . This book is very inspiring! If they can build a house, then I can do____________(fill in the blank)! If they can overcome domestic violence and abuse then I can____________ (fill in the blank)! I love how building the house helped each of them individually and collectively. I wouldn't recommend doing what they did, but it definitely goes to show you that working together as a family and relying on each other will bring you together and make you stronger. 

There is some mild profanity in this book, but not a lot. There isn't any "intimacy." There are, however, some scary scenes. Most of them deal with domestic violence and physical abuse and situations dealing with those. There is a suicide mentioned and a murder also mentioned. Overall, the good definitely outweighs the bad in this book! I highly recommend it.

Rating: R (This book is not appropriate for younger readers-there is some mild profanity and domestic violence/abusive situations. A suicide and a murder are also mentioned.)

Recommendation: Adult

Viking Age: Everyday Life

Viking Age: Everyday Life

During the Extraordinary Era of the Norsemen

by

Kirsten Wolf

Blurb:

"The Viking age comes alive in this vivid, abundantly illustrated exploration of its people and their world. What kinds of houses did the Scandinavians live in? Were they literate? What kinds of clothing did they wear? How did they view death? Filled with a wealth of information on every aspect of the Viking age, this fascinating and informative book answers these questions and many more. You'll explore all aspects of line, including marriage, settlement conditions, crafts and industries, language, health and medicine, food and drink, boatbuilding, politics, warfare, and sports."

My Review:

This is the third in the Everyday Life series that I have read. I've read Ancient Egypt and The Middle Ages, and this, surprisingly, has been my favorite! It's crazy because I thought I'd like the Egypt one the best. Learning about the Vikings has never particularly interested me, but this book did a great job of explaining everything and making it interesting. One of the reasons I didn't love the other books as much as I thought I would was because the writing was very technical and difficult to read. It took me forever to read them! This book was actually written very well. It brought the Vikings to life, and even though the writing was still a bit technical, it was understandable! I thought it flowed well, was fairly easy to read and understand, and it did a good job of explaining everything in a way that readers could enjoy. There are many pictures and illustrations, and I found it so fun to look at and study them. I liked learning about their coins, jewelry, homes, and their raids. I hate to say it, but "How To Train Your Dragon" is about as much as I did know about the Vikings before reading this book. Now though, I feel totally educated! Ms. Wolf did a great job with this book! 

Rating: PG+ (There isn't any profanity in this book. There is talk of marriage and the things that go with it-not too detailed, but it is discussed. There is a little bit of violence when they discuss raids and warfare and such, but once again, it's not too graphic.)

Recommendation: 12 or 13 years-old and up (The language may be too difficult for some of the 12 and 13 year-olds, and younger children most likely won't be interested anyway.)

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts

by

Gilbert Ohanian

Blurb:

"Is there a bully in your life that you don't know how to deal with? I had one too. It prompted me to write 'Chestnuts: A True Story About Being Bullied,' a book outlining practical strategies for defending against bullies and resolving the conflict and aggression that often plagues victims of bullying. Inside these pages, I will take you through my own harrowing journey with bullies--from boarding school beat-ups, to violent attacks from crazed skinheads on the streets of London, to bullies in a public school of America. In each chapter a reflection of my personal story will show you what I did wrong, and how you can actually defend yourself in this modern day and age."

My Review:

Bullying is something that, as a teacher, I do not put up with. As a mom, I don't put up with it. There's definitely a zero tolerance policy on bullying in my house. However, a couple of my kids have been bullied at school. My children have been physically harmed, and they have been verbally and emotionally bullied as well. Our school does have a zero bullying policy, but it's not always easy to see happening when it's verbal or emotional. When I have brought it up with principals and teachers they have taken it seriously and it has stopped. It's not as easy when the kids are in junior high, so it's been more difficult to take care of there. Anyway, I'm telling you this to let you know that I am no stranger to bullying. I think it is a topic that needs to be discussed continually with children at home and at school. This is a very important subject, and so I was glad to hear from Mr. Ohanian about reviewing his book. His story is tragic. It broke my heart to read about everything he went through during his childhood. There were definitely things that his school leaders could have done differently to help him, and there were things that he also could have done differently, but looking back doesn't change anything. What happened, happened. I'm glad that he was brave enough to speak out and tell his story. It's important for people to read about and understand the dynamics of bullying. There are some good aspects to this book. Speaking out against bullying is always important and beneficial. He gives some good ideas on how to deal with bullies, and he writes about the things he could have handled differently. Those are all good things. Reading about his story will definitely help others to speak out against bullying. Unfortunately, this book needs to be edited. A lot. It's written from the heart, but he discusses several situations that are not relevant to the story at all. Also, it may be written from the heart, but there are many grammatical errors and portions of the book that do not flow well or transition well. One other thing that bothered me was that he is not a psychologist or doctor. I understand that he lived through these situations, but I wasn't sure if the advice he gives in the book is just his philosophy or if it's sound advice from bullying experts. Does that make sense? He does cite many articles in this book, so I know that he did research into best practices. I hesitate to state these things because he has endured a lot of criticism in his life, and I don't want to add to that. It is a very sad story, and I feel terrible that he had to endure such hardships in his life. I think this book has a lot of potential, and I hope that he will find a great editor and publish a second edition.  

Rating: PG+ (There is no profanity or "intimacy," except for maybe a brief kiss. There is a lot of violence in this book. He is beaten-up, harassed, and bullied. Some of the stories are difficult to read because of how harsh they are.)

Recommendation: 13 years-old and up (YA)

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The One World Schoolhouse: Education Reimagined

The One World Schoolhouse: Education Reimagined 

by Salman Khan

Blurb:

"A free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere: this is the goal of the Khan Academy, a passion project that grew from an ex-engineer and hedge funder's online tutoring sessions with his niece, who was struggling with algebra, into a worldwide phenomenon. Today millions of students, parents, and teachers use the Khan Academy's free videos and software, which have expanded to encompass nearly every conceivable subject; and Academy techniques are being employed with exciting results in a growing number of classrooms around the globe. In The One World Schoolhouse, Khan presents his radical vision for the future of education, as well as his own remarkable story, for the first time. With a shrewd reading of history, Khan explains how the crisis in contemporary education emerged, and why a return to "mastery learning," abandoned in the twentieth century and ingeniously revived by tools like the Khan Academy, could offer the best opportunity to level the playing field, and to give all of our children a world-class education now. More than just a solution, The One World Schoolhouse serves as a call for free, universal, global education, and an explanation of how Khan's simple yet revolutionary thinking can help achieve this inspiring goal."

My Review:

As an educator, finding ways to improve education is important to me. I have utilized Khan's math videos over the years as I have tried to help my junior high kids with their math. Over the summer I was the mean mom who had all four of her children doing homework every day. Yep, even the junior high kids. And this year instead of buying workbooks or printing my own worksheets each day, I had my kids do the Khan Academy math. It was awesome! They thought it was their favorite program out of all the ones I've tried (I've tried a lot). I loved that there are videos and tips for when the kids get stuck.

Anyway, slight tangent....the book! I have always been impressed with Khan Academy, and was really excited to read Mr. Khan's book. Wow. After reading this book I have hope for some great things in education, especially math education. Although I can't say that I agree with everything Mr. Khan presented in this book, he sure does have a way of getting the reader excited about education. He has some great ideas. This book flows so well. He does a very good job of presenting his ideas in a non-boring way (at least that's what I thought). My favorite part about his philosophy is that the kids learn the math material and watch the videos at home the night before and then get the chance during class to do the homework, ask questions, and truly understand the material. This just makes so much more sense to me. I'm dealing with this right now in my house. I have ninth and eighth grade boys, and they bring home difficult math homework. My husband is super smart in math and science. He has two bachelor degrees and two masters degrees, and all of them have something to do with math or science. So usually if my boys have math homework I send them to my husband. Even though he is super smart, they will sometimes be up until 11:00 or later because it's tough and my husband has to relearn it. Even if he remembers it, they are probably teaching it in a new way now, and he'll need to learn how to do it the new way. Switching the process around like Mr. Khan wants to do is brilliant. It eliminates the need to stress parents and kids out by allowing the teacher to help with the homework. The only problem I have is with the early readers. I still think the current model is best because there are more things involved with reading, but who knows, maybe I'd be surprised. I enjoyed reading about how Khan Academy is implementing its philosophy in whole schools, and the successes they've had there. If you like to learn about education and want to hear Mr. Khan's philosophy, this book is for you! I'm definitely recommending it to all my teacher-friends!

Rating: G (It's clean)

Recommendation: High School and up. I don't know if high school kids would even be interested in this, but it could be a good basis for a research project or something. I think adults will definitely enjoy it more.

[Book Review] I'm Possible by Jeff Griffin

I'm Possible 

by 

Jeff Griffin

Blurb: 

"The sun's rays filtered in from the partially opened shades of the plane. They lit up the world in front of me and warmed my soul, knowing I was almost to my destination. The beautiful golden light replaced the grey and hazy cobwebs from my eyes, revealing the most spectacular scene I had ever seen in my entire life. I looked out the small seven-inch window and witnessed something that I'll never forget! I beheld something in this magnificent world that the majority of people never get to see. I was looking out at Mount Everest, the world's highest peak! I was at the tail end of a three-flight journey with two layovers in between, nearly logging twenty-four hours of flight time. I hadn't gotten any real sleep in the last thirty-six hours. My bloodshot eyes were heavy, my mind was slow and sluggish, and my body was even slower in response. How did I get here? I thought to myself. Am I d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g? As Lao and Confucius once said, "A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step." My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It's about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It's not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way. Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don't you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don't be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time!"

My Review:

Wow. What a story! The story of Jeff Griffin from his accident to his lengthy recovery, and to his life since, is pure inspiration! He has overcome more obstacles in his lifetime than many people even dream of, and yet he still has a positive attitude. I can't even imagine. Truly, it's remarkable. Reading about Jeff's accident was so scary. I kept picturing his fall. Over and over. I couldn't read the hospital parts where he was describing the different surgeries and procedures; I skipped those because I didn't want to pass out on my couch. Ouch! Even during those difficult days in the hospital he tried to find the positives in the situation, and that would be so hard to do! I like that he not only points out the things he did right, but he also shows that he isn't perfect and that even he threw a little pity-party one day. I like the way the book is set up with mile markers as "chapters," and little bits of advice with goals you can set for yourself. Jeff has a good voice. It's easy to follow and understand, and he pulls you in with his humor and easy-going attitude. If you need a pick-me-up, this book is for you! It helps you put your problems into perspective, and give you a little push to do better and try harder.

The one thing I had a hard time with in this book was the grammar. There are many grammatical errors, and it was a bit distracting. Hopefully those will be fixed in following editions. It is clean, but there are discussions of adult issues like having children when you're paralyzed. It doesn't go into great detail, but be aware that it is there. There isn't any profanity or violence, but the scene of the accident is difficult to read. There is a Christian slant to the book, but it is not preachy and people of all faiths (or not faiths) will enjoy it.

The Following is an Interview With the Author Sent to Me by the Publicist

Author Bio-

Jeff Griffin is a wheelchair athlete who earned his Master’s degree in Education and knows how to win.  He played in the 2004 Athens Olympics, holds a Guinness Book of World Records, and is a four time NWBA All-Star MVP.  He enjoys mentoring youth, distributing wheelchairs, and providing Peer Training Materials through his humanitarian efforts with LDS Charities. He is passionate about progress.

1.) What inspired you to write I'Mpossible? –  My book is all about accomplishing the impossible and the journey we must take to fulfill our dreams.  When I got to college the professor had all 150 of his students write a paragraph on a certain topic and hand it in.  The next day he called six students' names in the classroom and had them go to back of the room.  They were told in semi-private terms that they needed to take a remedial class so they could get caught up.  I was one of those six! I didn’t know it at the time but it was the best thing that could have happened to me.  I learned the basics of writing. I had a personal experience with a professor that cared about what I had inside my mind and heart.  He was someone who wanted me to learn how to express and share my own ideas and stories.  He taught me that the impossible was possible.  He helped plant a seed of hope in the field of stories.  I now love to lounge around in the world of words! This class and professor helped liberate me from the chains of doubt and discouragement.   In return I hope to inspire millions to take their own first step towards their own dreams and desires with my personal story from trying to tragedy to triumph.  My joy and happiness comes from helping others break free and see there is more to life than what we see!   

2.) What is the main message of your book?  The main message of I’mPossible is that we are all faced with a mountain of trials and more often than not, we listen to those around us and think that our personal trials are too big or too tough to overcome. That is just not true. In the introduction of the book I write, “I understand that more than likely you don't have the same problem as me but I believe we all have a handicap or a Mt. Everest to climb in some area of our lives. Nobody is perfect, no matter how much you want to believe it!  Your handicap could be a mental disability that pains you beyond comprehension.  It could be something that we have been suffering for days, months, and or even years. It could be a social handicap that paralyzes us when we're out in public or inside our private walls. It could be a physical handicap like my own where others can instantly see what our problem is without being able to hide it. Unlike other disabilities that are more personal which can be kept from others and hidden for a very long time. Your Mt. Everest could even be a spiritual handicap that we refuse to acknowledge. Or perhaps it could be something we have been struggling with for a very long time and we are having a very hard time overcoming it. Whatever your individual handicap is, it can be conquered! These disabilities can be either debilitating or liberating. They can hold us back or lift us up. They can remain our weakness or they can become our strengths.   I hope by sharing my story of big dreams, grave disappointments, and euphoric triumphs it can help in some small way to lift you closer to the light that lifts.  With each passing mile marker along the journey we can learn from our experiences or be lost for them.  I have found peace in the pain and joy in the journey.  I hope you can find some too, as you embark on your own journey within the pages of this book.  Remember; there are no excuses when it comes to success!  You'repossible!” 

3.) How can your message help other people?   I understand that my message will not resonate with everyone, but I do know from experience that when I see or read about someone else who overcomes great odds or challenges it gives me hope.  I’m motivated to be better, to do more, and to give more.  It shows me that if someone else can do hard things then I too can overcome hard and impossible things.  Not only that, but that life can be cherished and enjoyed even with hardships and heartache.  My message is a raw exposure to my heart and soul.

4.) What makes your book different than other motivational books? – I tried to make my book a little different by not only telling a heroic story but also giving some obvious and not so obvious clues on how to climb and overcome your own challenge of life.  Whether it is physical, mental, social, or intellectual I believe there is a way to accomplish the impossible.  There are guide posts instead of chapters and there is an invitation for every reader to think about certain areas of his or her life, and other places to take action with those thoughts.  The invitations are not overwhelming and may seem too simple, but if followed, they will change your life.  I tried to make it clear and simple but powerful! 

Rating: PG+ (Graphic accident scene and discussions of having children while paralyzed)

Age Recommendation: 12 and up

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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*This post was originally posted on 5/5/16, and was updated on 1/10/18.

10 Amazing World War II Stories

Today I thought I'd switch things up a bit!

(I know, it's unlike me...spring fever maybe??)

My 10 Favorite World War II Stories

(Nonfiction and Fiction)

(In no particular order...Click on the Picture to Read My Review)

1. All The Light We Cannot See

by

Anthony Doerr

2. The Boys in the Boat

by

Daniel James Brown

3.  The Monuments Men

by

Robert M. Edsel

(Ok, this may not have been my favorite book, but the story of what these men did was amazing.) 

4. The Book Thief

by

Markus Zusak

5.  Unbroken

by

Laura Hillenbrand

6.  A Woman's Place

by

Lynn Austin

7.  The Diary of Anne Frank

by

Anne Frank

(I have read this book several times, but not since I started my blog -gasp!- so I don't have a review....I'll need to get on that!)

8.  The Hiding Place

by

Corrie Ten Boom

9.  Man's Search For Meaning

by

Viktor E. Frankl

(I have also read and loved this book, but I have not reviewed it....yet!)

10. When The Emperor Was Divine

by

Julie Otsuka

(I didn't love this book, but it was VERY eye-opening.)

And Bonus!

11.  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

by

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Each of these books highlights a different aspect of World War II. Some of them are fiction and some of them are nonfiction, but whether it is true or not, each brings a different piece of the war to light. There are people in internment camps, people trying to hide Jews in their homes, and a Japanese-American family inside an internment camp here in the United States. There is a story about what the women in the United States did at home during the war and how they helped the efforts, and there's a story of how the war affected a little girl and her family in Germany. I have laughed, cried, gotten angry, and learned so much from these books. I hope they touch you as they have touched me. 

Do you have any other favorite WWII books? Comment below, I'd love to read them!