Book Review: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Title: Born to Run
Author: Christopher McDougall
Series: None
Publisher: Knopf
Released: May 5, 2009
Website: http://www.chrismcdougall.com/


Book Summary:

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.
Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a fifty-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder.
With a sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultrarunners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons. Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.

I am not a runner. I would never have picked up this book on my own but it was this month's book club book. It delves into the world of barefoot and long distance racing. I found it fascinating. I've always hated to wear shoes and go barefoot whenever I can and I now feel justified.

Written like a memoir it was often hard to distinguish fact from opinion. I still found the world of these ultra runners to be intriguing.

The life of the Tarahumara is unlike anything I've heard of before. And ultrarunning...I'd heard of Iron Man races before but 100 miles in the desert? I actually googled the people and events chronicled in this book to learn more.

 How would you like to run 100 miles in these shoes?

You'll never convince me to run 100 mile race in the desert or even a marathon but you might just find me at the park running barefoot one day soon. At least I'm considering it after reading this book.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Language including the F word

Source: Library

Book Review: The Story of Jesus by Eliza R. Snow

Title: The Story of Jesus
Author: Eliza R. Snow
Preface by: Kathleen Barlow
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: October 8, 2011
Website: http://storyofjesusbook.com/



Book Summary:

From Christ's birth and ministry to His Crucifixion and appearance to the Nephites, Eliza F. Snow, second Relief Society president of the LDS Church lovingly illuminates the Savior's life and teachings in her book The Story of Jesus.

Easy to read and beautifully designed, this special reprinting is made with both children and adults in mind to help all ages better understand and appreciate the basic truths that testify that Christ is our Savior and the Son of God.

This wonderful story is told by Eliza R. Snow as if she were talking directly to young children. The story connects Christ's life as told in the Bible with His visit to the Nephites after His Resurrection, as told in the Book of Mormon.

Connecting the lessons of Christ as a complete story adds power to the Savior's ministry, as well as displaying the knowledge and understanding that Eliza R. Snow had of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The text from this book was originally printed in 1867 by Eliza R. Snow. Originally title The History of Jesus this book was released a chapter at a time in the publication Juvenile Instructor.

There are 18 chapters in the book each of which is only about 5 pages long. Beautiful photographs accompany the text of each chapter. The text reminds me of a story a grandmother or mother would tell their child as a bedtime story.

Imagine trying to tell the story of Jesus' life in a story 100 pages. This book just nicks the surface of the stories told in the Bible and Book of Mormon but provides a good overview of His life.

The Story of Jesus could be used as a Sunday evening bedtime story for those wishing to teach their children more about the life of Jesus Christ.  It brought to my mind the song Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.

Content: Obviously Clean

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review & Giveaway: 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again by Mignon Fogarty

Millions of people around the world communicate better thanks to Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, whose top-rated weekly grammar podcast has been downloaded more than 30 million times. After realizing her fans were asking the same questions over and over, Mignon decided to focus her attention on those words that continuously confound the masses. You’ll learn:
When you should use affect and when effect is right
Whether you should you say purposely or purposefully
What the difference is between hilarious and hysterical

Packed with clear explanations, fun quotations showing the word used in context, and the quick and dirty memory tricks Mignon is known for, this friendly reference guide ends the confusion once and for all and helps you speak and write with confidence.

This book made me realize there is a lot I think I know but actually do not know. I regularly misuse many of the words featured in this book. Reign verses rein, explicit verses implicit, farther verses further, infer verses imply, fewer verses less - Each set of words in this book is explained and has an example on how to properly use the word.  Many have a quote from a popular TV show, movie, book or famous person such as Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind saying:

No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. 

This would make a great reference book for a writer, student or teacher.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source: From publisher for Review

My teenage son has my review copy on his bookshelf but thanks to MacMillian I have an extra copy for giveaway.

Giveaway Details:
1 copy of Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Word You'll Never Confuse Again
Open to US only.
Ends 10/3/11
To Enter just leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you if you win.

Book Review: Wellness on a Shoestring by Michelle Robin

Whatever your financial resources the power to improve your health is within you. It's in every choice you make, in every moment. Michelle Robin shows you how to harness your inner voice as you practice seven essential habits for complete well-being. Read stories from real people, at all income levels, who've adopted these practices—using little money—and seen their health dramatically improve. Better yet, follow the tips at the end of each chapter to create a lifestyle that leads to a phenomenal experience of body, mind and spirit.

Dr. Michelle Robin is chief wellness officer and founder of Your Wellness Connection, one of the nation's most successful healing centers, focusing on integrative healing disciplines such as chiropractic, Chinese medicine, massage therapy, functional medicine, counseling, nutrition and wellness coaching, and movement arts.

This was a well done book. I didn't come across anything "new" in this book but surprisingly I did agree with everything the author suggested. Nothing really controversial in this book unless you think all alternative health providers are quacks.
The ideas were simple and things most everyone could easily do to improve their health: get more sleep, drink more water, exercise, eat more greens, etc. If you a looking for a book that won't overwhelm you but will get you on the right track to living a more healthy life this is a good place to start.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Welness on a Shoestring was released May 31, 2010 by Unity House Books

Book Review: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel by Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons

Each day, parents and Church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using real-life stories and a touch of humor, this inspiring book guides you to teach effectively, overcome communication barriers, and build strong relationships with people of all ages with disabilities. Discover each person's ability to learn and grow as you help them feel like a valuable part of your life.

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a great book. I highly recommend it to anyone who has or works with a specials needs child or adult. This book is full of ideas for both parents and teachers.

There is a wide range of information included in this book. With everything from teaching strategies to surviving church meetings to surviving holidays and family get togethers this is a valuable resource for all. The advice is practical and I found myself thinking what a great idea more than once.

The number of children with autism, ADD, learning disorders and mental health issue is on the rise making this a book that will be helpful for meeting the challenges that come with teaching and raising these special spirits.

Rating: 5 Star

Source: From Author as part of a blog tour

Content: Clean & Uplifting

Book Review: How to Be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

How to Be God's Little Princess: Royal Tips for Manners, Etiquette, and True Beauty by Sheila Walsh:

A fun guide book for God's little princesses.


What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book-how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

What a cute book!  The idea of manners and etiquette seems to be lost in today's world.  This book is aimed at about 8-11 year olds and is filled with a wide variety of information.  With everything from Internet Safety to planning a party, from meal time etiquette to being a good friend, from modesty to using time wisely...  There is a little bit of everything found within the pages of this book.

There are fun illustrations and quizzes that teach valuable lessons.  This is a book that is sure to be a hit with tween age girls.  Obviously you can tell by the title that this book is aimed at a Christian audience.  There are scriptures on the first page of each chapter with the overall message being:

"You are God's beautiful, incredible princess - a crowning jewel in His kingdom"

My review copy of this book will definitely be finding its way into my daughter's Easter Basket.



Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: For Review as part of a blog tour

Book Review: God So Loved the World by Eric D. Huntsman

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter," taught President Gordon B. Hinckley. "The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."


With this deeper understanding given by a modern prophet, Latter-day Saints have an increased opportunity during the period from Palm Sunday to Easter morning to reflect upon the last days of our Lord's earthly ministry.


In God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior's Life, author Eric D. Huntsman takes us on a scriptural journey through the last week of our Savior's mortal life, culminating in His atoning sacrifice and joyous resurrection. The author, by drawing on his wide knowledge of historical context, cultural background, and biblical insights, increases our understanding of these momentous events and helps us draw closer to the Savior. Full-color fine-art paintings, photographs, maps, music, and topics for personal reflection are included to enhance our commemoration of Easter week.


Brother Huntsman writes, "Each year has its rhythms with the passage of summer to fall, winter, and at last, again, spring. Holidays are part of that rhythm, helping us remember realities greater than mere seasons, and Easter, together with Christmas, can anchor each year securely in the promises of Jesus Christ."


This beautiful volume suggests meaningful ways for Latter-day Saints to refocus their Easter celebrations on the culminating events of the Savior's ministry. Whether used as a personal or family study guide or as a model for a devotional celebration of Easter week, God So Loved the World is a must-have addition to the library of every Latter-day Saint.


Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgments
Rediscovering Easter
Palm Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday
Easter Sunday
Choosing Easter
Appendix: The Gospels as Sources, a Chronology, and Symbolism
Jesus in the Four Gospels
Jesus during His Last Week
Jesus as the Anointed One
Notes
Sources
Index


Last year the week before Easter I read a book called A Christ-Centered Easter. It gave activities to do with your kids each day of the week leading up to Easter to help bring the focus of Easter back to Christ.

God So Loved the World is a book along the sames lines only it is much more in depth. It takes a detailed look at the life of Christ the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Centered around the accounts of Christ's life from the Gospels it is filled with pictures, quotes, songs, and scriptures to help us understand what transpired during the Christ's final week.

This is a beautiful book I would recommend to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Holy Week that culminates on Easter morning.  There is much out there about putting Christ back in to Christmas.  This book helps bring the focus of Easter back to where it should be... on Christ's atonement, death and Resurrection.



Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher

Blog Tour: Book Review: Fifo "50 States" by Haley Rose

Fifo's been bitten by the travel bug! Digging up diamonds in Arkansas, looking for fossils in Kansas, enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo in Louisiana, and even seeing a Broadway show in New York. America is an exiting place! In Fifo's second book, told in rhyme, Fifo dreams about visiting all 50 states. A colorful reference-like book, Fifo discovers the wonders each state has to offer. He learns along the way each state s capital, shape, flag, motto, and much, much more. The possibilities are endless! So, come along with Fifo and you'll soon discover the beauty of America one state to another.

Fifo "50 States" would be a great addition to a classroom or homeschool geography unit about the 50 states.  It's a short book told in rhyme that is easy to read.  Each page features one of the states.  Pictures depict some of the highlights of the state as well as showing the state flag.  The rhyming text includes the state Capitol, bird, tree and more. 

I read this straight through but think it would be more beneficial taken a few states at a time while studying those states.  There is a lot of information packed into these pages.



Source: From Author for Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Book Review: Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? by Sabbithry Persad

Follow Bubbles and the recycling truck … to the MURF. The Materials Recovery Facility! Find out how papers, plastics, metals and glass are collected, sorted and baled to be made into new products.

From the founder of Green Solutions Magazine comes the cheery series with kids who investigate waste and clean up their community. In "Where Do Recyclable Materials Go?," Tiana learns about recycling while she and her family searches for their dog Bubbles who had chased after the recycle truck. On their adventure, they explore the MURF—the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) where they see how recyclable materials are sorted and baled for manufacturing. Based on facts about the process of recycling in industrial countries, this book helps children understand the importance of recycling to save natural resources and much more.

In "Where Do Recyclables Materials Go?," you will learn:

- how recyclable materials are collected
- how recyclable materials are diverted from landfills
- how recycling saves resources, energy and money
- how to identify solutions for waste disposal through practical exercises
- how to take action through hands-on activities

Colorful illustrations and diagrams complement the story of Tiana, Peter and Bubbles (their dog).

This book reminded me of the old Magic School Bus books in the way it was written and the illustrations. 

The family in this book is trying to find their dog who has followed the Recycling truck.  In the process of looking for their dog they learn about what can be recycled and where materials go after they are collected.  The take a tour of a recycling center and learn how materials are sorted and what they are used for.  This is an educational book and I learned a few things I didn't know.  Too bad we don't have a local Recycling Center, I'm sure it would make a fun field trip for kids.

http://garbologykids.com/

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Book Review: Once Upon A Surrogate by Jill Hancock Reeder

Have you ever wondered what is like to be a surrogate mom? Jill Hancock Reeder describes what it is like to be a “helper”- a stork if you will in children’s terms. Jill has been a surrogate before. She knows what it is like. Illustrations for the book are created by none other than her own children! It is simply beautiful!
If you or your children have ever wondered what is like to be a surrogate, I would highly recommend this book. You can catch a small glimpse of what it is like to be an incubator to someone who can’t have any children of their own. You can teach your children there is more than one way to have children.
And if you yourself are struggling to have children perhaps surrogacy might be the answer for you!

First off I'm in awe of anyone who is willing to be a surrogate mother.  I've had 5 children and being pregnant is no picnic in the park. Delivering those babies was an amazing experience but not one I would long to repeat.  Author Jill Hancock Reeder has been a surrogate 3 times, one of those times was for twins.  What a selfless act of service to carry a child for someone who can't have one.

Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helper was illustrated by Jill's daughters.  This book explains what a surrogate is and how the process works.  Comparing herself to a "stork" who delivers a baby to those who want one, this book provides a way to discuss surrogacy with young children.  Obviously this is a book for a very targeted audience but one that would be perfect for the children of a surrogate or to give to their friends and others who have questions about surrogacy.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition by David Borgenicht

Leave it to the authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series to serve up a hilarious and totally "gross" handbook that will guide kids through all things slippery, slimy, and stinky. Find out how to survive boogers, bloody noses, barfing emergencies, and more. The tips in this book will have kids laughing out loud, while gearing them up to tackle all that's utterly disgusting in life, Worst-Case Scenario-style.

This book is educational, funny and down right disgusting. I gagged several times while reading it. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition has information on just about every disgusting thing imaginable: boogers, vomit, spit, dog poop, lice, roaches, pimples, warts... the list goes on and on.

I learned a few interesting things like how to easily disinfect a toilet plunger, tricks for getting rid of warts, and which stall to use in a public bathroom.

Aimed at middle grade boys this book is sure to be a hit with them. Now that I'm done reading it I'll be turning my copy over to my 9 year old son, it's right up his alley. I think I'll check out a couple of the other Worst-Case Scenario Handbooks.

Content: Too disgusting to be rated clean, ages 8+

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Won in a giveaway

Book Review: The Peanuts Collection by Nat Gertler

This fully authorized, one-of-a-kind illustrated book celebrates the 60th anniversary of the world's most beloved comic strip characters. A compendium of rare materials from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and family archives, The Peanuts Collection comes in a sturdy slipcase and features high-quality reproductions of original sketches, comics, and photographs from the world of Peanuts. Removable film cels, stickers, and booklets are included, as well as reproduction prints of Peanuts artwork ready for framing. Written by Peanuts aficionado Nat Gertler, with quotes from Schulz family members and a foreword by daughter Amy Schulz Johnson, the text offers insight into the making of the comic strip and its impact beyond the realms of newspapers and books to film, television, and popular culture. The Peanuts Collection is a must-own keepsake for anyone who loves Snoopy and the gang.


The first Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts cartoon ran sixty years ago; October 2nd, 1950, to be exact. Since then, Peanuts fans have been savoring every tidbit of Charlie Brown and Lucy wisdom and memorabilia. The truly unique collection features high-quality reproductions of Peanuts items that even diehard aficionados have never seen: sketches, comics, and photographs; removable features including film cells, stickers, and artwork suitable for framing. For Peanuts fans, this oversized, slip-cased hardcover is the gift of the season.

This has to be one of the neatest books I've ever looked though.  It's filled with so many removable features including stickers, letters, reprints, song book, cook book, trading cards, etc. 

This book is a must have for anyone who is a lover of Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strip. There is so much detail put into this book, it's filled with information on the comic strip, its characters and the author Charles Schulz. A very well done, high quality book.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: Ansel Adams in the National Parks

With more than two hundred images, some of them previously unpublished, Ansel Adams in The National Parks will contain revelations even for longtime enthusiasts of this seminal nature photographer. Adams' classic pictures of Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park are here, but there are also photos of the dozens of other national parks that he visited during his many decades as a photographer. (He visited his first national park in 1916; he died in 1984.) A major book by America's favorite nature cameraman.

With more than two hundred photographs - many rarely seen and some never before published - this is the most comprehensive collection of Ansel Adams' photographs of America's national parks and wilderness areas. For many people, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and other iconic American wildlands exist in the mind's eye as Ansel Adams photographs. The legendary photographer explored more than forty national parks in his lifetime, producing some of the most indelible images of the natural world ever made. One of the twentieth century's most ardent champions of the park and wilderness systems, Adams also helped preserve additional natural areas and protect existing ones through his photographs, essays, and letter-writing campaigns.

Edited and with commentary by Andrea G. Stillman, the foremost expert on Adams' work, this landmark publication includes quotations by Adams on the making of numerous photographs and essays by Wallace Stegner, William A. Turnage of The Ansel Adams Trust, and journalist and critic Richard B. Woodward. This is a must-own for Ansel Adams fans and all those who, like Adams, treasure America's wilderness.


Ansel Adams in the National Parks is such a cool book! Filled with over 200 black and white images taken in the National Parks this book is beautifully done. Included are pictures from over 40 National Parks & Monuments. The photographs brought back many memories from trips I have taken to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Mt. Rainier, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Carlsbad Caverns & Glacier National Park.

The photos include everything from close ups of nature to majestic mountain scenes, lakes, rivers, geysers and magnificent formations.

Although I'm usually a fan of color photos these black and white images are amazing. This book would make a great gift book. In fact I know exactly who I am giving it to for Christmas.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review