Monday, December 23, 2013

How Are You Mother Earth? Book Winner

It is a good thing I logged into my Email account to read my emails today as I was notified that I won another book yesterday in a giveaway! I love being a "winner" in any sense of the word. Being named winner of a book giveaway is terrific since I love to read, too.

Thank you to PetulaW.com for hosting the blog giveaway which afforded me the opportunity to win the book by author Gordon Hunter, How Are You, Mother Earth? We're Taking You To The Doctor!

But of course, I have now published my review of this book: Gordon Hunter Asks: How Are You Mother Earth?




Thursday, December 19, 2013

An ABC for Grownups in Review

I purchased V Is for Vulnerable: Life Outside the Comfort Zone back in November and shared this addition to my TBR Book List with you here on Ruthi Reads!

I have now published two full and rave reviews for Seth Godin's book and highly recommend you read them both. Of course, I rate this gem of a book five stars and suggest you get your hands on a copy for yourself, as well as for all of your creative friends.

 

Links to My Reviews of V is for Vulnerable



You can trust that I shall be reading and reciting Seth's ABCs in my future to enhance the work of my word and design artistry.

Author Seth Godin is the founder of the Squidoo writing community so I am linking this blog article up with HOP and SQUIDOO hosted by Marsha's Spot. Hope to see you in this Squidoo lensmaster blog hop too!

 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Dammit for Cynical Spirits Book Beginnings

I like to make good use of inspirational affirmations, Thus, every now and again I purchase myself one of those cute little books with words of wisdom to browse through during not-so-happy life moments.

Yes, dammit, those times do occasionally peek through like a rain cloud trying to ruin a day of sunshine. But that's ok, I vow to be happy anyway!


I discovered a gem of a book that achieves feeding the need for inspiration and tosses in a bit of much needed laughter too. And so it is that I share the book beginnings with you from the first page of How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness.

"THE IDEA FOR THIS BOOK: To create the first and only self-help book that merges Psychology, Biology, Eastern Philosophy, Western Philosophy, Quantum Physics, and the Zen of Bazooka Joe that's guaranteed to perk up even the most cynical spirit."

Still cynical?

Allow me to help you with that! Read my full review of the Dammit book as I Recharge Negative to Positive.

Read more about why I bought the book in my article on Negative Thinking on Positive Thinking Day.

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I am linking this blog article up with the Book Beginnings on Fridays blog hop, hosted by Rose City Reader. There you will find a listing of all bloggers who are sharing the beginning sentences of books.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Gracie The Undercover Beagle In Review

I first introduced you to Gracie by sharing the beginnings of this mystery book for kids right here on Ruthi Reads!

Yes! Gracie The Undercover Beagle and her sidekick Boston Blackie are now on display in rave review just a hop and Squidoo link away!

Read my five star review of Gracie, meet all the book's characters, and feast on a few takeaway comments from the author too - Right HERE! Of course, you can buy this Little Reader for a wee one while you are there reading the book review, too!


Linking this rave review up with HOP and SQUIDOO over at Marsha's Spot. You are invited to join us over there in the blog hop for more delightful surprises too!


Saturday, December 7, 2013

Tear Soup Grief Recipe Book for Adults and Kids

This past month grief has spilled over into my life. While some losses have touched me with brevity, a few occurrences of loss have been felt a little too close to home.

One friend and her family now grieve the loss of a loved one. It is Veronica who introduced me to the book I am now adding to my TBR Books List and I do plan to purchase myself a copy in the near future.

When I visited Amazon to take a "look inside" Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss, I knew immediately I would want to own this book of special recipes.

The book is written and illustrated in a child-like manner, which I always find soothing about a book, in and of itself. Maybe it's the kid in me or maybe the simplicity takes my mind back to a place where understanding was simpler, not befuddled by what I think I already know as an adult.

Have a look at Tear Soup yourself. You just might find you want a copy of it for your family library (or kitchen) too. And if you like poetry, stop by Hosking's Blog and read a bit of Veronica's poetry and prose.


Saturday, November 30, 2013

Book Giveaway Winner Beginnings

I really must start buying lottery tickets. If my winnings at book giveaways is any indication of my luck of the draw, I might win the lottery too. And then I could buy more books!

Thank you! to Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews for hosting the Guess the Desk giveaway. I am the Winner! I won, not one-but two, books from the desk of author Julie Kramer.

I will be sharing the first sentences of each of Kramer's books with you today, as my addition to the Book Beginnings on Fridays, a book blog hop hosted by Rose City Reader.


I had to wrangle Delivering Death from my housemate's hands as he had taken it from me right out of the delivery package. That title reeled him in! He says he is really enjoying the novel. Here are its beginnings...

"A guard checked a number against the ID bracelet on the man's wrist while marking his name off a clipboard as he stood in line."

And, I have to tell you, the next paragraph really reeled me in, so I will be waiting not-so-patiently for my turn at reading this Kramer novel.


Fortunately, I am just as thrilled with the second book title I received from Julie Kramer: Shunning Sarah, a novel of murder and an Amish community.

I have always been intrigued by Amish stories, in books and movies, as well, so this one grabbed me immediately. Sharing first from the book's Prologue...

"The missing face unnerved me. No eyes, nose, or mouth lent personality to the cloth doll clutched by the little Amish girl."

And the first few sentences from Chapter 1...

     "What do you smell, Bowser?"
     Josh Kueppers, wearing a neon orange stocking hat and carrying a shotgun, chased after his dog.
     "Maybe bear?"


Now, tell me, which of these novels from the desk of author Julie Kramer do you plan to purchase first?


Sunday, November 24, 2013

New Authors to Add to my Bookshelf

As though I do not have enough books to read, I am adding two newfound authors to my TBR Books List this week. I am sure it shan't be long before one of their books finds it way upon my bookshelf, especially since I THINK I know which of their books I shall read first.

I say think because in the case of both authors, all of their book titles on Amazon look to be great reads!


I ran across author Douglas Wood while looking for something appropriate to share in my Blessedness of Being a Thankful Soul article yesterday. Yes, I found a blessed offering for that blog post.

Here I share another of Wood's books that grabbed my eye. Be sure to take a closer look at Where the Sunrise Begins and other titles by the author to see how his words wind the pages in poetic prose. Each book is beautifully illustrated to capture and to hold the attention of its readers, too.


Early today, in reading a book review I was introduced to a new author whose books I cannot wait to read!

From Marina Lewycka, unfortunately, my first choice of titles is temporarily out of stock, but you can bet I am on the waiting list for Various Pets Alive & Dead.




Yes! Again I must say, I need more time to read!



Friday, November 22, 2013

Gracie the Undercover Beagle #BookBeginnings

No doubt about it, kids will fall in love with Gracie The Undercover Beagle and her Sidekick Boston Blackie as they team up to solve the mystery of the egg thief. This children's book is first in a series of four-legged stories for children by author Douglas Quinn.

My full review of Gracie has now been published, but for today I wish to share with you the first sentence or two of the book's beginnings.

"The moment the morning sun peeked over the eastern horizon, Red the Rooster started crowing. The hen house was right outside Gracie's bedroom window, and when Red began his morning ritual, Gracie did what she usually did."


Of course, I will be linking up with Book Beginnings on Fridays, a blog hop for book lovers to share a sentence or two of a book with you.

Have a good book to share? Blog its beginning and link your post up with Rose City Reader!


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Poetry by Chris Brockman is the Cure for Feeling Old

I could not be much more thrilled than I am at this moment in time, being able to share with you my latest book review. I have just published my rave review of I Used To Be Old by my author friend, Chris Brockman.

The book is a collection of Chris' poems relating to that getting-old feeling many of us, like myself, have begun falling victim to - yes, I have the aches and pains to show for it too!

Read my review, and a special picture poem on the page, too. Buy Brockman's book for your poetry reading pleasure and it is sure to be a cure for the aging blues!

Read Ruthi's Review of I Used To Be Old


Linking up with Marsha's HOP and SQUIDOO today since this book review is published on the Squidoo writing platform. If you are a blogger and a Squidoo writer, hop along with us!




Monday, November 18, 2013

Need More Time To Read

I really do need more time in my days for reading all of the books on my reading and review list.

That said, here I go again with the addition of two more books to my TBR Books List.

Dog lovers and their children are going to love the book, Gracie The Undercover Beagle and her Sidekick Boston Blackie--The Egg Thief, by Douglas Quinn.

Having a canine friend of my own, I am really looking forward to reading this one.

My copy of "Gracie" is already on its way to me, as I am reading this children's book for review. Be sure to stay tuned to Ruthi Reads! for the rave review.

 Sky Tinged Red: A Chronicle of Two and a Half Years in Auschwitz by Isaia Eiger.
The second book to be added to my to-be-read list today is

I heard about this book from my friend, Susan Budig, author of Unfurled Poetry.

 

Share a book title you have on your TBR list. What tips can you offer me in finding and making more time for reading my stack of books?


Friday, November 15, 2013

Now I Lay Me Down To Toss And Turn

Yes. I can expect that I shall lay my pretty head down on that pillow upon the bed to toss and turn throughout the night. I have pretty much suffered insomnia for most of my life.

As a child I slept very little. I never seemed to outgrow the habit formed in my youth of listening for the sounds of the night horrors of abuse with a stepfather coming in drunk when the bars closed.

Now, at night I have peace and quiet that I did not have in my younger years and I have my dog Tidbit to guard me through the darkness. Still I cannot sleep.

 

Night Owl they call it. Fear of the Who and the What, I think it must be.


These days I fear it must be worrying about tomorrows that may never come; worrying about things that I know shall occur. Then, too, there is the worrisome pain in my back, neck, and arm from injured spinal cord and nerve damage that allows me not to sleep.

I seem to be more creative in the late evening and on into the wee hours of the morn. So I read and I write and I create through the worry and the pain that bid me stay awake.

Insomnia Leads the Way to Master Your Sleep


Tonight I am led to share with you a few sentences from the beginning of the book, Master Your Sleep: Proven Methods Simplified, by Tracey I. Marks MD.
    

    "To secure your best night's sleep you must achieve success in the three following areas: falling asleep, staying asleep, and having that sleep be as restful as possible. Sleep and rest are not entirely the same, as many of the body's regulating and healing functions require sleep, not just rest. There are plenty of people who have no difficulty with the first two tasks, yet regularly awaken after several hours of sleep feeling as though they slept only a few hours.
     To understand these areas we need to..."


Do you have trouble getting a good night of sleep?



Book Beginnings


Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader. We share the first sentence, or a few, of the beginnings of books and link our blog post up with the host post. If you have a worthy read to share, hop along!


Monday, November 11, 2013

Sing the ABC Song Seth Godin Style

I am adding this book by Seth Godin to my TBR Books List so I can sing a new alphabet song.

V Is for Vulnerable: Life Outside the Comfort Zone will have me singing the ABCs of creativity!

I have already purchased Godin's book from Amazon and eagerly await its arrival. Of course, once read, I will publish a full book review on the Squidoo writing platform, as Seth Godin is the web site creator.



 

I create and publish on Squidoo and earn money for myself and for charity by doing so and you can too. Get started now by using my referral link! A full listing of my articles can be found right here.

 

Have you read any of Seth Godin's numerous books?

Are you a writer on Squidoo?



Friday, November 8, 2013

Dog-Ma Book Beginnings

I am delighted to be linking up for the first time with Rose City Reader who hosts the Book Beginnings on Fridays blog hop. In this book blog hop we are to share the opening sentence or so of a book we are reading.

I discovered the Friday book blog hop while visiting Elizabeth at Silver's Reviews.

Fortunately, I have a new pair of reading glasses (have finally adjusted my sights) and can begin to get caught up on my reading of books for pleasure and for review, which generally go hand-in-hand.


Today, I wish to share with you the beginning of the book...

Dog-Ma: the Zen of Slobber

by Barbara Boswell Brunner.

"It is everywhere. The stark white walls shimmer with droplets like a Jackson Pollack painting. My hand pulses with pain as I struggle to separate the combatants, one collar in each outstretched hand. Rivulets of red run down my arm and I am unsure if it belongs to me. I cannot, I must not fixate on it. My heart pounds until I am sure it will escape my chest; each beat pronounced and strong. My predicament is clear: let go of one and the other will perish."

And there you have it, the start of life filled with dog-ma: the zen of slobber, according to Brunner.

I can not wait to sink my teeth into the rest of the Brunner family canine story. Be sure to stay tuned for my full book review to be announced here on Ruthi Reads.

Also for your reading pleasure is my rave review of my all-time favorite book: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Deliverance the Book

Although I have seen the movie numerous times, I have not yet read the book, Deliverance by James Dickey. Thus, I am now adding it to my TBR Books List.

Most readers seem to think the books movies are based on are better than the films themselves. For the most part, I disagree, as I find both enjoyable, even if a bit different.






Just yesterday I published an article on Squidoo, sharing a fond memory about the Dueling Banjos of the film. No doubt you shall enjoy my story of my little boy, too.

Have you read Deliverance?

Have you seen the movie?

Which did you prefer; or, did you enjoy the reading and the viewing?



Monday, October 7, 2013

Die Empty Is TBR

Surfing through Amazon I ran across this book title and it piqued my interest enough to go read its reviews and I took a Look Inside.

Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day
By author Todd Henry

As a creative and as a writer, I seem to find plenty of reasons (excuses) to table a lot of projects and ideas, for another day - a day that may not come!

Yes, it is time I get out of first gear and put the pedal to the metal!

Have you read Die Empty?

Perhaps you've written a review of the book. If so, I would love to read what your thoughts were in the reading of this publication.






All additions to my to-be-read stack can be found on my TBR Books List at Pinterest.



Sunday, September 15, 2013

David and Goliath on TBR List

I learned about this soon to be released gem of a book by Gladwell upon the reading of the book review by Seth.

In fact, inspired by Seth, I wrote up a review of my own - my perspective of The Three Little Pigs children's book.

Read the aforementioned reviews and I trust that you, too, shall be adding David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants to your TBR list for future reading.

Have you read any of the previous book publications by Malcolm Gladwell?


What good book title can you suggest for my reading list?





All additions to my to-be-read stack can be found on my TBR Books List at Pinterest.


Friday, September 6, 2013

Adding To My TBR List

All too often I read a book review and say I am going to add that book to my to-be-read list but that reading list seems more in my head than down on paper somewhere so I can see it.

I figure one way to not lose track of these books I really do want to read is to post them right here on my book blog. Besides, this just might help get me back to book blogging!

That said, here is my first book to be added to my TBR List - A novel by Larry McMurtry.





I first heard about this particular novel by McMurtry when reading the review by writer David Stone, who writes a great review of the book.

Have you read "All My Friends Are Going to Be Strangers"?


How about your TBR list ... What book have you added recently that you would like to share?


Note to Book Bloggers: I am thinking about turning this into a blog hop with a link-up list and would appreciate your thoughts on that idea.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Spring is Sprung Story Time for Toddlers

With the latest snow here in mid-Ohio melted away I am thinking it is time for Spring to be sprung! In keeping with thinking Spring I think I will tuck my winter board books for children away and introduce you to Spring is sprung storytime for toddlers.

Have a seat in your favorite reading chair, maybe with a wee one upon your lap, and settle in for a selection of Spring board books for children (of all ages).

Think springtime adventures! From Spring lunch bunnies to green alligators and bright red ladybugs, you and your wee ones are sure to enjoy the fun when Spring is sprung!

Do you have a favorite book title to share with me for our young readers?