Book Review: Ringo With a Little Help

Katie July 10, 2015 0 Comments

Ringo: With a Little Help is by Michael Starr (no relation).  Michael tried to get Ringo’s cooperation in writing this book and made all his requests as he should have, but then found out that Ringo would not be helping when Ringo posted on his official website saying that he was not going to be involved and that the book would be unauthorized.  Despite this, this is one of the most thorough biographies I have read.  I can only imagine how much work went into sorting all sorts of content without any help from Ringo by the author in order to piece everything together!  I also liked that the breaks in the book are done with a drumstick instead of the usual dot or star. Nice touch!

As I mentioned, this book has a lot of information on Ringo and how he almost didn’t take the job with the Beatles – but they ended up offering him more money than the other band so he went with it. Crazy how life works out that way, isn’t it?

If you are a Beatles fan or just looking to find out more about the best drummer in Liverpool – here’s your book.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review.

About the Book

Ringo: With a Little Help is the first in-depth biography of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who kept the beat for an entire generation and who remains a rock icon over fifty years since the Beatles took the world by storm.

Born in 1940 as Richard Starkey in the Dingle, one of Liverpool’s most gritty, rough-and-tumble neighborhoods, he rose from a hardscrabble childhood – marked by serious illnesses, long hospital stays, and little schooling – to emerge, against all odds, as a locally renowned drummer. Taking the stage name Ringo Starr, his big break with the Beatles rocketed him to the pinnacle of worldwide acclaim in a remarkably short time. He was the last member of the Beatles to join the group but also the most vulnerable, and his post-Beatles career was marked by chart-topping successes, a jet-setting life of excess and alcohol abuse, and, ultimately, his rebirth as one of rock’s revered elder statesman.

Ringo: With a Little Help traces the entire arc of Ringo’s remarkable life and career, from his sickly childhood to his life as the world’s most famous drummer to his triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles as he comes to terms with his legacy.

Book Review: Risk It

Katie July 10, 2015 0 Comments

I had previously read one of the other books in this series, Want It. I enjoyed it so when I was asked to read Risk It, I agreed. I found the book got off to a slow start (and checked Good Reads and a lot of the reviews were low stars) but I decided to stick with it because I don’t like to not finish books unless they are quite awful. I am glad I stuck this one out because at about 1/4-1/2 way through things picked up a bit and I got more into it.

I wasn’t as into Rand and Dani’s relationship as I could have been, but I did like the sub plots a lot more. Rand and Dani couldn’t be more different – Rand is rich and Dani is a thief! But somehow Rand convinces Dani that she should spend a night with him instead of a night in jail and it evolves into a game of 30 days with him. There seems to be an attraction but Dani is fighting it – just out to get the money to help her brother – who won’t tell her why he needs it.

A nice summer read – just make sure you stick with it if you think it’s dragging a bit in the beginning!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Jennifer Chance’s Rule Breakers series turns up the heat as a wealthy playboy and a beautiful con artist engage in a high-stakes game of seduction.

As dominating in business as he is in bed, Rand Sterling Winston IV always gets what he wants. And even before he realizes that she’s scammed him into paying triple the cost for her friend’s painting, he wants Dani Michaels. To catch her alone, Rand demands that she personally deliver his purchase. The attraction between them is immediate and electric, and he knows she feels it, too. So when the part-time petty thief rebuffs his advances, he gives her a choice: a night in jail or an evening with him.

Despite her checkered past, Dani has never met someone like Rand: brooding, intense, and oh so tempting. Only a man with a broken soul could make control feel this dangerous. Still, when Rand proposes a no-strings, no-holds-barred affair, Dani’s more than a little intrigued. It’ll be the trickiest con she’s ever run and a chance to indulge her steamiest fantasies—nothing more. But as their encounters grow increasingly intimate, Dani uncovers a vulnerable side to Rand’s steely exterior and opens her heart to the ultimate risk.

Book Review: A Year Unplugged

Katie July 10, 2015 0 Comments

A year unplugged is about a family of 3 who take a year off from all  technology – with some rules. They won’t have a TV in their house – but if they’re somewhere with a TV they can watch it – and apparently they can decide to spend the night in a hotel room if they want to watch the American Idol finale. (I get that it’s awful to miss American Idol but spending the night in the hotel JUST for the TV seemed like cheating to me!).  They no longer use smart phones and instead have a cellphone for emergencies only. No digital cameras – film only. No video games – unless you’re at a friends house. No iTunes or iPods – only the radio or CDs – or as they ended up using, records and a record player.  No computer means no email, internet, ebay, online banking, social networking (are you cringing yet?) no map sites, no wordprocessing (Mom was using a typewriter for a bit!).   Technology can only be used for work purposes since they still need to make a living – but with no internet at home they’d have to check work email at work or at the library.

I know I would not last a DAY with these rules – let alone a YEAR. (I could mayyybe survive a week – if I was on vacation somewhere and had enough distracting me and limited wifi).  They implemented their rules over a two week period so each day something else left until they were technology free.

The book chronicles their year – a lot of their friends and acquaintances just don’t seem to understand what they are doing and it seems like they are missing out on a lot.  The husband has been using his iPhone as an address book for 5 months before he gets “caught” and told that is against the rules and he needs to use a planner.  At 6 months the husband explodes over no internet at home so he can not get work done – causing them to revise the rules.  The 3rd member of the family is their 6 year old who seems to be the most spoiled brat.  Taking away technology? Let’s buy her all of the toys! (And a dress. And maybe a guinea pig. And whatever else she sees that she wants.)

I must commend them for sticking it out for the whole year, but also think they are nuts for even attempting it!

I received an e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

In A Year Unplugged, Sharael Kolberg chronicles her family’s brave attempt to wean themselves from technology in an effort to reclaim quality family time. The Kolbergs decided to turn off their television, unplug their iPods, iPhones, laptops and digital cameras, and disconnect from e-mail, cell phones and the Internet. Not an easy task.

Sharael’s true-life tale explores how dependent we are on technology and the impact it has on interpersonal relationships and society. Through thought-provoking, humorous and heart-wrenching narrative, Sharael hopes to compel readers to open dialogue about the conscious use of technology.

Book Review: A Journey in the Moon Balloon

Katie July 10, 2015 0 Comments

A Journey in the Moon Balloon When Images Speak Louder Than Words is a book that was created for kids with cancer and other illnesses to take them on a journey when they are sick in bed to help them forget about all that is going on around them.

When you get in the balloon, you drump out all your worries and stresses because the balloon can’t fly with those weighing you down. There are interactive parts throughout the book for kids to draw and wish.  An Angry Balloon lets you get our your frustrations. A giggle balloon makes you laugh.

Art and creation beings you back to the soul.  There are also some stories about cancer patient kids and how this book and crafting helped them feel better, even for just a little bit.  This book has also been donated to the Sandy Hook community here in CT to help the children affected by the shooting help to heal.

The end of the book includes instructions for the projects that were mentioned in the book.

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for this review.

About the Book

Take a journey in a hot air balloon to see the world differently. Open your heart, drop your fears, relax and get in touch with your feelings.

This colorfully illustrated interactive journal with a delightful story line has been used to help children of all ages express their emotions and feel better about themselves and the world through writing, drawing, and symbols. This fully updated and expanded edition is overflowing with new stories and activities to unleash creative expression and allow images to do the talking.

A Journey in The Moon Balloon® is an indispensable tool for parents, teachers, counsellors, art therapists, health care professionals and all those concerned with bringing emotional healing to children.