September 5, 2014

Book Review: Kids Who Are Changing The World

Katie September 5, 2014 0Comment

Kids who are changing the world is about kids (I think the oldest is 15) who are from around the world who found problems with their local communities and figured out what they should do to try and fix them.  From collecting used oils for bio-diesel to recycling programs and building wells in places that need water – these kids had great ideas to help others and were able to act on them and make a difference.  Each chapter focuses on one kid and what he/she did to help.  At the end of the chapter is a summary – starting with the objective – what they wanted to do, what their goal was.  Then it breaks down how they accomplished this objective – what action they took, how they have changed the world, what role their parents played, what makes them the happiest about what they have done, what their biggest mistake was in reaching their goal and what their advice is.

If you think you have an idea that can help change the world, you’ll want to check out this book to see what these other kids did and also read what their mistakes and advice are to help you learn how to approach them.  Together we can change the world, if everyone just makes 1 small step, think about what we all could do together!

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

About the Book

The inspiring stories of 45 young heroes who have made an impact on our planet.

Forty-five young people from around the world (including twelve from the U.S. and four from Canada) are doing something every day to make the world a better place. They discovered issues that concerned them and did something about it. With skills ranging from singing, drawing, and painting to fund-raising, public demonstrations, and events, they have fought climate change and pollution, and worked to protect animals and their natural habitats. This inspiring book also includes reference materials and suggestions on how readers can get involved.

Book Review: Joss Whedon The Biography

Katie September 5, 2014 0Comment

I didn’t know all that much about Joss Whedon before reading this book. I’ve heard his name a few times,I know that he was involved with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but I never watched that.  Yet for some reason I felt drawn to reading this biography.  And I am glad that I did. It was a very interesting read and now I know a lot more about Joss – maybe even more than I ever wanted to know 😉  From a kid who fell behind in school to a now big name creator, writer, director – Joss’ story was quite interesting and inspiring.

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

About the Book

From the cult favorite Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which netted four million viewers per episode, to the summer blockbuster The Avengers, which amassed a box office of $1.5 billion, Joss Whedon has made a name for himself in Hollywood for his penchant for telling meaningful, personal tales about love, death, and redemption even against the most dramatic and larger-than-life backdrops. This biography follows his development from a creative child and teenager who spent years away from his family at an elite English public school, through his early successes—which often turned into frustrating heartbreak in both television (Roseanne) and film (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)—to his breakout turn as the creator, writer, and director of the Buffy television series. Extensive, original interviews with Whedon’s family, friends, collaborators, and stars—and with the man himself—offer candid, behind-the-scenes accounts of the making of groundbreaking series such as Buffy, Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse, as well as new stories about his work with Pixar writers and animators during the creation ofToy Story. Most importantly, however, these conversations present an intimate and revealing portrait of a man whose creativity and storytelling ability have manifested themselves in comics, online media, television, and film.

Book Review: Rising Above a Toxic Workplace

Katie September 5, 2014 0Comment

Many people are struggling in a Toxic Workplace.  For whatever reason, they may not be able to get out and get a new job – unable to relocate, no prospects, etc.  This book gives survival strategies for helping you cope with the environment.  What I found to be the most profound was “Face Your Fears”, certainly something we all are afraid of doing (that’s why they are called fears) but if you face them you just may take that leap you need to move to a new location or take a new job doing something different that you weren’t sure if you’d excel at or not. The other important strategy was to “Stay Positive”, it’s often easier said than done but going on interviews for a new job when you are bitter about your current job may not give off the best vibe. Stay positive about everything and it will hopefully rub off and you can move your life in a new, better direction!

If you think you may be in a toxic workplace, definitely check out this book.  There are questions for discussion at the end of each chapter which will definitely get you thinking and hopefully you’ll end up with the confidence and survival skills you need to get out while you still can!

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

About the Book

Toxic organizations are rife with conflict, fear and anger. The environment causes people to have physiological responses as if they’re in a fight-or-flight situation. Healthy people become ill. Colds, flu and stress-related illnesses such as heart attacks are more common. By contrast, in resonant organizations, people take fewer sick days and turnover is low. People smile, make jokes, talk openly and help one another.” – Annie McKee (author, consultant)

Many employees experience the reality of bulling bosses, poisonous people, and soul-crushing cultures on a daily basis. Rising Above a Toxic Workplace tells authentic stories from today’s workers who share how they cope, change-or quit. Candidly they open up about what they learned, what they wish they had done, and how to gain resilience. Insightfully illustrating from these accounts, authors Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra blend their combined experiences in ministry and business to deliver hope and practical guidance to those who find themselves in an unhealthy work environment. Includes a Survival Guide and Toolkit full of strategies and realistic insights.

Book Review: What’s Great about New York?

Katie September 5, 2014 0Comment

What’s great about New York tells the story about one of our greatest states and while it does focus mostly on New York City – there are chapters on the Erie Canal, Baseball Hall of Fame and Niagara Falls.  In addition to fun facts about the states and places your should check out there are a ton of great photos included as well. It was fun to go through the book and say “Hey, I’ve been there!” for a lot of the places that were featured. The book comes in at just over 30 pages and would be a great book to give your child to teach him/her about New York before a trip there!

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

About the Book

What’s so great about New York? Find out the top ten sites to see or things to do in the Empire State! Explore New York’s busy Big Apple, beautiful waterways, and rich history. The New York by Map feature shows where you’ll find all the places covered in the book. A special section provides quick state facts such as the state motto, capital, population, animals, foods, and more. Take a fun-filled tour of all there is to discover in New York.