Category Archives: Book recommendations

The Timeless Teachings of Guru Zuzu

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We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday What are YOU Reading?

*Disclaimer- I received a copy of The Timeless Teachings of Guru Zuzu As Told To Tony Broadbent  in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.

The Timeless Teachings of Guru Zuzu As Told To Tony Broadbent is a sweet tribute to the author’s Bombay cat, Zuzu. She was named after Zuzu in It’s A Wonderful Life because in the film, her rose petals were a reminder of the sanctity of life. She taught him so much over the years that he eventually called her The Blessed Guru Zuzu. She has gone to The Rainbow Bridge, but her wisdom lives on in these pages.

It is a very short read, with a quote on one page and an adorable drawing to go with it on the opposite page. The author illustrated many of the pages himself. One in particular that I enjoyed was ” Always remember, never lose your sense of humor. Life’s Far Too Short.” The illustration is of Zuzu with a red clown nose on her.

I highly recommend this book for all cat lovers. Father’s Day is coming up and it would be a great gift for all the cat daddies out there. It is available on Amazon, click here.

I’m Possible: Jumping Into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose

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Hi everyone! We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday! What Are YOU Reading? 

I just finished reading I’m Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose by Jeremy Cowart. I found it very inspirational.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.
I was not familiar with Jeremy Cowart, but I chose to review this book because i enjoy memoirs. I think everyone has a story to tell that can contribute to improving the world. Jeremy Cowart is a photographer that uses his God-given talents to help others. He is not a typical rags to riches story. In fact, he grew up in a loving and supportive home in Hendersonville, TN ( fun facts: Johnny Cash used to live there and Taylor Swift went to high school there).  His grades in school were not great, but his Dad always reminded him of the biblical quote, ” You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
Jeremy excelled at art despite his average grades. He was able to make a career with design, but was not happy in an office so he took a chance to start his own company. And later tires of that and moves on to bigger and better things. I like that he is willing to take that leap of faith so many of us only dream of doing- and it paid off. Along the way he met several people that mentored him along his path to being a successful artist.
He now uses his photography skills to help those in need. The book has a section displaying some of his collages and art which are all amazing. He has documented people in Africa. Haiti, and many other places after tragedies so they can tell their story. This has brought awareness to causes and helped raise funds for them.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants more out of life or is still trying to find their purpose. I think it would make an excellent graduation gift too. I love when people use their talents to improve the lives of others and that is exactly what he does. I also enjoyed the inspirational quotes and biblical references.
I enjoyed it so much that I want to share it with someone so if you want to enter for a chance to win ( sorry, I can only afford to ship in the US) just say so in the comment section of this post before Tuesday at 9PM ( EST) . Winner will be announced Wednesday.

I review for BookLook Bloggers

Cat Vs Dog-The Pet Diaries 1

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We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday What are YOU Reading?

I was thrilled when Rosa Silva offered me a chance to review her latest book Cat VS Dog- The Pet Diaries 1. I enjoyed her other two books, you can read those reviews here and here.

*Disclaimer- I received a copy of Cat VS Dog in exchange for a fair review.All opinions are my own.

I am pleased to report that this book was just as enjoyable as Rosa’s other two. The illustrations are fantastic and really bring the diaries to life.

It is fun to read what Oliver, the cat thinks of Max, the new dog. At first, Oliver wants to get the dog into trouble, but Max’s sweet personality starts to wear him down. I don’t want to tell you everything as this is also part mystery story. I highly recommend it for any cat lover ( and/or dog lover too).

It is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format.

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

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We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday What are YOU Reading?

I am currently reading. I.M. : A Memoir by Isaac Mizrahi. As most of you know he is a designer, talk show host and much more. I am enjoying reading about his childhood and how he was always interested in fashion and design. Being gay in his Jewish neighborhood made things difficult for him in addition to being overweight. I am glad he was able to get through that and become successful.

It was a funny coincidence, I just got some sheets at TJ Maxx and they happen to be designed by him. I had to have these sheets- the kitties look like Angel Phoebe in her polka-dotted bikini.

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

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We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday What are YOU Reading?

Prancie is posing with my Mother’s Day gift.

I have been reading Dani Shapiro’s memoirs. She has written 5 memoirs highlighting different aspects of her life. She has also written several novels. I started with Devotion:A Memoir and was immediately pulled into her life. After that I read her latest memoir , Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love. She writes about accidentally discovering a family secret.

I have also read Slow Motion, a memoir of her life as a young adult and how a tragic accident affected her. And I just finished Hourglass: Time, Memory, Marriage. I only have one memoir left to read. She teaches memoir workshops so someday I hope to attend one.

 

 

A Brave Face

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Hi everyone! We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday! What Are YOU Reading? 

I just finished reading A Brave Face by Barbara Marlowe and Teeba Furat Marlowe. It was a beautiful story about many people working together to help an injured little girl.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.

When Teeba, an Iraqi, was a toddler she was badly burned by a roadside bomb that killed her brother. Through a miracle, an American woman, Barbara Marlowe sees her photo and falls in love with this little girl. She reads about her and learns she wants a wig because her hair no longer grows from all the scarring on her head. Barbara happens to be involved with a charity that provides wigs for children so she decides to help grant her wish.

From that wish everything spirals and Teeba ends up moving to the US to have proper care for all her injuries. To do this, she has to leave her parents and siblings behind in Iraq. It breaks her mother’s heart, but she lets her go because she knows it is for the best. Barbara and her husband become Teeba’s second family and she even calls them mom and dad .These reconstructive surgeries take many years to complete because it is a slow process. A balloon is placed under her skin on her neck and one on her back then fluid is added weekly to extend it so she can grow new skin to be used for grafting. She has been here over 10 years and the work is still not completed.

This memoir is a combined effort of Barbara, Teeba and Teeba’s mother. It is interesting to read what each one’s thoughts were as all this was happening. I admire her mother ( and father too) for letting her go because it was best for her. They were finally able to all meet again 9 years later for a week-long visit in Dubhai. Teeba’s father was unable to get permission to join them because he is in the Iraqi army.

All the acts of kindness and efforts to help Teeba helps restore my faith in humanity. Her surgeries are covered by a special group. Disney treats her to a free princess makeover, people help translate, etc. And now Teeba speaks to other children that have burns to help them so she is paying it forward. Such an inspirational story.

I review for BookLook Bloggers

Emmy’s Book is Ready!

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Hi everyone! Today we are joining It’s Monday! What Are YOU Reading? The kiddy lit version hosted by Teacher Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

I apologize if you are sick of hearing about Emmy’s book. Here is the synopsis: It is about a homeless kitty excited to find a
family, but must first convince them she is not a
skunk. It is loosely based on how the author’s cat,
Emmy came to live with her. ( ages 3-8).

I wish I could afford to give everyone a paperback version, but that is not possible. I have already been in contact with some of you to do reviews and I appreciate your help. I did make a Kindle version and it is available for free from Tuesday-Saturday this week. If anyone has time, I would be very grateful if you could do a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Goodreads.

I have some copies available for sale for $10 which includes shipping in the USA. If you want to purchase one please let me know in the comments and I will contact you. I will be having a giveaway on here soon and one on Goodreads too. Emmy and I thank you for your support.

Kindle

paperback

We are also joining Comedy Plus’ Awww..Mondays. We hope I Am Not a Skunk will make you say awww….

And we are on the letter M for The A-Z Blogging Challenge. M is for military discount. If you or your spouse is or was in the military, you should ask if your vet clinic offers a military discount. You deserve it 🙂

Grateful American

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Hi everyone! We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday! What Are YOU Reading? 

I just completed Grateful American by Gary Sinise. It was fantastic!

*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.

I haven’t seen a lot of Gary Sinise’s work, but what I have seen was excellent. I know he was the lead in CSI: New York for several years, but I never watched it. I did see Forrest Gump though ( is there anyone who has not seen it? ). As you all know, he played Lieutenant Dan. Little did he know when he played that role, it would set a course for his life.

Gary Sinise was already familiar with the plight of Vietnam vets, his brother-in-law was one. He also went through rigorous training to play that role. Once Forrest Gump was released, Lt. Dan became a symbol for vets. He received letters and was approached by many to praise him on the accuracy of his portrayal in the role. After that, he started to go to VA hospitals to meet injured soldiers. That snowballed into his band going overseas to entertain vets and he is now considered a modern-day Bob Hope. He is truly grateful to the soldiers who keep us safe.

I was amazed to read about all the humanitarian work he does. He helps raise funds to build smart homes for severely injured soldiers. His foundation has also helped children in war-torn countries by supplying them with school supplies. The list of things he has done is endless.

This memoir also included very personal details of his life. I admire his honesty at telling his wife’s battle with alcohol and how it affected his children. I enjoyed reading about how he started his acting career in high school and moved on the theater in Chicago. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes memoirs, especially grateful Americans.

I enjoyed the book so much that I want to share. I am going to give it away, I can only afford to mail it within the US though. If you want to enter for a chance to win it, let me know in the comment section before Wednesday at 9PM (EST).

I review for BookLook Bloggers

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

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We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday What are YOU Reading?

As most of you know Lent began last Wednesday. I decided to read Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God’s Love to Revitalize Your Soul by Bonnie Gray. There are 7-8 pages to read each day that include a scripture, a prayer, questions to think about and ideas to expand on each day. Some ideas include journaling and taking photos.

I am joining another hop that just started at CactusCatz called Sabi Saturday. I am late this week, but I was so excited that I figured better late than never. In the hop, we will show something we have found and rescued or repurposed, etc. You can read about it in full by clicking here.

I think most will put items they have rescued and I will eventually, but today I am showing you Emmy. I found her outside and kept her. Actually, I could show you a photo of almost every one of my cats because that is how most joined our family. I hope some of you will want to join in the new hop.

Penny is getting bumped tomorrow so I can tell you about Millie’s Basepaws results that finally came in.

 

The Golden Thread

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Hi everyone! We are joining Comedy Plus’ Awww….Mondays and Book Date’s It’s Monday! What Are YOU Reading? 

The Golden Thread: Experiencing God’s Presence in Every Season of Life by Darlene Zschech is an inspirational read for anyone going through a tough time.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free as part of The Book Look Bloggers book review program. I am not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.

For those that are not familiar with the author, she is an Australian pastor, composer and writer. She is also a wife, mother, grandmother and cancer survivor. Using her life experience, she explains seasons of life and how to live a full life during any season.

This book is very heavy on quoting scripture. It would be perfect for a Bible study group. I am a big fan of The Bible, but I was hoping for something unique instead of a rehashing of what I am already familiar with. She refers to Queen Esther several times and how she stood up for her people. I have read about her in many other books too.

Despite my complaint above, I did find some chapters useful. For example chapter 11 was about the Holy Spirit and how we should welcome him into our lives. She also reminds us that prayer is not about telling God what we need because he already knows. We should ask what God wants in our lives.

I recommend this book to anyone looking to grow in their faith. And as I wrote earlier, it would be perfect for Bible study groups. It would also be a nice book to read during the Lenten season which starts next month. It is available on Amazon, click here.

I review for BookLook Bloggers