Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Book Review: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Book title: The Little Paris Bookshop
Author: Nina George
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is a New York Times Bestseller that makes you appreciate a good book.  I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which unfortunately took me longer than I would like to complete an audiobook.  My rating of the book could have been higher, if I read the text instead of listened to it.  The audiobook was spoken with a French accent, which sometimes distracted me.

I chose this book because the title contained two of my favorite things: Paris and books.   The main character, Peru, appealed to me because he sold books, which is one of my long-term goals. The love of books is intricately involved throughout the  plot of the book.  Peru was known as a "book pharmacist."  When customers entered his bookstore, Peru "prescribed" a book for the "symptoms of life."  Personally, I have found that reading can ease the stings of trials and tribulations in your life.

Free love and sexual encounters was two of the main themes within the text. Even though the book was not explicit, the some of the sexual encounters are scenes that were described in great detail.  Therefore, some readers may be uncomfortable with reading the book.  Another theme was the usefulness and significance of reading.    The Little Paris Bookshop demonstrated how important reading books are to maneuvering through life. I liked this aspect of the book.  Book lovers would appreciate this fact about the book.

The Little Paris Bookshop was an entertaining novel. I enjoyed how Nina George presented an unexpected, emotional journey that engaged the reader.   Also, I liked how George alluded to the power of reading.  I am a strong advocate of reading being a means to transform your life.

Overall, The Little Paris Bookshop was not what I expected. I did not read the reviews for the book. So, I was not exactly informed about it.  Ironically, my overall perception of The Little Paris Bookshop is that it is a romance novel.   Somehow, I was not expecting it to be about romance.  Even though I normally do not read romance novels, I was not disappointed with the text.

Have you read The Little Paris Bookshop? What was your impression of the book?

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Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Book Review: Life is Short by J. California Cooper

When I started reading this book, I had no idea that I would finish it in one day.  Life is Short But Wide" by J. California Cooper is a complicated romance novel that leaves you wondering so much.

As I maneuvered through "Life is Short But Wide", I felt the pain that Cooper was describing.  The grief, the abuse, and the poison are all elements of the book that made me cringe.  Cooper forced me to question human nature.  How can someone be evil or selfish or uncaring?  What motivates someone to be full of spite?

In "Life is Short But Wide", Cooper tells a story that makes you crave true love.  She gives you hope that real love is possible.  I could relate to both Herman's desires, as well as Myine.  The ending of the text was everything I hoped it to be, but ironically, it made me appreciate the beginning even more.  I love stories that end on a happy note.

If I continue writing more, I will have to include spoilers.  However, I must say that J. California Cooper is a masterful storyteller, who did not disappoint me in "Life is Short But Wide."

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Book Review: Master Your Sleep by Dr. Tracey Marks

Order your copy of Master Your Sleep.
If you experience sleeping problems, I would suggest that you read Master Your Sleep by Dr. Tracey Marks.  Not only does Master Your Sleep explains sleep and its importance in your life, but you discover proven strategies to improve your sleep.

Master Your Sleep provides suggestions on how to ensure that children are getting enough sleep. Interestingly enough, one important fact, which I did not know about sleep and sleeping patterns, was that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is directly linked to inadequate sleep in children. Since reading this book, I make a more conscious effort to calculate the number of hours of sleep that my children are getting. Master Your Sleep highlights how important it is to have a sleep routine.  An established sleep routine increases the likelihood of improving your ability to sleep.

Master Your Sleep is filled with valuable information.   When visiting Dr. Marks website, various printables are available  to improve your sleeping habits.  If you are having problems sleeping, I would highly recommend this book.

Have you considered your sleeping patterns? How many hours of sleep do you get a night? For me, I have started using my bullet journal to monitor the amount of sleep that I am getting each night.  I have also discovered apps on the iOS platform to monitor my sleep, as well.

When you finish reading Master Your Sleep, I would love to hear from you and how it helped improve your life.

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My currently-reading shelf:
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