Book Review: Divanomics by Michelle McKinney Hammon

Book Title: Divanomics
Author: Michelle McKinney Hammon
Format: Hardback
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I just finished reading Divanomics by Michelle McKinney Hammon. Surprisingly, this book is an excellent read. I ordered this book from Black Expressions Book Club because the title was appealing. Ironically, I did judge a book by its cover. I'm glad I did. On the cover of the book, is a yellow sales tag with the inscription, “how to be still fabulous when you're broke.” As I read it page by page, I fought the urge to mark it up, highlight it, and stick “post-it” notes all through it. I plan on doing that the second round through.

Michelle McKinney Hammon has written a lot of books, which I didn't know. Now I am excited to read a few of the others. Funny, she wrote her first book, when she lost all her money. Perhaps, the most intriguing aspect of the book is that she writes as if she is having a conversation with you while sharing her personal situation. Who does that nowadays? Who exposes their faults, problems, and insecurities for the world to judge them?

This book not only reveals the “rut” you can get in with trying to live beyond your means, but it explores solutions to the problem. Michelle shares valuable information about how to live a meaningful life while sharing relevant scriptures, which was another surprise about the book. Some of the knowledge she shares you already know, but her delivery speaks to you as if she is right here with you, sitting at your kitchen table, sipping coffee or tea.

One of the ideas I particularly think I may try is the Shopping Club. I shop at Sam's Club, courtesy of my mother and her interior design business (saving money on membership). However, I find myself throwing away rotten food because I didn't cook all the food. The object of a shopping club is to go to a large retailer and to share food and other bulk items with friends. Everyone buys things and splits them up. This idea saves you money, creates long lasting friendships, and creates a sense of community. What a great idea!

Overall, I am glad I read this book. This book exposes the pure reality of wanting things that are beyond your means. Michelle shows you how to get out of your financial rut in a manner that provides ways to get you what you want within your means and ways to recover from overspending. She is careful not to override financial gurus Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey, but she adds a little flavor to the information they share. I strongly recommend this book. Get your highlighter, notepad, pen, and “Post-It” notes ready. You won't be disappointed. I surely wasn't!

For more information about Michelle McKinney Hammond, check out her website www.michellehammond.com.

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Check out my other blog: Transitioning to Me: Life after Divorce.

Single Again by Victoria Jaycox

As you can see, I devoured Victoria Jaycox's book, "Single Again: A Guide for Women Starting Over," with sticky notes. Sadly, I do not own this book. This book is a library book. I am definitely going to purchase this book. Now the task remains to keep all my sticky notes for future reference. Any ideas?

This book is phenomenal. Designed for women, who are single due to being divorced or being a widow,  this book covers every single aspect of being single. From financial to sex, every relevant topic is address. I was so surprised that through my own transition, I had done some of the things suggested. What was more overwhelming was the presence of resources, life lessons from actual women, and the "matter-of-fact" writing style. 

Some of the stories shared gave me so much hope. I am not alone. My situation is not as bad as it could have been. However, I am making the best of it. Thanks to the information provided in this book I am so inspired and motivated.

Honestly, I think women, who have not been married, can benefit from this book as well.  I think that can take the suggestions, resources shared, and they can use it to inspire and motivate them. 

Addressing sexual relations, I especially liked the chart that presented the various types of sexual relationships you can engage. The chart identified advantages and disadvantages for each type. Some of the advantages and disadvantages I would never have considered at first. Celibacy was even addressed.

This book is definitely a must read, as well as one of my favorite books now. Are you single? How are you dealing with being single?

Now here is what you can do since you have read thus far!!! You can click on the link and order the book I have just shared with you. If you really enjoyed reading about this book, share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Don't forget to share you thoughts and comments below.