Book Review: The Strong Mind by Ryuho Okawa

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Book Title: The Strong Mind: The Art of Building the Inner Strength to Overcome Life’s Difficulties

Author: Ryuho Okawa
Format: eBook
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


Since September is Self-Improvement Month, I am sharing a review of The Strong Mind. This book is ideal for people who are dealing with challenges in life and would like to identify some strategies based on another person's personal opinion. This book is not based on research, so readers, like myself, who enjoy research-based approaches, may not enjoy this book as much.

The author, Ryuho Okawa, is the founder of Happy Science Group. Through this endeavor, he trains people on how to continue living despite being in a bottomless pit of sorrow.

Okawa appeals to the reader by using anecdotes and his life to illustrate how to maneuver through life's challenges. Regardless of the crisis, Okawa believes that you can transform your life by maintaining your mental strength.  The stories that Okawa share are very personal, but he does an ideal job of tying the lessons that should be learned from the stories to his recommended strategies. I wouldn't say that this book is a self-help book, but I would share that it's very inspirational and motivational.

Guest Post: Five Benefits of Reading Life Quotes by Manish Kapoor

Five Benefits of Reading Life Quotes
By Manish Kapoor

Life Quotes are very popular amongst peoples because of the benefits it offers to the individual. Apart from keeping you inspired and motivated, it changes your prospective about how you view life.

These are the Top 5 Benefits of Reading Quotes about Life:

1- Stress Reliever - Stress is one of the biggest diseases in the whole world right now. It is very harmful for an individual. It negatively affects your physical as well as mental health. Too much of stress leads to depression and can damage your heart also. Reading Life Quotations can drastically decrease the risk of this deadly illness.

2- Source of Inspiration - In order to achieve our personal and professional goals, we need something that can inspire us. We continuously need to inspire ourselves to be a better person and to reach even more lofty heights. Life Quotes are your source to unlimited inspiration and motivation. They are true words of wisdom that have power to activate the champion inside you.

3- Positive Attitude - Positive attitude is all you need to get everything in life. It is your ticket to get whatever you want in life. It helps you live life to the fullest extent rather than just living a mediocre life. Not only it helps you in your personal growth, but also produces positive energy making you more productive, more energetic and more likeable. Life Quotes kick out all the negativity from your life and allows your mind to think positively in every circumstance of life.

4- True Meaning of Life - Life is all about giving love and taking love. Those who understand this simple thing are living happy life. Those who don't are probably living unhappy life. Life Quotes are true words of wisdom that helps you know the true meaning of life.

5- Source of Laughter - I remembered a quote by e.e. cummings, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." I certainly agree with this quote. We should laugh a lot everyday. It keeps us healthy physically and mentally. Several researches have showed that Laughter is best medicine. Some life Quotations are extremely funny that gives you ton of laugh.  These funny life quotes are extremely hilarious and sure to get you chuckle.

These are some of the benefits of reading Life Quotes. A simple search on Google can take you to hundred of thousands of Quotations websites which are absolutely free.

Visit our website to read our collection of Life Quotes [http://funnylifequotes4u.com/] and Funny Sayings Phrases.

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Book Review: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Book Title: Americanah
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Format: Paperback
Rating 5 out of 5 stars

I have been curious about Chimamanda since I heard her recite her work on Beyonce's Flawless track. During a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I picked up Americanah to read when I saw it on display in the middle isle of the store.  I did not read the synopsis of the book.  I just dived right in to read it.  The first chapter was completed it one sitting.  I could not believe how engulfed I became with Ifemelu and her life.

As I read the text, I immediately felt a connection to Ifemelu.  At times, her life mirrored past experiences from my life.  I enjoyed growing with Ifemelu, as she transitioned from a teenager to a woman, as well as traveling with her to the United States and back to her home country.

Thinking about how Ifemelu struggled to transition from being African to an American intrigued me. Being an African-American born in the United States, I have never considered how difficult it is for any immigrant to adapt to the behaviors and standards of a new country.  Adichie forces the reader to realize how immigrants transition to being an American.   Consequently, Adichie highlights the role that identity plays in the humanity.  Ifemelu's character is significant throughout the text and impacts her relationships with others, as well as her transition from Nigeria to the United States and back to Nigeria.  Additionally, the reality of losing your identity or never having a real identity is illustrated in the text, and I understand how either instance can negatively impact someone's life, especially in the example of Aunty Uju and how she raised her son.

So many themes and life lessons are present throughout the text.  I appreciated the lessons that I learned about race and how Africans perceive it in comparison to African-Americans. I have never actually considered the "Non-Black" perception, but Adichie changed my understanding.  The differences are immense.  Adichie's talent in portraying racism in the United States, England, and Nigeria is sprinkled throughout the text.  Following the lives of Ifemelu and Obinze leaves you considering the hierarchy of race between Africans and African Americans.  Reading the blog posts of Ifemelu, I appreciated the way Adichie drilled important realities that most people do not want to acknowledge. Even the shallowness of the educated Nigerians, who had returned after a hiatus to the United States painted a portrait that is all too familiar.  Sexism is another theme that is portrayed in the text.  From Ifemelu's pursuit of employment to Kimberly's husband,  Adichie highlights the perception of gender roles and how these perceptions impact relationships, especially the relationship between Aunty Uju and The General, as well as between Ifemelu's parents.

Even though the premise of the book is an enduring love story, it is a must-read for everyone.  I do not believe that Americanah caters to a particular type of person because everyone can learn something and identify with various aspects of the text.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  As I read, I could not help but to begin to think of ways to incorporate this text in my World Literature or Composition II college courses.  I can envision teaching an entire semester, using only this book.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie quickly evolved to be one of my favorite writers.  In 2010, I added Purple Hibiscus to my TBR pile based on the recommendation of a fellow book lover. I cannot wait to devour that text like I did "Americanah." Also, I am interested in reading Half of a Yellow Sun, which is about the Nigeria-Biafra war.   Honestly, I would love to meet Adichie and listen to her speak.  She commanded my attention in "Flawless" and Americanah.  I want to hear what else she has to say.




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my currently-reading shelf:

Walking Wisdom by Gotham Chopra

Yesterday, I signed up for a library card in Madison County. That was long overdue. I really don't know why it has taken me so long to go to the library. I also picked up my first audiobook, "Cinnamon Kiss," written by Walter Mosley.

I finished my first audiobook today. The name of the book was "Walking Wisdom," written by Gotham Chopra. He is the son of a "guru," Deepak Chopra. I did not know this before checking out the audiobook and downloading the audiobook from the Madison County Library. Yet, I am really glad I read the book.

Listening throughout my day, during two workouts, running errands, unpacking at my apartment, and cleaning my apartment, I have developed a new found love for audiobooks. My mind was focused on listening and the second task at hand. I was no longer thinking of all I could be doing or the problems I have going on. Amazingly, I did not wake up with a headache/migraine. I enjoyed fully my day.

Now back to the book...

Based on the relationship dogs have with humans and other dogs, this books sheds light on many profound lessons. This book was really interesting and almost made me want to consider owning a dog in my house. Mark my words...ALMOST considered.  I know my children would probably be elated, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Yet, I did learn that caressing and stroking a dog reduces your blood pressure. I found that extremely interesting.The lessons learned from the two family dogs are really profound. Applying life lessons like being please with just loving instead of being the one loved leaves an everlasting imprint on how you view your own life.

I was really intrigued by the examples and the rawness the author displayed in the various  images, describing the two family pets and the family interactions. for a clearer understanding.  I truly appreciated the emphasis and the importance of family in this book.  Even though he did not follow the similar path of his father, Deepak, his writing has a flow similar to what I would expect from his father.  I picked up "The Path to Love" by Deepak Chopra to get a clearer understanding of who his father is and his philosophy. I also followed his father on twitter.

This book is definitely a must read for pet owners, particularly dog lovers. They will truly be intrigued by this book, as well as appreciate their pets even more.

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.

A Piece of Mine" by J. California Cooper

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"A Piece of Mine" by J. California Cooper was a phenomenal book.  When I read this book, I was experiencing so much.  Reading this book was what I needed in my life.  J. California Cooper is an excellent storyteller.

As I read the book, I was unable to distinguish between fact or fiction.  Even though all the stories seem real and relevant to my life, Cooper entertained me, as well. The embedded words of wisdom within the pages of "A Piece of Mine" should be heard by every woman.  Cooper gave me what I needed to hear and what I wanted to hear.

In "A Piece of Mine," she uses numerous short stories to illustrate life lessons.  The life lessons are presented in a matter of fact way, which forced me to evaluate the applicability to my life.  Each story possesses the energy of a wise mother, grandmother, relative, best friend, or sister.

Some of the life lessons that Cooper shares include the following:

1. God replaces what you lose with something better.

2. The desire to be in a relationship should reach beyond just wanting a man.  The desire to be in a relationship should focus on having something significant and special.

3.  A heart may pick a partner, and it never asks for measurements.

Since I recently experienced divorce, I am glad that I read this book.  "A Piece of Mine" gave me hope.  My perceptions of marriage and relationships have been transformed because of this book.

I love how Cooper's messages leave a lasting impression on you.  I highly recommend this book.  I am looking forward to reading her other books.

I started reading today another book by her: "Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime: Stories." I am confident that J. California Cooper  will not disappoint me. 

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Happiness

Yesterday, during a conference call for the virtual book club I belong to, #truthchat, we discussed shortly about happiness and the one thing that makes us happy. On today I discovered Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a Hungarian psychology professor, who studies happiness in people. He has two books of interest. I have added them to my to-be-read list: "Finding flow: The psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life" and "Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention." Do you know the one thing that makes you happy?

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.