Book Review: River Queens by Alexander Watson

Purchase the Book.

Book Title: River Queens
Book Author: Alexander Watson
Format: Manuscript Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Source: Author

I am excited that I am getting back on track with my book reviews that are long overdue. I just finished reading River Queens by Alexander Watson. River Queens is about the journey of two men and their dog in the once unfamiliar world of boating. When these men go from being owners of an antique and renovation building to randomly transforming a wooden boat from looking like a nightmare gone wrong to a dream yacht named Betty Jane, I knew that this book would probably be like none that I have ever read.

It is said that a true river man searches the earth until he finds his very own river. A search that is as personal as it is for a mate.”- page 222 in River Queens

Even though I was lost with the boating terms sprinkled throughout River Queens, I appreciated the dose of reality about relationships with family, your significant other, and random people, whom you meet. The back of the River Queens contains a dictionary to understand the boating world terms that Watson’s use to further illustrate his point. The boating terms sometimes distracts and confuses the reader. So, readers can definitely appreciate this feature.

Throughout River Queens, Watson presents the rawness of life, especially from the viewpoint of a homosexual couple. With this text, Watson shows the normalcy surrounding people not accepting his relationship with his partner, Dale, as romantic and not just friends, while illuminating the beauty of a wonderful relationship with man’s best friend, a Dalmatian dog named Doris Faye. I like how Watson does not give an illusion that the relationship that he has with Dale is dreamy and perfect. Watson lets the reader know how decisions impacting the well-being of both must be discussed and addressed. I like how Watson shows the good, the bad, and ugly when you are embarking on a new and unfamiliar adventure, while in a relationship.

The reader learns so much about Watson and Dale in River Queens. Watson and Dale’s desire to renovate Betty Jane and trek across the rivers of the United States illuminates the importance of resilience, determination, and discipline. The time, effort, and commitment that Dale and Watson have to renovate Betty Jane amazed me, and I think it is truly remarkable and commendable. Watson does not focus primarily on sharing the wonderful aspects of the trek on the rivers, but he highlights in River Queens many instances of doubt, regret, physical and mental turmoil, and so much more. I think that everyone can benefit from reading this text because there are so many life lessons.

About  River Queens

Two men who have absolutely no business buying a boat, do; have the forty-five foot cruiser hauled to the Arkansas River; and plan to cruise down the Arkansas, up the Mississippi, and up to Ohio to re-settle in Cincinnati. But re-rigging the boat in the remotest part of eastern Oklahoma takes more time than they thought; the Mississippi isn't necessarily a river savvy boaters push up; and well, life, with its responsibilities and obligations, keeps poking its nose in. The summer vacation jaunt becomes an odyssey of epic proportions.

About the Author

Alexander Watson is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and author. He has salvaged his families from bankruptcy, renovated derelict rental properties into Class A apartments; and restored a vintage motor yacht to its factory-new shine. In 2008, he sold it all to pursue a chance at life on the river.

Alexander's grandparents are responsible for his writing ability and his wanderlust. His grandfather who, as pioneering air-conditioning engineer, tamed the summer heat from the Sonora, across the Caribbean, to the Negev and beyond; he journaled obsessively. His Nan sent postcards and letters. But to get, Watson had to reciprocate. He still sends cards & letters whenever away from home. Watson’s book, River Queens: Saucy boat, stout mates, spotted dog, America tells of the extraordinary people found only on our nation’s rivers. Watson now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his partner and his dog, a black standard poodle named Kohl.

Links:

Author's Website: https://www.riverqueens.us
Sample read: https://www.riverqueens.us/sample-chapter-page
Goodreads Book Page:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42086062-river-queens
Goodreads Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2942092.Alexander_Watson

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Manish_Kapoor/100584
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Reading in 2018

I know you are probably wondering why I haven’t posted any book reviews or blog posts. It’s not because I haven’t been resting because I have been devouring books. The demands of being a mother, working full time, finishing my dissertation, and living my best life have distracted me from maintaining my blog.  

Book review posts are coming soon. I’ve read some pretty amazing books that I need to review. So stay tuned to my discussion of them. 

The most exciting thing for me has been finding free books at libraries. I’ve been racking up on random books. As you know, I just love the presence of books, so I really don’t have a true focus when I snatch up free books. 

What books are you currently reading? What would you like to see in a blog post? Let’s chat. Leave your comments. 

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page. Add me on Goodreads, too. 

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Book Review: I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi

Book Title: I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual
Author: Luvvie Ajayi
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Ajayi is widely known throughout social media as Awesomely Luvvie because of her blog, which is where I first became introduced to her.  Luvvie was blogging before blogging was a "thing" and has contributed to presenting incredible commentary on one of my favorite shows, Scandal.  So, when I heard that she had a new book, I wanted to get it ASAP.  When my ARC copy arrived, it was a very sacred moment.  I did not want to ruin the pages or crinkle the cover. What would Ajayi think of me if I did not handle her book with care? I decided to wait until I could focus on reading the book.

Riding on the passenger side during a trip to visit my in-laws, I decided to devour the book.  Reading the first page of I'm Judging You, I knew that I would not be disappointed.  Ajayi makes you laugh out loud.  My husband kept giving me major "side-eye" as I kept bursting out in laughter.  I know he thinks that I am a bookworm and weird when it comes to my books, but I confirm it all thanks to Ajayi.  

In her book, Luvvie invites you to perform a reality check on yourself and those around you.  Using her "tell it like it is" humor, Luvvie brings to your attention all of the issues and challenges facing society.  For instance, the story of her "friend" and her romantic interest is hilarious, true, and maybe points the finger at me, but I am NOT telling on me. This story can be found in the chapter, "When Baehood Goes Bad." I will not give away any spoilers, but if you have a friend, who is dating someone unworthy, please share this book. Tab the chapter. Highlight the section.  Please do anything that will get her to read that chapter.  I even let my mom read the dating chapter because she did not believe me as I tried to explain the story to her. My mom has been married for 40+ years, and women were different during her dating years.  She was floored when she read the story.  Of course, I left out the part about how I had been in somewhat similar situations with dating after my divorce, but I eventually "snapped" out of it.  Whew! 

In I'm Judging You, Ajayi addresses so many topics, which include dating, racism, social media, culture, friendships, and so much more.  Thanks to her book I re-evaluated the email address that I was using.  I mean I have a Gmail account, but I do not use it as much as my Hotmail account.  Ajayi was judging me.  She gets major side-eye for that, but I get her point. Furthermore, she says want you to want to say, but you choose to hold your tongue.  She shares the truth about herself and suggests that you start examining your truth.  Being from Nigerian, she exposes the truth of American culture and how American behavior usually is enwrapped in a web of tangled foolishness.  There is even a chapter entitled, Racism is for Assholes. 

The Epilogue, Do Something that Matters, illuminates why Ajayi is sharing such profound life lessons with the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.  Since Christmas is just around the corner, I will be giving this book as Christmas gift

Have you read I'm Judging You? What was your favorite chapter?

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

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.

Currently Reading: I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan

I first started reading I Almost Forgot about You ,  by Terry McMillan, when  I was visiting my parents.  I stopped at Square Books in Oxford, where I as able to meet Terry McMillan, to read the first chapter of the book.  After reading "The Uses of Sorrow" by Mary Oliver at the beginning of the book, I became intrigued.  After reading the first chapter, I decided to finish reading the book.

I do not buy as many books as in the past since the majority of my library is in storage.  Therefore, I requested the book from my library.  There were two people ahead of me, so I assumed it would take forever for my chance to read the book.

Today, I checked my email, I became filled with excitement.  I was notified that my hold for I Almost Forgot about You was available.  My library, Central Mississippi Library System, using the Axis 360 application to allow patrons to check out electronic versions of books.  I immediately downloaded the book to my iPad and my iPhone.  Since this is my first time using Axis 360, I quickly learned that the application does not sync between the two devices.  The Axis 360 application only crashed on me twice, which was kind of frustrating. So, I made sure to mark my pages, as I read. I was disappointed that I could not download the ebook version for my Kindle, but I am satisfied with the application.  Ever chance I get, I am trying to read this book.  I have 13 days before I have to return it.  I do not want the book returned before I have finished it.

Have you read I Almost Forgot About You?

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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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