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

The Bum Magnet by K. L. Brady

The Bum Magnet by K. L. Brady strolled into my library via one of my co-workers, while I was in the hospital. I normally do not read fiction books, especially romance fiction. I thrive off of non-fiction. However, since my sickness was life-threatening, I decided to give the book a try, AND I am happy to say I enjoyed reading The Bum Magnet. 

Charisse Tyson was perhaps the epitome of most black women now. She was a successful business-woman, who really had it all. Charisse looked great, lived in a huge house, drove the expensive car, had a great body, and behaved like a lady.  Does this sound like someone you know? K. L. Brady captures the reader by drawing them into Charisse. Of course, Charisse had it going on, but she was MANLESS. Despite being the perfect catch for a “good” man, Charisse had a closet full of “bum” skeletons. The men in her past have been all but good.

Reading The Bum Magnet, sometimes I found myself in Charisse’s shoes. (I don’t know if that is a good or bad thing). However, K. L. Brady left me wanting to know more about Charisse and whether or not she finally was able to dispose of her “bum magnet.”

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.

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

Purchase to book on Amazon.

"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. 

The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Some

Given to me by a coworker at the beginning of my divorce, The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Some was a very interesting book.  Dealing with various aspects of relationships, Some introduces rituals from her village, as well as the theories and methodology surrounding these rituals.  Many of the rituals I could not see myself actually practicing, but the symbolic nature of these rituals I could actually see myself incorporating into my life.