Saturday, December 28, 2013

The Soul of a Winner by Javay Johnson, Hugh Lee Johnson, Versandra Kennebrew, Chris Lee, and Tammy Turner

What's better than one motivational read?  The answer... five inspirational testimonies included in one book. Authors Javay Johnson, Hugh Lee Johnson, Kennebrew, Lee, and Turner bare their souls in this collaborative master piece. In depth, each contributor shares their trials, tribulations, and how they refused to let anything get in the way of their dreams, goals, and aspirations. 

Many of the mentioned set backs brought me to tears as I read them. These champions beat all the odds set against them. Each accepted the hand that was dealt to them and played it out graciously. Self-pity, nor statistics deterred these ambitious individuals from achieving their life's dreams. I could really relate Turner's portion of this read.  Yep...this one is the literary reads to have on your book shelves. In addition, I recommend that all utilize The Soul of a Winner to prep and motivate for the New Year to come.     

Friday, December 27, 2013

Put Your Money Where Your Soul is by Wade Galt

Many of us Americans are ill-prepared when it comes to saving for the next phases of our lives. So busy trying to keep up with the "Jones", and spending every dime we have on impulse, we've gotten away from delayed gratification. This way of living has resulted to many retirees having to go back into the workforce.

Galt does a fairly decent job at providing solutions on how not to get caught in this financial web of disaster. In addition, he provides why we shouldn't over work ourselves and miss out on the important things in life. The financial case studies included in this book serve as great tools for what could and could not happen if you plan accordingly. The self assessment activities serve directly as a financial literacy component needed for one to either get started or transition towards the right path. The message Galt sends through his book is that we should spend and invest more so on our needs versus our wants before it's too late. I just so happen to agree.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Book Review and Lasting Life Lessons from: As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

Conducting a review on Allen's As a Man Thinketh several years ago, reading Book Review As a Man Thinketh afforded me the opportunity to reevaluate my current level of process thinking. Book Review in my opinion serves as a growth measuring template. As a Man Thinketh to this day still serves as the ultimate recipe for anyone desiring to obtain a life of complete fulfillment.
Unaware of Allen's life history, I appreciated the fact that this book sheds light on his life as writer.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Adra's critique on "Viva's Coconut Oil"

Always willing to try anything once, I can honestly say that "Viva's Coconut Oil" will be used by me on the permanent basis. I love plantains and decided to use "Viva's" instead of vegetable oil. Let me just say that plantains have never tasted so good. For oatmeal lovers such as myself, try the oil in your hot cereal versus butter with a little cinnamon, and some raisins. Thanks to "Viva's", both breakfast and healthy snack items will never be the same. Look forward to trying other products by this company.  To find out more about Viva Labs products, log on to www.Vivalabs.com/Coconut-Oil      

Friday, August 30, 2013

Know Thyself ( A Journey to Self-Empowerment Tiffany D. Tilley

If you've ever wondered why you are stuck in the same unhappy position, or better yet keep making the exact identical mistakes with different people, this self-help book is for you. In order for individuals to do better we must definitely search within our inner core to do just that. Growth at times can often be uncomfortable, and uneasy. Often, it's not easy to face "you" in the mirror. The good news is that author Tiffany Tilley makes this task a little simpler by providing the tools needed to make the necessary life altering adjustments. Enclosed within this read are very in depth activities necessary for one to obtain the control needed to eliminate barriers of inferiority, and bad choices. In order to weep the full benefits of Tilley's read, I recommend that individuals complete the exercises directly after the completion of each chapter. I've come to find that what I like most about this book is that it's not the type you place back on your library shelf after reading it once. Due to life altering transformations requiring time and work, you can always refer back to the section you require assistance the most in to help you achieve your desired results. I'm a definitely looking forward to Tilley's next book.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Organizing From the Inside out by Julie Morgenstern

Due to the fact that I was never trained on how to sort my belongings, I simply throughout the years implemented a system to my best ability that semi works. Julie Morgenstern in her audio book stated the following which hit directly home with me, "You can not tell if an individual is organized from the appearance of a room. The only way to ever know is to either observe a person's closet or their drawer spaces." Wild...was she ever right. Reading this book made me realize that I am individual whose mastered the concept of "yoyo" organizing. Outer appearance wise,I can make everything look presentable and neat. My problem lies with trying to find or locate a earing or pair of pants for thirty minutes. The suggestions provided on initiating the organization process are simple and easy to implement. I really liked the fact that Morgenstern breaks down reasons as to why we as humans have a problem with ridding ourselves of unnecessary items that create clutter in all of our lives. Reading this book made me realize that organizing takes real time and a true commitment.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Puk Time...Stories & Business Lessons on how to Make it Happen in Myanmar by Jonathan Paul Nichols

Reading this book in the beginning, I felt like a student who was getting a social studies lesson on a third world country. Unfamiliar to the living conditions that were forced upon the people of Myanmar, I instantly became empathetic to their unfortunate everyday way of life. Nichols takes us on his one year journey on his mission to both invest and create a business in a place where the chances for a foreigner are slim to none. Each chapter addresses a specific time frame during his stay. At the end of each chapter, a business lesson is provided. Getting into the meat of this book, I must admit, I did find some of the jokes and Jonathan's since of humor to be a tad bit offensive. Some of the business lessons included in my opinion could apply not only within the country of Myanmar. The lessons could also apply elsewhere. I was pretty impressed with the afterword section. The most valuable lesson I learned from this book is that giving up too soon in the game of business in the country of Myanmar will get you no where. A combination of both business and common sense is required and necessary in a place such at this one where a businessman from another country can be perceived as naïve. Way to go Mr. Nichols.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Power of Positive Thinking by Keller L. Coleman IV

Research indicates that one's train of thought as it relates to positive thinking is rare and slim to none. Studies prove the natural response for most enduring a life obstacle handle the occurrence negatively out of habit. One of the steps known world wide today for reshaping this way of thinking is reading "Self Help" books. Some provide positive affirmations while others contain self analysis assessments. The goal of most are written with the intent and purpose to invent a positive climate within one's life and their surroundings. Coach Keller, a literary contributor to this cause, does a great job at providing in his guide what it takes for one to achieve it. Validating that positive thinking is a process not obtained overnight,Coleman states the following,"avoid feelings of weakness, fear, and self doubt." This statement is just one of the many productive steps listed within this book for one desiring to reshape their total train of thought. Job well done Coleman.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The art of Reinventing you...Ignite your Imagination by Versandra Kennebrew

Although this book would fall under the catergory of a "short read", the words send a very strong and tall message. Providing her own testament of how she made the conscious effort to transform her life, Kennebrew provides in four catergories advice on how to get the wheels of one's mind winding for the greater cause of positive and productive change. From sharing advice on why one should meditate, to addressing the importance of seeing a vison of what you want to accomplish in life, this book provides what it takes to get person needing that extra push the ingredients to get it going.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Click by George C. Fraser

If you think you understand networking and what it's truly all about, most likely, you probably don't and will not until you read this book. Fraser in his latest contribution to the literary world indicates that accomplishing your goals as a business person goes beyond trying to build a company or corporation simply to become rich. Indicating that his network, FraserNet connects with over 35,000 people, George states that in order for one to become successful in business that he must go beyond thinking about how they and they alone will benefit. Click provides ten effective principles that not only provide astounding advice on how to build solid lasting networking relationships,it also provides advice on personal character building. From learning how important it is to give one your undivided attention by fully listening as it pertains to business, to understanding how to address or talk to someone while under stress, Click is a guide that requires one to mentally stretch, and think beyond their rounds. This book is not just another guide that teaches one how to be a temporary entrepreneur. Click provides the advice that promotes one to balance as a human so that both business,and networking synchronize for the greater goal of permanent success.

Monday, July 22, 2013

The Confident Woman: How to Boost Self-Esteem and Happiness for Everyday Women...Kindle Edition

The Confident Woman. Most of us will likely find ourselves on a permanent mission to become this lady.  Only to discover that what we classify in our minds as confident is usually based upon external factors. The end result is that low self esteem issues pertaining to women go unresolved due to not understanding what it takes to both have and maintain high self esteem. Ordonez in less than 100 pages provides what it takes to build confidence and keep it. My favorite excerpt from the book comes from chapter three. Carolina states the following, "External factors do not provide true love, happiness,or self esteem. True happiness and love is within yourself,not outside." I really enjoyed the "Ten Personal Things to Improve Self Esteem" activity. Reading this book made me do a close examination of the following; What's taking place in my life right now?, Why do the same external situations keep re-occurring?,and Why it's important to keep "anti-esteem" at a low. This is a book that every woman should read sometime in their lifetime.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Offered the opportunity to join a group and share my view point of this read almost a year ago, I missed the deadline. Despite of missing the expiration date for participating, out of curiosity, I decided to purchase and read the book anyway. I did take it upon myself to apply one of the suggested projects. After completing the one section on clutter, I was motivated to do just that...get rid of it. Due to the fact that my bedroom and office are set up as a dual studio,I must admit,it did make me feel better. This book included a lot of suggestions on how to get the initiation process started on multiple happiness task. Some I agreed with whole heartedly yet there were some statements/suggestions that in my opinion I feel Gretchen based her focus and choices directly from personal biased experience. This book however is a good read for anyone looking for self improvement with a happiness project or, for individuals trying to get their feet wet in the process. The tips enclosed towards the end of the book are a major plus.

Monday, May 27, 2013

I Declare by Joel Osteen

An avid fan of Joel Osteen books, this literary read was given to me this past November for my birthday. I had no idea the following January that I'd be referred by my physician to have surgery. There were several challenges I edured during the procedure. From losing blood-to being operated on for over eight hours,the outcome of it all was not what I nor my doctor anticipated. Enduring a lot of pain, I somehow managed enough will and determination to start reading this book. There were some nights where I was just in too much agony to do anything except take my pain medication and go back to sleep. My body was so sore that I had to turn myself in multiple positions just to maybe get three to four hours of rest only to awaken when the pain was once again all too much. Fear as well as frustration did begin to set in because I had never been operated on before. My body in my opinion was not healing fast enough to my expectations. Day 26 in the book states the following, "It takes the same amount of energy to believe as it does to worry. Use your energy to believe." These five little words help me both to see and realize that a positive disposition is the best one to have at all times. Even during your most difficult times. This Wednesday makes the sixth week of my recovery process. I am speaking over my mountains because I know and believe that I am getting better every day. Adra Young Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series

The Secrets to Ebook publishing Success by Mark Coker Founder of Smashwords!!

Every time I read one of Coker's books, I feel as if I'm taking one of my favorite college prerequisite's courses once again. The Secrets to Ebook publishing is the kind of read that keeps indie authors such as myself having continuous "Aha Moments." From sharing the best way to sell your books, or the reason why your e-book may simply not be having any success at all, this book is great for all authors simply to trying to raise the bar revenue wise. I liked the fact that there were some secrets I already had knowledge on. On the other hand, I loved the fact that there were a lot of secrets listed that I simply were not aware of. The information provided allows me now to look upon the e-books that I write from a wide range of various angles. The e-book terminology towards the end of the book comes in very handy as well. More importantly, Coker chooses to provide all this priceless information for free to any author who's simply interested at getting better at their craft. Thanks again Coker.