Book Reviews: April

FOR ENJOYMENT
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
Initally I picked up this book for a women's reading club...yeah I didn't go that was the weekend of our anniversary..BUT I really enjoyed the book. It follows an American woman through her struggles in life and a move in to Kabul. You get a true picture of life there and it was very eye opening for me to understand the culture. It's a well written story that will capture your attention and educate you...personally I say this is a must read.

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin
This historical novel follows three girls who choose to traverse the great wide ocean for a new life in America after the death of their parents. I loved this book for the historical accuracy, the great story line and the overall feel good messages permiating the book. I was surpised to realize this book talked a lot about God because I didn't realize I picked up any kind of religious type book, but I enjoyed it. So fair warning if you dislike that kind of thing this historical fiction may not be for you.

FOR RUNNNING
A Race Like No Other by Liz Robbins
Liz takes a very intersting path to showcase the NYC marathon. She follows elite runners and then the plain Jane folks like you and me through their struggles. Her book depictes the marathon in amazing detail and certainly makes me feel like I've already run it!! My biggest complaint were her continuous comments like...Just past the auto shop their engines are still running...just past the Italian place their legs are like noodels. It was a little bit much. If you like learning more about the Pro's, their training and their life I would definitely say pick this one up.

Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes
Many of you have already read this book, but hey when you use the library, you wait your turn. I personally really loved this book. Maybe it's because I could feel his passion and it just made me think "YES, that's how I feel!" or maybe it was because he is so humble about his running. Others have said it was just too unrelatable, but I disagree... his pain at mile 99 is our pain at mile 25. The version I picked up also had a post section with his discussion of diet and nutrition...WTF 5.8% body fat...I'll never be there but heck maybe I can learn something else from his avoidance of processd foods.

FOR SPIRIT
The Success Prinicples by Jack Canfield
This is one audio book that I have now started listening to for a second time. If you are interested in being more successful in any area of your life this is a fantatsic book. He talks a lot about visualization, a lot about figuring out where you are going...as in do you even know where that is? What makes you happy? Do you spend your time doing that? He also talks a lot about well known successful people and I appreciate the stories and life lessons. Let's be honest if someone else can make a mistake that I don't have to...well that's just fine with me.

Mission:Success by Og Mandino
"I will keep a smile of my and in my heart even when it hurts today. I know that the eworld is a looking glass and gives back to me the refelection of my own soul....I will pause whenever I am feeling sorry for myself today, and remember that this is the only day I have and I must play it the fullest."

Another fantastic and uplifting book by Og Mandino...it follows a fighter pilot in WWII and is filled with wonderful "Seeds" of wisdom as those I have quoted. I will be heading back to the library for more Og books because I believe in feeding your soul and sow the seeds of a healthy mind.
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Gratitude Journal
April 9
I am grateful for fun weekend plans
I am grateful for our big comfy new couch
I am grateful for having fresh flowers in the house
I am grateful for calming yoga
I am grateful for my stability ball