Review: You've Been Volunteered by Laurie Gelman

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Summary:

In the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Laurie Gelman’s "irreverent and hilarious" (The New York Post) hit Class Mom, brash, lovable Jen Dixon is back with a new class and her work cut out for her

If you’ve ever been a room parent or school volunteer, Jen Dixon is your hero. She says what every class mom is really thinking, whether in her notoriously frank emails or standup-worthy interactions with the micromanaging PTA President and the gamut of difficult parents. Luckily, she has the charm and wit to get away with it—most of the time. Jen is sassier than ever but dealing with a whole new set of challenges, in the world of parental politics and at home.

She’s been roped into room-parenting yet again, for her son Max’s third grade class, but as her husband buries himself in work, her older daughters navigate adulthood, and Jen’s own aging parents start to need some parenting themselves, Jen gets pulled in more directions than any one mom, or superhero, can handle.

Refreshingly down-to-earth and brimming with warmth, Dixon’s next chapter will keep you turning the pages to find out what’s really going on under the veneer of polite parent interactions, and have you laughing along with her the whole way.

Review

You’ve Been Volunteered was the sequel to Laurie Gelman’s first book, Class Mom. Oh, how I deeply regret not discovering her first book before this one.I don’t know about the influence of whether it would’ve mattered or not but I found my new favorite character, Jen Dixon.

I haven’t laughed so much in so long. Those emails had me on the floor laughing. She makes being a class mom so much lighter and fun. There’s more to the book besides her being a class mom but that part of the book is so funny. Her sense of humor is page turn worthy. She brings wit, sarcasm that will make you chuckle all the way. Between everything that goes wrong at school, family and friends keep her plate full.

I’m sure many moms out there will relate to her experience. Everything about this was just right. I’m not sure if there will be another book but I hope so. If you want to find a fun character that will make you laugh, add this to your tbr.

Review: Again, But Better by Christine Riccio

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For years, I’ve been a loyal subscriber to Christine's YouTube channel. Because of that I got to witness the process of her writing this book. Over the course of a couple of years, she would post a videos about her writing this book. She provided an in-depth look into the world of writing and publishing. And the release date neared for Again, But Better, my excitement increased. I felt as if I had been along the journey with her.

Unfortunately, I had not enjoyed the book as much as I had hoped that I would. This is not a bad book by any means. Christine put her heart and soul in this book and that is very evident.

Again, But Better tells the story of Shane who decides to study aboard in England because “she has no friends.” She is looking for adventure and excitement. As well as trying to not let her parents find out that she doesn’t really want to be a doctor. While in England, she finds her people. Including the guy of her dreams. Unfortunately, for Shane romance can be complicated and after her semester is over she leaves with her life messier than ever. Years, later she stumbles upon the chance to do it all over again.

At first glance, I enjoyed the concept that a character will get to have a “redo" on her life. But that was only in a metaphorical sense. And as I read, I realized that what I thought was going to happen in the book would be taken to a whole different level.

Again, But Better features an almost unnecessary twist. The twist doesn’t add anything to the plot. Post and pre-twist feature nearly the same results. The story would have been able to function effectively without the twist and it could have provided a much solid ending. Which would have been an ending that elaborated more on the future, instead of providing hints of what may have happened.

I love pop culture references as much as the next person, the references in this book felt extreme and overwhelming. There were multiple ones on the same page. It felt as if the author was yelling, “hey cant you tell that this is 2011. Look at this movie reference.” Since I’m familiar with Christine’s videos, I understand that she enjoys her pop culture, but I would have liked a little less references. At times, they did take you out of the story and they felt a little redundant.

Characters

Like mentioned, earlier Christine put everything she had into this book. In addition, to that, she made sure that she threw “her self “ in the book as well. I don’t mean that there is a character named “Christine Riccio" in the book. What I mean is that Shane is basically Christine. Every quality. Every word and even blog name, can be traced back to Christine. Christine didn’t come up with an individual character, she wrote her self and changed the name. I understand that is important to write what you know, but I was hoping for an original character with her own identifying qualities. I was already aware of this person so I didn’t have the privilege of discovering her.

Final Analysis

Again, But Better features an underwhelming story of getting a change to redo your life. The characters felt a little too familiar and the plot twist was weak.

Review: Pull It Off: Removing Your Fears and Putting On Confidence by Julianna Zobrist

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Summary:

Do you ever feel stuck because of other’s expectations of you? Learn to embrace your authentic self and let go of fear. Only then can you step out in bravery, confidence, and brilliance.

“I could never pull that off!”

How many times have we heard that? How many times have we felt that? Well, if artist and musician Julianna Zobrist had a dollar for every time she heard that, she’d be worth her weight in gold.

Notorious for her daring fashion and bold creative perspective, Julianna digs deep into her own life to expose why we feel we can’t “pull it off.” Whether it’s fashion, creative expression, parenting, marriage, or daring to go 100 percent at a career, the greatest negative force you will fight against is yourself.

In PULL IT OFF, Julianna reveals how we can be transparent and vulnerable and yet secure and confident enough to walk through life facing our fears.

PULL IT OFF is broken into three parts that address the issues of authority, identity, and security, to reveal the root issue of where our fears stem from. Julianna walks readers through how to maximize our true identities and lean into our unique gifts due to a grounded belief in our acceptance of others, our acceptance by God, and ultimately, the acceptance of ourselves.

When we are secure, we believe we are worthwhile and can, indeed, pull it off!

Review

Let me first say how beautiful her cover is. I didn’t know who she was until I read her book. That splash of color represents all the sunshine she radiates from her personality. She invites us into her life to give her perspective of why we can’t “pull it off.” She dives into her career, family, and marriage.

The book is broken down into three parts: authority, identity and security. She encourages us to be fearless in who you are and be secure in your own skin She goes into where fear comes from, ground yourself in your faith and love yourself gaining the best version you can be. Having that confidence in yourself and believing in who you are can open you up to do anything. Learning to live life for you rather than for other people’s expectations and be open to embracing others.

Loved her honesty and it was refreshing reading her perspective. This isn’t a self help book but she shares some good points. This may not be for every demographic only because of where she is in life but finding that place where you learn to love you always can relate to anyone. We all can learn something from each other and I appreciate anyone trying to lift each other up.

#Sponsored by Faithwords

Review: I Was Hungry Cultivating Common Ground to End an American Crisis by Jeremy K. Everett

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Summary:

Hunger is one of the most significant issues in America. One in eight Americans struggles with hunger, and more than thirteen million children live in food insecure homes. As Christians we are called to address the suffering of the hungry and poor: "For I was hungry, and you gave me food . . ." (Matthew 25:35). However, the problems of hunger and poverty are too large and too complex for any one of us to resolve individually.

I Was Hungry offers not only an assessment of the current crisis but also a strategy for addressing it. Jeremy Everett, a noted advocate for the hungry and poor, calls Christians to work intentionally across ideological divides to build trust with one another and impoverished communities and effectively end America's hunger crisis. Everett, appointed by US Congress to the National Commission on Hunger, founded and directs the Texas Hunger Initiative, a successful ministry that is helping to eradicate hunger in Texas and around the globe. Everett details the organization's history and tells stories of its work with communities from West Texas to Washington, DC, helping Christians of all political persuasions understand how they can work together to truly make a difference.

Review:

People like Jeremy Everett are the ones that voices needs to be heard. I admire and respect those who find a calling in life to help others and to be an advocate for a cause that is affecting so many people is a noble one. Inspired to end hunger, I Was Hungry, chronicles his journey on his quest to help alleviate this epidemic across the country.

In his book, he brings awareness to the issue and much of his commentary struck a chord with me inspiring many thoughts of my own. Thought provoking, he assesses its current predicament and encourages what you can do to make it better. He shares with us his journey and organization, stories about his experiences and the effects of those facing this predicament.

Overall, I thought it was good read. Always nice reading about someone inspired to do something positive with their life to help others. I gained some insightful information that I will definitely look further into.

Review: What a Great Word by Karen Moore

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Summary:

WHAT A GREAT WORD! is a new kind of devotional. With Scripture and fresh insights from author Karen Moore, readers are able to focus on one word each day to strengthen their faith and see God’s hand at work.

These are simple words, words we use every day that we often gloss over when reading God’s Word. If, for example, the word for the day is “protect,” the reading from Psalm 121:6-8 declares: “The Lord will protect you from all dangers; He will guard your life.” Readers will then see how the Lord protects our lives. He is the One who defends us, guards us, and keeps us safe.

With one simple word, readers will move from hoping the Lord will protect us, to believing He will act on our behalf. Now that’s a Great Word!

Review:

What a Great Word is a wonderful faith inspired devotional for your graduate. As they navigate through the world, this is a nice but of inspired encouragement, themed by words meant to motivate and blossom personal growth.

Meant to be personalize your own experience, its word its supported by a lovely devotional, inspiring quotes and a prayer. Not to long, this can be read based on interest or straight through.

Overall, this was a lovely encouragement that will inspire faith an encourage your graduate as they venture in the next chapter of their life.

#Sponsored by Faithwords

Review: Get on Your Knee Replacements and Pray! If You're Not Dead, You're Not Done by Kris Kandel Schwambach, Karen Kandel Kizlin, Kathie Kandel Poe and Linda Kandel Mason

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Summary:

Blending humor and faith, the four Kandel sisters encourage senior adults to be mission focused and never let age block opportunities to serve and minister to others.

With wry humor, they inspire you to investigate possibilities for your next assignment from God. If you have retired or are considering retirement, you will chuckle as they motivate you to look into new opportunities to serve God with that unhinged schedule, wisdom gained from experience, and perhaps even some discretionary income.

Cheerleaders encouraging the no-longer-young to stay in the game, the Kandels let you laugh out loud at their own real-life mishaps. They prove that age isn’t years, it is mind-set, and they offer a lighthearted challenge to seek new ways to serve God.

Do not let your number of birthdays stand in the way of your eternal impact. The big music for intentional, mission-focused living can begin even when you are well advanced in years.

Review

This was really fun. You are as old as you feel. I love this line, “a little north of middle age and a bit south of rigor mortis.” These ladies show how age is just a number.

I’m always looking to read perspectives of people who have some more life experience than me. It keeps me grounded and humbled. I’ve always felt that experience and wisdom have always given me a sense of purpose and inspiration to look at things differently. If you are faith based, than what you will appreciate through the humor and insight of what these ladies bring together through the ups and downs of life they stay spiritually grounded and finds ways to incorporate that in their everyday lives.

Even though the book was intended for a different demographic, I still appreciate their life experience and humor. They sprinkle family moments with faith and encourage their peers not to lose focus where their rooted faith will lead them or into other lives. Life don’t stop until your eyes are closed forever.

Everything from that witty title to getting to having a little fun with these lovely ladies, this was a nice read. My only wish was that I could know whose perspective at certain moments that way I could connect better. It was a blended perspective that you can definitely feel the familial vibe but they each brought something special to the book that made it enjoyable.

#Sponsored by FaithWords