Happy Halloween!

 
Happy Reading!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn @ The Book Date. I learned about this meme from Lori at Palmer's Page Turners. Thank you for sharing this fun meme! 

What I Just Finished Reading

This one was recommended to me by a friend, glad I picked it up. :)

What I'm Currently Reading

What I am Reading Next

TBD!

Happy Reading!

Sunday

Book Review: The Comic Book Story of Video Games

Author: by Jonathan Hennessey, Jack McGowan
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
A complete, illustrated history of video games--highlighting the machines, games, and people who have made gaming a worldwide, billion dollar industry/artform--told in a graphic novel format.
 
Author Jonathan Hennessey and illustrator Jack McGowan present the first full-color, chronological origin story for this hugely successful, omnipresent artform and business. Hennessey provides readers with everything they need to know about video games--from their early beginnings during World War II to the emergence of arcade games in the 1970s to the rise of Nintendo to today's app-based games like Angry Birds and Pokemon Go. Hennessey and McGowan also analyze the evolution of gaming as an artform and its impact on society. Each chapter features spotlights on major players in the development of games and gaming that contains everything that gamers and non-gamers alike need to understand and appreciate this incredible phenomenon.


Personal Review:
When I first saw this book, I knew I had to get it. I don't consider myself a huge gamer, but I do enjoy games now and again. This book was written in comic book format and such a fun way to learn about how games have shaped the world we live in.

I greatly appreciated the information, as well as the illustrations in this book. I found the book informative and entertaining. I would recommend if you have an interest in getting the back story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Nerd Bites: Halloween Harvest Hash

Book Nerd Bites is an original monthly feature created by some lovely book bloggers Becca, Cyra, Kristie, Natasha, and I as part of the Book Blogger Creativity Project hosted by Nori. Thanks to my team for coming up with a fun and creative way to satisfy both our book-- and actual appetites!  

Each month we will be sharing exciting recipes inspired by some of our favorite books. Feel free to join in, but please make sure you link your post back to us so we can enjoy your favorite bookish delights as well!

Don't forgot to use #booknerdbites if you want to share your food inspiration with us on twitter or instagram!
 
*And now a fun recipe....for this time of year to assist you in your reading! :)

Halloween Harvest Hash Chex Mix (FULL CREDIT)

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¾ cup Butter, melted
• ¾ cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract

For the Mix:

• 1 box Rice Chex [365g (12 oz)]
• 1 bag Bugles [213g (7 oz) bag]
• 4 cups Pretzels
• 1 heaping cup Candy Corn
• 1 heaping cup Candy Corn Pumpkins
• 1 bag Reese's Pieces [230g (8oz)]

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
2. Melt the butter in the microwave in medium bowl or measuring cup.
3. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and whisk well until combined and dissolved.
4. In a VERY large bowl, add the Chex cereal, pretzels and Bugles.
5. Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
6. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Divide mixture on the two baking sheets and spread in even layers.
8. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Then add it to a large bowl, along with the candy corn, pumpkins and Reese's Pieces. Toss to combine.
10. Store in airtight container.

Book Review: The Integrity Advantage

Author: Kelley Kosow
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
You vowed to speak up at work, and then sat silent in the meeting yet again. You told yourself -this time the diet is going to stick, - only to watch the scale inching up. You felt that something just wasn't right about someone who seemed -perfect on paper---until you learned the hard way that your instincts were right.

If you can relate here, you're not alone. Before Kelley Kosow was a renowned life coach and CEO, she constantly second-guessed herself, let others steer her dreams and passions, and played it -small and safe.-

Inspired by the groundbreaking principles of her renowned mentor Debbie Ford, The Integrity Advantage is Kelley's step-by-step guide for facing the fear, shame, and false beliefs that cause us to lose our way. Through life-changing insights, true stories, and proven strategies, you'll learn how to stop fighting with yourself, start trusting your deeper wisdom, and return to wholeness

Personal Review:
I really appreciated that this book made me think. In the book, we get a number of ideas about how to approach the world differently. We get to hear about true stories and experiences that have been tested out.

I feel like this book had a lot of truths that made me think about life and what it is that you want to accomplish from it. You have alot to tell yourself and sometimes you need to listen to your instincts.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this book. Thank you.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday

Hi Everyone,

Stopping by to let you know about a book that I think looks really good! :)

Title: The Other Side of Lost
Author: Jessi Kirby
Release Date: August 2018

Summary from Goodreads: Girl Online meets Wild in this emotionally charged story of girl who takes to the wilderness to rediscover herself and escape the superficial persona she created on social media.

Mari Turner’s life is perfect. That is, at least to her thousands of followers who have helped her become an internet starlet. But when she breaks down and posts a video confessing she’s been living a lie—that she isn’t the happy, in-love, inspirational online personality she’s been trying so hard to portray—it goes viral and she receives major backlash. To get away from it all, she makes an impulsive decision: to hike the entire John Muir trail. Mari and her late cousin, Bri, were supposed to do it together, to celebrate their shared eighteenth birthday. But that was before Mari got so wrapped up in her online world that she shut anyone out who questioned its worth—like Bri.

With Bri’s boots and trail diary, a heart full of regret, and a group of strangers that she meets along the way, Mari tries to navigate the difficult terrain of the hike. But the true challenge lies within, as she searches for the way back to the girl she fears may be too lost to find: herself. 

Happy Reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: Unique Book Titles

Hi Everyone! Stopping by with another Top Ten Tuesday. This one is about Unique Book Titles. Here are a few of my favorites :)

Have you read any of these?
 
Happy Reading!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn @ The Book Date. I learned about this meme from Lori at Palmer's Page Turners. Thank you for sharing this fun meme! 

What I Just Finished Reading

I really enjoyed this one! :)

What I'm Currently Reading

What I am Reading Next

TBD!

Happy Reading!

Reading Recap

Hi Everyone!

It's been awhile since I have done a recap, so I wanted to share with you a few books that I have been enjoying recently.

I Hate Everyone But You
I really appreciated the style of this book and the friendship. In this book, we get to see the exchange between two best friends and how their lives are evolving. I thought the format of the book was interesting, the plot was full of life and fun, and I overall really enjoyed it.



The People's Princess: Cherished Memories of Diana, Princess of Wales, From Those Who Knew Her Best In this book, a number of famous people share stories on their memories of the Princess. I found it interesting to see and understand the ways in which people got to know her. I enjoyed the story. It was a quick read. 

Turtles All The Way Down
When it comes to John Green, I knew I had to get this book. I really truly appreciate this book because of the topics it discusses. John has this way of creating a story that just makes you think yet it tells a story. I thought the random facts throughout are just an extra bonus. This book was much needed in the world and I am glad I had a chance to read it.

What have you been reading lately?


Happy Reading!

Saturday

I do not own this image. 

Hi Everyone!

Between the reading event and Pokemon...I think my weekend is all booked! Hope you have a great day! :) Happy Reading and Happy Catching!

-Valerie

Dewey's Readathon: This weekend!

What is Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon? For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs, Twitters, Instagrams, Litsy, Facebook, Goodreads and MORE about our reading, and visit other readers’ homes online. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. It happens twice a year, in April and in October.

It was created by the beloved Dewey from The Hidden Side of a Leaf (her blog is archived at the Wayback Machine). The first one was held in October 2007. Dewey died in late 2008. We’re still saddened by her absence, but the show must go on. The read-a-thon was renamed to honor its founder in 2009.

Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon has been hosted by Heather of My Capricious Life and Andi of Estella’s Revenge, with help from scads of volunteers since 2013.

Happy Reading!

Guest Post with Dale Duvall

 

Hi Everyone! I am excited to be here today to bring you a guest post from author, Dale Duvall. Please help me by giving him a warm welcome.

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I am We

From the smallest microorganism to vast galaxies, all things form a part of a web of interconnected multidimensional phenomena. With a sense of oneness, there is always an innate goodness and appropriateness of action. Our own two fingers do not behave inappropriately toward each other because they are part of the same body. When most people think “I am” it is the Ego speaking, not the whole self. The Ego foolishly thinks that it alone is “I” and the stronger the Ego, the stronger the sense of separateness. The truth is that I am WE. We are a drop in the ocean and an ocean within the drop.

Separatism in the form of narcissistic egotism, religious righteousness, nationalism, sports fanaticism, or even feelings of race, tribal, or family superiority is a foolish primitive disease that fosters violence and thwarts harmony and cooperation. We need to recognize and merge our love for those close to us with the ultimate goal of understanding, cooperation, peace, and harmony with all that is. Love of one’s country, sports team, spouse or child, is perfectly normal, but fanatical attachment is unhealthy and cannot be an excuse for violence or separatism from all that is. Violence, even in defense of right, is wrong. We can evolve to find a better way.

I cannot exist without my body or my mind or my soul, just as water cannot exist without the elements of oxygen or hydrogen. And as water is not oxygen and it is not hydrogen, I am not my body, I am not my thoughts, and I am not an invisible soul. Body is only a vessel, thoughts are only tools that I can choose to use or dismiss, and soul is only my incorporeal life force connection to the source of all creation. I am we.

We are the body, the Conscious mind, the Subconscious (or subtle) mind, and a very subtle light that was before the body existed and will be after it dies. (Some call it the soul, the spirit, or life force energy) The body provides a physical being and represents us to others. The mind holds only one thought at a time but jumps around like a wild monkey from one picture to another to another providing us with an endless stream of thoughts, ideas, and past experiences wrapped in the emotion of the time. It can be guided by the Conscious mind as a gardener tends a fertile garden, or it can be allowed to run wild indiscriminately reacting to egotistical whims. And soul is our life force energy, a timeless connection to all that is, providing the true self, the observer, the interpreter, and the witness beyond the self-image. We are one cohesive, synergistic unit greater than the sum of the parts. I am we.

We are awareness, consciousness, wisdom, and loving-kindness in a form that thinks. We are a piece of the source of all things, and all things are of the source. It is like we are all holding hands as universal chi. We acknowledge our ego but identify with, and speak from our true self, the light within, the soul, the spirit, the wisdom and loving-kindness that is of the source of all things, to which we are all connected. I am we.

As two fingers of the same hand are separate, they are of the hand, which is of the body, which is of the source of all things, of which we are all a part, uniting us all as one. We are like a single cell in the body of the Universe, nourished by the same life force energy source, separated only by an invisible ego. I am we.

Our essence is a field of awareness that is consciousness and universal intelligence that conceives, manifests, and governs the body and mind.  The essential we is inseparable from our source, and all that is. I am we.

We are one with all that IS.
Harmony IS an attitude at the deepest level.
Therefore, 
I am Harmony at the deepest level.

Dale R. Duvall is a Certified Stress Management Consultant specializing in PTSD and Therapeutic Imagery, and is the author of Imagine Harmony - How to Evolve from Stress to Gratitude. Visit Amazon for the print or eBook copy and ImagineHarmony.org for more articles.

*****************
Thanks Dale!!
 
Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday

Hi Everyone!

Just stopping by to share with you a book that I have already shared about, but did not have the actual cover for when I did. This is the book I am currently reading and it is a very interesting read!

I hope you will pick it up! 
Happy Reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: Foods Mentioned In Books

Hi Everyone!

Stopping by to address this weeks Top Ten Tuesday about foods mentioned in books. I think that I dont necessarily have a particular food in mind, but I do enjoy books about people who cook and bake or remind me of yummy foods. So let me share those.

 

Happy Reading!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn @ The Book Date. I learned about this meme from Lori at Palmer's Page Turners. Thank you for sharing this fun meme! 

What I Just Finished Reading

I really enjoyed this one! :)

What I'm Currently Reading

What I am Reading Next

TBD!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Side Hustle From Idea to Income in 27 Days

Author: Chris Guillebeau
 
Summary from Goodreads: 
The author of the New York Times Bestseller THE $100 STARTUP shows how to launch a profitable side hustle in just 27 days.
 
For some people, the thought of quitting their day job to pursue the entrepreneurial life is exhilarating. For many others, it's terrifying. After all, a stable job that delivers a regular paycheck is a blessing. And not everyone has the means or the desire to take on the risks and responsibilities of working for themselves.

But what if we could quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job? Enter the side hustle.

Chris Gullibeau is no stranger to this world, having launched more than a dozen side hustles over his career. Here, he offers a step-by-step guide that takes you from idea to income in just 27 days.

Designed for the busy and impatient, this detailed roadmap will show you how to select, launch, refine, and make money from your side hustle in under a month. You'll learn how to:

- Brainstorm, borrow, and steal to build an arsenal of great side hustle ideas (day 3)
- Apply "Tinder for Side Hustle" logic to pick the best idea at any time (day 6)
- Learn, gather, or create everything you need to launch; then set up a real life way to get paid (days 13-14)
- Start raking in the money by channeling your inner Girl Scout (day 18)
- Master the art of deals, discounts, and special offers (day 21)
- Raise your game: improve, expand, or make more money off your hustle (days 24-26)

A side hustle is more than just another stream of income, it's also the new job security. When you receive paychecks from different sources, it allows you to take more chances in your "regular" career. More income means more options. More options equals freedom. You don't need entrepreneurial experience to launch a profitable side hustle. You don't have to have an MBA, or know how to code, or be an expert marketer. You don't need employees or investors. With Chris as a guide, anyone can make more money, pursue a passion, and enjoy greater security - without quitting their day job.
 
Personal Review:
In this book, we get to know more about those people who take on an opportunity. This can because of interest, because of extra money, or just for fun. The book shares with us some ideas about how to make this a reality for those who aspire to do this. In full disclosure, I am not positive that I would be very skilled at doing that. But this book made me believe that I could possibly do something like this.

I appreciated that the book was honest and gave you practical tips and advice. The words were based on experiences of real life people and I recognize that can be incredibly valuable.

I am glad that I had a chance to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book as part of the Blogging for Books program. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Devotion

Author: Dobie Houson
 
Summary from Goodreads: Devotion celebrates the magical connection between humans and their four-legged soulmates. Written by an animal communicator, this beautiful and heartwarming collection of short stories honors the love, courage, and unbreakable bonds these amazing partners share as they navigate life.

Anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of their beloved animal companion and wondered what they were thinking will fall in love with this book.

The author, a passionate animal lover, donates a portion of all proceeds to animal rescues and sanctuaries

Personal Review:
You guys know that I am always up for a good animal book. When offered this one, I had to say yes. In this book, we meet a series of stories about the furry friends who make our lives better. I appreciated the range of stories and experiences throughout the book.

If you have a furry friend in your life, this book will probably mean something to you. I know that I am certainly grateful for mine!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

 Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Reading!

Friday the 13th

Happy Reading!

Zenka by Alison Brodie

Hi Everyone!

I am excited to be here today to bring you information from Alison Brodie's new book. Please help me by giving her a warm welcome to the blog.

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Synopsis:

Ruthless, capricious, and loyal.

Zenka is a Hungarian pole-dancer with a dark past.

When cranky London mob boss, Jack Murray, saves her life she vows to become his guardian angel – whether he likes it or not.  Happily, she now has easy access to pistols and shotguns.

Jack learns he has a son, Nicholas, a male nurse with a heart of gold.  Problem is, Nicholas is a wimp.

Zenka takes charges.  Using her feminine wiles and gangland contacts, she aims to turn Nicholas into a son any self-respecting crime boss would be proud of.  And she succeeds!

Nicholas transforms from pussycat to mad dog, falls in love with Zenka, and finds out where the bodies are buried – because he buries them.  He’s learning fast that sometimes you have to kill, or be killed.

As his life becomes more terrifying, questions have to be asked:

How do you tell a crime boss you don’t want to be his son?

And is Zenka really who she says she is?

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Excerpt:

Jack glanced sharply at the gun in Zenka’s hand.  ‘Put that down!’

‘No.’

‘I didn’t order those shooters for your benefit.’

She shrugged and picked up another gun.

Jack bristled.  ‘I told you to wait in the car!’

‘Car boring.’

‘You can’t have that.  It’s illegal.’

She was aiming the gun at the wall, one eye closed as she looked along the barrel.  ‘I need gun to protect myself from people.’

‘No, Zenka, people need gun to protect themselves from you.’

She laughed, a full-throated laugh, her face suddenly alive and sparkling.  Jack was staring at her in fury, but he was helpless.  How can you reprimand someone so beautiful, so fearless?

 ***********************

Bio

Alison Brodie is a Scot, with French Huguenot ancestors on her mother’s side.

Brodie is an international, best-selling author.  Her books have been published by Hodder & Stoughton (UK), Heyne (Germany) and Unieboek (Holland).  Reviews for her debut, FACE TO FACE:  “Fun to snuggle up with” –GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Pick of the Paperbacks.                                         “Vane but wildly funny leading lady” -Scottish Daily Mail.

Brodie has now gone “indie”.  Here are some editorial reviews for her recent books. 

BRAKE FAILURE:  “Masterpiece of humor” -Midwest Book Review

THE DOUBLE:   “Proof of her genius in writing fiction” -San Francisco Book Review.

ZENKA  (to be released 6 Nov, 2017):  “ZENKA is top of my list for best fiction this year.  If Tina Fey and Simon Pegg got together to write a dark and hilarious mobster story with a happy ending, ZENKA would be the result.”  -Lauren Sapala, WriteCity

 
Happy Reading!