Early birthday present to me from me!
Book Marks
Judy Blume’s classic YA novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, to be made into a movie.
25 very thought-provoking books you should read.
Publishers aren’t paying writer Roxane Gay enough money.
Congressman and others vow to fight Amazon, monopolies
If you love art, here are essential books to read about artists.
One persons opinion on why printed textbooks are better than e-books.
Mr. Rogers’ poetry books now available for children.
25 tremendous books by black authors.
Why some books get new covers.
The latest strategies for libraries to open in the time of Covid-19.
Writer’s Block
Hello everyone. I hope you’re doing well. I’m keeping busy. I’m looking for a new job. I even had an interview last week that went fairly well.
And I’m also busy with this blog. Several authors have reached out to me wanting me to read their books. Now I have quite a few books to read on my schedule. And I hope to have a new review up next week.
Book Marks
We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) announces fund for black creatives.
Three places to find free E-books.
Librarian fired for allegedly burning books by Donald Trump and Ann Coulter.
Libraries notice upticks in people checking out digital books. But physical books are doing alright.
Here are some books to read during our rough winter.
Jeffrey Davies now reads slower, and that’s a good thing.
Bustle magazine’s list of books you’re going to want to read in 2021.
Sixteen cook books by black authors and chefs.
How one literary agent turns entrepreneurs into thought leaders and authors.
Book Review: Cheat Sheets For Life-Over 750 Hacks for Health, Happiness and Success by Ayesha Ratnayake
When it comes to our relationships, work, health, or well-being as a whole, we often look for ideas and advice to improve our lives. And we like advice that cuts to the chase and is brief, but helpful.
So that’s why I was interested in reading Ayesha Ratnayake’s book Cheat Sheets for Life: Over 750 Hacks for Health, Happiness, and Success.
Ratnayake has been an avid reader since she was a child. And she credits her father for encouraging her to read non-fiction. This led her to be curious on various topics, including how to make our lives more manageable.
Cheat Sheets for Life is divided into 18 chapters on topics like everyday happiness, parenting, work, leadership, and green living. Under each topic are sub-topics with hacks you can implement on any issue that perplexes you and you may need some helpful guidance.
Cheat Sheets for Life is a book that can be read from beginning to end or read by subject. Having issues with insomnia, I was definitely interested in the hacks on getting a good night’s sleep. I’m also proud to say there are some hacks I already use like meditation.
Cheat Sheets for Life is written in a down-to-earth and audience-friendly style. Ratnayake is personable and empathetic. And Ratnayake didn’t just come up with these hacks. She put a lot of effort on researching these hacks. She even provides resources at the end of the book.
I found Cheat Sheets for Life to be a very informative and beneficial book. I’m sure my readers will, too.
Book Review: Hazard-Change Your Life or Love It Now by Onofrei Cosmin
We think we are in control of our lives and our destiny. But are we?
Romanian author Onofrei Cosmin examines this idea in his book Hazard: Change Your Life or Love It Now.
We’re constantly on the road to self-improvement. We think if we read the right self-help book or follow certain rules our lives will get much better. We’ll land the killer job, find long lasting love, and achieve the perfect physique. And once we obtain these things, our lives will be pretty darn perfect.
Hmmm, really?
After a brief introduction, Cosmin goes into further detail of Hazard’s premise in 15 brief, informative chapters.
These chapters go into concepts like using fear to liberate oneself, accepting our destiny, the importance of the company we keep, and how comfort, boundaries, and safety are imperative for a good life.
I’m not sure what to think of this book. At times I found it a bit pretentious and repetitive. It might have worked better as a article or a white paper for a mental wellness journal. There is a chapter called “Love and Hurt” aimed at women and the mistakes the ladies make when it cones to relationships. Hey, what about men? They make plenty of mistakes, too!
Also, I wondered what credentials Cosmin has to act as an authority on such a topic. I couldn’t find one, other than a desire to help people.
And Hazard does indulge in the spiritual, which may bother people who desire something more secular.
However, Hazard does bring up some good points like we’re the company we keep. My life is definitely enriched by my loving friends and family. And it’s better off for kicking some people to the curb.
Despite some of my misgivings, I do believe some people will find solace with Cosmin’s ideas and advice. Cosmin wants to help people find gratitude in their lives. Hazard just might help them do this very thing.
Off the Books
My darling friend Nora gave me a Target gift card so I could buy a new pair of winter boots.
thebookselfblog 