We have many motivational books at home, from Stephen Covey to Donald Trump to Anthony Robbins, so I was keen to see what kind of knowledge George Foreman, the former boxing heavyweight champion of the world,  had to impart to his readers. 

I must say I was pleasantly surprise to find that Knockout Entrepreneur was an easy read, not one of those books that claims to have the power to motivate and yet easily puts one to sleep. In this title, Foreman has effectively applied the principles of boxing in the world of business. Some may consider this book to be part autobiography of George Foreman as he incorporates many stories of his past boxing experiences in the book whenever he wants to drive home a point.   Personally, I enjoyed his conversational style of writing, how he teaches that one should run a business with compassion and his faith in God. I also like how he often emphasizes on the importance to have the “right” people on his team, INCLUDING the fact that one should not forget his family.

“What good is it for you to become a success in the eyes of the world but a failure at home?”  – Foreman reaffirms my belief that SUCCESS is not limited to one’s career only. It includes having a happy home.

Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5. If you’re a first time entrepreneur who’s looking for inspiration, encouragement and a fun read, Knockout Entreprenuer will be a great book to start with.

Disclosure : I received this book for free, courtesy from Thomas Nelson Publishers . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS is the final volume in Michael Gurian’s trilogy on boys development. In this book, Gurian presents a tool kit for parents who want to discover how to inspire the ultimate fulfillment of their son’s life. As he explains, “purpose” is vital for the success and happiness of every boy.

THE PURPOSE OF BOYS outlines a map parents can use to help their own sons wrestle with everyday life events and growth. And the book serves as a model to help all our sons seek a successful future, while still boys, adolescents, and young men.

The Purpose of Boys could not have arrived at a better time as lately, I’ve come to terms that my parenting techniques  were not working with my 9 year old son. It could be also that I am not communicating effectively with him.  When reprimanded, my son would appear to be remorseful as well as understand what I’m saying but the next minute, he would be repeating the same mischief again. Every now and then, I can hear myself repeating “Back then when I was your age, I was never like that!” .

After reading this insightful book,I learnt from Gurian that it was unfair to make such comparison - “Back then” was close to 3 decades ago and “Now” was a totally different generation where children at a young age, are more exposed to electronic media, educational levels are higher, there are more pressure from society to succeed, etc.

I found some solace  in the fact that studies have proven - Apart from the difference in biological aspects, there are also neurological differences between boys and girls. In other words, a boy’s body and brains are wired differently. Now, that REALLY explains why my kids react differently to my parenting styles. 

Gurian asserts that it is important for boys to find their sense of purpose. Otherwise, they will lose their sense of direction and eventually turn to unhealthy activities such as dropping out from school, turning to drugs, alcohol, gang violence and more. The author recommends utilizing a rite of passage system where parents can join together with other adults—leaders, mentors, coaches—and such institutions as schools and churches, to help boys refocus and get back on track.

My take on the book : Gurian points out that today’s adolescent males are scared, confused and insecure, calls for a change in the way the rest of the world view boys and he offers solutions!  This book gives me so much insight into how I could relate with my 9 year old son. Anyone (especially parents) who is thoughtful about raising sons and committed to doing the best job possible should take a good look at this book!

WIN IT : I’m giving away a copy of The Purpose of Boys to two lucky readers. Check out how you can win:

• Single mandatory entry – Visit The Gurian Institute and tell me one fact about Micheal Gurian
• Three additional entries – If you tweet about this giveaway (please leave your twitter id)
• Three additional entries – If you blog about this giveaway and link it to this post. Please leave your post url
• This giveaway is open to all destination that the USPS ships to.
• Giveaway closes on 28th May 2009 and winners will be drawn using the Random.org.

William Is Going Green is a pretty simple book that promotes environmental awareness to young children. Written by dad James Martin II with his little art director son, James Martin III, it is the first picture book in the series from William The Garbage Truck and Crew. 

To start off, the William is Going Green book is 100% recycleable. That’s a thumbs up from me. One fine day, William, a smoky white garbage truck working in the city’s local dumpster was out of employment and had to go out in search of another job. That task was more difficult than he had thought as he got rejected many times. Eventually, William found himself in a little town that he liked. Here, he learnt the importance of conservation and friendship. You’ll have to read the book and find out how William eventually transforms into a green hybrid recycling truck.

I like that William Is Going Green provides children simple tips such as to turn off the light when sleeping and not to let the water run when brushing teeth. These are easy and do-able steps that can encourage children to join the fight against global warming. I also noted that The Crew in the story comprises of a variety of ethnicities and both genders which is great for children like mine who lives in a multicultural country.

Verdict : A hardcover short story that teaches kids from age 3 onwards how to go green and keep our planet safe, I rate it a 7 over 10.

BUY IT : You can purchase William Is Going Green directly from its website here or through Borders, Amazon.com as well as BarnesandNoble.com.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

 Product Details

• Title : Cole Family Christmas

• Author : Jennifer Liu Bryan with Hazel Cole Kendle

• ISBN-13: 978-0-7618-4106-7
  ISBN-10:  0-7618-4106-7

The Story

This book is based on a true family story passed down for generations about Hazel’s coal mining family and an unforgettable Christmas experience in the 1920s.  Set in the heart of the Appalachian coalfields, Cole Family Christmas tells the story of a how the Cole children are allowed to ask Santa for gifts from the Sears catalogue wish book. Unfortunately, there was an snowstorm and everything turned topsy turvy where Christmas gifts are given and received in an unpredicted manner. Find out how this unexpected event turned out into a joyful and memorable holiday for all.

Verdict

A book that comes in hardcover always receive a plus from me. Cole Family Christmas is made up of 9 short chapters for an easy and quick read. A heart warming story, ideal for readers of age 8-12, it can also  help encourage family-time by reading aloud to one another. Promotes values such as compassion, tenderness and the importance of being a family. I am giving it a 7 out of 10 rating.

WIN IT:

I am giving away 3 copies of Cole Family Christmas to Mom2BBReview readers. Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit Cole Family Christmas and leave me the name of one of the Cole Children in the comment section below

• 3 additional entries if you Stumble This Post. Please leave your StumbleUpon id in the comment section

• Contest is open to readers with shipping addresses in US and Canada only.

• Contest closes 30th September 2008 and winners will be randomly chosen using the Random.org number generator. Result will be announced within 3 days from the closing date.

If you cannot wait to win one of these copies, you can BUY IT HERE!

Product Details 

• Title : Dangerous Days Of Daniel X 
• Author : James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge (Contributor)
• Genre : Science Fiction & Fantasy
• ISBN-10: 0316002925
• ISBN-13: 978-0316002929

Thanks to Mother Talk, we had the awesome opportunity to review this book – The Dangerous Days Of Daniel X. By “we”, I had planned to have my 8 year old son read this book and share his opinion with me. However, upon receiving the book, I figured it was too advance for his reading level.

Oh well, I decided to read the book on my own to fulfill my review obligation. Little did I know that I was reading chapter after chapter and had to reluctantly put the book away after spending the entire one hour office lunch time reading it! I’m not sure whether to be embarassed as I was definitely intrigued by a book meant to encourage reading for the tween to teen age category (though it does say that the book is catered for all ages).

The Story

The book starts with the brutal murder of Daniel X’s parents, by aliens when he was just 3 years old. Since then, it has been his mission to find the murderer as well as to carry on his parents’ legacy, which is to hunt down all the aliens in “The List”.

Fifteen year old alien hunter Daniel has the power to transform and create as well as telepathic abilities but was that enough to wipe out Prayer, his ultimate Target? Now, that’s the part you need to read to know

Verdict

I have to admit that I’ve never read a James Patterson book before, so there was nothing for me to benchmark his books on. Personally, I found this book a fun and entertaining popcorn fiction read. Being a die hard American Idol fan, I had a good laugh when Daniel mentioned that Sanjaya Malakar was probably another alien or from out of this world! I also enjoyed the character Daniel X as he was portrayed like any average teenager,  sometimes cocky, vulnerable to crushes but yet possesses an endearing personality.

Although the book is geared for all ages of readers, I actually  felt that due to the simple plot and easy to follow storyline, it should ideally be targetted at kids of age 10-12. For the older teens and adults, they would probably expect more thrill, suspense and fast paced action out of a science fiction novel.

Overall, I would rate if a 7 out of 10. I throughly enjoyed The Dangerous Days Of Daniel X and will be looking out for its’ sequel.

I must admit I jumped at the chance when offered to review author Harlan Cohen’s new book, Dad’s Pregnant Too. Afterall, who have not heard of this bestselling author who is also a nationally syndicated advice columnist. No? Perhaps his other bestselling book The Naked Roommate may ring a bell. I can hear the “Ahhhhhhhhh” now *grins*.

I’ve got to admit, most pregnancy books are catered for women so, Dad’s Pregnant Too! would make a wonderful guide for any dad-to-be. Being a woman myself, I know for a fact that when I was first pregnant, I was clueless about my impending role of motherhood if not for the help and advice from friends, families and most importantly, books!

Dad’s Pregnant Too! features more than 100 tips for expectant dads with step-by-step guide, advice and pictures. I love the fact that medically reviewed pictures of baby’s development are also included in this book. Who else knows better than us that men, being the typical M-E-N rarely talk about their insecurities during the pregnancy months. Instead of being left to wonder about what the next nine months of pregnancy will mean for them, this book will help men to understand their partner and what’s really going on inside her belly.

Dad’s Pregnant Too! scores extra brownie points for:

• Teaching the expectant dads that they need to treat their partner well as a pregnant woman needs to feel as good as she feels big

• Providing expectant dads an insight into the different minds of a pregnant woman.

• Preparing them to face the truth – that the first 2-3 months after the arrival of baby might be extremely stressful and exhausting though things will be spectacular in the next few months after that.

Many a times when I read this book, I would burst out in giggles as the author is witty and hilarious while not losing sight of factual information. Dad’s Pregnant Too! is so much FUN to read and I wish we had it eight years ago when I was first pregnant. It’s definitely THE essential guide, packed with the best advice for expectant couples from the experts and parents who have been there before.

BUY IT HERE for yourself, your partner or even as a gift for a friend.

The first time I set my eyes on the book, I was truly mesmerized by it. The picture above does not do it any justice. The artwork on the cover itself was so beautifully done and I was glad it came in hardcover so that when my little girl is old enough to read it, I can pass it on to her. For now, I just have to be contend to read it to her during bedtime.

The Fairy Foals is about the mystical journey of Suzanah, the main character in the book(who is also the author of the book), into the world of amazing tiny creatures called Fairy Foals. At the age of 40, Suzannah inherited her grandmother’s house which comes with a beautiful garden.  One day, while out exploring the garden, she discovered an exquisitely tiny horse with butterfly wings caught in a spider’s web. Read on and discover her extraordinary journey…..

The Fairy Foals is a gorgeous sketchbook and journal, coupled with adventure, friendship and beautiful poems. Ideal for those who enjoys magical and candid stories. I myself enjoyed the breathtaking illustrations which comes in wonderful vivid colours. If you are looking for a gift for a girl, a horse-lover or someone who loves art, this book would be the perfect choice!

If you are a fan of author J.H.Sweet’s Fairy Chronicles series, you will be happy to know that there is a latest addition to this series called Cinnabar & The Island Of Shadows. This book continues the tradition of the previous 7 Fairy Chronicles, which tells stories about wonderful 9 year old girls who are secretly fairies themselves

Here’s a synopsis of the book:

When seven babies are born without shadows, the fairies fear that humankind might be losing its closest companions!

Cinnabar and her friends must use elf magic to reach the mysterious and secret Island of Shadows to try and locate the lost shadows. But, as if that is not hard enough, Madam Toad fears the shadows are not just misplaced, but stolen! Fortunately, the King and Queen of the Shadowmakers — and even their Griffin — are ready to help fight whatever is responsible.

The fairies will have to work fast. Without the magical protection of shadows, all of mankind will soon be defenseless.

My 10 year old niece had the privilege to read this book and she spent the entire two days during her stay with us, glued to the book as she was eager to finish it before she had to go home. Such was the attraction of Cinnabar with her Aspen twig and her gift of enhanced abilities at night.

Like the rest of the books from The Fairy Chronicles series, I love the fact that it teaches children the importance of teamwork, respect as well as acceptance of people from a diverse society. Isn’t that what real life is all about?

I highly recommend Cinnabar & The Island Of Shadows to all children, girls as well as boys, not only as an extraordinary children’s fantasy book but a book that will help inculcate good morale and values in children. You can purchase this book and other books in the Fairy Chronicles series here.