Older parents can be as devastating as Hurricane Katrina. They are physically demanding, emotionally draining and psychologically dangerous. As much as we love our parents (or grandparents for that matter), there comes a time when roles switch and you need to become the carer.

In this situation you may find that your parent is becoming contentious, stubborn, difficult to communicate with, etc. When my mother started showing these signs, I knew immediately that I would need help. A good friend recommended “Coping with Your Difficult Older Parent: A Guide for Stressed out Children” and I gratefully bought it. The book showed me techniques to use, had little role-plays to help me prepare for the various situations that we might find ourselves in. It helps with specific words and phrases that you should and should not use, as well as helping identify the triggers to stress which cause arguments and frustration.

I’ve started using the book in a practical fashion and some changes are already evident. Just keep in mind that you have to take baby steps and have a lot of patience. Do not expect overnight changes.  Keeping those points in mind,  this book is a great guide and a must-have for all stressed out children taking care of their parents.

• ISBN-10: 0810979772
• ISBN-13: 978-0810979772

Greg Heffley, star of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has always wished he could race to the finishing line and get the awkward adolescence stage over and done with. He tries to get into things older boys do to get there faster – dealing with girls, bigger responsibilities, looking sharp among other big-boy things to do and be. He’s doing this without best friend Rowley so he’s for the most part alone.

I am certainly no boy but being a mom, I sure could appreciate how lessons and messages are sent to growing boys. The book is a valuable guide especially to boys who are growing up without their fathers or other positive male father figure in their lives. It’s also a great way for dads to get to talking about those topics that are sensitive or tough for growing boys to talk about.

It comes in form of a diary, so boys can pour out and sort out their feelings in this journal, an idea that boys previously balked at as writing in a diary is mostly a girly thing to do. The kids are asked questions like their likes and dislikes, their secrets, getting into and out of trouble and other aspects of growing up. There are ruled and plain spaces for them to write on. There are also full color comics of the characters for them to collect.

It’s recommended for kids aged 9 to 12. My son is already 11 and this book has definitely earned his two thumbs up.  You can get your copy at Amazon.

When I first requested to review Greater Love, I was not aware that it was the third novel in the Tides of Truth series written by Robert Whitlow.  Having said that, I was not lost in the story and was able to have a good understanding of the main character, Tammy Lynn.

Here’s a quick look at what Greater Love is about:

The Tides of Truth series follows one lawyer’s passionate pursuit of truth–in matters of life and the law.

As the storm clouds gather, Tami does her best to weather the growing turbulence in every area of her life.

She’s just accepted a job with a law firm but now wonders if she made the right decision. She has two strong men vying for her heart–and is about to lose them both if she can’t determine which one is right for her.

And Tami’s new case is anything but simple. When she first meets her prospective client, she immediately knows the rough young teen is lying, guilty…and utterly terrified of something beyond the charges she’s facing. What she doesn’t realize is just how far reaching the effects of the case will go. Or how close to home the deadly results will hit. For by the time the storm breaks, someone close to Tami will have paid the ultimate price.

Through it all, Tami will experience greater sacrifice, greater friendship, and greater love than she’s ever known.

For those who are expecting plenty of suspense and thriller, Greater Love is definitely not your kind of book. In fact, it is more of a spiritual novel and more than half of the chapters in this book focuses on Christian values.  Now, even though I am not a person with a strong spiritual upbringing, I can look beyond that and appreciate the story. The plot was interesting enough that I didn’t skim through the pages but honestly speaking, I couldn’t relate with the fact that the main character, being a law graduate, having such a submissive nature. It seems that she was practically turning to her parents for advice each time she has issues with her love life.  At times, it irked me so much that I have doubts that Tami was an adult. Neither was I impressed with her lifestyle choice as I find it unrealistic in this century. The ending was also predictable and not something you would expect out of a legal fiction.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book as a legal fiction. However, you may enjoy Greater Love if you are a person having the same Christian faith paradigm as the author. My rating would be 2.5 out of 5.

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.

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.