Life in Half a Second by Matthew Michalewicz

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you one post at a time, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re taking a step out of the Fiction arena and straight on to the path of YOUR LIFE.  Sound scary?  Well, it CAN be, but most things that are worth having require a bit of uncertainty along the way.  In this case, we’re talking about goals.  You know…those things that for some are set every other moment (yet how often are they obtained?) while others can’t formulate one to save their lives…and sometimes, it may actually DO just that.  Personally, I fall into the camp of both to some degree.  I have an idea of where I’d like to be, but the path to getting there seems over full with obstacles…lack of time, money, choice, etc; the usual pitfalls.  So, why if feeling overwhelmed would I tackle a book such as this?  For that very reason indeed.

Life in Half a Second:

How to achieve success before it’s too late

Matthew Michalewicz

9781925000207

Hybrid Publishers

About the book…

Life is short, too short.  In the grand scheme of the universe, you only have half a second to pursue your dreams, live fully, and succeed.  You don’t have a moment to lose.

Truthful and hard hitting….the first “fact-based” formula for achieving success in life and business.  Proven through thousands of studies and decades of research, it presents the five doors you must walk through to achieve success in your career, business, or personal life.

Gimmicks, mind tricks, fairy tales, and wishful thinking NOT INCLUDED.

Just facts.

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Clarity

Desire

Belief

Knowledge

Action

These are the doors which one needs only walk through to reach those lofty dreams held within our hearts.  Sounds simple, right?  Well, yes and no.  It’s as simple as we make it and yet still a mountain to conquer.  The simplicity comes in when we truly understand each step that needs taking, each mile that needs covering, each rung on the ladder of whatever to wherever that needs climbing.  You see not every person has the same goals.  Oh sure, we all want to be financially stable, have a good balance between work and play, view ourselves as successful.  The thing is….everyone’s image of that word is different.

The author makes a very good point from the start with this distinction.  My idea of success, even if we are both bookishly inclined, is not going to be a carbon copy of yours, or yours, or even yours.  There’s differences, variances, layers that are unique to our own dream….even the importance of each item will shift like LA on a bad day from person to person AND year to year.  Let’s face it, what we wanted at 6 years old is probably not what we have our sights set on at 30.  If it is, well then perhaps you were a very grown up child or you might be in need of a goal renovation.  *smirk*  The point is we each have goals whether stated or documented, it’s the follow through that gets muddled up in the process.  According to Mr. Michalewicz, the problem lies in our plan. 

Each door mentioned is a stage that we and our goal must make it through in order for it to become reality.  Through CLARITY of the goal, our DESIRE to achieve it, our BELIEF that it will be reached, having the KNOWLEDGE base to back it all up, and then finally taking that first step on our course of ACTION….all our dreams are within reach.   To believe or not to believe, that is indeed the proposed question…or perhaps better stated would be do WE believe enough in ourselves, in our dreams to do more than put pen to paper but make them happen?  Something worth the ponder indeed.

So whether you’re ready to take the first step on a journey that is sure to change your life, know someone who could use that sort of direction in theirs, or are looking for another way to view those challenges we set before us in life, I’d certainly recommend this book as a great stepping stone.  Will I be following it’s well laid course anytime soon?  Perhaps…and if I decide in the affirmative, you’ll be among the first to know (thank you door of Clarity!).

Review copy received courtesy of Jody, a blog reader and promoter of the author's work..  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as what the author is up to next, stop by his official site.

Until next time…happy reading!

For readers round the world: IF I WERE A BOOK by Jose Jorge Letria

Hi there!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, the place that loves nothing more than sharing another bookish day with all of YOU.  That’s right YOU.

Today, we’re checking out a work suitable for a very WIDE audience.  From the wee little ones to those well into their golden years and everyone in between, this book will appeal to you in some fashion….all you have to do is crack the spine.  Ready to dive into a great addition to your Friday reading list (or any day for that matter)?  Today's book of choice is...

If I Were a Book

By

Jose Jorge Letria

Illustrated by

Andre Letria

9781452121444

Chronicle Books

No matter the genre.

No matter the format.

No matter your age.

No matter your background.

No matter your preference for length, or lack thereof.

No matter your inclination towards or against illustrations included.

No matter your chosen venue.

No matter your reason for reading, be it recreational or goal oriented.

No matter if you’re swimming in free time or sneaking in a few minutes every chance you get.

No matter if you’re a party of one or reading to an audience.

This is a reading holiday for all book fans.

Each heartfelt and poetic two page spread is another love letter from the standpoint of a book to readers everywhere.  It reminds us just how many roles books actually play in our lives every day.  From opening paths of discovery to lifting us to the ultimate heights of inspiration, feeding our imaginations to fueling our daydreams, each and every one we encounter impacts our lives in some fashion, shapes our thinking in some way.  Amazing the power of the written word, no?

^_^

 

 

So, I pose the title in a question to all of you…

…IF YOU WERE A BOOK, what would you do, hope to accomplish or share with the world?

Do tell!

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Review copy received courtesy of the amazing team over at Chronicle Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their official site (www.ChronicleBooks.com), or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ChronicleBooks).  This title was released just this month and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.  Recommended for all ages, shapes, sizes, nationalities, and….well, you get the picture.

Until next time…happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Love Like the Movies by Victoria Van Tiem

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that brings you the best in my reading to date, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, that statement applies TEN FOLD as we play host to a Pump Up Your Book blog tour starring a book that is PERFECT for all those rom-com fans out there....including yours truly.  Yep.  It's like a huge helping of all the chick flicks you love with a read to dive into with BOTH feet.  Ready to meet the ebook of the day?  That's right, I said EBOOK.  Even in this format it's a MUST read!  Today's blog tour guest and book of choice is.....

Love Like the Movies

by

Victoria Van Tiem

Simon Schuster Pocket Star

About the book....

In this irresistible romantic romp, movie fanatic, Kensington Shaw is thrown into love—Hollywood-style–when her gorgeous ex presents a big screen challenge to win back her heart. What girl wouldn’t want to experience the Pretty Woman shopping scene? It’s number two on the list. Or, try the lift from Dirty Dancing? It’s number five. One list, ten romantic movie moments, and a handful of shenanigans later, Kenzi has to wonder…should she marry the man her family loves, or risk everything for a love like the movies?

AMAZON   |   BARNES & NOBLE   |    ALL RETAIL LINKS

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O.M.G.

Where do I begin?

From 'You've Got Mail' to '27 Dresses' and everything in between, the movies covered in this story everything a swoon loving girl would love.  Well, at least this girl did anyway.  I don't know just what to say without sounding simply like a little fan girl!

Kensington was a great leading lady, though sometimes she needed help actually taking the reigns.  She has patience for days, depending on who it's on behalf of.  She has witt, humor, talent, and drive.  She has a dream worth chasing that seems just within reach. Aw, yes.  But does she reach it?  Better for me to know and you to find out.  The important part is she tries and when you take into account along with all the monkey wrenches thrown at her, THAT'S a miracal in and of itself.  Now two of those monkeys are Bradley and Bennett.  One is her future, one is her past come back to life....both will make your heart thump for various reasons throughout the story (i.e. anger, laughter, humor, etc)...although I was rooting for Shane...I mean, how could you not?  OH, wait...you haven't read it yet and have no idea what I'm talking about.  Well, trust me, it's well worth the read.

The nutshell of the story is this....girl meets boy, boy cheats on girl, girl finds new life until boy reappears and promises all her heart's desires...wait, no.  Boy reappears and muddles up her thinking process when it comes to him and the "fiance".   Girl has big decisions to make thanks in part to her heart but also the transgressions of others and in the end...makes a choice not for them but for herself.  It's a bundle of bookish goodness with a healthy dose of the movies you know and love; an interesting combo that works more than you know.  Recommended read for Chick lit fans and Chick flick friends for the fun of the story as well as the cleverness deployed throughout the story.  It's enough to make me simply sputter incoherently, vibrate off the floor with anticipation, and smile wide enough to signal 747s with my flash of white teeth.  I mean really, we're all working towards our own versions of happily-ever-after....is it so wrong that mine (and perhaps yours) mirrors that which is found within?

In short, a great read.

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About the author...
Author repped by Jenny Bent of The Bent Agency.  An artist, black belt, mom of two, wife of one, and resident caretaker of the family zoo—including her beloved, pot-bellied pig, Pobby. When she's not writing, she indulges in her two favorite pastimes: a good book and a romantic movie.


BLOG   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Books for the chance to host a spot on this fab tour.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this promotion as well as those forthcoming, be sure to check out their official site, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released in ebook format via Simon & Schuster's Pocket Star, so be on the lookout for it on a virtual shelf near you.

Until next time....happy reading?

When the Wind Blew by Alison Jackson

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please readers of all ages with something fresh, something new, something that will bring delight to the eyes, mind and heart….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re taking a stroll through the land of Story Books with a cast of characters both unexpected and familiar.  They are sharing a story with a woman who lived in a certain fashion statement, on a quest to return things that were misplaced during a rather blustery day.  WARNING:  The following review is written in rhyme….not to everyone’s liking, but I was moved to do so by the whimsy of the artwork and the general story.  If it’s not to your liking, my apologies…but after all, it is my site so there is a bit of creative licensing I am entitled to as well.  ^_^  Ready to greet a new day and quite possibly a new-to-you title?  Here it comes!  Hold on to your hats for today’s book of choice is….

When the Wind Blew

By

Alison Jackson

Illustrated by

Doris Barrette

9780805086881

Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company LLC

Once upon a time,

In a land far away,

Although much MUCH closer,

If taking Imagination Highway;

There lived a middle aged woman,

For truly, she wasn’t old,

Though depending on your own age,

YOU might speak so bold.

Anywho, back to the lady,

With her rather large brood,

For this is her story,

To ignore her would be rude!

On a regular day,

In her regular “hood”,

The winds began blowing,

As hard as they could.

They blew through the curtains,

They blew around walls,

They blew them a BABY,

In one of its squalls.

A baby?  Why yes,

Indeed it is true,

But that smart crafty lady,

She knew just what to do.

So forward and onward,

Went both children and mom,

To return what was blown,

Til the winds became calm.

Through orchard and valley,

Up hills and down,

They met familiar characters,

From all parts of town.

Mary with her lambs,

Jack and Jill with their pail;

Even little boy blue,

With his horn that shan’t fail.

They’ve all been caught up,

In this westerly blow,

Will things be put right?

That’s for readers to know.

The rhyming is fair,

With a rather nice beat;

The illustrations are vivid,

Nay, tre magnifick.

The ending will throw you,

For a bit of a spin;

But the overall read,

Grants this one a win!

So come one, come all,

Become one of many,

Who’ve  found the delight

In this story of plenty.

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ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog of wonders, be sure to stop by their official site, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was scheduled for release this month from Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company LLC, an imprint of MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Until next time…happy reading!

Easy as 1, 2, C: Counting to D by Kate Scott

Hi there!

Welcome back to THE online book haven for bookish folks round the globe, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Okay, so perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit there with my description but really, we live in a world where what we see, or are presented (for the most part) is absolute truth.  Who wouldn’t want to present the BEST image of themselves, or their own little virtual home, to the world?  Case in point made and on display in today’s chosen title.

We’re heading into the YA zone with a story that I feel will spark conversations.  It tackles a subject very prevalent in our society that’s hard to manage on ones own, and can leave those living with it feeling ostracized, alone or like they should be ashamed of who they are.  Grant it, I’m not speaking from experience (completely at least) but one can imagine the dividing lines; whether actually there or merely perceived, is another story.  Here, we see them emphasized not only for dramatic flair but to shed some light on the issue as well as ways that it can be combated.  Have I got your attention?  Are you curious to find out more?  Let’s continue then.  Today’s book of choice is…

Counting to D

By

Kate Scott

9780989594707

EB Elliott Books

About the book…

The kids at Sam’s school never knew if they should make fun of her for being too smart or too dumb.  That’s what it means to be dyslexic:  smart, and illiterate.  Sam is sick of it.  So when her mom gets a job in a faraway city, Sam decides not to tell anyone about her little illiteracy problem.  Without her paradox of reputations, she falls in with a new group of highly competitive friends who call themselves the Brain Trust.  When she meets Nate, her charming valedictorian lab partner, she declares her new reality perfect.  But in order to keep it that way, she has to keep her learning disability a secret.  The books are stacked against her and so are the lies.  Sam’s got to get the grades, get the guy, and get it straight – without being able to read.

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Can you imagine?
Not being able to read.

We’re not talking about just at an early age either.

We’re talking elementary school, middle school, high school…and beyond.

To have the desire to climb into the stories within the pages, but not the ability to satiate that need.  To have the requirement thrust upon you to study a particular chapter, or research with listed references a topic covered in the text, without the ability to access it like most others with a glance, a turn of the page, and a stroke of the pen 

As an avid reader myself, it seems unfathomable and yet people of all ages live with this limitation every day.  I hate to even say “limitation” because it’s not something they’ve imposed on themselves but a wiring within them that just happened to develop a particular way.  Despite it not being the ideal diagnosis for anyone, there is an amazing side to it as well.  It’s often said (or at least I’ve been told) when one door closes, another opens.  Though the ability to read and read well may not come easily (or at all in some cases), quite often those with this door shut are afforded an uncanny ability to process and handle numbers, and sciences.  I mean in seriously scary good ways too!  The consistency seems to be the key, how there is no “maybe this” or “maybe that”, whereas words can be fickle sometimes ( *hugs words* -- *comforts words’ feelings*  ^_^). 

The way Sam’s world is portrayed allows us to see the remarkable aspect of it all, as well as that which holds her back.  That struggle to balance the two sides of herself is what drives her to hide that which she feels unable to change.  She outs herself to some, forming connections she feels secure in but when she has other designs in mind for her latest endeavors, things get a bit uncertain.  After all, once you’ve shown you’re greatest secrets and deepest fears in friendship to someone you’ve placed on a pedestal, how do you take the next step up?  Sam has her work cut out for her but after all she’s overcome, circumvented and managed-to-avoid-without-tipping-most-off in her life thus far….I think she’s up to the challenge.

In conclusion, a Young Adult read for a generation use to taking matters by the horns yet still sheltering their faults from the spotlight in fear of rejection.  It’s not a warm and fuzzy blanket of “everything-will-be-okay”, but it does show how with time, with effort, with insistence and a “never-say-die” attitude, strides can be made to better their world’s, both inside and out.  The characters are easy to relate to, the story (for the most part) feels real; you’re typical YA expectations met.  However, though I found the story appealing, I also enjoyed learning more about dyslexia and some of the therapies employed to assist in overcoming the obstacles it lays before them.  It even had me contemplating a few things from my own school days regarding concepts taught versus actually comprehended and the ability to use them to this day.  Rather eye opening indeed….and combine that with the enjoyable read, well folks, there is only one conclusion there.  We have a winner.

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 About the author…

Kate Scott lives in the suburbs outside Portland, Oregon with her husband Warren.  Kate was diagnosed with dyslexia as a young child but somehow managed to fall in love with stories anyway.  Counting to D is her first novel.  When Kate isn’t writing, she enjoys listening to audiobooks, camping, and spending time with her friends and family.  Kate also spends a lot of time doing math and sciency things and is a licensed professional engineer.

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ARC for review courtesy of Jessica at Mindbuck Media Book Publicity.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their future promotions, be sure to seek them out online.  This title is available now via EB Elliott Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!

Life is Art: HOLD STILL by Cherry Smyth

Why hello there!

Greetings and salutations my dear friends.

Welcome back to the site that likes to mix things up a bit when it comes to reading choices because after all, variety IS the spice of life….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Despite my tendency to dip into several genres and leave you guessing as to what’s to come on any given day, there’s one thing you CAN count on…it will be presented with care, with fairness, and with honesty, whether I enjoyed it to no end, couldn’t fathom reading another word, or fell somewhere in-between.  After all, one reader’s passion is another reader’s discontent but today’s spotlight shines on something that fell smack dab in the middle.  However, before we go two stepping around the details and discussing what is or isn’t art, let’s properly greet today’s book of choice….

Hold Still

By

Cherry Smyth

9781907320361

Holland Park Press

About the book…

…set in 1860s London and Paris…a fictional account of a short period in the life of Joanna Hiffernan, the muse and model of both James Whistler and Gustave Courbet.…an enthralling picture of what must have been a remarkable woman.

I’ve read a book or two like this before, the most memorable (to me at least) being about a ballerina in war times, and as they deal with the fictitious makings of someone’s real life story, they often feel very vivid, placing you there in the moment.  Sometimes that’s a blessing, other times…well, there are things we’d rather not feel nor wish upon anyone, but the true strength of these tales is in recreating that drama, that moment and presenting it with as much color as possible.  Here, I do believe the author has successfully accomplished that goal with every stroke of the pen, or press of the keyboard as the case might be.

Jo’s life is a canvas as is her chosen profession, both in practice, employment, and pastime.  Whether in times of work or times of respite, the power of conveying scenes and emotions transfixes her with every stroke.   I myself usually have my hand in some sort of artistic endeavor, though not to make a living by.  The thrill of seeing something come to life is truly remarkable; I highly recommend it to everyone.  That being said, not everyone has the talent to accomplish such feats…and no, I’m not saying my efforts were talent-filled…but it only takes one person to see your creation as art to make it so, whether that be you, yours, or someone of higher acclaim in the field.  Centering back on our lead…

Symphony in White, No.1:
The White Girl

Jo’s works were, for the most part, in progress…as was her life.  She was still getting her legs about her, finding her inner artist, and while on that journey to self discovery, she made some other realizations about herself and the world that surrounds her.  From her own desires outside of her craft to her curiosities about mankind as a whole, from her penchant for pushing the envelope while staying within her moral bounds to her enjoyment of riding the cusp of innovation, she is a multifaceted woman if there ever was.  More power to her I say!  ^_^  Though the steps she chose cast her in the role of muse more often than not, it allowed her the chance to see what strength and power lies within that very role; something not often understood on the surface.  Onward and upward…

The tale is broken up into sections, those of which as a whole cover a mere six years of Ms. Hiffernan’s life; honestly, it felt much longer, a fact that even Jo comments on within the work.  The experiences she has are laid before us during this time, as bare as those canvasses we were speaking of and as rich as the color palette chosen, despite the brief length of time they cover, take us from childhood to womanhood.  We learn of her constant battles, even in calmer contexts, to have the freedom to do as she wishes, pursue the dreams she holds dear and generally, live her life the way she sees fit.  At times, I can’t help but wonder if she got a bit too caught up in her struggles to “rise above”.  Some of the conventional things of her day that she formerly brushed aside, as the years progressed, showed more appeal and yet it didn’t feel like she could break out of the persona she created.  Another form of restriction and confinement, or simply a case of never quite being satisfied with what one has or has achieved?  *ponders* 

Holland Park Press

So, my fair readers, I’ll leave you with theses final thoughts…I came, I read, I conquered.  Is it a book for every reader or even every artist?  No…but it DOES have passion on display in several of its exhilarating forms (*ahem*) which I do believe we should all experience in measured doses every day.  Recommended for older teens and beyond due to some content; nothing too scandalous, but enough to mention. 

Review copy received courtesy of Bernadette at Holland Park Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, connect with them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter..  This title is available now, so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you, or virtual retailer of your choice.

Until next time…happy reading!

Classic Tales with an Interactive Twist: Princess Tales adapted by Grace Maccarone

Why hello there!

Welcome back to the site that enjoys the company of fairies, princesses, goblins, ghouls, and everything in between, so long as they’re bookish….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

That’s right. I make no discrimination nor judgment against a read based on general observations without reading about it first, hence the fact that I can be found at home in many a genre.  Take today’s for example.  Some readers outside of a certain age range might balk at my choice, but you’re sorely missing out if you include yourself in that group.  Ladies and gents, boys and girls, allow me to take you on a read that blends childhood memories with art and activity you didn’t see coming.  Today’s book of choice is….

Once Upon a Time in Rhyme with Seek-and-Find Pictures:

Princess Tales

Adapted by

Grace Maccarone

Illustrated by

Gail de Marcken

9780312679583

Feiwel & Friends

Over TEN different princess tales are included in this beautiful collection, each one having a two to four page spread dedicated to sharing the story but also to involving readers in a new way.  As the title implies, it has a search-and-find aspect to the book, and if you’re thinking oh that’s just silly….THINK AGAIN.  The intricacy employed in creating each picture, the attention to detail, the dedication to keeping the heart of the story visible on the page, can all be seen with a cursory glance…but once you delve into the pages further, the talent used to create each masterpiece can truly be seen.  My favorites?  Well, if I REALLY have to choose…

Twelve Dancing Princesses – The way the images glow right off the page makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of that magical night of dance.

Sleeping Beauty – The sheer range of colors used to create these particular scenes boggles the mind while enchanting the eye once again.

Cinderella – You’ve heard of artists that put action into their work?  I don’t just mean paint a scene in motion, but it actually can be believed to BE in motion?  The scene depicted here with Cinderella racing from the ball, the ball itself still going on, and all the others scampering here and there illustrates that talent wonderfully. 

Beauty and the Beast – Well, it IS Beauty and the Beast…I mean for the library alone it had to be listed!

In summary, this is one of those books intended for the younger set, but amazingly fun for anyone well beyond those targeted years.  While both age groups will enjoy the stories, the illustrations take on another layer of amazement when seen through grown up eyes.  Definitely a great addition to anyone’s library, personal or otherwise, looking to enjoy those classic stories of old in a new way.

ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their ever growing catalog of wonders, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released the end of 2013 via Feiwel & Friends, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!