Summer Must Reads

Here are a few of my favorite books that are a must read if you haven't already:

 The Husband's Secret

This book is quite popular and has been around for a while. A quick read that weaves three women's lives together is an interesting and unexpected way. Moriarty does a great job at developing the characters in the book and it keeps you on your toes. This book is a winner, I'm already ready to read more by her.

 

The Girl on the Train 

 

I was eagerly waiting this book as I hadn't read it but have seen it all over social media. It definitely held up to its word. I love stories that don't give you the narrators name right off the bat. It makes it easy to get caught up in this book. A quick read that will have you wanting to be riding the train again.

 

Brain on Fire

A phenomenal read! I finished this book quickly because not only is it entertaining but it is thrilling. The book starts right off with an intense medical issue that will have you remembering the diagnosis from ER, Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, or what have you. Amazingly informative and I recommend it, if anything just simply to understand the frustration of finding a diagnosis. Cahalan is a GREAT writer!

All the Light We Cannot See

I was startled at first by the length of this book, but with the chapters being short, it makes for a quick read. Doerr does a great job at character development and although it may be slow to start, the adventure is worth it. I was so sad by the end of the book because I wanted more. Set in World War 2 it gives different perspectives of war in France and Germany.

 

 If you haven't been aquainted with Simsion's writing, do so NOW! His ability to develop characters in unreal. You will quickly fall in love with Don and at often times feel as if he is your friend. Be quick about getting these books as they are sure to be sold out everywhere.

 

I'm currently reading the Rosie Project and just as I expected, IT IS GREAT.

 

What books are on your reading list this summer?

 

A Summer for Teachers: How to be Purposeful

As a fellow teacher, I understand the desire to kick up your feet and just RELAX. And what I'm about to share will still allow you to do that, as it is just as important to be well taken care of as it is to be purposeful. The summer before my first teaching job, I spent most of it looking for a job and then purchasing anything that I thought might make my classroom community-like. As a first year teacher, I think this is very necessary, but there are additional ways to start preparing for the new school year.

1. Relax- It's definitely your vacation as well, so take some time during your summer to do a few things that are both enjoying and revitalizing.

2. Read- Just like how we encourage our students to read, we should be demonstrating this. Whether it's new books for the following school year that you will be teaching, New York Times Bestsellers, or educational books, pick up something and get to it. It so rewarding to be able to read that book that's been on your nightstand for the past year waiting to be opened.

A few great reads to look at:

The Learning Habit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Different Learners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADHD Does Not Exist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dylexia Empowerment Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Light We Cannot See

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rosie Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Professional Development- As I'm writing this I am listening to a webcast for  "Cool Ideas to Teach Independent Reading," put on by edWeb. There are a lot of different resources that are available to teachers that are free. Most won't allow you to get credit, but I find it's better to be ahead of the game and help others understand, then feel frustrated and overwhelmed when new ideas are being discussed. I also took the Google Education Conference over that summer that was wonderful! A few other places to look are

4. Start Planning- Purchase your Erin Condren Teacher Planner and start to it. Of course some of you teachers work in groups and may wait until the first few weeks of August to start planning. I still recommend working on classroom management ideas, book groups, and anything else that you can do. This will make those first few weeks a dream.

5. Remember how amazing this profession is- I understand that year after year of teaching can be physically and emotionally draining, take a few minutes each day to find something that you love about education. You never know, it just might spark change next year.

Hopefully we all relaxing and enjoying our summer, don't let the next school year sneak up on you.

Book Review: Different Learners

Book Review: Different Learners

What a wonderful book. This is truly a gift to parents and educators. Different Learners is a book about how students learn differently and also the reasons for what may be causing the increase in students being diagnosed with special needs. I'd say that the book is split up into three sections: (1)About learning styles, (2) How the brain functions, (3) Research on what may cause an rise in special needs.


I really enjoyed reading this book and found the research to be on target. I have found that in my parenting world, I have allowed media to take more time than I'd like. It's a fine line that we walk living in a world where technology provides most of our jobs. How do we teach our children literacy with technology, but continue developing patience and persistence in lifelong skills like with reading books.

As an educator, I found the classroom is no longer just a chalkboard and chalk where students are learning reading, 'riting, and 'rithmatic. It seems that the list goes on an on: science, reading, writing, grammar, social studies, art, music, physical education, character development, organization, health, personal management, technology, test taking, and thinking skills. Creating lessons and learning in the classroom can be challenging when we as educators are up against unrested students. Healy addresses this in her book, how adequate sleep and reduced television time can help develop the brain and increase successful learning. This is one aspect that I definitely agree with and have tried to implement into our home.

I enjoyed this book and appreciate Healy's work on informing parents and educators about how environment can have a very powerful impact on our lives. Not just being aware but also taking action will be most beneficial.


Would this be a book of interest to you?

Book Review: The Learning Habit

This week I finished reading The Learning Habit, for a small book it took me a while to finish reading it. It was packed with information, but most nonfiction books take me a week or two to finish. Although I thought this book would solely be about how to learn, I found that it actually was more of a parenting book. I really enjoyed the helpful stories and illustrations the author used to highlight each point in the book.

 

 The book is titled so because of a study that was conducted on what made "good learners." Essentially the book discusses what the findings were on creating good learners with grit, focus, and structure. An approach called Empowerment Parenting develops kids who are capable and confident. It stresses the importance of having a structured environment: chores, solid 8 hours of sleep, a designated homework time, limited media consumption, and family time. It also encourages parent to praise effort and not the child so instead of saying "Great Job Dana," "That was a great try at shooting the basketball," is a preferred compliment. This way it is encouraging the behavior that you want in you child.

 

The topic on media consumption was particularly interesting. I have strived to limit the exposure of TV with Peanut, but every so often I give in whether it be due to sickness or me being exhausted. This book really created an impact for how damaging prolonged exposure to media can be.

 

 

I found this book to be a great read and full of wonderful information. Each tool that is encouraged is followed with several short stories to help readers understand how to approach Empowerment Parenting.

 

What is on your Summer Reading List?

 

Book Review: The Girl on The Train

What a wonderful read. I truly enjoyed it and can clearly see why it is so popular. I have been on the waitlist for this book for such a long time. And of course once I got it I was already consumed in reading other books. So naturally I put it off until I had three days left to read it. It was a challenge I was up for...and sure enough finished it with 2 hours to go (I used Library To Go on my Kindle).

(Image found on Bing)

I give just a quick summary, as I tend to overshare by nature. This is a great summer read or vacation book. It pulls you right in and Hawkins does a great job with character development, it keeps the pages turning. It is a story of a broken woman who, despite having no desire to fix her life, seems to be interested in fixing  others. She finds herself involved in a mystery that strikes close to home. Her identity get wrapped, twisted, and turned around by the end of the book.



Hope you enjoy this book. Let me know your thoughts on it. And if you've read it share your thoughts as well.

Book Review: The Husband's Secret

Book Review: The Husband's Secret

There's no secret that this is a popular book. I know several people who have read and enjoyed this book. It's a quick and enjoyable read.  I decided to give it a go after looking on Lauren Conrad's website and finding her post on Fall Reads. I love her website because it gives a few favorite reads each season.


The Husband's Secret is about three women and how their stories intertwine. Cecilia, Rachel, and Tess are ordinary women with no link between them until the husband's secret is revealed. Great character development as you will find yourself really understanding these women and their actions. Moriarty does a fabulous job of creating real women on whom you believe are your friends. A quick read.

As I was describing this captivating plot to my husband, I realized that it is similar to a Lifetime movie, lot's of twists and turns, to captivate you but ends on a predictable note. The Epilogue is my favorite, which I believes saves this book from being like too many of those one note Lifetime movies.




Have you read The Husband's Secret? What are your thoughts?

Reading Review: SPARTAN UP!

SPARTAN UP! by Joe De Sena

I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book! The concept of being a 'Spartan,' was one that intrigued me. Following countless accounts on Instagram, I was inspired by the toughness that this crowd brought. I first discovered Spartan Races from watching Extreme Makeover Weightloss, where Chris Powell inspired one of the contestants to do  a race. WOW!! That was totally inspiring. Then came this movement, or uprising of Spartans. I heard more about local races, bloggers were in on it, and soon I found myself doing their 30 day challenge.

So naturally I wanted to know how this idea of being a "SPARTAN' came about.

SHOCKING!! Joe De Sena is a hardcore, craxy man. I mean that in the highest form of flattery. He is truly an inspiration. It is his constant drive and focus that really makes want to be a part of this community. And he embodies the whole health concept, by living on a farm.

This book was different that what I anticipated. I thought there might be a few chapters on how to achieve a Spartan body. You won't find that here. This book solely focuses on the history and ispiration that makes up the Spartan community. From inspiring stories from participants and advice on how a Spartan operates, this book makes you wanna enjoy burpees.

Check it out!! It's a quick read that is bound to be followed by a quick workout!!

I hopeful that I too will be able to participate in what seems like a HARDCORE challenge, it's right up my alley. It isn't just physical challenges, but mental as well.

Have you read this book? Are you a Spartan?

 

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Book Review: Run Like a Mother

Book Review: Run Like A Mother 

by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea

This is a wonderful book....no INCREDIBLE! Even if you aren't a huge fan of running, this is still a great read. It was a super fun book, filled with antidotal stories and inspirational sayings. One thing I really liked about the book was the format. It has 26 chapters, each having a .2 little quip. It discusses topics from diet, pregnancy, trail running, running with an injury, and the essentials to wear on race day.

I never knew I could love running more, until I read this book. Both Shea and McDowell have different views of running (Shea like me is competitive, where as McDowell focuses more on the journey and process.) I enjoyed both of their perspectives and how to be both a mother and a marathoner was truly inspiring. 

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys running and participates in races. Its an easy and very enjoyable read. 

Naturally I give this book an 6 out of 5 because it was AMAZING!!

They also have Train Like a Mother, which is high on my to-read list

Also visit Another Mother Runner, Shea and McDowell's fun website. 

Click here to register for their Mother's Day race!

 

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Book Review: The Rosie Project

The Rosie Project Book Review

I LOVE books!!! Just ask my husband. I went through a phase where all I wanted was books. Non fiction, fiction, and trilogies OH MY!!

It's not until I finished this book had I found a new favorite. My latest favorite was When Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos. An incredible read. Lovely characters, a thrilling story. That boon will forever be my favorite. But then I met Don. 

What a wonderful character so real I felt like I knew him. And Rosie, a woman I'd wish to have coffee with. 

The story is about a professor, who social awkwardness is the both comic relief and the heartache in the story. He is determined to find a mate by creating a survey for women to fill out. He has it perfected, knowing exactly the women who answered these questions correctly would be his match. But what he finds is unimaginable  and certainly unacceptable in Don's eyes. But it is love and true love isn't always what we thought it was.

I fell in love with this story because the characters seemed so real. I loved that Simison highlights their flaws in such an endearing way. I seem to also have a love for characters with Asperger's. For instance, I loved the stories: The Curious Incidents of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon, Loser by Jerry Spinelli, and Rules by Cynthia Lord. These book sall have characters who are on the spectrum. I also LOVED the movie Mozart and the Whale!!! And who isn't a fan of the classic Rain Man. 

Anyway, the main character Don is so lovable and real, it was hard for me to believe I wasn't going to run into him while walking down the street. Simison does a beautiful job creating a story that is so real and beautiful!

A MUST READ!!!

6 out of 5 hearts. I mean it is that GOOD!

 

Book Review: The Whole Brain Child

Well what a book. 

Definitely eye opening and full of goodies.

I loved reading this book as an educational book, but found it to be so relevant in my parenting life as well.

This book is centered on the idea of the whole child. The whole child is accessing a child's needs physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This has found itself into education and I haven't seen much referred to in the parenting realm. But here it is!!

I believe as both an educator and a mama, how important it is to be whole. 

I find myself often off balance and know that I'm one run a way from a good mood.

It is neat that I have found that running helps me sort out problems, keeps me physically active, and is rejuvenating. 

This isn't the case for everyone.

Especially babies. 

I can totally picture myself telling Lil lets go for a run as she is crying and in a bad mood. I'll remind myself now not to do that.

But its so easy to just assume a 'logical' solution to our child's needs when they are upset, but sometimes creating that solution is ignoring what they really need.

Let me be more clear.

Its easy to tell your child 'It's okay, It's okay.' But really are they? They just fell down and we sometimes ignore their hurt so as not create a scene. Don't get me wrong, I do it too. 

But as they get older, will they be afraid to express their feelings because of that attitude we had as we handled their problems? 

This books talks about how to solve those issues. How to get to the root of what your child is really saying. 

I loved how the book is made up of 12 strategies. One of my favorite being Name it to Tame It. This stategy deals with helping the child understand their feelings and finding a strategy to change it. 

For instance, your child is crying at bedtime, you ask how they are feeling and they tell you they are scared. 

Instead of saying "It's okay, nothing will happen."

You ask "Why are you scared? I understand that when it is nighttime, it can be a scary time. What are some things that you can dream about tonight that will be exciting... and so on.

It's a great read. Lots of words, but full of helpful strategies.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 hearts.

What strategies do you use with your little one to avoid meltdowns?

 

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Book Review: Help, Thanks, Wow

I SERIOUSLY love Anne Lamott! She is a talented writer. I love that she holds nothing back. I love too how personal and transparent her books are. Even though she is a Christian, she shares it in a non offensive way and validates everyone, especially in this book.

She focuses on three types of prayer. The 'Help,' The 'Thanks,' and The 'Wow' prayer. Even though many of us use more than one word when we are praying or our memories of prayer are long and lengthy, they can usually be boiled down into these three categories.

This short book is full of laughter, joy, and happiness. It is such a wonderful and refreshing read. I really love the chapter on Thanks and Wow because not often am I expressing those to God. I often find myself in the HELP category, always running to Him when I am in need (also I kinda love that Anne refers to God a 'she').

Great read and you'll be through it in no time.

6 hearts for this beaut!!

Have you read an Anne Lamott book? What are your thoughts on prayer?

 

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Book Review: Bebe Day by Day

After having read Bringing up Bebe, I thought this would be a good refresher. Especially since things have changed so much from Lil being a babe and now a toddler.

I must say that much must have sunk in since reading because many of the things I do were mentioned in this condensed version of French Parenting.

Although I maintain the obnoxious American parenting art of narrating my child's life, I have absorbed many french ideas.

From learning to be less hard on my parenting and allowing Lil to grow at her rate, using the 'pause', giving her a wide range of foods, not cooking a separate meal for her, and so on.

I really liked this book and it is great for those of us who really have not much time to read a 200-300 page book. This is a gem!!

I gave this book 5 out of 5. Easy read, helpful hints, and great insight into another country's philosophy of parenting.

What parenting tips do you have? 

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Book Review: Have Mother, Will Travel

What a phenomenal read. 

Brought me to tears. 

A beautiful memoir of a mother daughter relationship

I guess I've always wanted to be a mommy. To be that woman who bakes cookies for her kids. 

Who runs around with them outside.

Who has the privilege of kissing them goodnight. 

But with that comes heartache and possibly, disappointment. 

I know I've already begun daydreaming about Little miss' future. I think that's only natural. Of who she'll be. Of what will do together. 

But those are dreams, and aren't my own. 

I know I won't be able to make her as I want her, and I actually don't think she'd be that grat b

What I mean is Who Little Miss will become will be greater than I could have imagined it. 

In this book Mia and Claire Fontaine write about their journey through the world and mending broke. Pieces of themselves. 

Their first book Come Back, told of their time through a rough patch of life. 

Have mother, Will Travel is about how mother and daughter learn to accept their mistakes and begin to heal. 

Seriously a beautiful story!!

I think we all crave a better relationship with our mother. 

We blame them for our misfortunes, mistakes, and pain. 

It usually isn't until later in life do we begin to appreciate them for their love and realize how they too are human. 

  I would love to read Come Back, especially as a part of a book club. 

I gave this book 6 out if 5 hearts because its such a wonderful portrayal of what it's like to be a mother and how naive I was a a daughter. 

  

Have you read this book? Are you a fan of memoirs? What's your favorite memoir?

 

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Book Review: Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey

I am a HUGE fan of Downton Abbey. I may have watched the first episode at least 6 times. I just love that era. It also is so historical and clever. Maggie Smith is such a character, I love all her added wit to the show.

The costumes are so beautiful. It makes me want to live in this era. Modesty was still such a prized quality.

Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey is what I would call a historical nonfiction book. It is the story of Lady Almina, which was written through letters. Its a great read and the best part of it was discovering which characters are still a part of the show.

Spoiler alert:

Mr. Bates, Crowley, and Elsie (Mrs. Hughes, but in this story she is the Dowager_

are mostly names and not direct characters. However, Mr. Bates is treated at the house, while it is a hospital, for a leg injury.

I would say that Lady Almina mostly resembles Cora, but also Isobel Crowley. Almina is married by Lord Carnarvon for her money, much like the show. However, she is the one who convices all that the house must be transformed into a hospital during the war, much like Isobel's character in the show.

This was a great story. I learned a lot about England's story of WWI, which I had always heard America's version.

This book definitely held me captivated despite it being historical. It has a great story with romance, love, and hardship.

I gave it 4 out of 5 hearts.

Are you a Downton Abbey fan? Who is your favorite character?

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