Another Move...

So many changes are happening in my life right now from, updating my phone, email address, finding my way around a new town, starting up an online business, and so on.  My learning curve is just about maxed out.  The update I really want to tell you about is the new and improved blog!  This will be the last post here at blogger.com for my adventures have moved me once again, only this time the packing was much, much easier.  The donate button will still be active on this site if you wish to send me some greens.  Otherwise I will meet you over at my new place greenpokeadots.wordpress.com, where the door is always open.  You will be able to read about more of my adventures as soon as I get settled in and I will share all about my online business endeavor.  Come on over and tell me what you think.
-C

Define “Normal” by Julie Anne Peters

    It’s been a while since my last review, but I have been reading, just a little unmotivated in writing.  Thanks to my current Texas roommate, who can’t help but motivate me, here I am back with more reviews.  Enough about me and on to more things “normal”.  This book was discovered at a thrift store and laughing out loud I quickly placed it in my basket.  As a Psychology major the question “What is normal?” often is heard coming from my lips.  Naturally a book titled Define “Normal” could not be left at the store, so much for not judging a book by its cover.  Having no idea what to expect I found a cozy place and started reading and reading and reading.  Getting up only once to relieve my bladder, the whole book was finished in an afternoon.  Never before have I read a book so fast!  It may have been do to the fact it was written for around junior high/high school age or there was absolutely nothing requiring my attention that day.  Whatever the reason, the character development was unexpected and intriguing.  Social boundaries and stereo types where shattered as the two main girls developed an unpredicted friendship.  In the midst of family breakdown the most unlikely bond was formed to restore hope.  Living in a society where people tend to tern their head from chaos and hurt, Define “Normal” dares to show how just two people's actions can create a snowball effect of love and success.

“He’s Just Not That Into You” Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

What do I say about a book that has so many true and valid points but continually condones a behavior that brings so much destruction and pain? Each story retold by Greg brought a feeling of sadness which made me ask “Is this really what women are like?” If the answer is yes, there is much understanding to why Greg is so adamant to have women understand HE IS JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU! It has all been said and needs no repeating but I can’t help scream right along side of Greg, “LADIES, stop allowing yourselves so much unnecessary pain!” Greg does a great job at boosting a women’s self-esteem while telling her she is being a fool. The standards he starts us out with on page 153 are definitely standards every women should put into play today but entirely ignores the fact that not everyone is sleeping around. Sure this book is full of humor and helps bring a bit of light to the fact that YES, men do mean exactly what they are saying. On the other hand it is full of foul language and highly promotes sex before marriage. What I found to be the truest statement of the whole book is found very near the end when Greg says “The only story that has ever helped me, Greg Behrendt, live my life successfully is the story of faith”. I am not sure what Greg has his faith in other than simply believing “life will turn out well”. It will be agreed that faith is the most important factor in any and all relationships.  There are what seem to be a few valid points in this book but for the most part is just another peace of media selling sex.
If you are thinking about reading this book consider picking up "Stinky Cheese Man" instead.

"Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala

I'll review this as soon as my eyes go straight again.

"The Shack" by W.M. Paul Young

(Small spoiler alert)
Holy Cow!!! Of all the books I have read about who God is and how much He loves us never, never have I come across anything like "The Shack". All the hype about this story put me off, but after finally picking it up I couldn't put it down. The beginning was emotional, to say the least, when Mack lost his little girl. The story then goes on to describe the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit captivating you in such a way you can't imagine it to be anything less. Young is able to send convictions through your whole body while wrapping you with God's love all at the same time. He addresses the life long question of why does a good God allow bad things to happen. Still not sure if his take is true, but it makes some sense. After discovering that Mack and the story were not actually real cheated is the word that came to mind, then realized what an amazing job Young did to make his story come alive. If his story tugged at the heart so much and gets one thinking about reality was it really just a story?
I recommend.

http://theshackbook.com/

"Through Painted Deserts" by Donald Miller

January 2010

This book takes you, as a fly on the wall, into a journey of discovering friendships and all the beauty that can be discovered on a road trip. Miller has a way or writing that make one want to put down the book and go do something. He has a contagious can-do-attitude. This book is an easy, fun read and introduces you to the young Donald. If you are going to choose between the two I would reach for "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years", but don't get me wrong after reading this book I want to go hike the Grand Canyon. (Also check out "Blue Like Jazz" yes, I love how this guy writes!!)
A fun read.

"Stuff My Dad Never Told Me About Relationships" by Patrick Dodson

"Stuff My Dad Never Told Me About Relationships" by Patrick Dodson
If you have been in a relationship, are in a relationship, or are thinking about ever being in a relationship you will find this book insightful. You may find yourself shifting a few of your paradigms at times and other times trying to figure out how it relates to your current situation. Patrick has this ability to explain issues in a whole new light. This book also contains some great questions you should be asking before you say "I do".
I was a fan!