All Stories
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts

 



Rating: 4 Out Of 5 Stars


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this 
advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.  

When I read the description of what this book was about I was intrigued by the subject matter and the timetable the book covers. 

In the early 1980's my father worked for AT&T and I remember him telling my sisters and I that in the near future you'd be able to to see the person you are talking to on the phone on a screen!  It was such an exciting concept to me and as a middle-schooler I was hoping this technology would hurry up already!  (It wasn't fast enough for me!)

Phillip Maciak does a great job of covering all the bases of what screen time was way back when and the meaning of screen time in present day.  The memories of what it was like to have to sit in front of a screen at the exact time a program was being broadcast to VCR's, DVR's present day streaming services and everything thereafter; the internet, personal computers, tablets, smartphones and apps

I sometimes felt really nostalgic reading this book, remembering simpler days.  Maciak adds his personal touch to the book with stories of his family and screen time experiences.   When you think about it technology really has come a long way in quite a short time. This book presented a coherent timeline of various forms of screen time and gave information and research I hadn't thought about. 

If you're interested in the advances in technology over the past 30+ years and how it has changed how we communicate and entertain ourselves you will find this book interesting. 




Purchase on Amazon @
Avidly Reads Screen Time


Book Review: Avidly Reads Screen Time by Phillip Maciak

 



Rating: 4 Out Of 5 Stars


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this 
advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.  

When I read the description of what this book was about I was intrigued by the subject matter and the timetable the book covers. 

In the early 1980's my father worked for AT&T and I remember him telling my sisters and I that in the near future you'd be able to to see the person you are talking to on the phone on a screen!  It was such an exciting concept to me and as a middle-schooler I was hoping this technology would hurry up already!  (It wasn't fast enough for me!)

Phillip Maciak does a great job of covering all the bases of what screen time was way back when and the meaning of screen time in present day.  The memories of what it was like to have to sit in front of a screen at the exact time a program was being broadcast to VCR's, DVR's present day streaming services and everything thereafter; the internet, personal computers, tablets, smartphones and apps

I sometimes felt really nostalgic reading this book, remembering simpler days.  Maciak adds his personal touch to the book with stories of his family and screen time experiences.   When you think about it technology really has come a long way in quite a short time. This book presented a coherent timeline of various forms of screen time and gave information and research I hadn't thought about. 

If you're interested in the advances in technology over the past 30+ years and how it has changed how we communicate and entertain ourselves you will find this book interesting. 




Purchase on Amazon @
Avidly Reads Screen Time


Posted at 11:28 PM  |  by Elle
3 out of 5 Stars


"One of the core ideas in his books is that it is possible to change other people's behavior by changing one's reaction to them."

As I read this book the main word that kept jumping out at me is 'manipulation.' 
By doing (or not doing) certain things, you are kind of manipulating the person into doing what you want. I am not a proponent of manipulation by any means. I do feel that helping the other person come to their own conclusions through some of these principles is helpful. 

I read a review on this book by a reader on GoodReads and she said that this book had a negative effect on her life. With any self-help books that you read, you must take things with a grain of salt. With "How To Win Friends And Influence People," I believe many of the insights are mainly geared to a person who is in business (salesperson.) That is not to say parts may not be applied to personal friendships/relationships. I think you have to remain true to your personality and not force something that is not natural. 

The negative reviewer said "The book basically tells you to be agreeable to everybody, find something to honestly like about them and compliment them on it, talk about their interests only and, practically, act like a people pleaser all the time. After being a smiley happy person with loads of friends for about a year, the unpleasant realization began to creep in, that by being so agreeable to everybody else, I rarely ever got my way. I also sustained friendships with people who were self-centered, so talking about their interests was all we got to do together, which drained me of my energy. The worst thing still, is that by trying to find something to like about every person, I completely disregarded their glaring faults. It didn't matter that those people did have redeeming
qualities - they weren't redeeming enough! I ended up with a bunch of friends I didn't really want and, because I was so preoccupied with "winning" those friendships I missed out on the chance to form relationships with good people."

I think what the reviewer did was to conform to the different principles and took them to heart a bit too much. There is definitely a time and place for everything and if you're using these principles all of the time, well that can seriously get tiring in my opinion. If you're thinking of reading this book because you are lonely & want friends, don't read it. 

I read this book on my Kindle and plan on going back to all of the notes I highlighted. A lot of what is presented in this book is common knowledge, it's just that it is presented in a way that really makes you think about how to use the principles. Having examples of each is also extremely helpful.

I think this book should be a requirement for college or anyone working in a business setting. I also believe it was completely written at the time aimed towards salesmen. Not all people have the natural ability to do the things presented in this book; some do. This book is obviously a best seller for a reason and I think the reason is the way the principles are presented.



Book Review: How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

3 out of 5 Stars


"One of the core ideas in his books is that it is possible to change other people's behavior by changing one's reaction to them."

As I read this book the main word that kept jumping out at me is 'manipulation.' 
By doing (or not doing) certain things, you are kind of manipulating the person into doing what you want. I am not a proponent of manipulation by any means. I do feel that helping the other person come to their own conclusions through some of these principles is helpful. 

I read a review on this book by a reader on GoodReads and she said that this book had a negative effect on her life. With any self-help books that you read, you must take things with a grain of salt. With "How To Win Friends And Influence People," I believe many of the insights are mainly geared to a person who is in business (salesperson.) That is not to say parts may not be applied to personal friendships/relationships. I think you have to remain true to your personality and not force something that is not natural. 

The negative reviewer said "The book basically tells you to be agreeable to everybody, find something to honestly like about them and compliment them on it, talk about their interests only and, practically, act like a people pleaser all the time. After being a smiley happy person with loads of friends for about a year, the unpleasant realization began to creep in, that by being so agreeable to everybody else, I rarely ever got my way. I also sustained friendships with people who were self-centered, so talking about their interests was all we got to do together, which drained me of my energy. The worst thing still, is that by trying to find something to like about every person, I completely disregarded their glaring faults. It didn't matter that those people did have redeeming
qualities - they weren't redeeming enough! I ended up with a bunch of friends I didn't really want and, because I was so preoccupied with "winning" those friendships I missed out on the chance to form relationships with good people."

I think what the reviewer did was to conform to the different principles and took them to heart a bit too much. There is definitely a time and place for everything and if you're using these principles all of the time, well that can seriously get tiring in my opinion. If you're thinking of reading this book because you are lonely & want friends, don't read it. 

I read this book on my Kindle and plan on going back to all of the notes I highlighted. A lot of what is presented in this book is common knowledge, it's just that it is presented in a way that really makes you think about how to use the principles. Having examples of each is also extremely helpful.

I think this book should be a requirement for college or anyone working in a business setting. I also believe it was completely written at the time aimed towards salesmen. Not all people have the natural ability to do the things presented in this book; some do. This book is obviously a best seller for a reason and I think the reason is the way the principles are presented.



Posted at 9:55 PM  |  by Lisa Epler, AVON AMB & Gold Amb. Leader / 10 Star Ambassador

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A View From The Top is a compilation of top selling Avon Representative stories revealing how they achieved their success.  The various representatives offer their views on how they became successful in the Avon direct marketing business and offer their strategies on how you can become successful as well.

The reason I decided to read this book is because an online friend is an Avon Representative.  She asked me to help her promote her Avon business through my blog and in return she will help me monetarily so I can afford to do more things with my blog in the future.  This is in the early stages and we are slowly making progress working together.

The stories in this book are truly inspiring.
There are many women who came from dire situations, with no prior selling or marketing experience, who have built an incredibly large customer base as well as trained and mentored hundreds upon hundreds of  Avon Representatives.

One thing that I have taken away from this book is that there's not just one way to be successful.  What works for one person may not work for another.  This makes sense since every individual has their strong and weak points.  That does not mean an individual cannot focus on one of their weaker qualities and become better at it.  Life is one continuous learning process.

Another recurring theme throughout this book is that none of these women gave up.  Even when they may have lost their leadership title, their team or customer numbers diminished or something in their life threw them for a loop, they stuck with their business.  They did not throw in the towel.  Determination.

They also all took action in their lives.  They believed in themselves.  Even sometimes when it was difficult to believe, they kept pushing through.  It's amazing what these women have done with something I always thought to be 'just a hobby' and not a real job.  But if you read this book, you will see that you can make a real career out of being an Avon Representative.  I was quite surprised!  That's not to say that doing it as a hobby,part-time, as supplemental income isn't a great idea either.....because it is!  You can make your own schedule and fir it into your life.  Flexibility is a wonderful thing!

If you or someone you know is looking for a home-based earnings opportunity, this could be the start of something substantial.  And unlike many other direct selling companies it does not cost much to start!  Currently it is just $15!!!!!
Follow this link to find out more about joining Avon.

****United States applicants only for the above link.****



Book Review: A View From The Top (Various Authors)


My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A View From The Top is a compilation of top selling Avon Representative stories revealing how they achieved their success.  The various representatives offer their views on how they became successful in the Avon direct marketing business and offer their strategies on how you can become successful as well.

The reason I decided to read this book is because an online friend is an Avon Representative.  She asked me to help her promote her Avon business through my blog and in return she will help me monetarily so I can afford to do more things with my blog in the future.  This is in the early stages and we are slowly making progress working together.

The stories in this book are truly inspiring.
There are many women who came from dire situations, with no prior selling or marketing experience, who have built an incredibly large customer base as well as trained and mentored hundreds upon hundreds of  Avon Representatives.

One thing that I have taken away from this book is that there's not just one way to be successful.  What works for one person may not work for another.  This makes sense since every individual has their strong and weak points.  That does not mean an individual cannot focus on one of their weaker qualities and become better at it.  Life is one continuous learning process.

Another recurring theme throughout this book is that none of these women gave up.  Even when they may have lost their leadership title, their team or customer numbers diminished or something in their life threw them for a loop, they stuck with their business.  They did not throw in the towel.  Determination.

They also all took action in their lives.  They believed in themselves.  Even sometimes when it was difficult to believe, they kept pushing through.  It's amazing what these women have done with something I always thought to be 'just a hobby' and not a real job.  But if you read this book, you will see that you can make a real career out of being an Avon Representative.  I was quite surprised!  That's not to say that doing it as a hobby,part-time, as supplemental income isn't a great idea either.....because it is!  You can make your own schedule and fir it into your life.  Flexibility is a wonderful thing!

If you or someone you know is looking for a home-based earnings opportunity, this could be the start of something substantial.  And unlike many other direct selling companies it does not cost much to start!  Currently it is just $15!!!!!
Follow this link to find out more about joining Avon.

****United States applicants only for the above link.****



Posted at 8:30 AM  |  by Elle
I received this book in exchange for
 an honest review from NetGalley.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book for engaged or married couples and for anyone who thinks they may want to get married some day.  Ashleigh adds anecdotes from her marriage as well as some of her friends marriages throughout the book.  She blends humor and wisdom very nicely which makes this book an enjoyable reading experience.  Her husband Ted's views are also dispersed here and there throughout each chapter so you get a feel for his view on the topic at hand as well.  At the end of each chapter there are sets of questions to ponder about your own marriage that pertain to the topic covered in that chapter.  It is also worth noting that the author quotes from the Bible and relates them to marital and relationship situations.

The main focus of the book is teamwork.  Marriage is a union and requires give and take.
It also requires work.  Working on romance, shared interests and communication skills. 
Ashleigh states in the book, "Perhaps marriage is a continual learning process."

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."  -Ruth Bell Graham

Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book that I feel are sound advice for any relationship.


"Not only have I spoken well of him, pointing out the ways I recognize and appreciate him, but I've also made it about me.  I've focused on a "this is how I feel," rather than a "you did this" approach."

"I've realized that marriage doesn't require us to have all the same interests.  In fact, I think it might get a bit boring if we did."

"Rather than fear disagreements he viewed them as an opportunity to improve our communication and deepen our trust in one another.  How very mature of him."

"Like a squeeze of a sponge brings to the surface stuff that's soaked deep within, sometimes conflict brings to light stuff in our hearts---stuff that we might not otherwise see.  For the sake of my heart, I want to keep my eyes wide open during these uncomfortable opportunities rather than avoid them."  (Ted, Ashleigh's husband)

"An unburdened heart is one that's not weighed down by grudges."

"Often the best way to prevent grudges and unforgiveness is by stopping conflict before it even starts."

"Verbal affirmation.  Truth is, Ted can't read my mind.  While my actions may demonstrate that I support and appreciate him, he needs my words too."

"Words paired with action are simple yet powerful---especially when the going is a bit tough.  And when you add dreaming to them, sometimes that's when mountains are moving."

"It's important that I'm purposeful in whom I bring into my confidence; that I'm intentional when I determine the friends I go to for counsel, advice, and prayer."

"You and your spouse need to decide what you are both comfortable with when it comes to confiding about your marriage to others."

"We don't live a fake Christian life in front of others and something else at home."




Book Review: Team Us ~ Marriage Together by Ashleigh Slater

I received this book in exchange for
 an honest review from NetGalley.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book for engaged or married couples and for anyone who thinks they may want to get married some day.  Ashleigh adds anecdotes from her marriage as well as some of her friends marriages throughout the book.  She blends humor and wisdom very nicely which makes this book an enjoyable reading experience.  Her husband Ted's views are also dispersed here and there throughout each chapter so you get a feel for his view on the topic at hand as well.  At the end of each chapter there are sets of questions to ponder about your own marriage that pertain to the topic covered in that chapter.  It is also worth noting that the author quotes from the Bible and relates them to marital and relationship situations.

The main focus of the book is teamwork.  Marriage is a union and requires give and take.
It also requires work.  Working on romance, shared interests and communication skills. 
Ashleigh states in the book, "Perhaps marriage is a continual learning process."

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."  -Ruth Bell Graham

Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book that I feel are sound advice for any relationship.


"Not only have I spoken well of him, pointing out the ways I recognize and appreciate him, but I've also made it about me.  I've focused on a "this is how I feel," rather than a "you did this" approach."

"I've realized that marriage doesn't require us to have all the same interests.  In fact, I think it might get a bit boring if we did."

"Rather than fear disagreements he viewed them as an opportunity to improve our communication and deepen our trust in one another.  How very mature of him."

"Like a squeeze of a sponge brings to the surface stuff that's soaked deep within, sometimes conflict brings to light stuff in our hearts---stuff that we might not otherwise see.  For the sake of my heart, I want to keep my eyes wide open during these uncomfortable opportunities rather than avoid them."  (Ted, Ashleigh's husband)

"An unburdened heart is one that's not weighed down by grudges."

"Often the best way to prevent grudges and unforgiveness is by stopping conflict before it even starts."

"Verbal affirmation.  Truth is, Ted can't read my mind.  While my actions may demonstrate that I support and appreciate him, he needs my words too."

"Words paired with action are simple yet powerful---especially when the going is a bit tough.  And when you add dreaming to them, sometimes that's when mountains are moving."

"It's important that I'm purposeful in whom I bring into my confidence; that I'm intentional when I determine the friends I go to for counsel, advice, and prayer."

"You and your spouse need to decide what you are both comfortable with when it comes to confiding about your marriage to others."

"We don't live a fake Christian life in front of others and something else at home."




Posted at 9:29 PM  |  by Elle

Blog Archive

Translate

Total Pageviews

2023 Reading Challenge

2023 Reading Challenge
Elle has read 4 books toward her goal of 15 books.
hide

AATC Memberships

10 Book Reviews 2015 Challenge Participant
back to top