Nearly every book I read is checked out from the library. Purchasing all the books I read would not only be expensive but take up way too much space in my home.
So, it is rare that I read a book I want to own. Let alone TWO in one week. And both non-fiction, nay, self improvement.
I loved this book by Jordan Christy - "How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World."
"The great thing about living with class, style and grace is that it has nothing tot do with wealth. Being classy is an attitude and outlook on life; the art of gracefulness is how we have and act when no one is watching; being stylish is how we present ourselves to others." Yes, this book is targeted to post high school age women, not necessarily a middle aged mom. I still thought it was great and found myself wanting to highlight large sections of the text. I wish I could but a copy for every graduating female. It is about having decorum, class, self respect, and being happy. I plan on reading many sections with my teenager.
My favorite of the two books was "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin.
"I had everything I could possibly want - yet I was failing to appreciate it. Bogged down in petty complaints and passing crises, weary of struggling with my own nature, I too often failed to comprehend the splendor of what I had. I didn't want to keep taking these days for granted.""I didn't want to reject my life. I wanted to change my life without changing my life, by finding more happiness in my own kitchen. I knew I wouldn't discover happiness in a faraway place or in unusual circumstances; it was right here, right now."
I loved Rubin's 12 month plan. Her goals were fascinating. The insights were, well, insightful. I was amazed over and over by her incredible self discovery - how much she knew about herself and learned about herself in the process.
I honestly thought I would get bored of this book. (As I do with so many non-fiction books. After about 200 pages, I find myself skimming. There, I admitted it. I am not part of the intelligentsia. But I bet you already figured that out.)
I myself am not currently planning a 12 month project. But it did get me thinking. A lot. It brought to mind this fantastic talk by Julie Beck, our General Relief Society President at this year's BYU Women's Conference. (see a summary here .) What is Essential? What is necessary? What is nice to do? I have also been enjoying reading my cousin's professional blog, to be luminous. She is a life coach and I have really enjoyed her posts. Bottom line, I feel like I am getting free therapy and it is a good thing. Because who doesn't want to be more happy?
Next on the reading agenda?
A little more self improvement:
Currently reading with the kids:
Waiting, not so patiently for this:
5 comments:
I just finished Catching Fire and am CAN NOT WAIT for Mockingjay. Honeslty... who will it be. Gale vs. Peeta, and in my opinion Finnick has a shot with her. And Disctrict 13????? I'm on the edge of my seat.
Oh, and I'm interested to hear your review on Free Range Kids. I haven't read it, but wonder if I should.
I love Free Range Kid, because I am the Queen of Free Range Parenting! I can't wait to hear what you tihnk.
And Hunger Games is my favorite book ever. Right now at least.
I'm half way through Free Range Kids and really liking it. Can't wait to get the Hepburn one and H.G. 3 is going to be awesome.
i am dying a lot for mockingjay. can't wait. and i just finally barely picked up the help. and i think i need to read the hepburn book since i am now a YW leader. have i told you how excited i am about that title?
and free range kids sounds great. and i too skim lots of non-fic. that's why i like the wall street journal. it's like reading the real deal, but it's usually only a few columns long.
Carie, thanks for the link love with my coaching blog. I'm glad you like it. Just so you know, your reviews on good reads are the only ones I read and act on. You've got great taste!
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