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Review Date: 4/27/2008
"I confess to not being able to get through this book. The author writes in such a dry, stale tone I found reading the entire book too painful an undertaking. I was so hopeful with the title: "7 Steps..." I was looking forward to some practical information I could apply and actually put into action to better my relationship with my stepchild. Instead, there is dry, staged dialogue (sp?) that doesn't mimic how a biological child would react to thier bio parent, much less a realistic example of how a stepparent can expect to communicate with a stepchild. Very disappointing. If you are a stepparent, or you know a stepparent please spare them the drudgery of this book. I definitely recommend they check out Sally Bjornsen's sassy read for stepmoms, though (maybe that was my mistake...reading a great book on stepparenting first, and then reading this one second...maybe my expectations were raised)."
Review Date: 5/3/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Such a beautifully written book. For any fans of biographies and memoirs this is a must read! No slow moments...I was captivated and held throughout the entire book."
Review Date: 6/3/2011
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the French countryside? Ann Barry did just that, but unlike some memoirs in which Americans move full time to another country, Barry continued to keep a home in the US and spent numerous vacations every year in her French home. I really enjoyed her "voice" throughout this book; many times I felt like I was sitting in the passenger seat as she drove around the French countryside seeing new places and muddling amicably through the many adventures of being a foreigner to culture differences. Take note of the specific restaurants and hotels she mentions in the book because after you're done reading you'll be more than ready to plan a France vacation for yourself."
Review Date: 12/16/2008
"Laugh out loud book! I got this book before a cross-country road trip in college, and it was PERFECT! Grab it before heading out on the ultimate road trip with your girlfriends!"
The Broke Diaries : The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a Good Girl Gone Broke
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
111
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
111
Review Date: 5/24/2008
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I recommend this book all the time! One of the few books that I have continuously (sp?) laughed out loud the entire time I read it. The author writes in a sassy, intelligent, very witty tone you'll appreciate and enjoy from start to finish. PERFECT for the broke college student, anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, or anyone needing a good laugh!"
C'est La Vie : An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
47
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
47
Review Date: 7/2/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"A book about following your dreams even after life throws you huge obstacles. The descriptions of attempting to learn the french culture from a very American standpoint made me laugh out loud! The author is actually a travel writer, and along with descriptions of great finds (from out of the way hotels, to fabulous bargain shopping!) she gives the ACTUAL ADDRESSES of the places she is talking about! You could easily plan a trip to Paris after reading this book :)."
Children of Jihad: A Young American's Travels Among the Youth of the Middle East
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
4
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
4
Review Date: 12/16/2008
"Interesting review of how we stereotypically view youth in the Middle East, and the actual interactions of an American and many Middle Eastern youth. I liked the "insider" look. The author takes risks youth take, feeling they can't be harmed. I was bothered by the fact that the author often faults Middle East youth that aren't aware of current affairs or their nations politics, but the author never mentions a large majority of AMERICAN youth are without a clue about things as well. Overall, an interesting read, especially for the multi-cultural point of view."
Review Date: 3/18/2008
"As often is said, true life makes for a more compelling story than fiction. So is true of this true story. I was drawn into this compelling tale, and sickened things like this could happen in your own back yard in recent years. I admit I wanted to read an Erin Brokovitch (sp?) ending...and there was no fairytale. A truly compelling read."
Review Date: 11/23/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I really enjoyed this book! A funny (sometimes actual laugh out loud moments), quick, easy, and light hearted read. Think it helped that I'm in the age range of the main character, and thus was able to relate to much of what she goes through, and thinks. The narrative is witty, sarcastic, and fiery. Something I would recommend to the girlfriends as a fun read."
Review Date: 3/5/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Having lived with chronic illness (without diagnosis and without any answers on how far into the future it could be expected to continue) I actually dropped a note to the author after reading this book. I thanked her for writing it. I really appreciated the author doesn't take a "pollyanna" approach to discussing her drastic life change from being on the way to a concert pianist and stopped in the middle by a "mysterious muscle disorder." The author is honest in discussing all elements of her disability and new life...both the negative and the positive. I found this a powerful as well as inspiring read."
Review Date: 10/14/2008
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Think "Under the Tuscan Sun" written by a comedic writer, and you've got "The Reluctant Tuscan." This book is so funny, and will have you smiling throughout the read. Bought this book on a whim and was delighted by the read! Definitely recommend this book to others!"
Review Date: 9/2/2009
"Really enjoyed this book! The author takes us through her widowhood, and all the things society doesn't talk about after a loved one's death (the desire for sex, crying at a moment's notice, finding humor in uncoventional things, etc). I loved the vulnerability, honesty, and wit of the author. The author is from New Mexico, and includes the culture and landscape of the state beautifully throughout the book. Not just for widows...this is an inspiring book about moving on even when you don't know how."
Review Date: 5/24/2008
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Critics have praised this book as a "masterpiece," and "American classic" for decades. It has been a best-seller for over 30 years, and after reading it I understand the sales records and whole-heartedly agree with all the praise given. The setting is a boys' boarding school in New England during the early years of WWII. The school creates their own private world, and the ways in which the war creeps slowly into their lives is both dark and moving. Dark moments of adolescence mimic the war, and I found myself drawn to the parallels of the current Iraq war. At only 200 pages it is a fast, and moving read."
Review Date: 10/13/2010
"Fun book about following your gut, your dreams, and the adventures when you take the whole family along for the ride. Inspirational.. not in the "chicken soup for the soul" way but more in the "everyday people really can do incredible things." Also an interesting look in the operations parts of a zoo. A nice read about what can happen when you think WAY outside the box."
Review Date: 4/28/2009
"This was a nice, light read. Enjoyed the author's description of their "culture shock," and reading about the things they fell in love with and wouldn't ever get used to. Thought it funny how they come to view "tourists." Similar to "Under the Tuscan Sun," I recommend this to all who enjoy sitting down with a book with the ability to take them away to another country and life."
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