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Jean L. - Reviews

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The 3-Hour Diet: How Low-Carb Diets Make You Fat and Timing Makes You Thin
Review Date: 9/8/2010


Ridiculous. There is science (and lots of it) to back up low-carb (AKA low-sugar, duh) eating. I've lost 15 lbs by eating low-carb (and it included those last, hard-to-lose 10 lbs, too). I have NOT read this book. But I have read a LOT about diets, about diabetes, and such, and just had to say that this is an erroneous assumption that ignores lots of scientific data. Must be just a gimmick. BTW, lots of folks I know have lost 50+ lbs on low-carb/Atkins style eating, and KEPT IT OFF FOR OVER A YEAR. This diet may possibly "work", but it's just incorrect in saying that low-carb diets make you fat. BULL.


500 Low-Carb Recipes
500 Low-Carb Recipes
Author: Dana Carpender
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 53
Review Date: 10/16/2010
Helpful Score: 3


If you're trying to live the low-carb life, the key to success is variety. If you don't have it, you will grow weary of eating the same 'ol-same 'ol. And you will eventually grow bored and return to your old way of eating. I am in Phase 3 of Atkins right now and know this to be true. So, you need a plethora of low-carb recipes. And that's where a book like this fits in beautifully. (Please note that this book does NOT tell you which Phase each recipe works for. You must check out the carb count and determine for yourself which recipes fit within your particular eating plan).
This book has a LOT of recipes from various resources. The author has collected together what she deems to be the "best of the best" in low-carb eating. From appetizers all the way to deserts, she's got your back. I love to peruse the index when I'm in need of something new. Feel like having cookies? The index will point you to several varieties, including a low carb chocolate chip cookie.
While I certainly have not worked my way through every recipe, or even half of them, I have YET to come across a recipe that turned out yuck. Quite a number of them have been deemed "fab" by my family. Most are really good enough to put on a "keeper" list. I'm sure I'll come across one eventually that will be a "tosser". But with 500, you definitely have room to experiment until you have a nice collection of favorites.
In the opening of the book, Ms. Carpender even tells you all about various ingredients that will become a staple and how to use the, where to find them, etc. It's very informative and I refer to it every so often, still.
One caveat: a number of the recipes call for items that you will not have on hand, and in fact may have trouble locating (i.e. oat bran, xantham gum, soy powder, etc.). The good news is that even if you can't locate these in your local health food store, you can get them at a fair price online (I like amazon.com for getting them at a good price, and taking advantage of Super Saver Shipping).
Bottom Line: I would SO recommend this book. I actually have recommended it to several of my friends...one has gotten her own copy after sampling a number of the recipes I've emailed her to try. I hear there's a new edition called "500 MORE Low-Carb Recipes". I'll get it next!


Before Five in a Row
Before Five in a Row
Author: Jane C. Lambert
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 17
Review Date: 5/26/2011


I've been homeschooling for 9 years now. I enjoy using this curriculum with my 3 year old. It has great ideas for exploring learning using literature as a springboard. We love books in our house, so for us, it is the perfect introduction to learning. I would recommend it for others with 2-4 year olds. Most of the books are easily found at my local library, with a few exceptions. I also use FIAR with my 6 yr old, too. I have both volumes of it.


Betrayed (House of Night, Bk 2)
Betrayed (House of Night, Bk 2)
Author: Kristin Cast, P. C. Cast
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 927
Review Date: 2/10/2012


I'm writing this review not to review writing ability, but rather to warn against a number of issues that disturbed me about this book. I realize we all have different moralities & what bothers me will not bother many, but...for people who are like me & would be disturbed for their teen to read elements like this...this review is written in order for them to know what they are getting. Disturbing elements: lots of cursing, underage drinking, strong anti-religion (except for paganism), anti-step parent, pro-homosexuality, promiscuity, statutory rape (child/adult sex), worship of goddesses.
As I said, these elements will not bother some people, and I don't pretend to know what's best for others, but I like to know these things before *I* get a book, so I submit these warnings for other like-minded people who would want to steer their children/themselves clear of these elements.


Breaking Dawn (Twilight, Bk 4)
Breaking Dawn (Twilight, Bk 4)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 3539
Review Date: 8/2/2010


Very interesting, attention-capturing fiction. Has romance, but isn't trashy. I read the books after seeing the movies, and am very glad I did. The books explain so much that the movies can't.
Edward, one of the main characters, is old fashioned and believes in abstinence until marriage, and practices great amounts of self-control to stay true to his beliefs. Bella, the other main character, is typical of the insecurities and flaws of us women. It is a great rendition of most girls' dream of being loved, protected & saved by the guy she loves. With a sci-fi twist.
I also like the way this series is written in the first person perspective...from Bella's viewpoint, athough this one has a section written from Jacob's, as well.
Am working my way through the whole series a 2nd time. I'm a female adult. My husband and my 16 yr old son both read & enjoyed the whole series. They are close Twilight fans, too. I personally wouldn't allow my younger children read these, yet. I think, IMHO, that the content is more appropriate for 14+. A bit edgy at times, and has heavy themes, along with a few curse words every now & then. Warning: the sexual content picks up considerably in the final book, although it is non-explicit, and is in the confines of marriage. Also, I found that the curse words increased a little with each book. Sad that she couldn't have simply left it out altogether; although I realize Ms. Meyer was trying to draw us a picture of Jacob's (& the other tribe member's) character, and the roughness therein.


Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
Author: Laurie Viera Rigler
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 134
Review Date: 6/16/2015


I found this to be a fun, lite summer read. It's not an amazing book, but it is entertaining and pulled me in. I enjoyed it enough to have a hard time putting it down. The plot's context (time travel to the time of Jane Austen) intrigued me and lured me in because I really like Jane's time period. Actually, I really like Jane Austen's books a great deal. This certainly wasn't in the echelons of one of Jane's books, but it still had a good bit of merit.
What I didn't like: the protagonist is a loose woman, which is so out of character for a Jane-type book, though she does seem to learn a lesson through the adventure about respecting herself more than she had previously. Also, it bothered me - wondering what on earth happened to the woman she switched places with (this would be the premise for book two in this series).
What I really did like: seeing the inner workings of the Jane A. period, which we never approach in Jane's books...like lack of baths, toothpaste, what on earth happens when you get your period back then, and being mortified by what everyone thinks of you (this one is oft hinted at in Jane's books, but not really addressed in the same manner this book uses).
I did like it enough to actually request book 2...so I guess that says something. In the end, I really wanted to know what happened to everyone in the book...which, to me, is a mark of a decent book.
Warning: this book DOES have some cursing (though not tons), and it does have some discussion of sex and sexual situations, including wanton, promiscuous behavior.


Eclipse (Twilight, Bk 3)
Eclipse (Twilight, Bk 3)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 2893
Review Date: 8/2/2010


Very interesting, attention-capturing fiction. Has romance, but isn't trashy. I read the books after seeing the movies, and am very glad I did. The books explain so much that the movies can't.
Edward, one of the main characters, is old fashioned and believes in abstinence until marriage, and practices great amounts of self-control to stay true to his beliefs. Bella, the other main character, is typical of the insecurities and flaws of us women. It is a great rendition of most girls' dream of being loved, protected & saved by the guy she loves. With a sci-fi twist.
I also like the way this series is written in the first person perspective...from Bella's viewpoint.
Am working my way through the whole series a 2nd time. I'm a female adult. My husband and my 16 yr old son both read & enjoyed the whole series. They are close Twilight fans, too. I personally wouldn't allow my younger children read these, yet. I think, IMHO, that the content is more appropriate for 14+. A bit edgy at times, and has heavy themes, along with a few curse words every now & then. Warning: the sexual content picks up considerably in the final book, although it is non-explicit, and is in the confines of marriage. Also, I found that the curse words increased a little with each book. Sad that she couldn't have simply left it out altogether; although I realize Ms. Meyer was trying to draw us a picture of Jacob's (& the other tribe member's) character, and the roughness therein.


Five in a Row
Five in a Row
Author: Jane C. Lambert
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 5/26/2011
Helpful Score: 1


I've been homeschooling for 9 years now. This is my favorite way to homeschool the younger crowd (4-7, IMO). It is easy, books can be borrowed from the library, typically, and you can make it as easy or challenging as needed for your child. Of course, everyone has diff't learning styles. For those who love books, a literature-based learning system like this is perfect. I have 2 of the volumes of FIAR.


He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear From God
He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear From God
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 10/28/2011


NOTE: this is the WORKBOOK that goes with the DVD set (separate). I got a lot from this study. It essentially takes the story of when little Samuel heard from God in the temple and picks it apart so we can apply those factors to our own lives. I've been a Christian for just over 12 years...and have been actively studying and growing during most of that time. I feel that I was taught, I felt under conviction for some shortcomings, I felt encouraged often, too. This is a study that I found myself wanting to share parts of with many different people. I even want to lead this myself for a different group of women. I really like Mrs. Shirer in the DVD video clips. The video is also visually comforting & inspiring. Please note that this particular book is the companion workbook that should be used with the DVD course, although there is a "stand alone" study book by the same/similar name that one can get if one isn't participating in the DVD study. Leader guide is in the back of each of these workbooks. Highly recommended.


Houghton Mifflin Literary Readers Book 6
Houghton Mifflin Literary Readers Book 6
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 6/6/2009


I got this for school, but am sad to see after receiving it that it only contains "excerpts" of the stories - not full texts. Good for average readers, not so good for those who need one of the stories for school.


Let Me Tell You What Your Teens Are Telling Me
Let Me Tell You What Your Teens Are Telling Me
Author: Blaine Bartel
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 6/20/2008


I really learned a lot about how my teen may be thinking, and how I might better parent my teen. Advice was godly and very insightful. It has simple, short chapters and was an interesting, quick read. Both of us parents read it. There are a number of short lists to help you better remember he main points/facts that he shares. I would def read it again and recommend it to others.


The Little Rabbit
The Little Rabbit
Author: Judy Dunn, Phoebe Dunn (Photographer)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 28
Review Date: 5/26/2011


A very simple, cute book with interesting photographs for a child. My little ones love to look at it over & over again, and have me read it often, too.


Masterlife Leaders Guide
Masterlife Leaders Guide
Author: A. Willis
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 2/16/2011


The MasterLife study is first rate. I learned soooo very much from it. It will deepen & strengthen your walk with Christ in a huge way. Even veteran believers can learn so much and learn how to apply their faith to their daily walk through this study. This is the leader guide for the study. This one leader guide covers all 4 participant books. Please note: I have 4 copies of this leader guide, although pbs will only let you post one copy of each book. I also have books 1 & 4 of the participant guides, unwritten in, available. Contact me if you want more than 1 copy of the leader guide. I can hold your book, relist the next copy & give you a chance to order as many as you need, before mailing to you.


New Moon (Twilight, Bk 2)
New Moon (Twilight, Bk 2)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 278
Review Date: 8/2/2010


Very interesting, attention-capturing fiction. Has romance, but isn't trashy. I read the books after seeing the movies, and am very glad I did. The books explain so much that the movies can't.
Edward, one of the main characters, is old fashioned and believes in abstinence until marriage, and practices great amounts of self-control to stay true to his beliefs. Bella, the other main character, is typical of the insecurities and flaws of us women. It is a great rendition of most girls' dream of being loved, protected & saved by the guy she loves. With a sci-fi twist.
I also like the way this series is written in the first person perspective...from Bella's viewpoint. Can't wait to read the full version of Midnight Sun, Ms. Meyer's telling of this story from Edward's perspective.
I have read it twice, actually. Am working my way through the whole series a 2nd time. I'm a female adult. My husband and my 16 yr old son both read & enjoyed the whole series. They are close Twilight fans, too. I personally wouldn't allow my younger children read these, yet. I think, IMHO, that the content is more appropriate for 14+. A bit edgy at times, and has heavy themes, along with a few curse words every now & then. Warning: the sexual content picks up considerably in the final book, although it is non-explicit, and is in the confines of marriage. Also, I found that the curse words increased a little with each book (Quite a few starting here in New Moon). Sad that she couldn't have simply left it out altogether; although I realize Ms. Meyer was trying to draw us a picture of Jacob's (& the other tribe member's) character, and the roughness therein.


Twilight (Twilight, Bk 1)
Twilight (Twilight, Bk 1)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 363
Review Date: 8/2/2010


Very interesting, attention-capturing fiction. Has romance, but isn't trashy. I read the books after seeing the movies, and am very glad I did. The books explain so much that the movies can't.
Edward, one of the main characters, is old fashioned and believes in abstinence until marriage, and practices great amounts of self-control to stay true to his beliefs. Bella, the other main character, is typical of the insecurities and flaws of us women. It is a great rendition of most girls dream of being loved, protected & saved by the guy she loves. With a sci-fi twist.
I also like the way this series is written in the first person perspective...from Bella's viewpoint. Can't wait to read the full version of Midnight Sun, Ms. Meyer's telling of this story from Edward's perspective.
I have read it twice, actually. Am working my way through the whole series a 2nd time. I'm a female adult. My husband and my 16 yr old son both read & enjoyed the whole series. They are close Twilight fans, too. I personally wouldn't allow my younger children read these, yet. I think, IMHO, that the content is more appropriate for 14+. A bit edgy at times, and has heavy themes, along with a few curse words every now & then. Warning: the sexual content picks up considerably in the final book, although it is non-explicit, and is in the confines of marriage. Also, I found that the curse words increased a little with each book. Sad that she couldn't have simply left it out altogether; although I realize Ms. Meyer was trying to draw us a picture of Jacob's (& the other tribe member's) character, and the roughness therein.


When Pigs Move In: How To Sweep Clean the Demonic Influences Impacting Your Life and the Lives of Others
Review Date: 6/15/2011


Very interesting read. Talks about how people can be possessed, oppressed, influenced & attacked by demonic spirits. Gives Scripture to back up most of the info. When he gives info that he believes to be accurate, but doesn't have Scripture to back it up, he states honestly that he doesn't "know it for a fact, but does believe, in his opinion...".
First half of the books is testimony from many people who have been set free. Second half of the book is the "nuts & bolts" of deliverance. This is not "Exorcist" stuff - it's prayer, information, Scripture, and non-dramatic (mostly) deliverance. One of the best books I've read on the subject.
It's all about renouncing, repenting, renewing & staying under the protection of God via righteousness.
I liked this book and have even passed it on to others to read. Will likely read again a few more times.


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