Are You Sticking To Your New Year's Resolution?

Did you set a goal to read a certain number of books this year?

Are you on schedule for keeping that goal?

I work a full-time job, and a part-time hobby job. And so far, I have read 18 books this year. That's 6 books ahead of schedule! And if I can do it, so can you!

This is about what my home office/study/library looks like right now. Crammed floor to ceiling with all of the books and papers that I use. And I love it! And this doesn't count the many books (well over 1000) that are on my Kindle!

I have been asked what kinds of books I prefer to read. Well, I am extremely eclectic. I love mysteries, romance, sci-fi, westerns, technical, I adore cookbooks. (One can never have enough cookbooks!) I enjoy books on the paranormal. I enjoy craft books. Home plans, especially anything on the tiny house movement. (Yeah, right. I know what you're thinking! You couldn't move into a tiny house with all those books! Well, I've already decided I will need either an addition, or a second tiny house, 'cause I ain't giving up any of my books!)

If it's in print, chances are I would love to read it. And I don't always enjoy books I pick out. If you read through some of my reviews, you'll see where I find a few not worth the money, nor the effort, of reading! (I'm very outspoke about my likes and dislikes!)

So, are you on target to get your 52 books a year read? If not, start now by trying to catch up. And if you're really far behind on your goal, just start where you are right now! Mark the date down, and next year on March 27th you should finish up with 52 books!

Keep reading my fellow novel and book enthusiasts! Not only does it keep you young, but it keeps your mind sharp. And you learn! Something all of us need to do! Keep learning. We start from the moment we are born, and we should keep learning until death closes our eyes in finality.

And you don't need to purchase your books! Get a library card! And don't forget, some libraries have books online! Check out your local library!

Thrift shops and flea markets are always good places to get books.

Used book stores abound! Take advantage of those!

If you like your Kindle, there are many places online you can get books for free!

And my absolute favorite place to buy books? Yard Sales!!! People will sometimes mark books down to a nickel, just to get rid of them! And sometimes you can purchase a whole set of a writers books! I've purchased a complete set of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Anne of Green Gables, and once I caught a real bargain of leather bound Louis Lamour books!

Keep your eyes open. Grab a good book. Your imagination can take you anywhere!

As My Parents Age: Reflection on Life, Love, and Change by Cynthia Ruchti

As My Parents Age: Reflections on Life, Love and Change

by

Cynthia Ruchti

copyright © 2017 Cynthia Ruchti

Published by Worthy Inspired

ISBN: 978-1-61795-752-9

I didn't know what a healing I would receive when I read this wonderful spiritual book.

Ruchti brings us face to face with what it means to become the caretaker of an aging, or ailing, parent. In my family, I was the one who took care of my mother-n-law during her final days of this life. But my own Mother and Father were taken care of by my sweet sister.

Often I feel guilty for leaving her with such a burden. She's given up 22 years of her life so far, just to see that they had a home and the care that they need. We lost Mother two years ago, and my sweet sister continues in caring for our Father. She has never once complained. Instead, she has told me over and over that it has been her privilege.

I feel guilty because I don't have that patience! At least not with my own parents! But I didn't know why, until I read this book. I just couldn't come face to face with knowing that their days were numbered.

I never gave a thought of my parents one day aging, or worse, dying. No. They were always the stalwart rock that stood upon our Savior. I was along for the ride for the most part.

I was born again when I was only 10. But have I really understood how and what it meant for ME to stand on the rock, our Lord and Savior?

I have had the scales taken away from my eyes, thanks to Ruchti. And I can face my fears now.  The fear of being alone. Of feeling like an orphan, even at my age.

The copy of this book that I read is an Uncorrected Proof, so when it is in its final print, it may be a little different. But here are the titles to the chapters in this amazing book:

1. When I Notice The First Signs

2. When It Comes Down to What Matters Most

3. When They're Miles and Miles Away

4. When We Mourn and Embrace the Role Reversal

5. When My Children Need Me Too

6. When My Parents Won't Accept Help

7. When I'm Tempted to Help Too Much

8. When My Siblings Disagree on My Parent's Care

9. When My Parents Won't Have the Hard Conversation

10. When They Can't Let Old Hurts Go

11. When I Can't Let Old Hurts Go

12. When All We Can Do Is Laugh

13. When My Parent is in Denial

14. When My Parent's Strongest Gift is Stubborness

15. When My Parents Make Unwise Decisions

16. When My Gratitude Gets Lost in Life's Wrinkles

17. When I Don't Know What to Pray

18. When My Parent's Mind is Gone

19. When I Think I Can't Make an Impact

20. When My Parent Loses Who I Am

21. When they Think Life No Longer Has Meaning

22. When Their Aging Changes Me

23. When It's Just Plain Hard

24. When I Don't Know What to Say

25. When Time is All They Want From Me

26. When Guilt Taints Our Relationship

27. When My Parents Needs Cost Me

28. When I Feel As If The Battle Is Mine Alone

29. When I Can't Keep My Promise to My Parents

30. When I Don't Recognize or Like

31. When Every Story is From The Past

32. When Visiting Deepens My Pain...and My Understanding

33. When No One Understands or Knows How to Help

34. When My Efforts Seem So Small

35. When The End is Too Near

36. When I'm Already Grieving

37. When They Die Too Young

38. When My Skills and Love are No Longer Enough

39. When the Moment Comes to Say Good-bye

40. When I Shift to Life Without My Parents

If you are caring for a parent, I know you will have recognized yourself in at least one chapter title. That is why I took the time to name each one.

Using Scripture, and the teachings of our Savior, Ruchti leads us through these terrible hard times. These times when you are overwhelmed and don't know what to do next. When nothing seems right. And your world is suddenly turned upside down.

I wish I had read this book years ago when my Mother first became ill. I might have been able to help my sister more. But through reading this, I realize the struggles she must have endured, in her own private, quiet space.

She is truly my hero!

I give this book five stars.

A big thumbs up.

And my personal recommendation.

You can find this book available HERE. It is only available in hardback. And it is at a reasonable cost of $11.00 plus shipping and handling.

****DISCLAIMER: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair and impartial review. The opinions above are solely those of this blog's author.

The Physics of Everyday Things by James Kakalios

The Physics of Everday Things

by

James Kakalios

Copyright © 2017 James Kakalios

Crown Publishers

ISBN 978-0-7704-3773-2

Uncorrected Proof Edition

Have you ever wondered what made your toaster work? Or how about your car radio?

Have you ever wondered how your television can convert signals into pictures and sounds?

How does your dryer know when your clothes are dry?

How does your microwave oven work?

Kakalios takes us on a journey of an average day, and breaks down each of the normal things we use during that day. From the alarm clock. To the car. To a doctor's visit. To a business meeting where you have to take a flight. Your business presentation. And going to a hotel for the night.

You will be amazed at the ordinary things we use daily, and never knew how they work! Kakalios breaks down the physics of each so that a layman can understand.

This is a really fascinating book, that I read straight through in about 90 minutes. It was amazing! I think it's a keeper folks!

I give this book five stars.

And I give it a big thumbs up.

I also give it my personal recommendation.

You can find the book HERE on Amazon. It is available for Kindle and as a hardback copy. The Kindle edition retails for $13.99 and the hardback for $25.64, plus shipping and handling. But its well worth the read!

****DISCLAIMER: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair and impartial review. All opinions above are solely those of this blog's author.