First Chapter Review: Out of Control by Shefali Tsabary, PhD

BLURB:  Every parent wants the golden key to raising well-behaved, academically gifted, successful, happy children. Embedded in the collective psyche is the notion that discipline is the cornerstone to achieving these goals. Out of Control offers a never-before-published perspective on why the entire premise of discipline is flawed. Dr. Shefali Tsabary reveals how discipline is a major cause of generations of dysfunction. The author goes to the heart of the problems parents have with children, challenging society’s dependence on discipline, daring readers to let go of fear-based ideologies and replace them with an approach that draws parent and child together. The key is ongoing meaningful connection between parent and child, free from threats, deprivation, punishment, and timeouts — all forms of manipulation. Parents learn how to enter into deep communion with their children, understanding the reasons for a behavior and how to bring out the best in the child. Far from a laissez-faire, anything goes, approach, this is how a child learns responsibility and takes ownership of their life, equipped with character and resilience that flow naturally from within.

COVER: This color scheme is very appealing and soothing. The blended circles appear to signify the connected and harmonious relationship between parent and child.

FIRST CHAPTER: The opening chapter of Out of Control sets the stage for what is to come. In a few pages, the author is able to outline her philosophy on child rearing.

KEEP READING: Definitely. I received this book quite a while ago, but simply haven't been able to sit down with it. Two recent events with my children have made me realize I can't afford to put off reading it any longer. All of us seem to be at the breaking point lately considering our overloaded schedules and medical issues that have cropped up for many in the family. We need our home life to be more peaceful so that we can deal with the other issues better.

This first chapter is designed to quickly outline Dr. Tsabary's philosophy on why discipline doesn't work and get you thinking: Is she right? I look forward to reading more.

First Chapter Review: Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible? by RL Keller

Richard Louis Keller was born in Newark, NJ in 1955 and grew up in Middletown Township (NJ). He graduated from Montclair State College in 1978 with a degree in Broadcasting. Rich gave his life to Christ in 1979. Since his conversion he has spent time ministering for the Lord in various capacities. God gave Rich the gift of communication. He uses that gift by writing a daily devotional blog and has had two other books published.

Visit Rich online at www.breadoflifemin.net and his blog at www.minidevos.blogspot.com.

Keller is on tour with Pump Up Your Book with his spiritual book, Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible? 

BLURB:  Indian nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi has been quoted as saying “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” This is a sad indictment of the Christian community as a whole. Is it true? Are believers in Christ the reason people keep their distance from Judeo-Christian beliefs and the God we embrace? I feel there’s no question that we’re partially to blame. In this book I touch on a wide variety of topics, but in the end call out Christians to immerse themselves in a time of reassessment as we all strive to be more genuine and consistent in our faith.

COVER: As opposed to the cover for Keller's other book, There Are No McDonald's in Heaven: Waiting on God, which I feel is a good match, I have to admit I'm not particularly fond of this one. For a serious book on an important topic, the light tone this cover portrays doesn't quite hit the mark for me.

FIRST CHAPTER: The first chapter of this thought-provoking title asks, "Is there a problem with the way Christians are portraying the gospel to the unsaved today? Are we driving people away?" It talks about how Christians interact with nonbelievers, in addition to discussing free will and how our approach to presenting the gospel can be very different than the way Christ did.

KEEP READING: From the first moment I heard about this book, I was intrigued. As Christians, we are charged by Christ to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). But how can we do that if we use the wrong approach? Already a few chapters into Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible? by the time I write this, I like Keller's style. He opens chapter one with a story, followed by Gandhi's quote, then leads right into the question about Christians possibly driving people away. Some of the words can be tough to hear, especially if you feel like he's talking directly to you. On the flip side, he discusses the difficulty in emulating Christ, and how our conversion into a new person in Christ might be instantaneous but that our actual transformation takes time. So, you see a healthy blend of challenging moments and encouraging words. This book definitely is providing some food for thought for my Christian journey. I'm eager to continue.

Paperback: 200 pages (printed)/161 (digital)
Publisher: WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing (March 2014)
Paperback ISBN-10: 1490821481
ISBN-13: 978-1490821481
Hardcover ISBN-10: 149082149X
ISBN-13: 978-1490821498
Kindle: 9781490821474/ASIN: B00I5076TU


I have been paid a fee to promote this book through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. That fee, however, did not include any type of review. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

First Chapter Review of The Wanderers by Paul Stutzman

The Wanderers is a an Amish novel from Paul Stutzman. I am reviewing this first chapter for his virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book.

BLURB:  An Amish Love Story About Hope and Finding Home

Everything in God’s nature, Johnny observed, did what it was created to do. Everything, that is, except the human race. Johnny was born into an Amish family, into a long line of farmers and good businessmen. He is expected to follow the traditions of family and church as he grows to adulthood. But even as a boy, he questions whether he can be satisfied with this lifestyle. He wants “more” — more education, more travel, more opportunity.

His restlessness leads him down a dangerous road where too much partying and drinking result in heartbreaking consequences. He’s adrift, and no one seems to be able to help him find his direction.

Then he meets spunky Annie, who seems pure and lovely and devoted to her God. Her past, though, holds sin and heartbreak. She was a worm, she explains, but God has transformed her into a butterfly. Johnny falls hopelessly in love; and eventually he, too, finds the power of God to transform lives.

Settling down on the family farm, he forgets about the questions and the restlessness, thinking that he is happy and at home, at last.

But in a few short hours, tragedy changes his life forever, and he is again wondering… and wandering on a very long journey.

Entwined with Johnny and Annie’s story is the allegory of two Monarch butterflies, worms who have been transformed into amazing creatures specially chosen to carry out the miracle of the fourth generation. They, too, must undertake a long journey before they finally find home.

Purchase your copy at AMAZON.

COVER: When I first saw this cover, I thought it rather plain by Amish fiction standards. It does, however, capture that feel of the farm and features the beautiful Monarch butterflies that are vital to the story.

FIRST CHAPTER: Johnny is reminiscing about growing up on his family's farm and how he struggled to find his way in the Amish life. But then he meets Annie, and for a time, things look brighter.

KEEP READING: If you're expecting your standard Amish novel in this book, you won't find it. Having read a fair amount of this genre, I can tell you this book can catch you off guard at first, because the opening chapter isn't told through the eyes of a character who is immersed in his faith. It's told through the eyes of Johnny who is struggling to figure out where he fits into the faith he's grown up in. With the expectation being that he'll work on the family farm, he knows he's not cut out for it. He's upset that his formal education has come to a close after eight years of elementary schooling. So, if you're looking for a book that sticks closely to the genre, The Wanderers might not be for you. 

That said, I like it when authors think outside the box; when they veer away from the traditional standards of a genre. At this point, I'm not 100% convinced this book is for me, but I would like to see more. The reviews from the tour so far have compelled me not to dismiss this book too quickly. I like how Stutzman opens the book with Johnny saying he was ten when he had his first taste of beer and that he was a late starter. It's a fabulous hook and totally unexpected. What other surprises might I find if I continue?

Title: The Wanderers
Author: Paul Stutzman
Genre: Amish Fiction
Publisher: Carlisle Printing
Pages: 374
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984644911
ISBN-13: 978-0984644919


I received a copy of the first chapter of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

First Chapter Review: Two Are Better by Tim and Debbie Bishop

Tim and Debbie Bishop are on tour with Pump Up Your Book to promote their inspirational travel adventure memoir, Two Are Better.

BLURB: From an engagement to a cross-country trip in just ten weeks? And with no experience in bicycle touring—or marriage? While Tim left behind a 26-year corporate career and familiar surroundings, Debbie was about to enter a “classroom” she hadn’t seen in her 24 years of teaching. Was it a grand getaway or a big mistake?


COVER: Fabulous. I love it when an author or designer puts a great deal of thought into a cover, and that's what happened here. The book is a memoir about two people getting married for the first time at the age of 52 and embarking upon a cross-country bicycling tour. The wedding rings and the list are nice details. The globe makes a great background, and the pictures--like the ones inside the book--make a big difference.

FIRST CHAPTER: Like a proper opening, the first chapter of Two Are Better starts at the beginning. Tim tells the story of how eight days before his retirement, Debbie and he were atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, and he proposed. Then they both discover they have a dream to bicycle across America.

KEEP READING: Definitely. After reading the Preface, I already had an idea of what Tim's style would be like. While he comes across as calm and steady, with an air of authority, you can also feel the excitement and spontaneity as this couple, brought together by God, quickly decides on their plans, figuring they will work the details out later.

The first chapter isn't overly long; just enough to give you a feel for how this material will be delivered to you. But that opening certainly encourages you to continue. Two Are Better is refreshing and engaging. I look forward to reading more of the Bishops' story.


Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Open Road Press (May 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0985624825
ISBN-13: 978-0985624828

Purchase from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Are-Better-Midlife-Newlyweds/dp/0985624825/

Purchase from Open Road Press: http://www.openroadpress.com/store/

About the authors:

Tim Bishop
Originally from Maine, Tim Bishop has over thirty years of experience in business, first as a CPA, then for many years in various roles in the corporate world. In addition to consulting for small businesses, Tim serves as a Hope Coach for TheHopeLine, a nonprofit organization that seeks to reach, rescue, and restore hurting teens and young adults.

Debbie Bishop
Debbie Bishop has taught for over twenty-five years, for the past ten years as a literacy specialist in Framingham, Massachusetts. She has a passion for reading and seeing that young people do it well. She also has high interest in recovery issues and encouraging others with her own triumphs over struggles earlier in her life. Debbie also serves as a Hope Coach for TheHopeLine.

Visit the authors online at www.openroadpress.com.

I received a free mobi version of this book from the publicist. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Two Are Better Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Tuesday, September 3^rd

Guest post at Lori’s Reading Corner

Wednesday, September 4^th

Interview at Blogcritics

Thursday, September 5^th

First chapter review at Cheryl’s Christian Book Connection

Friday, September 6^th

Book spotlight at Diane Estrella: That’s What I’m Here For

Monday, September 9^th

Book spotlight at The Writer’s Life

Tuesday, September 10^th

Interview at Examiner

Wednesday, September 11^th

Interview at As the Pages Turn

Thursday, September 12^th

Interview at Literarily Speaking

Friday, September 13^th

Book spotlight at 4 the Love of Books

Monday, September 16^th

Interview and book giveaway at Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways

Tuesday, September 17^th

Book review at JoJo’s Corner

Wednesday, September 18^th

Guest post at Paperback Writer

Thursday, September 19^th

Guest post at Review from Here

Friday, September 20^th

Guest post and book giveaway at The Busy Mom’s Daily

Monday, September 23^rd

Interview at Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, September 24^th

Book excerpt at Between the Covers

Thursday, September 26^th

Book review at My Devotional Thoughts

Friday, September 27^th

Book review at The Book Connection

Tuesday, October 1^st

Book review at Maureen’s Musings

Friday, October 4^th

Book review at Library at the END of the Universe

Friday, October 11^th

Interview at Spoilers, Sweetie

Checking In

 

 

Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday the Lil Diva (11) and the Lil Princess (8) were running around barefoot in the rain. It's a rainy Wednesday in Western Mass, as the remnant of Hurricane Issac makes its way up the coast. My fall vegetables will enjoy this break from the heat.

 

 

I've remained busy this week. Today is my deadline for the editing project I am working on. I'm over 2/3 of the way done, so I should make it without a problem. I've also been trying to catch up on reading. I recently posted a First Chapter Review of David Wesley Hill's At Drake's Command and a review of Healing Music by Carolyn Huebner Rankin. Today's review is of Back to Bataan by Jerome Charyn. I also recently finished the next book in Marilyn Meredith's Deputy Tempe Crabtree series, Raging Water, and the final book in the Freedom Series, The Deliverer, by Kathi Macias.

 

 

This weekend we'll be hosting a sleepover for the Lil Diva's 11th birthday, which was last month. iParty didn't have The Hunger Games party supplies in stock, but we managed to create our own theme by purchasing orange and yellow plates, napkins, and cups. I think I'll come up with some type of scavenger hunt for the kids. In addition, I'm going to make a punch and call it Tracker Jacker Venom. Some blueberries could be a good substitute for nightlock berries. And what party would be complete without some bread, the kind gift that Peeta gave a starving Katniss.

 

 

Hope you're having a great week.