The Art of People by Dave Kerpen

I believe the author would be the first to tell you that not much of this information new in his book.  I don’t believe he is attempting to be original but trying to leverage some of the better methods already established and tested.  The author does try to bring a different view on many of the existing methods that might bring about better results for some.  His written style is positive and enables the read to feel directly involved with the topic at hand. The author does invite the readers to connect with him on the internet and he welcomes the opportunity to involve us. His stories reveal, like us, that he is not perfect and each day is a can be a learning experience.  If you have not read many communication and/or leadership style books you will have a great deal of new information.  If you are like me and have read hundreds of these types of books, then you will find little new information but maybe his new view on some of the proven methods might appeal to some.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.    

Healthy Fats, Low-Cholesterol Cook Book by the American Heart Assoc.

When I received this cookbook I first checked out all the recipes to see how hard they would be.  To my relief all the recipes go from simple to intermediate level.  I did not run into any recipes that I would call extremely difficult.  What is really nice and always include in the American Heart Association books are the charters on healthy choices.  My advice is always read these first prior to any preparing any meals.  You will be surprised some of the changes you can make that will improve your overall health.  Also take note when you see healthy hints they contain many suggestions that help with your diet and food preparation.  The only down side to the book is there are no pictures.  If you are a visual person this might be an issue.  Over all that is really the only down side of this book. As for the recipes, there are plenty to choose from ranging from every entrée imaginable, basic meals, meals for families and they have varying skill levels.  Chances are you will find several recipes to your taste in the book.

I would highly recommend this book if you have concerns with your diet and/or you are looking for better choice for the food you eat.  I have purchased the previous version of this books and the updates and new recipes provided are good enhancements.    

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.     

Before I Forget by B. Smith and Dan Gasby

While Alzheimer’s at this point has no real cure the message of the book is critical.  Do not ignore the early warning signs, take action as quickly as possible and never give up.  Almost everyone knows of someone close to them that has some form of memory impairment.  Many do not want to address the hard issue of having them screened, afraid it will upset them and the biggest scare confirming what we already fear a positive diagnosis of Alzheimer.  Take it from me and my experience family members will deny it, make excuses and discount the warning signs more out of ignorance than anything.  While the disease is devastating to the person it effects it can rip a family.  The authors have provided a very realistic inside view of this situation but help greatly by providing options to help coop.  The game plan at this point is to educate yourself, understand what will happen next and most important as a caregiver do not try to do everything yourself, ask for help and when some offers accept it.  Safety of the one you love should always be the priority over your pride.  This book provides a point of view from a person dealing with Alzheimer’s and the caregiver.  This book is an excellent resource if you really want to understand how Alzheimer’s can and will change your world.  The authors also bring up something that has slowed the research of Alzheimer's regarding historical information.  I would fully encourage everyone to look into the Brain Registry and how this information will be able to help understand this disease better and begin to prevent it.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.

 

In a Different Key by John Donvan and Caren Zucker

Looking for more information about autism and want to avoid the dry medical write ups then this is your book.  The authors take into account that most person lack the true understanding of autism.  Where this book has done exceptionally well is to bring the reader up to speed by going through actual historical cases.  How they have changed with identification of the condition, treatment methods and most importantly educating the public.  If you are not familiar with autism and the history, then you will have an eye opener regarding how they use to treat people with autism.  The book is full of actual cases noted from doctors in the field and the parents who sacrificed and struggled to find a way to help their children.

While the book is approximately 650 pages the content about the history, struggles, therapy, educational struggles, legal battles and the ever ending message “here is hope” makes this book worth every penny.  I have had first-hand experience with people that have autism and the depictions the authors describe are accurate.  If you are looking to understand more about autism, the history and what the medical and educational systems have done up to this point then this is a must read.  This book will provide you a solid understanding about the world of autism.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.   



The Heart Led Leader by Tommy Spaulding

Originally, my book was lost in transit.  When the book finally came, it was well worth the wait.  I have read hundreds of leadership and self-help books.  Normally I can take away at least one thing per book to strive to improve but this book was different.  This book hit the key point that most leadership books do not, leading from your heart and doing what is right not what is profitable.  How do I know this is not a load of garbage?  The examples the author provides brought me back to a time I was trying to launch a non-profit of my own.  Since I had never done this before everyone told me, it was a waste of time, I could not get the funding and even if I did, it would never last a year.  As the book teaches you, believe what is in your heart then do what you think is the right thing.  You may not success the first time but keep trying.  As for my non-profit it has been active for eight years, we have never had financial issues and the number of people we positively help each year continues to increase.  The author knows what he is talking with real examples and proven principles.  I rarely say this about any book but I would highly recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.     

Wild Things by Graham Nash

While Graham Nash might be an artistic genius with music, art and photography, he should have requested help in how to write an autobiography.  The first quarter of the book contains more of the interesting background about Nash.  His up bring, things that made major impacts on his life and the people in his life.  The story itself is fascinating but not always an enjoyable read.  The him meeting the Everly Brothers is shows you his drive and determination.  The last half of the book is just like any other rock and roll biography sex, drugs and rock and roll.  If Nash had the help of a professional writer, you would end up with two things a book about half the size and one fascinating life story to tell.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.        

Friend & Foe by Adam Galinsky & Maurice Schweitzer

Are you looking to learn about when to cooperate and when to compete?  A great deal of research has been done around this subject along with volumes of data gathered for research. 

The author’s insight on how it is incorrect to pick only one of these approaches. The authors stress for the reader to know when and how to pursue your own interests, not just for yourself but also how to help others achieve theirs.  If done correctly this can be a very useful tool at work and home.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review of the book.