Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Fresh Start

MY RHYMING POEM

Even though I didn't accomplish all my goals from last year
I will start this year fresh with no anxiety or fear
Just need to move forward and not dwell on the before
And make sure I read, write, dance, and appreciate life more

- By Sherry Hill

MY HAIKU

Loving the knowledge
When I research and read books
To improve my craft

- By Sherry Hill

APPRECIATIONS
I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks.


I've been taking advantage of opportunities to critique, beta-read, and write reviews on stories and novels. I feel honored to have writers trust me to help them become better writers by writing honest reviews. Giving me the opportunity to give feedback is something I appreciate.

THE CHILLING CORNER
Because sometimes you need to chill

Book





Social Elephant: New Rules for Making Friends in Our Changing Social Economy by Kia Wakefield

5 out of 5 stars
 

I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

This book gave me some good suggestions on how to socialize better. It discusses the positive things people can do (such as tips on how to remember names), and negative things people do (talking too much, oversharing) and how to handle them. This easy-to -read book flows well and give tips on how to address various social situations. I also learned some interesting facts about elephants and what we can learn from them.


 
Think Smarter in a Digitally Enabled Word: A 21st Century Life Manuale for Amplifying Your Knowledge, Achieving Your Potential , and Changing the World by Jay Kshatri

5 out of 5 stars

I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

I learned valuable information from this well-organized book. I appreciated the helpful diagrams and love the way the chapters begin indicating where I am in the book (this helped organize my mind). I enjoyed topics such as learning to be mindful, learning how Google works, and learning how to perfect an internet search. Information about Evernotes and a variety of platforms was helpful. The resources given were excellent and great start.






America Never Promised Us Happiness - Only the Right to Pursue It by Dr. L.A Lemmons



3 out of 5 stars

I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

I learned about selfishness and selfishness, and the information made me think about identity and the concept of happiness. I got ideas about how to be happy in life. The author belabored the point about the strong influence of corporations ,and although it was not written, I got the impression the author felt corporations were evil. A suggestion was made to made own gifts in which the materials to make the gifts most likely came from corporations. Since corporations are filled with working people, I would like for author to make more practical suggestions about happiness since not everyone can home schooled and the workplace has a dress code that requires people to wear shoes, for example.

Although I disagree with some of the points and interpretations, the author supported statements with examples. The book was easy to read and for the most part had a nice flow. Some of the information did make me think of happiness another way, and I loved learning a different take on life.



You Can Self Heal: How to Use Natural Healing Power of Your Mind by Anthony Wright


3 out of 5 stars

I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

The beginning was a bit slow and redundant, but the book picked up pace later. The information was basic but useful. The author discussed the power of a positive mind. I love the pictures at the beginning of each chapter because they were beautiful and relaxing. This is a good book for you if you need basic guidelines or motivation.

The Seductors Series Vol. 1 : Desire by B. L. Wilde

4 out of 5 stars

I received a copy from the author in exchange for a review.

This book was steamy and fast-paced. I liked the idea of the Seductor business, and I liked the way Oliver read Jade and sparked up feelings in her. Throughout the book, I wondered if Oliver secretly knew of Jade's mission since he read her so well. I was in suspense whether he knew and if he just wanted her to see things in a different way. His release of sensitive information seemed too easy which made me suspect.
The author used repeated tags and words (such as smoldered, heated center). If she got rid of the tags, I think it would have made the writing stronger. It was evident who was speaking, and the author used enough details for readers to figure out how something was being done.
Overall, the author built up the suspense well, and I enjoyed the book. I look forward to reading the next series.



THE LEARNING CORNER

  Learning Moment

  I learned that I need to slow down my eating pace to minimize indigestion. I'm always eating in a hurry wolfing down food, and I need to just chill. That last episode of indigestion was ridiculous and uncomfortable. I got to slow down.

TOO MUCH Z-NESS?Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.

Sometimes it takes a lot of work for people to slow their pace.  I think it's important to slow down and take in the beauty of chilling out. If you find yourself darting off to thing to the next, take this suggestion:

Put on some slow music and match the rhythm accordingly with your movements. Eat, walk, dance to the slow rhythm. I tried it. It's really quite fun and relaxing.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Chilling Corner


Fast by Ryan Ringbloom


I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange
 for a review.

I read Wait first not knowing which was the 1st, but it was okay

 the way the book was structured. This is a good fast-paced high 
school story. It was realistic,and I felt the characters' tensions, 
heartbreaks, and happiness. I was aiming for Robin to speak up 
for herself and Ashley to find that right relationship. I wanted to 
get more of the guy's point of view, though. Overrall, the book was well-written.  

The Chilling Corner

Wait by Ryan Ringbloom

I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced, and I like the different points of view. The book is good for young adults. Some parts were funny such as the friction in the beginning - I especially loved Ashley's interactions with Tucker on how treat Tessa. I definitely felt the tension and felt the importance of waiting.

Monday, January 6, 2014






I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.
I like the way the story began. The story was original, but I had trouble following in certain sections. Once I got used to the dialect and writing style, I enjoyed the story more. My favorite scene was the dancing scene. I was not expecting the way it ended, so it was a nice surprise.