Shanda’s Reviews – Page 11 – LDS Women's Book Review

The Word of Wisdom by Dr. Scott A. Johnson – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Feb 202013

The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health

Author: Dr. Scott A. Johnson

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: February 12, 2013

Softcover/Kindle; 128 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction/Health & Lifestyle

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1160-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: I received a digital copy (PDF) in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Improve your health today! The Word of Wisdom will teach you principles to help you eat better, feel better, and change your life. Dr. Scott A. Johnson draws from the Doctrine and Covenants to help you make correct dietary choices in a world where convenience food reigns supreme and where chronic illnesses and degenerative diseases are rampant.

Review

The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health is a good reference for people who are new to the Church or seeking clarification on the “Dos” as well as the “Don’ts” of the Word of Wisdom. Dr. Johnson addresses each major point and explains the particulars of why mankind can benefit from refraining from certain substances and consuming others.

Some of the subjects Dr. Johnson doesn’t shy away from and briefly discusses include:

alkaline and acidic foods

being wary of sources of studies that make health statements and researching how these studies were funded

questioning why the FDA goes to great lengths to protect people from herbs yet approves manmade drugs with horrific side effects

questioning why the government passes regulation on air pollution but won’t risk the tax dollars from tobacco companies despite evidence of the negative effects of smoking on both smokers and non-smokers

the benefits of both organic and locally grown produce (it might not look as pretty but usually tastes better and is better for you)

the failure of modern medicine and the US healthcare system in helping Americans become healthier people

how the actions of man have “adulterated” food by processing it in a way that reduces nutritional benefits (ie- white bread, etc.)

The first part of the book discusses the dangers of addiction and how the harmful substances in these addictive chemicals affect the body. The last part focuses on the Lord’s instructions regarding herbs and food.

I agree with Dr. Johnson’s statements that food and nutrition are integral to our health. I have experienced this personally. I have spent years modifying my family’s diet away from processed foods and toward wholesome choices. We have seen the health benefits of this manifest in many ways.

An issue that I feel should have been covered considering how much page real estate is dedicated to discussing grains and their benefits is the fact that a large number of people cannot tolerate some grains and/or the gluten found in many of them. As one who is gluten-intolerant as well as carbohydrate-sensitive, this is a subject that is of interest to me. There is so much emphasis placed on wheat and grains in the traditional presentation of the Word of Wisdom that I actually experienced guilt and feelings of unworthiness when I first learned that I could no longer include many of them in my diet. Though there is a paragraph about seeking personal revelation regarding what is beneficial for each individual, I do wish Dr. Johnson had spoken to GMO, mankind’s modification of grains, and people who are grain- and gluten-intolerant.

I do think that The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health is an excellent overview of the Word of Wisdom. It’s a great resource for new members and non-members who want to understand what the Word of Wisdom is all about and why those who follow it experience better overall health.

Find The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health:

AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

Connect with Dr. Scott A. Johnson:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE + | PINTEREST

Blud and Magick by Preston Norton – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Feb 112013

Blud & Magick

Author: Preston Norton

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover; 256 pages

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

ISBN# 978-1462110889

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital PDF in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Born from the ashes of the most fierce and powerful entity in all of Trivaesia, Darla was sent to grow up in the outside world with no knowledge of where she came from. When she finds herself wielding new power, she must decide which part of her will rule her heart—the evil from which she was born or the good by which she was raised.

Review

The first chapter of Blud and Magick pulled me in with great imagery and I enjoyed watching the Sages interact at the meeting that sets the stage for the rest of the story. Their different personalities provided contrast and interest that made me want to learn more about them and their world.

The next chapter jumps forward to just after Darla’s 14th birthday. She is about to start yet another first day at a new school and we get a glimpse into her character before everything in her world changes. The rest of the story, told in Darla’s point-of-view, tells of her struggle to understand the life-changing revelation about who she really is and what her future holds.

After a great start with some intense action, the middle of the book slowed down significantly for me. There were a few inconsistencies in the plot line that had me scratching my head. One is a bit spoilerish so if you want to read it you will need to highlight the following text: Edward tells Cirrus when Darla is eavesdropping that at the Blud and Magick school he will have to act as if he doesn’t know Darla so people will not think Cirrus is “in league” with her because of what they both are. Then, after passing through a portal into the magical world of Trivaesia City in order to shop for magic school–in a familiar Harry Potteresque way–Darla and Cirrus are seen together in public again and again by future schoolmates and townsfolk alike. Wouldn’t the two of them being seen together in the city be just as bad as being seen interacting at the school? Maybe even worse?

In Trivaesia, there are magical creatures of all varieties. One of my favorite characters was a satyr named Azezal Baphomet. I liked his personality, and his unexpected, conflicted history gave him a depth I didn’t quite find in the other characters. I’m not sure if this is the beginning of a series or not. There is some great set up for more fully developing Darla’s potential in the next book, especially with the last minute twist at the end. I had hoped to get at least a few hints about a certain character’s motivations, but there were no answers for me at the end. I’m not sure what point Cirrus and Ash serve in the story so far and I’m assuming their roles will be explained and developed in later installments.

The last part of the book picked up for me again. I appreciated the conflict Darla faced at the end and the suspense as I turned pages. Would she or wouldn’t she? What would happen to her if she did? There were a few unexpected events near the end that mostly made up for the slow middle. I did find myself wishing that several characters and plot points had been a bit more developed. I think this author has a lot to offer the fantasy genre and I hope he continues to grow his writing skills. If this is the first in a series, I would most likely read the next one with the hope that my questions about certain characters will be answered.

I think that readers who enjoy magical adventures in different worlds will like Blud and Magick. The tone felt directed more to an older MG/younger YA audience, and there was very little romance so boys who don’t like “kissing books” might appreciate that aspect of the story.

Content

Violence- a high school student is killed (no details), small amount of gore during a battle

Sex- none; a kiss on a cheek; short commentary on if someone was looking at a boy’s butt

Language- no swearing; the word “piss” is used at least once

Find Blud and Magick: GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Visit Preston Norton: WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Table Talk by John and Tina Bushman – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Feb 052013

Table Talk

Authors: John and Tina Bushman

Publisher: Plain Sight Publishing/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: February 12, 2013

Softcover; 210 pages

Genre: Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1146-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review PDF in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Nothing has a greater or more lasting impact on children than their parents, yet our society tries to weaken that influence. Talking and teaching are two things best done at home. Using hundreds of fun questions and quotes from this book, watch as your family comes together to discuss the most important issues of life—patriotism, values, fun, faith, and more.

Review

Dinnertime in my family often includes passing around the “conversation jar,” an old glass peanut butter jar full of strips of paper with questions and trivia designed to start family discussion. When the opportunity came to review Table Talk, I jumped at the chance, curious to see how the questions compared to our usual verbal dinnertime fare.

I was delighted to find a wide variety of subjects covered, from civil issues and practical matters (like emergency preparedness) to more personal and spiritual questions designed to explore deeper issues. I like the related quotes on each page, some of which are humorous. The day I received the review PDF I presented some of the new material to my family. The second question in the book (“Have you ever had someone close to you die?”) as well as the follow-up questions (“What were your feelings at the time? What do you believe happens to a person’s soul when they die?”) gave my husband and I the opportunity to check in with our children and discuss how they were feeling about Grandma passing away now that some time has gone by. We had a great conversation with our older daughters that went beyond the scope of those initial three questions.

The next night’s question (“My most embarrassing moment was when _______.”) provided a welcome change from the heavy discussion of the night before. My older kids had a good laugh at my expense. And, no, I’m not going to share my most embarrassing moment in this post. Let’s just say both my pride and my hands and knees were bruised that night.

I appreciate the open-ended format, especially about topics that I hadn’t considered asking my kids. “What responsibilities do individual states have?” and “If you could ask God one question, what would your question be?” are just two examples. With some questions I will have to do some research online beforehand, especially in regard to the more political and academic subjects. (Hey, it’s been a while since high school AP Government class. I’m a little rusty.)

I am excited to continue our nightly dinnertime conversations with Table Talk. I highly recommend it to families of all shapes and sizes.

Find Table Talk: AMAZON | BARNS & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission by Benjamin Hyrum White – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jan 142013

10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission

Author: Benjamin Hyrum White

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover; 106 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1149-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Are you ready to be part of the greatest generation of missionaries? This book will give you the additional mental preparation and spiritual motivation necessary to answer this call. The 10 questions found in this book will help you look deep within yourselves to determine if you have sufficiently raised the bar in preparing for full-time missionary service.

Review

With the lower age requirements for missionaries recently announced, missionary applications have significantly increased. The release of 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission couldn’t be more timely. I found this book to be a quick read and valuable resource to those who are considering serving in the mission field.

I didn’t serve a mission, but as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I still found the questions pertinent to my life. As a mother, am I not serving as a missionary to my children? What about as a wife, sister, daughter, friend, and neighbor?

While 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission is directed at young men and women who are desiring to serve missions, there are a few questions that all members should consider:

Do I Have a Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Do I Have “An Eye Single to the Glory of God?”

Do I Understand How to Feel and Recognize the Spirit?

I liked the way the subjects, quotes and scriptures were organized and presented. I also appreciated that the author addressed not just preparing for the mission but what to expect after the mission. This book discusses specific topics but also provides a “big picture” view of the missionary experience. It would make a nice addition to any potential missionary’s library.

Visit Benjamin Hyrum White: GOODREADS | FACEBOOK

Find 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission:

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

Finished Being Fat by Betsy Schow – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jan 072013

Finished Being Fat: An Accidental Adventure in Losing Weight and Learning to Finish

Author: Betsy Schow

Publisher: Cedar Fort Books

Published: January 2013

Softcover; 144 pages

Genre: Health & Lifestyle

ISBN# 978-1462111251

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free PDF review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Not everyone can win the race, but everyone can finish it. In her quest to wish away an extra 75 pounds, Betsy changed her life for good. Using her Philosophy of Finishing, she snowballed her efforts from weight loss into a bucket list of seemingly impossible dreams. This inspiring account of one woman’s journey will help you find the strength to conquer your most daunting goals and unfinished projects.

Review

I don’t know Betsy but after reading her book I can tell we would get along famously. I wasn’t sure quite what to expect when I picked up Finished Being Fat. As I read I realized that this was a motivating story about one woman’s journey to finish what she started and not a “diet” book.

I love Betsy’s casual, honest voice. I laughed several times and read many paragraphs to my husband. I related to so much that Betsy wrote, from initial fear of joining a class at the gym and discovering incredible support from my classmates to realizing as I looked at childhood photos of myself that things weren’t as bad as I thought they were at the time.

While I have never aspired to complete a marathon (a 12-minute mile would make me deliriously happy at this point), I admire Betsy for following through with her goal to do just that. Through examples she shares and her lessons learned, I know I don’t have to complete something like a marathon or do something better or faster than someone else for what I finish to be of value, that it’s my attitude and the follow through that makes all the difference.

Every year I choose one little word (via Ali Edwards) to be my motivation for the year. Ironically, my one little word for last year was FINISH. Only I didn’t actually finish anything that I initially set out to do. As the new year approached and I considered what word to choose for 2013 I thought long and hard about why I failed to finish any of what I had planned to complete in 2012.

When Betsy mentioned “starter’s high” I knew exactly what she was talking about. I love the excitement of starting something new but boredom, fear, insecurity, or life always got in the way. I soon realized that I was letting perfectionism and fear hold me back. So I chose COURAGE as my one little word for 2013. Courage to be imperfect. Courage to recognize insecurity and overcome it. Courage to leave behind things that really don’t matter. Courage to FINISH.

I enjoyed every minute I spent reading Finished Being Fat. It’s a quick read full of honesty and humor. I highly recommend it to everyone whether you have struggled with weight issues or not. The subject matter goes beyond health and fitness, encouraging readers to experience the sense of accomplishment and self-worth that comes with finishing what you start.

Visit Betsy: BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+

Find Finished Being Fat: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

After Hello by Lisa Mangum

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Dec 172012

After Hello

Author: Lisa Mangum

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: September 2012

Hardcover; 272 pages

Genre: Contemporary YA

ISBN# 978-1-60907-010-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

First Line

“I shouldn’t have noticed him.”

Summary

What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadway show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Review

After Hello is different than anything I’ve read before. Each chapter alternates between Sara, written in 1st person point-of-view, and Sam, written in 3rd person point-of-view. This actually works wonderfully. The transitions from chapter to chapter felt seamless. I found myself looking forward to seeing what either Sara or Sam had to say in their chapter about what had happened in the previous chapter.

Sara and Sam are both very likable. The other characters all had depth and personality. The plot, the setting, and the characters all felt real and believable. The story drew me in and I kept turning pages, wanting to know more about Sam and Sara.

I really liked how After Hello ended. While I may be in the minority here, I would be okay if Lisa never wrote a sequel. I like the idea of leaving limitless possibilities open to Sam and Sara and leaving it at that. However, if she were to write a sequel I would definitely read it.

After Hello is clean contemporary YA fiction that, though I already knew it would be good, ended up being even better than I expected. I recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

Visit Lisa: WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

**LDSWBR featured Lisa and After Hello in the Countdown to Christmas 2012 HERE.**

Older Entries Newer Entries