THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Author:  Gretchen Rubin

Genre:  Non-Fiction, The Happiness Project #1

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Gretchen Rubin

Yearly Count:  13


From Goodreads:

Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.

In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

I just happened to see this on the shelf at my library and, on a whim, decided to bring it home.  I can't believe it's been 10 years since it was published!  The speed of time is scary!

My biggest complaint is that she states throughout the book that she needed to just "Be Gretchen."  However, the entire book is about CHANGING Gretchen.  Whether it be about choice and/or for the good, it's still based on changing Gretchen and that bothered me throughout.  The book on a whole is incredibly overwhelming!!!  Every itty-bitty, minute component/detail of one's existence is in one way or another probed and prodded.  It is examined to the point of exhaustion.  The research behind her ideas were interesting, although I don't recall anything being new or revolutionary.  I enjoyed her as her own narrator.

Anyone know . . .  Is she happier today?

Thoughts of Joy

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP

Author:  Marie Kondo

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Magic Cleaning #1

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Emily Woo Zeller

Yearly Count:  1

From Goodreads:

Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles? Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you'll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo's clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house "spark joy" (and which don't), this international best seller featuring Tokyo's newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home - and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

DON'T BE FOOLED BY MY RATING, and I didn't audioread this book to jumpstart a New Year's Resolution!!!  (Also, the new show didn't have anything to do with it either.)  

I audioread this book, because it was short.  Period.  I was trying to reach my 52 books for the year; therefore, I had a collection of shorter books and audiobooks.  This happened to be one of them.  I didn't need it for 2018, so it became my first of 2019.  

My rating is purely based on two facts:  it kept me entertained and engaged (crazy talk, I say, crazy talk), and it left me with positivity, encouragement and inspiration.  I think that's worthy of a very good rating.

The nitty-gritty of the text was absurd.  Marie is the ULTIMATE PERSONIFIER.  I dislike personification immensely.  It's just not my thing.  I'm surprised I didn't topple over with dizziness while listening due to the amount of eye-rolling I did.  HOWEVER, for someone that is prone to clutter or just doesn't have the wherewithal to clean up after themselves, this method may be useful. 

Most importantly for me, I finished the book truly feeling revitalized.  Maybe just listening to someone else sort and throw out stuff does that for me . . . who knows?!  LOL  I do have a closet to clean out (tentatively scheduled for winter break).  Will I use the KonMari method?  NOPE!  Unless my clothing and/or other closet items start talking to me, then I may have to reconsider.

Thoughts of Joy

  

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Author:  David Grann

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/
Patton, Lee & Campbell

Yearly Count:  46

From Goodreads:

In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe.

Then, one by one, they began to be killed off.

A true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history.

Oh my goodness!  I feel a bit naive, but I'll just chalk it up to nobody told me!  While this was quite a tragic part of history, I think it could have been told in a better fashion.  Maybe audio wasn't the way to go with this one, because I do recommend it.

Thoughts of Joy

IMPROVING COMPREHENSION

Author:  Wilhelm

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2001

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  10

This book contains detailed strategies for a classroom teacher to assist students into getting the most out of what they read through thinking aloud.

Wilhelm breaks every little nuance of a book down into bite-sized pieces.  Nothing new.  It's also 17 years old!  😝

Thoughts of Joy

POOR STUDENTS, RICH TEACHING

Author:  Eric Jensen

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2016

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  3

From Goodreads:

Discover practical and research-based strategies to ensure all students, regardless of circumstance, are college and career ready. This thorough resource details the necessary but difficult work that teachers must do to establish the foundational changes essential to positively impact students in poverty. Organized tools and resources are provided to help teachers effectively implement these essential changes.

This was read as a Book Study over the last several months.  It was an encouraging read, but nothing new.  It's always nice to dust off and be refreshed, though.  The ultimate goal is to get students to graduate high school and be job or college ready.

Thoughts of Joy

  

READING IN THE WILD

Author:  Donalyn Miller 

Genre:  Professional, Companion Book

Published:  2013

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  24

From Goodreads:

Reading in the Wild offers solid advice and strategies on how to develop, encourage and assess key lifelong reading habits,  including dedicating time for reading, planning for future reading, and defining oneself as a reader.  It contains accessible strategies, ideas, tips, lesson plans and management tools along with lists of recommended books.

This a companion book to The Book Whisperer.  It contains all the details needed to run a reading classroom.  It's filled with Miller's experience and has much value for a novice.  

Thoughts of Joy

ORPHAN TRAIN RIDER

Author:  Andrea Warren

Genre:  Young Reader NF, Standalone

Published:  1996

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  23

The true account of Lee Nailling riding an orphan train is told with chapters of the history.

I enjoyed reading the story as a whole, but the writing was a bit choppy.  It was a good introduction to this period of our history and could inspire a child (or adult) to read more.

Thoughts of Joy

THE BOOK WHISPERER

Author:  Donalyn Miller

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  19

A sixth grade reading teacher shares her philosophy of teaching reading.

Another book that did not shed any new light on the topic; however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  It has reawakened the desire in me to tweak a thing or two, and for that, I'm grateful.  Miller's writing is very genuine.  Together we share the love of books (not genres, though!), so I feel a bit of a kinship with her.  :)

Thoughts of Joy

  

HILLBILLY ELEGY

Author:  J. D. Vance

Gerne:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2016

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/J. D. Vance

Yearly Count:  18

This is an account of a self-professed Hillbilly who makes it against many odds.

Since I have read numerous books regarding poverty (and see it in my profession), this book didn't hold any revelations for me, but it was interesting.  Vance did a great job reading his own work, and I appreciated his efforts in showing that getting out from underneath can be accomplished.

Thoughts of Joy

GIFT FROM THE SEA

Author:  Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  1955

Personal Rating:  1/5 (don't bother)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/
Claudette Colbert

Yearly Count:  56

Here lies a bunch of rambling words trying to make connections between life and sea shells. 

I seriously must have a different book from everybody else.  This did absolutely nothing for me.  It didn't touch me, talk to me or even breeze by me.  I'm bewildered.

Thoughts of Joy

HOW WE LEARN

Author:  Benedict Carey

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  2/5 (not enjoyable)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  48

From NetGalley:

From an early age, it is drilled into our heads: Laziness, distraction, and ignorance are the enemies of success. We’re told that learning is all self-discipline, that we must confine ourselves to designated study areas, turn off the music, and maintain a strict ritual if we want to ace that test, memorize that presentation, or nail that piano recital.

But what if almost everything we were told about learning is wrong?

And what if there was a way to achieve more with less effort?

In How We Learn, award-winning science reporter Benedict Carey sifts through decades of education research and landmark studies to uncover the truth about how our brains absorb and retain information. What he discovers is that, from the moment we are born, we are all learning quickly, efficiently, and automatically; but in our zeal to systematize the process we have ignored valuable, naturally enjoyable learning tools like forgetting, sleeping, and daydreaming. Is a dedicated desk in a quiet room really the best way to study? Can altering your routine improve your memory? Are there times when distraction is good? Is ignorance always bad? Is repetition necessary? Carey’s search for answers to these questions yields cunning strategies that make learning more a part of our everyday lives—and less of a chore.

I usually love educational books, but I am incredibly sad to say I did not enjoy this one.  I suppose it's more about expectations than anything.  Reading 25 million studies, including numerous details of each, was not my thought going in.  Were there some interesting antidotes?  No.  Was there anything new?  No.  Not quite sure how this is new thinking or understanding, but with all the studies, this book can inform you how his questions are answered.  

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Random House & NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER

Author:  Lawrence Anthony

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Simon Vance

Yearly Count:  39

Lawrence Anthony, conservationist in South Africa, accepts a herd of disgruntled elephants on his game reserve.

The characters and animals come alive in this book, making the story a terrific educational tool about elephants and more!  This audio version was done exceptionally well.

Thoughts of Joy

  

BEING MORTAL

Author:  Atul Gawande

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Robert Petkoff

Yearly Count:  23

As a practicing surgeon, Gawande is attuned to both sides of the medical field - giving and receiving. His goal is to bring to light the fact that we may treat the end of life in a less than perfect fashion.  He focuses on the general aspect of getting older when a person is healthy and when medication is needed.  

I found the book to be somewhat redundant and not new.  However, if the world would take notice and implement Gawande's findings (when appropriate), life could continue to be self-driven even at its ending.

Thoughts of Joy

   

IGNITING A PASSION FOR READING

Author:  Steven L. Layne

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  4.5/5 (excellent)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  50

Steven Layne shares his thoughts and ideas (tried and true) on how to "ignite a passion for reading" in K-12 classrooms.  

At the moment, I don't remember anything bright and shiny NEW, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book anyway!  I loved the stories shared and the bit of humor thrown in from the author, as well.  It's not a 5/5 only because I don't buy into all his ideas 100%, but that's good!  We each have our own spin on how to teach and can make adjustments to suggestions to fit the needs of our students.  It has great reminders and is an encouraging book.

Thoughts of Joy

      

ELEPHANT MAN

Author:  Mariangela Di Fiore & Hilde Hodnefjeld

Genre:  Children's Non-Fiction

Published:  2015

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  47

From NetGalley:

"Gather round--prepare to be amazed! A sight so very gruesome that you simply won't believe it. Ladies and gentlemen... the Elephant Man!"

Every night people swarm to a theater in London to see the Elephant Man, whose real name is Joseph Merrick. They scream in terror at the sight of him. But beneath Joseph's shocking exterior, he longs for affection and understanding.

Disfigured in childhood by a rare disease, Joseph is rejected by his family, bullied in the streets, and ridiculed at his job. While touring Europe with a freak show, he's robbed and abandoned. Joseph seems to encounter misfortune at every turn, but eventually finds friendship with a kind doctor in England. Though he died young, Joseph became world famous and inspired many with his gentleness and dignity.

Masterful illustrations and archival photographs are joined with simple but moving language, bringing the celebrated true story of the Elephant Man to life. Joseph Merrick (1862-1890) is believed to have suffered from a combination of the diseases neurofribomatosis type 1 and Proteus syndrome. This is a tremendously affecting book about being different, refusing to be a victim, and finding happiness in even the most challenging of circumstances.

This is a great illustrated book for older children (upper elementary) that includes topics such as loneliness, bullying and self-worth.  The true story that it is can lead to deep discussions of who we are and how we treat people with illnesses/diseases.  The illustrations were interesting (some scrapbook-like), and they were joined by some real pictures, as well.      

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.
      

THE FAST METABOLISM DIET

Author:  Haylie Pomroy

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2013

Personal Rating:  4.5/5 (excellent)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  42

This diet consists of 3 Phases:

Phase 1 (Monday-Tuesday):  Lots of carbs and fruits
Phase 2 (Wednesday-Thursday):  Lots of protein and veggies
Phase 3 (Friday-Sunday):  All of the above, plus healthy fats and oils

The diet is designed to heal and revitalize your metabolism in 28 days.

I find the idea of this diet, which Pomroy likes to use the word diet as Did You Eat Today?, to be very doable for me.  I don't have much weight to lose, but feel that it'll make me healthier and who couldn't use a raging metabolism?!  :)

Thoughts of Joy

AIRPLANE RIDES

Author:  Jake Alexander

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2015

Personal Rating:  1.5/5 (ugh)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  32

From NetGalley:

10 true conversations, anonymously conveyed by airline passengers to the author. Written under the pseudonym Jake Alexander, Airplane Rides follows a highly successful, but emotionally isolated, real life finance executive through actual conversations had with seatmates. The work takes place over a ten year period and is multidimensional across both the passenger stories told and the moral evolution of this modern day nomad who serves as our narrator. It is a unique set of social observations, provocatively unfolded through the often painful lessons learned by others. Airplane Rides captures that seductive state between where we have been, and where we are going and the possibility of finding absolution along the way.

There's not much to say about this one other than I did NOT like the narrator (aka: the author), which translates into I did NOT like the book.  On a positive note, I thought 2 of the 10 stories were decent (saved it from being a DNF), but overall, the writing was lacking and the author was too!

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to AuthorBuzz and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE

Author:  Oprah Winfrey

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Oprah Winfrey

Yearly Count:  29

This is a selected compilation of the articles Oprah writes in O, The Oprah Magazine.

What an interesting way to experience this book . . . back-to-back with Cheryl Strayed's, Tiny Beautiful Things.  Without agreeing or disagreeing with the advice/sentiments, the most obvious difference for me was the tone and general maturity level.  

Even though the Dear Sugar letters/questions were of a serious nature and for the most part were responded likewise, I viewed Strayed's book as entertainment.  As real as they were, it was like listening to gossip at work or watching all the commotion on the side of the road.  Serious?  Important?  Life changing?  Yes, Yes and Yes.  However, in comparison to Oprah's What I Know For Sure, it lacked a genuine heartfelt feeling, mainly due to her presentation.

Oprah's articles of What I Know For Sure touched me in a whole different place.  I'm not a major fan or follower of Oprah, but I do believe she has a gift to share her experiences and knowledge in a profound way.  I soaked in the gentle, honest, soulful thoughts of what Oprah knows for sure and started thinking about what I know for sure.  I came up with one.  LOL  Then I realized I know more than I think I do and came up with another 3 immediately.  I like that Oprah inspired me and brought my heart some peace. 

Thoughts of Joy

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS

Author:  Cheryl Strayed

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Cheryl Strayed

Yearly Count:  28

This is a collection of letters that were responded to by advice columnist Sugar.

I have conflicting feelings about this book, but I am ending with a "very good" rating.  The letters and responses definitely kept my attention, but I cringed at the language and crude way this woman talked.  It just wasn't for me.  I will keep my opinions to myself regarding her advice.  :)

Thoughts of Joy

    

HONOR BOUND

Author:  Raffaele Sollecito & Andrew Gumbel

Genre:  Memoir, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Seth Numrich

Yearly Count:  24

Raffaele, a native Italian, meets an American student named Amanda Knox.  They immediately develop a relationship, but just as quickly are pulled apart by the devastating murder of Amanda's roommate.  They are accused and imprisoned.

I think I like Raffaele's telling better than Amanda's (Waiting to Be Heard), but that may have more to do with their personalities than the writing.  However, not enough to change my rating of the book.  I really enjoyed the narrator.

Thoughts of Joy