The Rising is A Story of A Family Before and After A Tragedy Changes Everything

I remember watching an HBO documentary on the Cheshire murders. It haunted me, the story of a home invasion that took the lives of a mother and her two daughters. I always wondered how the father/husband in the Petit family continued to go on living with his life so violated and forever changed.

The Rising by Ryan D'Agostino

That's where The Rising by Ryan D'Agostino comes in, to fill in the blanks. While the book delves into the unimaginable torture and murder of Jennifer, Michaela and Hayley Petit, but also the background of the family. We get to know them as people and not just victims. We also get to hear Bill Petit's story of rising above what has happened to him. It is amazing how he can come out of the other side of this and still believe that people are inherently good.

The subject matter was very well-researched, despite the book being a little hard to read pace-wise. If you know anything about this tragedy, this book will give you a broader picture of the family and for that reason, it is worth a read.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Instant Happy Journal Makes Journaling a Snap!

I love Karen Salmansohn's whimsical Happy Books so there was no doubt in my mind that her new guided journal, Instant Happy Journal: 365 Days of Inspiration, Gratitude and Joy was a must-have for me.

Instant Happy Journal

I really like guided journals because it helps me to think outside the box of the usual ideas to write about. This one focused nicely on the idea of creating happiness which is something everyone is seeking. The pages are not incredibly long which makes it incredibly un-intimidating and writer friendly, especially for someone who is a beginner journaler.

This is perfect for keeping on your nightstand as a way to think back over your day or to meditate on the day ahead, or it's also a great gift for just about anyone.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Boy Meets Depression Hit All the Right Emotional Places

Writing a about depression usually falls into two categories: 1) writing about it from a medical/scientific standpoint or 2) memoir form. So when I read Boy Meets Depression: Or Life Sucks and Then You Die Live by Kevin Breel, I knew it was a first person account of a young man's struggle with depression but wasn't sure how it would be different from any of the other memoirs on depression I have read.

Boy Meets Depression by Kevin Breel

I quickly discovered a few things while reading this book. First of all, it was honest. I mean you could feel the experiences drip off the page and believe them. Second of all, it was easy to identify with Breel. His story described depression in a way that you have to stop yourself as you are reading it and say to yourself "YES! I can relate to this".  And when you are in the midst of a depression, being able to relate to someone else on that particularly dark/intense way is a comfort.

After I read this book, I quickly Googled Breel's TED talk on depression and was not disappointed. He comes off, both on the page and via video, as a young man who can put into words what it's like to live with the demons of depression. Again, it was refreshing because I felt like I knew a part of his story from having read the book, and his experience made mine easier to digest.

Depression is not a topic that lends itself well to light-hearted discussions, so keep in mind that this is an emotionally intense book. It could also trigger some people, so that is worth mentioning as well.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

The Time Garden is a Fun Way to Lose Youself in the Trend of Adult Coloring Books

Adult Coloring Books. Simply put, the artful trend of the moment that is more like a way for adults to reconnect with their childhoods. The Time Garden by Daria Song is a gorgeous adult coloring book that is incredibly well-illustrated and tells a charming tale. It was easy and enjoyable for me to sit down with this book, some colored pencils, and a cup of tea and just lose myself in another world for a little while.

Have fun with this adult coloring book, The Time Garden by Daria Song.

This coloring book experience allowed me to relax and just enjoy the simple pleasures of coloring. Added bonus: I instituted "coloring time" in my home and my son and I both colored our respective coloring books side by side. Peaceful, stress relieving and a great way to unwind. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to play with coloring books all over again!

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Do You Have a Camera? You Need Learning to See Creatively

Calling all newbie photographers (or really anyone who wants to get better at taking pictures), you must get your hands on the newly released Third Edition of Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson. Anyone who has even dabbled with their DSLR in non-automatic mode knows Mr. Peterson (you have to have had "the bible" of photography: Understanding Exposure). 

This book is really a gem for everyone who owns a camera. It's non-intimidating enough for beginners yet thorough enough for those with some more experience. Peterson deeply immerses the reader in information and tips certain to bring a fresh perspective to your photos, not to mention his own photos included in the book are gorgeous to look at. 

Bundle this one up along side Understanding Exposure and you've got all you need to creatively "see" a picture and capture it on camera. 

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

Bad Doctor Makes for the Best Narrator in Summer House with Swimming Pool

If I were to judge this book by it's cover, I'd say it was the perfect summer beach read. I mean it's called Summer House with Swimming Pool (by Herman Koch), which doesn't get a whole lot more summer-sounding. However, my immediate reaction while reading this book was "wow, this narrator sounds a lot like that one friend we all have that is too honest about things". You know the person: they have no filter and say exactly what they are thinking at all times even when you find yourself cringing and wishing they would just be quiet already.

Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch

This novel centers around Marc Schlosser, a family doctor who gets himself into some trouble when a patient of his dies. That's the plot but really this book is about Marc the maybe not so reliable narrator and his disturbingly honest insight into all things. From his family life, to what he really thinks of his patients, this book is one big very dark comedy wrapped up inside a not-so-thrilling thriller.

Read this book if you like to analyze the characters in the novels you read. You are guaranteed to be thinking about Marc long after you finish.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing isn't for Everyone, But Give it a Shot for More Ambitious Summer Reading

This book. What can I say about this book (A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride) ? I WANTED to like it. The reviews and the stellar ratings and ravings made me certain that it would fall in line with the kind of literature that I devour like ice cream on a hot day.

A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride. 

But, in keeping with the whole summer ice cream analogy, it melted before I could really appreciate what it had to offer. I just couldn't get into it. I tried. I gave it several attempts but I just couldn't stick it out. Which is unfortunate because I am not usually a book quitter.

I'm all for experimental style writing and stream of consciousness story-telling. I thought this book would be a more substantial summer read for me, but I had to abandon it. Even though it didn't work for me, I wouldn't rule it out. It won a slew of book prizes, so clearly I may be the one not getting this book. In the meantime, I'm putting it on my "to read again" shelf for another day. Maybe Winter is a better suited season for me to indulge in this one.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.