I'm Dreaming of a Book-Filled Christmas

There is something magical about the Christmas season in and of itself, but to awake to the promise of brand new books, not yet opened, laying in wait under the tree was the ultimate joy.

Now that I'm older I still love to receive books for the holidays but my tastes have become slightly more refined. Books now serve as not only a pleasurable pastime but also as a means of self-definition. Walk into my apartment and you are instantly greeted by bookshelves. Eye the bookshelves and you can get a pretty good idea of who I am, what I enjoy and my overall character (no pun intended). But books are also a shared experience for me now, as well. I'm a mother and I've worked very hard to instill a love of reading in my son.

I was recently contacted by Ryan from invaluable.com and offered an interesting opportunity: to write about what my ultimate literary collection would look like. Invaluable is an online auction marketplace that has a range of things up for auction including collectibles and first edition books. Imagine, if money was no object, if that long-lost edition I so desperately sought was within reach, what books with line the stacks of my dream bookshelf? I was intrigued. So I dug deep. And this is what I came up with:

1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

I'm a huge Alice in Wonderland fan (have the tattoos to prove it!) and to have an assortment of editions of this classic would be the perfect way to start my ultimate book collection. The bindings themselves are so unique and would add a splash of color and whimsy to the visual end of my bookshelf as well.

Alice collection. Invaluable.com

2.  James Joyce, Collected Poems.

One of my favorite things to read in Winter is Dubliners by James Joyce. It beautifully translates all the feelings of melancholy that one would normally associate with that time of year. But my appreciation of Joyce goes beyond that one short story. A collection of Joyce's poetry would be an essential on my bookshelf.

Collected Poems of James Joyce. invaluable.com

3.  Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway.

My list wouldn't be complete if I didn't include some Hemingway. After all, Papa was a master of literature and he deserves a space on my dream shelf. Of course A Moveable Feast would be my top pick but Green Hills of Africa is quintessential Hemingway on safari trope.

Green Hills of Africa, Hemingway. invaluable.com

4.  Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. 

I chose this selection because I wanted something that was collectible while still being accessible for my son. Something that I am GREATLY looking forward to in the upcoming year is sharing the magic of Harry Potter with my son and this first edition collection would be the perfect modern touch to my dream bookshelf.

Harry Potter set, J.K. Rowling. invaluable.com

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

I have a feeling this book gained a resurgence in popularity after the 2013 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This has always been one of my favorites. I think it's the mix of growing up on Long Island and the overall aesthetic of excess and sorrow captured beautifully in this book that has me re-reading it at least once a year. But how great would it be to have a first edition of this gem on my bookshelf? The Cugat eyes over the deep blue backdrop? A must for this girl's dream home library!

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald. openculture.com

So there you have it, my dream book shelf. Santa, if you are reading this you can feel free to bring me any of the above (I'm definitely on the Nice List this year!). Now it's your turn. What books are must-haves for your library? Share in the comments!

The Color of Your Parachute REALLY Does Matter! Or Why What Color is Your Parachute 2016 Edition is for Everyone

As I write this review for the 2016 edition of What Color is Your Parachute by Richard N. Bolles, two things are immediate. First, I am embarrassed to admit I have never read/owned a copy of this book and Second, where might I be now career-wise if I had bothered to read this book X amount of years ago? Yes, it's that good.

What Color is Your Parachute?, 2016.

I wish colleges handed these annually updated guides out as required reading. There are so many helpful tips and insight to be gained from spending a few days reading this book and implementing the tools contained within. From the basics of where to look for a job, to how to successfully interview, to even delving deep and taking a personal inventory about yourself and what kind of career you are drawn to. This isn't your typical job hunting book that tells you how to craft a resume. This is the book that dispels the myth of the resume and why it's a mere stepping stone (and a low-rung one at that) to landing the job you want and need. This book not only is practical but reader-friendly and full of things even the most experienced job seeker may not be savvy to.

This book is honestly for everyone. College students will reap the benefits of using this guide to land their post-college job. Those currently seeking employment will get insight into the understanding of how companies hire and their hiring process. Even career changers will be about to find a helpful walk thru of navigating new career terrain.

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 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.