De Niro A Life by Shawn Levy

Although not what I would consider a movie "buff", I've always enjoyed a good movie.  In addition, I find people fascinating.  Put those two factors together, having the opportunity to read a biography about a well-know actor was right up my alley.

I believe that the author did a fantastic job of recounting Mr. DeNiro's resume.  The amount of effort that Mr. DeNiro puts into preparing for a role has, I'm sure, been the secret to his incredible success.  Many of his earlier movies I have not seen, so the synopsis for each was informative, as was his choices in investments and contributions.

In my opinion, by the end of the book I really felt that I did not know much about the man himself.  I believe the author has done the best he could with the information he had given Mr. DeNiro is a very private man, but it seemed to me that I learned more about Mr. DeNiro's "supporting cast" than the man himself.

With that said, I would highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Deleted Emails of Hillary Clinton: A Parody by John Moe

I was looking forward to a little humor and found that "The Deleted Emails of Hillary Clinton" was pretty goofy.  This book dives into the world of pantsuits, gal-pals, Chelsea's wedding, and Bill's social life among other things.


Although I personally thought this quick "read" was corny and really didn't make me laugh out loud, I'm sure that many would find the book Hill-arious.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

Einkorn: Recipes for Nature's Original Wheat by Carla Bartolucci

A few years ago, I heard about Einkorn for the first time.  A food blogger was "sold" on this grain and was singing the praises of the new-old type of wheat.  Although intrigued, I never tried it.  Now that my daughter has a gluten sensitivity and I have had the opportunity to read this book, einkorn is now on my shopping list.


In "Einkorn: Recipes for Nature's Original Wheat" by Carla Bartolucci, the author shares her daughter's severe sensitivity to current wheat and the positive differences changing to einkorn has made in her life.

In addition, this book give a ton of information how to use einkorn, the differences between it and current wheat, and lots of fabulous-looking recipes I can't wait to try including sourdough bread and slow-rise sticky buns.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

"The Bones will Speak" by Carrie Stuart Parks

"Forensic artist Gwen Marcey has become the target of a serial killer who believes he's been appointed God's executioner..."

Prior to receiving "The Bones will Speak" by Carrie Stuart Parks to review, I had not read anything by this author.  But after seeing the high reviews the first book in the Gwen Marcey series had received ("A Cry from the Dust"), I immediately got my hands on a copy. 

Like the first book, I found myself really wanting to like it.  The idea of the story is really very good.  What I found for me, though, was the dialogue was tedious (more suited to a screenplay, I thought) and all the detail made for a very slow-moving read.

Mrs. Parks, I really appreciate your efforts and hope that you will continue to write.  I hope that you accept my comments in the spirit they are intended...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Underground Girls of Kabul In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg

"The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan" by Jenny Nordberg is an enlightening book into the role (singular) of women in Afghanistan. 

By interviewing Afghani women (as well as a few men), the author learned that women are thought by men to be solely for the purpose of bearing male children.  Women are subjected to violence by their husbands and mothers-in-law, are heavily scrutinized by all, and are basically held captive in their own homes. 

Because this mostly illiterate culture still conveniently believes that women determine the sex of a child, a woman who does not have any sons is thought to not be "trying hard enough".  Families that have no sons are looked down on in the general society so some have taken to dressing their young daughters as boys and calling them masculine names.   For some of these girls, they don't want to revert back to their birth gender and lose the freedoms they have enjoyed as being "male".

Although I had an idea how women were treated there, I really didn't.  It is heartbreaking that these women have really no control in their lives.  Other than some educated men that allow their daughters to learn and work, the majority of daughters are solely raised for helping to keep house and for the bride-price they could bring.

If you are interested at all in Afghani culture, I would encourage that this be a book added to your list. 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion. 

"Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion" by Gary Chapman

"Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion" by Gary Chapman is a powerful and enlightening book about avery volatile subject. 

Mr. Chapman clears up misconceptions about anger and forgiveness in an easy to read format.  He gives practical examples how to deal with anger that are Biblically sound and dispels incorrect ideas.  He teaches how to handle our own anger and to teach our children about theirs.

I really appreciated this information and learned a lot.  I realized that a considerable amount of the information I had been taught about anger (and forgiveness) actually wasn't right, and was relieved by what I learned.

Thank you, Mr. Chapman, for taking the time to research and teach about anger.  For me, this book is a valuable resource and my husband and I intend to use the tools you have shared in our own family.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

First Family Detail:Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents by Ronald Kessler

My family and I closely follow politics and I like to be "in the know".  So when I had the opportunity to read and review "The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents" by Ronald Kessler, I knew I had to read it.

First of all, this is the first book of its type that I have read.  I understand some say that the author's previous book is strikingly similar.  I cannot attest to that.

What I can say, though, is if these accounts are accurate, I am saddened by how the Secret Service has been treated by so many.  Yes, not all protectees have been rude, crude, or inconsiderate, but it is unfortunate that so many have reportedly been so.  I suppose if the book only included the good stories, it wouldn't have the same appeal.  I was surprised to see so many agents' names that added to the validity of the information  The book also includes a little about the Secret Service and what they must do to protect a traveling dignitary.

If you like politics or political gossip, I would recommend this book.  Adults only, though.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.