The Wisdom of the Native Americans Edited By Kent Nerburn - Review

Book details

Hardcover : 216 pages

ISBN-10 : 1577310799

ISBN-13 : 978-1577310792

Publisher : New World Library; 1st Edition (March 3, 1999)

Book description

These thought-provoking teachings from respected Native American leaders and thinkers provide a connection with the land, the environment, and the simple beauties of life. This collection of writings from revered Native Americans offers timeless, meaningful lessons on living and learning.

Meet the Edited by Kent Nerburn

My work has been a constant search, from various perspectives, for an authentic American spirituality, integrating our western Judeo-Christian tradition with the other traditions of the world, and especially the indigenous spirituality of the people who first inhabited this continent. Someone once called me a “guerilla theologian,” and I think that is fairly accurate.

I am deeply concerned with the human condition and our responsibility to the earth, the people on it, and the generations to come. I believe that we are, at heart, spiritual beings seeking spiritual meaning, and I try to honor this search in my work and my daily life.

If there is a quote I live by, it is the entreaty of the Lakota Chief, Sitting Bull, who said to the U.S. government that was trying to eradicate his people, "Come, let us put our minds together to see what kind of life we can create for our children."

Much more about me and my work can be found at my website, www.kentnerburn.com.

My thoughts

I have always been intrigued by the Native Americans. I think that comes from growing up in Nebraska and learning their history. I enjoyed this book as it not only has wisdom that has been handed down generation to generation but at the end it has some speeches by some elders which I found interesting to read.  I will keep this book in my collection and read it again. 

Brady vs. Manning by Gary Myers - Review

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: September 22, 2016

Number of pages: 272

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography

Synopsis:

From Acclaimed sports journalist Gary Myers comes the definitive inside account of the greatest rivalry in NFL history

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are perhaps the two greatest quarterbacks of all time. They are living legends who have come to embody the quarterback position and shape an entire generation of the NFL. They have also been fierce rivals every step of the way, and their many epic duels have not only ranked among the best and most exciting games ever played, they have fundamentally shaped the lives of and careers of both men.

But for all their shared brilliance, they are a study in contrasts. Tom is the underdog turned ultimate winner, an unheralded draft pick who went on to win a miraculous Super Bowl and become the leader of one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties. He is as firmly associated with big game brilliance as anyone who has ever played. Meanwhile Peyton was born into NFL royalty and a mountain of outsized expectations, yet somehow lived up to and exceeded all the hype, claiming virtually every passing record along his path to football immortality.

The contrast in greatness—between the overachieving underdog and the crown prince of football, between postseason brilliance and statistical dominance—has served as an endless source of fascination for fans and media, and over the years as the two players have faced off again and again in classic games, the argument has only intensified.

But until now, there has never been a definitive treatment of the debate that tells the real story.
What do Tom and Peyton actually think of each other? What do their coaches think of them? What about teammates and opposing players? What are they like behind closed doors and in the locker room, and how does that influence their careers? How did their vastly different upbringings shape them, and how has each handled the injuries, setbacks and defeats they’ve dealt with over their careers?

In this extraordinary book, veteran NFL correspondent Gary Myers tackles this subject from every angle and with unprecedented access and insight, drawing on a huge number of never-before-heard interviews with Brady and Manning, their coaches, their families, and those who have played with them and against them. The result is a remarkable collection of the most entertaining and revealing stories ever told about Peyton and Tom, from how they developed their vastly different leadership styles, to the unlikely friendship they’ve built over the years, to their respective exploits as locker room pranksters.

Wildly entertaining and deeply thought-provoking, Brady vs Manning is essential reading for anyone who truly wants to understand these extraordinary players.

My thoughts:

I am a huge fan of NFL football so I enjoy reading books about the sport. I have always liked Peyton Manning and am so not a fan of Tom Brady so when I saw this book I thought why not give it a chance to see what it is about. For me this was a very interesting book. In reading this book I learned a little more about Brady as I do not know much about him other than he performance on the field. These two are great friends off the field even though on the field they were rivals. I do have to say that this author seemed to repeat himself. As well as it was not written as well as some books I have read. With that being said I did enjoy the book. 

About the author:

GARY MYERS has covered the NFL for more than three decades. He is currently a football columnist for the New York Daily News. Myers is the author of The Catch and Coaching Confidential.

The Final Frontiersman by James Campbell - Review

Published: September 13, 2006

Number of pages: 300

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography

Synopsis:

The inspiration for The Last Alaskans—the eight-part documentary series on Animal Planet! Called “[one of] the greatest life-or-death-tales ever told” (Esquire), James Campbell’s inimitable insider account of a family’s nomadic life in the unshaped Arctic wilderness “is an icily gripping, intimate profile that stands up well beside Krakauer’s classic [Into the Wild], and it stands too, as a kind of testament to the rough beauty of improbably wild dreams” (Men’s Journal).

Hundreds of hardy people have tried to carve a living in the Alaskan bush, but few have succeeded as consistently as Heimo Korth. Originally from Wisconsin, Heimo traveled to the Arctic wilderness in his feverous twenties. Now, more than three decades later, Heimo lives with his wife and two daughters approximately 200 miles from civilization—a sustainable, nomadic life bounded by the migrating caribou, the dangers of swollen rivers, and by the very exigencies of daily existence.

In The Final Frontiersman, Heimo’s cousin James Campbell chronicles the Korth family’s amazing experience, their adventures, and the tragedy that continues to shape their lives. With a deft voice and in spectacular, at times unimaginable detail, Campbell invites us into Heimo’s heartland and home. The Korths wait patiently for a small plane to deliver their provisions, listen to distant chatter on the radio, and go sledding at 44° below zero—all the while cultivating the hard-learned survival skills that stand between them and a terrible fate.

Awe-inspiring and memorable, The Final Frontiersman reads like a rustic version of the American Dream and reveals for the first time a life undreamed by most of us: amid encroaching environmental pressures, apart from the herd, and alone in a stunning wilderness that for now, at least, remains the final frontier.

My thoughts:

Scott and I are fans of the tv show The Last Alaskans so I thought it would be nice to learn more about my favorite family. Heimo and Edna seem like such geniune loving and nice people and after reading this book I have even more respect for both of them. The story starts with Heimo in his home town of Appleton, Wisconsin and moves on to his dream of moving to Alaska and how he came to live in the bush. Let me tell you it takes a very strong person to do what he has done. It is not for everyone. I found this quote in the book about people who move to Alaska and loved it - they call these people sourdoughs "soured on this country and ain't go no dough to get out" Makes a lot of sense to me. Alos they say if you live in Alaska two years your feet will be frozen in. Heimo happens to be one of only seven people with a cabin permit in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge which is 19.5 million acres. Out of those seven he is the only one who is a permanent resident. I liked how there was a little history of the Eskimos included and it made me very angry to see they were treated just as bad if not worse than the Native Americans in the lower 48. In fact over 2/3 of the tribes were descimated. All for greedy people. For me this was a good, very informative book and am happy that I took the time to read it. 

About the author:

Author, adventurer and producer James Campbell is a native of Wisconsin, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He has written stories for Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Military History, Backpacker, Audubon, Field and Stream, and many other magazines and newspapers. His first book, The Final Frontiersman was chosen by Amazon in 2004 as the #1 Outdoor title of the Year and one of the Top 50 books of the Year and by the Midwest Booksellers Association as one of the Top 2 nonfiction titles of the year. His fascination with New Guinea and the war in the South Pacific led him to the story of the 32nd Division, the Ghost Mountain Boys, and his book of the same name. In 2006, he followed the route of the Ghost Mountain Boys across New Guinea -- a journey that historians describe as "one of the cruelest in military history" -- and shot a documentary film in the process. His story, “Chasing Ghosts,” about that expedition, which appeared in the May 2007 issue of Outside magazine, was chosen for The Best American Travel Writing 2008. The Ghost Mountain Boys: Their Epic March and the Terrifying Battle for New Guinea – the Forgotten War of the South Pacific was chosen as a Book-of-the-Month Club selection and History and Military BOMC selections. It also won the 2008 RR Donnelley Literary Award, given for the highest literary achievement by a Wisconsin author. Campbell’s newest book, Braving It: A Father, A Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild will be released by Penguin-Random House in May 2016.

Campbell is the co-Executive Producer of the Discovery Channel series, The Last Alaskans, which was inspired by his first book, The Final Frontiersman.

Coming Back Stronger by Drew Brees

Published: January 24, 2010

Number of pages: 305

Genre: Biographies

Synopsis:

When a potentially career-ending shoulder injury left quarterback Drew Brees without a team--and facing the daunting task of having to learn to throw a football all over again--coaches around the NFL wondered, "Will he ever come back?" After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, leaving more than 80 percent of the city underwater, many wondered, "Will the city ever come back?" And with their stadium transformed into a makeshift refugee camp, forcing the Saints to play their entire 2005 season on the road, people questioned, "Will the Saints ever come back?" It takes a special person to turn adversity into success and despair into hope--yet that is exactly what Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees has done--and with the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. "Coming Back Stronger" is the ultimate comeback story, not only of one of the NFL's top quarterbacks, but also of a city and a team that many had all but given up on. Brees's inspiring message of hope and encouragement proves that with enough faith, determination, and heart, you can overcome any obstacle life throws your way and not only come back, but come back stronger.

What did I think of this book:

This will be the first time that I am writing a review for an audio book. I have listened to quite a few of them but do not usually do reviews so now I am going to start. Although I am a Green Bay Packers fan I still enjoy reading/listening to books by other teams' players and coaches if the book sounds good to me. I have seen Drew Brees on a number of interviews and such while watching football games and always thought he seemed like a good guy and I do not hate the Saints so I thought why not give the book a chance. Let me tell you that I am glad I did. This was a very enjoyable book to listen to. He is a very inspiring person. He talks a little about his childhood but talks a lot about he had a potentially career ending injury and how he came back from that to become a better person and player. I found myself laughing at parts of this book especially when he talks about he met his wife and tried to get her to talk to him. This couple are so good together and have so many good things not only for the people of New Orleans but others as well. It was also nice to hear how he talked about the city of New Orleans and how they also came back stronger after the hurricane and how they stand behind their team. This man is someone that all kids watching the NFL games can truly look up to and aspire to be like. I think we can all take something from this book to use in our life. A very good book. 

About the author:

Drew Brees is the 2009 Super Bowl MVP winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. A 2001 graduate of Purdue University, Drew was a two time Heisman finalist and led the Boilermakers to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl appearance during the 2000 season.



In Drew's five years with the San Diego Chargers and four years with the New Orleans Saints, he has been elected to four Pro Bowls while being named 2004 Comeback Player of the Year, 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.



On February 7, 2010, he led the Saints to their first World Championship against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, completing a record thirty two passes on his way to being named Super Bowl MVP.



As much pride as Drew takes in his on-field performance, he takes even more pride in his community service endeavors. Drew and his wife, Brittany, established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 and since then have raised and/or committed more than $5 million to help advance cancer research; improve care for cancer patients; and help rebuild schools, parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields in New Orleans, San Diego, and the Purdue community.



A native of Austin, Texas, Drew currently lives with his wife, Brittany, and son, Baylen, in New Orleans.

The Plain Choice by Sherry Gore

I received this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Published: August 25, 2015

Number of pages: 192

Genre: Amish, Biography, Non-Fiction

Synopsis: 

True story of a woman who left the English life to become Amish. As a young adult, Sherry Gore dreamed of a radio career, but instead a series of devastating mistakes left her wrecked and alone. Then one morning she walked into a church and the truth of Jesus’s forgiving love shattered her world—and put it back together again. Soon, the life Gore remade for herself and her children featured head coverings, simple dress, and a focus on Jesus Christ. Only then did she realize that there were others like her: the Amish.

Plain Choice is a provocative memoir of Gore’s journey toward God through the Amish community. One of the few people to successfully join the Amish from the outside, Gore learned how to live off the land and make it, grow it, or do without it. She learned the adventure of the horse and buggy life and began to thrive on faith, family, and pie. And when her teenage daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor, she learned, again, how bright God’s light can shine when everything else seems dark.

What did I think of this book:

This was a very interesting book to read. I thought the author did a good job telling her story. There were  many things that I learned about Sherry that I did not know. I have enjoyed Sherry's books and it was nice to get to know her story. You felt as if you were sitting down with a new friend and she was telling you her story over a cup of tea. I think if you enjoy her books you will also enjoy this story of her life. I think Sherry is a strong woman and has overcame things and found a way to make her life better for her. This is a very inspiring story. 

About the author:

Sherry Gore is the the author of two cookbooks, "Simply Delicious Amish Cooking" and "Me, Myself and Pie" and co-author of the novel "Made with Love.” She is also a weekly scribe for the national edition of the Amish newspaper, The Budget, established in 1890. The National Geographic Channel featured Sherry prominently their documentary series, Amish: Out of Order. Sherry's culinary adventures have been seen on NBC Daytime, the Today Show, Mr. Food Test Kitchen and more. Sherry is a year-round resident of beautiful, sun-kissed Sarasota, Florida, the vacation paradise of the Plain People. She has three children and is a member of a Beachy Amish Mennonite church. When not spending time with her family, writing, or eating, Sherry is a cooking show host, and an official pie contest judge.

Under Magnolia by Frances Mayes

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review

Under Magnolia by Frances Mayes

ISBN: 9780307885920

Trade Paperback

Synopsis:

A lyrical and evocative memoir from Frances Mayes, the Bard of Tuscany, about coming of age in the Deep South and the region’s powerful influence on her life.

The author of three beloved books about her life in Italy, including Under the Tuscan Sun and Every Day in Tuscany, Frances Mayes revisits the turning points that defined her early years in Fitzgerald, Georgia. With her signature style and grace, Mayes explores the power of landscape, the idea of home, and the lasting force of a chaotic and loving family.

From her years as a spirited, secretive child, through her university studies—a period of exquisite freedom that imbued her with a profound appreciation of friendship and a love of travel—to her escape to a new life in California, Mayes exuberantly recreates the intense relationships of her past, recounting the bitter and sweet stories of her complicated family: her beautiful yet fragile mother, Frankye; her unpredictable father, Garbert; Daddy Jack, whose life Garbert saved; grandmother Mother Mayes; and the family maid, Frances’s confidant Willie Bell.

Under Magnolia is a searingly honest, humorous, and moving ode to family and place, and a thoughtful meditation on the ways they define us, or cause us to define ourselves. With acute sensory language, Mayes relishes the sweetness of the South, the smells and tastes at her family table, the fragrance of her hometown trees, and writes an unforgettable story of a girl whose perspicacity and dawning self-knowledge lead her out of the South and into the rest of the world, and then to a profound return home.

My review:

This was an interesting book about this author. I have been a fan of hers since I have seen the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. There were a few spots that were a bit confusing to me but all in all it was a good book that helped us to learn a little more about her. It was nice to hear about her traditional Southern upbringing. I have all of her books and now will be sure to go back and get those read since I enjoyed this one.

About the author:

Frances Mayes's new book is Under Magnolia: A Southern Memoir , published by Crown. With her husband, Edward Mayes she recently published The Tuscan Sun Cookbook. Every Day in Tuscany is the third volume in her bestselling Tuscany memoir series.

In addition to her Tuscany memoirs, Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany , Frances Mayes is the author of the travel memoir A Year in the World; the illustrated books In Tuscany and Bringing Tuscany Home; Swan, a novel; The Discovery of Poetry, a text for readers; and five books of poetry. She divides her time between homes in Italy and North Carolina.

Mademoiselle Chanel by C.W. Gortner - Review/Giveaway/Interview

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Mademoiselle Chanel by C. W. Gortner

ISBN: 9780062356406

Hardback

Synopsis:

For readers of “The Paris Wife” and “Z” comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century.
Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to an orphanage after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.
Transforming herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny.
Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her.
An enthralling novel of an extraordinary designer who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark. (provided by the author)

Review:

I have enjoyed other books by this author so when I saw that he was writing about Coco Chanel I was excited to read this book. I have enjoyed Coco's history and find she is a strong woman. She had to overcome her childhood to become who she eventually became. Mr. Gortner did a great job with his research as well as the way he wrote this book it just flowed. There is so much more to Coco than just the fashion designer and the author makes sure all that is told in his book. I recommend this book to you if you like biographies or books about strong women. I am happy that Mr. Gortner chose to write the story of Mademioselle Chanel for us. 

About the author:

C.W. Gortner is the international bestselling author of six historical novels,
translated in over twenty-five languages to date.
His new novel, “Mademoiselle Chanel”,
traces the tumultuous rise to fame of iconic fashion designer,
Coco Chanel.
In 2016, Random House will publish his eighth novel, “Vatican Princess”,
about Lucrezia Borgia.
Raised in Spain and a long-time resident of the Bay Area,
C.W. is also dedicated to companion animal rescue from overcrowded shelters.

Visit his website. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter

Subscribe to his newsletter

Buy the book: HarperCollins  |  IndieBound  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

Interview with Coco Chanel:

Who or what was your inspiration to start designing fashion?

I’d always been a competent seamstress but I started out making hats, after I saw my aunt’s hideous fruit-platter chapeaux and realized women couldn’t possibly function, let alone have any kind of life, while traipsing about in those dreadful concoctions. Less is always more, so I stripped the hats of their ribbons and artificial apples and endless flowers, substituting these with faux-gemstone pins on simple shapes. A hat should complement one’s face and keep the sun off our skin, not double as a serving tray. My hat store initiated my clothes; corsets were still being worn with bustles and – Mon Dieu! Who can move when layered in enough cloth to outfit an army? I began experimenting with polo pullovers made of this ingenious new fabric called jersey, which my beloved Boy brought back from England. I created loose coats and skirts as a separates than could be mixed and matched. A revolutionary concept at the time and not always popular, until the Great War. Suddenly, women needed comfort to help out during that catastrophe. The rest, as they say, is history.

When did you realize you made it "big"?

After the Great War. Oh, I’d made a lot of money and had three boutiques by then, but it wasn’t until the war ended that I woke up one day to realize I was famous. Women had served in the war as much as men; we might not have shot at the enemy but we set up hospitals at the front, drove ambulances, nursed the injured, cleaned wounds, and assisted in emergency operations. We had cut our hair because tresses are hardly conducive to disinfecting bedpans and we rolled up the sleeves – many of which were on my coats – to pack vials of morphine and rolls of gauze into our pockets. We had discovered a freedom we’d never had and we weren’t going back. Suddenly, we wanted to be comfortable, both in our lives and in our attire. I was the one to give us that. Someone had to.

As as a child growing up in a home for children did you ever think you would be a famous person that people looked up to?

Of course not. Fame is a foible. I wanted to create my own life because my life didn’t please me. But I never envisioned becoming a celebrity. I still don’t. Oh, I like the attention. Who wouldn’t, save a recluse? And I’m hardly that. But I came from nothing and worked very hard every day of my life to earn what I have. The fame is secondary. It’s the sideshow, not the goal, of my work.

What would you like to say to young girls to encourage them to follow their dreams?

A girl should be two things: who and what she wants. Work hard and don’t rely on anyone except yourself. Take help if you need it—there’s no reason to be ungrateful—but pay it all back. Don’t assume debts you cannot resolve. Learn from your mistakes but don’t be afraid of making more. Above all else, take risks and never listen to those who say you can’t. Can’t is not a word in my vocabulary. Instead of can’t, think: how.

Do you think you are a stronger person because of your childhood experiences?

Naturally. A childhood like mine can only kill you or make you stronger. I learned early in life that I was responsible for whatever happened to me. No one was going to help me unless I helped myself. It’s not ideal, what I endured, but it did forge my character. Some would say I’m harsh because of it, not stronger; that I’m incapable of love because I never felt it in my childhood. I say, nonsense. I can love. I just don’t do it easily. And why should I? Love is not a hat. You can’t wear it and discard it when it ceases to serve your purpose. Too many people say they love when what they really do is need or want. When I love, I give myself. But never without expecting the same in return.

What is your most favorite design you have made?

All of them. Every one. My dresses are my children. But I have a special fondness for my little black dress because everyone hated it when I first showed it. They said it was funereal.  Severe. That no one wore black willingly unless it was an evening gown, a school uniform, a nun’s habit or mourning garment. But American Vogue rallied to my black dress; they declared it would become as “ubiquitous as the Ford motorcar.” And indeed it did. It still is. Black is the color that wipes out everything. When a woman wears black, we see only her. And that is how it should be.

Tell us 5 interesting facts about yourself.

I am a Leo.
I believe fashion is not fashion until women on the streets adopt it.
I smoke constantly.
I have never married.
I think the most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

Be sure to stop by France Book Tours (click here) to see all the stops on the tour.

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