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I have read every single one of Elizabeth Berg’s 20+ novels and this one is completely different! This is an historical narrative about the life of George Sand, as well as being a woman in Paris and the French countryside in the 19th century. Some of Sand’s relationships were with Frédéric Chopin, Gustave Flaubert, Franz Liszt, Eugène Delacroix, Victor Hugo, Marie Dorval, and Alfred de Musset. Though this book was slow going at times, overall I enjoyed it and would like to read some of Sand’s own writing.
You can read my extensive review on this book in this post. The Love and Logic method in a nutshell: “Adults must set firm, loving limits using enforceable statements without showing anger, lecturing, or using threats. The statements are enforceable because they deal with how we will respond. When a child causes a problem, the adult shows empathy through sadness and sorrow and then lovingly hands the problem and its consequences back to the child.” They offer 48 “pearls” that are “guides to building self-concept, separating problems, neutralizing anger and arguments, using thinking words and enforceable statements, offering choices, and locking in our empathy before our kids face the consequences of their mistakes.”
I listened to this on Audible and loved Amy’s honest, casual, and humble approach to telling her story and also how she recruited lots of people to read with her… her parents, Carol Burnett, Seth Myers, even Patrick Stewart! I really enjoyed her reflections on motherhood. It was easy to relate to her as if she were a friend riding along in the car with me.
Because I Said So!: The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids
I love Ken Jennings! I watched every single one of his Jeopardy appearances and have enjoyed two of his previous books as well. There is “common wisdom” claims that are so deep into our culture that it’s hard to realize they are not in fact true. (Wait after eating before going swimming? No need! You have more than enough oxygen in your blood flow for recreational purposes.) Ken’s humorous look at the veracity of these claims was entertaining and educational. I guarantee there’s one you’ll be surprised about. Turns out it’s completely safe to crack your knuckles. Huh.
This novel is loosely about eight famous female photographers of the twentieth century. I’m not quite sure what is factual and what was fictionalized. Some of the women overlap slightly, but I’m not sure I’d call this a novel; it’s more a collection of short essays/stories. Overall, I was disappointed in the way Otto told each story in the exact same pattern. I didn’t finish this one.
Oh so good! I started this one because I saw it on Goodreads and I was looking for something fun and quick. It’s sort of a Sliding Doors type situation… a young woman who seems to have two different lives and she has to reconcile them and make some choices. This is one of those rare books that leave me still thinking about the story weeks later. Highly recommend.
You can read my extensive review on this book in this post. I loved Tsabary’s book, The Conscious Parent. Children learn based on how we relate to them, not by doing what we tell them to. We want resilience, not defiance. Just as with the Love and Logic approach, Tsabary says that “research has verified that punitive techniques carry long-lasting detrimental consequences.” Punishment and teaching are opposites. In addition, Tsabary has some important lessons to share about our own unconscious emotional and reactive patterns.
I was already a fan of Peter Walsh from his Oprah days. I like his no-nonsense approach, his ideas, and his Australian accent. 🙂
“This is the first-ever step-by-step manual that helps you deal with the physical clutter that’s invaded your home, the food choices that have led to extra pounds, the lack of exercise that has left you less fit than you’d wish, and the lack of focus that keeps you from living the fullest, richest life possible. The 6-week program in this book will give you the tools you need to look deeply into your household and into yourself, and then make the changes that will create a healthier, happier new normal… the science linking an overcluttered lifestyle to poor health and fitness has become especially compelling. Researchers have been digging ever more deeply into the emotional causes of clutter and obesity, and they’re finding many mutual factors.” (Taken from the book’s introduction)
I like Walsh’s writing style and felt compelled to join his Facebook group. I probably shouldn’t add this book here yet because, though I’m finished reading it, I am just now beginning the actual 6-week program. I’ll let you know how it goes!
What have you been reading lately? And are you on Goodreads? I’d love to connect there.
Everything I’ve Ever Read (I think)
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