Parenting with Love and Logic

Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay is a favorite of a friend. I am always impressed when I hear stories of her kids, so I was exited to read the book. I was very pleased to see a lot of how my family interacts with each other is the Love and Logic parenting style. There were a few things that didn't really jive with me, but that's every parenting book out there. A lot of it is really great material. 

A huge focus is helping the children learn to think for themselves, which is so important to me. I want my kids to be able to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from them, as well as have that sense of accomplishment when they make a good decision. 

Another great focus is making sure our kids know we love them as they are. We love them as they are but we can't leave them as they are. Just as God loves us as we are, but He doesn't leave us as we are. We have the comfort of knowing how deeply we are loved and cared for, and because of that we can grow. 

The authors also discuss learning by doing and natural consequences, as well as the second half of the book being specific issues and examples for applying the love and logic technique. This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. Grab a copy from your bookstore or the link below and let me know what you think!

Parenting With Love And Logic (Updated and Expanded Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1576839540/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_x.S8wbPRY1R28

Don't Touch This Book

Don't Touch This Book by Bill Cotter features a cute little monster named Larry. Larry is in charge of the book. Don't Touch This Book reads like Don't Push The Button, it tells you not to do something then encourages you to do it anyway. That annoying fact aside, it's an imaginative book for the kids. The pages change colors when you touch them and make shapes when you move a certain way, then show some fun creatures when you make noises. 

Aiden (4) said it was ok, but he wished it was longer. 

Carter (2) was frustrated by it. We received the kindle version free for review from https://www.netgalley.com. To actually "touch the book" makes the pages move on the kindle app, so we decided moving our fingers in the air would be better. He would like it a lot more if it was an actual hard book copy. Our copy of Don't Push The Button is a hard cover, and he loves it. 

The illustrations in the book are also done by the author. His use of colors is appealing to both Aiden and Carter. They love that cute little Larry. 

I was really exited to have the chance to review this book because we like Don't Push The Button so much. Carter loves interactive books, and if we saw this in the bookstore he would be so exited to buy it! 

The title is released March 28! Grab a copy and let me know what you think. 

Don't Touch This Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492632244/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_y933wbHQY9N5H

Little Boys Activity Bible For Toddlers

Little Boys Activity Bible for Toddlers by Larsen Carolyn was gifted to my sons. (This could be used for both sons and daughters if you have both, however there is a girls option that I've linked at the bottom as well.)

This book is fun and interactive. It starts with the story of creation where the children answer "God did!" to who made the (big yellow sun, twinkling stars, etc.) and the bad choices of Adam and Eve while reinforcing that God still loved them, goes through several bible stories including many that aren't in a lot of children's bible books, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and ends with 7 stories of Peter, Phillip, and Paul. I like that it doesn't end at the story of Jesus, but continues on to give us examples of how to live for Him. 

The age range on the book says 0-3, however Aiden is 4.5 and enjoys it. If he has additional questions, I can answer them. The stories are six pages each, with a bright picture taking up most of each page. Some pages have an angel pulling a toy dinosaur in the corner showing a reaction to the story, which is one of Carter's (2.5) favorite parts. 

The activities range from free (playing mother may I) to inexpensive (I think the most expensive activity is planting a flower in a pot). The boys really enjoyed making little Moses babies in baskets with modeling clay! These are great ways to help the kids remember what we read and to continue conversation about the story. 

This book is a fun addition to our collection. We've really enjoyed reading through it together and will very likely read it again. 

Little Boys Activity Bible for Toddlers by Larsen Carolyn et al. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091USX6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_udp_awd_pmC1wb4608JSB

LIttle Girls Activity Bible for Toddlers by Larsen Carolyn et al. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00926Q3FO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_udp_awd_2dD1wb1FH0S17

My Story

Elizabeth Smart. 

Read in February. 

The true story of a fourteen year old girl who was taken from her home and held captive for nine months. 

This book is not exiting, but it is interesting. There isn't a lot of emotion, it feels disconnected, but I liked that. I liked that I didn't want to read more because I was compelled by emotions, but because she deserves her story to be read. 

The only issues I had with the book were: The repetitiveness. So many times she makes the point that she was just a little girl, only fourteen. She was raped everyday. That's a tragic thing no one should have to go through, but it was said so many times it lost its meaningful impact after a while. The helplessness toward the end was very aggravating to me, that David was gone for seven days and the women just sat up there and starved. They weren't chained. They were perfectly capable of walking down that damn mountain to get something to eat, then going back so he wouldn't kill her family as she feared. I get that she was so scared he would hurt her family and that's why she stayed, but to just let herself starve to death when she could have gotten food rubbed me the wrong way. 

Those issues aside, her attitude is very uplifting. She thinks on the good memories of her family and the faithfulness of God. My favorite exerpt is when she said, "I don't think what happened to me was something that God intended. He surely would not have wished the anguish and torment that I was about to go through upon anyone, especially upon a child. But since that time, I have learned an important lesson. Yes, God can make some good come from evil. But even He, in all His majesty, won't make evil go away. Men are free. He won't control them. There is wickedness in this world." But she realized God is always near and she could still lean on Him, He would be there for her. A close second, and I think everyone's favorite part is the quote from her mother at the end.  “You be happy, Elizabeth. Just be happy. If you go and feel sorry for yourself, or if you dwell on what has happened, if you hold on to your pain, that is allowing him to steal more of your life away. So don’t you do that. Don’t you let him. There is no way that he deserves that. Not one more second of your life."

I can't recommend or not recommend this book. You're either interested or you're not. You either want to read her story or you don't. I wouldn't have known about it if it weren't for Bon's Book Club. When I read the description I wanted to read it, and I'm glad I did. 

My Sister's Grave

Robert Dugoni. 

Read in February. 

I loved My Sister's Grave. It starts strong, ends strong, and doesn't dull out in the middle. All around fantastic writing. 

The story is a homicide detective who's sister was kidnapped and murdered twenty years ago. She doesn't think the man convicted was the man who did it. Now her sisters body has been found and she finally has the chance to put it all together. To find out who really murdered her sister. Met with old friends and memories along the way, this story tugs at your heart and emotions in a powerful way. 

This is a short review, but I don't feel it's my place to give anything away. A lot of the thrill is in the mystery. 

I'll just say: the end-I did not see that coming!

You should definitely put this on your To Read list. 

My Sister's Grave (The Tracy Crosswhite Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1477825576/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_1Wm7ub0FFSS7Y

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1477825576/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_1Wm7ub0FFSS7Y

The No Cry Sleep Solution

Elizabeth Pantley. 

Read in February. 

When Aiden was a baby, I didn't read any sleep books. I did what came naturally to me, and it worked out great. We were happy and well rested. Having two kids is a lot more exhausting than one, and i found myself more tired and more prone to irritability and a quick temper or annoyance. I'm not proud of it. I'm working on it and I feel I'm doing much better with understanding my children and remembering they're just 3&1. They need my patience and guidance. At the recommendation of a friend, I purchased this book on my kindle app. It was exactly the reassurance I needed. All of the same things I did when Aiden was a baby. The same gentle and understanding attitude I had then, I have again for Carter. I'm disappointed in myself that I needed this reminder, but I'm glad this resource was here for me. Because I did need it, and I'm so thankful for it. It wasn't anything new for me, but it will be for some, and I just have to say it's worth reading. If you feel you need help or will need help, buy this and read it. You won't regret it. I promise!

Here's the authors website: http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/books/0071381392.php

Elevating Childcare: A Guide To Respectful Parenting

Janet Lansbury. 

Read in January. 

This is a fantastic book. Every parent should read it. As I read it, I copied out quotes that affected me. Things I feel I should work on, and things I want to remember. I'll let them speak for themselves in a moment. I've read a lot of books on childcare and parenting, and there are a few more I plan to read simply because I already own them. If I didn't, I wouldn't feel the need to buy anymore. This short book is basically all you need. While I feel reading parenting books is a great way to always keep your mind on how you behave, it does get to the point where it's too much information. You don't want to be constantly second guessing your instinct with all the conflicting information out there. It will make you irritable and give you a headache. If I were asked to recommend books to new parents, it would be three. Baby By The Numbers, Keep Calm And Parent On, and Elevating Childcare. As a supplemental book for sleeping, if needed, I'd recommend The No Cry Sleep Solution, but I'll talk about that in another post. Now it's time for Elevating Childcare to shine. These are the quotes that made the biggest difference to me, though the whole book is powerful. 

"We want to get care-giving duties over with. Diapering, feeding, bathing and bedtime are important opportunities to slow down and connect."

"People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

"We all need someone who understands." - Magda Gerber

"Don't encourage distraction. It is common practice to distract a baby with a toy on the changing table to "get the job done." But this trains babies to not pay attention. Diaper changes, baths, and feedings are not dull, unpleasant chores for babies. Babies are interested in all aspects of their lives. They want to be included in each step of a task that involves them and be invited to participate as much as they are able."

"There are no wrong desires or feelings, just wrong ways of acting on them"

"My dear mom had never laid a hand on me, never punished me, and never yelled. But she clearly could not handle my feelings. The result was that I felt innately bad and wrong for ever having them. 

So I've made a special effort to accept all my children's emotions, especially their anger...to let them know that it's always okay for them to be mad at me. I'm not going anywhere."

"Would you rather have close proximity to a busy loved one all day long, or a few minutes of that loved one's undivided attention?"

"Focused attention is the glue that holds relationships together."

Chapter 28. I Think I Know Why You're Yelling

This whole chapter is perfect. I realized I would basically be copying the entire chapter, and I didn't want to do that. I want you to buy this book and give the author the credit she deserves. 

I'm very thankful to my friend for recommending this, and I really hope you choose to purchase and read it for yourself. 

Here is the authors website: http://www.janetlansbury.com

From Stardust

Stacey Sargent. 

Read January 7. 

One day. That's how long it took me to read From Stardust. Yesterday was my second time reading it, but it felt like the first time. The first time I read it, I stayed up until 1AM to finish it. (Great books must like to be finished at 1AM). 

Stacey does a wonderful job drawing the readers in and keeping them there. She gives you enough information that you think you're in the loop, but holds enough back to surprise you. She makes you feel for Scout, the main character, from the first page, and keeps the emotions flowing. The first tear slipped down my cheek during chapter ten, when Scout and her dad were talking about the day he met her mom. But if you think that means this is just a flimsy read for shark week, you're wrong. There were times (a lot of times) I held my breath. It is full of action and wonder. You'll forget it all takes place in a day. It also makes you think. It was written to use in a 7th grade classroom (innocence-also a plus) but has enough substance to keep the attention of adults as well. 

My favorite quote is :

           "You need you," Gil said, putting emphasis on the last word. "You are everything you need to be, and you'll be fine. You'll be great because...because you're you, and you're everything."

A beautiful story. One that I'll read again, and I recommend you do the same. 

From Stardust: An Elementum Novel by Stacey Sargent http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O08L9BM/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_oDRRub12E3K6Y

Keep Calm and Parent On

Emma Jenner. 

Read in December&January

I absolutely love Keep Calm and Parent On. 

There's a chapter on sleep. I don't agree with all of it, and I think that's ok. There's always take it and leave it in parenting/self help books for me. I understand where she's coming from, children need to cry sometimes just like adults. But I'm not comfortable letting my baby, who can't tell me with words yet how he's feeling, cry to sleep. Older kids, when you know that's just what they need, fine. Sometimes I just need to cry and get the extra tired out. There's a lot of other great helpful information in it though, even in that chapter actually. Especially on mothers judging other mothers. What I love most about any parenting book is that it gets me thinking and evaluating myself and keeps me mindful of my kids and that they need me. 

Those of you who read parenting books, why do you?

I feel like Carter (1) has a bit to go before some of this but it's definitely applicable to Aiden (3). Kids learning "no", applicable now. Me saying please instead of commanding, applicable now. Communicating the behavior I expect ahead of time, not applicable quite yet. Consequences, that's a little hard to enforce right now. They're easily distracted and likely won't remember a consequence. 

I feel a lot more comfortable with parenting when my child is talking more, communicating through sentences. I hate the guess work of the baby stage. I really liked the communication chapter. 

On encouraging independent play, rather than being available at all times, I could not agree more. It was especially helpful that Aiden could comfortably play by himself when I had Carter. The key was making sure he had quality time with me first. 

On overprotectiveness:

"Parents put so much pressure on themselves and try to control far too much."

"We don't need to stand guard over our children, but we do need to teach them, and then trust them."

This I wholeheartedly agree with, also. Kids are far more capable than we tend to think. We want to shelter them from all harm and we don't want to let them get into stuff for fear they could get hurt. 

I love these quotes on self-esteem: "building self-esteem should be about helping a kid feel ok when he's lost, not creating an illusion that he's won." "...give your child the encouragement and praise he needs to be himself, and the tools to handle the disappointments and hard knocks that will inevitably come his way."

I could go on and on. This is a great book. It has a lot of information and advice for common problem areas, all centering on your child being a person too. (Which I love.) I cannot recommend this book enough. It's awesome! 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1476739544/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1#

Looking For Alaska

John Green. 

Read in December. 

I stayed up until 1AM to finish this book. I love how John Green writes, making the characters so real. 

Before, it's a story of teenagers being teenagers. Trying to figure out life and friendships and love and how to handle disappointment. There's a lot of smoking (gross) and drinking to cope, relax, and fit in. I liked the honesty he friends had with each other. Supportive friends are so important to growing up. However, being able to tell yor friends they're wrong is important, too. 

After, it's a few teenagers trying to figure out why. WHY? I caught on pretty quickly to what happened, but it was interesting to read how the others handled all the stress and guilt. The stripper scene was very fitting, and I'm not one who's ok with strippers. In fact, I cringed when I read the word, thinking the book might take a turn I wouldn't enjoy. The reason behind it and the "brief"ness of it didn't bother me though. 

I hope I didn't give too much away for those who haven't read it. I think a younger audience would enjoy it a little more, but I did enjoy it quite a bit. As a mother of two little boys, it's not easy to get me to willingly stay up until 1AM. 

Looking for Alaska https://www.amazon.com/dp/0142402516/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_lFdOub1YDXQJ4

The Julian Chapter.

R. J. Palacio

Read in December. 

A great addition to Wonder.

I enjoyed reading from Julian's perspective. He was afraid of Auggie, and reading his background helped me to understand him a little more. His mother always made excuses for him, so he didn't have to own up to his actions. I loved Grandmère's Story and Julian's reaction to it. We all make mistakes, in the end he acknowledged his and made it as right as he could.

(I don't feel the need for a lengthy review, as I've already reviewed Wonder and all the background is there. I don't think anyone would read The Julian Chapter without first reading Wonder.)

Wonder.

R.J. Palacio. 

Read in November. 

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing this book discussion with me! I'm very honored to be "hanging" with you. 

I'm so glad this was chosen as one of Bon's Book Club books. When I first heard about Wonder, I knew I wanted to read it. My coworker had to read it for school, and recommended it. That was over a year ago. I'd been meaning to read it, but didn't have time with the other books I was reading for book clubs and my own stack I had personally chosen. Or so I thought. It took me two days to read Wonder. The chapters are short, the print isn't tiny, and it gets you sucked in from the beginning instead of taking a while to build up the characters like most books do. I loved the simpleness of it and how it tugged my emotions. I really felt like I was hanging out with some kids who were telling me their story. One of my favorite parts was when August's sister's boyfriend stood up for August's friend, Jack, when a couple of boys teased him for being friends with a "deformed freak". Wonder is a great book, for children and adults, about what it's like to be a child and a friend, how how hard it is to be teased and judged based on your appearance, and sticking up for others. This kid, Auggie, made me laugh and cry. He reminded me to look past the appearance and into the person, and to be hopeful that others will do the same for me.  

My children will read Wonder when they're a bit older. I bought it for the book exchange my family does among the kids for Christmas, Ty is in 6th grade. I've recommended it to other mothers and single women. A story that reminds us to be caring is one everyone should read. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0375869026/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417557384&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Toddler Are A**holes. It's Not Your Fault.

Sopha King Tyerd. 

Read in December. 

This self-published book is not my favorite, to say the least. I didn't like it, let's just dive right into why I feel this way. 

She talks about abandoning toddlers quite a bit. Once could have been ignored for the sake of sick humor, but the amount of times she says it is unnerving. 

I know the title has "assholes" in it, but I assumed it was just a way to draw readers in. I did not expect the constant referring to toddlers as assholes, fuckers, cockblockers, motherfuckers, bastards, etc. 

comments such as "you sometimes wish you had a time machine and a condom." and "the dad is wishing he'd masturbated in the shower instead of conceiving this crazy mofo." disgusted me. 

It was over-the-top humor. Some of it was funny, and I laughed out loud a couple of times. I enjoyed #7 on the toddler preparedness kit, "smartphone with a good data plan: The Internet is your portal to the rest of the world. The people online are your only friends." But, even with the funny parts, I would not recommend it. 

Every day.

David Levithan. 

Read in November. 

I enjoyed reading every day. A book about one person who wakes up in a different body every day. A is not a boy or a girl. A is both and neither. The first chapter is a boy's body. A falls in love with his girlfriend, Rhiannon. Then come the challenges. 

How do you have a relationship with someone who doesn't know you are you?

How do they get used to loving someone who never looks the same?

Could it mess up the life of the person who's body A's in for the day?

There's also the challenge of Rhiannon being a straight girl - since A can have a girl's or boy's body for the day. It's hard for A to understand because A just sees people as people. Which is beautiful, but physical attraction is important, too. I think it's fine that Rhiannon felt a little awkward holding hands romantically with a girl. Wouldn't a homosexual feel awkward if someone of the opposite sex tried to hold hands romantically with them, because that's not what they're attracted to? The day A was a fat boy was awkward, also. Neither of them was attracted to that body, but A was more understanding about it. I loved that, besides those two points, physical appearance didn't play a large role in how A viewed people. Personality and how they treated others prevailed. I enjoyed the perspective and acceptance from A about people and the lives they lead. 

I could have done without the "6 additional chapters". They didn't fit into the story. It should have ended when it ended, it didn't need more. I liked the end, and I thought it was really caring of A. 

I recommend every day. It was thought provoking and a great story. 

http://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-David-Levithan/dp/0307931897#

The Postmistress.

By Sarah Blake. Read in November. 

Set during the beginning of World War 2, The Postmistress tells the stories of three young women. 

Iris - looking for love and keeping order, this postmaster always does her job with pride. However, at the beginning of the story, we are told maybe she didn't do what she was supposed to do. Just one time. 

Emma - a shy woman who feels so insignificant, except to her husband. 

Frankie - a reporter in the midst of all the bombing, searching for something and finding too much. 

These three women are brought to life in a mix of fact and fiction. Sarah does a fantastic thing, making me feel so much in a single paragraph. Over and over. Life and death, how fast one changes to the other, and the impact it leaves on others. 

I love how real, how honest, this novel is. How sometimes I just cried and cried over the tragedy that's important to remember. I love how the battlefield wasn't the main focus, but the lives it affected. 

I recommend The Postmistress to everyone. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0425238695/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_3FMBub00B1304

Modelland

Tyra Banks. Fiction

Read in October. 

Tookie knows she won't be selected to attend Modelland - with ther too big forehead. Her whole family knows it will be her sister. But on The Day Of Discovery, Tookie is chosen along with three other less than perfect girls. 

Every girl, teen, and woman should read this book. Tyra is so imaginative. She has created a fantastic world that's so mysterious, but you want to go there. Maybe not the Diabolical Divide, but I'd definitely like to check out Modelland. 

Tookie's parents are terrible. I can't even describe my disdain toward them. Using their children instead of loving them. 

The memory room was really cool. I love how Tookie and her friends used it to get closer to each other. 

It's hard to not give anything away, but there's a twist at the end that just rocks!

Bravo is so sweet. I love the love story between Bravo and Tookie. It's innocent and awesome. Not too much, which I'm thankful for with the main characters being fifteen years old. 

The body image issues these girls face are real and hit so close to home. I hurt when they hurt, but I also felt really great about myself when I finished reading. 

I insist every female reads Modelland! I bet you'll love it. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/038574059X?pc_redir=1413200732&robot_redir=1

FOUR

Veronica Roth. 

Read in September. 

FOUR is divided into FOUR stories. 

The Transfer gives is a lot of background on Tobias' relationship with his father and faction. We find out he's ignored within his faction, and are shown an encounter with a factionless man who "knew" Evelyn. His father is a butt munch. He treats Tobias like an inconvenience and a regret. No child deserves to feel that way. (Child abuse really gets me steamed, especially since having children. I look at my two little boys, and I'm so grateful for them. I can't imagine the hate some people have toward kids.) Tobias faces the choice of a life he knows and is predictable, or a faction totally mysterious to him. "You're the one who has to live with your choice." I love when he chooses Dauntless, and when he questions himself about making a place for himself there, then deciding he has to because that's what he chose. 

The Initiate takes us through Four's training.  Thanks to Amar, one of my favorite characters, Four doesn't have to worry about being associated with his father or former faction. We see how much he doesn't like to hurt people, how he'd rather work on making himself a better person without beating others down. We see him finally make friends and have people care about him. We watch him show others he won't be treated as incapable. We also get more of Eric. Brutal Eric, who is determined to intimidate everyone. Eric, who is the reason Amar "dies"! I can't stand Eric. 

In The Son, we see how Four makes his place in Dauntless, his reaction to finding out his mother is alive, and his realization that a dangerous conspiracy is going on. 

The Traitor takes us forward two years, when Tris transfers to Dauntless. I really enjoyed reading how they fell in love through his point of view. I enjoyed reading everything from his point of view. If you loved the Divergent Trilogy, you'll love FOUR. I do, and I definitely recommend all of them!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062345214?pc_redir=1413365541&robot_redir=1#

Happy, Happy, Happy

Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach. 

Read August and September. 

An autobiography. The cover says "My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander". Happy, Happy, Happy is Phil's first book. His second, UnPhiltered, is also available. I've been listening to UnPhiltered on audiobook in my car. 

The breakdown of the book is constructed using "rules for living happy happy happy" as the chapters. My favorites are 1:simplify your life, 3:learn to cook, 4:don't try to figure out women, 6:put the bottle down, 12:learn to forgive, and 14:read the Bible. I also really enjoyed the afterword: letters from the family. I really enjoyed reading Happy, Happy, Happy. Everything with the Robertson family is wholesome. It reminds me of my own family. The crazy dorky things they do are things my husband would do or has done. I liked reading about Phil's past and all he's overcome. He was vulnerable and real and relatable. It was an inspiring book, and I recommend it. 

Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander https://www.amazon.com/dp/1476726094/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_DgUoub0R2ANRR

Upstream

Upstream. Melissa Lion. 

Read in August. 

Upstream is a short work of fiction about a girl with a secret, from Alaska. Her name is Marty. The story is about her learning to live with heartbreak. Her boyfriend, Steven, is no longer in the picture; and she breaks into his old house to sleep in his old room several times before the house is sold. Marty is not a relatable character for me because I've never experienced heartbreak with a secret, but she was very likeable. She truly cared about her family and her boss. Marty struggles with the decision to go to college and escape the pain, or stay and be close to her mom and sisters. Upstream is a well written book. It's engaging and thought-provoking. I felt like I could be friends with Marty, but it wasn't quit there. The other characters were also likeable. Her sister Dottie with her fun spirit, and her boss Katherine who is an understanding friend as well. I enjoyed reading Upstream. My favorite part is when Marty finally explains what happened to Steven. Everything makes sense, all the secrecy and sadness. A friend of mine hesitantly recommended this to me. She holds it close to her heart and was afraid I wouldn't like it. I do like it, but I don't think I can honestly recommend it. For me, it was too forgettable. 

Upstream https://www.amazon.com/dp/0375839542/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_qjzoub04DTWB5

Bossypants. Tina Fey

July. 

It's interesting to read how a person is shaped and the experiences of someone you actually know of. Some of it was funny, some of it bored me. The mother part was definitely my favorite part. It's not that she's a bad writer, it's that I've never seen 30 rock or SNL so I didn't care about that stuff. I prefer fiction. I want to get lost in something.