Review: Uprooted

Uprooted by Naomi Novik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The character development was very good and the story was interesting. It had a nice quick pace. Except for a couple of brief sexual scenes, this book could easily have been written for teenagers. The writing was simplistic. The magic was flowing and it was refreshing to be able to follow it. It was a truly enjoyable book.

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The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David A. Kessler

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite by David A. Kessler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The first two parts of this book were repeats of information that I already had. I skipped several chapters in these areas - "Sugar, Fat, Salt" and "The Food Industry". The author really enjoys repeating himself. It was almost as if he needed page filling. I learned a few new things in part 5, but the breaking of habits is better covered in the book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. This was the first time I heard the term conditioned hypereating. I assumed all overeating was based on the same kind of addictive mental processes as alcohol or other drugs. The problem is that you cannot stop eating. The author suggests making rules and sticking to them. If you know you cannot control yourself around french fries, stop eating them. Period. No excuses. Unfortunately, the human brain is really good at excuses. So the author does give a list of specific steps you can take to help you end your overeating. One of my favorites is probably "conditioning cues with negative associations" - this is like imagining your french fries are moldy disgusting sickness inducing sticks of rotten potatoes. That makes french fries a whole lot less appealing.

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The Coward's Guide to Conflict by Tim Ursiny

The Coward's Guide to Conflict: Empowering Solutions for Those Who Would Rather Run Than Fight by Tim Ursiny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I admit it. I am a conflict coward. I am afraid to hurt others and to get yelled at. This book has changed my life. I am still afraid, but this book is thorough in it's techniques in how to overcome the fear of conflict. It tells you when and why you should engage in conflict. It tells you how to have the hard discussions, respectfully and compassionately. The book provides step by step instructions and many examples on how to engage in a healthy discussion.

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The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book really talked to me. Almost every chapter taught me something about how I was being who I was "supposed" to be and not who I actually am. The author mentions that this is not a self-help book, and she is right in some ways. Most self-help books have a list of do this, then this, and you will achieve that. This book questions your assumptions about love, perfection, authenticity, and joy. It still helps you, as long as you are willing to be open to her messages and go along with her questioning.

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The Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven

The Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There were parts of the book that were good, but there were parts that were so sexist that I didn't want to finish the book. The characters were all a bit flat. The story line was interesting. I didn't like how the aliens were dealt with. The characters, both human and alien, kept mentioning how alien everything was, like the author was trying to convince me by saying it rather than letting the information flow. I can see why it's a classic, but there are better sci fi books out there.

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The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book did almost everything right. The plot was good, and I had no idea how it would end. Usually everyone dies or there is a wonderfully happy ending. This book surprised me, and I loved it.

The character development was excellent. You love Melanie right away and wonder what is going on with this kid's life. You hate the doctor, because she totally deserves it even though she is the only one trying to save humanity.

There was no real romance in the book and the adventure is not romanticized either. It's gross and dirty. I generally don't like gross and dirty, but it does add to the story. The only love relationship is the one between a student and a teacher, and it lasts to the very end.

Overall, it felt realistic, as realistic as you can get in such a dystopian future.

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The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Since I started homeschooling my middle school daughter, I have read numerous books, websites, blogs, and articles on how to choose a curriculum. This book was one of the best guides in a well-rounded education. I admit that I skipped the elementary section, because that no longer applies to my daughter. I only skimmed the high school section, because I will check this book out from the library again next year to guide our choices in my daughter's education. The section in the back about how to pull your child out of school, socialization, applying for college, etc is not as well covered as in other books and online sources which tend to be more current. I highly recommend this book for the guidance on curriculum and how to instruct your child/student in a classical education. It is thorough, well documented, and easy to follow. I will admit that I spent a great deal more on books this year than last year, but in preparation for a college bound student, it is worth the investment.

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