Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Best Books I Read in 2016

     Okay, okay, okay! I said I would read 52 books in 2016, that's a book a week for 52 weeks. It didn't quite happen that way. See, what happened instead...I read 15 books!! Yahoo!! I'll celebrate alone, if need be. I did not reach my personal goal last year.  I did better in 2015, I read just over 25. Whew! That was something.

     For last year, I have listed the books I read below, along with what I thought of each one. I thought I had my system all figured out on how I was going to complete the reading task...reading early morning before I started my day. That proved to be harder than I thought. In January 2016, I started off good, then digressed by March. This is a new year to practice. I just have to keep reading until I make it a permanent habit. 

     I think I took too much time trying to find the best book to read, to resemble the situation or  feeling that I was experiencing at the time. Uhmm, not a good idea. It just slows the whole vibe of getting to the story, by running pass great titles or covers.  Although, I still have last years list of books to finish, I'll try not to get distracted by purchasing or scrolling through other books on my reader; I'll chose from my old list. Oh, well, enough of me going on. Here is my list.  This time, I remembered to number the books in the order I read them.

 Books I read in 2016

1.    Concussion    by: Jean Marie Laskas   This book made me look at the NFL in a whole different way. I began thinking of youth players who play the sport through college. It was a bit saddening. But, Looking forward to the SuperBowl this year! #GoCowboys
2.    Waiting For Morning   by: Karen Kingsbury  This was a sad book. See the review above on my blog. I kept reading and It got more depressing. But it had an excellent point to make. I read it for my church book club.
3.    Black Water Rising  by: Attica Locke  I liked the twist in the story, and the background story of how the main character and mayor met. Ms. Locke is an Executive Producer for Fox's hit show Empire. Love her books.
4.    The Bible Way to Receive the Holy Spirit  by: Pastor Kenneth Hagin, Sr.  Small book with a lot of information. Great to give to someone who is inquiring about things concerning their spiritual life.
5.    Profit Blogging  by: Marc Guberti  I like this young man. He is always adept with fresh information regarding entrepreneurship.
6.    Go Set a Watchman  by: Harper Lee  Well, this was a mouth dropper. Atticus, noooo! Anyway, I thought it was cool for her to publish after all these years. What a humble woman. R.I.P
7.    Corrupted 1-25  by: Omar Tyree  I began reading serial books 1&2, then I purchased the whole book (set) as he called it. It was in my face! It had a lot of dialogue concerning the ups and downs of the book publishing world. I kind of think he was describing issues he's dealt with. It was very entertaining. The ending though! Check it out.
8.    The People Factor  by: Van Moody  This one will help you get silly people out of your life. Simple Biblical ways to avoid negative people and their issues, as well as, strengthening yourself. I had heard about it for years...was a pleasure to read. Loved it! 
9.    The Advocate  by: Teresa Burrell  I got this book from the author, Ms. Burrell whom I had the pleasure to meet at a book fair. Its the first in a series. I think she's going through the alphabet...she's like on book H, The Advocates Homicide. The Advocate was all that! Check her out on her self titled website.
10.   Water Ski Girl Wonder  by: Shellie Blum  OMG! Check her out on Facebook. The book is something special. I wrote a review on Amazon for it. Ms. Blum is hoping the book becomes a movie...better read it soon.
11.    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone  by: J.K. Rowling Now,  I understand why children are fascinated. It has every thing in it to make them laugh, wonder, and dream. Oh, adults love it just as much. I had several adults spoil the plot for me.
12.    Who Asked You?  by: Terry McMillan   She still has it! I loved the book and how Ms. McMillan devoted chapters to each character. It is filled with modern day challenges and issues. I still find myself thinking about the outcomes. My niece told me that she attended Ms. McMillan's book signing in the State of Washington and she got her personal book signed ...Who asked her?! 
13.    Brooklyn  by: Colm Toibin  by: Sorry Mr., I don't know how to place the accents in your last name. This book was everything I expected. I thought it started out a little slow but, it then, It kept a steady pace and kept me intrigue, even after I read it. I plan on reading more of his books.
14.    Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children  by: Ransom Riggs  I had this book on my reader for a while. I happened to stumble onto it back in 2012 or so. The book cover and title drew me in. I think I love the way in which the book was conceived as much as the story itself. I have to see the movie also. Great job, Mr. Riggs.
15.   Can You Stand to Be Blessed?  by: Bishop T.D. Jakes,  As always, Bishop Jakes deliverers a direct and powerful filled 119 page book, about perseverance, overcoming struggles and pushing the limits, to a fulfilling life in through Christ. a great quick read and pick me up book!

Well, there you  have it. I hope you find my list interesting. I plan on getting better at writing lengthier reviews. I think you get the basics of the books.

Do you have a few favorites from my list or your own? Feel free to reply and let me know.

Dee







Monday, January 2, 2017

New Year Bliss!

     Happy New Year! We are in 2017! I am forecalling it, "the year of bliss!" I hope 2016 was great for you and you accomplish many of your goals. Now, we are in a brand new year; everything is fresh we have a clean slate. We can get those books written, get articles completed, build our blog post, make new friends and reach out to millions of people.
      I just want to say,  2016, wasn't the greatest for me, But, it could have been worst...I'm glad it wasn't.  I was able to turn some things around and push forward. I could do much better.  We all can if we do not stop and continue to do our best; we can get to that point where we want to be in our writing endeavors and any area of our lives.
     So, for me, 2017 is the year of bliss! Let's do this! Let's make it that way....only we can do it ourselves.

Dee