Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Book Review: Quiet; The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain


What an enjoyable read.  I admit that when I ordered this book, I didn't think that I was going to like it very much.  I thought that it would be a very dry and academic study.  Wow, was I surprised by the content of this book.

"Quiet" gives numerous examples of how the U.S. came to prize extroverts.  Ms. Cain illuminates the transition from honoring the quiet, wise elder to idolizing the all American Ken doll ideal.  She pointed out things that I had noticed but never put much thought into connecting.  Such as, the people that we, as a society, hold up as "pillars" are those that enjoy being in the spotlight, those that enjoy speaking out, or those that can deliver a message the best.  They are not those that may have the best idea or those that can relate to a person on an individual basis.

Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the empowerment I felt when reading it.  I found myself saying, "that's what I do." or  "I always feel that way."  It made me understand that I wasn't being anti-social or mean because I needed quiet time.   I felt that all the things that I thought made me weird or different than everyone, was really me just being an introvert.  That the idea of everyone being a social butterfly was skewed.  I had fallen prey to the marketing of the extrovert as an ideal!

For all those closet introverts out there, I would highly recommend this book.  For those of you with children that seem withdrawn and you just don't get it, run out and buy this book!

I was given this book by the publisher for the purpose of review.  All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Book Review: Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law


Here is another good young adult sci-fi novel.  I actually found this one to be better than most.  It's still not up there with the Percy Jackson's or Harry Potter's but it will hold you over.  "Spirit Fighter" is the first novel from Jerel Law but it won't be his last.  This is actually book one of the "Son of Angels" series.

The publisher, Thomas Nelson, lists this book as "an imaginative adventure that is based on scripture in the book of Genesis."  While that is a good description, it doesn't do the story justice.  The story doesn't get bogged down in scripture.  It does stress faith in God but it doesn't detract from the story.

The story follows the trials that Jonah Stone goes through when he tries to save his kidnapped mother.  Jonah finds out that his mother is a nephilim, daughter of a human and a fallen angel.  This in turns makes Jonah and his siblings one quarter angel.  Needless to say, this comes as quite a shock to the seventh-grader.

Mr. Law does a great job at making his characters likable and "real."  They aren't goody-goody or abnormally troubled.  The kids seem to be typical kids until their angel-ness starts to show.  I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys good vs. evil sci-fi stories.  I will look forward to reading the next book in the Jonah Stone series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertisin