Review: As Far as the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul

As Far as the Heart Can See: Stories to Illuminate the Soul by Mark Nepo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thought-provoking short and very short essays/stories, with questions and meditation suggestions following each one.

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Review: Sewing in a Straight Line

Sewing in a Straight Line: Quick and Crafty Projects You Can Make by Simply Sewing Straight by Brett Bara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun book of hip, cool projects that I can really imagine making.

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Everybody Ought to Be Rich: The Life and Times of John J. Raskob, Capitalist by David Farber


I really wish that when you mark something as "to read" that Goodreads had a field where I could add info about who recommended this book, or where I heard about it. I have no idea how I heard about this biography. I typically don't read biographies. Perhaps it's because I read media about the new musical "Empire" that premiered off-Broadway in January. Perhaps it was in an industry publication I read, since John Raskob did some very early and innovative fundraising in the first few decades of the 20th century. Or, maybe at one point Amazon offered it free on Kindle and I downloaded it. I don't know.
Through this book, you learn a lot about the US and how, even in 1901, there were so many systems not yet written into existence. John Raskob worked his way up and into extreme wealth, even withstanding the Great Depression. I think it's worth a read.

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Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'd given up on the Scarpetta series after I abandoned the last one because I found it unreadable. However, thanks to a recommendation by a coworker, and backup from Goodreads reviewers, I have this a try. Very readable, and one I didn't want to put down.

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Thanks, Shutterfly!

Thanks for the free art print, Shutterfly! What a great souvenir from our summer vacation.

Book Review: Legacy by Ron Underwood

Legacy: How Much Can You Learn After You Know It All? by Ron Underwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As part of my 2015 reading challenge, I needed to read a book set in my hometown. Luckily, I found out that Ron Underwood published this book this year, and it's set in my hometown, Gowrie, Iowa. I have to admit, I wasn't positive I'd like it (before I read it). I left small-town Iowa for a reason. It just was not for me as an adult. So I was suspicious. Well, I really liked this book. The writing is good and the story and characters are pretty well-developed. And it was super fun knowing all the details mentioned in the book's setting, and even some familiar character names!

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How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'd have to say this book was a wake-up call. Really good perspective on what over parenting can be doing to our children, and action steps to change and be the parent you really want to be. Great examples. A quick read.

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