Review: Middle School: The Inside Story by Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna

Middle School: The Inside Story Author - TCynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna Time It Took for to Read - 1 Week Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend to My Friends:Yes

Remember middle school? Many parents would rather not. It's often a rough ride, filled with insecurity, peer pressure, awkwardness, and world-rocking change. This book provides practical, hands-on advice for helping your child through this minefield--with information about what he or she is really going through, but isn't likely to share.Best-selling learning-styles expert Cynthia Tobias and veteran teacher Sue Acuna reveal what they've found by listening to kids when parents aren't around--and give you insider tips on how to bless your middle-schooler with success in class, at home, and in relationships. Topics include advice for keeping communication lines open, predictable physical and social issues, and solutions for problems like self-centeredness and over-the-top emotions

Why I Chose This Book...

So my daughter is 10 years old and is entering the fifth grade in September. She is entering Middle School (Dun Dun Dun)! She is excited and I am freaking out!!! Things are just different in middle school. Hormones and feelings come into play, as well as more independence. I am not quite ready, but I doubt I would ever be. So I found this book and a light clicked. I hadn't even thought to read about how to deal with this upcoming journey that will effect not just my daughter but our family life as a whole. I know its not what I typically review, BUT I know that there are many of you out there that are probably experiencing what I am and I wanted to share this with you all.

What I Loved...

First and foremost, I loved that this book was written from a Christian perspective. I am always leery of advice that is not rooted in biblical principles. Second, it includes real life quotes from middle schoolers. These authors didn't just write what "they" think. They studied and worked with middle schooler, interiewing them and using what they learned to help us lost parents understand our middle schoolers better.

Speaking of lost. You may be thinking that you are not, as had I. This book opened up so many things that I realized that I was lost. There were so many things that described my daughter and then I learned why she behaved in such ways. A real eye opener. I actually felt convicted of so many things. Don't get me wrong, my relationship with my daughter is strong, but I am hoping to keep it that way. Middle School changes our kids and I want to keep our relationship strong even through the middle school years.

What I Liked...

The direct quotes from the middle schoolers were cute. While I sometimes went into Mom mode, I realized that these were their true feelings whether I agreed or not. Again a real eye opener.

Other...

My husband is not a reader as I am, but I told him that he definitely had to read this book. While I feel like I can now be more understanding to my daughter's needs and actions, if my hubby and I aren't on the same page, chaos is sure to ensue in our home.

The book is not about letting your middle schoolers get away with whatever because they are changing phyically and emotionally, but teaching parents how to deal with the change while still being productive parents and not pushing our kids away.

I plan to use this as a resource guide for all upcoming middle school situations, as they arise.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Tyndale BlogNetwork. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Reiew: Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot

Paper Roses Author - Amanda Cabot Time It Took for to Read - 1 Week Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend to My Students & Friends: Maybe

The future stretches out in front of Sarah Dobbs like the pure blue Texas sky. Leaving Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom - a man she has never met but whose letters have won her heart from afar. But there is one problem - he had died. And Sarah can't go back East.

What I Loved...

Nothing really.

What I Liked...

In general I liked the book. There was a mix of romance, suspense, drama and Christianity weaved throughout. There was nothing stereotypical about the heroine Sarah Cobbs or the hero Clay Canfield. They are flawed characters in need of Jesus and the book isn't afraid to showcase it. The book had me guessing until the end. Clever writing.

Other...

For those who read my reviews often, you know I am a stickler for 2 things in the books I CHOOSE to read. Swoon and.....comedy! Paper Roses had a bit of swoon and no comedy. I am not asking for a stand up show, just a little laugh here and there. I was disappointed in that aspect, but overall I still enjoyed in the book.

I found this book on Amazon for FREE! Woohoo! I would read the other books in the Texas Dream series if I could get those for free too...lol. 

Review: A Harvest of Rubies

A Harvest of Rubies Author - Tessa Afshar Time It Took for to Read - 1 Day Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend to My Students & Friends:Yes!

The prophet Nehemiah has a cousin who can speak several languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve mysteries. This cousin is catapulted into the center of the Persian court—working long hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and completing high-level tasks as a scribe for the queen. Not bad, for a woman living in a man's world.

What I Loved...

Everything...that is bold I know. However at this moment I can't think of anything I didn't like! The writing is wonderful. The characters draw you in. I felt like I knew them personally. I got lost in the story. It's everything a Christian Fiction should be. I found myself referencing the bible and seeing it in a different way, almost like I was looking for the buried treasure in the bible. For me, she didn't replace the biblical account, she enhanced it.

The cover is absolutely stunning and even my newborn would stare at it as I read it (sometimes aloud to her).

I do not wish to reference any parts of the book because I feel like I would be robbing you of the experience of reading it.

Oh and I absolutely love Darius...swoon!

What I Liked...

I liked nothing because I loved it all.

Other...

If I could give this book 10 stars I would! I absolutely love this book from beginning to end. Author Tessa Afshar is such a gifted writer. Having read In The Field of Grace (click to read my review) and loving it, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was not disappointed. She is not a one hit wonder. Albeit, I am actually reading her books from most recent and going backwards, although not intentionally, I find that her storytelling is still pure gold.

I knew this to be a 2 part book and I was so in love with this book from the very beginning that half way through reading it, I ordered the second book in the series Harvest of Gold.

Let me say this...I am a devout Christian and while I do not need to read Christian Fiction to become engrossed in the bible, I applaud Tessa Afshar for helping me find hidden treasure in it that I would not have been able to see on my own.