Self-Discipline by George Pain

I was drawn to this book because I am very interested in learning more about self discipline. It's difficult to learn to discipline yourself, and I have had difficulty in learning how to do so. I know that willpower can not be very helpful, so I was interested to learn new tips and techniques.

When I first looked at the book, I realized that it had quite a bit of content. There are distinct sections to the book, and they have different types of information about how to be more self disciplined. I think it is very useful to read about how to change bad habits and when to delay gratification.

This is a good book, but it could really use some editing! Parts of it are hard to follow. However, I appreciate many of the tips and tricks that will be helpful for changing habits. This book will teach you about how to change your bad habits, how to be more productive, and about delayed gratification. Self-Discipline  is a good resource for anyone interested in reading about these topics. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

I think that once this book is edited more thoroughly, it will be a good resource for people. Until it is edited, I do not think I would recommend it to anyone specifically, unless it were free of charge.

You can see the book on the amazon page here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y16NNGQ/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o00_?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rating: 5 out of 10

Theater Career Expo 2017 at the Guthrie Theater

If you have any interest whatsoever in working in the theater, in any capacity, and you live in Minnesota, then this expo is definitely for you.

I came in basically as a sub - my son is an actor, and he was going to be late. So my husband and I decided to come find out as much as we could until he got here.

Honestly, this is as much for parents as for people interested in the theater. There is so much information here, and everyone is very welcoming and engaging.

Also, there are so many workshops, and they aren't all just for performers. There are workshops for every aspect of work in the theater, both on stage and behind-the-scenes. There are people here at all stages of their careers, and that isn't just the presenters.

One of the most useful workshops is about networking. Everyone needs to network and they force you to talk to each other, which is great for an introvert such as myself!

I would honestly say that you should do whatever it takes to go to this expo the next time they hold it. Not only do you get to mix and mingle with all different people, you get to learn about different skills and perspectives, and that's priceless.

Rating: 10 out of 10

You Can Create An Exceptional Life by Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson (2011)

I love Louise Hay. I think she has written some of the best books and that her teachings truly help people. This book can help people. I also think very highly of Cheryl Richardson; she is an excellent writer who cares about people and helping others. They have both written some highly engaging and important books.

They can't all be winners.

While I did get some helpful information out of this book, I didn't care for the format. Basically, Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson decided to write a book together. This book is basically about that collaboration. To be clear, this book is NOT the collaborative effort; it is simply a series of 7 conversations that Hay and Richardson had about writing a book together.

It is literally just 7 chapters, which are 7 conversations between the two authors. I was expecting a book which was a collaboration between the two authors. The first chapter is entirely a transcribed skype conversation. It is written by Richardson, in her voice.

I'm not sure why they thought this was a good idea. Honestly, I have never heard of a book of this type before.

That being said, I do feel that I got some value out of the book, but I'm very glad that I didn't pay the $17.95 list price. If you can get this from the library, it's worth reading. It's a very quick read. The last chapter, about approaching death, is very unique and interesting. And as always, there are many useful affirmations from Hay. 

Rating: 5 out of 10

Hit By A Farm by Catherine Friend (2006)

Hit By A Farm is an autobiographical story about a writer and bibliophile from the city whose partner talks her into buying and running a sheep farm!

This book is a series of stories that carry you throughout the time before the author begins farming, to a point a couple of years after they start their farm. The style and set up of the stories reminds me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, although it is certainly much more geared towards adults! It is similar in that there are many short stories that establish what it is like to live on the farm, and what the Catherine and Melissa were like before, during, and after that establishment.

Friend has a very amiable writing style that draws you in and really lets you feel what it was like inside of her during this time. It is not a bunch of "cute" stories that will make farm life sound easy or simple in any way! These stories are very honest and truthful, and in fact, include relationship and medical troubles that they both have along the way.

This book is fun and uplifting to read, especially if you have ever considered going from city slicker to farmer! I am excited to read the second installment she has written entitled Sheepish. It's next on my list.

Rating: 10 out of 10

How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It: Finding Love Beyond Words by Patricia Love and Steven Stosny

Rating: 1 out of 10

Another book that plays off of stereotypes of men and women.

When I saw this book on the library website, I didn't think it would be that way. So I was really disappointed when I got the requested book, and read the cover.

I'm sure some of their advice is useful, but honestly, if they need to envelope good advice in a pillow of gender-based insults, then I don't need to read it, or try any of their advice. Based on their assumptions, all relationships with two men are absolutely perfect, because what ruins a relationship is a woman who wants to talk about their feelings all the time! (sarcasm ahead...) Well, since a relationship between two men never has problems, their premise is obviously true.

The problem with the stereotypes of men and women that are perpetuated in relationship books is that not all people fit into these descriptions. Some people do, and that's why the stereotypes persist. I would love to see a book about relationships that follows the following principles:
1. No gender-based assumptions
2. No assumptions on what the genders are in a relationship

I can't imagine it would be that difficult! Someone write this book, please! :)