Olivia's bookshelf: all en-US Sun, 04 May 2025 13:34:26 -0700 60 Olivia's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson]]> 216247552 An incendiary, deeply reported exposé of Johnson & Johnson, one of America’s oldest and most trusted pharmaceutical companies—from award-winning investigative journalist Gardiner Harris

One day in 2004, Gardiner Harris, early for a flight, sat down at an airport bar and started talking to the woman on the bar stool beside him. She was a drug sales rep for Johnson & Johnson, and her horrific story about unethical sales practices and the devastating impact they’d had on her family fundamentally changed the nature of how Harris covered the company—and the entire pharmaceutical industry—for The New York Times. His subsequent investigations and ongoing research since that conversation led to new federal laws and ultimately to No More Tears, a blistering exposé of a trusted American institution and the largest healthcare conglomerate in the world.

Harris takes us light years away from the company’s image as the child-friendly “baby company� as he uncovers reams of evidence showing decades of deceitful and dangerous corporate practices that have threatened the lives of millions. He covers multiple disasters: lies and cover-ups regarding baby powder’s link to cancer; the surprising dangers of Tylenol; a criminal campaign to sell dangerous anti-psychotics to children; a popular drug for cancer patients that increases the risk of tumor growth. Deceptive marketing efforts that accelerated opioid addictions rival even those of the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma. All told, Johnson & Johnson's products have helped cause drug crises that have contributed to the deaths of as many as two million people and counting.

Filled with shocking, infuriating, but utterly necessary revelations, No More Tears is a landmark work of investigative journalism that lays bare the deeply rooted corruption behind the image of babies bathing with a smile.]]> 464 Gardiner Harris 059322986X Olivia 0 to-read 4.34 2025 No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson
author: Gardiner Harris
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: to-read
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]]> Spare 62296528
For Harry, this is that story at last.

Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.

At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.

Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .

For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.]]> 410 Prince Harry 0593593804 Olivia 0 currently-reading 3.78 2023 Spare
author: Prince Harry
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Belle de Jour: Diary of an Unlikely Call Girl (Belle De Jour #1)]]> 86841 291 Belle de Jour 0446577251 Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 3.32 2005 Belle de Jour: Diary of an Unlikely Call Girl (Belle De Jour #1)
author: Belle de Jour
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.32
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Bullet Journal Method: Track Your Past, Order Your Present, Plan Your Future]]> 39071691
The Bullet Journal Method is about much more than organizing your notes and to-do lists. It's about what Carroll calls "intentional living:" weeding out distractions and focusing your time and energy in pursuit of what's truly meaningful, in both your work and your personal life. It's about spending more time with what you care about, by working on fewer things. His new book shows you how to...

� Track the past: Using nothing more than a pen and paper, create a clear and comprehensive record of your thoughts.

� Order the present: Find daily calm by tackling your to-do list in a more mindful, systematic, and productive way.

� Design the future: Transform your vague curiosities into meaningful goals, and then break those goals into manageable action steps that lead to big change.

Carroll wrote this book for frustrated list-makers, overwhelmed multitaskers, and creatives who need some structure. Whether you've used a Bullet Journal for years or have never seen one before, The Bullet Journal Method will help you go from passenger to pilot of your own life.]]> 336 Ryder Carroll 0525533346 Olivia 2 4.04 2018 The Bullet Journal Method: Track Your Past, Order Your Present, Plan Your Future
author: Ryder Carroll
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2025/05/04
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Talking with Serial Killers: The Most Evil People in the World Tell Their Own Stories]]> 421358 349 Christopher Berry-Dee 1904034535 Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 3.50 2001 Talking with Serial Killers: The Most Evil People in the World Tell Their Own Stories
author: Christopher Berry-Dee
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> The Child 23249931 Robert’s surprise turns into horror when he and Carina find human remains in a cellar the boy has led them to. The remains of a man whose head has been split with an axe 15 years ago - just like Simon claimed he had. Things go from bad to worse within hours when Stern discovers more dead bodies, the investigating police officer Engler (Andy Serkis) starts to chase him as a suspect in the murder cases, and his own past comes to haunt him. Stern’s friend and former criminal Andi Borchert (Stephen Marcus) is the only one to believe Stern and Carina. Hunted by the police, and led by Simon’s memories, they start to investigate shady sub cultures of Berlin, and soon discover things that more gruesome than anything they could have imagined�
Audible Studios London presents a gripping audio dramatisation by Sebastian Fitzek, Germany’s most successful thriller writer, whose books are read around the world in more than 20 different languages. This unabridged dramatisation introduces listeners to a completely new approach to audio entertainment, a full-length dramatised book adaption with an original score and soundscapes from the heart of Berlin. Featuring amazing performances by a cast of over 20 actors in a breathtaking plot, The Child provides a truly immersive listening experience.]]> Sebastian Fitzek Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 3.48 2007 The Child
author: Sebastian Fitzek
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Grimm's Fairy Tales: A Selection from the Household Stories of the Brothers Grimm (1908)]]> 9921736 104 Jacob Grimm 1166020002 Olivia 0 to-read 3.40 1812 Grimm's Fairy Tales: A Selection from the Household Stories of the Brothers Grimm (1908)
author: Jacob Grimm
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.40
book published: 1812
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Night of the Living Dead (Dramatized)]]> 43904887 George A. Romero Olivia 3 3.20 1974 Night of the Living Dead (Dramatized)
author: George A. Romero
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.20
book published: 1974
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/28
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Plan a Happy Life�: Define Your Passion, Nurture Your Creativity, and Take Hold of Your Dreams]]> 48856813 224 Stephanie Fleming 1400216893 Olivia 2
I love Happy Planners. I was obsessed with Happy Planners and stickers for some time, before I switched to bullet journaling, just to save money! But this book was so hard to listen to.

I read this alongside “The Bullet Journal Method� and found that Carol Ryder’s book has more helpful information on how to plan. The narrator of Stephanie’s book was a bit too fake to listen to. And I’m not sure what to take from this, as it was a bit like listening to nails on a chalkboard. ]]> 3.82 Plan a Happy Life™: Define Your Passion, Nurture Your Creativity, and Take Hold of Your Dreams
author: Stephanie Fleming
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves:
review:
It’s ok, but don’t waste an Audible credit.

I love Happy Planners. I was obsessed with Happy Planners and stickers for some time, before I switched to bullet journaling, just to save money! But this book was so hard to listen to.

I read this alongside “The Bullet Journal Method� and found that Carol Ryder’s book has more helpful information on how to plan. The narrator of Stephanie’s book was a bit too fake to listen to. And I’m not sure what to take from this, as it was a bit like listening to nails on a chalkboard.
]]> <![CDATA[Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)]]> 61431922 Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders...

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile� humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die]]> 517 Rebecca Yarros 1649374046 Olivia 0 to-read 4.56 2023 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2023
rating: 0
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date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: to-read
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]]> Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2) 90202302 “The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.� —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders� capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.]]> 623 Rebecca Yarros 1649374178 Olivia 0 to-read 4.33 2023 Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: to-read
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]]> Never Lie 62080187
But when they visit the remote manor that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale, a renowned psychiatrist who vanished without a trace four years earlier, a violent winter storm traps them at the estate� with no chance of escape until the blizzard comes to an end.

In search of a book to keep her entertained until the snow abates, Tricia happens upon a secret room. One that contains audio transcripts from every single patient Dr. Hale has ever interviewed. As Tricia listens to the cassette tapes, she learns about the terrifying chain of events leading up to Dr. Hale’s mysterious disappearance.

Tricia plays the tapes one by one, late into the night. With each one, another shocking piece of the puzzle falls into place, and Dr. Adrienne Hale’s web of lies slowly unravels.

And then Tricia reaches the final cassette.

The one that reveals the entire horrifying truth.]]> 286 Freida McFadden Olivia 0 to-read 4.09 2022 Never Lie
author: Freida McFadden
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity]]> 615570 The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. Still as vital today—or perhaps even more so—than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist’s Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist’s Way for a new century.]]> 237 Julia Cameron 1585421464 Olivia 5 3.93 2002 The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
author: Julia Cameron
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 2024/03/26
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Miracle of Morning Pages: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Most Important Artist's Way Tool]]> 19067465 The Artist’s Way, she provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about her most powerful tool for unblocking creative stores: Morning Pages. According to Cameron, keeping a Morning Pages Journal is essential to cultivating creativity and personal growth. These pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing will provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize, and synchronize the day at hand. The Miracle of the Morning Pages Journal clarifies and expands upon the ins and outs of the art of keeping a Morning Pages Journal.

Also included in this e-special is an excerpt from The Artist's Way for Parents, the most highly requested addition to Julia Cameron's canon of work


]]> 61 Julia Cameron 0698140400 Olivia 5 to-read 4.06 2013 The Miracle of Morning Pages: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Most Important Artist's Way Tool
author: Julia Cameron
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2024/03/26
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny]]> 23215469 352 Holly Madison 0062372106 Olivia 5
This was a fascinating story. One of the most interesting stories of 2024 for both my husband and I.]]> 3.53 2015 Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny
author: Holly Madison
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves:
review:
You have to read Crystal’s book as well to get both sides of the story to understand how it was working at the Playboy mansion.

This was a fascinating story. One of the most interesting stories of 2024 for both my husband and I.
]]> The Paris Secret 28535922 Not every door should be opened...

With stunning locations and page-turning tension, The Paris Secret is an intense and gripping tale from bestselling author Karen Swan.

Somewhere along the cobbled streets of Paris, an apartment lies thick with dust and secrets: full of priceless artworks hidden away for decades.

High-flying fine art agent Flora from London, more comfortable with the tension of a million-pound auction than a cosy candlelit dinner for two, is called in to assess these suddenly discovered treasures. As an expert in her field, she must trace the history of each painting and discover who has concealed them for so long.

Thrown in amongst the glamorous Vermeil family as they move between Paris and Antibes, Flora begins to discover that things aren't all that they seem, while back at home her own family is recoiling from a seismic shock. The terse and brooding Xavier Vermeil seems intent on forcing Flora out of his family's affairs - but just what is he hiding?]]> 412 Karen Swan Olivia 0 to-read 3.86 2016 The Paris Secret
author: Karen Swan
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves: to-read
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]]> <![CDATA[Paris for One and Other Stories]]> 29430049 Paris for One is quintessential Jojo Moyes--as are the other stories that round out the collection.]]> 274 Jojo Moyes 0735221073 Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 3.51 2016 Paris for One and Other Stories
author: Jojo Moyes
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Perfect Couple (Nantucket, #3)]]> 34840184
But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect. Featuring beloved characters from The Castaways, Beautiful Day, and A Summer Affair, The Perfect Couple proves once again that Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of the summer beach read.]]> 480 Elin Hilderbrand 0316375241 Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 3.93 2018 The Perfect Couple (Nantucket, #3)
author: Elin Hilderbrand
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Pimsleur French Level 2 Lessons 26-30: Learn to Speak, Understand, and Read French with Pimsleur Language Programs]]> 40539865 The Easiest and Fastest Way to Learn French
With Pimsleur you’ll become conversational in French � to understand and be understood � quickly and effectively. You’ll learn vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation together through conversation. And our scientifically proven program will help you remember what you’ve learned, so you can put it into action.

Why Pimsleur?
� Quick + Easy � Only 30 minutes a day.
� Portable + Flexible � Core lessons can be done anytime, anywhere, and easily fit into your busy life.
� Proven Method � Works when other methods fail.
� Self-Paced � Go fast or go slow � it’s up to you.
� Based in Science � Developed using proven research on memory and learning.
� Cost-effective � Less expensive than classes or immersion, and features all native speakers.
� Genius � Triggers your brain’s natural aptitude to learn.
� Works for everyone � Recommended for ages 13 and above.

What’s Included?
� 5, 30-minute audio lessons, all featuring native speakers
� reading instruction to provide you with practice reading French
� a digital Reading Booklet

What You’ll Learn
This course includes Lessons 26-30 from the French Level 2 program featuring 2.5 hours of language instruction. Each lesson provides 30 minutes of spoken language practice, with an introductory conversation, and new vocabulary and structures. Detailed instructions enable you to understand and participate in the conversation. Practice for vocabulary introduced in previous lessons is included in each lesson. The emphasis is on pronunciation and comprehension, and on learning to speak French.

Whether you want to travel, communicate with friends or colleagues, reconnect with family, or just understand more of what’s going on in the world around you, Pimsleur will help you learn French, expand your horizons, and enrich your life.]]> Pimsleur Language Programs 1508256950 Olivia 0 currently-reading 5.00 Pimsleur French Level 2 Lessons 26-30: Learn to Speak, Understand, and Read French with Pimsleur Language Programs
author: Pimsleur Language Programs
name: Olivia
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/29
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself]]> 145624877
At just twenty-one years old, Crystal Harrisâ€� life changed forever when she attended a party at the notorious Playboy mansion. Picked out of the crowd by Hugh Hefner, she became one of his infamous “girlfriends,â€� attending glamorous Hollywood parties and traveling the world. Yet this seemingly alluring lifestyle had a dark side. Hef controlled his girlfriends with strict rules regarding everything from their hair and makeup to their curfews, and Crystal was forced to compete with other women for her spot in the highly hierarchal system. Living at the mansion, she felt more like a fixture than a resident.Ěý
Ěý
She quickly rose to the top, but being Hef’s number one girlfriend came at the cost of Crystal’s identity outside her role in the Playboy universe. Her fate seemed sealed when Hef surprised her with a marriage proposal she could not imagine refusing. But as Crystal Hefner, she grew increasingly restless to understand who she truly was away from what she saw as Playboy’s toxic culture.

In ONLY SAY GOOD THINGS, Crystal offers a vulnerable and clear-eyed look at how her experience with Hugh Hefner catalyzed her transformative journey from someone who prized external validation over all else to a person who finally recognizes her true worth. This candid memoir provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at a powerful cultural icon and brand, and an equally empowering perspective on hard-won lessons about who we allow to determine our value.]]> 240 Crystal Hefner 1538765675 Olivia 4
Key takeaway: “It’s easier to take it up the arse�. ]]> 3.67 2024 Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself
author: Crystal Hefner
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/22
date added: 2024/11/29
shelves:
review:
Interesting.

Key takeaway: “It’s easier to take it up the arse�.
]]> <![CDATA[Cluttered Mess to Organized Success Workbook: Declutter & Organize Your Home and Life with over 100 Checklists and Worksheets + Free Full Downloads (Clutterbug)]]> 36189013
Do you dream of getting organized, but have no idea where to start? Cluttered Mess to Organized Declutter and Organize your Home and Life with over 100 Checklists and Worksheets offers you everything you need to organize your home, your family, and your time. This book doesn’t just provide helpful tips and advice—it’s jam packed with over 100 worksheets, forms, labels, schedules, and everything else you need to organize your life.

Declutter your way to happiness with Cassandra Aarssen, Professional Organizer and creator of the popular blog and YouTube channel ClutterBug. After struggling for years with chaos and clutter, Cassandra transformed her home and her life through organization. Now she helps others get control of their clutter—and fall in love with their home all over again.]]> 274 Cassandra Aarssen 1633537099 Olivia 0 to-read 4.02 2018 Cluttered Mess to Organized Success Workbook: Declutter & Organize Your Home and Life with over 100 Checklists and Worksheets + Free Full Downloads (Clutterbug)
author: Cassandra Aarssen
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Accidental Life Swap 52675332 Sometimes one moment can change your life forever�

Rebecca Riley has always been a bit of a pushover. When her glamorous boss, Vanessa, asks her to jump, she doesn’t just ask how high� she asks if her boss would like her to grab a coffee on the way back down!

So whilst overseeing the renovation of Vanessa’s beautiful countryside home, the last thing Rebecca ever expected was to be mistaken for her boss � or that she would even consider going along with it! Far away from the bustling city and her boss’s demanding ways, could she pretend to be Vanessa and swap lives, just for a little while?

]]> 384 Jennifer Joyce 0008348650 Olivia 0 to-read 3.72 2019 The Accidental Life Swap
author: Jennifer Joyce
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Love Story 201427454 She’s a small-town schoolteacher.

He’s a hotshot marketing director.

Together, it’s hate at first sight.

Sophie Taylor has a secret and Joe Walsh thinks he knows it (all). He’s devilishly handsome, incredibly hot � and far too sure of himself.

Unfortunately, Sophie desperately needs his help. She has lost her laptop � and her sequel to the sensational, spicy romance that everybody’s talking about.

Because Sophie is not just hiding something small. She is Este Cox, the mysterious romance author the entire world is desperate to unmask.

When a trip to Sophie’s home town leads to the disgruntledpair sharing a one-bed cottage, it’s a short step to sharing a whole lot more besides� Can Sophie trust Joe with the truth � and be herself?]]> 384 Lindsey Kelk 0008695482 Olivia 0 to-read 3.67 2024 Love Story
author: Lindsey Kelk
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[41 Self-Discipline Habits: For Slackers, Avoiders, & Couch Potatoes (Live a Disciplined Life Book 7)]]> 59067492 Stop self-defeating behaviors and act with intention. You’ll thank yourself later.What you receive in life is dictated by your self-discipline. The more you have, the more you get. Will you settle for less than you desire? Get your habits into shape and start living the life that you want.How to make willpower automatic, second nature, and habitual.41 Self-Discipline Habits is not a textbook on self-discipline, nor is it a gentle and drawn-out discussion. It is a toolbox to keep you in motion and in action towards your goals. It pulls no punches as it provides direct techniques to ensure that your actions match your intentions - a difficult task. 41 techniques. Not bad, right?Self-discipline is not about grinding it out from morning until night. Let’s work smarter and accomplish more with less effort.Tools to get started, keep going, overcome distractions, and follow through every single time.Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.Gain self-awareness and cultivate your determination and tenacity. Immediate action has never been so easy.•Learn the main emotional, psychological, and biological obstacles you are battling�Understand and break the cycle of apathy that keeps you from achieving your goals•Confront yourself with a series of direct questions that force self-awareness and action�An insightful method for working with goals and visions that is super actionable•How to control your mood and make yourself productive on command]]> 190 Peter Hollins Olivia 0 to-read 3.90 41 Self-Discipline Habits: For Slackers, Avoiders, & Couch Potatoes (Live a Disciplined Life Book 7)
author: Peter Hollins
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.90
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Think Less; Do More: Create An Action Bias, Stop Overthinking, and Learn How to Actually Change Your Life (Live a Disciplined Life Book 15)]]> 123508443 Practical and actionable tips to overcome a lack of motivation. Get into action on command!
Hey, you can't THINK and DO at the same time. I know which one I would want to do more of. What about you?

Start whatever you want, and finish what you start.
Think Less; Do More is your guide to actually changing your life. It's about taking action. You know it, but you just don't do it. Welcome to the guide that will get you into motion, no matter your circumstances, excuses, or distraction.

This book is a psychological throwdown to your shape up, or ship out! Every chapter will get you motivated, moving, or slowly sliding into the first few steps of your next task/goal. And you won't even realize it. There is no BS here, and there is no beating around the bush. This book is like rocket fuel.

How to finally accomplish all the goals you've put off for years.
Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with a multitude of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.

The real science of changing your life.The magic of lowering your standardsHow action actually creates motivation and driveHow to change your relationship with riskThe focusing power of a "don't do" listWriting a "burner list"Use a superstructure decision model for prioritizingYour personalized ultradian rhythmsHow to resist distractions and beat all of your mental objections.]]> 128 Peter Hollins Olivia 0 to-read 4.19 Think Less; Do More: Create An Action Bias, Stop Overthinking, and Learn How to Actually Change Your Life (Live a Disciplined Life Book 15)
author: Peter Hollins
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Around the World in Eighty Days]]> 54479 252 Jules Verne 014044906X Olivia 5 adventure, favs, fiction
It all begins with a very boring, yet very rich gentleman in London. He is set in his routine and appears to be the least likely of people to complete the journey. However his gentleman’s club has bet on him to complete a journey around the world in 80 days. Mr. Fogg accepts this wager and so the journey begins.

His new servant, Passportou, is not pleased as he was hoping to settle for a quiet life filled with routine, yet he enjoys the journey, seeing and exploring the sights. He meets detective Fix along the way. Detective Fix believes that Mr. Fogg looks just like this bank robber who stole a large sum of money.

Following the journey east, Mr. Fogg takes the Oriental Express all the way to India, where the train track ends. Through India, the group travel by elephant, where they enter the jungle with tribes who believe in human sacrifice. Escaping this, they find their way back on track. Or were they side-tracked too much? Will they still have enough time to complete the journey?

The group do not give up hope and persevere in attempts to make it back home on time to win the wager. They travel across the sea to San Francisco. Back on land, they travel by train through the Wild West, which is filled with cowboys and Indians.

They also travel on a sledge through the snow, in a land filled with wolves. Making it across the United States of America, they find a ship, which feels like a Pirate’s ship back to England.

This book is filled with drama right to the very end. I wish I had found this book sooner! ]]> 3.95 1872 Around the World in Eighty Days
author: Jules Verne
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.95
book published: 1872
rating: 5
read at: 2023/10/01
date added: 2024/08/29
shelves: adventure, favs, fiction
review:
Anyone who is interested in travelling the world or adventure in general, will enjoy this book. I believe it’s a great read/listen for both adults and children. The audible production was first class, with Dolby surround sound.

It all begins with a very boring, yet very rich gentleman in London. He is set in his routine and appears to be the least likely of people to complete the journey. However his gentleman’s club has bet on him to complete a journey around the world in 80 days. Mr. Fogg accepts this wager and so the journey begins.

His new servant, Passportou, is not pleased as he was hoping to settle for a quiet life filled with routine, yet he enjoys the journey, seeing and exploring the sights. He meets detective Fix along the way. Detective Fix believes that Mr. Fogg looks just like this bank robber who stole a large sum of money.

Following the journey east, Mr. Fogg takes the Oriental Express all the way to India, where the train track ends. Through India, the group travel by elephant, where they enter the jungle with tribes who believe in human sacrifice. Escaping this, they find their way back on track. Or were they side-tracked too much? Will they still have enough time to complete the journey?

The group do not give up hope and persevere in attempts to make it back home on time to win the wager. They travel across the sea to San Francisco. Back on land, they travel by train through the Wild West, which is filled with cowboys and Indians.

They also travel on a sledge through the snow, in a land filled with wolves. Making it across the United States of America, they find a ship, which feels like a Pirate’s ship back to England.

This book is filled with drama right to the very end. I wish I had found this book sooner!
]]> <![CDATA[Pimsleur French Level 1: Learn to Speak and Understand French with Pimsleur Language Programs]]> 36416859 The Easiest and Fastest Way to Learn French
With Pimsleur you’ll become conversational in French � to understand and be understood � quickly and effectively. You’ll learn vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation together through conversation. And our scientifically proven program will help you remember what you’ve learned, so you can put it into action.

Why Pimsleur?
� Quick + Easy � Only 30 minutes a day.
� Portable + Flexible � Core lessons can be done anytime, anywhere, and easily fit into your busy life.
� Proven Method � Works when other methods fail.
� Self-Paced � Go fast or go slow � it’s up to you.
� Based in Science � Developed using proven research on memory and learning.
� Cost-effective � Less expensive than classes or immersion, and features all native speakers.
� Genius � Triggers your brain’s natural aptitude to learn.
� Works for everyone � Recommended for ages 13 and above.

What’s Included?
� 30, 30-minute audio lessons
� 60 minutes of reading instruction to provide you with an introduction to reading French and designed to teach you to sound out words with correct pronunciation and accent
� in total, 16 hours of audio, all featuring native speakers
� A digital Reading Booklet

What You’ll Learn
In the first 10 lessons, you’ll cover the basics: saying hello, asking for or giving information, scheduling a meal or a meeting, asking for or giving basic directions, and much more. You’ll be able to handle minimum courtesy requirements, understand much of what you hear, and be understood at a beginning level, but with near-native pronunciation skills.

In the next 10 lessons, you’ll build on what you’ve learned. Expand your menu, increase your scheduling abilities from general to specific, start to deal with currency and exchanging money, refine your conversations and add over a hundred new vocabulary items. You’ll understand more of what you hear, and be able to participate with speech that is smoother and more confident.

In the final 10 lessons, you’ll be speaking and understanding at an intermediate level. More directions are given in French, which moves your learning to a whole new plane. Lessons include shopping, visiting friends, going to a restaurant, plans for the evening, car trips, and talking about family. You’ll be able to speak comfortably about things that happened in the past and make plans for the future.

Whether you want to travel, communicate with friends or colleagues, reconnect with family, or just understand more of what’s going on in the world around you, Pimsleur will help you learn French and expand your horizons and enrich your life.]]> Paul Pimsleur 1508255474 Olivia 5 languages, non-fiction 4.83 Pimsleur French Level 1: Learn to Speak and Understand French with Pimsleur Language Programs
author: Paul Pimsleur
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.83
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/19
date added: 2024/07/19
shelves: languages, non-fiction
review:

]]> <![CDATA[My Sinful Nights (Sinful Men, #1)]]> 53403812 A sexy, emotional, heart-stopping romance novel from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely�

Ten years ago, I let the love of my life slip through my fingers. It’s my greatest regret, especially since she’s all but disappeared. When she walks back into my world unexpectedly, I have one mission � win her back. Whatever it takes.

But the gorgeous, brilliant, tough-as-iron Shannon has secrets of her own, and a family past she’s trying to escape.

Slowly but surely, I break down her walls over our sinful nights together, with a connection more passionate than ever, an intimacy more fiery than it was before.

But the past can only stay behind you for so long. And when the people who want a piece of her family start circling her, I’ll have to prove I’m the man to protect her from her suddenly dangerous present.

MY SINFUL NIGHTS is a reimagining of the 2015 story SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS (no longer available for sale). MY SINFUL NIGHTS has been rewritten in first person with an entirely new romance for Shannon and Brent, new characterizations and new conflict in this second chance romance! THE SINFUL MEN SERIES includes the following titles: MY SINFUL NIGHTS, MY SINFUL DESIRE, MY SINFUL LONGING, MY SINFUL LOVE, and MY SINFUL TEMPTATION.]]> 326 Lauren Blakely Olivia 0 to-read 3.72 2015 My Sinful Nights (Sinful Men, #1)
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/06/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Decision: Overcoming Today's BS for Tomorrow's Success]]> 53456548
In this follow-up to the New York Times best-selling memoir, I Can't Make This Up, Kevin goes all-in on getting you mentally fit by skillfully breaking down and sharing the same tools and rules he's developed to elevate his own life, to inspire and help transform yours. Candid, raw, and authentic to the core, The Decision is filled with vision and the practical steps you’ll need to track and reach your goals. Join “Coach� Kevin as he puts you through the paces of what he dubs the Kevin Hart Mental Fitness Bootcamp. Learn the ins and outs of "What-is-ness." Find out what “Cowboying up" is all about. Get cozy with "Teddy bearing." Discover why your comfort zone is just about the worst place on earth to be. Find out how to keep your b%llsh#t detector running smoothly, and just why your ugly-ass feet are nothing short of a blessing in disguise.

Hear this, and an entire treasure trove of deeply insightful life-changing advice from the only dude out there who can make you cry like a baby from both laughter and self-reflection at the same time. The time to power-up those earbuds and get after the life of your dreams is now. Kevin Hart is hyped and ready. Are you?]]> 6 Kevin Hart Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 4.18 The Decision: Overcoming Today's BS for Tomorrow's Success
author: Kevin Hart
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/06/18
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream (The Good Life France Book 1)]]> 35059009
Janine eventually gave up her job in London to move with her husband to live the good life in France. Or so she hoped. While getting to grips with the locals and la vie Française, and renovating her dilapidated new house, a building lacking the comforts of mains drainage, heating or proper rooms, and with little money and less of a clue, she started to realize there was lot more to her new home than she could ever have imagined. Ten years ago, Janine Marsh decided to leave her corporate life behind to fix up a run-down barn in northern France. This is the true story of her rollercoaster ride, in many ways a love story, with her sharp observations on the very different way of life, culture and etiquette of France.

From her early struggles and homesickness through personal tragedy, to her attempts to become self-sufficient and to breed 'the fattest chickens in the village', Janine learned that there was more to her new home than she could ever have imagined.]]> 257 Janine Marsh 1782437339 Olivia 4
All in all, it was a pleasure to read. I couldn’t get enough, so I bought book 3, which is read by the same author. Book 2 felt too similar to book 1 by the synopsis. It’s also read by a different narrator, so I decided to skip that one for the time being. Also, the part of France I wish to move to doesn’t endure the four seasons.

The whole time I was listening to this, I thought about the French comedy film called, “Welcome to the sticks�. Otherwise known as, “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis�. In fact, I might have to go and watch that again now, just so I can compare things like the time to meet someone. My mother in law is as French as they come, and you must never be late with her. Because time is time. But then due to the laws revolving around where a person is from, they become very proud of where they are from. Therefore, different parts of France may have different customs, almost as though the county is a separate country altogether. ]]> 3.90 2017 My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream (The Good Life France Book 1)
author: Janine Marsh
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2024/06/18
date added: 2024/06/18
shelves:
review:
I loved the advice about moving to France, but there’s something missing to this to be able to give this book 5 stars. It was easy enough to get through and I enjoyed the narrator. However, the story telling didn’t feel that exciting. Not compared to other fictional books, like the chick lit I usually tend to read. If comparing it to real life problems and a non-fiction motivational book, it was very good. However, I probably wouldn’t want it to be read in that motivational speech way. You also get more bang for your buck, as motivational non-fiction books tend to be shorter.

All in all, it was a pleasure to read. I couldn’t get enough, so I bought book 3, which is read by the same author. Book 2 felt too similar to book 1 by the synopsis. It’s also read by a different narrator, so I decided to skip that one for the time being. Also, the part of France I wish to move to doesn’t endure the four seasons.

The whole time I was listening to this, I thought about the French comedy film called, “Welcome to the sticks�. Otherwise known as, “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis�. In fact, I might have to go and watch that again now, just so I can compare things like the time to meet someone. My mother in law is as French as they come, and you must never be late with her. Because time is time. But then due to the laws revolving around where a person is from, they become very proud of where they are from. Therefore, different parts of France may have different customs, almost as though the county is a separate country altogether.
]]> <![CDATA[Baby Be Mine (Johnny Be Good, #2)]]> 9566822
One-time celebrity personal assistant to wild boy of rock Johnny Jefferson, Meg Stiles is now settled and living in the south of France with her doting boyfriend Christian and son Phoenix. But they're living a lie - a lie that will turn their lives upside down and inside out. Because Meg's son doesn't look like Christian, he looks like his rock star father and, sooner or later, the world is going to realize ...]]> 441 Paige Toon 1849831262 Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 4.15 2011 Baby Be Mine (Johnny Be Good, #2)
author: Paige Toon
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/06/01
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> The Good Part 112976857
At twenty-six, Lucy Young is tired. Tired of fetching coffees for senior TV producers, tired of going on disastrous dates, and definitely tired of living in a damp flat share with flatmates who never buy toilet roll. She could quit her job for a better living, but she’s not ready to give up on her dreams. Not just yet. After another diabolical date lands her in a sudden storm and no money for bus fare, Lucy finds herself seeking shelter in a tiny shop, where she stumbles upon a curious wishing machine. Pushing her last coin into the slot, Lucy closes her eyes and wishes with everything she’s got: Please, let me skip to the good part of my life.

When she wakes the next morning to a handsome man, a ring on her finger, a high-powered job, and storybook perfect little boy and baby girl, Lucy can’t believe this is real—especially when she looks in the mirror, and staring back is her own forty-something face. Has she really skipped ahead to the future she’s always wanted, or has she simply forgotten a huge chunk of her life? And as Lucy begins to embrace this new life and new relationships, she’ll have to ask herself: Can she go back, and if so, does she want to?]]> 384 Sophie Cousens 0593539907 Olivia 5
Her future husband, Sam, was adorable. I enjoyed the Scottish accent, and the little voice of her little boy.

Entering the future, you had drones delivering packages, just like the owls delivering letters in Harry Potter. You also had cars that drive themselves, just as they do in other sci-fi films.

Full of love, laughter and a loss over the years she has lost in order to skip to the good part.

This has been my favourite book of the year.]]> 4.10 2023 The Good Part
author: Sophie Cousens
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/26
date added: 2024/05/26
shelves:
review:
It caught my attention right from the get go, all the way to the end.

Her future husband, Sam, was adorable. I enjoyed the Scottish accent, and the little voice of her little boy.

Entering the future, you had drones delivering packages, just like the owls delivering letters in Harry Potter. You also had cars that drive themselves, just as they do in other sci-fi films.

Full of love, laughter and a loss over the years she has lost in order to skip to the good part.

This has been my favourite book of the year.
]]> <![CDATA[Johnny Be Good (Johnny Be Good, #1)]]> 2274457 If your boss was the hottest rock star on the planet, would you mix business with pleasure?

I'm Meg Stiles. This is my leaving party. And that song we're making a mockery of? That's written by one of the biggest rock stars in the world. And I'm moving in with him tomorrow.

Seriously! I am not even joking. Well, maybe I'm misleading you a little bit. You see, I haven't actually met him yet...

No, I'm not a stalker. I'm his new PA. His Personal Assistant. And I am off to La-La Land. Los Angeles. The City of Angels—whatever you want to call it—and I can't bloody believe it!

Celebrity PA to wild boy of rock Johnny Jefferson, Meg's glam new life in sun-drenched LA is a whirlwind of showbiz parties and backstage passes. Cool, calm Christian, in town to write his famous friend's biography, helps keep Meg's feet firmly on the ground. But with Johnny's piercing green eyes and a body Brad Pitt would kill for, how long will it be before she's swept right off them again?

]]> 400 Paige Toon 1847390447 Olivia 2 Somewhat enjoyable, but I won’t be in a hurry to read this again or ever.

Slow start, which dragged a bit, but got better at the end. If you like stories about rock stars, then this is for you. It made me think about Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and their life and what she may have had to put up with in the beginning of their relationship.

I’m not a fan of stories that evolve around drink and drugs. It doesn’t interest me. The ending felt like a bit of a Trisha moment, but this was probably expected somewhat from the title of the next book. However, due to a pregnancy earlier in the book, it could have been about that.

I enjoyed the narration by Nicky Diss. She did an excellent job and made the book bearable till the end.

For some reason I thought this book was about a race car driver who dies, but I may have confused this with one of her other books.

I enjoyed Paige Toon’s, “The Longest Holiday� more. There was more adventure, as well as more pulling at heart strings.

As this is a series, I’m hoping the second book will be better than this one.
]]> 4.07 2008 Johnny Be Good (Johnny Be Good, #1)
author: Paige Toon
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at: 2024/05/04
date added: 2024/05/04
shelves:
review:
2.5 stars
Somewhat enjoyable, but I won’t be in a hurry to read this again or ever.

Slow start, which dragged a bit, but got better at the end. If you like stories about rock stars, then this is for you. It made me think about Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and their life and what she may have had to put up with in the beginning of their relationship.

I’m not a fan of stories that evolve around drink and drugs. It doesn’t interest me. The ending felt like a bit of a Trisha moment, but this was probably expected somewhat from the title of the next book. However, due to a pregnancy earlier in the book, it could have been about that.

I enjoyed the narration by Nicky Diss. She did an excellent job and made the book bearable till the end.

For some reason I thought this book was about a race car driver who dies, but I may have confused this with one of her other books.

I enjoyed Paige Toon’s, “The Longest Holiday� more. There was more adventure, as well as more pulling at heart strings.

As this is a series, I’m hoping the second book will be better than this one.

]]> The Longest Holiday 16000770 'I, Laura, take thee, Matthew, to be my lawful wedded husband�' I thought I would never feel like this about anyone ever again. Not after my first love� Not after the heartbreak and the loss and the trying to pick myself back up again� Then I met Matthew, and I know that he has my heart forever: my perfect, gorgeous, adoring Matthew. And then I wake up. And I remember that he's not perfect. He's so far from perfect that my heart could surely collapse from the pain that instantly engulfs me�
To say Laura is unlucky in love is an understatement. Her first boyfriend died in a horrific accident, and now she's just discovered that her husband of six months has been hiding a terrible secret. Devastated and unwilling to face reality, she escapes on a girls' holiday to Key West with her best friend Marty. But a deep and instant attraction to a sexy Cuban scuba diver takes her completely by surprise. When her two weeks in the sun come to an end, Laura doesn't want to go home again. But she can't run from real life forever. Can she?]]> 416 Paige Toon 147111340X Olivia 4
I would say it’s for fans of those who enjoyed Natasha Boyd’s Audible book, “Accidental Tryst� and movies such as, “Avatar� and “While you were sleeping�.

The book is about a cheating husband, but also about the loss of her ex boyfriend to a tragic accident. Both of which I can relate to. Her book has a healing like quality to any feelings of grief, as Paige Toon brings you back into the present moment and makes you aware of those things you should be grateful for.

This was my first Paige Toon read and I’m sure I will enjoy another one of her books. I have already purchased the series of “Johnny Be Good�. ]]> 4.16 2013 The Longest Holiday
author: Paige Toon
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/21
date added: 2024/04/21
shelves:
review:
It was a slow start, but when the drama happens it became quite an addictive read. Just when you begin to feel the ending of the story is coming up, we have a different narrator. Compared to most stories, I feel the ending was beautifully wrapped up, so much so I almost cried.

I would say it’s for fans of those who enjoyed Natasha Boyd’s Audible book, “Accidental Tryst� and movies such as, “Avatar� and “While you were sleeping�.

The book is about a cheating husband, but also about the loss of her ex boyfriend to a tragic accident. Both of which I can relate to. Her book has a healing like quality to any feelings of grief, as Paige Toon brings you back into the present moment and makes you aware of those things you should be grateful for.

This was my first Paige Toon read and I’m sure I will enjoy another one of her books. I have already purchased the series of “Johnny Be Good�.
]]> <![CDATA[Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick]]> 52439904 New York Times bestselling author Jen Sincero gets to the core of transformation: habits–breaking, making, understanding, and sticking with them like you’ve never stuck before.

Badass Habits is a eureka-sparking, easy-to-digest look at how our habits make us who we are, from the measly moments that happen in private to the resolutions we loudly broadcast (and, erm, often don’t keep) on social media. Habit busting and building goes way beyond becoming a dedicated flosser or never showing up late again–our habits reveal our unmet desires, the gaps in our boundaries, our level of self-awareness, and our unconscious beliefs and fears. Badass Habits features Jen’s trademark hilarious voice and offers a much-needed fresh take on the conventional wisdom and science that shape the optimism (or pessimism?) around the age-old topic of habits. The book includes enlightening interviews with people who’ve successfully strengthened their discipline backbones, new perspective on how to train our brains to become our best selves, and offers a simple, 21 day, step-by-step guide for ditching habits that don’t serve us and developing the habits we deem most important. Habits shouldn’t be impossible to reset–and with healthy boundaries, knowledge of–and permission to go after–our desires, and an easy to implement plan of action, we can make any new goal a joyful habit.]]> 256 Jen Sincero Olivia 4 3.77 2020 Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick
author: Jen Sincero
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/08
date added: 2024/04/08
shelves:
review:

]]> The Call of the Wild 37119748 'The facts of life took on a fiercer aspect and, while he faced that aspect uncowed, he faced it with all the latent cunning of his nature aroused.'

The biting cold and the aching silence of the far North become an unforgettable backdrop for Jack London's vivid, rousing, superbly realistic wilderness adventure stories featuring the author's unique knowledge of the Yukon and the behavior of humans and animals facing nature at its cruelest.

The Penguin English Library - collectable general readers' editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century to the end of the Second World War.

Contents of this edition:
- The Call of the Wild
- To Build a Fire
- Bâtard
- Love of Life]]> 160 Jack London 0241341493 Olivia 0 bought-not-read 3.88 1903 The Call of the Wild
author: Jack London
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1903
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/31
shelves: bought-not-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Plan and Organize Your Life: Achieve your Goals by Creating Intentional Habits and Routines for Success]]> 58881646 Design your days intentionally with this smart, inspiring guide from the creator of the Bliss Bean podcast and YouTube channel.

This comprehensive and interactive "planning bible" is packed with proven advice on how to get organized, embrace simple habits, and work your way toward true self-improvement and personal development.

Beatrice Naujalyte introduces us to the four pillars of an intentional planning, organization, productivity, and routines. With these simple tools, you'll be able to master everything from effective note taking to minimalist workspace organization.

This book is the ultimate guide to developing a planning system to effectively execute your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. Whether you have professional, personal, or creative planning to do, this book helps you accomplish your smallest and biggest goals by creating new habits and setting realistic expectations--with a system that works for you. Included
- Organizational tips and prompts for your everyday success
- Time and task management tools to help guide you
- Productivity tips for your ultimate lifestyle change]]> 308 Beatrice Naujalyte 1642506788 Olivia 0 started-but-not-finished 3.93 Plan and Organize Your Life: Achieve your Goals by Creating Intentional Habits and Routines for Success
author: Beatrice Naujalyte
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/26
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Come and Get Me (Caitlin Bergman, #1)]]> 39299420
At Indiana University, someone’s been studying the female student body: their dating customs, nocturnal activities―and how long they can survive in captivity.

When award-winning journalist Caitlin Bergman is invited back to campus to receive an honorary degree, she finds an opportunity for a well-earned victory lap―and a chance to face the trauma that almost destroyed her as an undergrad. But her lap becomes an all-out race when a student begs her to probe an unsolved campus disappearance: Angela Chapman went out one Friday night and never came back.

To find the missing woman, Caitlin must join forces with a local police detective and the department that botched her own case so long ago. But while Caitlin follows the clues behind Angela’s disappearance, someone else is following her�

Unearthing secrets hidden beneath an idyllic Midwestern college town, Caitlin must expose what really happened to Angela―before she herself becomes the newest addition to a twisted collection.]]> 325 August Norman 1683319753 Olivia 1 started-but-not-finished 3.87 2019 Come and Get Me (Caitlin Bergman, #1)
author: August Norman
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2019
rating: 1
read at: 2024/02/28
date added: 2024/02/28
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life]]> 66321
What makes a good life? Is it money? An important job? Leisure time? Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi believes our obsessive focus on such measures has led us astray. Work fills our days with anxiety and pressure, so that during our free time, we tend to live in boredom, absorbed by our screens.

What are we missing? To answer this question, Csikszentmihalyi studied thousands of people, and he found the key. People are happiest when they challenge themselves with tasks that demand a high degree of skill and commitment, and which are undertaken for their own sake. Instead of scrolling on your phone, play the piano. Take a routine chore and figure out how to do it better, faster, more efficiently. In short, learn the hidden power of complete engagement, a psychological state the author callsĚýflow. Though they appear simple, the lessons inĚý Finding FlowĚý are life-changing.]]> 181 Mihály CsĂ­kszentmihályi 0465024114 Olivia 0 3.89 1995 Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life
author: Mihály Csíkszentmihályi
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1995
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/24
shelves: habits-and-time-management, non-fiction, art-and-creativity, career-advice, started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> Confessions 198425173 Alexandra Potter Olivia 5 4.67 Confessions
author: Alexandra Potter
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/02/20
date added: 2024/02/20
shelves: absolute-favs, chick-lit, fiction, starting-over
review:

]]> The Nox 63067895
Isolation and the disorientation of 24/7 darkness soon have the group losing their grip on reality � accidents, nightmares, or hauntings � no one can be sure, but the voyage seems cursed. For Professor Clara Fitzgerald, the mission quickly turns from conservation to survival as she realises that danger lurks not only out on the ice, but on The Nox itself.

The Nox is a nightmare fuelled SciFi thriller that asks how far is too far to save the world.

Executive Produced by Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody, Falcon and the Winter Soldier), written by Lead Writer Joe White and Co-writer Catriona Ward. Starring Lashana Lynch (The Woman King, Captain Marvel, No Time To Die, Matilda), Ralph Ineson, (The Witch, The Green Knight, The Northman), Michiel Huisman (The Flight Attendant, Game of Thrones) and a full cast. Music by Laura Rossi.

Directed by Colin Carvalho Burgess. Produced by Coex Studios.]]> 4 Joe White Olivia 5
I absolutely loved the sound effects. It was perfect for sleepless nights.

The story was about going on a polar expedition, but where everything goes wrong. The author attempts to confuse the reader on who they can trust. Psychological thriller with ghosts.

It is classified as a sci fi, because it is based in the future where polar bears no longer exist, but in this story they do.

The ending could have been better as it wasn’t clear if she survived or not, but maybe that’s because there’s supposed to be a part two.

The theatrical music created an atmosphere of anticipation and feeling of fear, which I loved and need to find more audibles like this. ]]> 2.81 2022 The Nox
author: Joe White
name: Olivia
average rating: 2.81
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/01/26
date added: 2024/02/04
shelves:
review:
4.5 stars

I absolutely loved the sound effects. It was perfect for sleepless nights.

The story was about going on a polar expedition, but where everything goes wrong. The author attempts to confuse the reader on who they can trust. Psychological thriller with ghosts.

It is classified as a sci fi, because it is based in the future where polar bears no longer exist, but in this story they do.

The ending could have been better as it wasn’t clear if she survived or not, but maybe that’s because there’s supposed to be a part two.

The theatrical music created an atmosphere of anticipation and feeling of fear, which I loved and need to find more audibles like this.
]]> One Good Thing 59910983
In life, nothing is certain. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something can happen to change the course of everything . . .

Liv Brooks is still in shock. Newly-divorced and facing an uncertain future, she impulsively swaps her London Life for the sweeping hills of the Yorkshire Dales, determined to make a fresh start. But fresh starts are harder than they look and feeling lost and lonely she decides to adopt Harry, an old dog from the local shelter, to keep her company.

But Liv soon discovers she isn’t the only one in need of a new beginning. On their daily walks around the village, they meet Valentine, an old man who suffers from loneliness who sits by the window and Stanley, a little boy who is scared of everyone, hides behind the garden gate and Maya, a teenager who is angry at everyone and everything. But slowly things start to change�

Utterly relatable, hilarious and heart-breakingly honest, this is a novel about friendship, finding happiness and living the life unexpected. And how when everything falls apart, all you need is one good thing to turn your life around and make it worth living again.]]> 464 Alexandra Potter Olivia 0 to-read 4.23 One Good Thing
author: Alexandra Potter
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Alexandra Potter Collection 3 Books Set (One Good Thing, Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up & More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up)]]> 199054584 1552 Alexandra Potter 9124278173 Olivia 0 to-read 4.14 Alexandra Potter Collection 3 Books Set (One Good Thing, Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up & More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up)
author: Alexandra Potter
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[30 Days—Change Your Habits, Change Your Life: A Couple of Simple Steps Every Day to Create the Life You Want]]> 23197349
Rated 5.0 stars from Readers' Favorite Reviews

Have you ever asked yourself why some people seem to get everything easily and others don’t? Do you feel like a victim of your circumstances? Are you tired of waiting for your life to change? Everything you have in your life today is a direct result of your thoughts, beliefs and expectations. And so is where YOU will be in 1, 5 or 10 YEARS! Nothing happens “JUST BECAUSE�.
Find out how to take control and full responsibility of your life, and how a couple of small steps every day can change everything. 30 Days is not just a book that you read. To make it work YOU have to work and do the exercises it proposes consistently over time. In this simple, fast-paced eBook you will be learning what it takes to create the life you want.
30 Days is for people who are struggling, wanting to change their life, but they feel powerless and think change comes from the outside. They also keep doing the same things over and over expecting a different result, which Albert Einstein considered to be the purest form of insanity.
If you want to change your life, you have to change your habits and start doing small things differently every day.
Discover your enormous potential and�
� Stop being a victim of the circumstances
� Stop waiting for the miracle to happen and become one
� Stop suffering and start creating the life you want
� Improve your self-confidence
� Improve your relationship with your spouse, colleagues, boss, etc.
30 Days is based on science, neuroscience, positive psychology and real-life examples
Anyway. Don’t believe a word I say! Try it out for yourself. You already know everything that you will see in the book, but you have to put it into action.
Some of the benefits that reading and working through the book can bring you:
--> Get more self-confidence
--> Fall in love with the most important person in your life � YOU
--> Lose your fear of your emotions and learn to manage them
--> Become wealthier, healthier and happier
--> Find the job of your dreams
--> Find love
--> Start your own business
--> Have an extraordinary life
]]> 202 Marc Reklau Olivia 1 started-but-not-finished 4.04 2014 30 Days—Change Your Habits, Change Your Life: A Couple of Simple Steps Every Day to Create the Life You Want
author: Marc Reklau
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2014
rating: 1
read at: 2024/01/14
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves: started-but-not-finished
review:

]]> Playboy Pilot 29533192
You probably just answered the question in your head thinking it's an easy decision.

For me, it's not. Did I mention it's a lot of money? A hell of a lot.

I needed to go far away to think it through.

As I embarked on an impulsive trip, I hit a detour when I met sexy Carter in the airport lounge. We struck up a heated conversation.

Then, he left.

I thought I'd never see him again.

But fate had other plans.

Surprise! He was the pilot of my flight.

The bigger surprise was the adventure that followed after the plane landed.

Carter was dangerous and always on the move.

Even though our connection was magnetic, I knew it was only temporary.

He would give me tickets, and I would follow him around the world to exotic places.

A bevy of flight attendant exes and rumors about Carter's reputation were never far behind.

I didn't know what to believe.

But I was addicted. Nothing else mattered anymore. And I was going to get hurt. Because a part of me wanted to be the one to finally ground the playboy pilot.

At the very least, he was taking me on a thrilling ride.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.]]> 300 Penelope Ward 1682304310 Olivia 0 to-read 4.04 2016 Playboy Pilot
author: Penelope Ward
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist]]> 20405516 LEARN HOW TO: � Set actionable goals � Diversify your income � Manage your bookkeeping � Copyright your work � Promote with social media � Build a standout website � Exhibit with galleries � Sell and price your work � License your art � Acquire an agent � And much more]]> 184 Lisa Congdon 145212826X Olivia 0 to-read 3.97 2014 Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist
author: Lisa Congdon
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier]]> 137978862
In Build the Life You Want , Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey invite you to begin a journey toward greater happiness no matter how challenging your circumstances. Drawing on cutting-edge science and their years of helping people translate ideas into action, they show you how to improve your life right now instead of waiting for the outside world to change.

With insight, compassion, and hope, Brooks and Winfrey reveal how the tools of emotional self-management can change your life―immediately. They recommend practical, research-based practices to build the four pillars of family, friendship, work, and faith. And along the way, they share hard-earned wisdom from their own lives and careers as well as the witness of regular people whose lives are joyful despite setbacks and hardship.

Equipped with the tools of emotional self-management and ready to build your four pillars, you can take control of your present and future rather than hoping and waiting for your circumstances to improve. Build the Life You Want is your blueprint for a better life.]]> 272 Arthur C. Brooks 0593545400 Olivia 0 to-read 3.76 2023 Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier
author: Arthur C. Brooks
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)]]> 26032825 Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.]]> 370 Holly Black 0316310271 Olivia 0 to-read 4.01 2018 The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, #1)
author: Holly Black
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1)]]> 46777 Welcome to the realm of very scary faeries!

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms - a struggle that could very well mean her death.]]> 272 Holly Black 0689867042 Olivia 0 to-read 3.72 2002 Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1)
author: Holly Black
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2002
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Wife Who Got a Life 55921247 Ěý
When her husband drops a midlife-crisis bombshell,
Cathy decides it’s time to take control.
Ěý
No more laundry, teenage tantrums or housework.
After years of putting herself last, she’s going to be first for a change.
Ěý
Cathy Collins is carving a new path, and nothing is going to get in her way�
Ěý
From No.1 bestselling author Tracy Bloom, The Wife Who Got a Life
perfectly captures the joyous chaos of family life.]]> 384 Tracy Bloom 000843428X Olivia 0 to-read 4.02 2021 The Wife Who Got a Life
author: Tracy Bloom
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ralph's Party (Ralph's Party #1)]]> 923045 These six star-crossed tenants become more enamored, and more confused, as the story progresses-until their true destinies are revealed on one crucial night-the evening of the extravaganza that is . . . Ralph's party. This wonderfully hip new novel was an instant popular success when it was first published in England, and American readers are sure to be captivated by the debut of a talented new writer.]]> 389 Lisa Jewell 0452281636 Olivia 0 to-read 3.56 1999 Ralph's Party (Ralph's Party #1)
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.56
book published: 1999
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Spellbound 1650765 448 Jane Green 0718144643 Olivia 5 absolute-favs, starting-over 3.49 2002 Spellbound
author: Jane Green
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 2004/11/17
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: absolute-favs, starting-over
review:

]]> The Christmas Wish 59947625
Then Gwen wakes up to discover it’s Christmas day all over again. Like Groundhog Day but with eggnog. And family arguments. On repeat.

As she figures out how to escape her own particular Christmas hell, Dev is the one bright spot. He might be all grown-up but underneath he’s just as kind and funny as she remembers.

Maybe, just maybe, her heart can be mended after all.

But how do you fall in love with someone who can’t remember you from one day to the next?]]> 352 Lindsey Kelk 0008544646 Olivia 2
I loved Lindsey Kelk’s iheart series, and even though this book had the same narrator, I just didn’t enjoy this one as much.

It could be because I feel like a bit of a gringe at Christmas? But that was one of her opening lines, which got me hooked. However, I didn’t feel like she understood my pain of losing patience with people during the festive Xmas period.

Ever since I have had to work over this period, I have lost my love for Xmas. Probably because it sucks to be at work, and not just working but working overtime, when everyone else is flaunting that they are off for two or three weeks.

I might return to this, as it might get better.

I did find it funny that she got a vibrator for Xmas! So there is potential with laugh out loud moments. ]]> 3.78 2022 The Christmas Wish
author: Lindsey Kelk
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2023/12/30
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: chick-lit, fiction, xmas-reads
review:
I got about 25% in and gave up.

I loved Lindsey Kelk’s iheart series, and even though this book had the same narrator, I just didn’t enjoy this one as much.

It could be because I feel like a bit of a gringe at Christmas? But that was one of her opening lines, which got me hooked. However, I didn’t feel like she understood my pain of losing patience with people during the festive Xmas period.

Ever since I have had to work over this period, I have lost my love for Xmas. Probably because it sucks to be at work, and not just working but working overtime, when everyone else is flaunting that they are off for two or three weeks.

I might return to this, as it might get better.

I did find it funny that she got a vibrator for Xmas! So there is potential with laugh out loud moments.
]]> Art and Fear 187633 122 David Bayles 0961454733 Olivia 4
I almost gave this 5 stars, but the end felt fluffed up and a bit random compared with the rest of the book.

I would read this again. ]]> 3.77 1994 Art and Fear
author: David Bayles
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/09
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: art-and-creativity, career-advice, non-fiction
review:
Very inspiring! I would recommend this to all artists.

I almost gave this 5 stars, but the end felt fluffed up and a bit random compared with the rest of the book.

I would read this again.
]]> The Downloaded 200356486 190 Robert J. Sawyer 1989398995 Olivia 3 adventure, fiction, sci-fi
The book had potential to be a longer series, with amazing audio; great for early mornings or relaxing before going to sleep. I would say that fans of “We’re Alive� might enjoy this, but I much preferred “Alethea�.

The wrap up at the end reminded me of the film, “Oppenheimer� and what could have happened to the world.

I had higher hopes for this book, that’s why my verdict is that it was ok, but not something I would listen to again. ]]> 3.58 2024 The Downloaded
author: Robert J. Sawyer
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2023/12/30
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: adventure, fiction, sci-fi
review:
The first third of the book started off well, so well I would’ve given it 5 stars. Unfortunately the audiobook trailed off on book and movie quotes. It felt like the middle chunk of the book had a lot of fluff that didn’t lead anywhere, which felt like a waste of time.

The book had potential to be a longer series, with amazing audio; great for early mornings or relaxing before going to sleep. I would say that fans of “We’re Alive� might enjoy this, but I much preferred “Alethea�.

The wrap up at the end reminded me of the film, “Oppenheimer� and what could have happened to the world.

I had higher hopes for this book, that’s why my verdict is that it was ok, but not something I would listen to again.
]]> Alethea 197271011
Telos came to power two decades earlier after the outbreak of Cato—a deadly virus that ravaged the greater New York City area. In order to contain the Cato virus, Telos launched Project Alethea. Project Alethea didn’t find a cure, but it did produce Gamma, a drug that helps Cato patients live longer. This seemed to be enough to contain the virus and solidify Telos� complete dominance of New York City and beyond. But millions of people who didn’t have the Cato virus started abusing Gamma, and a Gamma drug epidemic ravaged the area almost as badly as the initial virus.

Project Alethea treated thousands of Cato patients, including Sam’s mother, Joan, who died in an experimental trial when Sam was 16. The story begins when Sam finds evidence that Telos may have lied about her mother’s death and that Joan may actually still be alive. Looking for answers, Sam returns to her Hudson Valley hometown to share the information with her estranged father, Clint. She finds that he’s gone missing too. In his place, Sam encounters the Resistance—of which her father is an integral member—doing the dangerous work of uncovering the truth about Project Alethea.

To get information from the Resistance, Sam must agree to work as a spy for them. She could be a valuable asset since she has just been reassigned to the Project Alethea Team. But working with the Resistance would mean saying goodbye to her comfortable, happy life within the Telos System. It may mean risking her safety and ruining the life of those she cares about. Is finding out the truth worth it?]]> Katrina Day Olivia 5
Recently I’ve been watching the new to series, “Gen V� and rewatching “The Boys�, so it was exciting to hear superhero, the Deep’s voice at one point. So exciting! Amazing performance from all.

Does anyone know if there will be a part 2? ]]> 3.62 Alethea
author: Katrina Day
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2023/11/29
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: absolute-favs, fiction, sci-fi, thriller
review:
I didn’t want this book to end! It was exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for an all cast Dolby surround sound that was something like a post apocalyptic horror, and was surprised when I found this sci-fi.

Recently I’ve been watching the new to series, “Gen V� and rewatching “The Boys�, so it was exciting to hear superhero, the Deep’s voice at one point. So exciting! Amazing performance from all.

Does anyone know if there will be a part 2?
]]> Salt to the Sea 25614492
Sepetys (writer of 'Between Shades of Gray') crafts four fictionalized but historically accurate voices to convey the real-life tragedy. Joana, a Lithuanian with nursing experience; Florian, a Prussian soldier fleeing the Nazis with stolen treasure; and Emilia, a Polish girl close to the end of her pregnancy, converge on their escape journeys as Russian troops advance; each will eventually meet Albert, a Nazi peon with delusions of grandeur, assigned to the Gustloff decks.]]> 391 Ruta Sepetys Olivia 5
There is something so sinister about this book. I felt as though the author was holding back a bit, like something was missing, and for that reason I almost gave this book 4 stars. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I did feel a sense of tension right from the get go, all the way to the end, so for that reason, I gave it 5 stars.

Right from the start, this book's performance had grabbed my attention. The story had brought a sense of being at war, as a civilian, to the present moment. If you enjoy a zombie or vampire genre, or survival horror, then you'll enjoy this book.

I have recently been watching "The Last of Us" TV show, so it almost felt like the character of Florian in this book was similar to that of Joel in "The Last of Us" game. Just as Joel doesn't want to protect Ellie at first, Florian doesn't want to protect this group of people. However, one of the girls reminds him of his sister. He also finds that they can be quite useful at times, so he stays with the group.

There is death, torture, and famine around each corner of the woods, during WW2. But most of all, there's the freezing cold. Like the snow and ice isn't enough on it's own, the random individuals are finding it difficult to trust each other, as they have their own secrets to hide.

Through their journey, they encounter a woman with a baby.Ěý Her baby's diaper is frozen solid, and she's wondering if by removing the diaper, she would rip off the baby's skin too?Ěý But what my imagination had led me to believe was that the baby was frozen dead, but it's mother was still trying to care for her little one.

This was one of the graphic scenes. Another, was when a boy was clinging to the edge of a boat, trying to be let on, but instead the civilian people had bashed at his hands so hard, he let go and drowned. They had been through so much, they were not going to let one person stand in their way of survival.

At around the half way mark, we find out that one of the character's in the story comes across as being quite psychotic. There's no empathy to his way of thinking. This brings about even more tension. Especially when the group attempts to board. At 70% the drama of the sinking ship happens. This makes the movie of the "Titanic" with Leonardo Dicaprio, look PG-rated in comparison.Ěý The author tries to make her audience feel guilty at everything that is going on. It's almost as though you can hear the echo of so many crying and screaming at the massacre.

The ending of the book springs upon us abruptly. It almost shows the small window of time they all had to fight for their life, after an explosion. This makes it feel so final.

Go into this book not expecting any happy endings.


Ps. If others were watching my facial expressions whilst listening to this, they were probably curious as to what I was listening to! My eyes had widened to the shocking moments.

Ok, I'm going now. Obviously a satisfied customer!]]> 4.35 2016 Salt to the Sea
author: Ruta Sepetys
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2023/03/11
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, fiction, historical, adventure, thriller
review:
Perhaps 4.5 stars?

There is something so sinister about this book. I felt as though the author was holding back a bit, like something was missing, and for that reason I almost gave this book 4 stars. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I did feel a sense of tension right from the get go, all the way to the end, so for that reason, I gave it 5 stars.

Right from the start, this book's performance had grabbed my attention. The story had brought a sense of being at war, as a civilian, to the present moment. If you enjoy a zombie or vampire genre, or survival horror, then you'll enjoy this book.

I have recently been watching "The Last of Us" TV show, so it almost felt like the character of Florian in this book was similar to that of Joel in "The Last of Us" game. Just as Joel doesn't want to protect Ellie at first, Florian doesn't want to protect this group of people. However, one of the girls reminds him of his sister. He also finds that they can be quite useful at times, so he stays with the group.

There is death, torture, and famine around each corner of the woods, during WW2. But most of all, there's the freezing cold. Like the snow and ice isn't enough on it's own, the random individuals are finding it difficult to trust each other, as they have their own secrets to hide.

Through their journey, they encounter a woman with a baby.Ěý Her baby's diaper is frozen solid, and she's wondering if by removing the diaper, she would rip off the baby's skin too?Ěý But what my imagination had led me to believe was that the baby was frozen dead, but it's mother was still trying to care for her little one.

This was one of the graphic scenes. Another, was when a boy was clinging to the edge of a boat, trying to be let on, but instead the civilian people had bashed at his hands so hard, he let go and drowned. They had been through so much, they were not going to let one person stand in their way of survival.

At around the half way mark, we find out that one of the character's in the story comes across as being quite psychotic. There's no empathy to his way of thinking. This brings about even more tension. Especially when the group attempts to board. At 70% the drama of the sinking ship happens. This makes the movie of the "Titanic" with Leonardo Dicaprio, look PG-rated in comparison.Ěý The author tries to make her audience feel guilty at everything that is going on. It's almost as though you can hear the echo of so many crying and screaming at the massacre.

The ending of the book springs upon us abruptly. It almost shows the small window of time they all had to fight for their life, after an explosion. This makes it feel so final.

Go into this book not expecting any happy endings.


Ps. If others were watching my facial expressions whilst listening to this, they were probably curious as to what I was listening to! My eyes had widened to the shocking moments.

Ok, I'm going now. Obviously a satisfied customer!
]]> <![CDATA[Boss Up!: This Ain’t Your Mama’s Business Book]]> 42772076 256 Lindsay Teague Moreno 0785224416 Olivia 4 career-advice, non-fiction 4.34 2019 Boss Up!: This Ain’t Your Mama’s Business Book
author: Lindsay Teague Moreno
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: career-advice, non-fiction
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Craft a Life You Love: Infusing Creativity, Fun & Intention into Your Everyday]]> 35888391 176 Amy Tangerine 1419730061 Olivia 2
Although I love Amy Tangerine's podcast, this audiobook was very difficult to listen to and I have no desire to listen to it again. At first, I wanted to give this book a good rating, but after knowing what's out there for free versus paid content, I have decided to give this book a lower rating, and more specifically for the audio version.

This book is probably better if you use it like a workbook. Therefore, I would recommend the paperback version!

Her podcast is FREE to listen to and has a lot of content, with different stories from other artists and entrepeneurs.

Overall, this book was heartfelt and compassionate. However, it was only during the halfway mark that I started to enjoy the book, which only makes it an hour and a half of good listening. Other non-fiction books have about 6 hours worth, and fiction novels with 12 hours.

From the halfway mark of this book, I couldn't stop listening until the end! The book delves into Amy Tan's life, otherwise known as Amy Tangerine. Her story is relatable in the fact that we all have to start somewhere. Due to Amy appearing younger than her fellow scrapbookers, I thought she had it right from the get-go. I never knew she had studied fashion and industrial design, or that she had a t-shirt business! It feels comforting to know that Amy is just as human as anyone else. She too, like myself, studied the wrong course at university.

It's a very scary thing, time. We only have one life, and once time passes us by, that's it! I would love for Amy to write another book. I would be interested to know how she spends her time in the present, past, and what she envisions for the future. How many minutes or hours does it take for her to complete certain tasks? If it's a project, how long does this take? And how many side-projects does she have?

I don't know why, but I've always wanted to write a book as well, so hats off to Amy for accomplishing this! This book has been very inspiring, but it was just too short!]]> 3.77 2018 Craft a Life You Love: Infusing Creativity, Fun & Intention into Your Everyday
author: Amy Tangerine
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2020/01/20
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: better-in-paperback, memoir, non-fiction, art-and-creativity, career-advice
review:
Don't waste your Audible credit on this book!

Although I love Amy Tangerine's podcast, this audiobook was very difficult to listen to and I have no desire to listen to it again. At first, I wanted to give this book a good rating, but after knowing what's out there for free versus paid content, I have decided to give this book a lower rating, and more specifically for the audio version.

This book is probably better if you use it like a workbook. Therefore, I would recommend the paperback version!

Her podcast is FREE to listen to and has a lot of content, with different stories from other artists and entrepeneurs.

Overall, this book was heartfelt and compassionate. However, it was only during the halfway mark that I started to enjoy the book, which only makes it an hour and a half of good listening. Other non-fiction books have about 6 hours worth, and fiction novels with 12 hours.

From the halfway mark of this book, I couldn't stop listening until the end! The book delves into Amy Tan's life, otherwise known as Amy Tangerine. Her story is relatable in the fact that we all have to start somewhere. Due to Amy appearing younger than her fellow scrapbookers, I thought she had it right from the get-go. I never knew she had studied fashion and industrial design, or that she had a t-shirt business! It feels comforting to know that Amy is just as human as anyone else. She too, like myself, studied the wrong course at university.

It's a very scary thing, time. We only have one life, and once time passes us by, that's it! I would love for Amy to write another book. I would be interested to know how she spends her time in the present, past, and what she envisions for the future. How many minutes or hours does it take for her to complete certain tasks? If it's a project, how long does this take? And how many side-projects does she have?

I don't know why, but I've always wanted to write a book as well, so hats off to Amy for accomplishing this! This book has been very inspiring, but it was just too short!
]]> <![CDATA[Don't Keep Your Day Job: How to Turn Your Passion into Your Career]]> 43263445
Don't Keep Your Day Job will get you fired up, ready to rip it open and use your zone of genius to add a little more sparkle to this world. Cathy Heller, host of the popular podcast Don't Keep Your Day Job, shares wisdom, anecdotes, and practical suggestions from successful creative entrepreneurs and experts, including actress Jenna Fischer on rejection, Gretchen Rubin on the keys to happiness, Jen Sincero on having your best badass life, and so much more. You'll learn essential steps like how to build your side hustle, how to find your tribe, how to reach for what you truly deserve, and how to ultimately turn your passion into profit and build a life you love.]]> 256 Cathy Heller 1250193605 Olivia 4 3.87 2019 Don't Keep Your Day Job: How to Turn Your Passion into Your Career
author: Cathy Heller
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/10
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, favs, art-and-creativity, career-advice
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind (The 99U Book Series)]]> 37915436 Stop doing busywork. Start doing your best work.

Are you over-extended, over-distracted, and overwhelmed? Do you work at a breakneck pace all day, only to find that you haven’t accomplished the most important things on your agenda when you leave the office?

The world has changed and the way we work has to change, too. With wisdom from 20 leading creative minds, Manage Your Day-to-Day will give you a toolkit for tackling the new challenges of a 24/7, always-on workplace.

Featuring contributions from: Dan Ariely, Leo Babauta, Scott Belsky, Lori Deschene, Aaron Dignan, Erin Rooney Doland, Seth Godin, Todd Henry, Christian Jarrett, Scott McDowell, Mark McGuinness, Cal Newport, Steven Pressfield, Gretchen Rubin, Stefan Sagmeister, Elizabeth G. Saunders, Tony Schwartz, Tiffany Shlain, Linda Stone, and James Victore. Plus, a foreword from Behance founder and CEO, Scott Belsky.

]]> 253 Jocelyn K. Glei 147785018X Olivia 4
I have found myself returning to this title.]]> 4.00 2013 Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind (The 99U Book Series)
author: Jocelyn K. Glei
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management, art-and-creativity
review:
7/10

I have found myself returning to this title.
]]> <![CDATA[Workplace Poker: Are You Playing the Game, or Just Getting Played?]]> 25817471 304 Dan Rust 0062405284 Olivia 4 non-fiction, career-advice
This one is great for fans of the movie, "Moneyball", with Brad Pitt.

It's a tough world out there! Thanks for the heads up!]]> 3.94 2016 Workplace Poker: Are You Playing the Game, or Just Getting Played?
author: Dan Rust
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, career-advice
review:
7 or 8/10

This one is great for fans of the movie, "Moneyball", with Brad Pitt.

It's a tough world out there! Thanks for the heads up!
]]> <![CDATA[The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life]]> 28257707 Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780062457738

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F**k positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected American society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.

Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited�"not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault." Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.

There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.]]> 212 Mark Manson Olivia 2 non-fiction, career-advice 3.87 2016 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
author: Mark Manson
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, career-advice
review:
The book was ok. Funny in places, but I prefer "Workplace Poker", if you're looking for a book like this.
]]> <![CDATA[Sorted: Freedom Through Structure]]> 30190940 173 Gillian Perkins Olivia 2 3.24 Sorted: Freedom Through Structure
author: Gillian Perkins
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.24
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/12/01
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible]]> 113935 291 Brian Tracy 1576753077 Olivia 4 4.24 1989 Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible
author: Brian Tracy
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1989
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/16
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, favs, career-advice
review:

]]> <![CDATA[21 Ways to Get the Job You Want]]> 10652005 Brian Tracy Olivia 2
I love Brian Tracey! This book was a quick, short read, with some old school techniques. I found some of his stats to be shocking but true.

For example, your CV/resumé is not read a lot of the time! My husband was shocked at when his boss didn't look at his qualifications, but he still got the job. Also, I was shocked to hear that you can get either 20% more or 20% less, which is a 40% difference!!! When one thinks about how much tax one pays, that's a lot to think about!

Moving up in a job, or waiting to receive a pay-rise can be painfully slow, so having a good salary right from the start helps. However, some people say they prefer to be rewarded in small increments. That may be true, but considering the recent high inflation of the economy in the past 20 years, businesses are hugely behind on matching salaries compared with the cost of living.

It's a difficult generation to be in, but I love how Mr. Tracey says that there will always be more jobs than there are qualified or smart people available for that job role, so you don't have to be overly anxious about applying. In education, this is true. It is rare to find a good teacher and mentor.]]> 3.56 21 Ways to Get the Job You Want
author: Brian Tracy
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.56
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/09/09
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, not-worth-reading-again, career-advice
review:
2 stars due to some outdated information & approach to finding a career. For more up to date info, I would suggest, "Switchers" and "No Fears, No Excuses".

I love Brian Tracey! This book was a quick, short read, with some old school techniques. I found some of his stats to be shocking but true.

For example, your CV/resumé is not read a lot of the time! My husband was shocked at when his boss didn't look at his qualifications, but he still got the job. Also, I was shocked to hear that you can get either 20% more or 20% less, which is a 40% difference!!! When one thinks about how much tax one pays, that's a lot to think about!

Moving up in a job, or waiting to receive a pay-rise can be painfully slow, so having a good salary right from the start helps. However, some people say they prefer to be rewarded in small increments. That may be true, but considering the recent high inflation of the economy in the past 20 years, businesses are hugely behind on matching salaries compared with the cost of living.

It's a difficult generation to be in, but I love how Mr. Tracey says that there will always be more jobs than there are qualified or smart people available for that job role, so you don't have to be overly anxious about applying. In education, this is true. It is rare to find a good teacher and mentor.
]]> <![CDATA[How to Consciously Design Your Ideal Future]]> 29489179 140 Benjamin P. Hardy Olivia 5
As a short read or listen, I definitely recommend this book!Ěý The author reveals his articles published into a coherent piece.Ěý He refers to a few other authors, such as Tim Ferris.Ěý I haven't read his book yet, but because of this book, it can lead you to read more on a certain subject or author, but if you don't want to, he gives a nice quick overview.

It was cute how he added personal touches, such as "listening to dubstep".Ěý As we are on the subject of music, I believe that it is how it is perceived more than anything else.Ěý My husband listens to metal and some would describe this as "angry music", however he says that it is his classical music.Ěý After spending some time with my husband, I can hear that now.Ěý As for dubstep, I feel that certain "party music" can remind me of that time in my life, where I would be working for the weekend.

I liked the part about where he mentioned how a company waited to sell their business, as it's sad to hear when businesses sell at 1million, when it's now worth billions.Ěý Even though those initial payoffs are great for the moment, it is not sufficient for your entire lifespan.

I also like when he mentioned about selling a book and how many email subscribers you need.Ěý I have no idea about where to start when it comes to publishing writing for money, so this was definietly an incentive fir a blog.

I didn't like the part when he calculated 5 minutes.Ěý When I heard this, it reminds me of the tipping point of burnout.Ěý "Just 5 more minutes and then I'll have something to drink".Ěý "Just 5 more minutes and I'll have something to eat".Ěý Personally, I notice that when I do not eat on time, or give myself those 5 minute breaks, I take up to 6x longer to recover.]]> 3.73 How to Consciously Design Your Ideal Future
author: Benjamin P. Hardy
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/13
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, career-advice
review:
8/10

As a short read or listen, I definitely recommend this book!Ěý The author reveals his articles published into a coherent piece.Ěý He refers to a few other authors, such as Tim Ferris.Ěý I haven't read his book yet, but because of this book, it can lead you to read more on a certain subject or author, but if you don't want to, he gives a nice quick overview.

It was cute how he added personal touches, such as "listening to dubstep".Ěý As we are on the subject of music, I believe that it is how it is perceived more than anything else.Ěý My husband listens to metal and some would describe this as "angry music", however he says that it is his classical music.Ěý After spending some time with my husband, I can hear that now.Ěý As for dubstep, I feel that certain "party music" can remind me of that time in my life, where I would be working for the weekend.

I liked the part about where he mentioned how a company waited to sell their business, as it's sad to hear when businesses sell at 1million, when it's now worth billions.Ěý Even though those initial payoffs are great for the moment, it is not sufficient for your entire lifespan.

I also like when he mentioned about selling a book and how many email subscribers you need.Ěý I have no idea about where to start when it comes to publishing writing for money, so this was definietly an incentive fir a blog.

I didn't like the part when he calculated 5 minutes.Ěý When I heard this, it reminds me of the tipping point of burnout.Ěý "Just 5 more minutes and then I'll have something to drink".Ěý "Just 5 more minutes and I'll have something to eat".Ěý Personally, I notice that when I do not eat on time, or give myself those 5 minute breaks, I take up to 6x longer to recover.
]]> Born to Win: Library Edition 14576884 0 Zig Ziglar 1455120391 Olivia 3 non-fiction, career-advice 4.03 2012 Born to Win: Library Edition
author: Zig Ziglar
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2020/09/29
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, career-advice
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's Most Elegant Woman]]> 6413242 Delving into the long, extraordinary life of renowned French fashion designer Coco Chanel, Karen Karbo has written a new kind of book, exploring Chanel's philosophy on a range of universal themes - from style to passion, from money and success to femininity and living life on your own terms.
For a live viewing of Chesley McLaren's illustrations you can visit The 4th Wall Gallery.
Click here for more info.]]> 225 Karen Karbo 1599215233 Olivia 3
Not knowing much about Chanel, apart from the fact that she was a very successful woman, I found that this book was a conversation starter, especially the part about her perfume business. If you're French, you may have seen or heard a lot about this matter as it was all over the news. And they call her "Coco", not "Chanel" in France.

I loved the parts about how strong she was as a woman, not caring what others thought of her. After the war they called her, "Nazi lover", most likely out of jealousy. At that time you were either a Nazi lover or a Jew lover, it seems. As Jews stick together, and she wasn't Jewish, of course she would be classed as sleeping with the enemy. And if she were Jewish, she probably would've either escaped to America or stayed to be killed. Either way, she would not be Chanel.

When I think of her brand, I think of the clichéd version of Paris, France. And speaking of Paris, I wonder if my husband's grandfather spoke to her at the Ritz, or even in Switzerland. He was a Nazi doctor, who fell in love with a Nazi himself. And just as Chanel and one of her lovers spoke in English to one another, so did they. He was Swiss, she was German, and so they spoke English. Even today I mentioned to my husband how good his English is, even though it is not his first language. After grammatically correcting him, of course.

My husband also confirmed the French saying to be true. They do not say, "If you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life", but rather, "You must suffer to work", or suffer to be able to afford anything. With that, you can go anywhere and do anything you wish. Never in a disrespectful way of course, but rather as a way of always looking forward and upwards. Never letting anyone put you down.

I sometimes wonder if Chanel was really a noble, and she just told her story of a poorhouse as a laugh. She could've easily lied to pursuade the attention of non high-society girls to her boutique, in desperate need for more customers. Or perhaps she was Jewish all along? Her photo does not seem that far off to the one from Anne Frank's diary, so perhaps she was an escaped Jew, seeking to completely reinvent herself. Who knows?!]]> 3.54 2009 The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's Most Elegant Woman
author: Karen Karbo
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2021/03/07
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: memoir, non-fiction, career-advice
review:
I'm not too sure how to rate this as some of this could've been shorter or cut out, but overall I enjoyed the flow of the reading, read by narrator, Bernadette Dunne. The beginning and end to the story was particularly interesting.

Not knowing much about Chanel, apart from the fact that she was a very successful woman, I found that this book was a conversation starter, especially the part about her perfume business. If you're French, you may have seen or heard a lot about this matter as it was all over the news. And they call her "Coco", not "Chanel" in France.

I loved the parts about how strong she was as a woman, not caring what others thought of her. After the war they called her, "Nazi lover", most likely out of jealousy. At that time you were either a Nazi lover or a Jew lover, it seems. As Jews stick together, and she wasn't Jewish, of course she would be classed as sleeping with the enemy. And if she were Jewish, she probably would've either escaped to America or stayed to be killed. Either way, she would not be Chanel.

When I think of her brand, I think of the clichéd version of Paris, France. And speaking of Paris, I wonder if my husband's grandfather spoke to her at the Ritz, or even in Switzerland. He was a Nazi doctor, who fell in love with a Nazi himself. And just as Chanel and one of her lovers spoke in English to one another, so did they. He was Swiss, she was German, and so they spoke English. Even today I mentioned to my husband how good his English is, even though it is not his first language. After grammatically correcting him, of course.

My husband also confirmed the French saying to be true. They do not say, "If you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life", but rather, "You must suffer to work", or suffer to be able to afford anything. With that, you can go anywhere and do anything you wish. Never in a disrespectful way of course, but rather as a way of always looking forward and upwards. Never letting anyone put you down.

I sometimes wonder if Chanel was really a noble, and she just told her story of a poorhouse as a laugh. She could've easily lied to pursuade the attention of non high-society girls to her boutique, in desperate need for more customers. Or perhaps she was Jewish all along? Her photo does not seem that far off to the one from Anne Frank's diary, so perhaps she was an escaped Jew, seeking to completely reinvent herself. Who knows?!
]]> <![CDATA[Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride]]> 34228539
A string of bestsellers have alerted us to the importance of grit � an ability to persevere and control one’s impulses that is so closely associated with greatness. But no book yet has charted the most accessible and powerful path to our prosocial emotions. These feelings � gratitude, compassion and pride � are easier to generate than the willpower and self-denial that underpin traditional approaches to grit. And, while willpower is quickly depleted, prosocial emotions actually become stronger the more we use them. These emotions have another crucial they’re contagious. Those around us become more likely to apply them when we do.
Ěý
As this myth-shattering book explains, prosocial emotions evolved specifically to help us resist immediate temptations in favor of long-term gains. Originally, they enabled us to build lasting relationships with other people, and they still do that brilliantly. But they can also be adapted to strengthen our bonds with our own future selves � who will benefit most from the grit we need to succeed in life. No matter what our goals are, EMOTIONAL SUCCESS can help us achieve them with greater ease and deeper satisfaction than we would have thought possible.
Ěý]]> 227 David DeSteno 0544703103 Olivia 4 non-fiction, career-advice
This book ties in nicely with other motivational books and advice about pursuing a career that you are passionate about. However, I would say that this book is unique in it's message.

Rather than speaking about mindfulness as an airy fairy approach, DeSteno takes us on a journey of self-discovery, shedding light on past experiences and bad behaviours. Why did we act in such a way? And why did others around us act the way they did? To notice these things, is to notice our failures. Why? So that we will be able to detect failure in our current lives, in order to avoid failure in the future.

This book should have been called, "How Mindfulness and Gratitude can help with Self Control". No one really wants to read about self control, but they do want to read about "Success!" The impulsive, get-rich-quick tips that are attatched to the stigmatisation of these words, "success".

However, when you do read upon this topic of self control, you realize that it's actually quite interesting. DeSteno talks about sacrifice, grit and perserverance. Our emotions can be a reaction to past memories and the pain it has caused. Has this paralyzed us to move forward?

"Emotional Success" is a psychological nonfiction read. The results that we encounter, from a number of studies, helps us relax to the fact that as humans, we are not perfect. We have flaws. Thus, it is important to identify these flaws both in ourselves and the people around us, in order to avoid a repeat performance in the future.

Although DeSteno talks about the future through a long term lens, he also grounds us to the present moment of our current situations. Do we need things to change? Or can we be grateful enough to have what we have? How will we decide to share our lives with others? Should we share our utmost intimate secrets? Or should we have them under lock and key, hidden away forever more? These are the type of questions that run through my mind as I listened to this book.

The chapter about our future selves and how we would like to be remembered vs the reality, reminds me of Bill Burr's joke about paying those bills so well! "Bill, yeah, he paid the sh*t out of those bills!" It's sad, but we do have to pay up to what we owe. We cannot assume that we can do whatever we want without a price. And thus, the message to this book.]]> 3.74 2018 Emotional Success: The Power of Gratitude, Compassion, and Pride
author: David DeSteno
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/24
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, career-advice
review:
7/10

This book ties in nicely with other motivational books and advice about pursuing a career that you are passionate about. However, I would say that this book is unique in it's message.

Rather than speaking about mindfulness as an airy fairy approach, DeSteno takes us on a journey of self-discovery, shedding light on past experiences and bad behaviours. Why did we act in such a way? And why did others around us act the way they did? To notice these things, is to notice our failures. Why? So that we will be able to detect failure in our current lives, in order to avoid failure in the future.

This book should have been called, "How Mindfulness and Gratitude can help with Self Control". No one really wants to read about self control, but they do want to read about "Success!" The impulsive, get-rich-quick tips that are attatched to the stigmatisation of these words, "success".

However, when you do read upon this topic of self control, you realize that it's actually quite interesting. DeSteno talks about sacrifice, grit and perserverance. Our emotions can be a reaction to past memories and the pain it has caused. Has this paralyzed us to move forward?

"Emotional Success" is a psychological nonfiction read. The results that we encounter, from a number of studies, helps us relax to the fact that as humans, we are not perfect. We have flaws. Thus, it is important to identify these flaws both in ourselves and the people around us, in order to avoid a repeat performance in the future.

Although DeSteno talks about the future through a long term lens, he also grounds us to the present moment of our current situations. Do we need things to change? Or can we be grateful enough to have what we have? How will we decide to share our lives with others? Should we share our utmost intimate secrets? Or should we have them under lock and key, hidden away forever more? These are the type of questions that run through my mind as I listened to this book.

The chapter about our future selves and how we would like to be remembered vs the reality, reminds me of Bill Burr's joke about paying those bills so well! "Bill, yeah, he paid the sh*t out of those bills!" It's sad, but we do have to pay up to what we owe. We cannot assume that we can do whatever we want without a price. And thus, the message to this book.
]]> <![CDATA[No Fears, No Excuses: What You Need to Do to Have a Great Career]]> 25897950
Over the past three decades, professor Larry Smith has become something of a “career whispererâ€� for his students at the University of Waterloo. Each year, millions of talented college students graduate with little or no real sense of what their next step will be, yet they are determined not to settle for a so-so career; they are looking for a great career.ĚýSmith points out that only a few fortunate souls are born knowing exactly what they want to pursue inĚýlife. The rest of us have to stop making excuses and start asking ourselves tough questions about achieving our goals.ĚýĚýIn his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Smith itemizes and dismisses all the usual excuses, fears, and worries that people hide behind when trying to find their true direction. His unusual take on this challenging conundrum is both universal and timely, and his stunning TEDx talk on this subject has been viewed by more than six million people so far.ĚýĚýThis is the perfect book for any college graduate who is wondering where he or she fits into the world. It won't necessarily be easy, but if you follow Smith’s guidance, your career dreams can indeed come true.Ěý]]> 272 Larry Smith 0544663330 Olivia 5
Highly recommended for all teenagers and graduates, or for anyone who is considering a change in their career path.

Larry Smith is a realist to dreamers. He teaches economics and architecture, but he appears to be the career advisor for the most part, as he gives many examples of students who have come to him for help.

It can be very difficult to talk to others who do not share our beliefs of being able to make it into an unknown venture. We must surround ourselves with like-minded people, whether that be in person or via social media. Others have succeeded in the field we wish to pursue, so it is possible.

This book will question your motives and make you reminisce about past decisions. If you're worried or scared about following your heart and going with your gut, this book will give you the confidence to be most successful and happiest in a job you truly care about. Your passion will be your driving force, for future success.

Have you been wasting your time on a career that you're not passionate about? There were times I've been told to pursue the highest paying jobs, and other times, to take whatever I can get. However, employers will soon see the lack of passion. This can leave us feeling worse off than if we had gone down the route intended, in the first place.

The book begins with computer science as a degree, as does "Gender Matters", so it's nice to listen to these two books side by side. New technologies needed to hire more than they could handle, now the rest has been left to math majors, and others fleeting from job to job.

I too fell into this lure, thinking that it was the future. When deciding which university or degree to study, it would've been beneficial for me to speak with Larry Smith. Sometimes the course title sounds appealing, but you have to beware of the modules, as this can steer you in a completely different direction. Subconsciously I was trying to meet my mother half way, by studying something with supposed future prospects. Computers are the future, therefore I should learn how to use a computer... I hate computers!

Whilst studying art for a year, before deciding what the next step should be, I remember telling my art foundation teacher that I was thinking about art therapy as a career. However, after telling my mum, she spoke to our neighbour and they both agreed that this was a very difficult job to get into, and perhaps I should consider something else.

I wasn't even fully aware of what an art therapist does, but already the idea was quickly dismissed. So many of us have dismissed opportunities and try to opt for the safer and easier route instead. In search of trying to find something easier, or anything at all after my calamity, I too went down the route of administration, because I wasn't sure how else I could earn money.

So, are you thinking short term or long term? Rarely are we given advice that actually supports what we've been put on this planet to do. Larry talks about not wasting any time, because if you are "just passing the time", then you are just waiting to die.]]> 4.14 2016 No Fears, No Excuses: What You Need to Do to Have a Great Career
author: Larry Smith
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/08
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, career-advice
review:
7 or 8/10

Highly recommended for all teenagers and graduates, or for anyone who is considering a change in their career path.

Larry Smith is a realist to dreamers. He teaches economics and architecture, but he appears to be the career advisor for the most part, as he gives many examples of students who have come to him for help.

It can be very difficult to talk to others who do not share our beliefs of being able to make it into an unknown venture. We must surround ourselves with like-minded people, whether that be in person or via social media. Others have succeeded in the field we wish to pursue, so it is possible.

This book will question your motives and make you reminisce about past decisions. If you're worried or scared about following your heart and going with your gut, this book will give you the confidence to be most successful and happiest in a job you truly care about. Your passion will be your driving force, for future success.

Have you been wasting your time on a career that you're not passionate about? There were times I've been told to pursue the highest paying jobs, and other times, to take whatever I can get. However, employers will soon see the lack of passion. This can leave us feeling worse off than if we had gone down the route intended, in the first place.

The book begins with computer science as a degree, as does "Gender Matters", so it's nice to listen to these two books side by side. New technologies needed to hire more than they could handle, now the rest has been left to math majors, and others fleeting from job to job.

I too fell into this lure, thinking that it was the future. When deciding which university or degree to study, it would've been beneficial for me to speak with Larry Smith. Sometimes the course title sounds appealing, but you have to beware of the modules, as this can steer you in a completely different direction. Subconsciously I was trying to meet my mother half way, by studying something with supposed future prospects. Computers are the future, therefore I should learn how to use a computer... I hate computers!

Whilst studying art for a year, before deciding what the next step should be, I remember telling my art foundation teacher that I was thinking about art therapy as a career. However, after telling my mum, she spoke to our neighbour and they both agreed that this was a very difficult job to get into, and perhaps I should consider something else.

I wasn't even fully aware of what an art therapist does, but already the idea was quickly dismissed. So many of us have dismissed opportunities and try to opt for the safer and easier route instead. In search of trying to find something easier, or anything at all after my calamity, I too went down the route of administration, because I wasn't sure how else I could earn money.

So, are you thinking short term or long term? Rarely are we given advice that actually supports what we've been put on this planet to do. Larry talks about not wasting any time, because if you are "just passing the time", then you are just waiting to die.
]]> <![CDATA[The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success]]> 9420697 162 Darren Hardy Olivia 3
I'm glad I gave Darren Hardy's books a try. I would recommend listening to his other book first, like I did. The structure of "Entrepreneur Rollacoaster" felt a little more put together, making it feel more enticing. But what attracted me to listen to this one first, was the sound quality. It sounds like he used a better microphone for this book. They also added in some sound effects of a rollacoaster to break up the chapters, giving listeners a break from Hardy's voice. He likes to speak quickly, which I enjoyed, but after a while, it can be a bit much to take in.

Both books end up feeling a little similar, especially at the end. For example, when he talks about Oprah. I wasn't inclined to listen to this at first, because the book felt a bit too; "I'm a salesman and you will eat up everything I say", type of voice.

In my opinion, I found that it's a good motivational book, but I found that I started to zone out and needed a few more breaks from this book, compared with his other book, "Entrepreneur Rollacoaster".]]> 4.20 2010 The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success
author: Darren Hardy
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at: 2021/02/04
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management, career-advice
review:
"The Compound Effect" has some useful tips & reminders. I like how he talks about good healthy habits and saving habits like the pot system. Combine this book with SJ.Scott's book on "Habit Stacking" and you will have an array of ideas on how to be healthier and wealthier, and ultimately more successful and happier.

I'm glad I gave Darren Hardy's books a try. I would recommend listening to his other book first, like I did. The structure of "Entrepreneur Rollacoaster" felt a little more put together, making it feel more enticing. But what attracted me to listen to this one first, was the sound quality. It sounds like he used a better microphone for this book. They also added in some sound effects of a rollacoaster to break up the chapters, giving listeners a break from Hardy's voice. He likes to speak quickly, which I enjoyed, but after a while, it can be a bit much to take in.

Both books end up feeling a little similar, especially at the end. For example, when he talks about Oprah. I wasn't inclined to listen to this at first, because the book felt a bit too; "I'm a salesman and you will eat up everything I say", type of voice.

In my opinion, I found that it's a good motivational book, but I found that I started to zone out and needed a few more breaks from this book, compared with his other book, "Entrepreneur Rollacoaster".
]]> <![CDATA[The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: It's Your Turn to #JoinTheRide]]> 45900020
This essential guidebook will prepare you for the wild ride of entrepreneurship. It will warn you (of forthcoming fears, doubts, and the self-defeating conditioning of your upbringing and past), inoculate you (from the naysayers, dream-stealers, and pains of rejection and failure), and guide you (as you build those underdeveloped skills of independence, self-motivation, and self-accountability) safely past the landmines that blow up and cause the failure of 66 percent of all new businesses.

Discover why NOW is the best time to #JOINTHERIDE.]]> 264 Darren Hardy 1733513302 Olivia 4
If you're into business books, and is someone who enjoys counting and watching the economy for it's statistics in the stockmarket, you may enjoy the chapter about hiring. I say this, because this is the only part I would recommend to my husband.

It had many great examples, one of which I had been thinking about myself before listening to this. For example, if you rock climb outside on real rock, there's a potential of you falling to your death, but starting a new business venture maybe scary, but it isn't life threatening.

I also wrote a review for his other audiobook, "The Compound Effect". I made a few comparisons between these two books in that review.]]> 4.25 The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster: It's Your Turn to #JoinTheRide
author: Darren Hardy
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/01/25
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, career-advice
review:
If you flick through past the beginning, you are sure to get caught up in this ride! The multiple thank you's at the end were also exhausting.. but the chunk of it is worth a listen.

If you're into business books, and is someone who enjoys counting and watching the economy for it's statistics in the stockmarket, you may enjoy the chapter about hiring. I say this, because this is the only part I would recommend to my husband.

It had many great examples, one of which I had been thinking about myself before listening to this. For example, if you rock climb outside on real rock, there's a potential of you falling to your death, but starting a new business venture maybe scary, but it isn't life threatening.

I also wrote a review for his other audiobook, "The Compound Effect". I made a few comparisons between these two books in that review.
]]> How to Be an Artist 49872803 "Inspiration leaps off the pages from Jerry Saltz's new book on creativity. . . . This book is for the artist or non-artist, for the person who gets plain English, for the person who understands that practical talk can coax out the mystical messages that lie underneath." —Steve Martin

Art has the power to change our lives. For many, becoming an artist is a lifelong dream. But how to make it happen? In How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz, one of the art world’s most celebrated and passionate voices, offers an indispensable handbook for creative people of all kinds.

From the first sparks of inspiration—and how to pursue them without giving in to self-doubt—Saltz offers invaluable insight into what really matters to emerging artists: originality, persistence, a balance between knowledge and intuition, and that most precious of qualities, self-belief. Brimming with rules, prompts, and practical tips, How to Be an Artist gives artists new ways to break through creative blocks, get the most from materials, navigate career challenges, and above all find joy in the work.

Teeming with full-color artwork from visionaries ancient and modern, this beautiful and useful book will help artists of all kinds—painters, photographers, writers, performers—realize their dreams.]]> 144 Jerry Saltz 0593086465 Olivia 3
4 stars for motivation
2 stars for narration

After being a truck driver for most of his life, Jerry Saltz started writing at 40 years old. I love books that point out that it's never too late to start something. Saltz mentions other people who also started a new career later on in life. Some of these artists were as old as 85 years when they began to turn their lives around.

Saltz mentions the common artists found in art history lessons at school, but what I love about this book is the stuff in between. Saltz speaks so poetically from the heart, encouraging others to make time for art. Saltz says that you don't have to go to school to be an artist, because only the 1% of the 1% of the 1% become rich and famous from their art. If you're ok with being poor but happy, then go ahead and do what you need to do. Saltz gives us tough love, saying that we should get to work. Show up to community spaces, even if it feels like a waste of time.

After only listening to the introduction of this book, I immediately felt that Jerry Saltz was giving me permission to stop what I was doing or planning to do, and just create something new. I had been thinking about starting a bullet journal, but I wasn't too sure how. Then I saw that I could be part of a community by participating in a challenge. This is what made me crazy about card-making a few years ago. I stopped participating, because I thought I was "a waste of time", but Jerry tells us that nothing is a waste of time. You don't just have to be a glass blower or printmaker, you can also be a mixed media artist too!

My favourite quote would have to be, "Your art doesn't have to make sense". As artists, our eyes follow the texture of the work and we ponder over how it was created. We are not thinking of logical reasons like who we can sell it to, so stop trying. Just create art because it feels good.

Jerry Saltz narrates his own book. The only problem is that he sounds a little bit like the psychiatrist from, "The Mask" movie. If you can withstand his slow and monotonous tone of voice, then you will enjoy what he has to say. ]]> 3.91 2020 How to Be an Artist
author: Jerry Saltz
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/22
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: memoir, non-fiction, art-and-creativity, career-advice
review:
5/10

4 stars for motivation
2 stars for narration

After being a truck driver for most of his life, Jerry Saltz started writing at 40 years old. I love books that point out that it's never too late to start something. Saltz mentions other people who also started a new career later on in life. Some of these artists were as old as 85 years when they began to turn their lives around.

Saltz mentions the common artists found in art history lessons at school, but what I love about this book is the stuff in between. Saltz speaks so poetically from the heart, encouraging others to make time for art. Saltz says that you don't have to go to school to be an artist, because only the 1% of the 1% of the 1% become rich and famous from their art. If you're ok with being poor but happy, then go ahead and do what you need to do. Saltz gives us tough love, saying that we should get to work. Show up to community spaces, even if it feels like a waste of time.

After only listening to the introduction of this book, I immediately felt that Jerry Saltz was giving me permission to stop what I was doing or planning to do, and just create something new. I had been thinking about starting a bullet journal, but I wasn't too sure how. Then I saw that I could be part of a community by participating in a challenge. This is what made me crazy about card-making a few years ago. I stopped participating, because I thought I was "a waste of time", but Jerry tells us that nothing is a waste of time. You don't just have to be a glass blower or printmaker, you can also be a mixed media artist too!

My favourite quote would have to be, "Your art doesn't have to make sense". As artists, our eyes follow the texture of the work and we ponder over how it was created. We are not thinking of logical reasons like who we can sell it to, so stop trying. Just create art because it feels good.

Jerry Saltz narrates his own book. The only problem is that he sounds a little bit like the psychiatrist from, "The Mask" movie. If you can withstand his slow and monotonous tone of voice, then you will enjoy what he has to say.
]]> How to Live on 24 Hours a Day 4855 92 Arnold Bennett 1406922900 Olivia 4
Based upon someone who works a 9-5 job, the advice is to allow;
"half an hour at least on six mornings a week, and one hour and a half on three evenings a week. Total, seven hours and a half a week".

Although written in 1910, most of the writing feels like blog posts. Yes, it was written over 100 years ago, but the concept of the book is timeless, where it goes over similar ruminating thoughts about how we can spend our time more wisely for the things that will make our heart sing.

I love the little details where we can see from the era he is writing from, like; the two penny tube in London, and that it costs on average sixpence for a book.

I managed to pick this kindle book up for free over on Amazon, and found it to be a wonderful little book for the doctor's waiting room, whilst I got myself yet another vaccine.]]> 3.60 1908 How to Live on 24 Hours a Day
author: Arnold Bennett
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.60
book published: 1908
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/13
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
If you're going to read only one chapter from this book, read, "Remember Human Nature".

Based upon someone who works a 9-5 job, the advice is to allow;
"half an hour at least on six mornings a week, and one hour and a half on three evenings a week. Total, seven hours and a half a week".

Although written in 1910, most of the writing feels like blog posts. Yes, it was written over 100 years ago, but the concept of the book is timeless, where it goes over similar ruminating thoughts about how we can spend our time more wisely for the things that will make our heart sing.

I love the little details where we can see from the era he is writing from, like; the two penny tube in London, and that it costs on average sixpence for a book.

I managed to pick this kindle book up for free over on Amazon, and found it to be a wonderful little book for the doctor's waiting room, whilst I got myself yet another vaccine.
]]> <![CDATA[Get It Together: Ditch the Chaos, Do the Work, and Design your Success]]> 39652395 Why do you always feel so BUSY? You are constantly adding to your to-do list, drowning in tasks at the office, and still can’t get on top of your workload. You work so hard and yet you’re not where you want to be in your career and in your life. How can that be? Get It Together gets to the bottom of this question and provides you with the tools and insights you need to transform your career―and finally live the life you always dreamed of.
Career-management expert, bestselling author, and in-demand speaker, Lauren Berger is here to help you break your current habits, get out of your own way, and not only set, but master your very own personalized goals. Get It Together provides 17 guiding principles for achieving ultimate success,
•Always self-evaluate •Cope with failure―it’s inevitable •Determine your goals •Stop getting ready to get ready •Know your priorities
Embrace and apply these principles and you’ll have the foundation you need to create real and lasting success―both professionally and personally. Before you know it, you’ll be thinking more clearly, approaching tasks with a greater sense of purpose, and generating unthinkable results .
It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and make the most of your time by aligning your actions with your priorities. It’s time, once and for all, to GET IT TOGETHER .]]> 240 Lauren Berger 1260142957 Olivia 2
It would probably be more enjoyable as a paperback, as the audio feels like a teenager giving you advice on life.]]> 3.57 Get It Together: Ditch the Chaos, Do the Work, and Design your Success
author: Lauren Berger
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.57
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2021/07/05
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management, career-advice
review:
Terrible audio, but there are a few good points. Especially, to do with time-management.

It would probably be more enjoyable as a paperback, as the audio feels like a teenager giving you advice on life.
]]> <![CDATA[Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster--and Loving Your Home Every Day]]> 30658861
Melissa Maker is beloved by fans all over the world for her completely re-engineered approach to cleaning. As the dynamic new authority on home and living, Melissa knows that to invest any of our precious time in cleaning, we need to see big, long-lasting results. So, she developed her method to help us get the most out of our effort and keep our homes fresh and welcoming every day. In her long-awaited debut book, she shares her revolutionary 3-step

� Identify the most important areas (MIAs) in your home that need attention
� Select the proper products, tools, and techniques (PTT) for the job
� Implement these new cleaning routines so that they stick

Clean My Space takes the chore out of cleaning with Melissa’s incredible tips and cleaning hacks (the power of pretreating!), her lightning fast 5�10 minute “express clean� routines for every room when time is tightest, and her techniques for cleaning even the most daunting places and spaces. And a big Melissa gives guidance on the best non-toxic, eco-conscious cleaning products and offers natural cleaning solution recipes you can make at home using essential oils to soothe and refresh. With Melissa’s simple, groundbreaking method you can truly live in a cleaner, more cheerful, and calming home all the time.]]> 304 Melissa Maker 0735233624 Olivia 1
Not what I expected. The book was more of a recipe book for DIY cleaners.

I thought it would help me understand how to clean faster, but it only had one chapter on scheduling. "Get your husband to help or hire someone", Melissa says. Unfortunately this is not much help! I thought this book would reveal some professional secrets. Instead, you have Melissa explaining how to be curtious towards your maid. I would love to have a maid, but the reality of what people are like nowadays, makes it extremely difficult to acquire the perfect Mary Poppins!

The book, "Living Well, Spending Less" sums up this book in one of Ruth Soukup's chapters. The content feels very similar.

One nice thing that I related to in Melissa Maker's book, is the bit about dragging the heavy hoover up the stairs when we were young. On the contrary, I actually like hoovering nowadays, as I have a really nice hoover by Bosch. Plus, I don't have to worry about carpets!

I was thinking this book is like a 1 star, as you can sometimes find more information about how to clean something, just by Googling it. The audio was good, where Melissa sounds very passionate about what she's talking about. However, the content is extremely monotonous! SAVE YOUR MONEY!]]> 3.79 2017 Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster--and Loving Your Home Every Day
author: Melissa Maker
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, not-worth-reading-again, better-in-paperback, habits-and-time-management
review:
1 or 2/10

Not what I expected. The book was more of a recipe book for DIY cleaners.

I thought it would help me understand how to clean faster, but it only had one chapter on scheduling. "Get your husband to help or hire someone", Melissa says. Unfortunately this is not much help! I thought this book would reveal some professional secrets. Instead, you have Melissa explaining how to be curtious towards your maid. I would love to have a maid, but the reality of what people are like nowadays, makes it extremely difficult to acquire the perfect Mary Poppins!

The book, "Living Well, Spending Less" sums up this book in one of Ruth Soukup's chapters. The content feels very similar.

One nice thing that I related to in Melissa Maker's book, is the bit about dragging the heavy hoover up the stairs when we were young. On the contrary, I actually like hoovering nowadays, as I have a really nice hoover by Bosch. Plus, I don't have to worry about carpets!

I was thinking this book is like a 1 star, as you can sometimes find more information about how to clean something, just by Googling it. The audio was good, where Melissa sounds very passionate about what she's talking about. However, the content is extremely monotonous! SAVE YOUR MONEY!
]]> <![CDATA[The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results]]> 23961656 Gary Keller Olivia 5
I really enjoyed this book! It's like getting advice from a grandfather like figure who is telling you that you better pay attention to an area of your life that means the most to you, because if you don't, you'll regret it. What do people say on their death beds, do you regret doing something, or NOT doing something. The majority regret NOT doing that one thing!

The beginning felt similar to the "5 second rule" by Mel Robbins, but then Mr.Keller goes on to explore other ideas. Mel Robbins tells us to get up in the morning and Gary Keller is reminding us why. Similarly to Mel, he repeats the title of the book, in a most calming voice, to really knock that nail on the head. "How do you eat an elephant? With 1 bite at a time!"

The idea of 5 different areas of your life is true, but it also slightly contradicts the 1 thing. Areas of our life which we all have to pay attention to, because eg. If we're working constantly, we might miss our kids growing up and forever lose that connection with them.

The 1 thing that we wish we could do.. Do it! Focus, keep track, do whatever it takes.]]> 3.82 2012 The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
author: Gary Keller
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2019/12/14
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
8/10

I really enjoyed this book! It's like getting advice from a grandfather like figure who is telling you that you better pay attention to an area of your life that means the most to you, because if you don't, you'll regret it. What do people say on their death beds, do you regret doing something, or NOT doing something. The majority regret NOT doing that one thing!

The beginning felt similar to the "5 second rule" by Mel Robbins, but then Mr.Keller goes on to explore other ideas. Mel Robbins tells us to get up in the morning and Gary Keller is reminding us why. Similarly to Mel, he repeats the title of the book, in a most calming voice, to really knock that nail on the head. "How do you eat an elephant? With 1 bite at a time!"

The idea of 5 different areas of your life is true, but it also slightly contradicts the 1 thing. Areas of our life which we all have to pay attention to, because eg. If we're working constantly, we might miss our kids growing up and forever lose that connection with them.

The 1 thing that we wish we could do.. Do it! Focus, keep track, do whatever it takes.
]]> <![CDATA[How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets]]> 36187860
"The dirty little secret about most organizing advice is that it's written by organized people," says blogger, speaker, and decluttering expert Dana K. White. "But that's not how my brain works. I'm lost on page three."

Dana blogs at A Slob Comes Clean, chronicling her successes and failures with her self-described "deslobification process". In the beginning she used the name Nony (short for aNONYmous), because she was sharing her deep, dark slob secret. Now she has truly come clean - with not only her real name but the strategies she has developed, tested, and proved in her own home. She has learned what it takes to bring a home out of disaster status, which habits make the biggest and most lasting impact, and how to keep clutter under control.

In How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind, Dana explains that cleaning your house is not a onetime project but a series of ongoing premade decisions. Her reality-based cleaning and organizing techniques debunk the biggest housekeeping fantasies and help listeners learn what really works.

Chapter titles include:

•My First Step: Giving Up on the Fantasy
•The Worst Thing About the Best Way
•Just Tell Me What to Do
•Conquering Laundry
•Get Dinner on the Table
•Putting an End to the Never-Ending Weekly Cleaning Tasks
•Don't Get Organized
•How to Declutter Without Making a Bigger Mess
•Fighting the Perceived Value Battle
•But Will It Last?

With a huge helping of empathy and humor, Dana provides a step-by-step process with strategies for getting rid of enormous amounts of stuff in as little time (and with as little emotional drama) as possible.]]> 6 Dana K. White Olivia 3
Dana does not go down the route on how to declutter your things like Marie Kondo does, but she does help you with keeping on top of the day-to-day things! It’s written for real people with real lives, because life just happens!

At first I thought, "Oh, but what does she know?" I tried to keep my home tidy one weekend. I spent the entire weekend cleaning and cleaning, after every meal. I felt as though I only got a chance to sit down for a few minutes before cleaning some more! But I thought, "Hey, she must know something if she has a blog and podcast dedicated to this whole notion!" So I decided to listen.

"Keep going and it will get easier", Dana ensured. After trying to just "DO THE DISHES", I was surprised at how clean and tidy my home looked without actually going to the lengths of dusting & decluttering the whole house! Doing chores as a break, rather than a job, creates a very positive mindset and makes you stop dwelling on any negative task that you must complete that week.

DOING THE DISHES works! And I'm still working on implementing an evening routine. But, once the dishes have been done, I actually have more time in the mornings. It made me rethink my schedule and the way I have been doing things. Why should I exercise or clean first thing? Maybe I can focus on me and my projects, and use my brain and the talents that God gave me! I've been longing to use my craft room area of our home, and now I can! Thank you Dana! xoxo

Her book was so easy to listen to!!! There are a lot of books that have ok voice actors and some that make listening to the book extremely difficult, but not Dana’s voice! I can listen to her at any time of day. She mentioned that she was a theatre teacher, and I can hear that within her voice. Her voice has such character! I’m surprised that she is not a voice actress or public speaker.]]> 4.19 2016 How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets
author: Dana K. White
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2020/02/03
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
It's a good audiobook, but it does feel a little repetitive, like "The 5 second rule" by Mel Robbins. So in that sense, I don't feel the need to listen to this book again, hence my average rating.

Dana does not go down the route on how to declutter your things like Marie Kondo does, but she does help you with keeping on top of the day-to-day things! It’s written for real people with real lives, because life just happens!

At first I thought, "Oh, but what does she know?" I tried to keep my home tidy one weekend. I spent the entire weekend cleaning and cleaning, after every meal. I felt as though I only got a chance to sit down for a few minutes before cleaning some more! But I thought, "Hey, she must know something if she has a blog and podcast dedicated to this whole notion!" So I decided to listen.

"Keep going and it will get easier", Dana ensured. After trying to just "DO THE DISHES", I was surprised at how clean and tidy my home looked without actually going to the lengths of dusting & decluttering the whole house! Doing chores as a break, rather than a job, creates a very positive mindset and makes you stop dwelling on any negative task that you must complete that week.

DOING THE DISHES works! And I'm still working on implementing an evening routine. But, once the dishes have been done, I actually have more time in the mornings. It made me rethink my schedule and the way I have been doing things. Why should I exercise or clean first thing? Maybe I can focus on me and my projects, and use my brain and the talents that God gave me! I've been longing to use my craft room area of our home, and now I can! Thank you Dana! xoxo

Her book was so easy to listen to!!! There are a lot of books that have ok voice actors and some that make listening to the book extremely difficult, but not Dana’s voice! I can listen to her at any time of day. She mentioned that she was a theatre teacher, and I can hear that within her voice. Her voice has such character! I’m surprised that she is not a voice actress or public speaker.
]]> <![CDATA[Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind (99U)]]> 17606014
Are you over-extended, over-distracted, and overwhelmed? Do you work at a breakneck pace all day, only to find that you haven't accomplished the most important things on your agenda when you leave the office?

The world has changed and the way we work has to change, too. With wisdom from 20 leading creative minds, Manage Your Day-to-Day will give you a toolkit for tackling the new challenges of a 24/7, always-on workplace.

We seem to have a strange but all too human cultural fixation on the daily routines and daily rituals of famous creators, from Vonnegut to Burroughs to Darwin � as if a glimpse of their day-to-day would somehow magically infuse ours with equal potency, or replicating it would allow us to replicate their genius in turn. And though much of this is mere cultural voyeurism, there is something to be said for the value of a well-engineered daily routine to anchor the creative process. Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind (public library), edited by Behance’s 99U editor-in-chief Jocelyn Glei and featuring contributions from a twenty of today’s most celebrated thinkers and doers, delves into the secrets of this holy grail of creativity.

Featuring contributions from: Dan Ariely, Leo Babauta, Scott Belsky, Lori Deschene, Aaron Dignan, Erin Rooney Doland, Seth Godin,Todd Henry, Christian Jarrett, Scott McDowell, Mark McGuinness, Cal Newport, Steven Pressfield, Gretchen Rubin, Stefan Sagmeister, Elizabeth G. Saunders, Tony Schwartz, Tiffany Shlain, Linda Stone, and James Victore. Plus, a foreword from Behance founder & CEO Scott Belsky.]]> 253 Jocelyn K. Glei 1477800670 Olivia 5 3.97 2013 Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind (99U)
author: Jocelyn K. Glei
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2020/04/22
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, favs, habits-and-time-management
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do (Clutterbug)]]> 41438776 You’re not messy—you just organize differently. Learn to make your natural habits work for you with this bestseller by the host of HGTV’s Hot Mess House! Organizing isn’t one size fits all. By discovering your unique Organizing Personality Type, you can find the most effective strategies for a more productive and clutter-free life. The Clutter Connection examines and explains how different brain types directly relate to organization and clutter. Cassandra Aarssen smashes the stereotype that some people are “naturally messyâ€� and offers insight and real-life solutions based on your unique personal organizing style. The Clutter Connection will help you get organized, be more productive and finally understand the why behind your clutter. Find out what type of Clutterbug you are and ·ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý The four different organizing styles and how they relate to each other ·ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý How motivation and happiness can be directly affected by our space ·ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý The â€�3P’s”─Productivity, procrastination, and perfectionism, and how they’re connected to your unique organizing style ·ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý How you can finally become clutter-free simply by knowing yourself better]]> 380 Cassandra Aarssen 1633538575 Olivia 5
I love Cass! I'm a fan of her Youtube channel Clutterbug, and this book was better than expected!

Some books about cleaning and organizing can be filled with DIY cleaning recipes, but not this one! I love Cassandra Aarssen's books so far, and I'm glad she used the same narrator, Ann Richardson.

When I finished this book, I was like, yes! I'm a cricket!!!! That night I blurted out to my husband that I'm a cricket, but he did not share the same enthusiasm. He took the test as well, and we found out that he is a butterfly.

It's funny, but before I married him, I thought I was going to live with an OCD man. He kept saying that he was used to living in a tidy home with a keys bowl by the door. The dumping ground by the door makes sense now. Since laying out a basket instead of a plate, it looks a little bit better.

I wasn't too sure how we would get along sharing a place together, but somehow over the years I seem to be more OCD than he is. He's only OCD over paperwork, which is good for me. Living in a calm environment has helped me go from slob to organized. That's why I found it so difficult to know which clutterbug I was. Because I was thinking about who I used to be overall in general, and not about who I am today.

After organizing my home, the one thing that I'm still struggling with is the paper clutter and computer files. I've been re-organizing my files on my laptop for far too long. So when I heard about the story of the lady who had micro sorted all her piles into hundreds of piles... I knew then, that my "perfectionist" side can sometimes hold me back.

For a while I doubted that I was a cricket, because I thought that crickets had it all figured out. No we don't! We need help sometimes too!

Awesome book! This book allows you to understand not only about what is right for you, but what is right for your family and those who you live with.

PS. I love her YouTube channel too! ]]> 4.12 2019 The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize the Way You Do (Clutterbug)
author: Cassandra Aarssen
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/09/11
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
10/10

I love Cass! I'm a fan of her Youtube channel Clutterbug, and this book was better than expected!

Some books about cleaning and organizing can be filled with DIY cleaning recipes, but not this one! I love Cassandra Aarssen's books so far, and I'm glad she used the same narrator, Ann Richardson.

When I finished this book, I was like, yes! I'm a cricket!!!! That night I blurted out to my husband that I'm a cricket, but he did not share the same enthusiasm. He took the test as well, and we found out that he is a butterfly.

It's funny, but before I married him, I thought I was going to live with an OCD man. He kept saying that he was used to living in a tidy home with a keys bowl by the door. The dumping ground by the door makes sense now. Since laying out a basket instead of a plate, it looks a little bit better.

I wasn't too sure how we would get along sharing a place together, but somehow over the years I seem to be more OCD than he is. He's only OCD over paperwork, which is good for me. Living in a calm environment has helped me go from slob to organized. That's why I found it so difficult to know which clutterbug I was. Because I was thinking about who I used to be overall in general, and not about who I am today.

After organizing my home, the one thing that I'm still struggling with is the paper clutter and computer files. I've been re-organizing my files on my laptop for far too long. So when I heard about the story of the lady who had micro sorted all her piles into hundreds of piles... I knew then, that my "perfectionist" side can sometimes hold me back.

For a while I doubted that I was a cricket, because I thought that crickets had it all figured out. No we don't! We need help sometimes too!

Awesome book! This book allows you to understand not only about what is right for you, but what is right for your family and those who you live with.

PS. I love her YouTube channel too!
]]> <![CDATA[Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time]]> 95887 The legendary Eat That Frog! (more than 450,000 copies sold and translated into 23 languages) provides the 21 most effective methods for conquering procrastination and accomplishing more. This new edition is revised and updated throughout, and includes brand new information on how to keep technology from dominating our time.]]> 144 Brian Tracy 1576754227 Olivia 5
If you're feeling a bit depressed and negative, especially at the moment, then I recommend this book! It really helped me get back on track.

It got me thinking about my current routine and schedule that I have for myself. Sometimes we think we can do so much more in one day, than a day allows. In turn, this causes us stress, with feelings of worthlessness.

After reading this, I worked at my desk first thing in the morning. After completing a task so early on in the day, I felt a lot more motivated to do all the low value, but necessary tasks that needed to be done that day. I hated the days when the first thought of the day was over what I needed to clean. Boring! Suffice to say, there was no motivation to get out of bed first thing in the morning.

Of course, waking up early is good, but whether or not we start on what's necessary straight away or not, is they key. Knowing how to prioritize tasks is how you will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment, fulfilment and in turn, happiness.

Upon finishing this book, I picked up Brian Tracey's other book, "No Excuses". He goes into more detail in this book, giving one more perspective over how to be more clear about our goals and how to make this a reality.]]> 3.90 2001 Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
author: Brian Tracy
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 2020/08/01
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, absolute-favs, habits-and-time-management
review:
I ate this one up!!! Super quick read!

If you're feeling a bit depressed and negative, especially at the moment, then I recommend this book! It really helped me get back on track.

It got me thinking about my current routine and schedule that I have for myself. Sometimes we think we can do so much more in one day, than a day allows. In turn, this causes us stress, with feelings of worthlessness.

After reading this, I worked at my desk first thing in the morning. After completing a task so early on in the day, I felt a lot more motivated to do all the low value, but necessary tasks that needed to be done that day. I hated the days when the first thought of the day was over what I needed to clean. Boring! Suffice to say, there was no motivation to get out of bed first thing in the morning.

Of course, waking up early is good, but whether or not we start on what's necessary straight away or not, is they key. Knowing how to prioritize tasks is how you will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment, fulfilment and in turn, happiness.

Upon finishing this book, I picked up Brian Tracey's other book, "No Excuses". He goes into more detail in this book, giving one more perspective over how to be more clear about our goals and how to make this a reality.
]]> <![CDATA[Habit Stacking: 127 Small Actions That Take Five Minutes or Less]]> 34668961 Want to improve your life, but don't have enough time? Right now you could easily think of a dozen ways to instantly improve your life. Odds are, these ideas will only take a few minutes apiece to complete. The problem? You might feel like there's not enough time to do all of them. One solution can be found using the power of "habit stacking."

One Routine + Multiple Habits = Habit Stacking

We all know it's not easy to add dozens of new habits to your day. But what you might not realize is it's fairly easy to build a single new routine. The essence of habit stacking is to take a series of small changes (like eating a piece of fruit or sending a loving text message to your significant other) and build a ritual that you follow on a daily basis.

Habit stacking works because you eliminate the stress of trying to change too many things at once. Your goal is to simply focus on a single routine that only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Within this routine is a series of actions (or small changes). All you have to do is to create a checklist and follow it every single day. That's the essence of habit stacking.

LEARN: 127 Small Habits that Can Change Your Life

In the book "Habit Stacking: 127 Small Actions That Take Five Minutes Or Less," you will discover 127 quick habits that can instantly improve your life. Plus you'll discover how to create a simple routine (managed by a checklist) that you repeat on a daily basis. Even better, you'll discover a few tools that will keep you motivated and consistent. So even if you're completely stressed out, you'll still find the time and energy to complete these actions on a consistent basis.

This completely revised, 2nd of Habit Stacking:
Is three times in length, with clear explanations of important habit stacking concepts.

Details 127 small actions with specific resources to get started.

Provides 9 examples of specific stacks you can build.

8 Steps for Building a Habit Stacking Routine

Includes a free companion website full of bonus material that will assist with your habit stacking efforts.]]> 242 S.J. Scott 1946159018 Olivia 2 OR 6/10 for the written format

I was so excited about the hype over this book, but unfortunately feel disappointed overall. As most of the book feels like one huge master list of good ideas for everyone, it ends up feeling exhausting to finish. I hate audiobooks that sound like a list! The last 5% of the book tells you how you can incorporate these ideas, but I thought that was going to be the main chunk of the book.

The first half mentions his own blog: developgoodhabits.com and other resources. Some of the ideas are good for those interested in bullet journaling, as he has some free printable links on his website. It's also good for those who work from home and are interested in a healthy lifestyle. However, there are so many ideas, it makes my head hurt! Recommending yet another thing in your daily routine doesn't feel balanced, and sounds like you need to be awake for 72 hours to complete everything. SJ Scott does tell you to start small, and to pick a few off the list that sound good. Therefore, you should treat this book as a reference rather than a story.

I give this 2 stars as it has some good ideas, but I don't see myself listening to this again. I would recommend, "Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod instead, and having this book as reading material, rather than listening material.]]> 3.63 2017 Habit Stacking: 127 Small Actions That Take Five Minutes or Less
author: S.J. Scott
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at: 2021/01/16
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, better-in-paperback, habits-and-time-management
review:
3/10 for the audiobook version
OR 6/10 for the written format

I was so excited about the hype over this book, but unfortunately feel disappointed overall. As most of the book feels like one huge master list of good ideas for everyone, it ends up feeling exhausting to finish. I hate audiobooks that sound like a list! The last 5% of the book tells you how you can incorporate these ideas, but I thought that was going to be the main chunk of the book.

The first half mentions his own blog: developgoodhabits.com and other resources. Some of the ideas are good for those interested in bullet journaling, as he has some free printable links on his website. It's also good for those who work from home and are interested in a healthy lifestyle. However, there are so many ideas, it makes my head hurt! Recommending yet another thing in your daily routine doesn't feel balanced, and sounds like you need to be awake for 72 hours to complete everything. SJ Scott does tell you to start small, and to pick a few off the list that sound good. Therefore, you should treat this book as a reference rather than a story.

I give this 2 stars as it has some good ideas, but I don't see myself listening to this again. I would recommend, "Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod instead, and having this book as reading material, rather than listening material.
]]> <![CDATA[Real Life Organizing: Clean and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day]]> 44827909 Cassandra Aarssen Olivia 5
I highly recommend listening to this book. Unlike some other books, this doesn't contain a whole list of items, or DIY cleaners, like in "Clean my Space". Instead, Cass takes you through her journey, in such a way that feels helpful and inspiring.

My favourite part was how she described her dream house, by a lake. It reminded me of a happy ending of a romantic fiction novel. A perfect, yet realistic ending to a lovely book.

This book is so motivating, you won't be able to put it down until you've tossed out your 21 items! I didn't count how many things I threw away, but I was certainly not expecting to find as much as I did to toss out!

Last year, I read the Marie Kondo method. I prefer her Netflix show than her book. Although it's fun to watch, it's not fun when you feel like you have to dedicate the next month to it. Instead, Cass has broken it down into bite-size manageable chunks, which are very practical and less scary!

The only negative is that the beginning of this book sounded very similar to her other book, "Clutter Connection", so much so I thought it was the same book. In this section, Cass asks you to discover which clutterbug you may be, from her questionnaire. However, after listening instead of reading this part, I was able to think about my current situation, without over-thinking about it too much.

Even though Cass doesn't read her own book, her sense of humour still comes across in her writing! The narrator, Ann Richardson, was far better and a lot easier to listen to than the audiobook, "Craft a Life You Love", by Amy Tangerine.

As someone who doesn't have kids, I can find it annoying when some authors, like Steven Covey, hark on and on about the relationship and conversations with his son, which feel irrelavant to someone like like myself. This book doesn't get annoying like that! I actually found her stories about her kids to be quite entertaining!

It's realistic, yet written in a positive light. A light and easy read, which can be picked up as often as every Thursday, when it comes to decluttering my home a little bit more!

Awesome book! Very inspiring! ]]> 3.97 2017 Real Life Organizing: Clean and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes a Day
author: Cassandra Aarssen
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2020/08/27
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
Best organizing book I've come across so far!

I highly recommend listening to this book. Unlike some other books, this doesn't contain a whole list of items, or DIY cleaners, like in "Clean my Space". Instead, Cass takes you through her journey, in such a way that feels helpful and inspiring.

My favourite part was how she described her dream house, by a lake. It reminded me of a happy ending of a romantic fiction novel. A perfect, yet realistic ending to a lovely book.

This book is so motivating, you won't be able to put it down until you've tossed out your 21 items! I didn't count how many things I threw away, but I was certainly not expecting to find as much as I did to toss out!

Last year, I read the Marie Kondo method. I prefer her Netflix show than her book. Although it's fun to watch, it's not fun when you feel like you have to dedicate the next month to it. Instead, Cass has broken it down into bite-size manageable chunks, which are very practical and less scary!

The only negative is that the beginning of this book sounded very similar to her other book, "Clutter Connection", so much so I thought it was the same book. In this section, Cass asks you to discover which clutterbug you may be, from her questionnaire. However, after listening instead of reading this part, I was able to think about my current situation, without over-thinking about it too much.

Even though Cass doesn't read her own book, her sense of humour still comes across in her writing! The narrator, Ann Richardson, was far better and a lot easier to listen to than the audiobook, "Craft a Life You Love", by Amy Tangerine.

As someone who doesn't have kids, I can find it annoying when some authors, like Steven Covey, hark on and on about the relationship and conversations with his son, which feel irrelavant to someone like like myself. This book doesn't get annoying like that! I actually found her stories about her kids to be quite entertaining!

It's realistic, yet written in a positive light. A light and easy read, which can be picked up as often as every Thursday, when it comes to decluttering my home a little bit more!

Awesome book! Very inspiring!
]]> <![CDATA[Time Management for Entrepreneurs: How to Stop Procrastinating, Get More Done and Increase Your Productivity While Working from Home (The Pursuit of Self Improvement Book 1)]]> 19031261 129 Jessica Marks Olivia 5
The key takeaway that I got from this book was how to manage my distractions. If you don't feel like spending hours on these type of books, then this a great short read!

Her story struck a nerve with me. It made me think about how I could pursue getting paid to write.Ěý I always found it somewhat easy enough, or should I say, it's my way of procrastinating.

Although I always dreamed of writing a book, I never could imagine this from a realistic perspective, and how that time could be now. When I hear how writer's describe their time, it sounds so alluring, as their routine seems pretty chilled, compared to other jobs I have had.

I also always imagined that it would be awesome to get paid from anywhere around the world.Ěý This ideology was probably my reason why I studied what I studied. The dreamer in me thought, wouldn't it be awesome to have your laptop in hand, on a beach somewhere?

Well, I'm not far off my dream in some respects, as I'm writing this on my phone, by the pool as we speak.Ěý Somehow my life led to me living abroad, but now I feel a little stuck about what the next course of action is.

There are no cocktails or waiters around by this pool.Ěý But, I'm half way there!Ěý It's just like seeing the glass half empty or full.Ěý]]> 3.50 2013 Time Management for Entrepreneurs: How to Stop Procrastinating, Get More Done and Increase Your Productivity While Working from Home (The Pursuit of Self Improvement Book 1)
author: Jessica Marks
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/23
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
8 or 9/10

The key takeaway that I got from this book was how to manage my distractions. If you don't feel like spending hours on these type of books, then this a great short read!

Her story struck a nerve with me. It made me think about how I could pursue getting paid to write.Ěý I always found it somewhat easy enough, or should I say, it's my way of procrastinating.

Although I always dreamed of writing a book, I never could imagine this from a realistic perspective, and how that time could be now. When I hear how writer's describe their time, it sounds so alluring, as their routine seems pretty chilled, compared to other jobs I have had.

I also always imagined that it would be awesome to get paid from anywhere around the world.Ěý This ideology was probably my reason why I studied what I studied. The dreamer in me thought, wouldn't it be awesome to have your laptop in hand, on a beach somewhere?

Well, I'm not far off my dream in some respects, as I'm writing this on my phone, by the pool as we speak.Ěý Somehow my life led to me living abroad, but now I feel a little stuck about what the next course of action is.

There are no cocktails or waiters around by this pool.Ěý But, I'm half way there!Ěý It's just like seeing the glass half empty or full.Ěý
]]> <![CDATA[Zen Habits - Handbook for Life]]> 6056602
When I first started out in my adult life, 17 years ago, it would have been nice if someone I respected had given me a handbook, with all the essential topics covered in a how-to format. It would have taught me to simplify my life, which I've learned to do in the last few years. It would have talked about the essentials of happiness, and how to be productive and achieve my dreams.

Of course, life doesn't come with such a handbook, but that didn't stop me from trying to create one. I hope this handbook will be of some use to you and help you achieve your dreams too. Choose the articles that apply best to your life, and give them a try. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.]]> 146 Leo Babauta Olivia 3
A nice quick & easy listen.

I feel calmer already! Fred Stella, the narrator, has a calming, yet motivating voice, which works well with this book. Leo Babauta's book is based upon his "successful" blog, "Zen Habits", which his readers requested. There are short and sweet tips that are addressed quickly. Some of his advice includes;

- Declutter your home in order to declutter your mind.
- The art of doing nothing, eg. take a hot bath.
- Practice being compassionate towards others.
- Bring focus to your breathe.
- Remind yourself to be grateful for what you have.
- Make the most of your time and spend it wisely.

My least favourite part was the part about being more compassionate towards others, because this comes naturally to me, so I was surprised to hear that people have to practice this. Contrary to my distaste to this section, he does have a point. My last job required more face to face interaction, and it was comforting to know that other strangers respond so well once you are well versed in smiling and portraying a sense of self confidence.

A nice read for those wanting to feel calmer. You could say it's almost hypnotic. Listening to his stories, I envision images of cycling through winding bends within nature. Breathing in the fresh air and just staring at my jaw dropping surroundings in the mountains somewhere, whilst pondering whether to take a dip in the refreshingly cold, yet sun drenched lake. Leo Babauta creates the illusion of being free, at least within in our own minds.]]> 3.62 2008 Zen Habits - Handbook for Life
author: Leo Babauta
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/21
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
5 or 6/10

A nice quick & easy listen.

I feel calmer already! Fred Stella, the narrator, has a calming, yet motivating voice, which works well with this book. Leo Babauta's book is based upon his "successful" blog, "Zen Habits", which his readers requested. There are short and sweet tips that are addressed quickly. Some of his advice includes;

- Declutter your home in order to declutter your mind.
- The art of doing nothing, eg. take a hot bath.
- Practice being compassionate towards others.
- Bring focus to your breathe.
- Remind yourself to be grateful for what you have.
- Make the most of your time and spend it wisely.

My least favourite part was the part about being more compassionate towards others, because this comes naturally to me, so I was surprised to hear that people have to practice this. Contrary to my distaste to this section, he does have a point. My last job required more face to face interaction, and it was comforting to know that other strangers respond so well once you are well versed in smiling and portraying a sense of self confidence.

A nice read for those wanting to feel calmer. You could say it's almost hypnotic. Listening to his stories, I envision images of cycling through winding bends within nature. Breathing in the fresh air and just staring at my jaw dropping surroundings in the mountains somewhere, whilst pondering whether to take a dip in the refreshingly cold, yet sun drenched lake. Leo Babauta creates the illusion of being free, at least within in our own minds.
]]> <![CDATA[Sink Reflections: Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? Discover the Secrets That Have Changed the Lives of More Than Half a Million Families...]]> 350258 256 Marla Cilley 0553382179 Olivia 5
This book is far more than just a Stepford Wives guide. This is about "Finally Loving Yourself".

"Are you ready to FLY, Finally Loving Yourself? Let go of your perfectionism and start to live"

It's about giving you the courage to overcome not just the physical clutter in your home, but the mental clutter that holds you back in life. Whether you are a stay at home mum or work for a living, this is by far the best book I've read when it comes to organizing not just your stuff, but your life.

I found that this book made me look at not only my household routines, but my exercise routines, and created time for my passion projects. It made me evaluate my digital clutter on my computer hard drives, as well as being able to simultaneously keep up with daily chores. I really recommend listening to this, as you can simply just do what you need to do without overthinking it and subconsciously you'll find that suddenly you have more energy and determination to get it done.

Flylady, Marla Cilley, and all her "fly babies", as she likes to call them; give us insight into lives of multiple women. I love how she puts the tough love on and says that it doesn't matter who helps you, you just need to do it. So many couples these days split everything 50/50 to a point where everyone is more observant over the other person than of their own actions. "What about the single, divorced or military housewives who's husbands leave for months on end? Can I not help them?" Very well said Marla!

Of course, if you enjoy watching cleaning videos for motivation, then this is a must-read! I actually found this book via YouTube Channel, "The Secret Slob". I felt like I had watched enough videos and it was about time to see what Steph and others were talking about. Before listening to this book, I began thinking about the control journal suggested, but in such a perfectionist way of adding a time for each specific activity. If I didn't wake up at the time I was supposed to wake up at, I felt lost about where to start that day. It was only after listening to this book that I realized that it's about habits and routines!

Marla Cilley writes this book so well. She covers a range of topics, from breaking it down into baby steps, but also, at the same time she brings us back to the bigger picture. I love the example of how one woman was so impressed with her house being clean, she didn't want to dirty it with cigarette smoke, so she quit smoking! Another example I love is that this FlyLady method gave one lady, or "fly baby", the confidence to know that she can manage her home, so she was able to go back to work, without stressing about the house.

"A wife that quit smoking and spent her cigarette money on lingerie. (tee hee hee)"

In my opinion, if you enjoyed Marie Kondo's method, then you'll enjoy this one even more. Even if you hated Marie Kondo's method, you'll love this book! The difference between Marie Kondo and FlyLady is that this book feels like a method you can continuously do and work on every day, rather than this mountain of a task you should do at least once in your life.

FlyLady encourages us to let go of the fear and simply give 15 minutes to a task, if that's all we have. She's big on setting a timer, hence the "power hour" strategy. However, in this power hour you should have your timer on for 5 or 10 minute increments. At the moment I couldn't afford the fancy cube timer, so I used the Pomodoro app, set it for 25 minutes, break to drink for 5 minutes with no music or anything, and then switched back on my music once the break time was up. I live in a hot country and it's important for me to stay hydrated because a lot of the time I find myself becoming low on energy just because I'm dehydrated.

This book is sure to get you moving! I highly recommend it!

"Finally Loving Yourself is your ticket to FLY! My ticket has taken me farther than my wildest dreams."

I would recommend this to anyone, because at the end of the day, everyone needs to clean their house. Even if you have a maid, you still need to decide what to keep in your home. Even if you might have a cook, you still have to choose what you like to eat.

Speaking of meal planning, I love it when Marla mentions to buy only what you need, even if that portion sized amount costs more than the bulk amount. There will be no waste, therefore no waste of money! I believe that Warren Buffet would agree with this money tip, as Buffet only carries a few dollars that his wife leaves in the car, to buy his breakfast from Mc Donald's on the way into work. It doesn't matter how much money you have, you should always be careful and conscious about this.

FlyLady says, "Fill your heart with peace", which I interpret as to open your heart to abundance, to endless possibilities, but within reason. Don't make yourself sick and have a place for everything.

"Finally Loving Yourself is the answer to being all that you can be in God's eyes. When you put yourself first, without guilt, you will be more able to love unconditionally. Your love will be in everything you do. You will be the reflection of the love that God has for you".
]]> 4.03 2002 Sink Reflections: Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? Discover the Secrets That Have Changed the Lives of More Than Half a Million Families...
author: Marla Cilley
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2002
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/19
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
10/10

This book is far more than just a Stepford Wives guide. This is about "Finally Loving Yourself".

"Are you ready to FLY, Finally Loving Yourself? Let go of your perfectionism and start to live"

It's about giving you the courage to overcome not just the physical clutter in your home, but the mental clutter that holds you back in life. Whether you are a stay at home mum or work for a living, this is by far the best book I've read when it comes to organizing not just your stuff, but your life.

I found that this book made me look at not only my household routines, but my exercise routines, and created time for my passion projects. It made me evaluate my digital clutter on my computer hard drives, as well as being able to simultaneously keep up with daily chores. I really recommend listening to this, as you can simply just do what you need to do without overthinking it and subconsciously you'll find that suddenly you have more energy and determination to get it done.

Flylady, Marla Cilley, and all her "fly babies", as she likes to call them; give us insight into lives of multiple women. I love how she puts the tough love on and says that it doesn't matter who helps you, you just need to do it. So many couples these days split everything 50/50 to a point where everyone is more observant over the other person than of their own actions. "What about the single, divorced or military housewives who's husbands leave for months on end? Can I not help them?" Very well said Marla!

Of course, if you enjoy watching cleaning videos for motivation, then this is a must-read! I actually found this book via YouTube Channel, "The Secret Slob". I felt like I had watched enough videos and it was about time to see what Steph and others were talking about. Before listening to this book, I began thinking about the control journal suggested, but in such a perfectionist way of adding a time for each specific activity. If I didn't wake up at the time I was supposed to wake up at, I felt lost about where to start that day. It was only after listening to this book that I realized that it's about habits and routines!

Marla Cilley writes this book so well. She covers a range of topics, from breaking it down into baby steps, but also, at the same time she brings us back to the bigger picture. I love the example of how one woman was so impressed with her house being clean, she didn't want to dirty it with cigarette smoke, so she quit smoking! Another example I love is that this FlyLady method gave one lady, or "fly baby", the confidence to know that she can manage her home, so she was able to go back to work, without stressing about the house.

"A wife that quit smoking and spent her cigarette money on lingerie. (tee hee hee)"

In my opinion, if you enjoyed Marie Kondo's method, then you'll enjoy this one even more. Even if you hated Marie Kondo's method, you'll love this book! The difference between Marie Kondo and FlyLady is that this book feels like a method you can continuously do and work on every day, rather than this mountain of a task you should do at least once in your life.

FlyLady encourages us to let go of the fear and simply give 15 minutes to a task, if that's all we have. She's big on setting a timer, hence the "power hour" strategy. However, in this power hour you should have your timer on for 5 or 10 minute increments. At the moment I couldn't afford the fancy cube timer, so I used the Pomodoro app, set it for 25 minutes, break to drink for 5 minutes with no music or anything, and then switched back on my music once the break time was up. I live in a hot country and it's important for me to stay hydrated because a lot of the time I find myself becoming low on energy just because I'm dehydrated.

This book is sure to get you moving! I highly recommend it!

"Finally Loving Yourself is your ticket to FLY! My ticket has taken me farther than my wildest dreams."

I would recommend this to anyone, because at the end of the day, everyone needs to clean their house. Even if you have a maid, you still need to decide what to keep in your home. Even if you might have a cook, you still have to choose what you like to eat.

Speaking of meal planning, I love it when Marla mentions to buy only what you need, even if that portion sized amount costs more than the bulk amount. There will be no waste, therefore no waste of money! I believe that Warren Buffet would agree with this money tip, as Buffet only carries a few dollars that his wife leaves in the car, to buy his breakfast from Mc Donald's on the way into work. It doesn't matter how much money you have, you should always be careful and conscious about this.

FlyLady says, "Fill your heart with peace", which I interpret as to open your heart to abundance, to endless possibilities, but within reason. Don't make yourself sick and have a place for everything.

"Finally Loving Yourself is the answer to being all that you can be in God's eyes. When you put yourself first, without guilt, you will be more able to love unconditionally. Your love will be in everything you do. You will be the reflection of the love that God has for you".

]]> Get Organized 57206948 Clara Conlon Olivia 5
I almost used a credit on this, but was glad to find it part of the free included catalog with Audible... Yay!

I was sceptical about listening to something from "The Great Courses", as I've been unlucky with my selection so far. Fortunately for me, this was perfect!

It was clear and concise. Not too long. The best thing was that there was something about how she explained things that I had an aha moment for myself! I started looking at not only my energy reserves, but how to organize what's next in my to do pile.

If you like watching organizing videos like, "Clutterbug", "A Secret Slob", "Sunday Stylist", and so on! Then you'll enjoy this.

The narration wasn't as lively as books read by Dana K. White, but this short read doesn't go over and over the same topic like Dana K. White does.

Instead, Ciara Conlon breaks down how you can be organized not only in your home, but in the office at work, or around children, if you have kids. All areas of your life, including your digital life.

I feel that when it comes to chatting about digital files, everyone whines about how much time they spend on their phones. This thankfully, is not one of those books! Instead Ciara discusses how for instance moving your paper clutter to digital is a good way of dealing with some documents and receipts.]]> 3.88 Get Organized
author: Clara Conlon
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/21
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
7 or 8/10

I almost used a credit on this, but was glad to find it part of the free included catalog with Audible... Yay!

I was sceptical about listening to something from "The Great Courses", as I've been unlucky with my selection so far. Fortunately for me, this was perfect!

It was clear and concise. Not too long. The best thing was that there was something about how she explained things that I had an aha moment for myself! I started looking at not only my energy reserves, but how to organize what's next in my to do pile.

If you like watching organizing videos like, "Clutterbug", "A Secret Slob", "Sunday Stylist", and so on! Then you'll enjoy this.

The narration wasn't as lively as books read by Dana K. White, but this short read doesn't go over and over the same topic like Dana K. White does.

Instead, Ciara Conlon breaks down how you can be organized not only in your home, but in the office at work, or around children, if you have kids. All areas of your life, including your digital life.

I feel that when it comes to chatting about digital files, everyone whines about how much time they spend on their phones. This thankfully, is not one of those books! Instead Ciara discusses how for instance moving your paper clutter to digital is a good way of dealing with some documents and receipts.
]]> <![CDATA[Good Morning, Good Life: 5 Simple Habits to Master Your Mornings and Upgrade Your Life]]> 49113470 286 Amy Schmittauer Landino 0578610000 Olivia 2
I was hoping that this book would offer advice on how to be more productive, but it felt like it was more focused on self care.Ěý For the average person, her daily morning routine could be completed on a day off.Ěý Therefore I would say, you can take Amy Landino's advice with a pinch of salt.Ěý

There were a few things I didn't like.Ěý One of those things, was when she shows no compassion or empathy towards those who do shift work.Ěý When you work these type of shifts, you're just trying to get some sleep in between.ĚýĚý Another would be, the comment about only buying a Starbucks coffee to put it on instagram, in order to get her money's worth.Ěý

I did enjoy the last third of the book and feel that she is an excellent narrator, but most of the advice feels like stuff I've already heard.Ěý There's a lot of chit chat, which makes it more interesting than reading off a list.Ěý However, I couldn't relate to the author, so I felt this book was a bit of a waste of time.Ěý It's a good conversation starter, but that's about it.Ěý

The book was supposed to be about 5 habits.Ěý I picked up these following 3 habits, but afterwards, it appears that Amy forgot to mention the other two.Ěý

1. Decision fatigue
2. Know your why
3. The power of no
4.
5.

If you know what the other 2 habits were supposed to be, please let me know in the comments below.]]> 4.06 Good Morning, Good Life: 5 Simple Habits to Master Your Mornings and Upgrade Your Life
author: Amy Schmittauer Landino
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2021/05/31
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
This book is good for those who can afford a luxurious lifestyle where they can spend an entire morning on what they wish to do.Ěý I say luxurious, because I can't afford air-conditioning, therefore I cannot follow the advice of sleeping with the thermastat on 70F or 21C.

I was hoping that this book would offer advice on how to be more productive, but it felt like it was more focused on self care.Ěý For the average person, her daily morning routine could be completed on a day off.Ěý Therefore I would say, you can take Amy Landino's advice with a pinch of salt.Ěý

There were a few things I didn't like.Ěý One of those things, was when she shows no compassion or empathy towards those who do shift work.Ěý When you work these type of shifts, you're just trying to get some sleep in between.ĚýĚý Another would be, the comment about only buying a Starbucks coffee to put it on instagram, in order to get her money's worth.Ěý

I did enjoy the last third of the book and feel that she is an excellent narrator, but most of the advice feels like stuff I've already heard.Ěý There's a lot of chit chat, which makes it more interesting than reading off a list.Ěý However, I couldn't relate to the author, so I felt this book was a bit of a waste of time.Ěý It's a good conversation starter, but that's about it.Ěý

The book was supposed to be about 5 habits.Ěý I picked up these following 3 habits, but afterwards, it appears that Amy forgot to mention the other two.Ěý

1. Decision fatigue
2. Know your why
3. The power of no
4.
5.

If you know what the other 2 habits were supposed to be, please let me know in the comments below.
]]> <![CDATA[Do It Now: Overcoming Procrastination]]> 58942336
Procrastination is an almost universal human experience. While many people attribute procrastination to laziness or a lack of drive, our real motivations to push back and delay important activities and decisions are more complicated than personal weakness. The truth is that humans are well-adapted for basic survival, but they are not so great at managing the stresses and expectations of modern life without a little help.

If our own minds so often work against us, how can we get things done without the stress and last-minute panic so common in our hectic 21st-century lives? You’ll learn how in Do It Now: Overcoming Procrastination, taught by Fuschia Sirois, PhD. In 10 lectures, Dr. Sirois will help you better understand the way your mind works and how to overcome the bad habits that are holding you back. Using the latest scientific research on procrastination, Dr. Sirois will give you the insight and guidance you need to set and meet goals, manage your time better, design an environment that will help you succeed, and much more.

Best of all, Dr. Sirois makes it clear that procrastination is a natural impulse for most people - sometimes, it can even be beneficial. She encourages you not only to work toward better time management but also to get rid of the burden of guilt and internal pressure that so often accompanies this very common behavior. While the tendency to delay the things we need to do is a deep-rooted habit, you will be able to apply and re-apply the strategies and tools you will acquire in this course for the rest of your life.]]> 5 Fuschia M. Sirois Olivia 3
The beginning section felt like an emotional read, where it just sounded like excuses for why we procrastinate. But I decided to push through and continue, as it annoyed me that I hadn't finished the book. I was happy that I did go back to it, as chapter 2 was my favourite, where the advice here would be 5 stars. I enjoyed how the debate about why some people are more successful than others. How some people are calmer, yet more productive and less distracted.

The main message was that we procrastinate due to emotions and irrational thinking. Depending on our mindset, we can perhaps think something is going to take longer than it actually takes to do. This mentality is similar to the book, "Mini Habits". Our memories may be irrational as we ponder over how we have done it before, and thus lack the confidence to complete a task due to negative thinking. Or simply procrastinate over it, living up to our negative thinking.

The key is to complete tasks within a timely manner. For instance, avoid leaving things to the last minute and work on them bit by bit every day. That way more people want to work with us, because we are more dependable. We also, in turn, become financially more stable, as well as being happier and healthier, with fewer heart problems, like hyper tension.

Books to read that spring to mind to read with this one are;
- The 5 second rule (pre-frontal cortex)
- Living with our genes (nature nature debate)
- Four Tendencies, by Gretchen Rubin.]]> 3.58 Do It Now: Overcoming Procrastination
author: Fuschia M. Sirois
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.58
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/10/19
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, not-worth-reading-again, habits-and-time-management
review:
Don't ask me why I read this book back to front, but I started from the last few chapters of the book and then began from the front of the book. The end section was enjoyable, and I wanted to give it 3 or 4 stars. However, when I tried reading it from the beginning, I was thinking of giving it 2 or even 1 stars.

The beginning section felt like an emotional read, where it just sounded like excuses for why we procrastinate. But I decided to push through and continue, as it annoyed me that I hadn't finished the book. I was happy that I did go back to it, as chapter 2 was my favourite, where the advice here would be 5 stars. I enjoyed how the debate about why some people are more successful than others. How some people are calmer, yet more productive and less distracted.

The main message was that we procrastinate due to emotions and irrational thinking. Depending on our mindset, we can perhaps think something is going to take longer than it actually takes to do. This mentality is similar to the book, "Mini Habits". Our memories may be irrational as we ponder over how we have done it before, and thus lack the confidence to complete a task due to negative thinking. Or simply procrastinate over it, living up to our negative thinking.

The key is to complete tasks within a timely manner. For instance, avoid leaving things to the last minute and work on them bit by bit every day. That way more people want to work with us, because we are more dependable. We also, in turn, become financially more stable, as well as being happier and healthier, with fewer heart problems, like hyper tension.

Books to read that spring to mind to read with this one are;
- The 5 second rule (pre-frontal cortex)
- Living with our genes (nature nature debate)
- Four Tendencies, by Gretchen Rubin.
]]> <![CDATA[The Art of Discipline: Learn How to Use Self-Control & Self-Discipline to Finally Reach Your Goals (The Pursuit of Self Improvement Book 3)]]> 24571558
In this book, you'll learn some techniques to recognize and pinpoint where your strengths and weaknesses are, several strategies to help you get rid of old self defeating habits and valuable information to create a solid plan that you can execute immediately.

There's also a great strategy for creating good habits every month that is fun and rewarding!]]> 39 Jessica Marks Olivia 4
It's a nice little reminder why we need discipline, but not necessarily like the idea of it due to negative connotations.

I enjoyed where she discusses a daily to-do list. Whether or not you write it down, I liked the idea of saying to oneself, "I need to do this today, because..." This serves to keep you on task, ensuing that priorities will be completed.

Also her thoughts about money management are on point. It doesn't matter how much you earn, it only matters how much you can save. If you're personality is a frivolous one, you will always be out of pocket. If you are capable of sacrificing something for delayed gratification, then you will reap the rewards.]]> 2.98 2014 The Art of Discipline: Learn How to Use Self-Control & Self-Discipline to Finally Reach Your Goals (The Pursuit of Self Improvement Book 3)
author: Jessica Marks
name: Olivia
average rating: 2.98
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/28
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
I enjoyed her mini book on time management, so I thought I would give this a go. It gets a high rating because there are a couple of good ideas.

It's a nice little reminder why we need discipline, but not necessarily like the idea of it due to negative connotations.

I enjoyed where she discusses a daily to-do list. Whether or not you write it down, I liked the idea of saying to oneself, "I need to do this today, because..." This serves to keep you on task, ensuing that priorities will be completed.

Also her thoughts about money management are on point. It doesn't matter how much you earn, it only matters how much you can save. If you're personality is a frivolous one, you will always be out of pocket. If you are capable of sacrificing something for delayed gratification, then you will reap the rewards.
]]> <![CDATA[Your Organized Home: Simple Steps for Reducing Clutter (The Pursuit of Self Improvement Book 4)]]> 35508977
Here you will learn easy tips for getting each room of your home organized. Easy solutions for busy people that can be tackled in no time at all.]]> 46 Jessica Marks Olivia 2
Meh! It's ok, but I wouldn't read it again. I prefer Jessica Mark's book on time management.

This book feels like a run down of Pinterest hacks, without going into detail about how a certain tip has felt life changing. Nothing new here.

If you're looking for a book about organizing, I would say to check out Cassandra Aarson's books, otherwise known as Clutterbug.]]> 2.57 Your Organized Home: Simple Steps for Reducing Clutter (The Pursuit of Self Improvement Book 4)
author: Jessica Marks
name: Olivia
average rating: 2.57
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/10/23
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, not-worth-reading-again, habits-and-time-management
review:
3 or 4/10

Meh! It's ok, but I wouldn't read it again. I prefer Jessica Mark's book on time management.

This book feels like a run down of Pinterest hacks, without going into detail about how a certain tip has felt life changing. Nothing new here.

If you're looking for a book about organizing, I would say to check out Cassandra Aarson's books, otherwise known as Clutterbug.
]]> <![CDATA[The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Personal Workbook]]> 2250 192 Stephen R. Covey 0743250974 Olivia 2
I know everyone quotes Steven Covey, but a lot of the things in this book are common sense in my opinion. Overall, I found the audiobook a struggle to finish. I thought I had finished it, but there's still another 2 hrs of torture.

If you're struggling with empathy and how to be empathetic, then get it.]]> 4.25 2003 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Personal Workbook
author: Stephen R. Covey
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2003
rating: 2
read at: 2020/08/23
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, not-worth-reading-again, habits-and-time-management
review:
2/10

I know everyone quotes Steven Covey, but a lot of the things in this book are common sense in my opinion. Overall, I found the audiobook a struggle to finish. I thought I had finished it, but there's still another 2 hrs of torture.

If you're struggling with empathy and how to be empathetic, then get it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life: Before 8AM]]> 17166225 Start waking up to your full potential every single day with the updated and expanded edition of the groundbreaking book with more than 2 million copies sold.

Getting everything you want out of life isn’t about doing more. It’s about becoming more. Hal Elrod and The Miracle Morning have helped millions of people become the person they need to be to create the life they’ve always wanted. Now, it’s your turn.

Hal’s revolutionary S.A.V.E.R.S. method is a simple, effective step-by-step process to transform your life in as little as six minutes per day:

�Silence: Reduce stress and improve mental clarity by beginning each day with peaceful, purposeful quiet
�Affirmations: Reprogram your mind to overcome any fears or beliefs that are limiting your potential or causing you to suffer
�Visualization:Experience the power of mentally rehearsing yourself showing up at your best each day
�Exercise: Boost your mental and physical energy in as little as 60 seconds
�Reading: Acquire knowledge and expand your abilities by learning from experts
�Scribing: Keep a journal to deepen gratitude, gain insights, track progress, and increase your productivity by getting clear on your top priorities

This updated and expanded edition has more than 40 pages of new content, including:

�The Miracle Evening: Optimize your bedtime and sleep to wake up every day feeling refreshed and energized for your Miracle Morning
�The Miracle Life: Begin your path to inner freedom so you can truly be happy and learn to love the life you have while you create the life you want]]> 172 Hal Elrod Olivia 4
5 star message! However, the book was very simple.

It began as a very inspiring book. Although I enjoyed this book, I was hoping for more. More research, more examples of others who he had helped. I originally gave this 3 stars as good, but mediocre, but after listening to "Habit Stacking" by S.J.Scott, I prefer this book as it's a lot easier to digest.

Hal Elrod has been unfortunate in the sense that he's experienced some serious physical pain, where he was told he would never be able to walk again. He not only managed to fight through the pain, but later in life he began participating in marathons!

I would recommend what others have said about this book and their own morning routines over on social media, as I believe it helps with visualisation. I found Milk & Honey's review along with her morning routine video to be helpful for myself, as I learn how to make the most out of working from home.

This book is where I heard about bedtime affirmations, and it really helped with sleep. No matter how many hours you get, it will be enough!

I also heard about the yoga teacher over on YouTube, called Dashama. I've been doing her free 30 day program and I've already felt a change with my flexibility. I really look forward to this time in my week, being surprised by the breathing techniques shown.

I recommend this book over "Habit Stacking" by SJ Scott, as it's written from personal practice.]]> 3.91 2012 The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life: Before 8AM
author: Hal Elrod
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/20
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, memoir, non-fiction, absolute-favs, habits-and-time-management
review:
6 or 7/10

5 star message! However, the book was very simple.

It began as a very inspiring book. Although I enjoyed this book, I was hoping for more. More research, more examples of others who he had helped. I originally gave this 3 stars as good, but mediocre, but after listening to "Habit Stacking" by S.J.Scott, I prefer this book as it's a lot easier to digest.

Hal Elrod has been unfortunate in the sense that he's experienced some serious physical pain, where he was told he would never be able to walk again. He not only managed to fight through the pain, but later in life he began participating in marathons!

I would recommend what others have said about this book and their own morning routines over on social media, as I believe it helps with visualisation. I found Milk & Honey's review along with her morning routine video to be helpful for myself, as I learn how to make the most out of working from home.

This book is where I heard about bedtime affirmations, and it really helped with sleep. No matter how many hours you get, it will be enough!

I also heard about the yoga teacher over on YouTube, called Dashama. I've been doing her free 30 day program and I've already felt a change with my flexibility. I really look forward to this time in my week, being surprised by the breathing techniques shown.

I recommend this book over "Habit Stacking" by SJ Scott, as it's written from personal practice.
]]> <![CDATA[Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones]]> 40121378 Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:
-ĚýMake time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
-ĚýOvercome a lack of motivation and willpower;
- Design your environment to make success easier;
- Get back on track when you fall off course;
...and much more.

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits--whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.]]> 319 James Clear Olivia 2
“Only the boring get bored� � Charles Bukowski


James Clear was an ex-athlete, therefore this book almost seems to be a way of him dealing with his own loss of identity. However, my husband also competed in sports and did not agree with things getting boring. I met my husband at a climbing wall, and I loved every minute of it. I had some issues with fear of heights, but during training sessions, it never felt boring because you crave the feeling of moving your body in contorted ways like a gymnast. When I asked my husband if he ever felt bored with the repetitive workouts and he said, "No, because you're always pushing yourself to be even better, even stronger".

James Clear mentions how we should stick to things we are naturally gifted at, as it will find it easier to excel in this. I completely agree with this, but at the same time it's almost as if Clear is saying to just stay in your comfort zone. If you stay in your comfort zone, then of course things will get boring. And when it comes to boring things like housework, I much prefer "Sink Reflection" aka the Flylady. Her book had some real advice of what you could specifically do and when. I didn't get that from this book, unfortunately.

I did however like his economics advice to business owners. How a restaurant owner should take note if their customers are actually finishing their meals, rather than simply counting the money in the cash register. I have a feeling Mr. Clear watches Gordon Ramsay's kitchen nightmares!

Speaking of cash registers, I didn't like that he said everyone was stealing before a cash register was installed. There are still some businesses that run on a cash system and rely on trustworthy staff. The cash register requires you to keep x amount of coins and bills in the till, separated beautifully in easy-to-see compartments, which makes the speed, rather than the fidelity of the interaction, which can create a 500% increase in sales.

I enjoyed how the book began, speaking about systems. That you perhaps need a better system of doing things. James Clear refers to this book as being an extension to the book, "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. Charles Duhigg speaks about cues, for example, "After breakfast, I will..." or "As soon as I return from work, I will...". I found this idea to be helpful and makes me want to read, "The Power of Habit".

Favorite quote - "The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress"


There are many great quotes to be found in this book, but my feelings are 50/50 towards this book.

I also like the part where he mentions that if you work consistently and have say, $150 of savings, then a day off of you not working can throw you off and be at a loss of 33% and your income or savings can be back down to $100. However, If you work 5 days a week, a day off would be 20% and if you work 6 days a week, a day off will be 16%. But, I see the logic. The more effort you put in, the higher the reward. This can be especially motivating for entrepreneurs.

I think the title of this book can be confused with the work, "automatic". I always remember the title as it trying to persuade you to create a more automated system in your life, so that you can have more room to think about the things that really matter. Rather, the word is, "Atomic" which refers to the power of habits. Hence, the continuation of Charles Duhigg's book.

I wish there was more advice about what we can do more specifically in our everyday lives, rather than discussing Michael Phelps's leg inseam being the same to that of a long-distance runner. Although it is an interesting fact and follows what he says about doing something that you are more naturally talented at, it feels like a distraction to the topic of habits for the regular person. Most athletes only have the chance of being a paid athletes through the support of their parents. Not just when kids are young, but also throughout their adult years of training, up until the money has been won through getting the gold medal. If the gold has not been won, athletes can be left out of pocket, especially for those who are not sponsored. But, like I said, this topic feels like a distraction to the book.

The part about being naturally gifted insinuates that's it's easier to become a chess player if you are Russian and grew up in that culture, or a swimmer because you have longer legs. Therefore if I believe that I'm not naturally an organized person, does that mean I should just give up and stay a slob for the rest of my life? Or perhaps I am innately organized, but I just grew up in a disorganized environment? For example, only someone who has practiced sports all their life to a national level can distinguish the difference between the natural athletes versus those who are not destined to win the gold. How do we even know if we have potential if we do not even try? ]]> 4.34 2018 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
author: James Clear
name: Olivia
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2021/08/20
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: not-worth-reading-again, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
This was one of those books that everyone raved about being the best book they have ever read. However, as I was reading it I was thinking, "This is not a 5 star book". It was well written, with random facts, but I feel that the underlying message is not necessarily a positive one.

“Only the boring get bored� � Charles Bukowski


James Clear was an ex-athlete, therefore this book almost seems to be a way of him dealing with his own loss of identity. However, my husband also competed in sports and did not agree with things getting boring. I met my husband at a climbing wall, and I loved every minute of it. I had some issues with fear of heights, but during training sessions, it never felt boring because you crave the feeling of moving your body in contorted ways like a gymnast. When I asked my husband if he ever felt bored with the repetitive workouts and he said, "No, because you're always pushing yourself to be even better, even stronger".

James Clear mentions how we should stick to things we are naturally gifted at, as it will find it easier to excel in this. I completely agree with this, but at the same time it's almost as if Clear is saying to just stay in your comfort zone. If you stay in your comfort zone, then of course things will get boring. And when it comes to boring things like housework, I much prefer "Sink Reflection" aka the Flylady. Her book had some real advice of what you could specifically do and when. I didn't get that from this book, unfortunately.

I did however like his economics advice to business owners. How a restaurant owner should take note if their customers are actually finishing their meals, rather than simply counting the money in the cash register. I have a feeling Mr. Clear watches Gordon Ramsay's kitchen nightmares!

Speaking of cash registers, I didn't like that he said everyone was stealing before a cash register was installed. There are still some businesses that run on a cash system and rely on trustworthy staff. The cash register requires you to keep x amount of coins and bills in the till, separated beautifully in easy-to-see compartments, which makes the speed, rather than the fidelity of the interaction, which can create a 500% increase in sales.

I enjoyed how the book began, speaking about systems. That you perhaps need a better system of doing things. James Clear refers to this book as being an extension to the book, "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. Charles Duhigg speaks about cues, for example, "After breakfast, I will..." or "As soon as I return from work, I will...". I found this idea to be helpful and makes me want to read, "The Power of Habit".

Favorite quote - "The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress"


There are many great quotes to be found in this book, but my feelings are 50/50 towards this book.

I also like the part where he mentions that if you work consistently and have say, $150 of savings, then a day off of you not working can throw you off and be at a loss of 33% and your income or savings can be back down to $100. However, If you work 5 days a week, a day off would be 20% and if you work 6 days a week, a day off will be 16%. But, I see the logic. The more effort you put in, the higher the reward. This can be especially motivating for entrepreneurs.

I think the title of this book can be confused with the work, "automatic". I always remember the title as it trying to persuade you to create a more automated system in your life, so that you can have more room to think about the things that really matter. Rather, the word is, "Atomic" which refers to the power of habits. Hence, the continuation of Charles Duhigg's book.

I wish there was more advice about what we can do more specifically in our everyday lives, rather than discussing Michael Phelps's leg inseam being the same to that of a long-distance runner. Although it is an interesting fact and follows what he says about doing something that you are more naturally talented at, it feels like a distraction to the topic of habits for the regular person. Most athletes only have the chance of being a paid athletes through the support of their parents. Not just when kids are young, but also throughout their adult years of training, up until the money has been won through getting the gold medal. If the gold has not been won, athletes can be left out of pocket, especially for those who are not sponsored. But, like I said, this topic feels like a distraction to the book.

The part about being naturally gifted insinuates that's it's easier to become a chess player if you are Russian and grew up in that culture, or a swimmer because you have longer legs. Therefore if I believe that I'm not naturally an organized person, does that mean I should just give up and stay a slob for the rest of my life? Or perhaps I am innately organized, but I just grew up in a disorganized environment? For example, only someone who has practiced sports all their life to a national level can distinguish the difference between the natural athletes versus those who are not destined to win the gold. How do we even know if we have potential if we do not even try?
]]> <![CDATA[The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage]]> 34870142
Using the science of habits, riveting stories and surprising facts from some of the most famous moments in history, art and business, Mel Robbins will explain the power of a “push moment.� Then, she’ll give you one simple tool you can use to become your greatest self.

It takes just five seconds to use this tool, and every time you do, you’ll be in great company. More than 8 million people have watched Mel’s TEDx Talk, and executives inside of the world’s largest brands are using the tool to increase productivity, collaboration, and engagement.

In The 5 Second Rule, you’ll discover it takes just five seconds to:

Become confident
Break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt
Beat fear and uncertainty
Stop worrying and feel happier
Share your ideas with courage

The 5 Second Rule is a simple, one-size-fits-all solution for the one problem we all face —we hold ourselves back.

The secret isn’t knowing what to do—it’s knowing how to make yourself do it.
]]> 8 Mel Robbins Olivia 3
Mel draws upon repeating the countdown of, "5,4,3,2,1", to make faster decisions, like getting out of bed. "Once you brush your teeth, you're awake", she says. I wish it was that easy! However, sometimes it takes the whole day until I wake up. It's tough to get through some days, but she makes it sound as easy as simply getting up in the morning and showing up!

She reminds us that you just have to put in the hours, and you'll get there if you put in the hard work. Many talented actors and musicians have had numerous auditions before they even got noticed! It never happened overnight, as much as we want to believe that. It takes dedication, and this concept reminds me of the film, "Whiplash".

I will give Mel credit for being motivational, as she's the voice of reason to kick your arse into gear and just get started! Getting started can be the most difficult task. "No one else is going to live our life for us", it's up to ourselves at the end of the day!

You can listen to some of her talks on YouTube, and she's just as lively in this audiobook, as you would expect to hear her on a podcast or TV show.

Awesome read just before we start the new year! Her book is realistic & heart-warming! Mel made me realize how much of my life I've already wasted already and how I need to make a change for myself, to improve my own self-worth and happiness. Thank you Mel! Xoxo]]> 3.82 2017 The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
author: Mel Robbins
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2019/12/02
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
I would recommend this as an audiobook, as it may feel too repetitive if you are reading this on the kindle or paperpack. Due to it's repetitive nature, I don't feel the urge to listen to this again, hence the average rating.

Mel draws upon repeating the countdown of, "5,4,3,2,1", to make faster decisions, like getting out of bed. "Once you brush your teeth, you're awake", she says. I wish it was that easy! However, sometimes it takes the whole day until I wake up. It's tough to get through some days, but she makes it sound as easy as simply getting up in the morning and showing up!

She reminds us that you just have to put in the hours, and you'll get there if you put in the hard work. Many talented actors and musicians have had numerous auditions before they even got noticed! It never happened overnight, as much as we want to believe that. It takes dedication, and this concept reminds me of the film, "Whiplash".

I will give Mel credit for being motivational, as she's the voice of reason to kick your arse into gear and just get started! Getting started can be the most difficult task. "No one else is going to live our life for us", it's up to ourselves at the end of the day!

You can listen to some of her talks on YouTube, and she's just as lively in this audiobook, as you would expect to hear her on a podcast or TV show.

Awesome read just before we start the new year! Her book is realistic & heart-warming! Mel made me realize how much of my life I've already wasted already and how I need to make a change for myself, to improve my own self-worth and happiness. Thank you Mel! Xoxo
]]> <![CDATA[Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life]]> 21816682 Living Well, Spending Less is Ruth Soukup's first book, following her wildly successful blog of the same name. She gives her readers even more of what they love about the blog: lots of creative, helpful ideas and advice for moms on a budget along with stories from her own journey to discovering what the Good Life is really all about.]]> 237 Ruth Soukup 0310337674 Olivia 5
Although I disagreed with some points in the last part of the book, there are some valid points to relate to at the beginning of the book. If I disagreed with anything, I still found it to be entertaining. I wouldn't say it has taught me how to save money, rather it's about the mindset we go through whilst saving money.

The book first explains how most women from a young age dream about the big house, with the big wedding, the big christmas tree and the mounds of presents. I can agree with this, I mean who has never dreamed of the idylic life?

There were some negative comments about the bible versus used in the book. However, after reading the book myself, I didn't feel that Ruth was trying to convert people to Christianity. Rather, she was simply sharing old pieces of wisdom, which include quotes from Socrates, and the like. Overall, I believe the quotes felt applicable on how to live well.

This book however, does feel like it has been aimed at those who have something already. A guide for wives of the rich and famous. To be respectful and grateful of what they have, so that their husbands do not divorce them for frivoulous spending.

The tone of the book may feel somewhat depressing towards the truth of how the world works. However, the sooner we come to terms with this, and are grateful for what we have, the sooner we can move past that and are able to focus on what we are meant to do. Rather than trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Ruth may have been inspired by Gretchen Rubin. For example, to laugh more, in order to live well. However, I enjoyed this book a lot more than, "The Happiness Project", as it feels more realistic.

Overall, I found this book to be about having a positive mindset. I'm so glad she narrated her own book, as Ruth Soukup has a soothing, yet passionate voice. I recommend the audiobook, if you are trying to decide in which format to get this in.]]> 3.63 2014 Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life
author: Ruth Soukup
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2020/04/28
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: favs, non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
Overall, I enjoyed this book and can listen to it easily again for motivation on how to be the best version of myself. Ruth has put together a collection of quotes, ideas, statistics and experiences, within a carefully thought out and well structured book.

Although I disagreed with some points in the last part of the book, there are some valid points to relate to at the beginning of the book. If I disagreed with anything, I still found it to be entertaining. I wouldn't say it has taught me how to save money, rather it's about the mindset we go through whilst saving money.

The book first explains how most women from a young age dream about the big house, with the big wedding, the big christmas tree and the mounds of presents. I can agree with this, I mean who has never dreamed of the idylic life?

There were some negative comments about the bible versus used in the book. However, after reading the book myself, I didn't feel that Ruth was trying to convert people to Christianity. Rather, she was simply sharing old pieces of wisdom, which include quotes from Socrates, and the like. Overall, I believe the quotes felt applicable on how to live well.

This book however, does feel like it has been aimed at those who have something already. A guide for wives of the rich and famous. To be respectful and grateful of what they have, so that their husbands do not divorce them for frivoulous spending.

The tone of the book may feel somewhat depressing towards the truth of how the world works. However, the sooner we come to terms with this, and are grateful for what we have, the sooner we can move past that and are able to focus on what we are meant to do. Rather than trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Ruth may have been inspired by Gretchen Rubin. For example, to laugh more, in order to live well. However, I enjoyed this book a lot more than, "The Happiness Project", as it feels more realistic.

Overall, I found this book to be about having a positive mindset. I'm so glad she narrated her own book, as Ruth Soukup has a soothing, yet passionate voice. I recommend the audiobook, if you are trying to decide in which format to get this in.
]]> <![CDATA[Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life]]> 13049773 46 Joshua Becker Olivia 3
It's very true, once you come towards the end of your own decluttering journey, you will feel like Becker says, "You don’t need to chase everything you’ve always wanted if you already have everything you need." My husband says this all the time, and I'm glad I can truly understand this.

I read this before, "The Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. The difference between these two, is that this book is more of a personal journey of too much stuff and is very relatable. Whereas Marie Kondo is an organizational expert, and is naturally keen to organize.

3 stars because it is too short. It would not be fair to give this 5 stars compared to other regular sized books that's full of content.]]> 3.90 2010 Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life
author: Joshua Becker
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2010
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
Easy, quick read.

It's very true, once you come towards the end of your own decluttering journey, you will feel like Becker says, "You don’t need to chase everything you’ve always wanted if you already have everything you need." My husband says this all the time, and I'm glad I can truly understand this.

I read this before, "The Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. The difference between these two, is that this book is more of a personal journey of too much stuff and is very relatable. Whereas Marie Kondo is an organizational expert, and is naturally keen to organize.

3 stars because it is too short. It would not be fair to give this 5 stars compared to other regular sized books that's full of content.
]]> The Happiness Project 6398634
In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.]]> 301 Gretchen Rubin 0061583251 Olivia 2
After recently watching, "In her shoes", I discovered that her dog walking days sound so familiar to that book and movie, being an ex lawyer herself and everything!

Overall, I wanted to read this for a long time, but when I did I wasn't overly impressed by how it was written. The ideas were there, as suggested by the chapters of her book. I haven't given up on her just yet, as her podcast talks are interesting to listen to.

In this book, I love when Gretchen that we all envisage the ideal place to start something new is when you're lazying around your dream beach house, overlooking the ocean. It's true, the perfect moment will never come. However, I do believe that there is a better moment to wait and plan for.]]> 3.65 2009 The Happiness Project
author: Gretchen Rubin
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2009
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, memoir, habits-and-time-management
review:
I had high hopes for this book, but was disappointed with the style of writing and specific memories, like the bird key thing she bought herself. What was that about? Out of all the things you could say, why this?

After recently watching, "In her shoes", I discovered that her dog walking days sound so familiar to that book and movie, being an ex lawyer herself and everything!

Overall, I wanted to read this for a long time, but when I did I wasn't overly impressed by how it was written. The ideas were there, as suggested by the chapters of her book. I haven't given up on her just yet, as her podcast talks are interesting to listen to.

In this book, I love when Gretchen that we all envisage the ideal place to start something new is when you're lazying around your dream beach house, overlooking the ocean. It's true, the perfect moment will never come. However, I do believe that there is a better moment to wait and plan for.
]]> <![CDATA[The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing]]> 22318578 Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you'll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo's clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house "spark joy" (and which don't), this international best seller featuring Tokyo's newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home - and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

]]> 213 Marie KondĹŤ 1607747308 Olivia 4
I took some photos and videos of when I thought I had decluttered my home 4 years ago. By actually reading the book, Marie Kondo stresses how you have to go through every last little thing.. and wow! I'm not finished, but I've made a lot more progress than I did before! To the point where I clean differently! Thank Marie Kondo for all your help and enthusiasm.

If I got this as an audiobook, then maybe I would give it 5 stars, but as I read it on the kindle, I gave it 4 stars, as it felt too repetitive in some parts of the book.]]> 3.88 2010 The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
author: Marie KondĹŤ
name: Olivia
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/01/07
shelves: non-fiction, habits-and-time-management
review:
I'm glad I picked up this book, despite thinking that I already knew the 5 steps to a cleaner home! I read this whilst watching the Netflix series, which is fantastic! The show might be enough for most, but I enjoyed the ending to this book. So I might read her other book, "Spark Joy".

I took some photos and videos of when I thought I had decluttered my home 4 years ago. By actually reading the book, Marie Kondo stresses how you have to go through every last little thing.. and wow! I'm not finished, but I've made a lot more progress than I did before! To the point where I clean differently! Thank Marie Kondo for all your help and enthusiasm.

If I got this as an audiobook, then maybe I would give it 5 stars, but as I read it on the kindle, I gave it 4 stars, as it felt too repetitive in some parts of the book.
]]>