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I have read every single one of Elizabeth Berg’s 20+ novels and this one is completely different! This is an historical narrative about the life of George Sand, as well as being a woman in Paris and the French countryside in the 19th century. Some of Sand’s relationships were with Frédéric Chopin, Gustave Flaubert, Franz Liszt, Eugène Delacroix, Victor Hugo, Marie Dorval, and Alfred de Musset. Though this book was slow going at times, overall I enjoyed it and would like to read some of Sand’s own writing.
You can read my extensive review on this book in this post. The Love and Logic method in a nutshell: “Adults must set firm, loving limits using enforceable statements without showing anger, lecturing, or using threats. The statements are enforceable because they deal with how we will respond. When a child causes a problem, the adult shows empathy through sadness and sorrow and then lovingly hands the problem and its consequences back to the child.” They offer 48 “pearls” that are “guides to building self-concept, separating problems, neutralizing anger and arguments, using thinking words and enforceable statements, offering choices, and locking in our empathy before our kids face the consequences of their mistakes.”
I listened to this on Audible and loved Amy’s honest, casual, and humble approach to telling her story and also how she recruited lots of people to read with her… her parents, Carol Burnett, Seth Myers, even Patrick Stewart! I really enjoyed her reflections on motherhood. It was easy to relate to her as if she were a friend riding along in the car with me.
Because I Said So!: The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids
I love Ken Jennings! I watched every single one of his Jeopardy appearances and have enjoyed two of his previous books as well. There is “common wisdom” claims that are so deep into our culture that it’s hard to realize they are not in fact true. (Wait after eating before going swimming? No need! You have more than enough oxygen in your blood flow for recreational purposes.) Ken’s humorous look at the veracity of these claims was entertaining and educational. I guarantee there’s one you’ll be surprised about. Turns out it’s completely safe to crack your knuckles. Huh.
This novel is loosely about eight famous female photographers of the twentieth century. I’m not quite sure what is factual and what was fictionalized. Some of the women overlap slightly, but I’m not sure I’d call this a novel; it’s more a collection of short essays/stories. Overall, I was disappointed in the way Otto told each story in the exact same pattern. I didn’t finish this one.
Oh so good! I started this one because I saw it on Goodreads and I was looking for something fun and quick. It’s sort of a Sliding Doors type situation… a young woman who seems to have two different lives and she has to reconcile them and make some choices. This is one of those rare books that leave me still thinking about the story weeks later. Highly recommend.
You can read my extensive review on this book in this post. I loved Tsabary’s book, The Conscious Parent. Children learn based on how we relate to them, not by doing what we tell them to. We want resilience, not defiance. Just as with the Love and Logic approach, Tsabary says that “research has verified that punitive techniques carry long-lasting detrimental consequences.” Punishment and teaching are opposites. In addition, Tsabary has some important lessons to share about our own unconscious emotional and reactive patterns.
I was already a fan of Peter Walsh from his Oprah days. I like his no-nonsense approach, his ideas, and his Australian accent. 🙂
“This is the first-ever step-by-step manual that helps you deal with the physical clutter that’s invaded your home, the food choices that have led to extra pounds, the lack of exercise that has left you less fit than you’d wish, and the lack of focus that keeps you from living the fullest, richest life possible. The 6-week program in this book will give you the tools you need to look deeply into your household and into yourself, and then make the changes that will create a healthier, happier new normal… the science linking an overcluttered lifestyle to poor health and fitness has become especially compelling. Researchers have been digging ever more deeply into the emotional causes of clutter and obesity, and they’re finding many mutual factors.” (Taken from the book’s introduction)
I like Walsh’s writing style and felt compelled to join his Facebook group. I probably shouldn’t add this book here yet because, though I’m finished reading it, I am just now beginning the actual 6-week program. I’ll let you know how it goes!
What have you been reading lately? And are you on Goodreads? I’d love to connect there.
Everything I’ve Ever Read (I think)
Interesting reviews. Succinct and to the point. Would love to have you read some Lee Child or spy thrillers but I don’t think that style is the type you would like. Believe it or not, I have Amy Poehler’s book on audio too and my wife and I listen head to head with shared ear buds as we go to sleep. Fun and friendly read. – Thomas Maiello
Thomas Maiello recently posted…Metaphysics in a Room Full of Rattlesnakes
Spy thrillers!? That’s a good one! Definitely not something I’ve tried. I have been known to dabble in sci fi but that was long ago. I LOVE picturing you and your wife listening to the Amy Poehler book! Do you do that with other books?
Lately its “This American Life” downloads from public radio. We really enjoy them.
Thomas Maiello recently posted…The Metaphysics in an Elemental Zinc Fireball
Your blog post. 🙂 I must check into some of these. I love Peter Walsh. He had great ideas then. And sounds like he has good info now. I must check out some of these books. Thank you for sharing.
Kelli Spencer recently posted…Four Easy Steps To Clear Stagnant Energy
Looks good, I like following suggestions when it comes to books. Do you have any travel favourites?
Anna recently posted…Sunday Postcard- Scotland
I do, Anna! Alice Steinbach wrote one called “Without Reservations.” I also enjoyed “Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojurn at Shakespeare & Co” by Jeremy Mercer. And I remember following a small paperback book in London about literary walks. Every weekend I’d do a different walk. Oh… and anything Paul Theroux.
I am always looking for new books for my book club. Thanks for the great list.
Dedra Clutz recently posted…IT’S A HAUL Y’ALL ~ MAY 2015
Thanks for reading, Dedra!
My blog is all about my reading, of course. I got a box of kids’ adventure books about aviation from a friend whose father had collected them, and have been working my way through those.
SKJAM! recently posted…Book Review: Double Jump
Thank you. I look forward to trying out several of these books. I read Amy Poehler’s book too and wrote a couple of reply style blog entries. She really got me thinking. The apology section – where she said that the words spoken back to her Changed Her Molecular Structure – was INCREDIBLE. I cried so hard over that section, because I have been there. I have needed to apologize and I have sat on it and stewed and cooked in my own ugly juices. She has a way of speaking truth that rocks. I wondered about Mothering by Using the Rules of Improv and what that would feel like.
I would like to try that Clutter book. I could stand some better habits!
Liesl Garner | Love.Sparks.Art recently posted…Maybe I was Never a Heathen After All
That apology stayed with me too, Liesl. I love how honest she was about it.
When I finish my KonMari purging process, I hope I have more time to read and create art. Your book lists are so awesome! I look forward to reading The Bookseller – sounds great! Right now I am slowly rereading A Tale of Two Cities along with my 9th grader. (To be honest, she just finished, which is good since she’s getting graded. I’m on Book Two.) Thanks for another great list, Naomi!
Heather Koshiol recently posted…Learn: The Value of Recording Your Heart’s Truth
That’s so fun to read alongside your daughter! I hope to do that someday, but I must be better about doing things WITH her, not FOR her. 🙂
Naomi,
What fun books. I enjoyed your reviews.
Have you read the Highlander series? I just heard of it but I cheated and got the DVDs from Netflix. Fascinating!
Right now, I am reading ‘The Fear Cure’ – Lissa Rankin.
Elda recently posted…9 Tips To Survive The Dreaded Mother’s Day Holiday
Thanks for the recommendations, Elda!
It’s always a delight to see what you’ve been up to in your reading. The Bookseller just made its way to me via paperbackwap.com so it’s already been added to my pile. Certainly sounds like one I’ll be enjoying.
Deborah Weber recently posted…Assessing Treasures
So many books, so little time. 🙂
I’m reading The Maeve Chronicles by Elizabeth Cunningham. Finished the first one, Magdalen Rising and about halfway through the second, The Passion of Mary Magdalen. They’re thick with Biblical and mythological references and just enough history to keep me believing while the sassy young Mary Magdalen is annoying, brilliant and learning to be brave. I’m totally hooked, even though we know how the story turns out. Or do we?
Linda Watson recently posted…When Weaving Is Not Enough
I too love to hear what people are reading. I have a veracious appetite for well written history, so am curious about the Sands book. I just got done reading Eric Larson’s book about our ambassador to Germany in the time of Hitler, which I loved. You can talk about anything Naomi.
kimberly recently posted…Today’s 5K
Love your reviews, Naomi! I put The Bookseller on my list. I just finished Girl on a Train. Im reading Rich Roll’s Finding Ultra now. Anita Diamant’s (The Red Tent) new book is on my list too.
Happy Reading,
Kathy
Kathy recently posted…Season of Renewal
I’ve read a few of Elizabeth Berg’s books, but don’t think that The Dream Lover is for me because I’m not much for historical novels. I have “Yes, Please” in my TBR pile and am really looking forward to reading it! Amy seems like such a likable person!
Terri @ Alexia’s Books and Such… recently posted…April Wrap Up
I actually like historical novels, but I agree about this one. It’s different. I hope you like Yes, Please… she could definitely be one of your girlfriends… so easy to relate to. Thanks for commenting, Terri!
Hi Naomi,
Great list! I will be sure and pass that one down to my daughter about the myths that parents pass down. She loves that kind of stuff! I loved your parenting post too. Some very good stuff!
Amy Putkonen recently posted…The Conscious Parent {Book Study}: Week 1
These books look like great fun. I have “Yes Please” on my to-read list. Right now, I’m in the middle of a fun comic mystery series — the Spellmans, by Lisa Lutz (first one in the series is “The Spellman Files”). My friend Sarah introduced me to them, and I’m hooked!
I’m also reading a historical mystery called “And Only to Deceive” by Tasha Alexander. I’m only about fifty pages in, but it’s wonderful.
Harmony Harrison recently posted…“Two for You”: Celebrating my Sweetie’s Birthday with Two New Dogs (of the painted variety) and a Tropical Storm Named “Carrot Cake”
I have put down the Elizabeth Berg book – I have a fascination with George Sand and would like to learn more actually. The Bookseller sounds intriguing! I’ll probably check it out soon. I had look at the 8 Women Taking Pictures – it sounds intriguing, but I trust what you say as it makes sense – it sounds repetitive. Shame! Thanks for the list!
Vickie Martin Conison recently posted…APRIL READING – CLASSICS, MYSTERIES, AND A LITTLE HUMOR
Vickie, if you read more about George Sand, do let me know what’s good. I am intrigued by her and her passions.
Naomi, I really enjoy seeing what people are reading. I’m also a fan of Elizabeth Berg, though a review of her most recent book (not yours) doesn’t make me want to read it. Thanks to your list, I’m requesting The Bookseller from my library. Some of my latest favorites: All the Light I Cannot See by Anthony Doerr & Toast by Nigel Slater.
Janet recently posted…I Have a Dream
Oh, Janet, that book (All the Light We Cannot See) is fantastic! Such a world unto itself, isn’t it? I loved that one.
Do you watch/read Marie Forleo? Last week she interviewed Shefali Tsabary. I thought of you.
I don’t, but I will definitely look into that. Thanks for the suggestion!