Goodreads Summary
Szen Zone: Reaching a State of Positive Change, by Gary Szenderski, is a compilation of stand-alone short stories and observations that celebrate the power in each of us to create positive change in our lives, to be what we want to be.
Where ZEN is of the moment and what is, SZEN celebrates what could be.
Szen Zone contains lighthearted and positive narrative on life and its possibilities, with stories that cover the gamut from interesting to profound.
The general overarching theme of the book is change and all of the aspects of it - creating, surviving, and managing change with the goal to recognize the power we have to create positive change in our lives and be what we want to be.
If you are a fan of short inspirational stories like those in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, then this is a book you would certainly enjoy. Wherever you may find yourself in life, you will discover an insight or example in this book to help you change course and take charge of your life.
My Thoughts
When I was contacted about reading this book I was pretty excited, to say the least. Reading other reviews and simply reading about the book itself had me checking the PO Box daily looking for this gem in the mail. I wasn't disappointed.
This was exactly what I was looking for. Something to read nightly, just before bed, that was uplifting and didn't consume a lot of my time. One, or sometimes two, short stories a night. I just loved it! And the Szenippets were my favorite parts!
Thank you, Book Publicity Services, for sending this gem of a book to me!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from Book Publicity Services in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Summary
Elizabeth Blackwell was a brave and persistent pioneer who overcame all adversities to earn a degree in medicine, becoming the first woman doctor in the world. Her path was not without suffering the constant throes of anger and antipathy from the all-male medical profession. However, despite this bitter and harsh treatment, Elizabeth was determined to prevail through stubborn courage and an iron-clad will and triumphed for the good of all society.
My Thoughts
Although I am sure that I have heard her name before, I can't remember learning much about Elizabeth Blackwell. That is, at least, not until now. The Other Side of Courage didn't really feel much like a fiction novel, but more like I was reading a biography of her life. Those words may turn people away from reading this book if you're not really into reading biographies but, let me tell you, don't let it scare you. While there were a few times when it felt a bit slow, it would soon turn and peak my interest again. It is very well written and I really do recommend it.
Thank you, CyPress Publications, for sending it my way!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Summary
Kena's birthday is coming. The cub invites all his classmates to his party, except one: Bako. Kena's mom intervenes to have Bako invited as well.
At the end, Kena realizes that a single act of friendship can lead to a beautiful outcome.
My Thoughts
This was a cute little book with a great message. As an elementary teacher, I am always trying to get the children to be kind and be friends with each other. This book was a great tool in helping them to understand a little better why excluding each other can hurt feelings. I read it to my class and they didn't see it as a "lesson" but instead just a fun time of classroom reading.
Thank you, Gabriela Arellano, for sending this book to me! I love having new books to read to my class!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
