T is for Transformation| Book Review

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Pages: 272
Published: November 7, 2017
Publisher: Rodale

T is for Transformation by Shaun T.
Synopsis:

“Your mind is a sledgehammer. Swing it!”
(Shaun T, pg. 20, 2017)

In T is for Transformation, Shaun T unveils the 7 transformational principles that guided his progress through life and that are at the core of his incredibly successful workouts. T is for Transformation is a motivational master class as Shaun shows you how to become more flexible and resourceful, give everything you’ve got, and, most importantly, trust and believe in your path to success. The only real obstacles in life are the mental ones, and T is for Transformation can train you to achieve astonishing results in your own life, just as Shaun T has in his. (Goodreads)

Review:

My rating: 5 of 5 stars!
“And another one, and another and another one bites the dust ” – Queen

I love Shaun T. I can remember the first time I saw an insanity infomercial and I knew that I needed to be doing this program. And that’s what I did all throughout high school and was in the best shape of my life.

So, when I heard that this man came out with a book I was on the quick train to pick it up at the bookstore. His writing mirrored a lot of the things that he says to you during a workout. “Trust and Believe” and “Dig Deeper”. But, those words not only have the context to me that I can push myself through a difficult workout, but I can push myself through life.

I read this book at the right time in my life, and I highlighted all my favorite quotes. This book makes you want to get up and get going and try to do all the difficult things that you have not done because of the little voice in your head thats telling you to doubt yourself.

Personally, I think that this book is a great read for athletes and performers. Shaun T, gets his roots as a dancer. It shows the difficulty of auditioning, injuries and life in L.a. as a performer. But, the powerful thing about this book is that no matter how many time Shaun was knocked down, he was passionate in what he was doing that nothing was going to stop him from getting up and going for his dreams.

There are a few trigger warnings such as child abuse, and rape.

This book also contains LGBTQ+ content.

I think this book is remarkable. I think it teaches a lot about tolerance, peoples differences, and acceptance. Throughout the book, Shaun shares his “Truthbombs” with the reader which are lessons that he has learned about the hardest times in his life. These truth bombs are followed by superpowers, and man those superpowers have the ability for you to feel amazing. Each of us has superpowers, and knowing how to unlock those superpowers is so powerful. I think the mind-shift that develops through this book really helps in unlocking those superpowers.

There is no quick fix to fixing your life, or fixing your body. Shaun, tells each one of his readers that they themselves and only themselves are in charge of the choices that they make every single day. Even those small choices that seem insignificant can play a big role in getting you closer to your dreams. My take away from this book is; show up every single day no matter how difficult it may seem because each little step is a step into the direction of your goals.

Half the game is showing up.

This book is an inspiration but it also gives you a glimpse into the life of Shaun T, and what events that have occurred in his life to make him the person he is today. Amazing would be a great way to sum it up.

currently reading

It’s Monday: What are you reading?

March 12, 2018March 12, 2018 Marinainw0nderlandLeave a comment

Happy Monday Bibliomanics,

It’s Monday, so that means I get to tell you what I am currently reading.

I am currently reading as always like a million books. I started reading “The Great Gatsby”, last week because I was craving a short Classic. “The Great Gatsby”, is great. “Hardy Har Har.” But, I am really enjoying it so far. This time around I am annotating it.

I am also reading “Overcoming Chronic Pain through Yoga”, this was a new release that came out last week. I have been reading it on my Ipad, normally at night when I am all settled in. I am about 39% of the way through it.

As far as audiobooks go, I am listening to “Shatter Me”. I am absolutely loving it. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to read this. Especially because Whitney from Whittynovels on Youtube talks about this series all the time.

I hope that by the end of this week I will also have read “A Wrinkle in Time.” I read a chapter of it on e-book before realizing that I would love to have a physical copy of this book. So, I am waiting for it to come in the mail tomorrow.

If I get to all of this books this week I will consider it to be a success. Last week was a super funky week, I honestly wasn’t in the mood to read anything. I wasn’t even in the mood to listen to anything on audiobook either.

Hoping for a better reading week!!

With warm cups of tea and just a few more chapters,

Happy Reading!!

Rina

Book Review

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green |Book Review

January 6, 2018January 6, 2018 Marinainw0nderlandLeave a comment

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.

In his long-awaited return, John Green, the acclaimed, award-winning author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, shares Aza’s story with shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship. (Goodreads)

Pages: 290

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Published:October 10th 2017

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Review:

This book was brilliant. I related to it on so many levels. Aza, spoke to me because I could see mine own battle with anxiety happen through her eyes.

Turtles all the way down, was very good. It wasn’t my favorite book that John Green has ever written because “The Fault In Our Stars” does holds that special place. I did enjoy it a lot because I was able to connect with it.

Our main character Aza has an anxiety disorder, which I identified with as well. There were so many instances in this novel that I felt that I had reacted to a situation in my life, in a similar way as Aza has. The one problematic area that I couldn’t connect with was when Aza, was prescribed medication for her anxiety right way without the doctor trying to find alternative ways to deal with anxiety.

I loved the relationship and friendship that this story developed. I think that it did show the honest truth and difficulty of what it looks like to date someone with anxiety. I can identify with the feelings that Aza, had when she was conflicted with two sides of herself and wanted to be closer to Davis but, at the same time she pulled away from him, and began to overthink every little bit.

I thought that Daisy, Aza’s best friend was written as a typical high schooler who wanted her best friend to just be able to have fun. I can see how she could be a problematic character in the sense that she was not always supportive of Aza, but I can see where her character struggled to understand what is going on with her best friend and although wanted to continue to be friends, but had to take some time to change her thoughts and behavior in order to do so.

Overall, I thought that this was a beautifully written novel. I enjoyed that this novel also revolved around a mystery of what happened to the billionaire Russel Picket. The storyline was never flat, as it revolved around the constant suspense element while introducing the struggles of a character dealing with anxiety.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning about mental illness, and anxiety. There were also so many beautiful quotes in this book that I couldn’t help but flag every single one of them in my copy so I can go back and reread them in the future.

(Also, please know that if you are battling with anxiety or mental illness, you are not alone. If you need additional support please contact SAMHSA treatment referral helpline: 1-877-SAMHSA7. Or reach out to a school counselor or parent.)

With Warm Cups of Tea and Just A Few More Chapters,

Rina

Book Review

The Lovely Reckless By Kami Garcia|Review

November 19, 2017November 19, 2017 Marinainw0nderlandLeave a comment

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Title: The Lovely Reckless

Author: Kami Garcia

Pages: 384

Publisher: Imprint

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia, a contemporary romance full of loss, love and redemption…

Seventeen year-old Frankie Devereux would do anything to forget the past. Haunted by the memory of her boyfriend’s death, she lives her life by one dangerous rule: nothing matters. At least, that’s what Frankie tells herself after a reckless mistake forces her to leave her privileged life in the Heights to move in with her dad–an undercover cop. She transfers to public school in the Downs, where fistfights in the halls don’t faze anyone and illegal street racing is more popular than football.

Marco Leone is the fastest street racer in the Downs. Tough, sexy, and hypnotic, he makes it impossible for Frankie to ignore him…and how he makes her feel. But the risks Marco takes for his family could have devastating consequences for them both. When Frankie discovers his secret, she has to make a choice. Will she let the pain of the past determine her future? Or will she risk what little she has left to follow her heart?

Your own heart will race with each page turn of this heart-stopping star-crossed love story. (Goodreads)

REVIEW:.5 /5

I enjoyed this book so very much. It was literally everything that I wanted in a story. It had an element of love, and adventure. I love the fact that this book was so descriptive about the car races and the how it showed the police investigation. You can really tell that the other knew what she was talking about.

I loved the main two characters. I thought Marco, was just perfect. Although, he was meant to be portrayed as a bad boy, he had a very tender side to him. I really enjoyed how the relationship between him and Frankie played out. I liked that there was no element of instant love, which is often used in young adult novels. I also liked that this book had a lot of other elements that it focused on, and didn’t just zone in on the love story element.

This story was fast paced, and richly written with characters that were hard to resist. I couldn’t put this book down. I was extremely engaged with the relationship building in this book. I also felt that the plot was creatively written with the reader constantly wondering what is going to happen next and keeping them on the edge of the seat. The characters are so good, that it is very difficult not to get attached to them. I would highly recommend this book to fans of young adult and romance.

With Warm Cups of Tea and Just A Few More Chapters,

Rina

Book Review

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins Review

July 4, 2015July 4, 2015 Marinainw0nderlandLeave a comment

Synopsis:

Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol – a rebellion that Ka 6148028 tniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can’t prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel in the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before…and surprising readers at every turn.

Review: (May Contain Spoilers)

When I first read the first book in this series called “The Hunger Games”. I didn’t own the rest of the series so I didn’t continue on right away. Let’s say a couple of years later I finally picked up the second and third book in the series. “Catching Fire,” as most people know is the second book in the series. It continues on where the first book ended. As Katniss, is enjoying her life in the Victory village, she gets a surprise from the government, by having to participate in the “Quarter Quell.” This is another hunger games competition accept is involves the two victors from each district of the all the prior Hunger Games. As you may have guessed Katniss and Peeta go back for a second round.

I gave this book a 4/5 stars. This book gave me so much feels. I absolutely loved the friendship that was growing between Peeta and Katniss. I also enjoyed the complexity of Katniss’s situation as you saw the way Katniss was torn with her relationship with Gale and Peeta. I really like Peeta more in this book, mainly because he was very protective of Katniss and that was a nice side to see of him. Also, I really enjoyed how Katniss and Peeta worked a lot like a team to get through the struggles that they faced in this book. Once again Katniss was a really strong character, but in this book you also see a lot of growth within Peeta’s character as well. He was constantly thinking of Katniss and he was trying to do anything in his power to keep them both safe. This was a nice change from constantly seeing Katniss protecting them in the games.

If you are wondering if you should pick up this book after you read “Hunger Games”. The answer is absolutely yes. The story and writing was just as amazing as the first book. This book didn’t have the sequel burn out as many sequels have. Another thing that I liked was that it was a really fast read and you get sucked into the story to the point that you feel that you are actually in the story yourself. This book still had all the thrills, the twists and turns that the first book had, with a lot more chemistry between the characters. I didn’t want the book to end and I felt that it ended on a complete cliff-hanger. I can not wait to pick up the next book to find out the conclusion to this amazing series.

Book Review

Review: Mile 81 by Stephen King

April 30, 2014April 30, 2014 Marinainw0nderlandLeave a comment

Title: Mile 81

Author: Stephen King

Pages: 80

Published: September 1, 2011

Publisher: Simon ad Schuster

Author’s Website: www.stephenking.com

Synopsis:With the heart of Stand By Me and the genius horror of Christine, Mile 81 is Stephen King unleashing his imagination as he drives past one of those road signs…

At Mile 81 on the Maine Turnpike is a boarded up rest stop on a highway in Maine. It’s a place where high school kids drink and get into the kind of trouble high school kids have always gotten into. It’s the place where Pete Simmons goes when his older brother, who’s supposed to be looking out for him, heads off to the gravel pit to play “paratroopers over the side.” Pete, armed only with the magnifying glass he got for his tenth birthday, finds a discarded bottle of vodka in the boarded up burger shack and drinks enough to pass out.

Not much later, a mud-covered station wagon (which is strange because there hadn’t been any rain in New England for over a week) veers into the Mile 81 rest area, ignoring the sign that says “closed, no services.” The driver’s door opens but nobody gets out.

Doug Clayton, an insurance man from Bangor, is driving his Prius to a conference in Portland. On the backseat are his briefcase and suitcase and in the passenger bucket is a King James Bible, what Doug calls “the ultimate insurance manual,” but it isn’t going to save Doug when he decides to be the Good Samaritan and help the guy in the broken down wagon. He pulls up behind it, puts on his four-ways, and then notices that the wagon has no plates.

Ten minutes later, Julianne Vernon, pulling a horse trailer, spots the Prius and the wagon, and pulls over. Julianne finds Doug Clayton’s cracked cell phone near the wagon door — and gets too close herself. By the time Pete Simmons wakes up from his vodka nap, there are a half a dozen cars at the Mile 81 rest stop. Two kids — Rachel and Blake Lussier — and one horse named Deedee are the only living left. Unless you maybe count the wagon.

Synopsis: With the heart of Stand By Me and the genius horror of Christine, Mile 81 is Stephen King unleashing his imagination as he drives past one of those road signs…

Doug Clayton, an insurance man from Bangor, is driving his Prius to a conference in Portland. On the backseat are his briefcase and suitcase and in the passenger bucket is a King James Bible, what Doug calls “the ultimate insurance manual,” but it isn’t going to save Doug when he decides to be the Good Samaritan and help the guy in the broken down wagon. He pulls up behind it, puts on his four-ways, and then notices that the wagon has no plates.

Ten minutes later, Julianne Vernon, pulling a horse trailer, spots the Prius and the wagon, and pulls over. Julianne finds Doug Clayton’s cracked cell phone near the wagon door — and gets too close herself. By the time Pete Simmons wakes up from his vodka nap, there are a half a dozen cars at the Mile 81 rest stop. Two kids — Rachel and Blake Lussier — and one horse named Deedee are the only living left. Unless you maybe count the wagon. (Amazon)

Review:

I have always found Stephen King to be one of those authors that I was afraid to read. I am not a huge fan of horror and it took me a while to fight my fear to pick up on of his novels. Mile 81 is a short novella, perfect for a reader that wants to experience King’s style of writing and get a slight idea what his books are all about. This book was less on the horror side and more about solving a mystery. It follows the lives of two children that watch their parents disappear into a station wagon. This story was very short and I felt that there were pieces of it that were not completely thought out. But, taking into consideration that this was a “novella”, I can’t complain to much. The storyline was very fun, and addicting as you watch a muddy station wagon, munch on characters left and right. I really enjoyed that their was a variety of people that you were introduced too, even for a short period of time. King, did a great job with developing characters and introducing them, in such a short time. Overall, whether you are trying Stephen King for the first time, or a longtime fan this novella will keep you pondering till the last page.

First Line:

“You can’t come,” his older brother said.