Sunday, March 21, 2010

Alphatudes - Review

Title: Alphatudes
Sub-title: The alphabet of gratitude – 26 solutions for Life’s Little Challenges
Author: Michele Wahlder
Publisher: Life Possibilities Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9823645-0-5
Genre: Non-Fiction / Personal Psychology / Self Help
Presentation: Soft cover

When I attended my Reiki 1st degree program way back in 1995, I was introduced to the phrase, Attitude of Gratitude. It starts with “I thank myself for being here….” When we take the attitude of gratitude, we find Reiki flowing through us better. That was interesting and many times it was verified while trying to heal myself and others through Reiki. A few years ago, I came across another self help program called Go Gratitude. Being grateful in all situations is the theme of the program and the book titled “Go Gratitude” by Stacey Robin. Thus I was familiar with the concept of gratitude and was willing and curious to know what the author is trying to convey through the interesting title, Alphatudes. Is it related to the alphabet or is it related to the alpha state of the mind? So, I asked and got the book for review a few weeks ago.

The first thing that struck me is the beautiful printing on high quality art paper, the visual appeal, the eye pleasing photographs etc. in the book. My hands were indeed grateful for the opportunity to hold the book and my eyes were grateful for the visual treat. As I started reading the book, the mind was grateful at the wisdom presented in an easy and interesting way. The author uses the English alphabet A to Z and thus tells us 26 things to be grateful for.

For example, under H for Hope, we have: Even if I knew that tomorrow the world is going to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree - Martin Luther. The quotation is accompanied by an eye catching photo of an apple, and is followed by a short essay from the author on hope. There is an affirmation at the end of that short article: I expect great things to happen. I am filled with hope, faith and optimism. My possibilities are limitless. This is followed by a Prayer of Hope: Make me a light that radiates your hope into the lives of others. Breathe into me the joyful expectations of a brighter day. Thank you for lifting my spirit and giving me an inner spark of hope.

Each alphabet thus takes up 4 beautiful colorful pages. We have Forgiveness for F, Imagination for I, Joy for J, Kindness for K, Laughter for L (it could have been Love as well, but in my view it is easier to laugh than to love!), Music for M, Now for N, etc. There are a few surprises too like Obstacles for O. Should we be grateful for an obstacle? Yes, an apparent obstacle teaches us to become stronger and smarter! And obstacles are divine plans to reroute our lives into hitherto unseen channels.

We may or may not agree with all that is written in the book but let us be grateful for an opportunity to explore, think and then to agree or not. For example, I would not have chosen the sub-title "26 solutions for Life's Little Challenges" though I liked the rhyme of Little with Life. The solutions are in my view meant for Life's major challenges.

An attitude of gratitude does help in letting go, in being in the now etc. and brings us closer to our source. An attitude of gratitude is healing and empowering.

I am grateful to Maryglenn, the wonderful publicist for the opportunity to review this beautiful book.


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

An Excellent guide to credit cards and how to use them effectively

Title: The Skinny on Credit Cards

Sub-title: How to master the credit card game

Author: Jim Randel

Illustration: Malinda Nass

Publisher: Rand Publishing / www.theskinnyon.com

ISBN: 978-0-9818935-4-9

Genre: Non-Fiction / Personal Finance / Self Help

Presentation: Soft cover

Recommended for: All of us who want to know about and manage our credit cards


Do you have a credit card? Did you ever feel like having one? Were you approached by credit card marketers with attractive offers? Were you harassed by the credit card companies and or their collection agents? Do you know the difference between a credit card and a debit card? What is a charge card? What is a Balance transfer card? What is Credit rating? How does credit rating affect your ability to raise a loan from a different bank? Why rolling over the outstanding loans is not such a good idea?

Those and many more questions are answered in an interesting, easy-to-read style. If you have about 2 hours time (I needed less actually, just about an hour and ten minutes), you can read this book and get your knowledge updated. If you are struggling with the debt of credit cards throwing your life out of gear, you will find excellent advice from Jim Randel, the author on the steps that you can take to reduce your card debt. For example, the question about the problem with rolling over (carrying a balance forward to the next cycle) is explained on Panel 77:

“I’m sorry, Beth, but there is one more point that I need to make.

When you carry a balance on your credit cards, there is no longer an interest-free period between the date of purchase and the date your payment is due. In other words, you start paying interest the day a new purchase is made. I am sorry to say Billy, that you are already paying interest on that new motorcycle jacket you bought this morning.” Almost every panel is accompanied by an interesting visual. 

Beth and Billy are the two characters (wife and husband) and Jim Randell is the advisor, who becomes a family friend.

As can be seen, it is explained in an interesting and easy to understand manner. There are no page numbers, but panels and each page has 2 panels like the frames of a power point presentation.

The book thus follows a very interesting, innovative approach to communicate with the reader and gives information that is accurate and up-to-date in an easy to read manner.

The author and the publisher deserve our congratulations and appreciation. 

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Riley's Lost Tooth - Review

Title: Riley's Lost Tooth

Author: Dianne Cantrell

Illustrator: Heather Castles

Publisher: Brown Books Publishing Group

ISBN: 978-1933651620

Genre: Fiction / Children


Presentation: Hard Cover with Dust Jacket

I had the opportunity to review Dianne's earlier book, "Good Bye Baby Max" and when the author asked me whether I would be interested in reviewing the present book, I was very happy.


The book is colorfully illustrated and the story is simple but delightful. Riley, a small girl of about 5 years loses her first tooth. When she shares that news with her grandma, the pups in the house get worried and start searching for the lost tooth. A tooth fairy appears and assures them that it is a natural process and Riley will in fact get a regular, permanent tooth in its place.

The story is told in simple sentences and it would be a pleasure for the child to read or for the parents to read. One sample:

“We must find her tooth.
She was here earlier today,
maybe she lost it
when we all went out to play.”

One more excerpt:

No, really,” she said,
“all children lose their teeth.
Permanent ones then grow in
if they don’t eat too many sweets.”


The book is well written and the illustrations are beautiful. The book will definitely appeal to all children (including children at heart like this reviewer) and their parents / grandparents / elder siblings and other care givers.

Strongly recommended as an educational gift.