I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked out How to be a Perfect Christian. I know it was a satirical book based around Christianity, and I love a good satire, so I gave it a shot.
Overall, it was ok. It had it’s funny moments that made me chuckle, but for the most part, I just wasn’t as entertained as I was anticipating. I don’t want to knock a book down though when I know there are readers who would really like it, so I’m just going to give it a pass on my end.
I’m taking a slight turn from my usual book reviews because Blogging for Books offered an advance to the upcoming game: Punderdome.
I love a good pun, so this was right up my alley. Punderdome is a witty game of trying to come up with puns for drawn phrases on cards. This is definitely a game to play with challenge-loving friends, but hold back on the booze because you’ll need to think straight.
Punderdome is a bit difficult. If you’re not good on your feet with puns, it’ll be hard to win. No matter what though, it’s worth the try.
*I received this item for my honest opinion.
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Review:
Jason Headley’s F*ck That is a unique take on meditation. Instead of using overly positive descriptions, Headley uses frank tones that everyone can relate to. There is an added level of comedy to a mindful experiences.
I really enjoyed F*ck That. I’ve had people recommend meditation more times than I can count, but I don’t have the attention span. This book is perfect for me with its short length, and it pays homage to the old saying, Laughter is the best medicine. The images used are tranquil and give the book a nice backdrop.
4 out of 5 stars!
* I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mother, Can You Not by Kate Siegel
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Review:
I absolutely loved Mother, Can You Not (MCYN). Kate Siegel has compiled numerous stories, ranging from awkward childhood sex talks to stalking religious figures, all involving her mother’s unique lack of censure. She first started introducing her mom to the internet with her hit Instagram account, @CrazyJewishMom.
MCYN was a hilarious collection that had me laughing and cringing from start to finish. The addicting tales are so easy to relate to, because what child hasn’t found their parent embarrassing yet still lovable. It was nice to see someone’s mother was a little more “crazy” than mine, and that she too is being hounded for grandbabies.
Overall, I give Mother, Can You Not 5 stars. I hated having to put it down, and I was very sad to see it end…but now I’m one of the 809k+ followers on Instagram, and I’m anxiously waiting to see what comes out of CrazyJewishMom’s brain next!
*I received this book via Blogging for Books for my honest opinion.
To be fixed later:
Born to Be Awkward is a funny book that reminds readers that not every moment needs to be captured…But I’m thankful they were. The collection of photographs within the book range from the “ugly” baby to snotty moments.
While readers can find many of the images on the creators’ website, the book does include some never before seen items, along with descriptions from the posers themselves.
I’ll definitely be keeping this book on my coffee table and might even give it to my new parent friends.
*I received this book in exchange for a review.
COMING SOON IS THE REVAMPED ROMANTIC MOMENTS BOOK BLOG!
As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought it would be a fitting time to explain my absence.
In August, I had a health issue pop up. It required oral surgery, which included the removal of my wisdom teeth. Now, that doesn’t sound like a big ordeal, but I had a dental phobia, so it was huge for me. The stress I was experiencing with the anticipation of the surgery, and the fear in general, kick started my Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that I had under control. Even after my health problems were sorted out, though, my anxiety did not dissipate…
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder when I was 20 years old. Growing up, I was always “the shy one” or “the quiet one.” I stuck to my mom like glue at social events, and I always made sure I had classes with friends as I got older. I always knew other people seemed more relaxed, but I didn’t realize the level of fear I was experiencing wasn’t quite “normal.” I thought all “shy” people were so nervous to be in a room with strangers that they were shaking and holding back from vomiting. I assumed all “quiet” people were thinking of all the worst-case scenarios that could happen, and assuming they were about to actually happen. It wasn’t until I was in college and thought I was having a heart attack that I finally sought help.
I was overwhelmed by college life, but once I went to the doctor, things got better. I was prescribed a short-term medication for the anxiety and began therapy sessions. After a few months, I felt life had gotten to a point where I didn’t need medication. I had acquired techniques to help with the everyday fear. For the most part, everything was great….except I started developing strange habits. Like needing to lock the door 3 times before bed, or counting everything, including tooth brush strokes.
But this summer, my anxiety became unmanageable on its own. I was having panic attacks multiple times each day. I was having ruminating thoughts, obsessively thinking about negative “what if’s.” I spent my days constantly nauseous and struggling to breathe, and my nights were filled with tossing and turning, afraid to fall asleep and having anxiety-laden nightmares. One morning, I woke up at 5am crying but ready to finally seek help.
Unlike my first encounter with medication, I did not have a good experience. What people don’t often talk about is how tiring the process can be. Most treatments for mental health disorders do not work instantly. You have to wait 4-6 weeks to see if the medicine is working, and if it needs to be adjusted. Not only that, the medications are not a one-size-fits-all item. What works for one person might not work for another. That was my luck.
The first medication I was given was the medication I was on the first time. After 2 weeks, I was down to 2-3 hours of sleep each night. By the 1 month mark, I was barely sleeping and my anxiety was actually worse than ever. Thankfully, a friend suggested different medication and after another month, I was finally feeling somewhat back to normal. I did have an extreme loss of appetite and weight at first, but that was tolerable compared to the anxiety. I also started therapy again with a funny, helpful woman.
It has been nearly four months now on this wonderful medication, and I feel almost 100%. I still have my moments where I want to curl up and cry, but that’s not as often now. I’ve started reading again, which is a huge relief. Reading was always one of my favorite things, and I sure missed it during my down months.
Anyway, if you read this whole story, thank you. I wanted to share where I’ve been, why I disappeared.
1 in 5 adults experience mental health conditions each year, and nearly 40 million adults in the US have an anxiety disorder. You are not alone!
Hello everyone!!
I know I haven’t been around lately, so those who are still reading, THANK YOU!!!
Within the next week, I will be posting to explain my absence.
After that, I will be returning with more reviews than ever!
Take care!!
I meant to post this review months ago.
I found The Martian by Andy Weir to be quite the interesting read. I felt like I was experiencing all of the feelings as Mark. I felt Mark was a kindred spirit, with the same snarkiness and inner monologues I have with myself.
I’m sure to elaborate more once I have time to really come up with the best words to describe this read.
Smittened (Misfit Brides of Bliss #2.5) by Jamie Farrell
Snowy Days, Steamy Nights Anthology
Release Date: January 2, 2015
Blurb:
Dahlia Mallard is determined save her ice cream shop by getting country music superstar Billy Brenton to attend her risqué flavor-tasting event. But the closest she can get to Billy is his drummer, the womanizing Mikey Diamond. The more she gets to know Mikey, the more she wants to save him from his bad boy ways. When he discovers she’s using him to get to Billy, will she still be able to have her ice cream and eat it too?
Review:
Jamie Farrell’s Smittened is apart of the Snowy Days, Steamy Nights Anthology that released last week. The novella is also apart of the Misfit Brides of Bliss series. I have not had the pleasure of reading the prior books in the series, but luckily it was not required. I was never confused or felt like I was missing out on any important details.
I found Smittened quite enjoyable. The story develops quickly, while containing the perfect amount of details to pull the reader in. I’m always excited when an author can pull this off with a novella! The characters were interesting and dynamic. I loved Dahlia’s ice cream business venture and if it wasn’t nearly 0 degrees out while I was reading this, you can bet your tush that I’d be gobbling up more than my share of the delicious treat. The romance was endearing, but did progress a bit fast. I liked Mikey in general, but I had my moments where I wanted to smack some sense into him.
There was an underlying storyline that I am assuming will come in to play in the next book. I’m very intrigued to see what happens on that front.
Overall, I enjoyed Smittened and I plan on reading the rest of the stories within Snowy Days, Steamy Nights. Thank you Jamie Farrell for the opportunity to read the ARC!!
Romantic Moments Book Blog 