Musician's Widow Reviews

[Booksneeze] -- The Right to Lead by John C. Maxwell

2010-08-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

When I finish a book and it has little post it notes sticking out of it, its a visual affirmation of the impact it has made on me. When I finished The Right to Lead by John C. Maxwell, it had inherited multiple post-it notes, and I can guaranteed it won't be gathering dust on my bookshelf.

...rely on the rock of discipline, not the shifting sand of emotion. p. 8

Proof that a book doesn't have to be 500 pages long to be powerful, this book packs its punch in its 121 pages. Leadership is broken down into the seven characteristics that help make a good leader: action, vision, sacrifice, risk, determination, service and integrity.Filled with quotes, bible verses and historical stories, each chapter's message reaches out to the reader in a clear and concise manner.

As you read the book, you not only learn about the seven characteristics of a leader, you learn in detail about great leaders of the past. Some are names we've all heard about since we were kids. Others are names that are brand new. All of them undeniable leaders that today's aspiring leaders should study and learn about.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position, anyone looking to move into leadership or even anyone who needs help understanding and supporting a leader. I could not be happier to have this book now; I know it will be staying on my desk at all times! It's a place to turn in a moment of doubt or weakness; guaranteed to give you the boost you need to push forward in any leadership role.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[BookSneeze] -- Kaleidoscope: Seeing God's Wit and Wisdom in a Whole New Light

2010-07-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

Originally posted here.

I've been working on this book for several months, and at the end of it I find myself with a serious love/hate relationship with it.

Patsy Clairmont presents the book of Proverbs in a quirky and fun way. Each Proverb is given its own chapter (2 - 3 pages long), in which it is analyzed in a quirky way that will make you laugh and appreciate it. Then she gives the reader a series of "Bits & Pieces" questions to help bring that same Proverb into the reader's life. At the end of the chapter, other Bible verses are given that tie it all together neatly.

What I love about this book is that it is written in such a relaxed manner. Each chapter is short and makes for a great daily devotional to start or end the day.

Like the name implies, it twists Proverbs around into a colorful display. One that is enjoyable, and will make the reader really appreciate the verse as something to apply to their own life. You'll laugh. You'll really think. You'll end the book with a new thought process.

However, again as the name implies, I never felt the book had a true path. I, personally, prefer a book that makes me want to pick it up every free chance I have, because I know its going to carry on to the next level. This book felt too random, and my urge to pick it up after I set it down just didn't exist. I found myself forcing myself to open it and read. I would appreciate it as I read it, but if I wasn't actively reading it, I really had no urge to do so.

In the end, I would give this book a solid 3 stars out of 5. Excellent topic, and a fun approach to it. However, not a book I foresee myself reading again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[BookSneeze] -- I Wish You Enough by Bob Perks

2010-07-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

Originally posted here

We all have bad days. We all have good days. We all say hello. We all say good bye. We all have sunshine. We all have rainy days. The hope is that we each have enough of all of these to live a full and joyful life. That concept is the basis of the gift book, I Wish You Enough by Bob Perks.

Based on a wish shared in an airport, the book explores 8 elements needed to find true happiness.

Sun. Rain. Happiness. Pain. Gain. Loss.Hello. Good-bye.

These opposing elements are explored through short stories to show how they all come together to fill ones life with happiness and appreciation. Anyone who has ever experienced strife in their life should have a copy of this book within reach to remind them that it is even within our tough times that we can find strength and appreciation for the good times.

The book is short and an easy read. Every chapter, every page, is like a greeting card to the reader with each story containing a message pierces your heart and transforms your thoughts. Definitely taking the reader on a spiritual journey (each story even ends with a bible verse that is just the perfect bow on top of the story's gift!), I read it on a recent business flight. Upon landing my location had not only changed, but so had my attitude and outlook on life. I wanted to hand every person around me a copy of the book. I highly recommend I Wish You Enough as a gift for a friend or just a gift for yourself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”