The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family by Josh Hanagarne

So this book was my attempt at reading something new and nonfiction. Something that I don't usually read, to you know, spice my reading list up. Total fail. This book took me over 1 month to read. It was mind bogglingly boring. Now don't get me wrong, Josh's story of overcoming Tourette's and turning his life into something good is wonderful! That part was VERY interesting. I guess I just got lost in the other parts. His life is a great story of becoming yourself despite the hardships. His Mom is a strong and loving woman who he talks about with love and the reader loves her too. His dad, I thought his Dad was funny. His comments about things, gosh, I laughed a lot at the things his Dad said. I was frustrated with this book because I felt like, in some parts, he was jumping around and talking about this then that, and I would forget what the topic was and how we got this far.
His Faith is something that astounds me. I've known people with great faith, even after God knocks them down a peg or two. And you would think, after reading about Josh's trials with Tourette's that his faith would be gone but no. He still believes. I think that keeps him going and keeps his Tourette's under control.
This book would be a great read for a family or person who had Tourette's and has questions. I really believe this book could provide insight for others.
The one thing that really stood out and caught my attention was the way his chapters began. He used the call numbers of different subjects- related to the chapters- to name the chapters. That is just brilliant. I find him being a librarian interesting. You would think that someone who has tics wouldn't be able to hold himself together but in a library, we're all strange and weird and there for the same reason, books. His love of books and reading is apparent all throughout this book and it makes my respect for him all the more. Finding that losing himself in a book helped him, well that just made me root for him all the more. Josh's story is a good one and can benefit if told and read by the right person.
Overall, it's an okay read. But that's just me. I'm not a fan of nonfiction.

For more information about Josh and his books: http://joshhanagarne.com/ or visit his blog at:http://worldsstrongestlibrarian.com/.
I checked his blog out, it's great. Take some time and browse it!

3.5 out of 5 stars!

Interview 3- Nonfiction

For my third interview on my blog I wanted to interview someone who read nonfiction. I am currently reading a nonfiction book, The World's Strongest Librarian, and wanted to ask questions to someone who only or mostly read nonfiction for pleasure. I don't usually read nonfiction in any form, biography, historical, autobiography, etc. I just have never really liked it. It's not my taste. BUT, I do know a man who reads nonfiction. Ever since I can remember he's read mostly nonfiction books when I've seen him read. Whether it's something like National Geographic magazine or historical or a biography, I've seen him read it. Who could this be? My Dad, Jimmy Krebs. He's a great man, one of the greatest men I've ever known. He's always been loving, supportive, and caring to my brothers and me. He was a great provider for his family and the best father a girl could ask for.
Here is his interview!

1. Tell me about yourself. I am a retired oil refinery operations' supervisor. I have 3 successful, college educated children. I am also fortunate to have 6 grandchildren. I live in Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico. I enjoy hiking/backpacking, camping, kayaking, and participate in triathlons and run races of 5k to marathon distances.

2. Why do you like to read nonfiction books?
I enjoy reading nonfiction books because I consider each work a type of historical recounting of either a historical event or a part of someone's life. The true, actual events happened and are recorded for people to read about and enjoy and possibly learn something.

3. What is one nonfiction book that you recently read? Currently I am reading a collection of short stories written by a friend. At the same time, I am reading a training book about triathlon.

 4. What types of nonfiction books do you like to read most? Historical? Biography? Autobiography? Why? I enjoy historical nonfiction, but inspirational biographies are also an interest.

5. Have you ever read a nonfiction book that inspired you to do something in your life? Explain. I have read a number of historical books that have caused my appreciation for the people that made contributions to our world and country. One book was The Works Of John Muir. It recounted his travels, life in the wilderness, and his passion for preserving our natural resources. I also read Undaunted Courage. This book centers on the events of Merriweather Lewis' life, of Lewis and Clark fame. It included actual journal entries, and other historical accounts of the Corps of Discovery. It has inspired me to visit sites the Corps trekked and appreciate and practice enjoying the outdoor wilderness.

6. How do you find the nonfiction books you read? A book that has a slow start, or drifts from the main story can loose my interest. I know that is why I do not read a large amount of non fiction. I typically look at the new book display at the library and get reading ideas from friends with similar interests.

7. Do you read anything besides nonfiction? Fiction? Magazines? If so, what are your favorite types to read (mystery, fantasy, general, historical) ? I subscribe to several active sport magazines, and I enjoy reading historical articles of a variety of subjects.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Two of my children live in regions of the country that currently influence my reading. One child lives near Washington, DC, and another child lives in Oregon. The histories of the regions are of interest to me.

 My Dad rocks! I love him and miss him so much! Hope to see you soon, Daddio :) <3

The Busy Woman's Guide to Getting Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous by Daniel L. Wallen, CPT

This was a free book that I downloaded onto my Kindle. Wallen does a great job at telling it like it is but with humor. As someone who constantly struggles to not go up a jean size, this book really gave me a better look into what I'm doing negatively that could be hindering my success at losing weight and keeping it off. I really liked that he put it into easy thoughts and that it was targeted towards women (and men) like me who have problems 'liking' exercise and what comes with it. I think that if you have a weight problem this book is definitely a good book to read. It's definitely not my normal reading choice but I'm trying to expand my horizons on the reading front.
While reading this book, it really gave me 'ah-ha' moment where I was shocked that he understood me so well. Like he wrote this book with ME in mind. It's definitely given me a new view on exercising and eating healthy. Cheat days arent' bad, it means I'm human. Positive thoughts and overcoming the negative view I have of myself and of exercise is what I'm working on now.
Pick this book up or download it like I did..It might help you too!

5 out of 5 stars! Great advice and perspective.

Nonfiction Books- 4th-6th grade

First of all,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! What are you dressing up as? or what are your kids dressing up as? My husband and I are a zombie couple and our daughter is going as a peacock! So CUTE!

Now for the books. These are all nonfiction books for 4th-6th grade students. These were assigned reading for my lit class.

The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman (2012): Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book. It was very educational and told the Boston Tea Party story in an interesting manner with lots of great pictures. It would be a great book to use for a lesson on the BTP or for a book report about the event.
3 out of 3 stars!

Bodies From the Ice by James Deem (2008): This book was by far my favorite of the ones we had to read for class. It's long but worth the read! It's photographs of the bodies found in the ice are phenomonal and are sure to bring in even the readers who don't like nonfiction (like me!). It reminded me of BONES tv show in the way that they described the bones, photographed the findings and told the story of the body. I thought this was a great great great book. I also found out it is part of series!
3 out of 3 stars! Definitely read this book!

There are 2 more books we read Butterflies and What to do About Alice? but honestly, they weren't all that great. Alice is a book about President Roosevelt's daughter Alice and her life and adventures. Butterflies is exactly what you think, it's about butterflies and moths. I did learn that silk worms are moths though so yay!