inspiring to anyone who does not believe motherly love can change lives
923149
If you're looking for a page-turner to occupy yourself on a rainy day, The Secret Life of Bees is a great choice. Sue Monk Kidd skillfully tells a poignant story of a fourteen year old girl's coming of age and journey through racism in the South in the early 1960's, a time of racial unrest. This book is an inspiration to anyone who does not believe love can change lives. The powerful influence of the feminine figure is portrayed as Lily finds the motherly love she was longing for in a family of beekeeping sisters.

 Kidd's inspiration to write this novel was ignited by several different aspects. She was born in Sylvester, Georgia in 1948, and was exposed to frightening experiences because of the racial tensions of the South throughout her entire childhood. Because this left such an impact on her she felt she needed to write about it, which is why she adds references based on her hometown and childhood experiences in the novel. Kidd remembered she had honey bees living inside a wall in her home growing up, and she began imagining the story which beautifully developed into a Bestseller, The Secret Life of Bees.

 A freak accident involving a gun left Lily motherless at age four. Although she only had a vague, yet horrifying and haunting, memory of her mother from the day she died, she picked up clues along the way. Lily was raised by her mistreating father T. Ray and Rosaleen, a black woman who worked on their peach farm.  She and Lily went to town one day so she could register to vote on the day the Civil Rights Act was passed, when Rosaleen got beaten by one of the biggest racists in town. Lily came up with a plan to help her African American nanny escape from jail and embark on a journey to Tiburon, South Carolina in 1964. The two refugees were taken in by three "Calendar Sisters" - August, May, and June. They serve as mother figures for Lily and give her the true love she never thought she would find. She even experiences young love with the Sister's nephew, Zach, although they can not pursue it because it is socially unacceptable. Through beekeeping and story-telling, she discovers the meaning of life and how to overcome regret.

  Kidd writes, "Most people don't have any idea about all the complicated life going on inside a hive. Bees have a secret life we don't know anything about." She uses creative diction to make us feel the pain of surprising underlying experiences of her characters. The Secret Life of Bees is one of my personal favorites and is now being taught in schools and becoming a modern classic. This book had my sentiments fluctuating because it is so easily to become emotionally attached to the characters.  At times I was in rage because of the racial discrimination during this time and T. Ray's abuse, then crossing my fingers in hope Lily would feel loved, and the next moment I could be laughing out loud. I shed several tears while reading this moving novel and could not help but smile at the end, even though I was upset there were not any more pages to turn. This is the kind of book that would make any non-reader want to read.
3877769
The book spoke to many thoughts and feelings Ive been currently wrestling with as a Mom. Dont judge me for admitting this, but my children aren't exactly what I expected them to be.  As they grow, Im realizing that some of my hopes and dreams for them may never come true and this has brought some disappointment.  And then I realized something those hopes and dreams I had for them are actually MY hopes and dreams- not theirs.  Our job as parents isn't to live vicariously through our kids.  Instead, we are to nurture and encourage the gifts and talents they were created with.
 NMPK spoke directly to a deep loss Ive been feeling for the past 9 months as two of my children were diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. The book communicates to parents who are in this unique situation by referencing a poem about people who thought they were going to live in Italy, but ended up in Holland instead. The authors of NMPK emphasize that we are all created with purpose and that there are no mistakes- even with disease or disorder.  Its just a small part of who God created them to be.  We need to embrace that unique, one-of-a-kind, unrepeatable miracle!  This concept could also apply to our childs interests, choice of style, talents, and personality.  Our kids aren't going to be just-like-us, or just-like-we-expected.  And thats a good thing!
This book taught me to treasure the children I have, and put away the false expectations of perfection.
241512
Just finished reading this book and it was awesome!!! Didn't take long to read it from beginning to end. The book is an amazing loving journey of unconditional love and respect. It's very inspiring for any parent to read for their child however this book can be utilized in other aspects of life as well. It's definitely worth picking up a copy.
3922325
Now there is a creed I can live by. This book is not about how to be a sex pot, but about CONFIDENCE and EMPOWERMENT. It is about enjoying every moment you spend with your kids and every moment without them. It is about how motherhood expands us all and how we should embrace that.

In the introduction, Ms. Denay states that "A HOT MOM is defined by her soul, her core. A Hot Mom is about being the best YOU, about being a woman who radiates confidence from the inside out."

In a time of countless books on the madness of motherhood, this is an uplifting and refreshing change. It embraces mothers of all situations and encourages us to be comfortable with who we are. Perhaps if more people read and lived the Hot Moms Oath at the end of this book, the Mommy Wars would be over. Buy a copy for yourself and copies for all your friends.
4959253
Review originally posted on my blog www.livinglifewithjoy.com

Chelsea is a 28 year-old single mom of a 2 year-old, and lives in her parents home rent-free with built-in child-care from her mother that doesnt work. Although her parents have made taking care of James a bit easier, shes still been a trooper on bringing him up without a father in his life. In fact, Chelsea was never really in a relationship with the father, so its no surprise that hes never even met James once.

Chelsea realizes that she needs to start taking better care of herself, not just for her waistline, but for Jamess benefit. She decides to start a walking program to begin to get healthy to ensure that shell be around to always take care of James and be able to run around and play with him. On her quest to start living a healthier life, Chelsea meets Jay. Not only is Jay cute and in great shape, but hes funny and. he likes her! But the path to love isn't always straight and the two have their ups and downs and a bit of chaos in between.

The relationships that develop throughout the novel are a mixture of Fate, instinct and hard work. Its important to be  in a relationship with someone that respects and appreciates you and supports your interests and passions, not someone who is indifferent, uncaring and unsupportive. Motivation to be healthier should be for you and a personal decision, not because someone wants you to look a certain way. Its sad to think that anyone would be in a relationship with someone that doesnt respect you and that you don't love, but its exhilarating to witness the moment when things turn around and that person finally stands up for themselves and does what their instincts tell them to.

This book was thoroughly entertaining and made me want to get up and exercise! It also made me want to spend the afternoon painting or doing something creative! I loved that Chelseas motivation to get healthy was to make a better life for herself and her son, and it led to one of the greatest opportunities and changes of her life. She was able to find new passions through her motivation and her focus was on feeling better and being healthy so that she could run around and take care of her son. The pride that came with her accomplishments was heart warming and her rocky road of relationships was realistic and charming. One of the biggest themes in this novel was the importance of believing in yourself and finding that special someone that believes in you to propel you through life. Another wonderful novel from Tracy Krimmer!
3966690
Anyone who has seen the heartbreak of a two-year old when a father merely leaves for work will understand how devastating it must have been when Pattie's father said goodbye to her at the door and then walked out of her life. She didn't see him until she was nine. No long after, he died of a heart attach.

Make sure to have a box of Kleenex close by as Pattie continues with the fascinating story as her life spirals out of control until there really is no way but up.

Her amazing story will inspire women from the very young to the not so young. I believe it's going to help many make decisions that will change their lives.

THIS IS A MUST READ especially for anyone who carries pain, or feelings of insecurity, hopelessness, depressions, and the guilt of wrong choices. If this is not on the NYT bestseller list, I'll be shocked.

I wrote the above review late last night so just want to add something.

The first part of the book where she talks of sexual abuse might be difficult for many people, but this is just a tiny section of the book. I'm telling you, the book is truly mind-blowing.

Yesterday after church, and lunch, I sat down and read it right through dinner. I was mesmerized, in tears, and if anyone is offended, I'm just saying it like it was, I was filled with the Holy spirit. If I hadn't switched to Huckabee I may never have read it, and I feel it was meant to be.
859351
I am not a viewer of soap operas, I did not even know who Cady McClain even was.  I ordered the book simply because it looked like her story and mine would be similar.  She describes with dynamic lyrical eloquence her journey through sexual abuse as a child, an absent father, and an alcoholic mother that she supports.

Her mother not only "takes all her earnings" but literally "owns" her freedom even into adulthood; telling her how to dress, instructing her on the fine art of HER (the mother's) way of decorating, and who to see and what do do to get ahead, all in the mother's best interests.  Cady spends her days outwardly as an actress, but internally, her soul belongs to those things external to her.  The only freedom she achieves is when her  mother passes.  At that time, she feels a mix of sadness and relief, and finally achieves her long sought freedom.

The author stresses several important points in this book in the interest of finding the self; one is the cohesiveness and unconditional love found in the 12-step programs, the importance of long-term therapy to put the chaos into perspective, and the importance of finally achieving forgiveness by realizing, to quote her, "....Now I have both pity and compassion for both my parents.  I can even forgive them. I can do this because I recognize they simply did not know how to love any better than they did."  When this epiphany is achieved, forgiveness can begin to occur.  We cannot love others unconditionally unless we ourselves were raised with unconditional love, and some poor souls have no cognizance as to how this is done.

This is a must read book.  I wept, I chuckled, I identified with many of the author's emotions.  I am certain, dear readers, you will too.
2082658
What a life hanger. Rebecca Eanes has done it again & I'm so thankful for this much needed lightwork <3 The first few pages had me tear up a bit because I couldn't help but relate to her personal story on such a deep level. We all love our children but do they truly FEEL that we love them? That really hit me hard... This workbook will make you rediscover that joyful connection we each so long to have with our children. It Is possible & we do not have to punish our children for them to flourish in life. Love is the answer to everything. I loved the questions asked in this workbook & the way they made me dig down into my own childhood past & try and heal & rewrite my story & myself as the best mom that I can be & that we ALL can be. Rebecca's writing is easy to read & gets straight to the point in a very honest yet loving way. Highly recommended xxx Not only to be the best mom but be the best YOU you can be. Mama comes first in order to give her all for her loved ones! Love all around ^-^ Can't wait to delve deeper into this book
4573429
Jill is a real inspiration.  Her book shows how keeping faith, being strong and having the love as a mother can have a positive outcome.
  I am a bit prejudiced because I worked with Jill for several months caring for a hospice patient.  Jill was a great nurse with lots of energy and compassion. I had no idea when I first worked with her how challenging her life had been.
  When I first read Jill's manuscript, I was saddened by her life's circumstances, but amazed at her strength in adversity and her ability to persevere and to provide, as a single parent, for her 6 sons.
  This story is an inspiration to those who are struggling with any issues. It is possible to move beyond horrible circumstances and have a loving, nurturing family. I know that readers will be inspired.  Rita Pankey RN BS.
3523335
What I liked most about this book was Laura Mullane's unflinching honesty, bravery in writing the words that so many of us moms are afraid to say out loud, and clear, deep, true love for her children and husband. And of course Laura's hilarious sense of humor that she brings to motherhood and shares with us through her stories. I flew through it! Laura's book touched me in a particularly deep way, for I too was reluctant to motherhood. And, I am a mother through international adoption. When our son came home to us at 9.5 months and I "finally" became a mother, I was thrown the biggest curve ball of my life: After all this waiting to be a mom, here he was, and I was grappling with how hard this newfound motherhood was, resenting how changed my life had become, and second-guessing (yes! eegads! must be the sign of a "bad mother") our decision to be parents. How dare I have these feelings, after being granted a kind of "second chance" at motherhood? I went through a very intense period of depression right after our son came home to us, but I was afraid to share my feelings with anyone except my husband and my therapist. That whole "fear of judgment and of not being perfect" that Laura goes into in this book. ("What if people judge me for the 'bad mom' I feared I was?) I connected with this book in so very many ways. I want to thank Laura for writing it. So many other moms (not just me) who carry what they consider to be "unnatural" feelings around in their hearts about motherhood will no doubt breathe the huge sigh of relief that I did as I read your words. The "reluctant mother" is a camp that I fell squarely into almost instantly from the moment my son came home. And it's a sisterhood that, as it turns out, many of us share--probably many more than any of us think. I plan to share this book with not just other moms but also my book club. I encourage others to do the same. (Being an editor by trade, I have to say, I also love that it's indie-published!)
2369872
This book is primarily about the author growing up with tremendous verbal and physical abuse from his parents, and the lessons he learns as an adult about love from his son "Henry" who is living with an incurable disease. In reading the book you go through all kinds of emotions - sadness, anger, joy and laughter. The chapters alternate between the authors' life as a child and as an adult. I think the main theme of the book isn't about abuse, or an incurable disease. The main theme of the book is about choosing to live with love and a positive attitude and to make the most of your opportunities in life no matter what the obstacles happen to be.

The author is a wonderful writer - he is authentic and transparent and his prose flows effortlessly. He "hooks" you immediately and the only thing that kept me from reading the book in one day (I read it in two days) was the tug on your emotions. He is tackling weighty real life stuff. There is tremendous evil encountered in this book - countered equally by amazing benevolence. In the end you will be encouraged by the story. It will make you appreciate your life and inspire you to make the best of your situation. You will say if, "Will or Henry can survive and thrive with what they have been through then so can I." It will fortify you for life and motivate you to boldly love those around you with words and actions.

In the end of the book Will gives some examples of how he has been able to keep going with the obstacles in his life. Will and Henry, his granny, his wife, and his other children are an inspiration. I wouldn't doubt that this book will end up getting picked up by a major movie producer - it should. It would make for a very good movie, because good movies come from heroic stories. This is a heroic story that involves faith, hope, and love - and as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13, "The greatest of these is love." This is a great story ultimately about love - the most powerful thing in the universe outside of God himself, but only made possible because God is love.
3808469
Rex: A Mother, Her Autistic Child, and the Music that Transformed Their Lives is a life-changing story. The story of Rex and his mother Cathleen Lewis is also an encouraging read. The author shares her incredible and painful story with the world in a way that draws in her readers and enables them to have a glimpse into the life of a woman who had dreams for her son that were suddenly changed. Cathleen is real with her readers about the emotions she faced in each stage of Rex's development. Her experiences will resonate with other parents who have faced difficult situations with children who have developmental or physical difficulties. Cathleen's relationship with God gives her hope and strength as she goes through each day with her talented son. Rex is an amazing boy whose story needs to be heard. Instead of sensationalizing his talent, his mother does a fantastic job of sharing their true journey with her readers. Whether in joy or pain, Rex and his mother have experienced many years of rich life experiences that will continue to drive them to love God with all their hearts and seek His face for whatever may lie ahead. This book is a fantastic read and will change your life and challenge your perspective of parents who take care of their challenged children.
2957196
This story is so incredibly inspiring! My 11 year old son and I just couldn't put it down!! It demonstrates the power of love and kindness has to change a child's life, to overcome the past. And in this story, you see God's hand moving in each individual's story as he weaves their complete stories together demonstrating that God has been in their stories from the beginning.  And embodies the truth that love and kindness truly changes lives.
4335717
Mr. Robinson's life is nothing short of a miracle. I had the pleasure of meeting him in person and his light truly shines bright. "How the Streets Changed Me and Almost Took My Life" is candid, heart wrenching, but inspiring. As soon as I downloaded this book to my kindle, I could not put it down. Although Mr. Robinson lived a tough life and experienced an unimaginable tragedy at a young age, his victory is that he survived to tell his story and lives to empower others.  And, Mr. Robinson's mother is the epitome of a praying woman who loves her child unconditionally - hats off to mom. I highly recommend this book. *ZZT*
3089007
I read Ernest Holmes's SCIENCE OF MIND years ago. I thought it was interesting, but it didn't change my life. THIS THING CALLED YOU, however, is causing me to examine, shift, grow, explore, and take charge of my life in ways I never thought possible as a result of reading a tiny book. Unlike many modern day self-help authors, who sometimes pad a book, repeating what they have to say over and over, Holmes has filled this book with uniquely inspiring thought throughout. I'm underlining so much of it, because it is so profound.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to make positive changes in their life, especially those who feel alone and need support or want more courage for the journey. No matter what you might be dealing with, this book provides a new mind-set that I feel will help a person regardless of outcomes.

Before reading this book, I felt victimized in many of my personal relationships. The exercises in this book helped me realize how these relationships related to a "lack" thinking that I held, one in which I felt that I had to put up with a lot of garbage from people because I believed that  friendship was hard to find. Holmes would want better for me and so does the Infinite.  If you want better in your life, I recommend you read this book!
2783416
I won this through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I was moved almost beyond words after reading A Kick-Ass Fairy. I'm not sure how I can put into words how absolutely amazing and life changing this book was for me. Not only was the author, Linda Zercoe, truly brave for just writing this book, (how difficult it must have been just to re-live every detail of your life at its worst moments, days, weeks and even years, just to help others who might be going through the same thing?), but she was also able to make you feel and understand the effects of having such a debilitating and devastating disease as cancer. She shares not only the successful ways in which she dealt with cancer but also the not so successful choices she made. She "bares her soul", to quote another reviewer. She went into such detail about the process that I'm sure everyone with cancer must face, (and must be one of the hardest to deal with), paperwork and following different doctor's diagnosis'. Just trying to make sense of everything in a big picture sort of way. And although I am sure she loves her husband very much and he, her, it seemed he had a limit as to how much he was willing to endure with her before he regretted even marrying her. To which I found appalling and could never imagine anyone who loved someone to the depths of their soul having even thought. I am sure this only made her grief and suffering that much worse. In the description of the book, it described "Life can be capricious and cruel." which I find to be an absolute understatement. The author did what many of us, if not all wouldn't be able to do, pull her self up by her bootstraps, put on her big girl pants and plow into this situation fists first! I am a big believer in Karma and whatever energy you put forth into the world will come back to boost you in whatever way you sent it. Linda absolutely saved her own life by being strong and trying with all her might to NEVER really give in.

Thankfully, I have never had to encounter cancer personally, however, my mother in law was recently diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer, it traveled to her lungs and the base of her brain. Since then I have read everything I can on the disease trying to understand where I can fit in and help. She is in her 70's and I'm sure making her life expectancy even more limited. After reading this book I know exactly where I fit and exactly what I must do. Help keep her strong mentally. When she is down instead of babying her I challenge her as to why she just wants to curl up and die. Which always brings on a fierce conversation sparking life into her. After which she goes shopping and pulls herself up and leaves the house trying to stay energized. I hate to say it but I also use my kids as a weapon. When she is really at her lowest, I sic my 5 year old on her who LOVES to devour grandma in kisses and my other two pulling her into conversations about what is going on in their lives. Without fail she starts to live for them.

I can't say enough about this book and wish I was wealthy enough to purchase millions of copies just to go pass out in hospitals and clinics everywhere to people receiving chemo treatments. Even doctors offices to pass out to those just receiving the difficult news. This book I believe could be the difference between someone just giving in to what the believe is fated or fighting it with every ounce of strength. The difference between life and death!
919315
Boyko has expressed in so few words what many of us may have experienced in our lives. Something everyone can and should relate to in one way or another . . . a mother who shows no or little love, sibling rivalry, father who is distant and seemingly uncaring, who at times we may feel that we even have a dislike for, but upon reaching the age of maturity, we come to realize that we do have compassion for others, no matter what our past life experiences may have been.

Boyko's smooth, sincere writing will capture from the very first paragraph, and make you reflect back on YOUR experiences, and how they have affected your future . . . which road will you take?

Being in a rather morose frame of mind when I read this, Boyko shows hope and inspiration to all who read his story, and proves that success is not solely based on 'material' things, but on what lies inside your heart, and that you must follow your heart despite what your obstacles are.

Thank you Boyko for an inspirational book that everyone should read. It is outstanding!