Great Info and Heartfelt Feelings
587009
This is quite an informational and emotionally charged book dealing with the deadly disease of Lupus. Mrs. Dozier writes eloquently and honestly about her life as a Lupus survivor. The quote, " I have Lupus, Lupus does not have me" resonates throughout the book. I totally loved it and would recommend others read and share it.
3104717
This book really cleared up a lot of things for me.  I was able to see that even when the parenting intentions (of my own mother) were to make sure we survive (after growing up in a VERY low income area), that there was things that didn't happen (or did happen) that I did not notice was planting FUTURE DEPRESSION (and confusion) seeds in my heart in mind (very eye opening).  It answered a lot of the questions about why I tend to feel depressed at moments when everything in my life seems to be on the "up and up."  If you have ever felt this way (or currently feel this way (regardless of your background), then I HIGHLY recommended this book (YOU WILL BE pleasantly surprised on how it affects you))...
4299023
I found the book spot on what it is like to go through the loss of a loved one.  How I wish I had had something like this to help me through it.  At a time when your emotions are so out-of-control, the extensive information given in this book on what you will need to handle this experience is invaluable.  My thanks to Maria for sharing the raw and honest truth of what it was like for her and for each of us to go through the process of losing a loved one.  Even after many years since my own experience, I found her book comforting and a validation of the emotions I went and continue to go through.  A Wonderful Book!
560585
Excellent book and information. It felt true to heart. The info was presented in a way that led me gently and energetically "logically" through the journey. I devoured the book in 4 hours and will go through it again and again. Peace...peter
2361421
I've bought several books on choosing to be child free. This one feels like a big hug when you read of the accounts of people choosing not to have children and being happy because of their choice. My spouse and I are those people! It definitely lets you know you're not alone, a lot of people are choosing a child free life and they can/do live happy and fulfilling lives. I love the candid and honest replies of the ones who were interviewed and their matter-of-fact "you don't need kids to be happy" attitudes. They really have paved the way for my spouse and I.

Additionally, the author said she specifically came up with questions to throw the couples off and reveal some big, selfish reason for why they didn't want children. She said she was the one who was thrown in the end, she found nothing but happiness and contentment as well as a great deal of thought put into why the couples did not want children. And that's the truth for those of us who deliberately choose not to have children.
2369408
Samantha has a really great way of explaining hard things in an easy manner. She's quite no-nonsense (which is what we all need after going through a breakup!) but compassionate at the same time. I appreciate how she shares her own experiences so it's not just some clinical book. It's the best of both worlds; it makes you feel good to hear first-hand experience from her personal life, knowing that she's got the education and experience as a counselor and dating coach to back it up. It's a healthy balance of heart and science and I'm a big fan!
504345
I found this book touching home in so many different ways.  Andie does a great job describing the years and years of weight gain she went through.  She is so open about her life and feelings.  It was a great read for me as I make my way through my weight loss journey
2211218
Well written.  Great information.  Terrific heart and encouragement
1107610
As an individual who is attempting to manage her own journey with Fibromalgia, She;;y's book connects with me on a very personal level. That put aside, however, this book is extremely well written, obviously well researched, and mixed in with a touch of personal experience. There are plenty of books available that talk about Fibromyalgia, it's symptoms, what to do about, which treatments to seek, etc...but this one is from the perspective of the individual who is not only DEALING with Fibromaylgia, but MANAGING it. Splashing each section with a touch of personal experience allows the reader to feel connected to the author not just through a shared medical condition but through specific experiences within that condition. I highly recommend this book for both individuals who are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and those who have loved ones who are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It is a plethora of invaluable information. Oh, and I love the term "fibromite" coined by the author and the reference to "knife in the voo-doo doll pain." They are both very accurate as are many of the other analogies. It's an amazing book, Shelly...thank you for the opportunity to read and review it.
3161365
I got this book on a recommendation from a friend and by the time I had gotten through the forward, I was crying b/c the Author had already given me what the title stated - HOPE.  What I love most about the book is that the Author is very open w/ her experiences and the path that they took - nothing is "good' or "bad" it either helped them or it didn't.  It is very personal and is more like you are walking along side her and her family in their journey.  She is not "pro" anything she tried both meds and bio-medical and found benefits to both depending on the point of the journey that they were on. Basically, reading this book feels like you are having a conversation with a friend.
2708085
I honestly had a great time reading this book. It covers many different topics and is more about living a healthy/productive lifestyle. Instead of just showing people what they cant achieve, she gives steps to achieve and make a change in your life. It has many different tones, funny, informative, eye opening, and emotional. I feel its more of a image into her life and is done from a personal point of view, instead of a product written to make money. I feel she really does care about the people who follow her.
3323878
I'm not a person who has experienced weight loss surgery, nor have I struggled with food issues. But reading Lisa's book - written in straight language, with deep honesty and more than a little personality - has given me great empathy for those who have. Reading this, I've gained insights into the emotional landscape that can lead to binge eating, low self esteem and abusive behaviors. And it has opened my heart to those who face these issues. Lisa is able to describe the most personal details of her struggles in the gym, shower, the mirror, or with her mother, with such humor and self-awareness that they become universal. She has a strong and entertaining voice, which keeps you reading. Lisa has navigated a painful life with grace and pluck, and her journey to health is an inspiring story that will benefit many people.
1234213
This is a great little informational book on one's emotions and how to analyze where they're really coming from, how to contain them, and how to understand others' emotions as well. You'll find information on deciphering between feelings and emotions, how to manage emotions during conflicts, how much our emotions can actually take out of us, and figuring out how things in every day life affect you, like dreams, other people, not taking care of yourself, and much more. I was looking for something a little more advanced, but this is a great beginner's book for anyone looking to get more in touch with themselves and read other people more naturally. I think everyone that works with people or who is close to their family, or further, wants to determine why they act the way they do sometimes, to read this book.

I received this book on Kindle at a discount from the seller.
2232238
I'm halfway through, and thoroughly enjoying this book.  Possibly one of the most informative and heartfelt chapters of the book would be the first - a not-at-all boring, personal account of how the author and her family came to be homesteaders; I love hearing the encouragement and positive words needed to embark on these projects myself.

The book is sprinkled with accurate, and I'd say even charming, illustrations that aid the reader in new areas.  As I already raise chickens, I read through the chapter on poultry for a refresher, but found it just skimming the surface of potential problem areas, diseases and remedies.  Of course the book doesn't claim to give it all to you - it's for beginners... and a short, concise chapter to get your feet wet is just what the beginner needs to branch out and read more detailed texts on any particular subject (the goat chapter was perfect for me - an overview of what I needed to know about tending to goats, which I don't have, don't know abouot, but fully intend to have one day!).
3810703
I've read many a trail book, and have been mostly disappointed by the amount of over-romanticizing in them. As a section hiker, I know how hard things can get and how non-glamorous it is, day after day. But this book nails the visceral nature of thru-hiking right on the head. These two have felt the same feelings we all have when long distance hiking: determination, pain, connection, epiphany. All of this is framed by two very real people who felt an unscripted love for each other. The amount of personal and honest information in this lends itself to a bravery (and almost brash ballsiness) that is rarely found in most people today. Loved it.
1581195
This book is full of such good information and has helped my heart heal in so many areas.  Thank you Jessica Vaughn for sharing your life's journey to help me and others like me realize our worth. ;-)
2646256
I was fascinated by the depth of Shannon Kolakowski's writing on this subject. She writes in a very conversational style, and I never felt she was coming from any place of judgement. It spanned so many aspects and levels of anxiety in such a respectful and informative manner. This was so much more than a dating advice book, I would consider it life information. I intend to recommend it to our Mom/Teen book club as I think there are so many opportunities for connection and discussion. I don't recommend you read the book in one sitting. Take the time to digest the information and it's impact on you and the ones you love.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.