June Reading Round-Up

June turned out to be such a stressful month. To add to the stress of all the covid issues, my husband has now been in the hospital for 3 weeks. He went win because his defib shocked him 4 times, and it took several days to stabilize his heart. But what was needed to save his heart, hurt his transplanted kidney. So now they are trying to save it. But the past week, he has gotten a blood infection and now c.diff. At least I have been finally able to see him the past week. So, my reading has suffered – it has been a challenge to focus on 1 book and so I flit from book to book. Fantasy has been a comfort tho, as have been a couple of rereads.

It’s time to share what I have been reading this past month.
The total read for May was 25 books, with the following breakdown:
Fantasy /Paranormal – 9
Historical Romance– 1
Romance – 5
Memoir/Non-fiction – 2
Pix books – 7

Comic book – 1

(Diverse books – (1)

I continue to record in more detail where the books originated – from the library, on my TBR shelves (bought/gifted or won), an e-book, or a charity read (Bought from a charity store). Here’s the breakdown
Library reads –12
TBR books –3
E-books – 10
Charity reads – 0

Here are the books read for my favourite challenges:

Popsugar Ultimate Reading Challenge (Through Goodreads)
I only read for 2 categories for this challenge, but have to catch up now.
#2 By trans or nonbinary author – Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
#8 – Upside down image on cover – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J. Fox (upside down skateboard!)

52 Books in 52 Weeks
I read 2 for this challenge – still need to catch up a bit.
#27 – Comic Book – Heroes (of 9/11) – World’s greatest superhero creators honor the world’s greatest heroes 9/11/2001)
#29 -Award winning novel – Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Beyond the Bookends
The theme this month was “Sports”
Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes

Monthly Key Word Challenge
The key word I used this month was: And
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Kind Ella and the Charming Duke by Bridget Barton

Monthly Motif
The theme this month was “Name or number”.
Kind Ella and the Charming Duke by Bridget Barton

Diversity Reading Challenge
The theme this month was LGBTQ+
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Diversify Your Reading
The theme for June was “Non-Fiction”
Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J. Fox

Blogger’s Bookshelf

The theme was “author with the same initials as you”

Kind Ella and the Charming Duke by Bridget Barton

Favourite Reads
Here are my top reads:
Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes
The Innkeeper series by Ilona Andrews (Clean Sweep, Sweep in Peace, One Fell Sweep)
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Immortal Coil by C.I. Black
The Key series by Nora Roberts (Key of Light, Key of Knowledge, Key of Valor)
Justified by Jay Crownover

 

Looking Ahead to July
I’m taking part in 3 more reading challenges over the summer months.

Here are books read so far for these challenges:

20 Books of Summer Reading Challenge ( here for more info; here for my list/post)

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes

 

2020 Summer Reading Challenge (at The Messy Middle)

A memoir – Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes

Won an award – Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Has less than a 100 pages – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J. Fox

 

2020 Popsugar Summer Reading Challenge (here for more info)

#5 – LGBTQ+ protagonist – Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

 

I am linking with the following:

Monthly Wrap-up (At Feed Your Fiction Addiction)

Best of the Bunch (at A Cocoon of Books)

Friendship Friday Blog (at Create with Joy)

WOW! Book Review – “Walk Your Way to Better” by Joyce Shulman

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better, which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

 

My Review

When I first heard the title of Joyce Shulman’s book, Walk Your Way to Better, I immediately added “to better health”. With the impression that this was a book to improve my health, I was on board right away to read and review. Here I was at 68, unfit and stressed to the max and I knew I needed to make changes.
But once I started reading the book, and following the first walk, I realized very quickly that this book was much more than what I had first thought. Each walk involved reading the brief story at the beginning, thinking about the suggestion as I walked and then journaling about what I had processed when I returned.

The walks have touched on many facets of my life and made me think  about and appreciate so many different things:
~ It encouraged me to dream, to expand on that dream and then pursue it
~ It urged me to beat back the negative voices in my head that can immobilize me at times (I so loved Walk 6: Feed the Good Wolf)
~ It urged me to make small, incremental good changes
~It encouraged me to look for small and simple pleasures and to be sure and get out and enjoy nature.
And these are just a small sampling of some of the learnings from the 99 walks.

Although I have not read and followed through with every walk (although I definitely plan to), I have been impressed with the insights I’ve gained and how much better I feel after only a few weeks of walking, thinking and journaling. It has helped with the stress.

As the quote by Laozi that starts the book states:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Take that first step, take a few walks and you will slowly build to miles and to better.

As Joyce Shulman says “Read, walk, process, write, and bit by bit, become better.”

I highly recommend this book. It is already having a positive impact on lessening the stress in my life.

Book Summary

This is a book about walking your way to better. Everywhere you turn, people, podcasts and gurus promise a simple path to the life you want. But few of them work. Why? Because simply reading the words is rarely enough to call your heart and mind to action. This book is different. Each section provides a thought-starter, insight or story. But I don’t want you to just read it. I want you to read a section and then lace up your sneakers and head out the door. Because while walking, your brain processes in a unique way, enabling you to recognize the things that are truly holding your back and the changes you actually need to make. You will literally Walk Your Way to Better. Along the way, you will forge a powerful connection between your mind and your body. And bonus — you’ll feel better and become fitter.

Print Length: 363 Pages

Genre: Motivational Self-Help

Publisher: Kibo Press

ASIN: B08466XHDF

Walk Your Way to Better is available to purchase now on Amazon.com.

 

About the Author, Joyce Shulman

Joyce Shulman, founder and CEO of 99 Walks and Macaroni Kid reaches millions of moms each month with hyper-local and national e-newsletters and websites, social media content, video and her Weekly Walk podcast. Having created a one-of-a-kind digital platform, she connects families to the wonders of their own communities and inspires women to chase their dreams and crush their goals.

Her most recent endeavor, 99 Walks, is on a mission to combat loneliness and improve fitness through the simple act of encouraging moms to walk together. Her mission? Nothing short of getting a million women walking.

Throughout her two decades as an entrepreneur, Joyce has guided SAHMs, teachers and even MBAs to success. Joyce shares how moms need to “take care of mama bear” and avoid the “martyr mom syndrome.” Her experience in business and leading mompreneurs makes her a coveted speaker where she shares tactics for beating burnout, fueling creativity, goal crushing, how walking can fuel productivity and performance, and more.

Joyce received her Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Maryland and her Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from St. John’s University School of Law. After law school, she spent more than a dozen years as a New York City lawyer where her practice focused on complex commercial litigation.

A self-confessed idea junkie, in 1998, Joyce abandoned law firm life to liberate her entrepreneurial spirit and focus on the things that are most important to her: family, community and empowering women to chase their dreams.

Find Joyce online at:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceshulman

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-NR50srbDzKdUBx5BPgQQ

https://twitter.com/joycershulman

https://www.instagram.com/joyce.r.shulman/

https://www.joyceshulman.com/

 

 

Mid-YearReading/Book Review

Here we are almost at the half-way point of 2020  – and 2020 has turned out to be an incredibly difficult one. Besides dealing with the whole covid crisis, my hubby has been dealing with major health issues. He ended up in hospital June 9 after getting shocked by his defibrillator 4x. Then once in emerg, he had to be paddled to get his heart in rhythm. All that week they worked to stabilize his heart, eventually having his defibrillator adjusted.
But his heart was saved at the expense of his transplanted kidney – I know, it had to be done but…
He is still in hospital, actually now at the hospital where he had the transplant in 2003 (he was transferred last weekend), and the team there is working to save the kidney. He has had 2 dialysis treatments so far – his first in 17 years.
They are hopeful it will nudge that kidney to work better. So, he has been there almost 3 weeks and I was only able to finally see him 2x this week.

A little long-winded – but all this has been stressful and I really haven’t felt much like blogging, and at times not even reading. Ugh!

Tonight I felt like joining in with Kathryn (At Celebrating Reading and Books) and Dedra (at A Book Wanderer) in taking a look back at the books I loved most over the first part of the year, as well as a tag that looks at some of what my reading looked like.

 

It’s Friday once again and that means it’s time for Connect Five Friday, hosted at Book Date by Kathryn – the meme where we share five book/reading things that connect in some way.

The 5 Books I loved Most The past 6 Months

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston

books by Katherine Center (even tho there are 3 books, counting this as 1!)

The Lost Husband  How to Walk Away  The Bright Side of Disaster

How To Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O’Neal

Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery

Magical Midlife Madness by K. F. Greene

I reread several books as well these past few months and realized that there are 5 authors who I keep returning to. So here are my 5 favourite authors from this past 6 months:
Katherine Center
Lorraine Heath
Nora Roberts
Jeaniene Frost
Ilona Andrews

 

Mid Year Freak-Out Tag of 2020  

(check here for Dedra’s post)
I am choosing some of the topics from the original tag.

How much have you read?
According to Goodreads, I have read 190 books out of 400, putting me a bit behind. But this month has definitely been an off month.

For my 2 main  challenges:
For the Popsugar Challenge, I have read 28 out of 50.

For the 52 Books in 52 weeks I have read 35 out of 52.

I do a few other challenges – ones that give a them each month and for most, I have completed each theme each month for:
Beyond the Bookends
Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Challenge
Monthly Key Word Challenge
Motifs for Each Month
Diversify Your Reading

What Have You Been Reading?
I keep track on Goodreads, so here’s my genre breakdown so far:
Fantasy/Paranormal/Magical Realism – 42
Historical Fiction/Romance – 22
Memoir – 2
MG/YA – 5
Mystery – 1
NF -4
PBs – 38
Romance – 58
SciFi – 3

Best sequel/series you’ve read in2020?
That had to be The Others series by Anne Bishop, but that was a reread.

I also read:
the Clean Sweep series by Iloan Andrews and really enjoyed that.
The Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Fost
The Key series by Nora Roberts

A new release you haven’t read, but want to?

I just got Smoke Bitten from the library today and can’t wait to read this #12 book in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

Biggest Surprise?

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.  I am almost finished it and should finish before the end of the weekend. I chose it for a couple of the categories for my challenges, but wasn’t sure about it. But I am definitely enjoying it.

New favourite authors (debut or new to you?)
Christie Ridgway – Nothing but Blue Skies
S. J. McCoy – Like Some Old Country Song
Tessa Bailey – Fix her Up
I am sure there were others but these were the most recent.

Rereads this year?
I have reread more this year than any in a long, long time.
I reread my favourite fantasy series – The Others by Anne Bishop. I so enjoyed re-immersing myself in that world.
I also read:
Born to Be Bad by Naomi Horton
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
2 books by Avril Tremayne: Kiss Don’t Tell and Here Comes the Bridesmaid
From This Moment On by Bella Andre

Newest favourite character?
The Night Huntress, Cat Crawfield – from the series by Jeaniene Frost. Still have a few more books to read to finish the series.

Books That Made You Happy?
Most of the romance and fantasy books I read. I use fantasy as a true escape when the going is rough – and it has been rough, especially the past month. Rereading favourite books helps as well

Connect Five Friday – Native Authors

It’s Friday once again and that means it’s time for Connect Five Friday, hosted at Book Date by Kathryn – the meme where we share five book/reading things that connect in some way.

In Canada, this month we celebrate National Indigenous History Month.

From our government’s website:
In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.
National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance and sacred nature of cultural ceremonies and celebrations that usually occur during this time. While celebrations and events for National Indigenous History Month may be different this year than those in the past, we can still share and learn from stories, traditions and culture in new ways that keep us together and connected.

* * * * * * *

When I graduated from teacher’s college over 40 years ago (!), I accepted a job teaching in the North West Territories, in a small native community south of Inuvik. I would stay three years, and come to love the land and the people there. I traveled to many places – Inuvik, Yellowknife, Tuktoyuktuk, Whitehorse (in the Yukon). I felt very fortunate to be able to see so much of the far north, to meet so many people and to learn to appreciate the culture and art of the area.

Here I am on the steps of my house, holding my son in a beaded baby belt.

 

I have read a number of works by native authors – here are my 5 favourites:

By Richard Wagamese

   

Indian Horse     Ragged Company    For Joshua: An Ojibway Father Teaches His Son

Fatty Legs: A True Story by Christie Jordan-Fenton (a MG book about residential schools)

Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden

 

Here are 5 books by native authors that I own and plan to read as part of the Summer Reading challenge:

2 by Cherie Dimaline:

           

The Marrow Thieves                              Empire of Wild

 

There There by Tommy Orange

 

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice (This book has been chosen as the “One Book, One Community” choice for 2020 in our area. Looks really interesting!)

 

Crow Winter by Karen McBride

 

If you’d like more titles, check these lists of books, here and here.

 

One book I loved, own,  saw the special for it and encourage everyone to read (and listen to the songs) is:

Secret Path by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire (Illustrator)

From Goodreads:

Secret Path is a ten song album by Gord Downie with a graphic novel by illustrator Jeff Lemire that tells the story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who died in flight from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School fifty years ago.

Chanie, misnamed Charlie by his teachers, was a young boy who died on October 22, 1966, walking the railroad tracks, trying to escape from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School to return home. Chanie’s home was 400 miles away. He didn’t know that. He didn’t know where it was, nor how to find it, but, like so many kids—more than anyone will be able to imagine—he tried.

Guest Post by Alex Franzen: Time for Yourself

As part of the WOW blog tour for the The Checklist Book by Alexandra Franzen, Alex has agreed to share with us how to put self-care into your daily checklist and make time for yourself.

Welcome Alex!

Making Time for Yourself

Give it to yourself.

“I’m taking a month off,” Megan told me. She’s a busy woman with a husband, kids, pets, and a small, but very successful business.

Most days, Megan works with her clients for five or six hours, and then it’s onto texts and emails, phone calls, working on her blog and her newsletter, sending out invoices… dozens of tiny deductions from her time-bank. Her to-do list never ends. It just spirals onward, like an infinite scroll that rolls down, down, down.

“Whoa. A whole month? No client stuff at all? Nothing? A blank slate?” I asked. She nodded.

Then I asked, “What are you going to do with all that time?”

She smiled and said, “I am going to be quiet… and hear myself think.”

A whole month. Thirty days. Seven hundred and twenty hours. All of that space to breathe, to daydream, and map out the future… what a priceless gift.

I asked Megan, “Was it difficult to clear your schedule and set aside all that time?”

She told me, “In some ways, yes. It took some planning. I had to notify all my clients in advance, for example.” She paused. “But I knew… if I wanted this month for myself, then I needed to claim it. Nobody is ever going to give this time to me. I had to give it to myself.”

I’ve been thinking about that conversation with Megan for the last several weeks. Her words keep echoing inside my head: I had to give it to myself.
What do I need to give back to myself? What is my heart longing for? What do I want?
Several things. I want twenty minutes every morning to drink coffee in bed, sink into a snowy mountain of pillows, and read a fantastic book — twenty minutes of inspiration before I begin the day’s work.

I want three days of solitude to refine my business plan for 2018.

I want two months to study Hawaiian mythology and then write my next novel.

And like Megan, I want time to be still and do nothing at all.

Who’s going to give that time to me?

Nobody except me.

And who’s going to give you the time that you long for — time to write a collection of letters for your children to read when they’re older, time to take that long-overdue trip with your best friend, time to make art, time for yoga and meditation, time for a long bath, time to sit peacefully in a room and hear yourself think?

Nobody except you.

The time that you want. The time that you need. The time that your mind, spirit, and body is aching to take back. The gift that’s worth more than gold, more than anything.

Give it to yourself.

 

Thanks so much Alex.

Be sure to check the other stops on the blog tour for this amazing book.

Find Alexandra’s latest projects, classes, and hundreds of free articles and resources at: AlexandraFranzen.com

— Blog Tour Dates

May 11th @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Make sure you visit the WOW blog today and read an interview with author Alexandra Franzen and enter to win a copy of the book The Checklist Book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

 

May 12th @ Karen Brown Tyson

Stop by Karen’s blog today and read Alexandra Franzen’s inspiring guest post entitled, “You Are Going to Survive.”

https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

 

May 13th @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole as she reviews Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

 

May 15th @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf 

Visit Veronica’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/

 

May 16th @ Lapidus International

Stop by the words for wellness organization today and read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about the importance of nature time.

https://lapidus.org.uk/news

 

May 18th @ One Sister’s Journey: Keeping It Real

Visit Lisa’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://www.lisambuske.com/

 

May 19th @ Chanel Bevis’ Blog

Stop by Chanel’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://chanelbevis1.wordpress.com/blog/

 

May 20th @ And So She Thinks

Visit Francesca’s blog today and you can read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about what a checklist can do you for you.

https://andsoshethinks.co.uk/blog/

 

May 23rd @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Visit Linda’s blog and you can read her interview with Alexandra Franzen. Don’t miss it!

http://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

 

May 25th @ The Frugalista Mom

Stop by Rozelyn’s blog today and you can read her post about Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

 

May 27th @ Dog-Eared Days of Summer

Visit Courtney’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://dog-eareddaysofsummer.com/

 

May 28th @ Strength 4 Spouses

Visit Wendi’s blog today and read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post unplugging more.

https://strength4spouses.blog/

 

May 29th @ Wild Hearted

Visit Ashley’s blog today where she shares her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://www.wild-hearted.com/

 

May 30th @ Memoir Revolution

https://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/

 

May 31st @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Stop by Michelle’s blog today and you can read a guest post by Alexandra Franzen about shifting away from perfection. A post we all need to read today!

https://www.michellecornish.com/

 

June 1st @ Strength 4 Spouses

Visit Wendi’s blog today to read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://strength4spouses.blog

 

June 2nd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Bev’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

 

June 3rd @ Rachael’s Thoughts

Visit Rachael’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://rachaelstray.com/

 

June 4th @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Visit Michelle’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://www.michellecornish.com/

 

June 5th @ Editor 911

Stop by Margo’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://editor-911.com/blog

 

June 6th @ Megan Writes Everything

Visit Megan’s blog today and she reviews Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://meganwriteseverything.com/

 

June 7th @ The New England Book Critic

Visit Victoria’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://thenewenglandbookcritic.com/

 

June 8th @ Dog-Eared Days of Summer

Visit Courtney’s blog again and read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about focusing on tiny wins.

https://dog-eareddaysofsummer.com/

 

June 9th @ Alternative Grace

Stop by Amber’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://alternativegrace.com/

 

June 10th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Stop by Bev’s blog again and you can read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about putting self-care into your daily checklist. An absolute must-read!

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

 

June 11th @ Jill Sheet’s Blog

Visit Jill’s blog today and you can read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about getting the phone out of your room.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

 

 

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme “It’s Monday! What are You Reading? “, at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

What I Read Last Week
I read books 4 books -1 contemporary romance, 1 paranormal and 2 fantasies. I read a lot this week – but moved between a number of books and ebooks, but only finished 3. =

Books I read:
The first 2 books in the Key trilogy by Nora Roberts: Can’t wait to read the third book of this fantasy series.

   

The Key of Light                                    The Key of Knowledge

 

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. This was a reread but I enjoyed this paranormal, the start of the Mercy Thompson series, just a s much as the first time.

 

Renegade by Laramie Briscoe. A contemporary romance, with an older woman, younger man and an unexpected pregnancy. Enjoyed this a lot.

What I’m Reading Now (Still working on these!)
Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas
The Goddesses of Kitchen Avenue by Barbara O’Neal
The Black Tide by Keri Arthur (Book 3)

What’s Up Next – STILL! and determined to finish them before the endo of spring. Had to revise my timeline!
Keep it Moving by Twyla Tharp.
Becoming by Michelle Obama

 

Connect Five Friday – Wish

It’s Friday once again and that means it’s time for Connect Five Friday, hosted at Book Date by Kathryn – the meme where we share five book/reading things that connect in some way.

I wonder how many of us have taken to making wishes for better times, seeking an end to social distancing, especially with our families. I have yet to hold and hug any of my grandchildren (let alone my kids) in months. Face time and social distancing picnics are great – but touch would be so much better.
Wishing made me think about the books I have read with wish in the title – and I have read several and started a couple of others.

 

Here are 5 books with wish in the title.

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber. Anne Marie writes a list of twenty wishes and she is surprised at how they are answered. I really enjoyed this book, one of the Blossom Street series.

 

One Hundred Wishes by Kelly Collins. I did enjoy this sweet romance between a pop star trying to escape her fame and an ex-con who is trying to overcome his past.

 

As You Wish by Cary Elwes.  The Princess Bride is one of my top ten movies (really, in top 3) and it was so interesting to read the behind the scenes accounts. Photos were fun to check out as well.

 

Make My Wish Come True by Fiona Harper. I have just started this book this week and am enjoying it. Two sisters decide to exchange their lives – what could go wrong??

 

Wicked Highland Wishes by Julie Johnstone. This is an historical romance I have not read, but I so enjoy her romances and am looking forward to this one.

 

 

Linking as well with:

Friendship Friday Blog Hop

 

 

WOW Blog Tour – Alex Franzen’s book “The Checklist Book”

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Alex Franzen’s book The Checklist Book, which I read and am now reviewing.
(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

 

My Review

As an inveterate list-maker, I was eager to read Alex Franzen’s book on checklists. I found it so much more than I expected and there was so much to enjoy and be inspired by – from the science of list making to the history of checklists; from digging deep into one’s personal approach to life to the wide range of templates to create a wide range of checklists.
For me, I quickly saw how I could expand the quick list I usually made, into a detailed list of moments, easy wins and tasks, culminating in a most positive ending to the day, when there was a line of checks to celebrate success of tasks done.
Chapter 4 was my favourite. Franzen offered a list of approaches in how we face life, with questions to answer that allowed us to dig deep into what we wanted from life. I was able to narrow it to 3 approaches that I will use to focus on as I move forward.
I love the idea of choosing ‘moments” to experience each day and actually put them on your checklist, rather than just have a list of tasks to complete. We all need those special moments, even if they are only minutes.
Franzen’s book has really made me rethink my own list making and devise a better way to meet each day.

I highly recommend Alex Franzen’s book.

 

Book Summary

Simplicity at its best: The checklist is one of the world’s oldest―and most effective―productivity systems. If anything, author and entrepreneur Alexandra Franzen shares, it is just as valuable now as it was during the days of the Roman Empire. Writing out a simple checklist allows us to tangibly plan our day and set in stone what we want to accomplish.

Cut out unnecessary noise: There are countless apps and organizational systems out there to help us straighten out our lives, but often they only add to the madness. Trying to keep up leaves us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Learn how to choose your highest priorities, set realistic goals, celebrate tiny wins, and feel calmer every day with the magic of checklists.

Be realistic about the time in a day: By physically writing down our tasks on a single piece of paper, we force ourselves to limit how much we can do in a day. Too often, we cram our day with tasks and chores and leave almost no space for self-care or time with loved ones. We end up disappointed in our inability to complete our never-ending to-do list. Checklists help you plan your day in a more gentle, realistic way. You accomplish what needs to be done―and enjoy things you want to be doing, too.

In the life-changing Checklist Book, learn:

The history of the checklist and why it remains to be relevant and effective today

The science behind the success of checklists, such as the instant satisfaction we feel when we put a check next to a finished task

How to create a basic daily checklist―and checklists for specific situations, like moving to a new city or navigating a divorce

 

Print Length: 160 Pages

Genre: Self-Help

Publisher: Mango

ASIN: B07V6GWGW5

ISBN-10: 1642501182

ISBN-13: 978-1642501186

 

The Checklist Book is available to purchase online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Target.

 

About the Author, Alexandra Franzen

Alexandra Franzen is the author of several books, including So This Is the End: A Love Story (2018), You’re Going to Survive (2017), and 50 Ways to Say “You’re Awesome” (2013).

She has written articles for dozens of sites, including Time, Forbes, Newsweek, HuffPost, The Muse, and Lifehacker. She’s been mentioned/quoted in The New York Times Small Business Blog, The Atlantic, USA Today, BuzzFeed, Brit+Co, and Inc.

Alexandra is best-known for writing about creativity, productivity, the power of setting tiny goals, how to develop more confidence in your writing skills, and how to stay motivated, keep working towards your personal and professional dreams, and never give up.

She also works as a copywriter, ghostwriter, writing teacher, and consultant. She helps her clients to develop podcasts, videos, websites, speeches, books, and other creative projects.

Find Alexandra’s latest projects, classes, and hundreds of free articles and resources at: AlexandraFranzen.com

 

— Blog Tour Dates

May 11th @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Make sure you visit the WOW blog today and read an interview with author Alexandra Franzen and enter to win a copy of the book The Checklist Book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

 

May 12th @ Karen Brown Tyson

Stop by Karen’s blog today and read Alexandra Franzen’s inspiring guest post entitled, “You Are Going to Survive.”

https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

 

May 13th @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole as she reviews Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

 

May 15th @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf 

Visit Veronica’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/

 

May 16th @ Lapidus International

Stop by the words for wellness organization today and read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about the importance of nature time.

https://lapidus.org.uk/news

 

May 18th @ One Sister’s Journey: Keeping It Real

Visit Lisa’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://www.lisambuske.com/

 

May 19th @ Chanel Bevis’ Blog

Stop by Chanel’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://chanelbevis1.wordpress.com/blog/

 

May 20th @ And So She Thinks

Visit Francesca’s blog today and you can read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about what a checklist can do you for you.

https://andsoshethinks.co.uk/blog/

 

May 23rd @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Visit Linda’s blog and you can read her interview with Alexandra Franzen. Don’t miss it!

http://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

 

May 25th @ The Frugalista Mom

Stop by Rozelyn’s blog today and you can read her post about Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

 

May 27th @ Dog-Eared Days of Summer

Visit Courtney’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://dog-eareddaysofsummer.com/

 

May 28th @ Strength 4 Spouses

Visit Wendi’s blog today and read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post unplugging more.

https://strength4spouses.blog/

 

May 29th @ Wild Hearted

Visit Ashley’s blog today where she shares her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://www.wild-hearted.com/

 

May 30th @ Memoir Revolution

https://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/

 

May 31st @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Stop by Michelle’s blog today and you can read a guest post by Alexandra Franzen about shifting away from perfection. A post we all need to read today!

https://www.michellecornish.com/

 

June 1st @ Strength 4 Spouses

Visit Wendi’s blog today to read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://strength4spouses.blog

 

June 2nd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Bev’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

 

June 3rd @ Rachael’s Thoughts

Visit Rachael’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://rachaelstray.com/

 

June 4th @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Visit Michelle’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://www.michellecornish.com/

 

June 5th @ Editor 911

Stop by Margo’s blog today and you can read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://editor-911.com/blog

 

June 6th @ Megan Writes Everything

Visit Megan’s blog today and she reviews Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://meganwriteseverything.com/

 

June 7th @ The New England Book Critic

Visit Victoria’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://thenewenglandbookcritic.com/

 

June 8th @ Dog-Eared Days of Summer

Visit Courtney’s blog again and read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about focusing on tiny wins.

https://dog-eareddaysofsummer.com/

 

June 9th @ Alternative Grace

Stop by Amber’s blog today and read her review of Alexandra Franzen’s book The Checklist Book.

https://alternativegrace.com/

 

June 10th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Stop by Bev’s blog again and you can read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about putting self-care into your daily checklist. An absolute must-read!

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

 

June 11th @ Jill Sheet’s Blog

Visit Jill’s blog today and you can read Alexandra Franzen’s guest post about getting the phone out of your room.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/