The Sony Digital Reader is the new love of my life

July 27, 2008

Before I tell you about my awesome Sony reader, I have a confession to make. I am completely in love with Sony and their products. I have had Sony cameras for years. And until mine recently met an untimely death when meeting the concrete sidewalk, I carried my camera with me every where. So when I was approached to review the Sony Reader, I jumped at this amazing opportunity.

Two of my favorite things combined into one: A Sony product and reading. I imagine this must be a bit of what heaven would be like for me.

The Sony Reader is a wonderful Digital Reader. In fact, one I have had my eye on for quite a while. And, yes, when it showed up on my doorstep I did do a happy dance. I immediately ran to my laptop to hook it up and see what wonderful new reads I could download. Not only did I get 100 free classics with my Reader, I was able to download some of the most popular new releases (as well as some that have been out for a while).

The new Reader (model PRS-505) features a svelte body design and is available in two colors - silver and dark blue. I received the very stylish and cool silver model complete with a beautiful brown leather cover to protect it. Which is definitely a good thing seeing as I have stashed it in my purse many times as I race out the door to many appointments. The controls mimic paper page turns and allow for quick, intuitive navigation. I have never felt as if I had to wait to turn to the next page. In fact, when I am reading in bed (or in tight quarters such as on an airplane) it is actually much easier to navigate through the pages than a paper book would be. With just a touch of a button, the page is turned silently (a bonus when your spouse is a light sleeper) and swiftly. The electronic display delivers fast response and a higher contrast ratio for easy reading even in bright sunshine. By the same token, when reading at night, the display does not have any glare when using a book light. (The Reader is not back-lit but that actually works in its favor as it saves a lot in battery life. I like knowing my battery will last longer not to mention, the Reader is very easy to use with a book light.)

In my excitement to download as many books as I could and to have as many choices possible at my fingertips, I worried that I would run out of room on my reader. I had no need to worry. With the capacity to store up to 160 typical eBooks, the Reader has become my own personal mobile library. Let me tell you something, with as many books as I read, this has been the perfect solution for me. I have as many books at my fingertips as I could possibly read. And, yes, I still find myself downloading even more every week.

But how long can you read before recharging? A very long time. In fact, many books worth of reading.

A single battery charge provides up to 7,500 pages of continuous reading. The option to magnify the text in three sizes offers a distinct advantage for sight-impaired readers. Switching the Reader to landscape mode offers yet another level of magnification as well as a wider page view.

Even more than books, the Sony Reader can also store and display personal and business documents in Adobe PDF format (best when formatted for the Reader’s display), RTF, text and JPEG images. Bliss!

It came in handy when I recently flew across the country. When I fly, I always carry a book with me. Being such a fast reader, I usually finish at least one book (usually two) on a trip and end up toting books that I have already read for the duration of the trip. This time, I was able to read as much as I wanted to knowing that I had several other books waiting for me when I completed one. And I didn’t have to carry anything extra!

The best sales pitch for the Sony Reader, is the Reader itself. On each flight my seat mates asked what it was and asked if they could check it out. On one flight (as we sat at the gate for over an hour) even a flight attendant stopped by and asked if she could see it and browse through its features. Of course I agreed. Not only were they impressed, the each asked where they, too, could purchase one. The Reader really does sell itself.

Now that I have had it and read through several books, I cannot imagine not having it with me everywhere I go. It has become as attached to me as my 7 year old daughter!

If you read a lot and want to keep at least one book with you at all times as I do, this is most definitely the product for you. I am absolutely in love with mine. If you are interested, be sure to visit the Sony Store and purchase your own. If you are not totally sold by now, check out the titles in the eBook store. That will surely seal the deal for you. I guarantee you, too, will love yours as much as I love mine.

Posted by Jenn @ 2:35 pm | 2 Comments   | |

Were You Raised by Wolves? A book review

May 21, 2008

I have to admit that I have been overwhelmed lately with books to review. Being a fan of Christie Mellor, author of The Three-Martini Playdate, I was more than willing to review her newest book Were You Raised by Wolves?: Clues to the Mysteries of Adulthood

I have to admit up front that when I read on the back “A Hilarious Guide to the Rules of Adulthood” threw me off a bit. Is there a practical guide to adulthood? I think it is mostly trial and error. Having been in this world of adults for a couple of decades, I came into the book with a skeptical attitude. But I will admit there were some great things in this book. I honestly thought that this would be a book that I would skim, try to say something nice about and pass along. However, even if you think you know everything you need to know about being an adult and all things adult, you can learn a thing or two.

This book is very humorous and is written with such a smart, witty tone that it is entertaining for anyone to read. I think this book would make a great gift for anyone graduating from high school and heading off to college or leaving college for “the real world” but otherwise I am not sure who would get the most use out of it. It is a good read, but not one that most women my age would need.

That being said, I really did learn a lot of things from this handbook to adult living. I mean, who knew that dinner parties can be more than just having friends over for beer and pizza? And cocktail glasses? There are different types beyond a mason jar! AND my kitchen is not just a place to store my sweaters in the oven, but I can cook meals in there. I say these things jokingly but this books comes at issues all adults should be familiar with and know. I did enjoy it. And I did learn. In spite of myself.

With the tone of a casual friend giving you step by step directions on how to do the most basic of daily activities (cleaning your toilet and boiling an egg) to more challenging adult activities (throwing a dinner party and having the correct cocktail glasses), she covers all a person can and should know as an adult.

If your parents did it all for you and you are lost, this is the book for you. If you need a few hints, tips and advice from a well meaning friend on how to be a self-sufficient adult, this is the book for you. It’s all about embracing your adulthood and doing it with confidence.

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This review brought to you by Parent Bloggers Network. You can read more reviews on this book on the Parent Bloggers Network Blog.

Posted by Jenn @ 8:20 am | 17 Comments   | |

The Rookie Mom’s Handbook

May 6, 2008

Now anyone who knows me knows that I am far from being a Rookie Mom. With teens and a 7 year old, my rookie days left me about the same time crows feet showed up. However, that did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying this book. The Rookie Mom’s Handbook: 250 Activities to Do with (and Without!) Your Baby is a great resource for Moms– especially for the first time moms. I remember how many times I looked at my new child and thought, “NOW what do I do with you?” The authors, Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss are both moms and have both been there and done that. (Where were you 15 years ago, ladies?)

I did love reading this book and checking out their website, Rookie Moms. With over 250 activities in the book alone, no new mom will be left with that puzzled look of bewilderment and feelings of “what now?”

This is what the authors had to say:

Inspired by the enthusiasm our website readers had for our activity suggestions, we’ve compiled 250 new and favorite activities and organized them by age. We hope our blog readers will give this diaper bag-friendly book to their pregnant non-bloggy friends.

I have every intention of passing this great gem along to a real rookie mom. (Interested? Leave me a comment!) Though this book is intended for the new mom, any mom with a young child would be thrilled to have this. It is an easy to read, fun romp through the daily activities you and your child can do together.

Most importantly, it reminds Moms to take time for yourself. If ever there was the perfect piece of advice for moms of all ages, that is it. Because there is life beyond middle of the night feedings and poopy diapers. I promise!

For more on this book, visit the Parent Bloggers Network.

Posted by Jenn @ 6:15 am | 4 Comments   | |

I want a daring daughter! The Daring Young Book for Girls

November 19, 2007

“For every girl with an independent spirit and a nose for trouble, here is the no-boys-allowed guide to adventure.”– From The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz.

They had me “nose for trouble” and kept me with “adventure.”

I am so happy to be one of the many bloggers asked to participate in the Mother Talk blog tour for The Daring Book for Girls. The founders of Mothertalk, Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz, have written one absolutely fantastic book with Daring. I was thrilled when I heard that Andi and Miriam were writing The Daring Book for Girls that I knew I had to be a part of it.

I will be honest here. I get a lot of books delivered with requests to review them. Many. Many many. Sometimes I am delighted by the content. Sometimes, well, let’s just say I struggle to find something nice to say that goes deeper than “I didn’t hate the cover!” With this book, I am happy to report that not only is the cover great– all shiny and pretty– but everything in between the covers is spot on and fantastic. This is a book that all mother’s of daughters should not only read, but tell their friends, sisters and that woman in the park that you occasionally bump into at the swings.

At first I feared that this would be a book on how to take your darling daughter and turn her into a “girly-girl” or worse, a “mean girl” which is something I refuse to help facilitate. Growing up, I was a tomboy. If I didn’t have skinned knees or stitches somewhere on my body, it meant I had been grounded or sick and had not been able to be outside.

With trepidation, I opened this book and dove into it.

This book is brilliant. Practical. Informative. Traditional. Fun. Jam packed not only with fun games, but with information on practical information such as How to Change a Tire (not that my 6-year old needs that yet, but valuable information), Rules for Four Square, Caring for Your Softball Glove (*happy sigh*) AND Climbing? Where was this book years ago? (Thank you, Andi and Miriam for getting it to us now.) It does also include other sections on topics that are considered more “girl” topics such as slumber party games, friendship bracelets and hand-clap games. I loved reading this book! Traditions meet modern day girls. It will be completely scuffed up from continual use very soon. Yes, it is that good! I love sharing this book with my daughter and showing her the things that I did as a young girl and passing that torch. (And I didn’t even have to use a computer to do these things!)

The activities and information are timeless yet they are in no way outdated. A current book that takes the classic activities of the past and shows you how relevant they still are today. I can’t think of a more perfect book for any girl in your life.

For more reviews that will simply prove how right on I am with praising this book, go visit the round-up reviews in progress at Mother Talk reviewers, visit the roundup in progress.

To get your own copy, click here.

For a most excellent interview with Andi and Miriam, go here and watch their entertaining interview on the Today Show.

Bravo to these women for bringing back simple play. It is something we need desperately in this world today.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to go make a Cootie Catcher.

Posted by Jenn @ 8:51 am | 1 Comment   | |

It’s all about the girl…and she likes it!

September 24, 2007

My 6 year-old daughter loves to read. We are reading chapter books together but every once in a while she just wants to read a book that is an easy, fun read. These are the ones that she really gets into character when she reads. She likes to include the voices, the intonation and whatever drama she can create to get you into the story.

Enter her new favorite fun read: “Laughing All The Way To School.” Why is this book more unique than her others? Why because this one stars none other than HER! From the Printakid, personalized books for children comes a book that stars Gabriella and her friends. What first grade girl (or boy) doesn’t love to read all about herself and her friends? For that matter, who wouldn’t want a book all about themselves? (Someone should notify Harlequin that they may have an adult series to look into.)

I have seen some books that have personalization. However, those books have always fallen short. They read more as an “Insert Name Here” type of book. They tend to be impersonal with merely your child’s name inserted into a generic story. With Printakid, “the hero resembles your child, bears the same name and has the same family and friends. Even the illustrations look like him or her! The same skin tone, eyes, hair colour and hairstyle are shown.”

My daughter loves this book. She loves to read about her friends, herself and the fun times they have in school when (as the story goes that she chose) the children and the teachers begin to turn into animals! She laughs when her best friend becomes a baboon. She giggles when her teacher and her other friends and the entire school turns into animals. I won’t tell you how she manages to fix it, but suffice it to say that as the hero of the book, she was able to fix this crazy, mixed-up school.

My daughter loved this book so much we immediately went online to buy her another title as well as one for her best friend. Printakid and their personalized books for children are great books for children of all ages. Even if you child has moved on to chapter books, they will get a kick out of being the star and the hero of these books. I highly recommend you look into and get one of these books for your child. They will love it! In fact, I just may get one for myself. They are that enjoyable to everyone.

So go to Printakid, look at the titles and choose one for your child (or yourself) today. I promise you will thoroughly enjoy it.

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For more reviews on this book and others, go to Parent Bloggers Network and see what others are saying. (Though, yes, my word should be enough!)

Posted by Jenn @ 7:45 am | 2 Comments   | |

Dads are parents, too! Fathering your school-age child

August 20, 2007

Okay, I admit it.  I signed up with Parent Bloggers to review the book Fathering Your School Age Child:  A Dad’s Guide to the Wonder Years 3 to 9 so that my husband would read it and then he could take over the review for a day.  But then something strange happened.  I read it.  And like it.  And by the very virtue of my reading a book, he pretty much read it, too.  Why?  Conversations like this:

Did you know you should weigh your child’s backpack once in a while?

Why?

To make sure it is under the 10-15% of your child’s weight.  Duh!

It does not say that.  Let me see that!

And then he was off reading and then telling me about what he read.  Of course, that is just an example.  But the whole book has practical advice for Dads. And no just Dads, but for any parent.  PRACTICAL.  Imagine that.

From playing, to volunteering.  From teaching your child to being your child’s advocate.  It covers just about everything you can think about.  From the Mr.Dad.com website:

When is it the best time to encourage a child’s independence? What’s
the difference between daycare vs. preschool? What are the unique ways
fathers impact their youngster’s life? The answers to these questions
and hundreds more are found in the pages of this easy-to-follow,
informative volume. With wisdom, compassion, and humor, author Armin
Brott devotes a chapter to each school year from pre-kindergarten
through the fourth grade. In each chapter he outlines the physical,
intellectual, emotional, and social changes the child is going though,
and examines the emotional and psychological development the father may
be experiencing. He also discusses issues that develop between dad and
mom as well as matters that involve the whole family. In addition, each
chapter contains a section called "You and Your Child," in which
activities and issues appropriate to the given age are discussed.

At the end of the book there is a plethora or resources.  Good resources.  Relevant resources.  Resources that would make a resource junky like myself weep. 

One of my favorite parts to discuss with my husband was the quick reference "Talking the Talk."  It is about Internet lingo and net-speak.

What does A3 mean?

What?

A3.  Tell me what it means.

I don’t know.

Bad!  You need to know.  It means anytime, anywhere, anyplace!  Seriously!
What about IPN?

Something about urinating?

Ha ha.  Seriously.  IPN?  What do you do if you see that?

*blank stare*

It means "I’m posting naked!"  Naked.  We better NEVER see IPN.  Ever.  Read this.

That is when he grabbed the book and started reading more to me.  This is a great book that is relevant.  Honestly, it is not just for Dads, but awesome for Fathers.  A book that really does show the practical ways to interact, become involved and learn more about what is going on with your child. 

The author, Armin Brott has also written books for Expectant Fathers, New Fathers, Toddlers and Fatherhood for Life.  He is a wonderful author with resources I recommend all Fathers read.  Easily laid out with handy reference guides and resources with all of his books.

Go check out his site and find out more.  He has a lot more information on his site, too.  Including a podcast and newsletter.

Posted by Jenn @ 10:06 am | Comments   | |

Dream Weaver

July 19, 2007

<Recently my sister told me of her newly instated rule where her older son has a set time of 30 minutes of daily reading.  My first question of course was, "Does video game reading count?"  Obviously the answer was "Not so much."   It got me thinking of my own kids.  Two of them are older and I realized that summer does not mean a complete halt to anything that has to do with reading, writing or arithmetic.  (Though I am very lenient on the arithmetic except when it comes to making them add up how much money it will cost to actually buy the games/toys/electronics they want. They hate that math!)   So, when The Parent Bloggers Network offered up the chance to have a book geared towards my middle son sent out way, I jumped at that one.

My son loved reading Eragon and was plowing through the second one when The Dark Dreamweaver, the first in the Remin Chronicles,  arrived.  Just in time for vacation where I knew he would need and want down time.  At first, my son was hesitant to start a new series or book.  Until, I told him we could read it together. Any one on one time is a bonus for any of my children.  So, we jumped right in.

From the Dreamweaver website:

The Remin Chronicles are filled with adventure, endearing characters
both human and nonhuman, magic and wizardry, subplots that teach a bit
of environmental science, key roles for children, and of course, an
epic struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. The
young heroes triumph using their wits and imagination, and there is
very little fighting.

I will confess to not being eager to jump in…simple because I am not a huge fan of sciece fiction.  (I was dragged into a few by my son and was never disappointed.)  Zarek and I jumped right in.

We found this book to be both imaginative and  creative.  The book is filled with a strong main character who is filled both determination and strength that is a great model for the tween set.    The book is filled with suspense and enough magic and wizardry to make any tween forget he is actually reading during the summer time!

But what is it about?

Eleven-year-old David is suffering from nightmares. Over and over
again, he dreams about a strange, bear-like man with black eyes. He’s
not the only one; an epidemic of nightmares seems to have infected the
Earth. David takes matters into his own hands and embarks on an
adventure to Remin, a land powered by dreams. Aided by a caterpillar
wizard, a jellyfish-man, two wise-cracking water serpents, and several
other unusual characters, he sets out to find and confront the evil
wizard who is causing the nightmares. The challenges that he encounters
will require all of his intelligence, his courage, and most of all, his
imagination.

It got my attention from that description.  And off we go into a world of wizards, magic and an adventure into the land of Remin.

Nick Ruth writes with a fast pace that keeps the interest of even the most active reader.  The book is action packed and filled with adventures that are not frightening but are in fact fascinating enough to get the imagination of your own child revved up. The imagery is  wonderfully vivid!  One of the features I enjoyed most was how good and evil confront each other in dreams. Each page taking you on a new adventure with the main character and never feeling the fear or gloom that many science fiction writers tend to include to keep a reader interested.  This book did not need that.

David a believable character most kids can identify with.  A "normal" kid who is forced to dig deep and find his inner strength, imagination, determination and strong will.  I am pretty sure that David is a kid that any one of us would have hung out with at that age.

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For more information on The Remin Chronicle be sure to visit the official website.  To order your own copy of The Dark Dreamweaver, click here.  Want to see what other readers thought, be sure to go over to The Parent Bloggers Network and read other reviews.  In fact, The Parent Blogger Network is giving away copies of both The Dark Dreamweaver and The Breezes of Inspire via a random drawing. All you have to do is comment on this post to be entered in the drawing. Free books for summer reading is good thing!

Posted by Jenn @ 10:40 am | Comments   | |

The 24- Hour Pharmacist

July 16, 2007

If you know my history, you know that when the fine people behind the Parent Bloggers Network asked me to review The 24 Hour Pharmacist, I was all over that bad boy.  Come to find out it really isn’t a 24-hour free-for-all pharmacy, but an awesome replacement!

Seeing as I once thought a pill could cure all ills, I am now living in a world where I am more careful, more responsible, and definitely up for anything that is a natural remedy for what ails you.  Enter the wonderful Suzy Cohen and her book The 24 Hour Pharmacist.  And it is so well written!  No, really!  I laughed.  I laughed while reading a book about HEALTH issues. About someone saying pills are not the answer.  (I usually only meet them in meetings.)  But Suzy wrote with humor and fun!  Not so common when talking health and such.  Take the way she breaks down the book into these sections:  Above the Waist, Above the Neck, Below the Waist, and Everything In Between.  Not to mention, Think Outside the Pill. 

She had me at her chapter on Overcoming Fatigue.  (Sadly, the answer was not more coffee, but she did have answers! That made sense!)  She kept me at A Nation of Insomniacs.  I think I proposed at Surge Protection for your Hot Flashes.    All of these chapters have not only natural solutions, but practical advice that anyone can  take.

This book is truly a one of a kind resource when it comes to health and wellness.  With humor, candor and a an unflinchingly upfront approach to health, Suzy Cohen gives us a book that is better than any Google search could ever give you,  (And with more wit!)

This is one book that every home should have.  Really.  Don’t believe me?  Buy it for yourself and you will thank me.  I will send you my address so you can send me your letters of adoration.

Posted by Jenn @ 12:44 pm | Comments   | |

Garage Sale America

June 28, 2007

When I was first asked to post  review for the book  Garage Sale America by Bruce Littlefield, I balked.  Garage sales?  I shudder at the thought.  However, I shudder at the thought of having a garage sale.  It wasn’t until I got my hands this book that I began to see the fun and great deals that can be had with garage sales.

Garage Sale America opened my eyes!  Oh, the hidden gems one can find at a garage sale.  Just looking at the many (over a hundred) color photos of the fantastic finds that you can obtain made me salivate.  Yes, I am admittedly a pack-rat.  As I flipped through the amazing finds that Bruce Littlefield showcases, I begin to wonder what I may have in my house that is either worth something.  Surely there is something.

However, as I read through this book my mind shifted from what do I have to what can I get?  I am currently in the process of redecorating and remodeling my house.  V-E-R-Y slowly, I might add.  Suddenly, I am seeing adorable little gems that would make so much sense if I had them as accent pieces or decorative flair.  (We must have our 27 items of flair in our room.)

"Bruce has been hailed as a ‘design and lifestyle guru’ by Publisher’s Weekly."

So seriously, a guru showing me the way to a better gain at a garage sale.  Bring it!

Now, for those who are a bit garage sale shy, he offers insight into how to get the best bargains, how to find the best unique buys and of course the best ways to set up your own garage sale.

After reading Garage Sale America, I am not as hesitant to go to a garage sale anymore.  I know I could find the NEXT BIG THING.  Or at least something really cool to go with my last big thing.  In fact, with Bruce’s advice, I just may brave out into the big bad world of having my own garage sale.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves garage sale shopping.  I think you will really enjoy it.  If you dread the garage sale world like I have, I recommend you take a look.  Maybe it will change your mind.

It did mine.

Posted by Jenn @ 9:49 am | Comments   | |

Let’s Get Ready for First Grade!

April 19, 2007

My daughter is currently in Kindergarten.  She loves to read and has loved what she has learned this year.  When we were able to take part in reviewing the book, Let’s Get Ready for First Grade, available from Cedar Valley Publishing,  we jumped at it.  It is a neat little book that introduces the concepts that students should know by the time they complete first grade.  It was a great way to see what Gabriella was ready for and what we needed to still work on.  It covers everything from reading and math to science.  And of course, it was a great time to be able to spend one on one time with my daughter.

Seeing as she is the actual one who would do the reviewing, I asked her what she thought of this book.  She really liked the dry erase concept that the book used.  It was awesome that the book was laminated and not overly bulky.  Sometimes these educational books that have this much information seem overwhelming to young children.  However, because this book was so portable, she loved carrying it around.  She showed it to her class and her teacher proudly announcing that she was "getting ready for first grade" and that she would be ready!  (That pride was enough to keep me thrilled with the book!)

For such a small book, this educational series is packed with practical and interesting material.  I am sure that it will maintain it’s prime spot in our car so that she can pull it out on car trips, playdates and  even long trips to the store.  One thing that kept her interest is the bright colors used.  It seemed more like fun than a typical educational workbook.  A bonus that we both loved was the reinforcements at the bottom of every page.  Phrases such "You’re smart!" and "How extraordinary!"

I definitely recommend this book and any book in this series.  Not only do you feel good when you see your child enjoying it, you will love that your child has so much fun with something that is *gasp* educational.

(more…)

Posted by Jenn @ 9:39 am | Comments   | |