Finding Joy in Depression by Amanda Pelser

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the 2:1 Conference.  That weekend was a great time of rest, reflection, healing, and rubbing elbows with some old and new blogging friends.  Amanda Pelser from ThePelsers.com was in attendance as well.  Little did I know, at that time, that God was going to bring Amanda into my life in amazing ways this year! 

With the growth of Homeschool Mosaics, we felt that it was time to search out some new contributing writers. I got an e-mail from Amanda, expressing interest in one of the spots.  Amanda offered to write a column on sharing the Bible with your children (“Walking in the Way”).  Great fit!  So, watch for that column to debut in July! 

As Amanda and I were e-mailing back and forth, ironing out the details, I kept seeing little things about her book – Finding Joy in Depression.  Finally, I decided to check it out . . .

Finding Joy in Depression is a story. It’s a story of facing depression and learning to manage it day by day.

Hiding from your depression? Finding Joy in Depression will encourage you to face depression and take your first step towards finding joy.

Learning to manage your depression? Finding Joy in Depression will give you tips for managing your depression and encourage you to share your story with others.

Don’t deal with depression? It’s likely that someone close to you is battling depression and needs your support. Finding Joy in Depression will give you a glimpse into the life of someone with depression so you can support a loved one and create environments where it’s ok to talk about depression.

Amanda Pelser has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, for over eight years. They have two young boys, Jonathan and Jacob. She has a BA in Bible from Anderson University and a MA in Old Testament Studies from Talbot School of Theology. She is a former church communications director turned stay-at-home-mom. She spends her days running after and homeschooling her boys. She opens her home as an inspiring and encouraging shelter for the heart of women through her writings of faith, motherhood, and homeschooling at ThePelsers.com. She loves to read, so any time she can, she hides away with a book, her fuzzy blanket, and a homemade chai or vanilla latte in her favorite mug.

I e-mailed Amanda and said “I should probably read your book.”  To which she replied, “Do you deal with depression?”  I wrote back, starting with, “Well, I’d like to say ‘no’, but . . . “

The truth of the matter is that I’ve never been diagnosed with depressions issues, but I think that we all deal with various levels of depression at certain times in our lives.  Hormones, of course, play a role; but so do the things that are going on in our lives each day. 

On Sunday, in a review of a music cd, I shared a bit about some of the things that have been going on in my life over the past several years.  To expand on that a little bit --- in the fall of 2009, I was sure I was experiencing thyroid issues.  I had shared my symptoms with friends and many of them said “thyroid”.  I went to the doctor, had various blood tests done, and everything came back normal.  I went on my way thinking that the problems were “all in my head” and I needed to put on my big girl panties and get over it. 

Then, the following spring, my best friend passed away and I started to cry.  And cry.  And cry some more.  (To this day, just typing it has me crying!)  By summer, I was still crying.  I took Gracie to the doctor for something and when she was leaving the room, she bent down and asked me how I was doing (she had been Sue’s doctor also).  I lost it.  She said “wait here – I want to write you a prescription for something”.  I took that prescription with me; but I never filled it.  Why?  Because I’m one of those in denial, “I”m fine”, “I can handle it on my own” type people.  From someone who has “been there, done that”, let me tell you that if you find yourself in the place that I was in, do NOT think you can just handle it on your own.  You can’t!  And it’s ok to need help sometimes – even in the form of a pill. 

This past January, as a result of my amnesia episode, I was given a low dose of Ativan.  When you have a health scare like that, you do what the doctor tells you! Besides, at that point, I was in no condition to “handle it on my own”. At that point, I could care less what anyone thought of me.  I just knew that I needed to get better. 

I’m not saying that my amnesia was depression-induced.  I know that it was stress-induced.  But, looking back at the circumstances surrounding that time in my life, I know that depression was there as well.  I’m not a person who likes major change – and I was experiencing a lot of changes at that point. 

Anyway, I share all of that to get to this . . . Depression isn’t something to take lightly, it’s not something that you can handle on your own, and it’s ok to need help!  Amanda talks about all of this – and so much more – in this little book called Finding Joy in Depression.

When I told her that I’d read and review it, I warned her that I’m a little slow with non-fiction.  Then, I sat down with my Kindle and read the book in a few hours time.  I pretty much devoured it.  I could see myself – and my situation – reflected in the pages.  Nobody wants to admit to being depressed, but why?  If we all choose to hide away and not share our stories, then we are missing out on an opportunity to help and minister to others.

Amanda has chosen to step out and shout her story from the mountaintops (or, at least, from the pages of this book); and, in so doing, she is ministering to every person who picks up this book.  To me.  To you.  To anyone who is willing to read it.  Because maybe you don’t personally deal with depression – but surely you know someone who does – or maybe you will someday. 

This book is divided into two parts.  The first part is Exposing Depression.  In this section, Amanda shares what depression is, the various stages of admitting that you are experiencing depression, and ways to deal with it.  She shares her personal story, causes and symptoms, and factors that may play into depression.  The second part is Taking Care of You.  As the section title suggests, Amanda shares ideas on the best ways to take care of yourself – diet, exercise, Bible reading, rest, etc.

The chapters are short and easy to read. At the end of each one, Amanda has added a “Finding Joy . . . “ section that includes a few questions for you to ask yourself. 

By the end of the book, you’ll likely feel differently about depression.  You might even realize that you’ve been dealing with depression, but didn’t know what it was. If nothing else, you should realize that depression isn’t something to be hidden – it’s ok to talk about it, and it’s ok to experience it.

I am really proud of Amanda for sharing her story on the pages of this book and on her blog! 

GIVEAWAY!  Amanda has offered to give one of my readers a .pdf copy of her book.  If Finding Joy in Depression sounds interesting to you, please leave me a comment telling me why.  Have you experienced depression?  Are you dealing with depression now?  Do you have a loved on who struggles with depression.  Open up and share! 

I will select a random winner next Friday, June 29th, at noon (est).  Good luck! 

A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman

Back in the mid-90’s, Brian and I were involved in a Sunday School class for young married couples. One of the books that we studied in that class was The 5 Love Language by Gary Chapman.  That book made a huge impression on many of the members of that class; and I’m sure that I’m not the only one who often thinks back on that class and contemplates both my own love language, and that of my husband. I’d highly recommend the book to any couple! 

But, that’s not what this post is about!  I was recently asked to review The 5 Love Languages of Children (that review will be coming soon!) along with a new resource in the Love Language Collection – this one specifically FOR kids – called A Perfect Pet for Peyton.  Not 100% sure what the love languages of my 3 kids might be, I was anxious to check both of these books out. 

This wonderfully imaginative children’s hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four-color illustrations (with hidden details!) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love. Based on Gary’s highly successful The 5 Love Languages®, A Perfect Pet for Peyton tells an entertaining and playful story of five children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language. Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle up and spend precious time together reading this book over and over again.

I read this book through once on my own, then shared it with my two younger children, ages 5 and 11.  Not only is the story fun and interesting, but it’s a great way to introduce your children to the concept of the love languages, and to get them thinking about what their main love language may be and why. 

While my 5 year old doesn’t really seem to grasp the concept, this book really got my 11 year old thinking.  While she’s older and more into chapter books, I think she really enjoyed following along as I read this picture book to both of them.  And, now she’s trying to figure out what might be her dominant love language.

I’d definitely recommend this book for any child.  I love kids’ books, and this one is hardcover with full-color illustrations that will definitely hold your child’s attention, even during the long story.  It’s never too early to teach your kids about the love languages and encourage them to be aware of both their own personal language and the language of their siblings. 

And guess what?
I have a copy to give away!

If you would like to win a copy of A Perfect Pet for Peyton, please follow the Rafflecopter directions . . .

Lots To Do In Line – Disneyland by Meredith Lyn Pierce

I was recently introduced to a new book from The Intrepid Traveler (think Hidden Mickey books) and I wanted to share it with you . . .

It’s called Lots To Do In Line – Disneyland.  I love the tagline --- “don’t miss the magic before the ride!”  Here’s a bit of information about this book:

No More Cranky Kids in Disneyland Lines

Like the famous slogan says, Disneyland is the “Happiest Place on Earth.” But when waiting in line for rides, especially with kids, people tend to forget that.

Few visitors realize that Disney has gone to a lot of trouble to make its lines interesting by packing the queue areas with delightful visual details. Trouble is, most kids and adults are so hyped for the rides that they miss the eye-catching magic on the way to them.

“The rides are scripted; you know just where to look and you love every moment of them,” says mega-Disney fan Meredith Pierce, who grew up in Orange County, California and spent much of her childhood and teen years in Disneyland. “In contrast, the lines are like an activity book with no instructions. They are packed with wonderful details, but kids especially need some direction to focus on them.”

Meredith came to that conclusion when she took her young daughter to the Disneyland parks for the first time, and watched the seven-year-old morph from happy-excited kid to bored-whiney kid every time she stepped off a ride and into another line. Says Pierce, “She hung from the railing, spun in a circle, hopped, fidgeted, wanted a drink, wanted a snack—all the while inching ever closer to fun. As soon as we hit the ride, happy-excited kid was back.”

A quick glance around told Meredith that her daughter was far from alone. Countless other children were also at less than their best in line.

When a search of the park shops failed to uncover any kind of guide to the queue-line visuals, Meredith decided to write it herself. The result is Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland, a step-by-step guide that turns every ride line in the two Disneyland theme parks into a series of games.

Using only the visuals Disney and other guests provide, Lots To Do In Line poses challenging questions and visual and audio treasure hunts that keep kids and their grown-ups happily immersed in the Disney magic as they move toward the ride.

To add to the fun, players earn one point for every correct answer they pick (they’re multiple choice) and a point for every treasure they spot.

Meredith tested the games on her family and the families of many friends. They worked, she says; “When you’re busy having fun, you can’t be bored.” Or unhappy. “Smiling kids make happy parents.”

Meredith Lyn Pierce was born in England but grew up in Disneyland’s vast backyard, Orange County, California. Like millions of people, Meredith loved Disneyland from the moment she first laid eyes on it as a young child. The creativity, attention to detail, and positive environment drew her back time and again even after she graduated from The College of Communications at California State University Fullerton and moved across the country to work to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Her jobs varied from helping people find and keep meaningful employment to finding ways for them to live independently with appropriate assistance. She was also responsible for creating a large portion of the staff training curriculum used by North Carolina’s biggest provider of services for individuals with these challenges.

Meredith currently lives in Lacey, Washington, near Olympia, the state capital, with her husband Ken and daughter Camille. The inspiration for Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland came to her during her first trip to the Disneyland parks with Camille. Looking at the park through a mother’s eyes made her notice things she had failed to register before. The lines were a wonderland of things to see and do, and they were going unnoticed and underappreciated. One year later, Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland was born.

I love this book!  My only “issue” with it is that it’s not about my Disney park of choice – Walt Disney World.  I know that my kids (and, yes, me too) would love doing the quizzes and treasure hunts while we find ourselves standing in line – and waiting – for some of our favorite attractions. 

If your family goes to Disneyland, I would highly recommend this book.  It’s size makes it very convenient for carrying along into the park (if you’ve already got Steven Barrett’s Hidden Mickey book, this book is the same size).

NOTE: I received this book from The Intrepid Traveler in exchange for my sharing my honest thoughts about it on my blog. 

Starting a Micro Business by Carol Topp

With unemployment rates high, the teen population is finding it harder and harder to find work. Adults are competing for the same minimum wage jobs. But there’s an alternative—starting a micro business. What is a micro business? It is a very small, one-person business that you can start easily and quickly with what you already know or own. No money needed, low risk and no debt! Students can spend as much time running a micro business as they wish and can even close it down during busy times. The best advantage for teens to own a micro business is that it not only brings in extra cash (often more than imagined), but students end up learning a great deal about business, money and themselves. It may lead to an entrepreneurial life or at the very least, prepare students for higher learning opportunities.

Starting a Micro Business will help teenagers earn money while learning how to start their own business. A micro business is simple to start, usually home-based, low risk, educational and easy for a busy student to run. This book offers ideas, a business plan, starting with no debt, pitfalls to avoid and resources to get a teenager started making money running their own micro business.

Carol Topp, CPA advises teenage business owners though her Micro Business for Teens book series. Carol’s day job is accountant to business owners, and she enjoys teaching teenagers to succeed beyond their dreams. Students appreciate how she shares what they need to know in clear and helpful lessons. Her website is MicroBusinessForTeens.com

Spring Cleaning: A Time For a Teenager to Make Money
by Carol Topp

Here are some ideas for a micro business a teenager can start this spring:

• House cleaning: Offer to tackle large jobs like washing windows, moving furniture, etc. Many people are grateful for a young, strong teenager to help them with heavy lifting. What is easy for you might be very difficult for them, especially if they are an older person.
• Routine house cleaning: Some customers need regular house cleaning and may hire you on a weekly or monthly basis. Don't wait for them to ask: offer to come weekly or twice a month and see what they say.
• Attic cleaning: Offer to help people do a job that they put off, such as cleaning an attic.
• Garage cleaning: A big job that can earn you big bucks!
• Yard cleanup: Offer to trim bushes, pull weeds, plant flowers and spread mulch to spruce up a yard.
• Car and van cleaning: People spend a lot of time in their automobiles and their cars and vans need frequent cleaning. Melissa gladly paid to get her van cleaned inside and out every week because her four children could really make a mess in it. You can make some cash by offering to clean a van inside and out.
• Organize. Organize a house, playroom or garage. Charge the customer for any bins, tubs and labels that you purchase for them and then add on the value of your time. Take before and after photos to use on your advertising fliers.
• Declutter: Do you love HGTV shows on organization? You might be able to find someone to hire you to declutter their house like you see on TV.
• Garage sales: Advertise, organize and run a garage sale for your neighbors. Get several neighbors to participate together and really earn the bucks!
• eBay sales: Offer to sell your neighbors' stuff on eBay and take a cut for yourself. Combine the decluttering, garage sale and eBay tasks into a full package to help your customers profit from their excess stuff.

(This is an excerpt from Carol's article. Full article available at docstoc.com)

One lucky commenter here on my blog will have their name entered in a GRAND PRIZE drawing to win a COMPLETE SET of Carol Topp’s Micro Business for Teens series!

Starting a Micro Business ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1 Retail price: $9.95

Running a Micro Business ISBN: 978-0-09829245-1-8 Retail price: $9.95

Money and Taxes in a Micro Business ISBN: 978-0-09829245-3-2 Retail price: $9.95

The Micro Business for Teens Workbook ISBN: 978-0-09829245-2-5 Retail price: $14.95

Inside the Minds of Car Dealers by Ray Lopez ~ and a giveaway!

CONTEST CLOSED!  The winner was comment #10 – Kela!  CONGRATS, Kela – I hope you enjoy this book and that your next car purchase is much more pleasant and stress-free as a result. ~Heidi

Before buying another car, let Ray Lopez, a former "swift talking, blood-sucking salesperson" and author of Inside the Minds of Car Dealers give you a look under the hood of dealerships to show you every trick that will be used against you!

Learn every last psychological ploy and manipulative scheme typical car dealerships use against you to squeeze every last dime out of your pocket --and then some-- all while you're being sold a car you may not even want! Discover in detail the 12 crucial dos and don'ts to car buying, like why you will always lose if you shop one dealer against another and why you should never mention your research on the Internet, or why you should accept that your trade-in is not worth what you think it is and why you should accept the fact that the dealership is a business entitled to make money.

Some books on this subject reveal a few of the tricks in a car dealers' trunk. This book gives them ALL to you!

Ray Lopez is a 30+ year veteran car salesman turned consumer advocate and author of Inside the Minds of Car Dealers: How to Buy Your Next Car without Fear. In 2011, Ray Lopez launched a consumer awareness campaign to teach savings tactics, and confident car buying practices for the new economy. He shares his knowledge on an open, real-time Q&A consumer forum via a blog and Facebook community page to further help consumers overcome the car buying hurdles they face today. Please visit www.raythesalesguy.com for more information.

Heidi Says . . . I have to be honest, this is NOT my typical type of book. Normally, I go for a good Christian fiction novel – maybe with some suspense thrown in for good measure.  If I read non-fiction, it’s usually some sort of self-help book (and, 9 chances out of 10, I don’t enjoy them and usually don’t finish them). 

But, having recently experienced the challenge of buying a new (used) car, when the opportunity to review Inside the Mind of Car Dealers came up, I jumped at the chance to review it.  Not so much because I thought that I would enjoy it, but because I wanted to share with others a resource that might help save them the stress that I experienced. 

The book arrived the other day and, because I didn’t have any up and coming fiction reviews due, I set to “work” reading it.  However, it wasn’t work at all – it was FUN!  I absolutely LOVED this book – and that sounds odd considering it’s a book about buying a car.  But, it’s true.  I sat in bed reading this book and laughing out loud.  Ray’s writing style is personable and fun. 

And, as I was reading, I felt as though Ray were affirming the decisions I made in my most recent car purchase.  And, I learned a lot of information that I’ll pass along to friends – things like what type of car dealership to buy from (and what kind to steer clear of, no pun intended), what colors are best  for resale value (both exterior and interior), various types of dealers (and which one is the best to look for), which day(s) and times are best to shop for new cars, and lots more.  This guy fed right into my passion for planning, as he recommended not jumping into a purchase, but rather putting several weeks into research and note-taking before even hitting the car dealerships. 

From your first thoughts of wanting a new car, right on up through driving your car off the lot, Ray talks you through the whole process.  Ever wonder about all that paperwork and what it’s all for?  Ray will explain.  It’s all there!

I’m definitely going to be recommending this book to family and friends who are in the market for a new vehicle.  And, guess what, friends? I have a 2nd copy of Inside the Mind of Car Dealers to give away! Keep reading to the end of this post.

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But first, I’d like to share this Question & Answer session with Ray, on the topic of “Coupons & Cars” (why applying the budget savvy mindset you would towards saving money at the grocery store or shopping for clothes can be a win-win for you AND the car sales guy.)

How is shopping for a car connected to coupon clipping?

Ray: People who search for coupons online or in newspapers and use them to their best effect know that you only buy what you need. And buy the brands you’re familiar with. The same applies to car shopping. Think of car rebates as shopping for online coupons. You can go to the manufacturer's website to get current incentive offers to customers. But then, for best effect, also go to edmunds.com to find out if there are additional dealer incentives. Or money the manufacturer rebates directly to the dealer, not the customer. Knowing this ahead of time will help you get the very best deal on the vehicle you want. And stay with the type of car you currently own. For instance, if you have a sedan, don't switch to a coupe or hatchback. You're familiar with the sedan. But you could end up dissatisfied with the coupe or the hatchback for any number of reasons.

The Sunday paper is still one of the best locations for all-in-one coupons for the week – how can one also use the Sunday paper to shop for car deals?

Ray: The Sunday paper is the place you want to start your car shopping. Not in the dealers' car ads but in the classified advertisements for car salesmen. There are key words and phrases in those ads that will immediately tell you if it is a heavy-pressure, old school type of dealership. You can immediately cross any such dealers that give off this stink in their classified ads off your list. No one should ever buy anything from these "blue suede shoes" salesmen who are stuck in a 1950s mentality.

While the approach to budget savings is similar behind both coupon clipping for general household items bought at the supermarket and scouring any/all resources to shop for the best available car deal – how does buying a car differ completely in next steps once one decides to make a purchase?

Ray: At a grocery store, all sale prices are clearly marked. You know exactly how much your purchase will cost without any haggling. Once the product is rung up, the cashier gives you a set discount when you present your coupon. There is no refusal of it, or haggling over how much discount you'll get. However, when you buy a car, the customer rebate can affect the sale price of the car. The dealer knows you're entitled to the cash discount so he'll haggle you for hours on the price of the car, applying guilt and/or coercion on you for having the nerve to not only want the rebate (coupon) but also a discount from the MSRP too! The manufacturer is the party offering the discount to you. It doesn't come out of the dealer's pocket. So yes, you are entitled to a discount off the MSRP as well as the rebate!

What are the best tips you can give coupon clippers when searching for the best car deal?

Ray: I would tell coupon clippers you have the right end goal in mind by looking to save money. And, that will help you immensely when pursuing the best car deal you can find. Below are 6 cheat-sheet tips to remember when you go into a car dealer to buy a car that will give you the tactical edge you need – in addition to your savings approach:

1. Drive by the dealers, whose brand you're interested in, on the weekend and look for the red flags
2. If a salesman asks if "you're buying today", walk out and don't turn back
3. If a salesman turns you to another salesman or "closer", walk out and don't turn back
4. Never shop on a weekend when high pressure salesmen are at their worst
5. If a salesman talks about payments before agreeing on the selling price, walk out and don't turn around
6. If you do walk off, don't turn around for any reason, no matter what the salesman says

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Now, for the CONTEST!!!

You can win a copy of Ray’s Inside the Mind of Car Dealers for your very own.  Even if you’re not in the market for a new car NOW, sooner or later, you definitely will be.  This little book is a handy-dandy resource.  Here’s how you can win:

Mandatory Entry: Visit Ray’s blog and tell me one thing that you learned, or one thing that stood out to you.

Extra entries (be sure to leave separate comments for each one):

• Like Ray the Sales Guy on Facebook
• Like my blog on Facebook
• Follow my blog via GFC
• Use the buttons above to share this contest via Twitter or Facebook
• Display my blog button on your blog
• Share a car-buying horror or humorous story

Good luck!  I’ll draw a random winner next Tuesday, April 2nd, at noon (est). 

1001 Healthy Baby Answers by Gary C. Morchower, MD

What parent hasn’t had the experience of leaving a pediatrician’s office more confused than when they came in? Or gotten home and thought of 10 questions they should have asked after the diagnosis was given?

Dr. Morchower understands. As a board-certified pediatrician and President of the Pediatric Society of Greater Dallas, he has helped thousands of parents by helping keep their child healthy.

1001 Healthy Baby Answers collects the most common questions parents have about a variety of different ailments, along with expert answers detailing everything the parent needs to know.

Perfect for parents to have on hand and in the home for quick reference, this essential guide will alleviate fears and give parents the right advice to help their child feel better . . . without another trip to the doctor’s.

Find authoritative answers to your questions about:
- Jaundice
- Asthma
- Seizures
- Chicken pox
- Anemia
- Rapid breathing
- Autism
- Croup
- Pneumonia
- Diabetes
- Heart murmurs
- Sleep disorders
And much, much more.

“A must for a parent or grandparent caring for a sick child.”
—Carden Johnston, MD, past president, American Academy of Pediatrics

Heidi Says . . . Though the title of this book recommends that it is for parents of babies only, that is not the case.  I like the byline of  this book - “pediatricians’ answers to all the questions you didn’t know to ask”.  I appreciate having this type of reference book on hand. Several years ago, we  chose to leave our pediatrician because their office was 45 minutes away and not always an ideal situation.  Since that time, we take our children to the family doctor and we’re normally pleased with the service and care that we receive there.  But, there are times when I’m simply not sure, as a parent, whether a trip to the doctor is in order, or if home treatment would be just as effective. 

This  book is set up alphabetically by ailment/situation.  Each ailment is set up in the same way -

• Title (these are simple, every day things like ear infection, poison ivy, hay fever, etc. and more complex things such as special needs situations and serious illnesses/diseases)
• Author’s Comment (these contain information such as frequency of occurences, updates in modern medicine, etc.)
• Questions & Answers (this section is set up similar to a FAQ section – common questions, followed by the answers to them)
• Doctor’s name and area of expertise

If you’re looking for a quick reference children’s health guide, this one is simple and easy to use and understand.  It sells for $16.99 in the US, and is well worth the price for parents’ peace of mind.

NOTE: I received this book free of charge from Sourcebooks in exchange for sharing my personal thoughts on my blog.  I was not compensated in any other way for the writing of this review.

Heroes for My Son by Brad Meltzer

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
BRAD MELTZER WRITES FIRST NON-FICTION BOOK FOR HIS SON

Who do Americans consider to be their real heroes? Brad Meltzer has been fascinated by this question for nearly a decade. From his first exhilarated drive home from the hospital the night his son was born, his mission has been to find the heroes in life who would help him teach his child about kindness and courage and other singular attributes that would help his boy become a good man. The issue was, where to begin? He decided to do what he knew: tell the best stories.

HEROES FOR MY SON (HarperStudio/$19.99/May 11, 2010) by Brad Meltzer is the New York Times bestselling novelist’s first foray into nonfiction. It’s a hand-picked collection of heroes—52 men and women, both familiar and unknown—and illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs, many of which have not been seen in decades. Meltzer mines the lives of each of these men and women and finds the moment that best illustrates what makes a hero out of each of them. Lyrically written, these narratives have potency in their very simplicity. Meant to be read aloud and shared together across generations, HEROES FOR MY SON gets to the heart of what it means to be heroic in everyday life.

From the Wright Brothers to his grandfather, Ben Rubin, Meltzer’s heroes include philanthropists and creative people, doctors and politicians, performers and activists, athletes and ordinary citizens. Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson, Bella Abzug and George Washington, Jonas Salk and Jim Henson, Clara Hale, Mother Theresa, Mr. Rogers and Albert Einstein stand side-by-side with Officer Frank Shankwitz who founded the Make A Wish Foundation, or Dan West who created Heifer International, and Miep Gies, Otto Frank’s assistant who hid her employer and his family including his young daughter Anne Frank for two years.

Meltzer draws from the stories—some familiar from history lessons—and within them finds unorthodox wisdom. The Wright Brothers’ fame as the first in aviation becomes a story about how they always packed everything they would need to repair their planes; in essence planning for their failure, and yet never giving up. What Meltzer tells about Abraham Lincoln is how he lost his Senate race in 1858 because he refused to go along with the prevailing view of that time that Black men and women had no rights—he committed political suicide because he refused to be quiet. Jim Henson wanted to work on television but when he went looking for a job at seventeen, he was turned down. He saw that they needed a puppeteer so he went to the library, checked out a book on the subject, built his own puppets and returned to the station—and got the job.

As Meltzer writes in his introduction, “There are thousands of heroes. And I think that’s what I like best. There is proof—absolute proof—everywhere. Look around at any life and you’ll find examples of character and honesty, leadership and humility, tenacity and dignity. These are the tools I want my son to have…This isn’t about how to be remembered—it’s a book about how we live our lives, and what we are capable of on our very best days.”

Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Fate, as well as the bestsellers The Tenth Justice, Dead Even, The First Counsel, The Millionaires, The Zero Game, and The Book of Lies.
He is also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby—and is the Eisner Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed comic book, Justice League of America.  

His first non-fiction book, Heroes For My Son, is a collection of heroes—from Jim Henson to Rosa Parks—that he’s been working on since the day his son was born and is on sale May 11. His newest thriller, The Inner Circle, will be released in January 2011. You can read far more about him at www.BradMeltzer.com.

Heidi Says . . . I knew, as soon as I received the press information on this book, that it would be a keeper.  I was right!  In a day and age when so many young people are choosing the wrong heroes, Brad Meltzer has put together a book filled with worthy heroes – people whose lives are worth looking at for examples of how we should live. 

Brad’s inspiration for writing the  book?  Becoming a new dad, and thinking of all the responsibilities parenthood brings.  He filled this book with stories of heroes whose lives are worth emulating. Heroes include the obvious, like George Washington and Rosa Parks; those that are familiar, like Jim Henson and Eleanor Roosevelt; and the lesser-known, such as Frank Shankwitz and Barbara Johns (if you don’t know who these people are, buy the book!) 

Each hero receives a 2-page spread in this book.  The pages look old – rather like parchment paper – and appear much like an old photograph album (love that).  On the left-hand side, you’ll find the hero’s name and what they are famous for, along with a picture, and an interesting fact.  The right-hand side contains more detailed facts (written in a very engaging tone), and a quote (either by the hero, or by someone else speaking of the hero). 

Each account is interesting.  The one that really stood out to me last night was about Mr. Rogers (yes, loved the guy!)  One of his quotes really struck me ---

“When a bubble’s gone, you don’t see it anymore with your eyes. And when an opera is over, you don’t hear it anymore with your ears. But you can remember it. You can remember what bubbles look like and what operas sound like and what friends feel like. And you’ll always have them with you in your memory.” ~Fred Rogers

This book is worth reading and sharing.  Would you like a copy?  I have a signed, hardcover copy of Heroes for My Son to give away to one of my readers.

How can you win?  Simply leave me a comment telling me what most appeals to you about this book.  I’ll do a random drawing next Thursday, June 24th, and will announce a winner at that time.  (U.S. shipping addresses only, please)

In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger

They number in the millions and they are incredibly important to families and to our society, yet they are underappreciated, little respected, and even controversial.
Who are they?
They are the stay-at-home moms.
These are women who know in their hearts that staying home to raise their children is the right choice for the whole family. Some do it from the outset of their marriages, while others make the difficult transition from career-driven women to homemakers. Either way, it is a choice that is incredibly rich and rewarding, not to mention challenging.
Now Dr. Laura, building on principles developed during her long career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, provides a wealth of advice and support, as well as compassion and inspiration, to women as they navigate the wonders and struggles of being stay-at-home moms.
Learn how:

• to hold your head high and deal with naysayers;
• to see the benefits of being home not only for your children but also for your marriage;
• to understand the changes you see in yourself;
• to realize that the sacrifices you endure now will make for lasting bonds and a stronger family, in addition to a more cohesive community.

In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms is a special book, a profound and unique understanding of how important it is for mothers to raise their own children.
To find out more about Dr. Laura, click here or visit her website.

It's not very often, in this day and age, that you find a mainstream author in favor of stay-at-home moms, let alone promoting it.  The fact that Dr. Laura has written this book In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms was enough to make me agree to review it, and I was pleasantly surprised.  I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Laura's life and how she discovered the important role of mothers in the lives of their children, and how much of an impact a stay-at-home mom can make (for the good).  Though she doesn't necessarily promote homeschooling in this book, and it's not written for homeschooling moms, I really appreciated this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is considering becoming a stay-at-home mom or someone who needs an extra pat on the back for deciding to stay at home (we all need some encouragement and reminders now and again).  Thanks, Dr. Laura!  I appreciate your wisdom and experience!

Jantsen's Gift by Pam Cope with Aimee Molloy

Nine years ago, Pam Cope owned a cozy hair salon in the tiny town of Neosho, Missouri, and her life revolved around her son's baseball games, her daughter's dance lessons, and family trips to places like Disney World. She had never been out of the country, nor had she any desire to travel far from home.

Then, on June 16th, 1999, her life changed forever with the death of her 15-year-old son from an undiagnosed heart ailment.

Needing to get as far away as possible from everything that reminded her of her loss, she accepted a friend's invitation to travel to Vietnam, and, from the moment she stepped off the plane, everything she had been feeling since her son's death began to shift. By the time she returned home, she had a new mission: to use her pain to change the world, one small step at a time, one child at a time. Today, she is the mother of two children adopted from Vietnam. More than that, she and her husband have created a foundation called "Touch A Life," dedicated to helping desperate children in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Cambodia and Ghana.

Pam Cope's story is on one level a moving, personal account of loss and recovery, but on a deeper level, it offers inspiration to anyone who has ever suffered great personal tragedy or those of us who dream about making a difference in the world.

In 2000, Pam Cope founded Touch A Life Foundation by establishing a shelter in Saigon for homeless children. Touch A Life now supports 224 children in Vietnam and helps fund the Place of Rescue in Cambodia, a safe haven for famillies who have been stricken with the AIDS virus. Pam is now working to raise funds to build a center for children in northern Ghana who have been rescued from slavery. Pam lives in Joplin, Missouri with her husband, Randy, and her children, Van and Tatum. Her older daughter, Crista, attends college.

Aimee Molloy is a freelance journalist and the co-author, with Senator John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry, of This Moment on Earth: Today's New Environmentalists and Their Vision for The Future; and For God and Country: Faith and Patriotism Under Fire with James Yee. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.


There are certain books that, upon reading the description, you know you just HAVE to read.  For me, Jantsen's Gift was one such book.  Those of you who know me and/or have been following my blog for some time, would have probably thought of me when reading the book's description.  There's just something about it that says "Heidi should read this!"  And so, when the opportunity presented itself to read and review this book on my blog, I jumped at the chance.  It was with a company I haven't reviewed for in the past (Hachette Book Group); working with new companies and seeing new books is always exciting.

I really enjoyed this book and I'd definitely recommend it.  Pam's story reminded me much of my own in some ways - she had one child and turned to adoption for her second.  I was saddened when I read of the sudden death of her 15-year-old son, Jantsen.  I cannot even fathom walking through that valley.  Though Pam definitely struggled with depression and questioning God, she stepped out of that and has since gone on to do some amazing things with her life!

By using the donations that were received "in leiu of flowers", she and her husband have been able to rescue and help street children in Vietnam and trafficked children in both Cambodia and Ghana.  These stories are powerful and heart-wrenching at the same time.  Upon reading Pam's story, you may even decide that you'd like to donate to this ministry.

The Ultimate TEA Diet

Do you drink tea?
Would you like to drink tea, but just never got into it?
Are you coffee drinker, and find yourself wondering why you're always feeling hungry and sluggish?

If you can answer yes to any of the above questions,
then you need to read this book:

I received this  book from Harper Collins a few weeks ago.  I'm not sure what initially even possessed me to request it.  If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, I'm sure you've read that I'm a coffee drinker.  BUT, when this book arrived and I sat down and started reading it, I was amazed to read of all the health benefits of tea (things you just don't get in coffee).  And, as a result of this book, I have made a conscious effort to switch to drinking tea, instead of coffee.

Why such a drastic lifestyle change?   Well, let me see if I can explain, by sharing some of the lines that I highlighted in the book:
"It's time for tea to be recognized in this country, not only for the health benefits most of the world have known about for centuries, but for it's incredible ability to help stop one of the world's biggest health crises to date: obesity."
"What we do need to know is very simple: Drinking tea will help us lose weight.  Yes, tea. Inexpensive.  Good tasting.  And available to everyone everywhere.  Tea, with natural ingredients that will not only help us lose weight, but will reduce our cravings for sweets, suppress our appetite, increase our insulin's effectiveness, lower our cholesterol, and stimulate thermogenesis, which helps the body burn fat for energy.  All this from a cup of tea!"
Tea has been proven to "help prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, and stroke" to "lower blood pressure, reduce weight, decrease inflammation, protect against wrinkles and sun damage" and to "increase creativity and peak performance." 
Now, after reading those, don't you think it would be beneficial to start drinking more tea?!

Did you know that all true tea comes from one plant?  I had no idea!  That's another thing I learned by reading this book.  White tea, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea all come from the plant Camellia simensis.  As long as you are drinking a tea  that falls into one of these categories, then it comes from this plant, and it has the qualities that do everything listed above.  Pretty amazing, huh?

Not only have I learned about the benefits of tea, I've also learned about different ways to prepare it~ whether using a simple store-bought tea bag, or losing loose tea and a good old-fashioned tea pot. 

Though I probably won't be following the diet that is provided in the book, I will definitely be making tea a daily habit in my life.  This book is filled with lots of recipes that you can make that include tea as a main ingredient.  The rubs and marinades intrique me;  but, beyond that, I can't see myself making any of the recipes (each and every one of the, includes some variety of tea!)

If you have even the slightest interest in tea, I'm sure you'll find this book interesting and educational as well.  You can pick it up at Amazon (not only is it available at a greatly reduced price, but it's also eligible for FREE super saver shipping!)

If man has no tea in him,
he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.
~Japanese Proverb

There is no trouble so great or grave
that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea.
~Bernard-Paul Heroux

If you are cold, tea will warm you.
If you are heated, it will cool you.
If you are depressed, it will cheer you.
If you are excited, it will calm you.
~William Gladstone, British Prime Minister