All Consuming : loralia

Why I recommend "The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 19:22:07 GMT

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

by Dave Ramsey

Slow to get going, and a little too sappy. However, his prorgam for getting on top of your finacial game is simple, methodical, and concrete. Now I hope to make it work for me.

A story about "Moving Pictures"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 07:08:01 GMT

Moving Pictures

by Terry Pratchett

I’ve been going through the Discworld books in order and after the last couple mediocre ones I was definitely losing interest. However, Moving Pictures is in wonderful witty Practhett form once again and I look forward to reading Reaper Man sometime in the near future.

Why I recommend "Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 00:27:23 GMT

Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year

by Denise Fields

Excellent! Great current information in an each to read and reference format that respects alternative viewpoints, but stays strongly rooted in the scientific model.

Why I recommend "Touchpoints: Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development, Birth to 3 -- The Essential Reference for the Early Years"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:32:13 GMT

Touchpoints: Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development, Birth to 3 -- The Essential Reference for the Early Years

by T. Berry Brazelton

I would consider this essential reading for the expectant parent. Dr. Brazelton goes through pregnancy to age three and gives you an idea of what to expect and how to adjust to the different stages that present themselves. In seperate sections he touches upon childrearing issues and the role of individuals play in a childs life. I read through it and it reflected a childrearing philosophy that I can respect. I will keep this book for future reference.

A review of "Transamerica"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 03:26:18 GMT

Transamerica

by Duncan Tucker

Transamerica wasn’t quite what I was expecting it to be. I liked it though. I had been told that it was a movie about someone in the stages of going through gender transformation. I guess I really expected it to be about the whole psychological process of going through a sex change, but it wasn’t.

We joined Bree at a point where those internal issues had mostly been dealt with already. When she actually has her operation it’s anticlimactic, almost beside the point. The movie really is more about the dysfunctional family relationships and the personal struggle for acceptance and respect from ones family members. In this particular case, the person who was struggling for acceptance just happened to be a transsexual.

Unfortunately, the movie was incredibly overdone. The characters were so over the top that none of it was quite realistic or believable. I guess it was suppose to add a comedic element to a serious subject, which it did, but I don’t think it was necessary. Also, while Felicity Huffman did a great job on what was no doubt an acting challenge, part of me really wishes that they had cast either a man or a transsexual in the role of Bree, and not a woman.

Why I recommend "Expecting Change: The Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 15:39:35 GMT

Expecting Change: The Emotional Journey Through Pregnancy

by Ellen Sue Stern

This is a nice short book about the emotional issues that one goes through while pregnant that are not really addressed elsewhere. It helped normalize many of the doubts and fears that I’ve been going through, so that I can face them in a productive manner.

Why I recommend "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:47 GMT

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Mark Haddon

Throughly enjoyable! I found it be a very quick read, although it was a bit awkward at first. I previously knew next to nothing about autism and this has gotten me more aware of it and interested in learning more.

A story about "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:45 GMT

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

by Dave Eggers

I got stuck on this book about half way through and put it down about a month ago. I really enjoyed the first third or so, but then it just got way too self envolved. I’m hoping that I can skim through this middle section and that it will become more readable again. I’m not familiar with any of his other works so honestly I’m still trying to figure out how much of it is true.

Well, I finished it. The ending was very good, very well written. Heartbreaking-Yes. I think he could have cut out a great deal of the middle of the book though I guess it played it’s role.

A story about "The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:45 GMT

The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel

by Margaret Atwood

Excellent! I plan to reread soon.

A story about "Oryx and Crake"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:44 GMT

Oryx and Crake

by Margaret Atwood

A very strong comment on the lives we currently lead and a future that may not be to far off.

A story about "Middlesex: A Novel"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:44 GMT

Middlesex: A Novel

by Jeffrey Eugenides

Engrossing, entertaining, and it puts to the test some of our social mores.

A story about "French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:43 GMT

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure

by Mireille Guiliano

I quickly read bits and pieces of this a few weeks ago and now am reading it a little more throughly. She really is a very good storyteller and her love of food is quite apparent. She includes a number of recipes. Her message is really to change your relationship with food and to enjoy life, a long slow process, but a worthy one.

A story about "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books"

nobody@allconsuming.net (loralia) — Thu, 26 May 2005 21:30:43 GMT

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books

by Azar Nafisi

A book for people who are passionate about ideas. I loved it.