Tuesday, March 7, 2017

100 Women Who Made History

61PSQpGABvL100 Women Who Made History – Remarkable Women Who Shaped Our World
Published at DK Canada

About the book

There are many ladies in history who have left their mark. 100 Women Who Made History takes kids on a tour of the past and uncovers the stories of the women and girls who have shaped the modern world.

From super scientists like Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin to clued-up creatives like Emily Dickinson and J.K. Rowling to leading ladies like Joan of Arc and Eleanor Roosevelt, profiles explore the lives of each woman in detail, and photography and quirky "bobble-head" illustrations present history in a new and fun way. Kids can put each woman's story into context with "what came before…" and "what came after…" panels showing the things that influenced and were influenced by each woman. Special features highlight contemporaneous women and women in similar fields to paint a more complete picture for young readers.

A wonderful inspiration for young girls and a great learning tool for all children, 100 Women Who Made History proves that this isn't just a man's world.

My Thoughts

I was delighted to realized that DK had published a book about 100 women who made history.   A couple of years ago, I have the privilege to review their book 100 People Who Made History and I was looking forward to discover this new title.   I was not disappointed.   The book contains great women who made a mark in history whether with creativity, science, leadership, entrepreneurship and more.   

Each woman will be presented in a one or two pages presentation and will highlights her accomplishments in life.  Some of the women in this book are well know like Joan of Arc, Sacagawea, or Rosa Parks.  However, there are names which are less familiar like Peggy Guggenheim, Althea Gibson, or Emmeline Pankhurst.    Still whether well known or not, these women have shaped history and could be interesting in discovering.

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When we received this book to review, it didn’t take long for my nine years old daughter to pick it up in order to read it.   As she read some of the women’s name in the book, she stumble onto Josephine Baker.   Turns out that we had just watched the episode in which she appeared in the television show Timeless.  The show is about time travel and cross the path of famous people through history.   Nevertheless, Jasmine was happy to see that Josephine was part of the book.   But what I particularly find interesting is that she had an interest in reading the journal of Anne Frank after reading the information on the young Jewish girl.   Mind you, I recognize that the journal present some historical information that could be disturbing for a young girl like my Jasmine.  Fortunately I also had a junior version of the journal.   I also told her that it was a difficult subject to read about and that I would understand if she puts it aside for a time.   She has started it and after a week she has put it aside.   I will encourage her to continue reading it as I think it is important for her to realize that life is not always easy.

This book is packed with interesting women at different time in history.   It is a great book to peruse when you desire to learn more about historical events or historical people.

100 Women Who Made History is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote these books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Between Heaven and the Real World My Story

imageBetween Heaven & the Real World My Story
Written by Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham
Published at Revell

About the book

Experience the moments that made Christian music history

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

From childhood, music has been both a refuge and a release for Steven. With humor and humility, he offers a backstage look at his early days on the road and his wild ride to the top of the charts. Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.
Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.

My Thoughts

I find it is always nice to read an autobiography of an artist every once in a while.   Like it or not, we have a tendency as human beings to uplift them to a pedestal and to think that they have the best of lives.   Reading an autobiography you can be guaranteed that the artist in question was involved in the process of writing the book hence you can have a perspective of his/her life through his/her own eyes.   

So when I signed up to review the new autobiography of Steven Curtis Chapman, I knew I would have a peek in his past and discover more about his life at the same time.    I have received an Advanced Reading Copy so that I can peruse and discover the life of this artist whom we know in our house.  And let me tell you that you will not be disappointed when reading it.  The writing style is very intimate which will transport you almost in the living room of Steven where he will tell you his story.   Not only do you learn about his debut in music but you will also learn more about his parents, his wife and children, his rise to become the Christian artist that he is today and all the ups and downs of his life.

I found the book to be uplifting and particularly encouraging.   We have a son who is pretty good at music and at times he will write his own songs.   We want to encourage his interest in music for sure.    Reading about how Steven navigated the industry is an eye opener I find.   I will strongly suggest to my fifteen year old son to consider reading this book.  I seriously think it would be good for him to do so.

If you enjoy Steven Curtis Chapma’s music and would like to learn more about how he grew up, what he did while growing up, how he embarked on a journey to become an artist, I think this book will be a delight for you.   It is easy to read and the chapters will hook you from the beginning of the book.

Between Heaven & the Real World My Story is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

It is also available for Kindle and Kindle App.

 

Disclaimer: The Advanced Reading Copy of this book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Classic Brands U-Shape Gel Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

I recently received a travel neck pillow from Classic Brands to review.   I always wanted to have one of these so I can rest a bit when we are travelling to go to our RV.   My husband was hoping that we would get it before he leaves for his business trip.   Turns out we did receive it before his trip.  

I am no stranger to memory foam type of pillows because I have one to sleep on during the night.  I really like my memory foam pillow at night so I know what to expect for the travel neck pillow.   My husband, however, decided to try it out while sitting on the sofa and just couldn’t get used to it.  Right now it is a bit bulky I find but with time I know that the memory foam will settle itself perfectly around your neck.  It will take time and many uses though.  

I like the softness of it.   It also possess a gel section which provide some coolness around your head.   It was interesting to feel the coolness slowly coming to your skin.   

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As much as I like the idea of having a travel neck pillow I have a few things that are bugging me.   First of all, I was hoping that there would be a nicer cover around it.   Turns out that the cover is removable but it is white (easy to get dirty) and the material is not as thick as I would have expected.    The description of the product said that there would be a velour cover but this kind do not have velour surrounding the pillow.   Bummer number two is the fact that there is no elastic strap for easy transportation.  Again this was mentioned in the description of the product…   An elastic strap would make it easy to hold it or to slide on your suitcase when travelling by plane.

Again, it is a great product to have when travelling.  Keep in mind that it will take some time to shape the pillow to your own body but once it is done I am sure you will appreciate a soft pillow to put your head on.

The Classic Brands U-Shape Gel Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow is available for purchase on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.