Rachelle J. Christensen

Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author

Book Review: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I love books that inspire me! While reading The Last Lecture, I just kept thinking how amazing Randy Pausch’s story is. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and this book is how he decided to make the most of the life he had left. The legacy he left behind for his family, for everyone, in The Last Lecture is truly fantastic.

The whole book is quotable, but I’m going to share just one piece that I absolutely loved from pages 36-37:

After playing little league football and getting chewed on by the coach, “…one of the assistant coaches came over to reassure me. ” Coach Graham rode you pretty hard, didn’t he?” he said.
I could barely muster a “yeah.”
“That’s a good thing,” the assistant told me. “When you’re screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they’ve given up on you.”
Randy went on to say: “… your critics are often the ones telling you they still love you and care about you, and want to make you better.”

Pick up a copy of The Last Lecture to read more inspirational stories and get motivated to take life by the reins and do what is most important. It’s a short book–a quick read–that I’m sure you’ll love. If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what you thought.
Here’s more about the book:

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”—Randy Pausch

A lot of professors give talks titled “The Last Lecture.” Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can’t help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?

When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn’t have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave–“Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”–wasn’t about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because “time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think”). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.

In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come.

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Book Review: Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I’ve read almost all of Mitch Albom’s books and he is an incredibly talented writer. Each of his books contain so many priceless nuggets of wisdom and truth which we can apply to our lives. Have A Little Faith is one of my favorites. I love reading for many reasons: to escape, relax, ponder, feel creative, be inspired…the list could go on and on. While reading Have a Little Faith, I felt inspired and was moved to ponder so many different things about life and what is most important. I thought it was neat how Albom talked about his own upbringing in the Jewish religion, the dedication he had as a youth that diminished in adulthood. It was wonderful to see him embracing his faith again, recognizing how important faith is–how vital to our lives. It was also very interesting to read about his interaction with both the Christian and Jewish faiths and I loved learning about the things that pull all of us together. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, faith is extremely important to me. I can’t imagine going through life without the guidepost of my faith and religion. It would be so hard to understand the purpose of life, why things happen, and how to find happiness without the lessons I’ve learned through my faith. Some people may be worried about reading a book about a Jewish Rabbi and a Christian Pastor because they might be afraid of what it contains. This book is a must-read. I am a Christian and I appreciated every aspect of the book. My favorite line from this book: “It’s amazing how folks can’t see you, ’cause they want to keep you in that past.” Isn’t that beautiful? If you’ve read this book, I’d love to know what you thought. If you haven’t, I encourage you to go pick up a copy and get reading.

Here’s more about the book:

What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together?

In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds — two men, two faiths, two communities — that will inspire readers everywhere. Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have a Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an eighty-two-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor — a reformed drug dealer and convict — who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Albom observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.

As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Albom and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers, and histories are different, Albom begins to recognize a striking unity between the two worlds — and indeed, between beliefs everywhere. In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the rabbi’s last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.

Ten percent of the profits from this book will go to charity, including The Hole In The Roof Foundation, which helps refurbish places of worship that aid the homeless.

Other books you may enjoy:

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson, 20th Anniversary Edition by [Mitch Albom]   

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Book Review: Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World by Sierra Wilson

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I am now a homeschooling mom of four of my five children so I was excited to have the chance to read and review this book. This is an excellent book for all ages because the short biographies are packed full of great information. The illustrations are fun and whimsical and bring the facts about each standout saint to life. This book is written about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the very beginning of the church into the current day. I was impressed by the information on so many of these amazing people who gave service throughout their life to benefit others.

Patty Sessions was a midwife who crossed the plains and delivered the first baby in Utah. She later created an academy to help educate those who are poor. And that’s just one woman. Imagine how many lives she touched, especially because she delivered thousands of babies!

I also loved the story of Desideria, an Aztec descendent living in Mexico. She became the first member of the church in Mexico and was a stalwart example of faith. Her testimony remained strong and true as she awaited the Spanish translation of the Book of Mormon.

Green Flake was a slave who joined the church along with his master. He traveled across the plains and became a free man in Utah. He was a popular speaker at pioneer day events.

These are just a few of the dozens of biographies in this book. There are tons of great tidbits and facts that lead into more in-depth stories of these people. The whole book left me wanting to know more about these people!

This book is an excellent resource to teach history, expand on knowledge of the early foundational members of the church and learn more about exemplary characteristics in people that make them true heroes.

Here’s more about the book:

From prophets to pioneers, from songwriters to scientists, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World presents the fascinating true stories of twenty women and twenty men from Church history. Each one-page biography describes impressive achievements and shares stories of great faith. Readers will encounter well-known and beloved Saints such as Joseph Smith and Eliza R. Snow along with lesser-known heroes from around the world such as Hu Wei-I, who miraculously translated the Book of Mormon into Chinese, and Mere Mete Whaanga, a prominent Maori woman who helped the Church spread into New Zealand. In addition, Standout Saints includes uplifting quotes, a Church history timeline, and resources for further study.

The courage and faith of these Saints made them stand out from the world, and this educational and inspiring book helps young readers know that they too can stand out.

***Hard copies available in the US and Canada only; E-books available internationally***

Author Bio: 
Sierra Wilson is a children’s author/illustrator living in Alberta, Canada. She wrote The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me and I Can Be Like Jesus as well as several other books for children soon to be released. Before turning to writing, Sierra worked as a high school English and history teacher. She is the daughter of two modern-day pioneers and loves researching about pioneers and faithful heroes of all kinds. When she’s not writing, you can find her adventuring with her husband and four children, cross-country skiing, or eating all the chocolate.
Social Media Links:
@sierra.arts.poems (IG)
@SierraTWilson (Twitter)

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Book Review: The Influential Author by Gregory Diehl

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I was intrigued by the title of this book, especially the subtitle: How and Why to Write, Publish, and Sell Nonfiction Books that Matter. I have several stories brewing inside that I wasn’t certain how to get on paper. I’m happy to share that I now have a veritable book of authority on how to get those stories out of my head and into book format.

The book is written in 6 parts that cover everything from conception to creation and promotion. Diehl has done an excellent job of defining terms and aspects of publishing and writing that make it easy to understand what writing a nonfiction book entails. There is the creation part and then there is understanding the publishing aspect as well. Diehl even dives into the Amazon ad platform, though that part of the book will be specifically outdated as Amazon continues to change, it still lends a general understanding.

I appreciate the look forward to what comes after writing a book, the idea of an author’s life or life publishing your own works, and continuing to create.

I love the dedication of the book–it is another testament to the encouragement Diehl offers readers. There is also a wonderful index and a section of resources included in the book.

At just over 400 pages, this book is a wealth of information. I’m grateful to have a copy that I can continue to highlight and glean from as I explore the nonfiction books inside of me. If you’re thinking about writing any type of nonfiction, I recommend reading this book and enjoying the journey of learning!

Here’s more about the book:

“(Diehl) delivers a practical and encouraging guide to self-publishing nonfiction… Though lengthy, Diehl’s book can be quickly read and is crammed with practical ideas that readers will want to highlight and refer back to when they endeavor to write their own book.”
Publisher’s Weekly

By combining his experience as an educator and entrepreneur, author Gregory V. Diehl teaches passionate thinkers how to turn unique messages into profitable books—without sacrificing royalties or creative control to a publisher.

With in-depth advice about all stages of book creation, publication, and marketing, The Influential Author takes a uniquely grounded and intellectual approach to nonfiction self-publishing. Unlike self-publishing guides that promise to teach you how to write a bestselling book quickly and easily, Diehl’s book actually walks you through the complex details of planning, writing, editing, and promoting your work at the standards of traditional publishing.

Whether you are an experienced writer or have just started thinking about how to write a nonfiction book, The Influential Author will teach you about:

• Combining your passions and experience with reader demand to decide what book to write.
• Organizing your knowledge into sections and chapters for maximum comprehension and flow.
• Refining your book with feedback from editors, proofreaders, beta readers, and market testing.
• Choosing a title, subtitle, description, and cover design that capture your message and create sales.
• Pricing and promoting each format of your book (digital, print, and audio) for maximum readership and revenue.
• Enjoying lifelong passive income, influence, and meaning from your book’s success.

Publishing a book could be one of the most important things you ever do. Read The Influential Author to begin your path to writing nonfiction books that matter.

Other books you may enjoy:

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Book Review: Meatless Meals for Meat Eaters by Miriam Barton

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m also not a huge meat fan–I’ve often said I could be a vegetarian if I knew how. But the thing is–Barton’s cookbook isn’t about trying to get people to be a vegetarian, rather it is about teaching people healthy eating skills and giving them a chance to reduce the amount of meat in their diet.

It’s a fact–we eat too much meat EVERY day. A meal can still be a meal without meat. What?! You might say, How? This is why I’m sharing Barton’s cookbook with you today.

The first thing I made were her delicious peanut butter granola bars. My kids and hubby devoured them and oh my goodness, I wanted to eat 10 of them! I was so excited to have a healthy after-school snack for the kids, who come home ravenous. I took some pictures of my food to show you. That is the only thing I would change about the cookbook if I could–add pictures to the recipes–but I found a solution! You can visit Miriam Barton’s blog HERE and you’ll see tons of pictures and even MORE delicious recipes.

Um, yeah–they disappeared so fast!

Next I made Mixed Vegetable Lo Mein and can I just say how surprised I was at the delicious flavor? It didn’t need extra salt–the combination of flavors was perfectly satisfying and again, my family loved it.

I can’t wait to try more recipes. Our grocery budget is always something we’re working on and we’ve been cutting back on meat-filled meals because they are more expensive. I figure the Mixed Vegetable Lo Mein cost about .50 cents a person for my family of six–maybe even less since there were leftovers for lunch the next day!

What about you? Have you tried to cut back on meat, but it was difficult to find delicious meatless recipes?

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Book Review: Million Dollar Diva by Tristi Pinkston, Brett Kitchen, and Ethan Kap

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

Finance is something that all of us need to know something about, but most of us don’t know enough. If you’re like me, many finance books are bo-ring or use lingo that is hard to follow. And if you’re like me, you’re still looking for a great book to help you manage your money that is actually FUN to read. Ahem* I have a book for you. I’d like you to meet this incredibly smart and simple book–Million Dollar Diva.  

Pinkston shares her experiences honestly and simply in ways that help the reader identify with common financial problems and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Here’s more about the book:

Finally—the woman’s answer to growing rich safely! Women today face more money challenges than ever before, from managing careers and families to finances—the demands on their time and resources are increasing. Bad financial advice abounds, and it can be hard to know what to do. Award-winning author Tristi Pinkston teams up with bestselling authors Brett Kitchen and Ethan Kap to bring you Million Dollar Diva. Experience Tristi’s real-life transformation from struggling in debt to million-dollar retirement!

In This Book, You’ll Discover:

– The 5-step, simple, safe, and predictable process to change living paycheck-to-paycheck to enjoying wealth and security.

– How to give yourself a $400 per month raise without asking the boss or working a minute of overtime.

– “Spend Like a Diva.” How to have anything you want—nice vacations, eating out, trips to the mall. It’s all part of the plan!

– The secret formula of how to completely eliminate your debt in 1/3 the time and save tens of thousands on interest costs in the process. You’ll see why all the TV gurus are wrong!

– 5 Million-Dollar-Diva investing strategies that will grow your money safely and predictably every year, without the guesswork.

– Plus! Discover the key to stop fighting and quarreling with your spouse about money forever!

Imagine yourself living debt-free and building a million-dollar retirement safely and securely, so you can have total confidence in yourself and your future.

You can be a Million Dollar Diva!

Other books you may enjoy:

   

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