Reviews January 2008
365 Inspiratons
Sterling Publishers / $9.95 each
Maybe there are only three kinds of stories: the stories we live, the stories we tell and the stories that help our souls fly up towards the greater light—Ben Okri (b. 1959), Nigeria
There
is something wonderful about a book that is purse or briefcase-sized and
available for daily inspiration. I have many such books and, especially
in times of stress or confusion, I may open them up at random. Oddly enough,
often times the inspirational sayings of others relate directly to my particular
situation at that moment. They are often times just what I need to put
me in a better mood. If I am already at peace in my day, they help me to
maintain balance and perspective. The books in the four-part 365 Inspirations
set provide a quote for each numbered day in the calendar. The diversity
of sayings, poems, stories, prayers, blessings, songs, chants, prose and
song within each book is impressive. Wise words for each day are taken
from a quotational cast that ranges from German Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
to the Buddha. Accompanying each daily meditation are images that evoke
the spirit of the passages. 365 Inspirations: Nature and Beauty captures
the essence of the cosmos, the planet, the weather and seasons, animals
and the arts. It celebrates all that is beautiful in nature from the wings
of a seagull to a bamboo forest. Who am I? What is my place in the universe?
Will my spirit endure after death? These are the questions that are reflected
upon in 365 Inspirations: Self and Spirit. The sayings in 365 Days: Love
and Peace speak about comfort, compassion, enlightenment, peace and love.
They come from all over the world and are taken from both secular and religious
sources. Finally, poems, sayings, songs and prose rejoice in 365 Inspirations:
Prayers and Blessings. The passages in this book are arranged thematically
into sub-categories that travel from the inward to the outward. The 365
Inspirations series is a delightful set that would make a perfect New Year’s
gift for yourself or someone special, both as a complete set or individually.
It is true that a word can change the mood of a day or the course of a
life. These little books definitely add to that transformation in a positive
way. www.sterlingpublishing.com
Grandma’s Brown Cookies
by Ramona Thomas Nickens / New Exposure / $14.95
Something
funny happens to little Kyndle after he makes a visit to see Dr. Wizmagic
for his hearing and vision problems. When the “potion” she administers
sets in, his senses are open to a whole new world of seeing and hearing.
A search for ingredients for a traditional family recipe in a grocery store
becomes a journey where ordinary foods come alive to aid Kyndle in helping
his mother make healthier food choices. Grandma’s Brown Cookies is Ramona
Thomas Nickens’ first successful entree into children’s books and is a
story that is based upon her relationship with her own children. With so
many conflicting messages in the media and even in our school system regarding
nutrition, choosing the right foods can be a daunting task for kids. Lewis,
age nine, makes an astute observation and recommends the book for “3rd
graders, advanced 2nd graders and 4th graders.” Child commentators were
also delighted by the singing Brown Eggs, the high-fiving Wheat Flour,
and the sweet Natural Brown Sugar. Illustrated by Bay Area muralist and
teacher Tammy Artis, these talking food characters educate children about
the nutritional value of whole foods with a simple message that brown is
beautiful and healthy. It’s a unique and empowering perspective about nutrition
and food as an expression of love that emphasizes health as a collaborative
partnership between health care providers, parents and their children.
Nickens provides a means to rewrite history by illustrating that making
Grandma’s Brown Cookies are also part of continuing a legacy about health
and a nutritional heritage that predates fast food, bleached flour and
all things unnatural. The book comes equipped with an actual recipe for
Grandma’s Brown Cookies that uses all-natural ingredients.
For more information, visit
www.ramonatn.com