Book Review: You Always Change The Love of Your Life (For Another Love or Another Life) by Amalia Andrade + Giveaway

---

You Always Change The Love of Your Life (For Another Love or Another Life)
Author: Amalia Andrade
Reading Level: Adult
Genres: Non-fiction | Self-help | Interactive | Illustrated
Released: December 31, 2018
Review Source: Penguin Books Original

A delightful interactive roadmap for getting over a broken heart, with quirky illustrations, song lyrics that totally get it, recipes for eating your feelings, the unique comfort of making lists, and much more A broken heart can feel like the end of the world, but bestselling author and illustrator Amalia Andrade knows this simply isn’t true. Change is not a defeat or a surrender, but rather a promise. Because if the “love of your life” doesn’t work out, there is always a chance for something new—a new love, or a new life. In these pages, you’ll find the secret code for interpreting text-message read receipts, loving odes to Beyoncé, the ideal playlist for crying in the shower, and much more.

This book is not your typical self help book. From the very beginning the reader is taken through a journey of not only self care, but also self discovery. Amalia Andrade, the author, takes you on a path of humor and heart break as she guides you through heart ache.

Now when you think of this genre of book, fun and engaging typically are not adjectives you would supply. This book is not just perfect for a once over read through. I read this book several times before starting my review and wish it was around when I went through my own heart aches.

The illustrations and activities in the book themselves are quite helpful. Amalia supplies you with her versions of helpful tips and allows the reader to supply their own. Throughout the book you can read her personality and know she writes this book from a place of love and wants to help those around her.

To summon up, this book is one to hold onto. We might be wise away from a relationship and heart ache, but this book will guide us back to be the self we love.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amalia Andrade was born in Cali, Colombia, in 1986. She studied literature at Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá. She’s been drawing forever. She’s written for several magazines in both Colombia and the United States. She believes strongly in the power of keeping a diary. When she grows up, she want to be a mix between Sylvia Plath and Tina Fey. She lives in Bogotá with her cats.

Beyond the page, Andrade has many more stories to share—from her upbringing under the Cali cartel to attending rehab for love addiction. She is available for interviews.

GIVEAWAY:

Open to US resident only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart | Neil Strauss

---

I CAN'T MAKE THIS UP: LIFE LESSONS
Author: Kevin Hart | Neil Strauss
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Nonfiction
Released: June 6, 2017
Review Source: Atria | Netgalley

Superstar comedian and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and even even. Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller.

The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is: What does Kevin Hart have that a book also has?

According to the three people who have seen Kevin Hart and a book in the same room, the answer is clear:

A book is compact. Kevin Hart is compact.

A book has a spine that holds it together. Kevin Hart has a spine that holds him together.

A book has a beginning. Kevin Hart’s life uniquely qualifies him to write this book by also having a beginning.

It begins in North Philadelphia. He was born an accident, unwanted by his parents. His father was a drug addict who was in and out of jail. His brother was a crack dealer and petty thief. And his mother was overwhelmingly strict, beating him with belts, frying pans, and his own toys.

The odds, in short, were stacked against our young hero, just like the odds that are stacked against the release of a new book in this era of social media (where Hart has a following of over 100 million, by the way).

But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, JK Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. In his literary debut, he takes the reader on a journey through what his life was, what it is today, and how he’s overcome each challenge to become the man he is today.

And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion.

He achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent: It was through his unique way of looking at the world. Because just like a book has chapters, Hart sees life as a collection of chapters that each person gets to write for himself or herself.

“Not only do you get to choose how you interpret each chapter, but your interpretation writes the next chapter,” he says. “So why not choose the interpretation that serves your life the best?”

OK, so I have always loved Kevin Hart.  He is one of my favorite comedians.  He is so freaking hilarious!!  I don't think I have ever seen him in anything, whether stand up or a movie, where he wasn't amazing.  So when I heard he had a book coming out I jumped at the chance to read and review it.

I knew before even reading the book I would be in for a good experience.  I knew there would be funny parts, and there were.  What I wasn't expecting was how real the entire book felt.  So raw and honest and a completely different light on Kevin Hart.  It was really awesome to get to know about Kevin's life and outlook outside of his comedian persona.

I am leaving my review completely vague without going into any detail because I really think this book should be read with out any preconceived notions.  You will laugh, cringe, be angry, and cheer while reading this book.

I am rating this book 4 stars because I was enthralled reading this book and read it in two days.  There are a lot of good advice and lessons as well as laughs to be had while reading, I definitely recommend it whether you are a Kevin Hart fan or not!

Book Review: This Is Really Happening by Erin Chack

---

This Is Really Happening
Author: Erin Chack
Reading Level: New Adult-ish
Genre: Nonfiction
Released: April 25th 2017
Review Source: Razorbill

BuzzFeed senior writer Erin Chack provides a collection of personal essays for the Snapchat generation.

Erin recounts everything from meeting her soulmate at age 14 to her first chemotherapy session at age 19 to what really goes on behind the scenes at a major Internet media company.

She authentically captures the agony and the ecstasy of the millennial experience, whether it's her first kiss ("Sean's tongue! In my mouth! Slippery and wet like a slug in the rain.") or her struggles with anxiety ("When people throw caution to the wind, I am stuck imagining the poor soul who has to break his back sweeping caution into a dustpan").

Yet Erin also offers a fresh perspective on universal themes of resilience and love as she writes about surviving cancer, including learning of her mother's own cancer diagnosis within the same year, and her attempts to hide the diagnosis from friends to avoid "un-normaling" everything.

This Is Really Happening is a collection of stories read with ease and eagerness. I love how easy and short this story is. Perfect for summer! I loved how one moment I was laughing out loud at work only to be shedding tears minutes later then going back to laughing again. I enjoyed it so much that I hope EVERYONE reads it. To be honest, I already lend it to two people because I wanted them to read it as well.

This Is Really Happening is very honest. I was not aware Chack is a writer for Buzzfeed and OMG I died laughing at her honesty. For example, at a young age, Chack had to tell people she had cancer. Not only did she make you sympathize with her situation but she mentioned the awkwardness of it... and still manage to put her sense of humor. In short terms, this books is a mixed of funny stories with a touch of her life experiences. And who would've thought it would be THIS interesting?

Chack, a senior writer at Buzzfeed, shares what is like to work in making other people laugh... and others not so much. You would think everyone reading Buzzfeed articles would enjoy them, but to have someone say some negative about it... it's unimaginable. So she does mentions how she copes with the negativity of the web. Her authenticity is unique. Her writing is not like any memoirs I've read and it threw me off and I really enjoyed it.

I don't want to repeat myself but if I must, then I will. EVERYONE should read this book. It's full of guts and feels. To top it off, it's short and sweet. So go on, get a copy.

Audiobook Review: Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

---

Scrappy Little Nobody
Author: Anna Kendrick
Narrator: Anna Kendrick
Genre: Nonfiction - Humor
Release Date: November 15th 2016
Review Source: Library | Simon & Schuster Audio

A collection of humorous autobiographical essays by the Academy Award-nominated actress and star of Up in the Air and Pitch Perfect.

Even before she made a name for herself on the silver screen starring in films like Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air, Twilight, and Into the Woods, Anna Kendrick was unusually small, weird, and “10 percent defiant.”

At the ripe age of thirteen, she had already resolved to “keep the crazy inside my head where it belonged. Forever. But here’s the thing about crazy: It. Wants. Out.” In Scrappy Little Nobody, she invites readers inside her brain, sharing extraordinary and charmingly ordinary stories with candor and winningly wry observations.

With her razor-sharp wit, Anna recounts the absurdities she’s experienced on her way to and from the heart of pop culture as only she can—from her unusual path to the performing arts (Vanilla Ice and baggy neon pants may have played a role) to her double life as a middle-school student who also starred on Broadway to her initial “dating experiments” (including only liking boys who didn’t like her back) to reviewing a binder full of butt doubles to her struggle to live like an adult woman instead of a perpetual “man-child.”

Enter Anna’s world and follow her rise from “scrappy little nobody” to somebody who dazzles on the stage, the screen, and now the page—with an electric, singular voice, at once familiar and surprising, sharp and sweet, funny and serious (well, not that serious). 

Shut. The. Front. Door. This audiobook is pure gold.. If you’re even remotely a fan of Anna Kendrick you have got to pick this book. And better yet, you have got to listen to her read it on audio, it was a BLAST. 

So really, there isn’t a whole lot I can say about this book; it’s a book, about Anna Kendrick written by Anna Kendrick and read by Anna Kendrick about her being a scrappy little nobody. She dives into her insecurities that we can all relate to and she tells us hilarious anecdotes. Then by the end of the book I was convinced her and I could be best friends, still do actually. 

Basically that’s all you need to know. Anna is hilarious, awkward, down to earth, a little bit of a stoner, and someone you really want to keep listening to. It made me even more excited for her future career. I was first introduced to Anna when she was in Twilight and she was one of the cast members I made an effort to support their career long after and I’m glad that I have. So if you’re not acquainted with Anna I would do yourself a favor and pick up her book and a couple of her movies. 

Book Review: Hot Dudes Reading by Hot Dudes Reading

---

Hot Dudes Reading
Author: Hot Dudes Reading
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Nonfiction
Released: April 26th 2016
Review Source: Atria Books

Humans of New York meets Porn for Women in this collection of candid photos, clever captions, and hilarious hashtags about one of the most important subjects of our time: hot dudes reading.

Based on the viral Instagram account of the same name, Hot Dudes Reading takes its readers on a ride through all five boroughs of New York City, with each section covering a different subway line. Using their expert photography skills (covert iPhone shots) and journalistic ethics (#NoKindles), the authors capture the most beautiful bibliophiles in all of New York—and take a few detours to interview some of the most popular hot dudes from the early days of the Instagram account.

Fun, irreverent, and wittily-observed, this book is tailor-made for book lovers in search of their own happy endings—and those who just want to get lost between the covers for a while.

About Hot Dudes Reading... What can I say about this book? Brilliant?

When I received this book, I decided to take it to work the next day. Let's say my day at work was very interesting. I literally had everyone reading it. My coworkers were laughing out loud and we were not getting any work done. Since one would hear the other laughing, they would ask the reason and little by little this small book took over the floor. Which is great because one can read this within less than an hour. So many to share with and it's so worth it.

We all enjoyed the funny comments and let's be honest, we were drooling over these hotties. Hot Dudes Reading is very entertaining and it's a great way to make your friends read a book. With the snarky comments one will be dying laughing. The best part when you finish this book, you can log to your Instagram account and follow @hotdudesreading to feed yourself with more! Trust me, these hotties will make your day. So if you're looking for a great distraction from the real world, Hot Dudes Reading is a must.

Book Review: Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution by Dana Caspersen

Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution
Author: Dana Caspersen
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Non-Fiction
Released: January 27, 2015
Review Source: Penguin

The seventeen key principles for transforming conflict—in a beautiful package from the creator of The 48 Laws of Power.

From Joost Elffers, the packaging genius behind the huge New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, and The Art of Seduction, comes this invaluable manual that teaches seventeen fundamentals for turning any conflict into an opportunity for growth. Beautifully packaged in a graphic, two-color format, Changing the Conversation is written by conflict expert Dana Caspersen and is filled with real-life examples, spot-on advice, and easy-to-grasp exercises that demonstrate transformative ways to break out of destructive patterns, to create useful dialogue in difficult situations, and to find long-lasting solutions for conflicts. Sure to claim its place next to Getting to Yes, this guide will be a go-to resource for resolving conflicts.

Of all the books for me to read right now...I really needed this one!! Having issues in the workplace is the worst, especially if the issue is with someone who works across the hall. This is normally not a book I would read, I'm not into non-fiction very much, but I can admit that I struggle with conflict resolution. I instantly go on the defense and don't actually listen to the other person.

I liked how this book was set up and the black, red, and white colors throughout went very well together. I also liked hearing from people first hand how they have used the principles in their everyday lives. I saw myself in several of the stories that were shared. Overall, I thought the book had good ideas on how to change the conversations you're in to make them workable and not threatening.

The only thing I thought was lacking was the information. Sometimes there were pages with just a few words on it. I felt like they were kind of wasting paper and valuable space that could've given me more information. The book could've used the pages more wisely and honestly, it could've been a lot shorter if they had combined some things. I think I was more thrown off by the layout of the pages to actually get some valuable information. I didn't really learn anything that I didn't already know.

Book Review: UnPHILtered: The Way I See It by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach

UnPHILtered: The Way I See It
Author: Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Non-Fiction | Christian | Inspirational
Released: September 2nd 2014
Review Source: Purchased
 

The beloved patriarch of A&E’s® Duck Dynasty® series, Phil Robertson, shares his thoughtful—and opinionated—philosophy on life.

In Phil Robertson’s #1 New York Times bestseller, Happy, Happy, Happy, we learned about Phil’s colorful past and the wild road to becoming the beloved patriarch of A&E’s smash hit show, Duck Dynasty. Now, he returns to share his philosophy on life, which can be summed up in five short words. Love God, love your neighbor.

In this inspirational and entertaining book, you will learn what makes Phil Robertson tick. Robertson shares his views on faith—and how it has totally changed his way of life and how he treats others; family—how he raised his kids and is raising grandkids while teaching them the life principles he lives by; ducks—and the business principles that started the Duck Commander empire; marriage—including what he’s learned from his own marriage; and of course, his opinions on controversial topics like gun control, taxes, prayer in school, and the government.

UnPHILtered is the ultimate guide to everything Phil Robertson believes in. Balancing his sometimes off-the-wall comments with his strong focus on home and family life, it is sure to spark discussion, laughs, and a sincere appreciation for Phil’s unique approach to life.

I am a big fan of the “Duck Dynasty” show and Phil has always had a way of saying things throughout the seasons that left me wanting to know more, to hear more. I requested this book in audio format because I needed to hear Phil’s thoughts in his own words. You can tell when someone is passionate about something when they speak, you can just tell it in their voice.

Phil Robertson is one of the stars of the hugely successful show on A&E, Duck Dynasty. On the show we get a peek into what the days are like being a part of America’s favorite redneck family. Mostly funny, always entertaining and Hey! there is no denying this family has some strong beliefs about hunting, food, family, the state of the world today and God.

It is clear to me that this is all due to the core values that Phil Robertson lives by and has shared with his family, friends and anyone else who seeks out his words.

There is no mistaking that Phil is a Godly man. He shares with us in this book how he was lost before, was a doubter of the bible “thumpers” and what happened in his life to turn all of this around. Some of you may be aware of the controversy that surrounded Phil last year after an interview for GQ magazine. Let me say that if you were offended by any of that, this is not the book for you. I wanted to know what the bid deal was surrounding Phil and what he said. I wanted to know why so many people were offended by the words he was quoting from the Bible. UnPHILtered covered that story and so much more.

When I was done listening I wanted to go out and have everyone I know take a listen. All of Phil’s solutions offered up for how to get America back on its feet revolve around love of two things, Love GOD and Love your neighbor. It seems pretty simple. You will either love this book or hate it. Personally, I loved it.

The topics are not to be taken lightly… guns, homosexuality, religion, politics and God. Whether you agree or disagree with all or some of Phil’s solutions, at the very least this book will get people talking and hopefully thinking. While I would not recommend this book for younger readers, I absolutely would recommend this book to teenagers and all adults. Love God, Love your neighbor.

Book Review: Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl with Ali Benjamin + Giveaway

---

Positive: A Memoir
Author: Paige Rawl with Ali Benjamin
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Non-Fiction | Autobiography
Released: August 26th 2014
Review Source: HarperCollins

In this astonishing memoir, Paige tells a story that is both deeply personal and completely universal—one that will resonate deeply with the thousands of children and adults whose lives have been touched by bullying.

Paige Rawl has been HIV positive since birth…but growing up, she never felt like her illness defined her. It never prevented her from entering beauty pageants or playing soccer or making the honor role.

On an unremarkable day in middle school, while attempting to console a friend, Paige disclosed her HIV-positive status—and within hours the bullying began. She was called "PAIDS," first in whispers, then out in the open. Her soccer coach joked that she was an asset because opposing team members would be too afraid to touch her. Her guidance counselor told her to stop all the “drama,” and her principal said she couldn’t protect her. One night, desperate for escape, Paige swallowed fifteen sleeping pills—one for each year of her life to date. That could have been the end of her story. Instead, it was only the beginning.

The gripping first-person account of Paige’s life will pull in even the most reluctant readers of nonfiction, and her call to action to choose compassion over cruelty will stay with them long after they turn the last page.

Positive was a story that I didn’t expect to affect me as much as it did. The story hurt but it loved as well, and the strength this girl inevitable found was so inspiring. Positive is a memoir about Paige Rawl’s life growing up, you may not have heard of her, but you will or you should definitely take the time out of your day to learn about her story. With the help of Ali Benjamin, the duo wrote an inspiring story that really opened my eyes.

So Positive follows the life of Paige Rawl, a girl who was unfortunately born with the HIV virus. The virus never stopped Paige from being herself, she never wanted to become the virus, and she just wanted to be young and free. When Paige exposed her secret to her best friend within minutes the entire school had heard. Without surprise the tormenting started to begin; they called her PAIDS, wrote nasty letters for her locker, wouldn’t touch anything after her, and were just completely cruel. And it wasn’t just the students, the teachers weren’t the most helpful either, but this is Paige’s story to tell, you need to read it.

This book really made me mad though, and not at the story or the girl but everyone around her. The teachers didn’t do a thing to help make the bullying stop, there was even a teacher that got a little too nosey, in which I wanted to punch that nose. But what I hated the most was all the excuses everyone made, no one manned up and was like “hey I was wrong, sorry about that” at least we could expect that from the adults in her life. I’m so tired for people making excuses for children, “oh they’re just kids what do you expect?” Uhh I expect them to treat anyone with the respect they deserve. Our children are taught hate; it’s not embedded in us to come out in the future, they are taught to be cruel or mean. Why aren’t we teaching kids at a young age that this stuff is horrible, that you can’t just say things like that, you can’t just push someone around and blame it on “just being a kid”? Just because she was born with something doesn’t give you an invitation to be cruel, just because that girl over there is wearing a short skirt she isn’t asking for it. And for the adults in her life to fall so flat and give her no hope just crushed my soul.

This book was something that completely took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to love it so much and be filled with such anger afterwards. I know when I have kids; this will be something they’ll read. They’ll need to know that just because something is different on the inside or the out, they are still a human being and deserved to be treated as one. They’ll know all the horrible ramifications for bullying, they’ll also be taught that being cruel is a weakness in others and if they are at the end of bullying that they’ll overcome it, they won’t have to deal with these people their entire life. I really hope to see this book in schools in the future. I hope her story is taught, because there are so many young children choosing suicide as the answer to end the hurt they are feeling. Please read this book, please have your children read this, give Paige Rawl the support, she deserves it.

---

Here at OUaT, you know we love to giveaway the books that impact us. Below you can enter to win a  hardcover copy of POSITIVE: A Memoir of yourself. Make sure to read the terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra

Etched in Sand
A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island
Author: Regina Calcaterra

Reading Level: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography | Memoir

Released: August 6th 2013

Review Source: William Morrow

Regina’s Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope.

Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with the challenges of the foster-care system and intermittent homelessness in the shadows of Manhattan and the Hamptons.

A true-life rags-to-riches story, Etched in Sand chronicles Regina’s rising above her past, while fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together through it all.

Beautifully written, with heartbreaking honesty, Etched in Sand is an unforgettable reminder that regardless of social status, the American Dream is still within reach for those who have the desire and the determination to succeed.

To write someone else life into a review is very hard to do. Regina Calcaterra is on heck of an amazing person. She is a true survivor. This book is about her life and siblings surviving the foster system.

This is an inspiring story of how Regina overcomes an incredible difficult life growing up. Her mother is an abusive person. She abandons her kids for week, leaving them alone to feed on their own. Gosh, how I hated this lady! With all of the inappropriate name calling, how could someone be so cruel with their own children?

At the age of eleven, Regina had to take the role of mother to take care of her siblings. She had to shoplift to provide them food. She had to go through embarrassing moments throughout school. Indeed, she had a very difficult childhood.

There are many heartbreaking moments. One of these is the part where she explains what foster care means:

“To me, being a foster kid is a little bit like being a dog: You have no control over the kind of family who will take you. Even if you’re treated badly, it’s possible no one will ever find out the truth and come rescue you”.

No one should go through this. No one should ever be treated like this.

Although this is a difficult book to read, this is an inspiring story. We can learn that anyone, even with a difficult childhood, can overcome anything. Regina believed and is now a very successful woman.