Father's Day Review: Project Dad by Todd Cartmell-Review by Candace Duiker

I'm doing a special book review for Father's Day.  The book I reviewed was Project Dad by Todd Cartmell. 

Reading this book was so much fun.  The author takes a charming nuts and bolts approach to the idea of parenting.  Though, Todd Cartmell is a Clinical Psychologist by trade you wouldn't know it from the way he writes. 

One of my favorite chapters, is when he talks about being your child's coach.  Cartmell basically says to notice what is bothering your child, sit down with them.  And then to brainstorm some 'flexible thoughts' that your child can use to self-talk during rough times.

Todd Cartmell makes it easy for Dads to follow his suggestions, he gives many practical exercises in each chapter where you can practice the skills he's described.  

Many of his ideas remind me of a close friend I had who was also a Dad.  Like the author, my friend Vince taught by example.  He never expected his employees or his children to do a job that he wouldn't do himself.  When sharing a thought or idea, you could see the light of listening in his eyes.  First, he would pause, as he was thinking and then he would share his insight/s.  Embracing the crazy every day things that would occur and make a positive spin on the situation. He put breath into life and those whose lives he flowed through.  Vince's children have turned out to be strong, amazing people.   

I have a Father, who I love a whole lot who has taught me strength, unexpectedly.  At the same time, it's good to know that there are men like Vince who with listening and humor share another side of what it means to be a Dad.  Recently, I found out my dear friend Vince passed away, and that for the rest of my life, I'll take the self belief he instilled in me and flow it on.  I whole- heartedly recommend this book to all Dads and Dads to be.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker

June 7, 2011    

http://www.grafmartin.com/

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

 

May 16, 2011 Book Review of 'Unsinkable' by Abby Sunderland Review by Candace Duiker

The book I reviewed for May is Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland.  There can be no doubt that Abby Sunderland who comes from a family of nine children all home-schooled, has always listened to her 'inner' voice.  Following her inner voice led Abby to the pivotal date of January 23, 2010, where at sixteen years old Abby set forth to become the youngest person to sail around the world.  She set sail from Marina Del Rey on this very day. 

It was hard to put this book down, the rolling seas and Abby's wise words on handling her different challenges kept me glued to this adventure narrative.  One of the things, I love the most about this book is how Abby built up her confidence and character and offers sage advice that we can all relate to such as: "It seems like people my age are over-protected today.  Even to the point where a lot of parents refuse to put their kids in the position to make important decisions, to aspire to great things, because they don't want to put them in a position to fail."  Listening to your child's voice is important to instilling confidence in their decision making skills even from a very young age.  On a practical level to most of us, that means giving your child the power to choose what they may want to wear in the morning. 

Abby's most unexpected end to her odyssey, I believe is the beginning to her next adventure.  I recently, happened upon her website where she says she wants to learn to fly.  This world needs more female, adventurous souls who say "Why not world?" and "Here I come!!" 

I think that one of the best statements she makes in this book is:  "When you're in a sailboat, especially on a nonstop attempt, your whole purpose in life is to find wind and make way." So should we all!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

By Candace Duiker--May 16, 2011

http://www.grafmartin.com/
amazon.ca
chapters.ca

Book Review by Candace Duiker: When Life's Not Working by Bob Merritt

For this review I reviewed Bob Merritt's book: When Life's Not Working. 

Bob talks about the value of discipline in having a better life.  His strategies are practical in approach.  For example in this fast-paced society we are pulled in so many directions.  Merritt talks about listening to your spirit to really reacquaint yourself with you values and goals.  Next he suggests prioritizing and using what your spirit tells you to free yourself to what and where you desire to be.  You'll find yourself at ease with the world and using your energy to give in a more intentional, guided manner.  As a result, you'll have more time for yourself and your family.

One of the curious things Merritt brings forth is the idea to stay the course no matter what you're doing such as school, a job etc.  Certainly I agree that what choices you make today can lead you to your desired life.  However, I think that the author is missing some vital information.  Sometimes you need to go off the beaten path for so many reasons.  And that sometimes that's when the deepest spiritual learning and awareness occurs.  Life is not a clear cut yellow brick road all of the time.  When we detour it can build character, broaden faith.  Making your road isn't always a bad thing as long as your listening to your spirit and to God.

All in all, I think this book has many great, practical ideas.  Merritt has a unique way of using nature in his teaching which I like.  I would recommend this book.
By Candace Duiker

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

http://www.grafmartin.com/

My Book Review of Larkspur Cove

From the beginning sentence, I was intrigued by Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate.  It is a story of faith lost, faith gained and healing.  The community of Moses Lake sees the characters of Andrea Henderson a 38 year old divorced Mother and Social Worker and her teen son looking to make a new life.  The other main character is Mart McClendon the town's Wild Life Officer running away from something in his past.  Their paths collide when they must work together to help a mysterious little girl who is seen with the town recluse.

One of the aspects of the book I liked most is how the author uses nature to connect the characters to themselves and each other.  The result brings a deeper understanding for the reader of each character.  Some examples of this are:  Andrea Henderson comes from a background where she always felt sheltered and that she couldn't take risks.  "A visceral shudder ran over my shoulders-pathetic for a girl whose favorite childhood place had been the lake shore, where I could run barefoot all day, dig in the dirt, and let the wind and the water turn my hair into a giant knot, which my mother would spend hours combing out later.  What happened to that girl, anyway."
Later in the story, as Andrea's feelings for Mart McClendon grow: "Freedom, life, exhilaration swirled through me as I dashed down the hill in the moon shadow of pecan trees.  An owl hooted and I stopped short, then laughed silently at myself and continued toward the water, my feet landing in the wet grass, splashes of dew flicking upward, showering my skin with cool pinpoints." 

Comparatively, Mart McClendon is a real man's man and guards his feelings as such.  Partly because of his past.  "I'd been through enough mental warfare in the past three years to last me a lifetime.  Coming to Moses Lake was all about moving on, letting go, leaving it behind."  However, as the story moves along Mart begins to open up, as can be seen from the following dialogue he has with Andrea.  "The river has a sound, and the hills have a sound, and the cliffs have a sound."  So their relationship evolves from there.

Another thing I enjoyed about the book is how the author shows how our words and actions can open roads within someone else's soul and create hope.  As Mart and Andrea begin coming to terms with their own internal struggles they must try and help the orphan like little girl Birdie mentioned early in the story.  One day, as Andrea heads over to the place where the child is staying she observes and then comments in her mind the following:  There was Birdie in what most people would have considered to be bleak circumstances, yet her face was alight with happiness over something as small as a caterpillar..."  From this Andrea is able to see that joy is in the simple moments.

Larkspur Cove is a soulful story of faith rediscovered and of healing.  Much of what is learned by the characters is learned through their experiences with nature.  What I especially loved, is that as a reader I could feel myself growing right along with the characters.  To me that is the mark of a story well told!  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys having a story wrap itself around you like a hug, classic style really!

By Candace Duiker

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

www.grafmartin.com