Pocket Your Dollars

    I have attended seminars, workshops, private consultations in addition to reading numerous books so I know how to get out of debt.  “Pocket Your Dollars; 5 Attitude Changes” is by far the most practical, doable, sense making resource I have come across in a long time. I cannot tell you that the author presented any new radical information that others did not tell you, however what Carrie Rocha has done is addressed debt from the source- attitude.

     “I waited for three-paycheck months because then we could afford things that were otherwise out of reach” (“Pocket Your Dollars” page 27) I once had this crazy logic even though I knew there would always be 52 weeks in a year.

      The approach towards debt elimination in “Pocket YourDollars” is what I appreciated.  It is not so much about what you’re spending your money on but WHY. Unlike other books that say do this and don’t do this Carrie Rocha discusses why we may not buy that gallon of ice cream but will purchase the dress that is 75% off knowing that we do not need either.

The 210 page book is divided into 3 primary sections, which does not include the authors story, which I am sure many will identify with.  The five attitudes are addressed in the first section of the book. What are the 5 attitudes?  If only I had more money;  I deserve a treat; it won’t  happen to me; I’ll fake it ‘til I make it; and I can’t afford it. The second section discuss the skills needed to change. Upon successful completion of the first two sections you will be ready for practical application- creating a spending plan.

I recommend this book and suggest you purchase a copy for yourself and maybe a friend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book  in exchange for an honest review.

raise him up

    I chose to review Raise Him Up” by Derrick Moore and Stephanie Perry Moore because my daughter is a single mother and I was one briefly. When the book arrived and I showed it to her, her initial response was the same as mine is now. The book is dedicated to providing biblical and real life examples of how a single mother can successfully aid in the growth and development of a black male. For many this will be a much needed reference point and I am certain the book will be well a best seller or close to.
     “Raise him up” is 265 pages divided into two parts with twelve chapters. As I stated, it incorporates Bible principles as well as discussing various leaders found in Scripture to serve as a foundation for the theories presented.
    As with most reviews my personal opinions outside of the books’ topic influence my enthusiasm or lack thereof of a book. I chose the book because I know there are a lot of single mothers who are looking for guidance, as I read the book I began agreeing with my daughters’ opinion: single mothers are single mothers no matter what the pigment. Thus the emphasis on being a Black male took away the validity of the book, at least for me.
   Though it is a good thing to use Scripture when making life decisions it is important to remember that God created all people. The idea that there is a difference in raising a “successful black man” as oppose to a successful Asian man is, my opinion, one of the divisive tools used by Satan to keep God’s children apart.        
    Single parenting is not new to God. The bible states something very important in Genesis 21:20 about Ishmael the child of a single mother: “God watched over him for the rest of his life. Ishmael grew up, lived in the wilderness, and became an expert archer.” Every single mother should know that God is helping her raise her child in the way he or she should go.
  I cannot recommend this book . The goal should not be to raise a successful black man but to raise a successful man of God.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

THROUGH THE CRIMSON MIRROR

     I was sucked into the zone of “Through the Crimson Mirror” from the first sentence. As a reader I was able to appreciate the somber philosophical writing style of author Daniel Alexander. As a writer I understood the need to put his emotions into words and as a reviewer I appreciated his parenting observations.

    The eBook is less a do’s and don’ts of parenting and more of a consider this when you do that collection of very important ideas.   As the subtitle implies “Through the Crimson Mirror” is a biographical reflection such a complicated way of saying “how I got to be me”.  Daniel Alexander’s story is a reminder that there is no set formula to raising the perfect child yet there are some things that we as parents can do to not raise a troubled child. 

    If you are one who likes to pick up a book and read progressively, step one do this step two do that, you may have difficulty digesting the information in the book. There are “Symphonies” and “plays” and “scenes” in lieu of chapters. Don’t put the book down. I suggest you find a quiet space, take a deep breath and read one word at a time. 

“Through the Crimson Mirror” is a direct reflection of the author Daniel Alexander’s personal experience and it therefore reflects such.  In terms of parenting the reader may find some areas in which he or she is in 100 percent agreement and other areas in which he or she may strongly disagree with. Hopefully, upon completion of this book you will grow not just as a parent but as an individual.

I recommend this book and would strongly suggest you purchase it.

I receive a complimentary copy of the book in order to provide and honest review. 

17 CENTS AND A DREAM

     Technically, “17 CENTS AND A DREAM” by Daniel Milstein, is the biography of a child who migrates with his family from USSR to America and grows up to be successful. It is not the technicalities of the book that makes it worth reading it is discovering how a man’s character can push him beyond his known limits enduring the burdens of change on his way to fulfilling his purpose.

    The road to success is filled with all types of barriers some man-made and some self created “17 Cents And A Dream” addresses many of these hindrances in a very personal way. It is difficult to move forward when it appears as though the world is against you. The wisdom found throughout the book will give the reader new insight as to how to overcome unrelenting difficulties.

    More than a biography the book is motivational. It begins with Chernobyl an event I was aware of but like many had forgotten.  This firsthand knowledge of the event is a much needed reminder of history and is one of the first obstacles in Daniel Milstein’s journey to success. “17 Cents And A Dream” is ot only thought provoking but exciting from beginning to end.

I recommend reading this book as well as purchasing a copy.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an unbiased review.

READERS: Download the Kindle version of the book for 99 cents February 4 thru 8^th

THE LEGEND OF THE MONK AND THE MERCHANT

     “The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant” by Terry Felber is a fictional story of one man’s discovery of the key to success. The book contains twelve principles to becoming successful after discovering one’s purpose. Included in the 184 pages is a 57 page study guide for personal or group study. 

     I was anxious to read this book because of its’ title and the forward by respected financial advisor Dave Ramsey.  As I read this story I kept thinking about another book with a similar concept as much as I tried not to I found myself comparing the two. Around the fourth chapter I decided to skim through the remainder of the book for fear I would not complete it.  Considering the story only  119 pages (some of them blank) I was surprised that it took me a few days to complete it. 

      If you are looking for a book to incorporate in a small group that has a business theme then by all means check "The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant" out. Since each chapter  makes an excellent vignette for the corresponding study guide the book will facilitate in personal growth and development. Because I have read the “Greatest Salesman in the World” I was disappointed in the plot and dialogue, I found  both to be too simplistic.

I would recommend this book but suggest you check it out at the library first. xxx Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for a free review.

NOT MY LAST BREATH

by Marsha L. Randolph         Of all the different forms of art I would say painting and poetry can be the most difficult to review, they are both subject to personal interpretation. Fortunately I do not have to review a painting; I am however searching for the right words to describe a book of poetry entitled “Not MyLast Breath- Collected Spirit in Print” by Nadjwa Effat Laila Norton, Artist: Jason V. Roberts.  

Had the author not explained her poems I would have read each poem incorporating how each word appealed to my emotions.  Explaining your work is like telling the end of a movie; it spoils the entire experience. “Not My Last Breath” would have been subject to my interpretation had she kept silent.  If I could disregard her words I would be able to tell you that I loved her poems except I kept remembering what she said.

      I have never read a book of poems in which the writer felt the need to explain the organizational structure of a book. I have read Langston Hughes, Ntzoke Shange, Nikki Giavonni, Willie Joyce Floyd, C. William “Champ” Morris, Bianca Floyd and a few others I don’t recall them ever doing such.  Those I know personally have asked me, upon completion of a poem: “What do you think?”

For example she begins her book (after the traditional acknowledgments of course) on page 8:

“Dear Readers :
“Not My Last Breath: Collected Spirit Talk in Print” was created with the intention  that it would speak to people with a range of spiritualities.”  

    This word “spiritual” is what has caused me pause. For me as a believer in Jesus there is only one God thus there is one Spirit therefore when someone refers to “many spiritual entities” (page 7)  or “enacted our spiritual calls” (page 16) as a Christian I have to double check what the writer is talking about. I walk away disappointed not by the quality of the poetry but by the inspiration behind the words.

    Paintings and poems are art that is subject to interpretation.  I would have enjoyed the poems from a Christian perspective had the writer not went through such pains as to explain her work.  Instead I was taken out of my world and brought into hers, one of which I am only vaguely familiar with. To the few individuals who follow my reviews: my overall impression is this book leans on a Unitarian or New Age way of thinking.

I would recommend this book if you see at a library. (The artwork was beautiful.)

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

I downloaded the book, “Spiritual Warfare” by Marvin McKenzie, because I am interested in the subject.  The book cover indicated that 1) the book was a study of 1 & 2 Samuel and  ) the book was part of a Bible study series.    After reading the first chapter “The Battle for the Home” I enthusiastically continued reading. I

As wonderful and on-point as chapter one may have been everything, at least for me began to go down ill midway of chapter two. What promised to be a very good study of 1 & 2 Samuel as it related to spiritual warfare, something that I have not read or heard discussed, became an opportunity for Marvin McKenzie to vent.  Apparently he has a problem with individuals dedicating their children in one church and then changing churches.  He also seems to have difficulty embracing biblical teaching preferring to preach.

“So far I have just not been able to bring myself to make that switch; from Bible preacher to Bible expositor.  (Kindle Location 751-58)

This statement is evident in his writing.  “Spiritual Warfare” as written by Marvin McKenzie moves from teaching spiritual warfare to preaching information not valid to the discussion. Perhaps when behind the pulpit this minister of the gospel likes to venture off of his message, a practice preachers and professors have been known to do, this is not advisable to those who choose to teach or write.

 In the introduction the author states there may be errors in spelling or grammar within the pages of his book. He indicates that the manuscript was inspired by a sermon which he decided to incorporate in a printed bible study series. This is not his first book, he has been publishing since 2010. With 14 publications listed on Amazon readers novas writing errors should not to be present.

I cannot recommend this book. Because this is a book that I purchased  Amazon will allow me to loan this book to anyone with a Kindle, I will not.  I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book for review.