An American in Provence

An American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography by Jamie Beck

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful, feel-good book with absolutely stunning photos.

The moment I began to read this book, it unleashed the memories of my own desire to leave NY and move across the ocean to a beautiful Frances. Jamie Beck’s story is simply satisfying. I could not help but burst with joy at her new life in Provence. The struggles with the new culture and language made her love for wonderful France even stronger.

An inspiring book, filled not only with great and happy experiences but includes amazing recipes that I have tried and it came out delicious (taking into consideration this was my first time making it), cant wait to try the rest.

And the photos are simply remarkable. Jamie Beck is a successful professional photographer, and all photos that are included in this wonderful book are taken by her. She also gives a number of tips on how to take beautiful shots.

Now I am going to stop bragging about this book so you can go ahead and get a copy of it for yourself. This will also make a phenomenal gift.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the book and Jamie Beck for a an astonishing story.



View all my reviews

The Wonder Weeks

The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby’s Behavior by Xaviera Plas-Plooij

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t express how wonderful this book is. I was told of this book before my daughter’s arrival into this wonderful world and began reading it right after her birth.

First of all – this book is a god sent. It’s broken down into leaps, aka baby phases. I usually read one leap ahead just to prep myself for what is about to come next. Each leap explains a child’s milestone and their development progress. It also describes their behavior. It makes it so much easier to understand what the baby is going thru. As a first-time mom – this book is such a wonderful guide. Every time it lets me know that I am not the only one in this situation, all babies go thru this stage, I am actually a good mom. It gives me a better connection with my daughter. Each chapter, also known as a leap, includes exercises and games that are appropriate to play with the babies at the assigned age that helps with their development, and are fun activities for mommy/daughter time.

I have read a few books, and a million mommy blogs and searched for what to expect, or baby advice. This book is basically all the books and blogs combined into a few pages. That’s another beauty of this book. The chapter for each leap/phase is 15-20 pages long. Us, new parents, do not have time to read and this book is like a flashcard for new parents: short, straight to the point with examples.



View all my reviews

Twelve Hours’ Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old

Twelve Hours’ Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old: A Step-By-Step Plan for Baby Sleep Success by Suzy Giordano

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Received this book as a gift when my baby girl was born.

The good part – it’s a fast read since a new mom does not have time to sit down and read any book. My advice for new mommies is to read this book before your baby is born. Or you will end up like me stretching the read throughout five weeks.

The bad part – there is not a lot of useful information. Basically, 90% of the book is about baby sleep whisperer and how good she is at her job (I’m sure she is very good as she has built her career on this great skill), and only 10% of actually useful info.

Well, by the time I was able to finish the book, my baby girl was already sleeping thru most of the night. An author, the baby coach as she likes to call herself, lists many good tips in the book that should help with training your baby to sleep twelve hours per night. I’ve used my own methods (combined pieces of advice from other baby books and family and friends) for my daughter’s sleep training, however, I’ve applied a few tips from the book to my daily and nightly nap/sleep routines and I can tell that 90% of the time it did work. Hence not a total waste of time reading the book.



View all my reviews

Bringing Up Bebe

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came upon this book by multiple recommendations and it was way better than I expected it to be.

First of all, the book is created in two parts. In the first part, the author describes her life as a mother in France and her parental shock on the difference of bringing up the baby in a completely different baby culture. As she outlines french baby care and compares it to the American one that she has experienced herself, we see a drastic difference. When American parents are pushing their kids into the educating world and trying to raise their IQ at an early age, french parents taking a step back, letting their kids “discover” the world, and take their time to simply be a child.

The book concentrates not only on how to raise the child but also on how to keep the relationship between the parents.

The author does not praise one set of cultural parenting, but simply compares the two. Lists explanations and examples. While there are multiple differences not only in the culture between the two countries, the author also sheds the light on the French government and the help it offers for the parents and kids, which must have been taken into consideration while comparing the parenting techniques and styles between the countries.

I’ve read a few books on parenting and must admit that this book was the best. It’s easy to read, very simply explained and I love the examples. And cant wait to use many of the listed tips when the time comes.



View all my reviews

The Secret Diary of a New Mum (aged 43 1/4)

The Secret Diary of a New Mum by Cari Rosen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed parts of the book. Although I am not in my forties, however, I found many similarities between my and the author’s experiences. Overall the book was very entertaining and offers some good guidance. I have expected the book to be more educating, however, the author’s writing was focused on her personal experience and outcome. I found good info in the book. It was like discussing my own experience with a friend.

I did feel bad for the author, she went thru a rough experience not just pregnancy-wise, but more mental discouragement and judgment. It is sad to see there are people who would judge the new mother because of her age. And instead of accepting the judgment, an author took this experience and made it into a book. I applaud her for her sense of humor, for standing up to the “bullies” and proving that motherhood may be challenging in the forties, but not less exciting and enjoyable.

Good and quick read. Thank you NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the book.



View all my reviews

The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook was given to me by a friend, and at first when I looked thru the pages of this book it looked like it is a collection of hilarious responses of how to get away from the amusing situation: How to not get eaten by a lion, How to avoid annoying coworker, How to survive a boring class… etc. However as I continue to read the guide, I surprisingly realized that it contains many valuable advices and can certainly be used in real life situations. It also includes multiple entertaining topics that can be discussed in a group, on a date, etc.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This is a perfect gift for anyone, book lover or not.

View all my reviews

Me, Myself & Ideas

Me, Myself & Ideas: The Ultimate Guide to Brainstorming Solo by Carrie Anton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Me, Myself & Ideas is a good guide on how to brainstorm when you work by yourself. This book contains tips, advices, suggests solo activities that simply helps the reader to generate their thoughts and ideas. I was already familiar with many points and advices presented in the book by reading countless articles online and discussing similar subjects with others, however, this is a great handbook that keeps the collection of all the ideas in one place.

It is also very informative and easy to read. Perfect gift idea. The author did a great job gathering all the information and combining it with great exercises that made the book entertaining. Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an advanced free copy of his book.

View all my reviews

Art Lover’s Guide to Paris

Art Lover’s Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Paris. Every time I step my foot in this magnificent city, I’m fascinated by its history and culture. Paris is not just a city, it’s a world. Coming upon “Art Lover’s Guide to Paris” book on NetGalley was a pleasant surprise. This is a very simple, short guide to all must-see museums, galleries, artist’s houses, and studios, restaurants, hotels, brasseries. It even includes chateaus that are locating a short distance away from Paris. The guide includes a short description of every place, including a little history and its addresses, which is incredibly helpful. Having been to Paris multiple times, I’ve visited probably 1/3 of the sites from the guide, and now I have a new list of places I will visit the next time I’m in the city of lights.

Thank you NetGalley and White Owl Publishers for an advanced copy of the book and Ruby Boukabou for creating a phenomenal guide of Paris’ most magnificent places.

View all my reviews

Brilliant Burnout

Brilliant Burnout by Nisha Jackson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I first saw the title of the book and read the synopsis I thought – here is it, my guide to survival. Unfortunately, this is not quite what I expected it to be.

This book is great in explaining and bringing to the attention reason why we are physically and mentally burned out. It is not one or two specific reasons, it’s a combination of stress, hormone imbalance, incorrect diet and exercise, and simple scheduling. An author takes time to explain each symptom and gives advice on how to deal with it.

After reading the book, I was convinced that the mind and body should be playing together as a team. It’s important to listen and evaluate both, and once it is working together we reach the harmony we all so eager to have.

Good and easy read, many valuable points. Thank you, NetGalley and River Grove Books publisher for a free and advanced copy of the book.

View all my reviews

Random Acts Of Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness by Dete Meserve

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I usually give my reading preference to fiction, but I decided that this year I should give non-fiction books another try, and I am very happy to start with “Randon Acts of Kindness”.

This book combines multiple stories from across the US that unites people of different age, ethnicity, and status. And the only factor that unites them is a desire to help others. Each person described in the book has different reasons that pushed them towards their act of kindness. Each story is unique, heartwarming and inspiring.

Every individual act of kindness described in the book reminds the reader that there are good people left in this world who do countless selfless good deeds and motivate us to continue the goodwill.

Thank you NetGalley and Melrose Hill Publisher for a free and advanced copy of this book, and another huge thank you to the authors Dete Meserve and Rachel Grego for sharing these wonderful stories and restoring our faith in humanity.

View all my reviews