Month: March 2013

finance

The Money Code

Bergers Book Reviews

The Money Code
Author: Joe John Duran, CFA
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press
Genre: Finance
ISBN: 978-1-60832-435-4
Pages: 168
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Most people have struggled with money management at some time in their lives. Conflicts arise with a spouse, or maybe we just never feel there’s enough for all our needs. Whatever the problem, Joe John Duran believes it can be solved by finding out our own personal Money Mind, and making our decisions with a checklist.

In The Money Code, a fictitious man named Jack is introduced to the Alchemist by his sister. Using the Alchemist’s computer generated lessons, Jack learns why his past decision making process didn’t work very well. Then, knowing his own Money Mind, he is in a much better position to evaluate the financial decision he is planning to make.

This is not a dry and boring financial book. The interactive design of the lessons draws the reader into the story, making it feel as if he is looking over Jack’s shoulders and answering the questions himself. The quiz was spot on for me, and I easily saw myself in one of the three Money Minds. And the decision-making checklist is logical and helpful, without being overly burdensome.

If your financial life isn’t what you hoped it would be, I highly recommend The Money Code. This easy to read guide may change the way you look at money forever.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, music

Songs For Movin’ & Shakin’

Bergers Book Reviews

Songs for Movin' & Shakin'
Artist: Lisa Loeb
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Music
Price: $14.95

Artist’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Want to get your kids off the couch and moving around? Then give them some good music to dance to! Lisa Loeb’s forthcoming collection of Songs For Movin’ & Shakin’ is just what they need.

I was only given the track of Monster Stomp to review, but based on that one song, I believe this collection will be a hit with kids. The tune is upbeat and fun, and demands movement. The lyrics are playful and clever, and kids will love to sing along. And Loeb’s voice is easy on adults’ ears, since they may have to listen to these songs often.

I highly recommend Songs For Movin’ & Shakin’.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history

Wax

Bergers Book Reviews

Wax
Author: Therese Ambrosi Smith
Publisher: Blue Star Books
Genre: Women’s Historical
ISBN: 978-0-9844000-7-2
Pages: 323
Price: $13.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Pearl Harbor changed everything. As men left factory jobs to fight in World War II, women were offered the opportunity to replace them. Former waitresses and store clerks suddenly became welders as ships needed to be built quickly. Rosie the Riveter was born.

In Wax, three young women take on their new responsibilities at the Kaiser shipyard in Richmond, California. Away from their own families, they bond as a new family unit, becoming good friends. After the war, their relationships continue to grow as new opportunities come their way.

This wonderful 1940s historical novel explores topics of women’s roles in society, sexuality, and long-buried family secrets. Wax is a real page-turner, hooking the reader from the very beginning. If you’ve always admired the courage of World War II women who ventured out into the work force, you will enjoy this interesting and enjoyable story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, history

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise

Bergers Book Reviews

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise
Author: Jan Pinborough
Illustrator: Debby Atwell
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: Children / History
ISBN: 978-0-547-47105-1
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

It’s hard to imagine a world where children had very little access to books. In the early 1900s, libraries were for adults, and children were not welcome to enter, let alone touch or check out a book. But Anne Carroll Moore thought otherwise, and set about creating a special place where children could experience the joys of reading.

The New York Public Library was open to new ideas, and Miss Moore had a wonderful vision. After designing a bright and cheery room with kid-sized tables and chairs, she welcomed children inside with story hours and book borrowing privileges. The collection was reviewed carefully, and Miss Moore chose only the best and most interesting books for her children’s library.

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise shows us an extraordinary librarian who encouraged children to read. Although she may have faced obstacles, she created a model of children’s libraries that has lived on. This fascinating story will inspire kids to reach for their own dreams and dare to do something special to change the world.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

spirituality

The Master of Evolution

Bergers Book Reviews

The Master of Evolution
Author: Gregory Hatton
Publisher: Universal Wisdom Publications
Genre: Spirituality
ISBN: 978-0-9880275-2-7
Pages: 256
Price: $34.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The last prophet lived over 2000 years ago, but what if God decided to send a messenger to his people on earth right now? With all the technological advances we’ve made since then, would He share information about the science behind creation? The Master of Evolution explores this question through a fictional account of a new prophet God is sending to humanity.

John Cavendish is on a special mission to the moon to investigate the Peak of Eternal Light. While there, he suddenly comes face to face with the angel, Gabriel. Through conversations with Gabriel and scientists such as Einstein and Darwin, the history of earth is revealed. God is light, as the Bible suggests, and author Gregory Hatton proceeds to prove this through a series of mathematical calculations. He also shows how this light is involved in all of creation, and man’s purpose and future are explored.

An abundance of interesting theory is presented in this unique fictional work. As with all religious speculation, I err on the side of caution, yet nothing feels dangerous or in conflict with scripture or mainstream teaching. This story is an enjoyable read that will give you a lot to think about.

Reviewer: Alice Berger