👶👶👶👶👶: The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again, by Mary Claire Haver

I have to kick off this post with a huge shoutout to the amazing @drmaryclaire, the powerhouse leading the menopausal revolution🎉🎉🎉!!! I can't express enough how grateful I am to this incredible doctor (who’s a local gem in TX, by the way‼️) for paving the way for women like me to access the healthcare we truly deserve - without any stigma attached. What a privilege to enter into the “zone of chaos” loaded with vital information laid out in this book!

My mom’s generation navigated this hormonal transition without any guidance and women like her ended up facing a full hysterectomy in their early 40s (which is absolutely wild🤯). Had it not been for trailblazers like Dr. Haver and the researchers that came before her, I could have easily ended up in the same situation.

This book is packed with in-depth research and actionable steps you can take right now to reclaim your hormonal health. I've already implemented several of her recommendations and am truly noticing a difference!

A massive thank you to Dr. Haver and her fantastic team for creating this guide. You’re making a positive impact on so many lives! And a special thanks to partners @harmonyrodaleconvergent , @randomhouse , and @netgalley for providing this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/20/26

👶👶👶👶: Wired and Connected: Brain-Based Solutions To Ensure Your Child’s Social and Emotional Success, by Craig A. Knippenberg

I'm always up for a good scientifically-based parenting book. 𝑊𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 is a great how-to manual that explains the best way to maximize children's brain potential socially, emotionally, and academically. This book addresses all of those important factors while using metaphors and stories to make it palatable for both adults and children.

With the understanding that "one philosophy of parenting or teaching does not fit all," Mr. Knippenberg simplifies three brain areas: the frontal lobe (the President), the limbic system (the Factory), and the mirror neuron system (Mirror) in an effort to help your understand the best way to help your child thrive.

Put your thinking cap on and pick up this book if you want to enjoy some Aha moments with regard to your children's behavior! Let's raise some resilient kiddos together!

I'm so grateful to Roger Charlie for sharing this very educational book with me!

Read 10/14/24

👶👶👶👶👶: You're Not Done Yet: Parenting Young Adults in an Age of Uncertainty, by B. Janet Hibbs & Anthony Rostain

Yeah, so this book will be living rent-free inside my head for a good, long time. What a wonderful surprise to receive this book from partner St. Martin's Press . How did you know I needed this treasure trove of useful information so desperately???!!!

What a wealth of knowledge for those of us wading through the waters of adult parenting. No one ever told me this would be harder than parenting my little people!!! The separation and letting go is enough to kill me😭😭😭! How will my babies never live in my household again😮‍💨?! But I digress...

This is a small but mighty reference book filled with anecdotes, case studies, and step-by-step guides about letting go and giving your children wings to fly, while still offering the nurturing support they so desperately need. I love how the authors address the very real changes that Covid introduced, along with a no-nonsense approach to parenting adult kids and learning to guide them without alienating them. There's no judgment, no harsh criticism, just a sure-fire way to develop a strong bond with your newly formed adult.

So, if like me, you're looking for a beacon in the perilous waters of parenting your 20-something, RUN to the bookstore and grab yourself a copy! You won't regret it!

Read 5/20/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts, by Maty Claire Haver, MD

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I have been a big fan of Dr. Mary Claire since my dear book club friend began following the Galveston Diet program. I appreciated the common sense approach to her proposed lifestyle changes and her focus on the reduction of inflammation, so I followed suit. Fast forward two years, and yes, ladies and gents, my body has had a mind of its own lately. Looks like perimenopause is on the horizon, and I certainly 

do not want to be caught unawares. So, when I was given the opportunity to read this wise woman's upcoming release, I was all over it! Plus, she's an ObGyn here in the Houston area, so that makes it all the more accessible!

This book is CHOCK-FULL of important information to navigate the inevitable changes in our bodies as we age. Dr. Haver is clear and concise, with patience and womanly intuition that makes all the difference in a female doctor.

I love how the book is split into 2 parts: Part One is The Story of Menopausal Medicine, explaining its history (or lack thereof) and the current trend to normalize this shift and make it comfortable for us women folk. Part Two goes into the specific symptoms that come along with this shift in hormones and the best strategies to deal with each concern. Each section is detailed and gives readers a precise plan of action to navigate some of the discomforts of this huge transition.

Dr. Haver is a visionary in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, and she is forging a new path for women of a certain age to be able to have more control and direction in their choices as it relates to their own body's shift. Her commitment to putting the power in our hands is refreshing, and I highly recommend this book to women, their friends, and family members.

As the good doctor says, "𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆; 𝒔𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕."

WE'VE GOT THIS, THANKS TO DR. MARY CLAIRE HAVER!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this gifted review copy.

Read 5/1/24

👶👶👶👶: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, by Lori Gottlieb

I am always impressed by well-written memoirs. There are so many people that feel their story is worth telling, but don't have the skillfulness to pull it off. But I'm here to tell you, @lorigottlieb_author certainly does! This book was thought-provoking from start to finish with stories that had me both in stitches and in tears. She spoke from the heart and had me appreciating everything that therapists go through right alongside their patients. With so many great insights into human nature, it brought up a lot of great conversation in our book club.

Read 9/3/23

👶👶: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, Elizabeth Gilbert

 

🌷So I read this book eons ago, before I was ever on Goodreads. As you may recall, I'm a HUGE Oprah fan, and of course, her book club was very popular back then. So way back in 2006, Oprah had Elizabeth Gilbert on to discuss her new Book Club pick: Eat, Pray, Love.

😬First off, you may recall that for whatever reason, it is rare that I have actually liked an Oprah Book Club pick. I've learned that we just have vastly different taste in books, and this one was no exception.

✍️So, don't @ me, but I remember thinking that Gilbert was self-centered, ungrateful, and entitled. I really felt like this was just a glorified account of an indulgent vacation. I never got the impression that she was actually doing the work to promote self-awareness, but instead just having a grand ol' time because she hated her life beforehand. In addition, I never felt like she gave a flying flip about the readers of this "self-help" book, instead choosing to focus on all of her first-world problems. And while self-care is important, so are the relationships that one has cultivated... and sometimes those relationships take hard work, work that Gilbert just wasn't willing to put in, imho.

🙈Can you tell I felt very strongly about this book? I wonder if my opinion of it would change now, 16 years later, but honestly, I just don't have it in me to reread it😮‍💨. So back in the day, I would've given it a 1 star, but as I've softened a bit in my old age, I'll be a little more generous...

For more of my reviews, please follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread

Read 1/10/07

👶👶👶👶: Intelligent Fitness: The Smart Way to Reboot Your Body and Get in Shape, by Simon Waterson

My For more than 25 years, Simon Waterson has gotten my hubby's favorite Hollywood A-list actors into top physical shape. So, when he saw that this book was coming out, he was beyond excited, and I have to admit, so was I! I mean anyone who helped Chris Evans get into that beautiful shape has to be amazing, right?! But not only him... we're talkin' Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Craig, Chris Pratt, Léa Seydoux, John Boyega, Blake Lively, Jake Gyllenhaal, Harrison Ford, John Krasinski... and more!

Thankfully, Triumph Books came in clutch by kindly gifting us with this awesome training manual in exchange for an honest review!

What we both loved:

👍Waterson's less is more ideology makes me happy! The less I have to workout, the better!

👍His approach to fitness as a mind/body connection makes perfect sense!

👍He's big on sleep and naps, so need I say more😴?!

👍Setting small goals and pacing myself resonates big time with me!

👍The at-home essential kit is manageable with only 5 items necessary.

👍And we both love his focus on stretching!

📷A really fun part is the behind-the-scenes photos of the actors Mr. Waterson has worked with!

💯The best thing is that he makes it so doable for all of us common folk - cuz I can tell you, I ain't no Hollywood star that has the time and resources to focus all my energy on fitness. Thankfully, this trainer understands that and provides a straightforward, effective solution!

Check out more of my reviews on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread/ !

Read 3/7/22

👶👶👶👶: Chill Out and Cheer Up: A Ten-Step Guide

My It is such a joy to share this little gem of positivity with you this holiday season on this #selfcaresunday . I read it at just the right time, during the Holiday chaos and stress, when I just can't even catch my breath. Well, Grace Grossmann is here to remind us that the chaos and stress is manageable and even avoidable with the right mindset. With an abundance of wisdom, and no lack of experience in life's blows, Grace's self-published self-help book is brimming with concrete self-care ideas.

Although many of her ideas are not necessarily new, it is such a great reminder on how to bring positivity into our lives. I appreciated the highlighted and bolded information which gives each chapter focal points. The well-thought-out exercises in between to guide you through the concepts is also helpful. I thought of how much my young adult daughters could benefit from this approach to stress reduction and doubt deflection. I also love her focus on children as guides for how we should approach certain things in this life.

There is a smattering of scripture as you read, as well as some fun celebrity quotes. I should also mention that there is some colorful language🙉.

So, in the spirit of the season, take advice from a snowman or in this case, the author: Chill Out and Cheer Up☃️!

Many thanks to Grace Grossman for gifting me with this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 12/6/21

👶👶👶👶👶: Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You, by Lin-Manuel Miranda

I just realized I've had this little gem sitting on my bedside for quite some time, and I've never reviewed it! It's a lovely book with quips, quotes, and poems to begin and end your day and I just adore it! Though I've read it all, I still open it up every once in a while when I need a pick-me-up!

I absolutely adore Lin-Manuel Miranda. His brilliance is unmatched - Hamilton, Moana, and In the Heights are all ethereal works of art. His musicality and rhyme are so unique and catchy, that it's no wonder he's made such a name for himself. To boot, he's just a good guy - a philanthropist and humanitarian - raising money for his native Puerto Rico and advocating for immigrants. So, as you've heard me say before, kind people are my kinda people - and Mr. Miranda sure fits the bill!

So, pick up this handful of joy if you're in need of a smile. It's sure to brighten your day (or night)!

"ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ.
ɢᴏᴏᴅ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴏᴜs.
ʏᴏᴜʀ sᴍɪʟᴇ ɪs
ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɢɪᴏᴜs."

Read 2/2/21

👶👶👶👶👶The Measure of Our Success: Letter to My Children and Yours, by Marian Wright Edelman

The Measure of Our Success is still replete with wisdom some 26 years after publication. Marian Wright Edelman reminds us that, "service is the rent we pay for living," and "half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important," and also, "One single decade’s profligacy has changed our nation from a lender to debtor." This is an excellent book to give as a gift to graduates and their parents. It is written in the format of 25 life lessons for her children, and her themes touch on morality, work ethics, education, politics, religion, and more, in an inoffensive, nonjudgmental manner. I can't even remember how this book was added to my to-read list, but it certainly came at the perfect time, as my oldest heads off to college.

At a time when the political arena can seem senseless, world events appear alarming, and our youth exudes entitlement more than ever, this book hits the nail on the head with ideas of sound judgment and common sense.

Read 7/25/19

👶👶👶👶👶 Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls, by Lisa Damour - Release Date: 2/12/2019

The importance of this book cannot be overstated. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or caretaker of a girl, the information contained within the pages of Under Pressure is invaluable. Dr. Damour wrote an engaging book with excellent insight into the workings of young ladies' minds. She provides real-world examples and accessible guidance to assist our girls in managing stress and anxiety. This book couldn't have come at a better time, as I just recently realized what a large percentage of my friends' daughters have mild to severe anxiety. I was glad to not feel alone in this situation, and this book helped to allay my concerns even further. As alarming as this epidemic may seem, I am grateful to Dr. Damour for giving solid suggestions as to how to deal with specific situations.

What made it most relevant is how the reader is informed about what normal/healthy behavior looks like as a gauge by which to measure your own girls' situation. What may seem like abnormal anxiety, may in fact be quite typic.

So, if you're looking for a book with sage advice in dealing with girls' anxiety in this day and age, look no further.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House for gifting me with a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. This title will be released on Feb. 12!

Read 2/2/19

👶👶👶 Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World, by Max Lucado

Though I appreciate some of Max Lucado's insight, I fear that some with an anxiety disorder may struggle if they look to this book for practical solutions. This self-help book was steeped in bible verses, which in and of itself is a non-issue, and certainly is a comfort to many of us. However, what could become a potential problem is if someone with severe anxiety is looking to be healed by some of the suggestions offered. There was little practical information for dealing with clinical anxiety. Mr. Lucado seemed to repeat the opinion that if one truly believes in Jesus, then they shouldn't have anxiety. If only it were that simple, therapists' workload would change significantly, and pharmaceutical companies would go broke. What such advice could serve to do is make those with anxiety feel guilty for having a mental health disorder to begin with. I also struggled with statements such as: "The most stressed-out people are control freaks." I cringe to think of some young girls I know reading overly-simplified statements such as those, considering they are some of the least controlling people I know and yet have very high anxiety levels.

Now, if one is reading this book to deal with unnecessary tension or worry, Lucado's approach may be a good option. He has some valid points such as, "Don't get lost in your troubles. Dare to believe that good things will happen," and "Life begins not when circumstances change, but when our attitude toward them does." In that respect, Lucado has positive affirmations that are good considerations for a healthy outlook on life.

Read 12/17/18 

👶👶👶👶 God Will Use This for Good, by Max Lucado

This book was given to me by my dearest friend, and is a great reminder of the fact that "this too, shall pass".  The author uses Bible stories to help the reader understand that throughout history, people have endured hardships, and still come out the other side.  Max Lucado makes the Bible relatable with his mastery of the written word, and has created a nearly "pocket-sized" quick-read manual to use during the rocky times in life.

Read 11/10/17

👶👶 Jesus > Religion, by Jefferson Bethke

While I can appreciate the author’s attempt at spreading Jesus’ message, I disagreed with the manner in which it is done. Condemning organized religion as a whole, is likely not the best option when preaching God’s love for us. Although I agree that several things need addressing in most religions, many people find God’s love and peace within the confines of their church’s four walls. Therefore, the message Bethke is trying to convey may be lost to some who are turned off by such an approach. Religion serves a very important role for many followers of Christ, and should not be dismissed.

The author had many good points, and I agreed with some things he suggested, but he seemed to contradict himself during many of his arguments, which led to loss of credibility for me. Moreover, he seems to have done so many immoral things in his youth, that perhaps this newfound love of Christ and morality are also due partly to inevitable maturity, not just “being saved”.

Read 4/5/16

👶👶 Cleaning House, by Kay Wills Wyma

I have to agree with my dear friend: most of this book seemed rather commonsensical to me. I have never been one to coddle my children, and have always had high expectations of them. They are all members of our family "team" and we fully expect them to contribute.

The book was laden with eye roll moments. For example, the author has a nanny come in twice a week to do her housework while simultaneously trying to teach them to be self-sufficient... a bit hypocritical, in my opinion. There was just an overall disingenuous feeling to it.

However, I did also agree with the premise and feel that it could be a valuable read for any parents struggling with youth entitlement. Unfortunately, I didn't think of it as anything earth-shattering.

Read 9/8/13

👶👶👶👶👶 The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman

A very quick, informative read. I literally read it in less than a day! I gave this book such high rankings because, not only is it sound advice, but it's written in a very comprehensible manner. There is a bit of "overly-dramatic" dialogue, but other than that, I wish I'd read it years ago. I don't purport myself to be an expert in the field of relationships, but I suggest this book to any person looking to strengthen their bond with their significant other. So simple, yet so relevant.

Read 7/16/13

👶👶👶👶👶 The Thinking Mom's Revolution, by Helen Conroy

I had to rate this high because it is SUCH an important read. Whether you're a first-time parent, a seasoned veteran, whether or not your children have autism, or any other related condition, everyone should be aware of this alarming epidemic. The children in our communities are suffering, and it is up to us as parents to inform ourselves, and advocate for their well-being. For those of us whose children are unaffected, we must be aware of that which is going on around us, and help those parents spread awareness.

The stories are so raw, so inspiring. These parents are paving the way for generations to come. Bravo Thinking Moms (& 1 dad;-))!

Read 6/12/13

👶👶👶👶 What's Eating Your Child, by Kelly Dorfman

This is an important read for any parent. I learned so much about the links between vitamin/mineral deficiencies and behavioral/physical problems. I was actually able to discover the cause of two of my boys' issues that the Doctors continually dismissed. It's a bit difficult to use as a reference book simply because of the way the book is laid out. In order to glean all the important details, I would recommend a cover-to-cover read.

Read 4/12

👶👶👶 How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?, by Rachel Balducci

For a mother of boys, this book was quite funny!  I could easily relate to the author.  I can't go as far as saying it was a well-written book, simply because it jumps back and forth, leaves thoughts unfinished, and has no real depth.  Nonetheless, it was a sweet book, with some great short stories that kept me laughing.

Read 4/11

👶👶👶The Wealthy Barber, by David Chilton

Easy-to-read basics of financial planning. The author offered really simple steps to get on a sound financial track in a narrative method. Practical & enjoyable.

Read 3/29/09