Blog Archives
You Make My Heart Giggle: Dadisms, The Wisdom and Wit of Dad
The book is a heartfelt blend of memoir, wisdom, and history. Brent John Larsen builds each chapter around one of his father’s sayings, what he calls “Dadisms.” These are short, memorable lines that carry lessons about courage, integrity, optimism, and love. Each one is tied to a story from his own life, often connected to his father’s influence, and then matched with an episode from history that reflects the same theme. The book moves from family stories to bigger cultural touchstones like the Apollo moon landing, the Grand Canyon expedition, or D-Day. It’s both intimate and sweeping, mixing tender memories with lessons meant to last.
Reading it stirred me up in ways I didn’t expect. The writing is simple, but that works in its favor. It doesn’t try to be fancy. It feels like sitting on a porch with someone older and wiser, listening to stories that matter. At times, the mix of personal loss and historical grandeur felt heavy, but that weight gave the lessons a kind of permanence. Some chapters hit harder than others. The introduction, where Larsen recalls losing his son and nearly losing his own life, shook me. It made me sit still for a while. I also loved how he wove in his dad’s voice, almost like the man was speaking directly to me. There’s an earnestness here that you don’t find in most books.
Each chapter follows the same rhythm: the saying, the family story, the historical story. I found myself anticipating the turn. Yet the predictability didn’t take away too much because the content itself was strong. What I enjoyed most was how personal moments were stitched to major historical events. That leap from small family wisdom to global history made me feel the depth of these sayings. It reminded me that wisdom can be both ordinary and extraordinary, lived at home and echoed through time.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family stories, history told in a personal way, or reflections on fatherhood. It would especially resonate with parents, children of loving fathers, or anyone who’s lost someone and still feels their lessons echoing through life. It’s warm, emotional, and rooted in gratitude. For me, it felt like a reminder to look closer at the words my own family repeats and see what truths are hidden inside.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0FJSPCN3W
The REAL 12 Days of Christmas
The REAL 12 Days of Christmas takes the familiar carol and spins it into a whimsical love story. Travis Trulove, a young man with more persistence than sense, tries to win over Taylor by giving her increasingly outrageous gifts over twelve days. Birds, cows, maids, dancers, lords, pipers, even a dog band with drummers, all tumble into her life in a kind of joyful chaos. What starts as a quirky attempt at romance blossoms into a fairy-tale ending where love, music, and laughter rule the season.
I found myself smiling through most of it. The writing has a playful rhythm, almost like someone telling you a story out loud, a little tongue-in-cheek and never taking itself too seriously. I liked that. It reminded me of being a kid, when stories didn’t need logic to make sense, just a sense of fun. The humor is lighthearted, and I could feel the author’s love for exaggeration in every chapter. The French hens with lipstick and wine glasses might be my favorite detail.
Once I gave in to the idea that this was a story more about spectacle than sentiment, I enjoyed the ride even more. It’s a book for anyone who wants to laugh at the absurdity of grand gestures in love. One of the things that stands out in this picture book is the artwork; it feels alive and playful. The colors are bright and full of warmth. Each scene feels like a painting you could hang on a wall.
I’d recommend The Real 12 Days of Christmas to families looking for a festive story to read together, as well as to adults who want a little humor mixed into their holiday traditions. It’s playful, colorful, and best enjoyed with the same “childish enthusiasm” the author says life should have. If you go in expecting lighthearted fun and a good laugh, you’ll find yourself charmed.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FLT64PMG
The Home for Friendless Children
The Home For Friendless Children is an unforgettable memoir of Rob Olson, brought to life by his wife, C. L. Olsen. Born in the 1950s, Rob’s early years were marked by hardship, abandonment, and survival. His father left when Rob was very young, and he and his siblings grew up starving in the isolated mountains of Pennsylvania. With an alcoholic mother and no stable home, their childhood was filled with turmoil, until eviction forced them to move on.
Rob and his siblings found themselves living above a bar for a time and later, enduring years of abuse and neglect in an orphanage. Despite these harsh conditions, young Robbie found moments of solace, whether it was retreating into the woods to dream, working on rocket plans, or taking on odd jobs. He clung to the hope of a better future, bolstered by rare acts of kindness that sparked a determination to rise above his circumstances. As his siblings spiraled into darker paths, Rob stayed focused, ultimately managing to finish school and even attend college, an extraordinary achievement given the obstacles he faced.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s the kind of story you can’t put down. The pacing is even, with short, digestible chapters that make for a quick but profound read. I was amazed by how much I learned in such a short time, as Rob’s adventures are as educational as they are captivating. From his early rocket experiments to perilous adventures at sea, the narrative is packed with both heart-stopping challenges and triumphant successes.
Rob’s resilience, his unyielding hope, and his ability to forgive, even in the face of unimaginable adversity, make this memoir not only gripping but inspiring. It’s a testament to turning tragedy into triumph. This book paints a beautiful portrait of a boy who, despite being unwanted and overlooked, never lost sight of his dreams. The emotional depth is staggering, evoking both tears of sorrow and joy as you follow Rob’s journey.
The inclusion of photographs adds a rich visual layer to the book, bringing the people and places of Rob’s past to life. They provide a real sense of time and place, further immersing the reader in this incredible true story.
The Home For Friendless Children is a powerful memoir about overcoming the worst of circumstances and holding onto hope. It’s an inspiring read and one that leaves a lasting impression.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B09725JSM4
The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field
Diving into the profound spiritual dimensions of Freemasonry, The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field provides readers with an insider’s perspective. Within these pages, the author skillfully escorts us on an extraordinary quest to uncover the enigmatic Philosopher’s Stone, also known as the Holy Grail, while unveiling an entirely novel approach to spirituality. The true treasure, we discover, lies within ourselves, attainable through the profound states of meditation.
Structured into three distinctive sections—The Bell, The Book, and The Candle—this book unfolds a multi-faceted narrative. In the initial segment, we delve into the Pythagorean philosophy that underpins the very essence of Freemasonry. The subsequent part transcends boundaries, exploring the alchemical and mechanical aspects of the spiritual journey, illuminating the functions of the pineal gland, and guiding readers toward profound spiritual realms through meditative experiences. Finally, in the third section, we are introduced to Charles, a Native American shaman, who adeptly leads the author through the transformative cycles of death and rebirth, culminating in the attainment of ultimate wisdom amidst the breathtaking beauty of a mountain landscape.
Spiritual seekers will be enthralled by the profound elucidation of the true essence of Freemasonry, while simultaneously finding solace in the debunking of prevalent myths. This book serves as an inspiring catalyst, encouraging readers to embark on an introspective journey towards uncovering the Kingdom of Heaven within, presented with utmost clarity and captivating prose. While some readers may initially find the philosophical sections somewhat arid due to their descriptive nature, the third section serves as a resplendent balm, effortlessly compensating for any earlier trudge. Charles Kennedy, the revered shaman, adeptly leads us towards the wisdom imbued in nature and mountains, illuminating the path to enlightenment. The intricate details of the author’s encounters with Charles and their immersion in the rhythms of daily life amidst nature add an enchanting dimension to the narrative.
Serious spiritual adventurers will regard this book as an indispensable manual, guiding them towards the acquisition of wisdom—an invaluable resource to revisit time and again as one’s knowledge expands. Without reservation, I recommend this transformative literary masterpiece.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0BHTNFV3N
Surf the Seesaw: Unconventional Essays on Balance, Beauty, and Meaning in Life
Davis, a prominent figure in the tech industry and a passionate adventurer, shares the principles that have enabled him to build a successful career and lead a fulfilling life. His insights reveal the powerful influence our mindset has on our actions and the crucial role it plays in determining our purpose. To gain a deeper understanding of this, Davis outlines how our brains work and how we can configure them to achieve our desired outcomes.
Throughout the book, Davis delves into topics such as maintaining friendships, effective communication, understanding human nature, positive parenting, and meditation. Drawing from his personal experiences, he seamlessly weaves real-life examples to help readers grasp the concepts and apply them to their lives. Davis’s adventurous spirit shines through the book’s pages as he recounts his daring move to live aboard a boat in the Caribbean for several years. This serves as a powerful reminder of how fear and worry can be the greatest obstacles to achieving our potential.
What struck me the most about Surf the Seesaw was how concise and practical it is. With just over 200 pages, Davis offers a valuable guide to improving various areas of our lives. He encourages readers to practice and apply the teachings to their everyday lives. By using his own life as a case study, Davis simplifies complex situations and offers guidance without imposing his opinions or suggestions on readers. One of the most insightful chapters in the book explores parent-child relationships, an area that is often overlooked in self-help literature. In addition, Davis’s humorous childhood stories provide a relatable touch and add a lighthearted element to the book.
I highly recommend Surf the Seesaw by Scott A. Davis for its flawless writing, engaging storytelling, and actionable advice that is helpful to anyone seeking to find their purpose.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0C11W1P58
