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January 2013

Hi folks!

Happy new year! Are you as pumped for 2013 as I am? Let’s make this year a memorable one. I intend to dive into a ton of books and climb to new heights with the more I read. To that end, I’d like to keep it as positive as possible, as I am sick of all the negativity we seem to be bombarded with on a daily basis. 

What are you reading? I intend to read my typical eclectic mix of titles based on feedback from subscribers like you, and I also have challenged myself to read as many books as I can on psychology and marketing (I am just fascinated with both, as I am constantly searching for different ways to reach out to reluctant readers). Besides that faire, I have enjoyed a bunch of great titles recently, including Shred: The Revolutionary Diet by Ian Smith (yes, I gained weight over the holidays and wanted some new ideas on how to get back into shape; by the way, Dr. Smith has written numerous good books on better nutrition), John Green’s wonderful The Fault in Our Stars (truly deserving of all its accolades, you’re missing out if you skip this special young adult novel) and – just to keep me sane – dependable Vince Flynn’s latest cool thriller The Last Man.

Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.

I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have a wonderful January, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
Because I Said So!: The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids

Because I Said So!: The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids

By Ken Jennings 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

I hate to admit this, but I read this book after seeing an excerpt in Parade magazine (yes, I read Parade; I am also addicted to Property Brothers on HGTV). Jennings, as you may recall, won 74 consecutive episodes of Jeopardy!, and I get a kick out of his random knowledge on EVERYTHING! He’s the real-life version of one of my heroes, Cliff Clavin, from Cheers. This is perfect bathroom reading, as Jennings debunks a number of old wives’ tales in very entertaining fashion.
Buy on Amazon
JUST ROLL WITH IT! 7 BATTLE TESTED TRUTHS FOR BUILDING A RESILIENT LIFE

JUST ROLL WITH IT! 7 BATTLE TESTED TRUTHS FOR BUILDING A RESILIENT LIFE

By Sarah Plummer Taylor 220 pages Adult

Danny Says

All of us go through adversity, and some of us – like Sarah Plummer – choose to take those lessons and create something truly magical and meaningful. Sarah’s ‘SEMPER’ wheel of principles, grounded in faith, provides readers with a daily inspirational guide to lead truly ‘significant’ lives. You are truly blessed to read this magnificent book. Let Sarah help you accept yourself for all you are so that you may accomplish all that you are supposed to be.
Buy on Amazon
The Yellow Birds: A Novel

The Yellow Birds: A Novel

By Kevin Powers 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

A National Book Award Finalist (and rightly so), this book’s take on the Iraqi War captivated me in much the same way as Kathryn Bigelow’s film The Hurt Locker did. Powers – a veteran of the war – powerfully paints a picture of the effects of war that stirred me the way All Quiet on the Western Front did when I read it in ninth grade. 
Buy on Amazon
Beyoutiful!

Beyoutiful!

By Julie Marie Carrier Young Adult

Danny Says

We need A LOT more books like this. If you have a daughter or granddaughter, buy this book as a New Year’s gift (yes, I just created that holiday). This is the perfect way to focus girls on positive elements that will bring out the amazing qualities so many teenage girls suppress in order to “fit in.” Carrier provides a blueprint that will benefit all teenage girls. This is a gem, and I have bought multiple copies for friends and customers. I highly recommend you do the same.
Buy on Amazon
Night Hoops

Night Hoops

By Carl Deuker 228 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Why don’t teenage boys read? Check the covers and titles of most teen bestsellers. They almost all deal with teenage romance and how to fit into the right clique. It’s enough to drive a guy crazy! Deuker writes about sports and understands the thoughts of many teenage boys (He has a lot of great titles). How can we replicate him? I am so grateful for guys who write books for guys (I’m not saying everything has to deal with red meat and bodily functions, but trying to find an appealing book for a teenage boy is often like looking for educational programming on TLC). 
Buy on Amazon
Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal

Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal

By Chris Colfer 272 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is one of those rare books that I noticed students passing around with mischievous smirks. Colfer’s wit and sarcasm work perfectly for teens in this enjoyable story of an outcast who blackmails the most popular kids in his high school.
Buy on Amazon
How to Lie with Statistics

How to Lie with Statistics

By Darrell Huff 144 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is a book your students will get a kick out of, especially those who like to stir the pot. While not specifically written for teens, your students will enjoy wonderful discussions about how statistics are consistently used in ways to control, manipulate and persuade people how to vote, invest and do just about anything. The book is over 60 years old, and it is just as applicable and intriguing today as when it first appeared in 1954.
Buy on Amazon
This Moose Belongs to Me

This Moose Belongs to Me

By Oliver Jeffers 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Who couldn’t love this endearing story about a boy – and his moose. Lots of laughs, and terrific illustrations. A favorite for read alouds.
Buy on Amazon
Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky

By Sheila Turnage 336 pages Children

Danny Says

I love Turnage’s quirky characters and Southern humor, and I look forward to reading a lot more great books from her. She has set the bar high for herself, and all ages will breeze through this lovely tale.
Buy on Amazon
The Cloud Spinner

The Cloud Spinner

By Michael Catchpool 32 pages Children

Danny Says

This magical story – with mesmerizing illustrations by Alison Jay – reminds me to pity those adults who do not regularly indulge in good childern’s books. If you’re only reading books written at “your age level,” you are ignorant of many of the world’s literary treasures. Catchpool has written a simple, beautiful story – the reason we read.
Buy on Amazon

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