Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Branding + Interior Design by Kim Kuhteubl


Branding + Interior Design: Visibilty and Business Strategy for Interior Designers by Kim Kuhteubl

Summary

The home goods market in the United States is the largest market in the world. Then why do some interior design firms thrive while others barely survive? The answer lies in one powerful little word: brand. 

More than a pretty logo, it involves telling the story of your distinct point of view who you want to serve and why you do business, and it's a process that happens from the inside out. This book bridges the gap between designer and design leader and shows pros how to define, value, and communicate their vision; find clients who are a fit; and master the art of being visible. 

Worksheets give designers the tools to learn these strategies and apply them to their work. It also includes candid conversations with design leaders such as Barbara Barry, Rose Tarlow, Kelly Hoppen, Vicente Wolf, Christiane Lemieux, Clodagh, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and others."

Impressions
Interesting and very inspiring!

When I first read the title and the summary, I thought I will open a book full of nice home design projects. There is some and very elegant and stylish ones. But it's more than that. It's a good that take a fresh home designers by the hands to explain the business and what to do to be successful.

More important, it's a book that reach you as a human being. Getting into your fears, your lack of confidence as a professional to make you understand that your differences are what makes you valuable. So the author ask you to stop hiding and express yourself.

Nice explanation about brand, yours, and how to expose and sell it on the social media, website. Every communication tools that will help you to reach your customers.
It was a great read with interviews, quotes and tip to boost your confidence and put you on the right path.

Even if I'm not from this industry, it was a nice pep talk to people with a creative mind who often doubts their capacity.
Really cool read!




Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Colored Pencil Painting Portraits Alyona Nickelsen

Summary
Colored pencil painter Alyona Nickelsen reveals how to use the medium to push the limits of realistic portraiture.

Colored Pencil Painting Portraits provides straightforward solutions to the problems that artists face in creating lifelike images, and will prime readers on the intricacies of color, texture, shadow, and light as they interplay with the human form. 

In this truly comprehensive guide packed with step-by-step demonstrations, Nickelsen considers working from photo references versus live models; provides guidance on posing and lighting, as well as planning and composing a work; discusses tools, materials, and revolutionary layering techniques; and offers lessons on capturing gesture and expression and on rendering facial and body features of people of all age groups and skin tones.



Impressions
Realistic paintings and drawings have always amazed me.

When I was able to draw, I've understood the dedication and long hours you need to reach a good level. It's about patience, time and technics.

In this book, the author gives you great tip to blend the colors to obtain a beautiful realistic outcome on portrait. Alyona Nickelsen explains the pigment, the material you need to use as well as how to draw and add the color to be satisfied with the result.

She has created a great book with easy to understand explanations that really motivates you to put your hands on a paper and start applying her advices.
Very interesting and cool book!






Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels


Summary
Everyone is dying to live in the Shadows of the Forest.
They gave me three rules to follow in exchange for my brother’s life:
1. Do not enter the West Wing;
2. Do not go outside after darkness falls; and
3. There is only one exit; The Gates.

This is what happened when I broke them…

Impressions
The cover was attractive. The plot intriguing.
As I have into heavy read, I said "bingo" that will do a great change and a nice entertaintment. Sigh!
Not at all.
In the middle of the story I was still trying to understand why the heroine was beating herself so much. She plays the victime from the start and it gets annoying. She repeats the same words as if they were mantras to beat herself up. It's nice to have flaws, to express raw emotions but to have a character depressing in a quest. It's difficult.
No way to like her or to connect.
End up not finishing the book.
Too bad cause it was promising.


Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Interconnected by Ogyen Trinley Dorje Karmapa


Summary
A practical vision for sharing the planet from one of the leaders in Tibetan Buddhism.

What if we all lived with a deep awareness of our connection to each other and the earth? How can we move in that direction? For the Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, interdependence is far more than an intellectual idea. He sees directly how our inner worlds shape our outer worlds and vice versa, and how looking at each other with profound empathy can fundamentally reshape the human race. 

Drawing on the tools of his Buddhist training, but speaking in universal terms accessible to people of all backgrounds, the Karmapa shows how harnessing the power of our thoughts and emotions can make us far more effective as agents of positive social transformation.



Impressions
Raise a lot of good questions!

I have spend a wonderful moment with this read. When I was commuting, I was smilling at what it means to be interdependent, unique, autonomous. I was agreeing on the feeling of distance and loneliness coming from the social media.
We are unable to talk to each other in the real world but we spill our personal beans into the virtual one.

Some food for your thoughts about how we are changing and how we should be cautious and seeking balance in our life.
Life is amazing if we are taking care of what really matters and not always chasing illusions.

Great book to savour slowly.

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak

Summary
A dazzling debut novel—at once a charming romance and a moving coming-of-age story—about what happens when a fourteen-year old boy pretends to seduce a girl to steal a copy of Playboy but then discovers she is his computer-loving soulmate.

Billy Marvin’s first love was a computer. Then he met Mary Zelinsky.

Do you remember your first love?

The Impossible Fortress begins with a magazine…The year is 1987 and Playboy has just published scandalous photographs of Vanna White, from the popular TV game show Wheel of Fortune. For three teenage boys—Billy, Alf, and Clark—who are desperately uneducated in the ways of women, the magazine is somewhat of a Holy Grail: priceless beyond measure and impossible to attain. So, they hatch a plan to steal it.

The heist will be fraught with peril: a locked building, intrepid police officers, rusty fire escapes, leaps across rooftops, electronic alarm systems, and a hyperactive Shih Tzu named Arnold Schwarzenegger. Failed attempt after failed attempt leads them to a genius master plan—they’ll swipe the security code to Zelinsky’s convenience store by seducing the owner’s daughter, Mary Zelinsky. It becomes Billy’s mission to befriend her and get the information by any means necessary. But Mary isn’t your average teenage girl. She’s a computer loving, expert coder, already strides ahead of Billy in ability, with a wry sense of humor and a hidden, big heart. But what starts as a game to win Mary’s affection leaves Billy with a gut-wrenching choice: deceive the girl who may well be his first love or break a promise to his best friends.

At its heart, The Impossible Fortress is a tender exploration of young love, true friends, and the confusing realities of male adolescence—with a dash of old school computer programming.


Impressions
Tender moments and really funny read!

Fresh and fun, this story made me smile a few times. I even laugh out loud in the metro with the antics of these young men and their determination to read Playboy!
The author really captures your attention with his plot and the lovely way he is telling you his story.
It's old fashion, nostlagic, creative and sweet.

Really cool read!


Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Monday, December 12, 2016

One More Kiss by Samantha Chase


Summary
Matt Reed was living the dream until a bad career move sends him back to his hometown for much-needed privacy. Instead, he finds someone he never expected: the woman whose steamy kiss he remembers like it was yesterday.

Vivienne Forrester finally has her life in order... until Matt moves back to town. She doesn't want to think about the time she threw caution to the wind with him, but running into him everywhere, it's impossible not to... 

Impressions
A slice of life cliché but nice.

Matt is famous and getting out out control when Vivienne enters his life. Not her best memory. The second time is much much better and leads to take a chance on life and love.
Nothing special under the sun but it's a fun lovely romance.
One you will appreciate under a blanket with a hot chocolate!


Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Discover Your Master Chakra by Stephanie Larsen

Discover Your Master Chakra: Reveal the Source of Your Spiritual Gifts by Stephanie Larsen

Summary
Learn about the seven soul-ray colors and how each can be used to solve any problem you or your loved ones may encounter. Discover Your Master Chakra explores each soul-ray color in depth, how they correspond to the chakras, and how understanding them will improve your career, relationships, health, and more.

Impressions
Interesting!

I don't know a lot of things about chakras. Only the basics and what you learn at yoga. So it was an interesting read as you go through all the colors to detect your personality.
A bit difficult to real understand which color you are as some of my personality traits where in a bit of different colors.
I think I'm a blue drama queen with a bit of redish pain in the ass. And I also have the creativity of a purple.
If you want to discover more about you, have a look at this book!

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

A Honeyed Light by Freddie Milano

Summary
Kunal, relative newcomer to the strange town of Harmony, has his hands full preparing for Diwali. That should be enough to keep anyone's mind pre-occupied, but Kunal can't really ignore that he's nearly thirty, single, and still buried in the closet.

Out of town at a gay club one night, he bumps into Oscar, proprietor of Harmony's only sex shop, and figures his secret is now officially out. What he doesn't expect is a slow seduction, or to have to decide what it is he really wants in life. 

Impressions
Fun, fresh and well written!

Reading this book, you got all the ingredients for a great romance.
A nice scenery on the Diwali season. So you can learn about the celebration, the indian believes and traditions.
A nice duo who is touching and troubled. So when they start to fall for each other, as a reader you are already smiling.
And secondary characters, a bit strange but super cute. Add some ghosts and hot kisses and you are spending a great time with Kunal and Oscar.

A pleasant read nicely written.


Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Living Well on the Road by Linden Schaffer

Living Well on the Road: Health and Wellness for Travelers by Linden Schaffer

SummaryStressed out? Eating badly? Skipping the gym? Sleeping with your phone rather than your partner? Experiencing brain fog and lack of focus? Then this book is for you. Linden Schaffer was an overworked, stressed out, on-the-go professional who found time to refocus, recharge, recommit to wellness on the road. Now she is sharing her secrets, identifying the obstacles that keep you from experiencing true wellness and, with scientifically backed-data, showing how you too can learn to embrace wellness.

Learn what it feels like to recommit to the things that help us feel more energized, more focused, and more mindful of those activities in which we engage. Well on the Road helps readers to identify those areas of life that need recharging, and brings greater awareness to those in search of a way to find wellness, happiness, and overall well-being even as they move through their busy days. Whether on the road, in the office, or at home, any reader can find ways to dramatically improve their mental focus and physical wellness if they implement the ideas and advice found within these pages.

In Well on the Road, readers will find: .a practical real-world approach to understanding and managing your wellness .a researched and scientifically investigated how-to manual that encourages a healthier way to manage your lifestyle .personal accounts of how small changes can lead to major positive life changes .easy to implement tactics proven to reduce stress and sick days .increased productivity and creativity through refocused attention .feel-good experiences that take 5-minutes and release the stress and tension of your workday from body and mind"





Impressions
Mixed feelings!

I'm shaking my head just before writting my review. To be honest, I'm dissapointed. But at the same time, my attention has been caught and I've learned some tip.

I was happy to read about the author experiences as I recognise myself in the description. I was eager to find ways to live a better life.
Unfortunatelly, the first part of the book is like stating the obvious. Exercice, go to bed early and eat well. Ok, nothing new under the sun...

When I went through "sleep troubles", there was enough informations and references to make it interesting. Probably a bit superficial but interesting.
Too bad, the exercices part states once again the obvious.

So yes, this book is good for you if you are not already exercising, taking your car too much instead of walking and eating junk food instead of cooking.
I would have liked some advices for people who are already doing that and still feel tired and overwhelmed.

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Remember by Shannon Dermott


Summary
Fans of Twilight will love the world of angels, demons, vampires and shifters that Shannon Dermott has created. 

Sixteen-year-old, Charlize Daniels, is resigned to her place in the shadows until one day with a rush of death, she meets him. 

He’s everything she’s not. Tall with face like an angel, a mouth like a sinner, tattoos and piercings to rival those of rock gods, in one word, he’s cocky. And worse, he comes with his own personal fan club. 

Only their every meeting is suspect, leaving her to question why he only ever turns up when her life is headed south, backwards or upside down. His explanations are shady, and his hot and cold gives her whiplash. But his lips on hers burn and take her places she’s never been. 

If only she can trust him. If only he reveals what he really is? Then hopefully they won’t end up on opposite sides of a frienemy line, and she’s forced to take him down. Worse case, he’s already planned to take her out first. And not on a date, but in a dead kind of way. 



Impressions

Interesting new series!

This first opus is taking it sweet time to reveal its secrets.
You have to wait until the last part of the story to understand what kind of supernatural beings you are dealing with.
So, if you are not patient, don't worry.
First, you will be able to enjoy a love triangle.
However, I was not really a fan of the way Charlie has understood fer fate as if she was just a piece of meat. Not a fan also of waiting so long to discover the beast she is hidding.

But the read is nice and I've turned the pages without getting bored so for me it's enough.
Enjoy!

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

What's a Soulmate by Lindsey Ouimet

Summary
Libby Carmichael has just met her Soulmate. It’s just too bad he’s behind bars.

When you only see the world in black and white until you meet yours, it's pretty simple to figure out when you’ve found your Soulmate. What Libby can't figure out is why fate/destiny/the powers-that-be have decided that Andrew McCormack is her one, true match. Libby is smart, organized, and always has a plan for what's coming next. So when she sees Andrew for the first time and her world is instantly filled with color, she's thrown for a loop.

Namely because he's in a dingy grey jumpsuit.

And handcuffs.

And being booked into a juvenile detention facility.

Surely a boy who's been convicted of a headline-making, violent crime isn't the person she’s meant to be with. There's no way she belongs with someone like that... Right? 



Impressions
Wow...Surprisingly cute and tough at the same time.

Even if I don't believe about the soulmate crap, the author was able to sell me a really cool story. One that made me wish it was true and that happy endings were possible.

I've liked her characters, especially Libby. Was less a fan of Andrew. Even if the end is a little too on the fairy tale side, it is a good story well written with emotions that reach you every time you go visit Andrew in jail.

I've appreciated the gloomy atmosphere and the author's imagination.
Great discovery!



Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Force of Temptation by Suzanne Wright


Force of Temptation by Suzanne Wright
Mercury Pack, Book 2

Summary
Harley Vincent is resigned to life in the human world. Sure, being a margay shifter is half her nature, but life among humans gives her the freedom to roam and do as she pleases. That is, until anti-shifter extremists target her, putting her life in immediate danger.

When an old acquaintance and onetime fling, Jesse Dalton, shows up to offer the protection of his pack, Harley hesitates. She may have feelings for Jesse that go beyond their one-night stand, but life among shifters means giving over her independence to the needs of pack. Plus Mercury Pack has its own threat to face: a rich half-shifter is determined to claim their territory at any cost.

Jesse, who lost his true mate as a child, has wanted Harley since their night together, and he’s not letting her go again. They may not be destined for each other, but he knows she belongs to him and with his pack. Even if he can convince her to join him now, can he convince her to stay?


Impressions
A good one like always!

I've discovered Suzanne Wright's writting skills with her "Phoenix Pack" series and haven't missed one of her release since then. This author mixed supernatural, sexy hot scenes with dominant male characters and super funny bad tempered cute ladies.

And Harley fit perfectly the description. She has had tough life, has a heavy past to deal with but she has a determination of steel and is very loyal with the ones she cares about.
Jesse is on the neanderthal path of the gentleman but he is sexy as hell. Add threats, some fights and you have a recipe for a sympathic read.

Ok, maybe it's a too serious volume compare to the others. Less humor and less moments when you smile. Probably because dominic was less present too! ;-)

If you haven't read any previous books, it's not a problem. The author has a great way of bringing you up to date with all the couples and members of the pack.

Can't wait for the next volume to go out!






The Mercury Pack by Suzanne Wright

Spiral of Need Vol 1 





Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

The Freemason's Daughter by Shelley Sackier

Summary
The Outlander series for the YA audience—a debut, full of romance and intrigue, set in early eighteenth-century Scotland.

Saying good-bye to Scotland is the hardest thing that Jenna MacDuff has had to do—until she meets Lord Pembroke. Jenna’s small clan has risked their lives traveling the countryside as masons, secretly drumming up support and arms for the exiled King James Stuart to retake the British throne. But their next job brings them into enemy territory: England.

Jenna’s father repeatedly warns her to trust no one, but when the Duke of Keswick hires the clan to build a garrison on his estate, it seems she cannot hide her capable mind from the duke’s inquisitive son, Lord Alex Pembroke—nor mask her growing attraction to him. But there’s a covert plan behind the building of the garrison, and soon Jenna must struggle not only to keep her newfound friendship with Alex from her father, but also to keep her father’s treason from Alex. 

Will Jenna decide to keep her family’s mutinous secrets and assist her clan’s cause, or protect the life of the young noble she’s falling for? 

In Shelley Sackier’s lush, vivid historical debut, someone will pay a deadly price no matter which choice Jenna makes.




Impressions
Treachery, conspiracy, secrets, obligations, rangs, love betrayal...You don't have time to get bored!

It's not an easy read as there is a lot going on in this story. First, the reader needs to understand the different plots to appreciate the romantic part of the story.
Jenna is in the middle of something she doesn't understand but her heart will lead her into trouble. She will have to make heavy choices between family, believes and friendship. One bad decision and everybody will be discovered and put in danger.

Would have loved for the heroine to be less in the dark and more part of the main plot. But otherwise, it's a great read full of mistery with a cute romance.


Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Friday, November 11, 2016

A Christmas Day at the Office by Matt Dunn

Summary
One office, five lives, on the most romantic day of the year.

One Christmas party. Two merging companies. Free-flowing champagne. What could possibly go wrong?

With her new billionaire boss in town, Sophie’s determined to swap the No-Jobs she meets on Tinder for her very own Steve Jobs. But will looking like a million dollars be enough to kick-start a Fifty Shades adventure?

A ring in his pocket and dressed to kill, Calum’s planning to get down on one knee. Though if Mia doesn’t say ‘yes’, he’s not sure he’ll ever get back up.

Julie’s got a surprise for Mark—though it’s something she’s not even sure she wants. Meanwhile, Mark’s got another choice to make: the love of his life, or the opportunity of a lifetime?

With his job on the line, and the ex who broke his heart back on the scene, Nathan’s day is becoming a nightmare. But he’s about to meet the woman of his dreams.

This year’s office Christmas party should be a night to remember—but for five of Seek Software’s employees, it might be one they’d sooner forget.

Impressions
I was not embarked by the story of the characters.

The synopsis was cool and I was looking for an easy romance to put my nose into as it's freezing here.
Tons of people that the author tells you about. Hard to bond and to be moved when you don't have time to like them or even build a relationship. Usually I don't mind but in case of a romance, I prefer to feel something. Here, I've received no emotions.
The words are well written and the plot has potential. But it's a bit cold in the emotions part.

Sorry it hasn't been for my liking.

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell

Summary
London, 1821

Lord Robert Dennington, the Marquess of Westfield, has long reveled in the freedom afforded him as the ducal heir. He knows he must someday do right by the Somerset line, but he’s in no hurry to give up his carefree existence.

Helena Banbury is a bookkeeper in a gentleman’s gambling club, adept at analyzing numbers and accounts but helpless for lack of influence. She’s never belonged among the nobility on the gaming hell floors, but neither does she feel completely herself among the men who run the Hell and Sin Club, despite the fact that they are family. The once-illiterate girl from the streets wants more than the gilded walls her protective cage can offer.


When Robert mistakenly enters her chambers one night, Helena is forced out of her predictable life and thrust into the glittering world of Society. Will the charms of the marquess prove more perilous than any danger she ever knew on the streets?

Impressions
A fun, wicked romance.
One I had some great time reading on a rainy sunday afternoon. The male character is a ogue but a cute one with the manners of a gentleman.
As for Helena, she wants freedom and some life experimentations. She has a temper and will make you smile.

Light, fun read. Perfect for this winter.

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Your Shelf Nothingness : Philosophical Insights into Psychology Ditte Winther-Lindqvist, Jytte Bang, Jaan Valsiner

Summary
This book addresses nothingness as not only the untangible presence of an emotional, cultural, social, or even political void that is felt on an existential level, but has some solid foundations in reality. The death of a loved one, the social isolation of an individual, or the culture shock one may experience in another country are examples of situations in which an external sense of absence mirrors an internal psychological and philosophical sense of nothingness.



Not much has been explicitly written on nothingness in the history of psychology. On the other hand, nothingness seems to be implicitly embedded in many scholars' work. This duality of explicitly and implicitly expressed ideas about nothingness reveals how psychology finds inspiration in philosophy, and vice versa. The book aims to illustrate how the concept of the presence of absence--nothingness--fills a void in contemporary psychological theorizing. 




Impressions
Nothingness was a feeling I was experiencing without being able to properly explain it to people without them thinking I was a nutcase.

When I've spotted this book, I was really excited and curious about what I will learn. And I was not disappointed, as you have great informations on the philosophical, social and psychological aspects of Nothingness.

It is an impressive work of thoughts that lead you to reflect on different aspects of your life and society.

After each chapters, you also have a bibliography with all the references. A great help if you want to know more about a subject.

Probably not a read for the beach but a very good one to give some food to your brain.
I've really enjoyed it!

Quote

"Nothingness, is not simply « nothing », it is the presence of the absence." 


About the authors

Ditte Winther-Lindqvist is associate professor of psychology at Aarhus University. She is a scholar occupied with phenomena central to the development of children and young people from a point of view of lived experience.

Jytte Bang is associate professor of psychology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She is interested in developmental psychology and developmental science with a focus on ecological and cultural-historical perspectives.

Jaan Valsiner is editor of Transaction's History and Theory of Psychology series.

Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

The Master Communicator's Handbook by Teresa Erickson and Tim Ward

Summary
This book is for people who want to change the world. Here’s the challenge: it’s impossible to change the world all by yourself.
To have an impact, you need to communicate. In these pages, we share with you what we’ve learned over 30 years as professional communicators and advisors to leaders of global organizations. We seek to move each client from competence to excellence.
As authors, our goal is to give you the tools you need to become the most effective and powerful communicator you can be.
We want you to become a catalyst for transformation. We want you to discover that you have the potential to change the world.


Impressions
You have a presentation to do? A speech to give in front of an audience? An article or a text to write and you want it to have an impact? Then, this book is great for you.

Through simple advices and communication tip, it will help you to be more at ease when you have to face people or questions.

Personnaly, if I've liked the easy way it has been formulated, I was expecting something more than just superficial tip about body language and communication structured plan.
I will say that it covers all the aspects, if communication is not your forte and not your discipline.

Great to read if you want to boost your confidence and convey better your ideas.


Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Sushi: Jiro Gastronomy by Jirō Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto

Summary
An authoritative guide on how to eat sushi by master chef Jiro Ono, subject of the award-winning documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.


Succinct yet comprehensive, this little jewel of a book takes you through the seasonal offerings at Ono’s famed restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro. Descriptions of each type of sushi, featuring commentary from master Ono, are accompanied by beautiful full-page photography. You’ll learn the seasons in which the sushi is best served, the correct methods of eating it with either fingers or chopsticks, and how and when to use condiments.

Small, portable, and stylish, Sushi: Jiro Gastronomy is the distillation of a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and a great gift for sushi lovers everywhere.


Impressions
Awesome!

I'm a fan of sushis, all Asian dishes and Japanese culture. So when I've seen a book about sushis from Jiro Ono, the three-Michelin-starred chef, I was really curious.
The book is yummy!

Lot of beautiful pictures. The food is delicately and elegantly put in display and it becomes pieces of art.
I've also liked the descriptions. You will learn about the fish, the way it's cooked or some other informations given by the chef. It really puts you in a mood for some sushis.

At the end, a "do or don't" way of eating the sushis. It was funny as I'm always enjoying them with some soy sauce...a huge...no no! LOL!

If you like food as a creative art, this book of suhis will transport you!

About the chef
Jiro Ono is the chef and owner of the Michelin three-starred restaurant Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. Born in Shizuoka Prefecture on the coast of Japan, master Ono began apprenticing at a young age. In 1965 he opened Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro, widely considered to be one of the best sushi restaurants in the world, and in 2011 he was the subject of the award-winning documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.


Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The Adventures of Katie Button by Lizzie Koch

Summary
What happens when your dreams collide with reality? 

Katie Button doesn’t believe in soulmates. When charismatic Jack Masterson asks her out on a date, despite him being her new boss alongside his more aloof brother, James, she agrees. 

But her romantic dreams about a dashing highwayman, heroic gladiator and Tudor lord are becoming more frequent. And, worryingly, they feel real. She remembers every detail, every touch, every kiss. Until she realises the man in her dreams is James. 

But Katie doesn’t even like James. And what about Jack, who is whisking her away for sexy mini breaks in the here and now? 

Katie knows she needs to put an end to her dreams before they ruin her life. But how? 



Impressions
I was looking for a light read to be entertained. And this story was easy to enjoy and to appreciate but a little too plain for my taste.

The main character, Katie, is nice. She has something, a fire inside her, but is depicted as a doormat. So it was difficult to really appreciate her. Even when she doesn't want to stay with a guy, she still sleep with him. Ok...

As for the plot, it was too flat, too even. Would have loved some action. And the romantic part is rushed.

Can't say the story is bad, because you will read it easily, but I will forget it quickly.

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Awakening from the Daydream David Nichtern

Summary
Hell realms, gods, and hungry ghosts—these are just a few of the images on the Buddhist wheel of life. In Awakening from the Daydream, discover how these ancient symbols are still relevant to our modern life.

In Awakening from the Daydream, meditation teacher David Nichtern reimagines the ancient Buddhist allegory of the Wheel of Life. Famously painted at the entryway to Buddhist monasteries, the Wheel of Life encapsulates the entirety of the human situation. In the image of the Wheel we find a teaching about how to make sense of life and how to find peace within an uncertain world.

Nichtern writes with clarity and humor, speaking to our contemporary society and its concerns and providing simple practical steps for building a mindful, compassionate, and liberating approach to living. 




Impressions
In Awakening from the Daydream, I've been surprised as how the concepts and ideas are easy and clear to understand.

It has giving me a lot of food for my brain.

The explanations of the 6 realms are comprehensible and make you think of your own behaviours. It's perfect if you want to take a look at yourself and to change.

A really good book ! I've been amazed at its clarity and all the great thoughts it has awakened in me.
Very happy to have read it!

Quotes

"We are rarely, if ever, aware of how much our own mental habits fabricate and distort our experience of life. We do not see the situation clearly. It's as if we wear special glasses made of all of our thoughts, feelings, impulses, and so on, which color and distort how we see our lives. "


"In fact, every aspect of our lives, is governed by impermanence."

"When we lose something we want, we suffer. When we gain something we don't want, we suffer. When we vacillate between wanting to get something and wanting to get rid of something, we suffer. Underneath all of this is a vague feeling of uncertainty about the whole situation, which is another  kind of suffering - the suffering of existential stress or anxiety."



Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

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