11 Best Joan Didion Book To Start With (2023 Updated)

This may be the best book written to date solely dedicated to the attempt to describe the loss of a spouse or other person with whom you experience true intimacy. Joan has expressed in words many of the experiences I have had since my Help Meet died 21 months ago.

I wouldve written a book with many of Joans experiences if I werent destroyed by Grief in my first Year of Magical Thinking. Dont be mislead by the books title: Joan has a wicked and satirical sense of humor.

You may read other reviews less positive than mine and that is OK. One reviewer was unhappy with Joan because her life has been one of privilege. Joan will express some experiences in the light of the life she has lived.

Try to understand her feelings: indescribable pain with love and joy. A recommended read for any thinking human being.

Like the author Joan Didion, my husband died suddenly almost 3 years ago. I thought it would be helpful for me to get another widow’s perspective. While I never did things hoping that my husband would “magically” come back, I could relate very deeply to the majority of what Ms.

Didion was describing. Most of the time while reading the book, I found myself nodding and acknowledging that I felt the exact same way as Ms. Didion: “Yes, that happened to me!” “Yes, that’s what I did!” “Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking!” “Yes, that’s exactly how I felt!” I was so moved by “The Year of Magical Thinking” that I am going to a one-woman play adaptation of it in the near future.

Highly recommended to anyone who is dealing with the unexpected loss of a beloved spouse.

I found the book to be a good read, although she did chop and change from past to present, which I sometimes found confusing. Once I got into her style of writing the balance of the book was informative.

I have recently lost my husband in a similar way and found her feelings a great help, hence I have passed the book onto a friend who will be losing her husband to, due to heart failure.

This book is compelling as a concept for sales promotion, building a company and staying in the market. Personally, my sales promotion and presentations have been changed as a result of this book. Another review will have to be on my results.

It is a good book to read especially if you are starting a business. It gives you case studies on what happened to companies when they did this or that. I noticed the author mostly used the Apple Company as an example.

Overall, the book does provoke businesses to question marketing strategy and consumer perception of the organization. I did find the content interesting and easy to read; although a bit repetitive for my taste.

The concept of consumer connection to a purpose driven business, while not spelled out, is sound and a power method of building brand loyalty.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle is an inspiring read for a certain set of Mothers to reflect and value themselves, whilst enjoying every other aspect of their lives. I found it an easy flowing, well written read of 333 pages.

Some of the author’s choices and views rank far from my own. I found her memoir impelling, yet unrelatable as she presented it. I will not share more, so as not to spoil your reading experience. Save for this, I enjoyed the first third of the book better than the remaining.

Three stars here because this book is a revealing memoir that is not in my usual genre and I cannot, in good faith recommend it. I won this hardcover of Untamed in a Random House Sweepstakes, back in 2020.

I have read it twice since. #RandomHouse #books Untamed – by Glennon Doyle (Hardcover) Untamed – by Glennon Doyle (Hardcover).

The chapters were a page and a half each and each had a different story. I only read about a quarter. I am assuming it all come together at the end for a profound meaning, but I found the stopping and starting of chapters hard to wrap my head around and I got bored.

Not may books I havent finished. Too long of chapters is also horrible. But year, this book was very hard to read for me.

Stop pleasing others and live your life! This is the main message throughout the book. A great account of how this lady managed to transform her life by changing her thoughts and behaviour. Sent as a gift from my daughter, I have purchased a further copy to send to my sister.

A great message for all I feel. The religious elements were not really for me but I can understand why they were important to the author. A great read and would highly recommend.

Seems like a good book with worthwhile help however the inability to read it on a decent platform like kindle if one only gets book electronically is a major drawback. I really dislike the Glose platform and resent having to download yet another app in order to read or use this book.

This platform has no capability to use the journal areas as intended despite repeatedly asking for “your response here”. This makes the purchase of the workbook and journal a waste of money. I’d give this fewer stars but I don’t want to punish Lysa for bad decisions on the part of her publisher.

Very well done. Seems to be more pointed at women being hurt and wronged than men. Being one who had his wife blind side him with divorce papers (after stopping at the bank and emptying all bank accounts it goes both ways.

And adding to the hurt discovering that she had been direct depositing 60% of her salary into her own private account since the first month and then paying twice as much on her charges from the joint account than she was depositing.

And this is a BSF small group leader, Kathy Starnes. Much to forgive, but as the sessions describe I must forgive if I expect God’s forgiveness to me. Which is most of what I have left to count on.

Pretty disappointed that no where in the description on Zulily was it made clear that this book was heavy with a religious, guilt and shame driven christian perspective. The pages, however, worked great for fire starter for camping trips.

I’ll google any books I see on Zulily in the future to make sure to not waste money on something like this again.

Masterfully arranged, the story of Willa Forsythe (a thief and violin prodigy) is a song that will fill your heart. It’s dramatic with plenty of tension & dynamics, soothing & heart-rending in the soft, tender moments, & generously accented with playful, snappy interludes, while a beautiful, sincere theme of redemption & hope flows throughout the entire piece.

Willa is the kind of heroine I LOVE in a story – strong, quick-witted, independent, passionate, funny, & a bit stubborn, & she’s perfectly matched for just the right spark by the hero, Lukas. As an oh-so-smooth but still somehow sweetly adorable ladies’ man, Lukas’s quips & lines as he banters with a determined-not-to-swoon-over-him Willa had me smiling throughout the book.

Of course, as always, Roseanna writes a story about much more than just blushes & romantic overtures. Both main characters have their own internal conflicts as well as brushes with darker, more nefarious persons and the danger they tend to bring with them.

And they both face turning points in their faith, or lack thereof. I’m always impressed with how realistically & honestly Roseanna can write God’s gentle drawing of a person’s heart, all the seeds of His love & forgiveness that other people plant & water in them along the way.

As if a captivating plot, remarkable characters; and a spiritual message that bolsters your faith weren’t enough (and really, those just seem to be the standard I expect from her anymore), Roseanna makes my little bookworm heart sing with her clever turns of phrase, vivid wording, & creative writing style.

This book seemed to be especially inspired with little unique descriptions & analogies hidden throughout. It confirmed yet again that Roseanna’s own genius & passion are definitely in crafting intriguing, unforgettable tales.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

A Song Unheard, by Roseanna M. White, is the second book in the amazing Shadows over England series. Set in Great Britain and Belgium at the beginning of the twentieth century, A Song Unheard is an absolutely stunning historical fiction novel.

With each carefully chosen word and phrase, Ms. White has succeeded in composing a well-written story that is surprisingly unique, wholly intriguing, and intensely compelling. With great skill, thorough research, and thoughtful insight, Ms.

White arranges elements of history, mystery, suspense, danger, deception, romance, faith, and music so that they flow together harmoniously and create an immensely satisfying story that is utterly enjoyable, touching, and thought-provoking.

Ms. White’s incredible talent as a writer is fully displayed through her symphony of characters. Not only are they genuinely sympathetic in their frailties and failures, but they are also deeply compelling as they struggle to overcome their insecurities, face their fears, and pursue their dreams.

They are truly inspiring as they grapple with their desires, wrestle with their doubts, and develop their faith. Like a cherished melody remembered and revisited, the characters and their experiences are unforgettable and moving long after the book has ended.

I enthusiastically recommend this novel. Ms. White is a gifted author and her books always provide a very enjoyable and satisfying reading experience. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.

A review was not required. The review I have freely written, whether positive or negative, contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This novel is set during WWI, a period that I haven’t read a lot about. But White does an excellent job of placing the reader firmly within that time in history with details incorporated into the setting and dialogue, as well as using key differences to highlight how many decisions people made at this time were literally about life and death.

Modern conveniences we take for granted are absent, leaving gaping holes in communication, for example. This creates characters who are simultaneously different from us, but similar in ways that matter even more: family, struggle, loss, and faith give us commonality.

I love how this particular story gives us characters with very unique abilities. From our heroine who plays the violin by ear to those with crazy math abilities that give them an advantage in developing or deciphering code, the insight into a mind much different than my own is fascinating.

Perhaps the best part of the character development, however, is how these people are also shown as fallible human beings, who despite their incredible skills, are as flawed as the rest of us. The spiritual component is well-written, too.

Both the main characters begin the book as skeptics, despite those who have poured into their lives before the opening lines. Moments of sharing lead to contemplation, often followed by unbelief tempered with respect for the other viewpoint.

The resistance seems natural, but along the way, the desire to trust in the same God who provides the only solid ground in the war-torn world becomes irresistible and a beautiful picture of both surrender and profound blessing.

As always, White expertly crafts her novel in layers of mystery, plot, complex characters, and a thoroughly researched historical setting. Add in a great romance and a touch of humor to keep things from getting too heavy, and this book is the best I have read so far this year! I highly recommend it to any reader who loves a great story! I received this product from the publisher.

I purchased this, as most other items, in store. The Big First Grade Workbook by School Zone covers a lot of material, from Language Arts to Math. My son is homeschooled and currently in second grade.

However, this workbook has been a wonderful aid for review and helping him remember skills he learned last year, a refresher course if you want to call it such. I purchased it for his first grade year, but we didnt have a chance to use it.

There is plenty of pages set up for writing answers, which is good practice for that penmanship. Addition and subtraction sections are helping him memorize his facts better as he has struggled getting them down.

There is also an answer key in the back to check all the little ones work. I highly recommend this and other Work Zone materials as they have proved wonderful study aids and a great addition to our curriculum.

Wonderful learning book. I got this as a refresher before my kiddo begins 1st grade. She loves working through the different pages.

Engaging and colourful illustrations throughout. Exercises seem challenging enough, and my 6 year old is able to do them with minimal assistance. Overall, a helpful tool during these turbulent times with the fate of traditional schooling out the window.

I wasn’t that impressed with the quality of the book. It was labeled “good” condition. It ended up being a library book that seemed to have been read a thousand times. Most of the pages were worn and had folds.

Even some stains on the pages. I appreciate being able to buy used books for less, but I wish the quality was better defined in the descriptions. I would have given my book an “acceptable” condition.

Be wary of the condition descriptions.

This book is amazing! I bought this for my 8 yr old daughter who is going through some tough times controlling her anger. We’ve tried many ideas of our own before to attempt to stop her going into full blown tantrums with very little lasting effect.

This book is great as she can read it easily herself, although we sit and read a chapter in bed each night together. She doesn’t feel so alone with her feelings and she loves that the book is describing what’s in her head exactly.

It has practical ways of stopping the anger get out of control which she is now employing and is on her way to 10 knots (you’ll understand when you read the book!). This is the first time she has felt able to try and sort it out and for that I’m very grateful to the authors.

It’s based on cognitive behavioural therapy so actually works and there are lots of bits in the book for them to write their own thoughts and examples in so it’s really interactive. It’s not gender specific and would appeal to either boys or girls and uses some great analogies to explain anger and how it gets out of control eg driving a car.

If you are struggling with an ‘angry child’ please try this book.

Item is proving to be a much needed resource for challenging situations and can actually be used with a growing child when explaining circumstances and consequences as a result of anger build up. It can prove to be a calming mechanism drawing attention to the issue and not exacerbating the anger.

I do love this book. I use it daily, morning, noon and night. I would give it 5 stars but for the fact that pages start falling out of it after several months of use. I have purchased 2 of the leather bound with the gold ribbon marker.

Pages began falling out of the first one though I never used it in any harsh way, like trying to flatten it while open. I now have a section of at least 10 pages separated from the binding. I purchased a 2nd one, hoping this problem was just a fluke.

Now the second one has pages coming loose. For the price of the book it should be bound in a way that would hold up to daily use instead of the cut and glued type of binding. Or use a better glue. I am sure that the “folded page” type of binding would last much better for what this book is designed for in usage.

I do LOVE the prayers in this book and the look of the book it self. But the binding. such a disappointment.

I was guided to this book to become closer with God. It has done that and so much more. Like the book says, God is happy to give us benefit of these prayers if we will humble ourselves to ask for them.

I keep a copy with me at all times and will always do so.

I really love this prayer book. It has the best of all the prayer I say and in one convieny place. This book is the best book I have had. They have finally put enough space on the page to open it up without causing it to loosen the page.

This review was first published on Kurt’s Frontier. Synopsis: Ella and Miro are orphaned brother and sister. Each struggle to achieve their dreams. Ella is studying to be an enchantress. She is learning to work with essence, the deadliest substance on their world.

It is the source of magic and magical construction. Miro is learning to be a bladesinger, who are the world’s deadliest swordsmen. They use enchanted weapons to defend their homeland. When the emperor’s army moves against the high lords, Miro goes to the front.

A charming rogue named Killian fills the space left by her brother. But Killian has a secret, and Ella’s choices will have far-reaching consequences. Review: James Maxwell has written, what can be termed, an epic fantasy.

One the plus end, the author did give a lot of thought to the magic system of the world. Essence is used for the magic. It is used to inscribe ruins onto things. Enchanters can make magic items. Illusionists can create illusions.

Just don’t get the essence on your skin. The action is intense and exciting. The characters are mostly well thought out. The book does tend to be episodic. Because the author is dealing with long stretches of time, this stands to reason.

The end did get dangerously close to being deus ex machina. The author skirted this by the skin of his teeth. Not a bad read, though if you check the other reviews, not for everyone. I’m curious to read the next book.

I love all the books in the immortal Nicolas Flamel. This was the last one I didn’t have in my collection. Nicolas and the twins must get his wife off alcatraz, find Scatty and keep the codex from John Dee.

Destruction ensues everywhere!.

I was happy to find that Wal-Mart had this book for only 11. 99 while everywhere else it was 18. 99. The book ended on a completely predictable note and nothing seemed truly solved to me. Too many loose ends.

Overall, disappointed with the book and series (I feel like I’ve wasted so much time) but I guess it was worth the price compared to the big book stores. I would recommend this book series only if you’re bored with nothing to do, though it does have some interesting ideas.

I just bought this for my seven year old son to help build some foundations for him. I was nervous that he wasn’t going to like learning about spending, saving, giving, etc. but boy was I wrong! The stories in the adventure pack story book are so clever, cute and well written! My son was captivated by them and asked me many times to read them again! He even loved using the workbook and coloring in the pages and doing the activities! The lessons inside the workbook are so great and even at 7 I feel like he is understanding these concepts because Dave really knows how to take something complicated and explain it so that everyone, even a seven year old, can understand! I love the piggy bank that came with the pack! It’s so cute and creative and so are the envelopes! My son loves using his envelopes! The chore chart is great because you can stick it to your fridge! It comes with some magnets that already have chores on them but it also is a white board and comes with a little whiteboard marker and eraser! This is a hit because my seven year old loves to write and it makes Pay Day even more fun for him because he gets to update his board, count his check marks, and then erase the old check marks to make room for the coming week! Great product! Very well made! So happy I bought it! Would recommend to everyone and anyone!.

Hi! I have begun reading the Jr’s Adventure book to my boys (ages 7 and 9) and I’m beyond thrilled that they are enjoying it so much! The book is broken up into short stories and I’ve intentionally decided to read each story on different days to give them some time to reflect on the lesson being taught.

I’m thrilled to see them both thumbing through the book at random times, reading ahead and asking when we can read the next story together. My youngest son has ADD and I’m happily shocked that he has been completely engaged and sitting still reading with us for the duration of each story! I’m very happy with this set! Thank you for mindfully making such a wonderful book and kit for helping me as a parent teach my children the money lessons they need to know, while creating a very positive family experience together.

I have not even revealed the game or the banks yet as my intention is to read the book with them first, but I’m very much looking forward to it! Thank you!!! Melissa Noble.

My five year old just started to learn about money. We noticed he didn’t feel the impact of spending his money. We would tell him know when we knew he’d regret a purchase but he wasn’t learning this himself.

I knew it was time to go back to my roots and see what material Dave had for my kids. The bank is so helpful, to visually see his money and see the consequences of the spend side shrinking is helping him to feel the impact.

My wife and I are excited for him to learn how to handle something as important as this early on. The book has been great too. The lessons are a deep but there is much on a surface someone so young can take from it too.

Thanks Dave’s team for putting this great resource together and impacting the next generation!.

This is one of those books everyone should read now matter the age. Can’t wait for my granddaughter to be old enough to read this. Wonderful life lessons.

During this virus time with grandchildren and grandarents kept apart it was lovely to be able to send an avid bookworm grandchild an old time favorite.

This is a wonderful story for readers young and old.