2012 January Reading Challenge

[Jennifer]

It's a new year, and everyone is thinking about resolutions. So here's one for you: Read a self-improvement book and review it for us on this thread. What counts as self-improvement? Whether it's about Pilates, spirituality, or small appliance repair, there are lots of ways to improve yourself. You tell us! Let us know how your book made you a better person and what you thought of it. As always, participants will be entered in a prize drawing at the end of the month.

[Samantha]

I will definitely do this... I am reading a sort of "self improvement" book about writing fiction well. Does that count? Perhaps I will also suggest a self improvement book for my online book club to read later in the year (January's book has already been decided.)

[Britt, Book Habitue]

Hmmm... I don't usually read that kind of stuff... we'll see. :)

I picked up a whole stack of Reader's Choice books the other day, though.

[Timothy]

Reader's Choice books improve your chances of winning a gift certificate.

[Jennifer]

Timothy Patrick wrote: "Reader's Choice books improve your chances of winning a gift certificate."

That's very true. Also, I think you can make a pretty good case that fiction improves you - at least the good ones!

[April]

I found an interesting Organizing book. I will probably read that.

[Vicki]

I guess you could say that my self improvement book is the scriptures. Other than that, I don't read a lot of self improvement type books.

[Jennifer]

Vicki wrote: "I guess you could say that my self improvement book is the scriptures. Other than that, I don't read a lot of self improvement type books."

LOL- that works. But this is a good opportunity to stretch a bit too! Try something you've never done before!

[Vicki]

If I get the time, maybe I will.

[Caitie]

I'm starting The Happiest Toddler on the Block soon. Does that count as self-improvement?

[Jennifer]

Caitie wrote: "I'm starting The Happiest Toddler on the Block soon. Does that count as self-improvement?"

Well, I'm sure you'll benefit as much as your toddler, so it definitely counts!

[JoAnn]

I picked up several books on parenting special needs children and helping kids adjust to an adoption. I hope that'll work.

[Jennifer]

JoAnn wrote: "I picked up several books on parenting special needs children and helping kids adjust to an adoption. I hope that'll work."
Absolutely! By the way, I don't know if you'd be interested, but Kearns Library does offer a storytime specifically for special needs children. It's geared toward kids with autism, but is great for a variety of special needs situations. I believe it's the only one in the state. Here's the link to our calendar: http://host.evanced.info/slco/evanced...

[Vicki]

I got "My Yoga Studio" for my Kindle. It's not a book, per se, but it is for self improvement. It looks interesting!

[Becky]

I read The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Arewhich was a terrific short read packed with things for me to work on, real, concrete things, such as finding a creative outlet, time to rest and play, etc. Highly recommended!

[Jenny]

I also read The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, recommended by Becky (who is my real life friend, not just an online friend!). It was wonderful. As she said, it gives concrete ways to make your life happier and better and to not be so hard on yourself. It is based on her research and I found it so helpful...now to just apply what I've learned. :) That's always the hardest part.

[Vicki]

I foumd something to read. It's 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven, Ph.D. I got it as an ebook for my iphone! I think it will be an interesting read.

[Jennifer]

Okay, all- one more day to post to be included in our drawing. If you want to win, make sure I can see your profile or send me an email through mine. Otherwise I can't contact you. Thanks!

[Erin]

I am struggling to get through How to Want What You Have: Discovering the Magic and Grandeur of Ordinary Existence. It has some good take away points, but also some confusing religious aspects and lots of psychology. I'm looking forward to February's challenge!

[Becky]

I finally finished Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project It was helpful and enjoyable.

[Jeana]

Becky wrote: "I finally finished Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project It was helpful and enjoyable."

I read that one a little bit ago and really enjoyed it. I think it's time to re-read it though. I didn't follow through as well as I would have liked.

[Havilah]

I read the Readers Choice book My Year with Eleanor: A Memoir. It's not an official self-improvement book, but it really did inspire me to make more effort on doing things that are out of my comfort zone. There's a lot of stuff about fear and how to deal with it. It's great. I highly recommend it!

[Vanessa]

I read Organic Body Care Recipes. I hope that counts? I've been trying to improve my skin (which took the brunt of a middle-aged-lady hormone storm last year) and cutting out synthetic chemicals and packaging. I started reading The Joy Diet as well.

[Jennifer]

Congratulations to Vicki, this month's challenge drawing winner! Remember to participate in February's challenge for another chance to win.