Beyond Talent

From the publisher: People everywhere are proving him right. Read the headlines, watch the highlights, or just step out your front door: Some talented people reach their full potential, while others self-destruct or remain trapped in mediocrity. What makes the difference? Maxwell, the go-to guru for business professionals across the globe, insists that the choices people make--not merely the skills they inherit--propel them to greatness.

I had heard of John C. Maxwell from my mentor in high school but had never actually picked up on of his books. This book was great. Each chapter held your attention, allowing the reader to be engaged and hopeful for what they could potentially do with their talent. What I really appreciated about the book was that at the end of each chapter he had a very practical application to get the reader on task to what the chapter had been talking about. The “application exercises” is what I feel really made this book great. Theory and ideas by authors are great to read but when an author makes it very practical that is when a book becomes great.

I would recommend this book to anyone—especially if you have a dream that you want to become a reality.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Please Stop Laughing at Me...

From the publisher: This powerful, unforgettable memoir chronicles how one child was shunned--and even physically abused--by her classmates from elementary school through high school. It is an unflinching look at what it means to be the outcast, how even the most loving parents can get it all wrong, why schools are often unable to prevent disaster, and how bullying has been misunderstood and mishandled by the mental health community.

Please Stop Laughing at Me definitely kept the reader’s attention. I wanted to see if her next school, or new situation would help change the horrible cycle Jodee found herself in. As a teacher the book challenged me to continue to take seriously what my students say and to be ever aware of bullying. Something I struggled with in the book was how it seemed impossible to stop the cycle of abuse that she was in because it came from her having morals and standing up for what was right. Her mature stance was what most parents would want from a child, especially going through all the temptations of high school. Yet, as the book progressed it seemed that the “normal” things that “everyone was doing” was what Jodee craved. As a Christian it was hard for me to read about her excitement over a boy’s sexual interest to her as a positive thing. The book makes you want Jodee to fit in and be normal that when things are progressing with her boyfriend in ways that aren’t appropriate, as the reader you almost are happy with her. I struggled with that.

It was still an interesting story that should make teachers, physicians, and parents really take a look at what is going on in students’ lives and evaluate how they are responding.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”