Category: Adult Nonfiction Review

REVIEW: Speaking by the Numbers by Sean Palmer

REVIEW: Speaking by the Numbers by Sean Palmer

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and IVP in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The book introduces the Enneagram and the author’s premise and then digs into stances (dependent – 1, 2,6; aggressive – 3, 7, 8; withdrawing – 4, 5, 9). Within the stances sections he talks a little about orientation to time and a lot about repressed centers. From there he talks about the importance of raising repressed centers and ties that into speech-making (teaching, sermons, speeches, etc.). Each stance section includes the text of a speech and tips for speakers in that stance.

Review

This is an interesting approach to the Enneagram and a valuable niche to explore. I’ve not read an Enneagram resource from this angle before. This is definitely a second-tier resource. I would not hand this to an Enneagram novice. This will make more sense to individuals who understand not only their own number but the basics of the Enneagram as a whole. Stance information is helpful, too, although this does provide more information on that level.

This didn’t go as deep as I was hoping when I first asked to read it. Large sections of the book are taken up by the three speeches, one for each stance, that the author includes to show a technique to help raise a certain center. I would have enjoyed this more and gotten more out of it if those speeches had at least been annotated. Even better might have been a lot more shorter examples or even one section of a speech written in three ways to show the difference in how to speak to each stance. An exercise to help readers craft a message that speaks to all three stances would have been invaluable.

Ultimately this feels like a good resource on stances, but only a starting point on growing as a communicator who can think and write to engage every listener regardless of Enneagram type.

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Good, solid, fine

REVIEW: The Joy of Reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne

REVIEW: The Joy of Reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Heinemann in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Normally I would be reviewing a book for kids or teens today, but the one I had scheduled wasn’t a good fit for me, so I am subbing this in. ]

Summary

This book highlights 7 joys of reading identified by the authors including familiarity and surprise. It contains exercises that instructors can do with students as well as some teachers might choose to do as they think about their own reading lives. Includes information, instructions, or discussion of things like:

  • completing a reading autobiography
  • reading conferences
  • reader response activities
  • studies related to reading
  • tips for building a classroom library
  • book access and book diversity
  • what to do with reading levels
  • tips for busy professionals to increase their own book knowledge
  • reader’s notebooks
  • tips for book talking
  • a classroom activity called book pass
  • tips for dealing with reading slumps
  • delightful classroom anecdotes
  • illustrations of book stacks with real titles in subject-centered categories

Review

This resource from “The Book Whisperer,” Donalyn Miller, and the late “Professor Nana,” Teri Lesesne is a gold standard for teachers. I heard Donalyn speak many times while I was teaching, and her talks were always a highlight of the event – informative and inspiring! Her previous books – The Book Whisperer (♥♥♥♥♥) and Reading in the Wild (♥♥♥♥♥) – were the foundation I used to develop my philosophy as a teacher/librarian, and I shared her earlier books with any teacher who gave me an opening.

This contains the same general philosophy I have read and heard before from Miller, Lesesne, and other Nerdy Book Club members and teaching professionals – let kids read! But the focus here is on finding, building, and maintaining the joy of reading for students and readers in general.

The content here flows from inspiring class examples and anecdotes to practical advice for professionals. The writing is engaging and conversational. There’s something here for veteran teachers, newbies, and everyone in between. Do not miss this if you are or know and love a teacher. This would be a stupendous gift for a graduate going into the classroom for the first time, and a marvelous addition to instructional programs preparing future teachers.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: What Is My Calling? by William Klein and Daniel Steiner

REVIEW: What Is My Calling? by William Klein and Daniel Steiner

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Baker Academic in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The authors explore the concept of call and calling with regard to the Church in the following ways in this book:

  • Contemporary uses of the terms
  • Historical survey of uses of the terms and concepts
  • Biblical evidence for a concept of “calling,” including a review of the Old Testament, the Gospels and Acts, and the Epistles
  • Theological discussions of calling
  • Synthesis of information and conclusion

The book launches with a fantastic and engaging look at how “call” is used in contemporary circles and some of the drawbacks to how we use it. I resonated with this chapter a lot – it summarized some of my own questions and wrestling with the idea of calling. Tons of questions are asked, but few are answered directly in the chapter. And I enjoyed that. It left me to think about how *I* would answer the questions, and it made me want to press further into the book.

The subsequent chapters are logically laid out as the authors make their case for a course correction over how the Church, Christians, seminaries, etc., use the concept and language of calling.

Review

This straddles the line between popular resource and textbook fairly well, but if it leans one way it is to the academic side. This is its intention – a feature, not a bug. But while the case is made in a logical, academic fashion, it doesn’t feel like any particular part would bog readers or students down. I didn’t always know the historical figures and theologians mentioned. But I could hang with all of the Biblical examples and enough of the rest to follow the arguments being made. And even for an academic setting, I felt like the authors did a great job of making their case with just enough information or examples without “selling past the close” so to speak.

I work at a university with undergraduate and graduate ministry students, so I could see how this would be a fascinating text in a classroom. As I read, I often wondered what our faculty and students would do with the authors’ assertions and conclusions.

That said, while I was challenged and convinced to reconsider my own engagement with the concept of calling by the work spelled out in this book, I am doubtful that change in the larger Church/Seminary community would come quickly. I can see where individuals would feel attached to their identity and experience of call in such a way that changing their thinking would be complicated. The material here in this resource would be an excellent way to get that conversation started.

If asked, I would definitely recommend this for study purposes either in an academic institution or for individuals or church groups committed to digging deep into the material. I enjoyed the book both for the intellectual exercise as well as for the writing and the topic. And I could see picking up a print copy and reading through it again with highlighter in hand. (TW: reference to sexual abuse in the Church)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron

REVIEW: The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and HarperOne in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

Ian Cron’s new book is a great second-tier Enneagram resource, and a perfect what-to-read-next for fans of The Road Back to You. In this book, Ian shares stories from his friends and podcast guests and shows how the stories we grow up telling ourselves about the ways we need to deal with the world to stay safe or feel loved can become dysfunctional. Then he helps each type see the way to a new story to embrace in a move toward more health and wholeness.

I don’t always want to read every number’s portion of a new Enneagram resource, but this one is so engaging and delightfully conversational, it’s almost like reading fiction. I was afraid to skip a number and miss out on a great story! There are fun, and insightful pop-culture and literary references that brilliantly illustrate points Ian is trying to make to each number. And the Typology podcast ends up being both a foundation and a follow up to this book. Many of the stories shared here came from the podcast, and readers have episode references so they can go back to those episodes for more content. It’s pretty clever organization!

The breezy tone and sense of sharing stories and coffee with a friend will make this a great resource for folks ready to go a little deeper in their Enneagram journey. The faith references in this felt genuine and natural and never overpowering or manipulative or intrusive. I was delighted by the whole book and highly recommend it for my friends doing personal work with the Enneagram. I am looking forward to holding my own copy soon and highlighting and underlining and making notes in this great new book

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk

REVIEW: All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The author read 540,000+ pages of Marvel comics – from 1961’s Fantastic Four #1 to 2017’s Marvel Legacy #1 – to see what the full epic story might say if someone had the tenacity to read it all.

The Marvel collection is not designed to be read that way – something that has always bothered me as a reader. The stories work in such a way that people can drop in almost anywhere and go as deep or as broad into the Marvel universe as they want. Wolk describes his reading experience as, “gorging myself on something made for cherry picking and nibbling,” one of MANY excellent metaphors in the book.

Reading this, I felt seen and understood. From the start, but especially in chapter 2, the author acknowledges the drive to know “where to start” and the desire to take in the whole story in order. And just like in my personal experience, he says that desire is likely to end in frustration. In a format driven by the idea that each issue will be someone’s first, searching for the beginning, and the “whole story” just doesn’t work. But Wolk quickly shows readers how this non-linear reading experience can be better than what I was longing for.

This is the sort of review book I would typically read carefully for a few chapters, and then skim through the rest so I could put together a cogent review. And the author even says his book likely should be read like the Marvel comics universe – dig into the chapters that speak to you. But I couldn’t put this down. While there were a few character explorations that didn’t click for me, much of this was fascinating – from the backstories of characters to the revolving door of writers and artists, and the impacts they had on stories, characters, and Marvel as a whole. The writing is fantastic, and the subject matter is captivating. I immediately ordered a print copy for myself and my family. This is an outstanding resource, and when life slows down enough again, I’d like this book to point me to some great comics and stories to enjoy. I think this would be a great addition to high school libraries and classrooms in addition to regular adult collections. Don’t let a Marvel comics fan in your life miss out on this one. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile

REVIEW: The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and IVP in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The focus in this one is on the centers (Head, Heart, Gut), stress and security moves, and stances. This is a great intermediate level resource for those who have been digging into the Enneagram for a bit. I think beginners could start here, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I think The Road Back to You is a better introduction. Then, once you know your number, or think you have narrowed it down a bit, this could be a helpful second (or third or fourth) resource.

I appreciated the personal stories – Suzanne’s and others’. I’ve followed Suzanne Stabile  long enough to know something about many of her family members. I always enjoy a new story or illustration starring one of her kids or grandkids. The narratives balance out the instructional pieces nicely.

The general information about the centers and stances wasn’t new to me. But her *descriptions* of them are super helpful. And her recommendations for each type feel spot on. As I have said before, when I get to read material written by someone with my same number, I find it especially fruitful. And Suzanne and I share a number, so I got a lot out of this one. I am eager to receive my print copy when this releases so I can dig into it once again.

You can read my reviews of other Enneagram resources here. If you want to see what it is like to read an Enneagram book from someone with your number, check out the 40 Days as a ______ line from Suzanne. Each is written by a person who operates from that number.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up by Chestnut and Paes

REVIEW: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up by Chestnut and Paes

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Edelweiss and a print copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

I have read a lot of Enneagram resources over the last 4-5 years, but I think this is the first one that has felt like the chapter for my type was written expressly for me. I don’t know if that is a commentary on the quality of this book or the fact that one of the authors shares my number. It might even just be the perfect intersection of this resource and my journey with myself and the Enneagram. But I feel seen and understood and called out at a whole new level with this resource. Each section – and sometimes each paragraph – ties perfectly to something I am experiencing or recognizing. It’s almost too much on target.

The book opens with a brief introduction, but the bulk of it is focused on each of the 9 types. The type chapters start with a brief narrative about little One or Six and the journey to type behaviors and reactions. This piece for my type was different than anything I have read before. I rarely identify with childhood references to my type, but reading this, I felt like someone was in my mind and heart as a kid.

The chapters all follow a pattern – the narrative, a list of common traits, patterns, passions, wings, shadow sides, blind spots, etc. Having read a lot of resources, I am used to the content starting to sound the same. This felt like a fresh take on things I have read – nuances and insights I hadn’t caught or heard expressed in such a way before.

The overall premise of the book is developing enough self-awareness through the Enneagram to “wake up.” Too often we operate in “zombie mode,” letting our personalities lead while we try to secure what we crave through these patterns that rarely work as we want them to. And that idea of raising self-awareness to the point of making healthier patterns really appeals to me.

This is going to the top of my Enneagram resources list along with The Road Back to You, Millenneagram, The Enneagram Goes to Church, and Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram. You can read more reviews and discussion of Enneagram resources here.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

SABBATICAL: Five Star Books for Adults

SABBATICAL: Five Star Books for Adults

Posted on by Jaymie

This week my sabbatical posts will be links to the books that earned a five star review from me. Today my focus will be on books for adults. This list will include fiction and nonfiction books that I adored. Some of the reviews you will find in the full list include outstanding books that didn’t make it into a Year in Review post like these:

Furbidden Fatality
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
To Fetch a Felon
Bait and Witch
The Color of Compromise
Broken Genius
Storing Up Trouble
How to Raise a Reader
Planet Hulk
Lock In

Here’s the full list: Five Star Books for Adults

REVIEW: Blind Spots by Kimberly Nix Berens, PhD

REVIEW: Blind Spots by Kimberly Nix Berens, PhD

Posted on by Jaymie

[I won a free copy of this book in a contest by the publisher.]

Summary

The author’s assertions include:

  • In America, proficiency declines over the course of learning, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress
  • Students are promoted due to age or time spent, or they are introduced to new concepts without mastering the earlier, prerequisite skills. This puts them further and further behind.
  • Some “interventions” are actually detrimental. When students practice those skills over and over, they become habits that interfere with effective learning.
  • Even the kids at the “top” are failing to reach advanced levels in subject areas. Over 75% of college freshmen need remedial classes in reading, writing, and math.
  • What is often a lack of opportunity to master basic skills is instead labeled a “disability” or given a medical diagnosis. Then the child is medicated and programmed accordingly.

The author instead comes to the world of education and learning as a behavioral scientist. She focuses on observation, skills practice, and reinforcement.

Review

The author is highly critical of the American schooling “establishment” which can be off-putting for someone who has worked in education. While I agreed with some of her assertions about unrealistic expectations of kindergarten and first grade students, about behavior modification over medication/diagnosis in some cases, etc., the delivery was a little too antagonistic for me.

One positive to the author’s criticism of every system from teacher training to social promotions is a sense that every student could succeed if only we gave them the right sort of environment and instruction. And I do love that philosophy.

Out of the 190 pages of content, not including appendices, 130 or so are focused on the “problems” of the system. I see the need to establish a strong case for the ways the current system is broken. But I would have enjoyed more emphasis on solutions. The author gives a lot of page space to her own learning program, but not much that the general reader could apply to their situation. I also would have loved more anecdotes and stories of kids and families who saw change and improvement.

The author makes a good case for a shift in instructional methods, but as both a former educator (Teacher/Librarian) and as a parent, this left me feeling pretty powerless. The case is strongly made that the “establishment” will do its thing regardless of research and data. What’s the average parent supposed to do to help their kids? There’s not even enough practical examples here for a parent to adapt to a homeschooling environment. If anything, this could be an interesting discussion starter. But I’m afraid the antagonistic, accusatory tone will keep educational professionals – from teachers to administration to the “establishment – from getting into ways to make a difference for real kids in real need.

Rating: ♥♥½*

*♥♥½ = Mostly solid to solid – some issues, but I was able to finish.

REVIEW: The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter

REVIEW: The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book releases next week on May 25, 2021.]

Summary and Review

This is a straight-talking exploration of menopause from the author of The Vagina Bible. The author is an OB/GYN who has gone through the menopause transition, so she has both personal experience as well as professional. She covers everything from the history of the thinking about menopause to the biological processes and common symptoms and also the not-so-obvious health changes associated with aging and the hormonal changes of menopause.

The thing I appreciated most about this was the feeling that I was sitting down for coffee with someone who would pull no punches, but who also had no agenda. The author very clearly calls out the darker, bleaker parts of women’s health and the patriarchy. I loved that honesty (although the information was also infuriating). And while the medical pieces may feel technical at times there is also some humor to balance it out.

This is too technical to be a “favorite” book for me, but at the same time it feels perfectly positioned to be read by millions of people who menstruate – those approaching middle age and wondering what’s coming, those in the transition wondering what’s normal, and those who have reached menopause who are now considering how it will impact their future health. This could be the weirdest, or the most brilliant, book club selection ever! If you are “of a certain age,” I recommend you pick this one up! (Some language, frank conversation about biology and biological processes)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = Excellent resource