Civil War book

My Father-in-law has written a book on the Civil War using football terminology. Check out his web page: http://civilwar.drlaw2007.com

Review: This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin

The book is a hybrid of self-help book and scientific paper. It is refreshing to read about hard science’s role in a field typically described as a soft science. The author explains with the use of SPECT scans (brain imagining scans) each major section of the brain and its chief responsibilities concerning moods and emotions. His goal was to make the brain easy to understand for the average person. However, at times the ‘dumbing down” is more confusing because the author assigns more than one name to various brain sections, the scientific and the folksy term. It would have been less distracting if he had chosen one and just stuck with it.

Indeed, the author takes on a difficult task in covering all of the treatment options, medical and holistic, that are available today. For example, common prescription drugs, supplements, music, cinema therapy, physical exercises, and aromatherapy are all covered. In addition, the author provides famous quotations, Bible passages, and case histories to motivate and sooth those with the discussed problems. The treatments are in easy to navigate tables and categories.

Despite the positive components of the book, I have two main criticisms. Firstly, the author should regard supplements with the same caution as he does prescription medicines. Herbal medicines and supplements could have interactions with other medications, not just anti-depressants. Secondly, the author’s attempts at humor in various sections of the book are at best distracting. In some cases, they are obnoxious and ungrounded. For instance, more than once PMS is called Pre-Monster Syndrome and at one point is likened to bipolar disorder.

This is Your Brain on Joy
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=078522873X

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb

The seasoned historian and the newcomer to American history are bound to find this book both interesting and useful. The American Patriot's Almanac has a unique layout. Each day of the year, except February 29, is chronicled by a historical event. These entries are brief, seldom more than a few paragraphs. Then a timeline with 4-7 bullet points follows with just a sentence on more events that occurred on the same day. The format reminds me of a “history lesson a day” calendar, only more thorough and interesting.

The author reveals details uncommon to popular knowledge like the words President Lincoln spoke before signing the Emancipation Proclamation, the connection between Candlemas Day and Groundhog Day, or the original honor of the Purple Heart medal. In addition, each month is separated with more lengthy historical information that is not tied to a specific date, such as flag etiquette, poems, the lyrics to patriotic songs, and the Constitution of the United States.

The writing is clear and to the point. The historical topics are more than just battles and presidents. Indeed music, population censuses, and inventions are included. Females and minorities are not left out of America’s history in this book either. Occasionally, an entry includes a sketch or picture.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595552677

Review: My Little Girl by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas

In this story. a father and daughter enjoy activities together which are refreshing for two reasons. First, they are not stereotypical “little girl” activities, like tea parties or playing with dolls. Instead the pair head off to see animals at the local co-op, play on a swing, watch clouds, and more. The activities could easily have been a part of a book entitled “My Little Boy.” Secondly, the activities are not based on expensive outings. Instead, the premise is to just spend time together. The daughter says it best when she tells her father that her favorite part of the day was, “Being with you!” While the storyline is choppy in places, the message is clear. The story would be excellent for bedtime as it ends with a bedtime routine: brushing teeth, story, prayers, and goodnight kiss.

The illustrations resemble water-color art and proponents of marriage will be pleased to see that the father wears a wedding ring in several pictures. The book also has a spot on the last page for a father to write down a special shared moment with his daughter. Having that special moment in writing will likely be a treasure to the daughter when she is no longer a little girl.

Publisher's Link:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/custom/top20/My_Little_Girl_Tim_McGraw_Tom_Douglas.asp

Review: The Moon Shines Down by Margaret Wise Brown

The Moon Shines Down explores countries and regions around the world as well as the oceans that connect them all. Holland, Switzerland, Mexico, and Australia are just a few of the many countries included in the rhyming verse. A koala bear guide and the moon are the common threads in the large brightly-colored illustrations that complement the verse. The pictures contain popular cultural elements of each country or region. For example, the stanzas covering France are illustrated with the Eiffel Tower, vineyards, and an artist.

While the book unifies many countries of the world with the theme that they are all under the same celestial body, less westernized cultures receive less attention. Although not mentioned by name, the United States of America is alluded to with a focus on Christmas. While the rhyme is nice with a valuable message, the focus on the religious holiday seems out of place with the rest of the book.

In general, the book is educational, artfully illustrated, and carries a positive message of unity. Children will love the rhythm of the poem and the familiar refrain of, “I see the Moon and the Moon sees me. God bless the Moon and God bless me.”

Link to The Moon Shines Down: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=140031299X