Book review: The Wellness Score by J. Letorney

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The author, J. Letorney, is a friend of mine. I didn’t know he was a writer and when I saw he self-published a book, I was excited for him and inspired to get my own projects going. Truthfully, I don’t read much fiction but I had to buy this book to support a friend. What I got, was a whole lot more. It’s a great book; it is well-written and it has a plot that keeps you guessing. What is the noise? What is this character all about? There are reviews on Amazon using words like ‘addictive’, ‘creepy’ and ‘unsettling’ – all in a good way. One comment I agreed with the most was, “this book keeps you guessing.” Let’s face it – that is what sells books and keeps readers engaged and wanting more!

I believe fiction is more difficult to write than non-fiction so I am totally impressed. As I started reading, I was drawn into the plot easily. But, it’s also a thinking book. It’s kind of high-tech, so you have to follow along. The main character, Westwood, moves into a 55+ community without doing much research, which is out of character for her. So, it’s a cautionary tale, as well. How many times do we not follow our gut instinct and take a leap of faith? You won’t move again without doing your due diligence, once you read this book. I know it’s fiction but I have that conspiracy theorist in me, so I believe this could happen and I am sure other readers do also.

This is the type of book that you can read by the pool or on a rainy day and you can’t put it down. You can buy it HERE! It is sold exclusively on Amazon and I see a sequel in the works. Additionally, I loved the questions at the end for reading groups. It is a perfect book to discuss in a book club or in a class. I particularly liked the question about compliance. “What would your compliance score be?” My score would be zero for compliance and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I question everything and from every angle. One example was a bomb scare in the Boston building I was working at in the 90s. We were told to ‘shelter in place’. I made an executive decision. I grabbed my purse and bolted down the 8 flights of stairs. Later, I was reprimanded. If a bomb had exploded, I would be alive, so I was okay with being non-compliant. If you have a book group, get this book and discuss it. If you don’t, get it anyway. Time well spent! And when you are 55+ (or even younger), time matters! The clock is ticking, people. The clock is ticking! Let me know if you read this book and send me your thoughts. Until next time….

Say it to my face, please

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I don’t like gossip, internet trolls or people who are quick to talk about you behind your back. Who does, right? They would never have the courage to say the insult to your face but they can’t wait to share it with another.

Two times people have told me that I wear too much make-up (that I know of) but it was not to my fully made-up (apparently, clown-faced) face! It was information relayed by a third party. The go-between did not say it maliciously to me; just relaying what they perhaps considered benign information. Frankly, I think the people who said it originally would do well to wear some make-up. Beauty products are a huge industry for a reason.

Several times someone has said that someone else said they wouldn’t trust me around their husband? Why? Because I am single? I am single for a reason. I want to be. The response from the coy third party was, “Well, you are attractive and/or funny and/or smart.” Oh, really. Thank you for the compliment wrapped in an insult like a corndog. Newsflash: I don’t want your husband(s). Heck, you don’t even want him. Why would I?

Recently, a third party told me someone was mad at me. Again, not meant to be malicious but relaying information. This is a person who I am well aware is mad at me and it is mutual. I tell people to their face how I feel and they never hear from me again. Only a coward goes behind someone’s back or hides behind a keyboard and attacks another person. Say it to my face or cork it, zip it, button it, cool it, plug it, close it, clamp it, or put a sock in it with your big, fat foot that also belongs in your big, fat, malicious mouth! Anyone else have this happen to them? Let me know. Oh, and if any companies are looking for a “mature” woman (I use that word loosely) to promote their make-up line, I am always up for a paid sponsorship! Until next time, keep calm and keep it to yourself! xo

Say it to my day time make-up face. Or say it to my night out one!

Book Review: Let’s Skip the Bull

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I have been asked to review a lot of books since I started this website. I get asked to review about 2-3 books a week.  I love to read and I enjoy just reading the inquiries and seeing all the exciting things people are interested enough in to pen a manuscript.  I am working on my own book (s) with about 4-5 manuscripts in varying stages of completion so I understand how hard it is to accomplish such a grand task.  I don’t have time to read every book I am asked to review but one caught my eye and I could not resist.  The book is Let’s Skip the BULL – Lessons From Dad After Your Mom Died. It was written by Daryl Calfee, after the death of his beautiful wife, Johanna.  Since my Dad died four years ago, I have been seeking resources of any kind to help me through the absence of his physical presence in my day-to-day life.  

This is a beautiful book and one I would highly recommend to anyone who needs some inspiration, who needs to be reminded of the joy that has to continue after a devastating loss.  It is filled with wonderful stories and pieces of hopeful advice.  And it can really make you think.  For example, right out of the gate in the introduction Calfee writes, “The problem is, you will think you have time.  You don’t.”  Wow, that is a punch in the gut and the absolute truth.  He continues, “Stop waiting. Worrying.  Hoping the right time or thing will come along.”  He proceeds to give advice in short chapters on how to maximize your time on Earth with pleasure.  Like visiting the ocean or going on day trips.  He also gives advice for his children about keeping your promises to people and the importance of saying, ‘I’m sorry’ but it’s really for all of us.  He peppers all of this with what he calls ‘Painfully Funny Farm Stories’, which are funny and beautiful memories from his childhood that he can pass on to his children and make us laugh along the way.  

Truth is, I love this book.  I read almost the whole book on a rainy day.  I couldn’t put it down.  I felt like I was listening to a good friend of mine; a wise friend.  I could hear his voice in my head and we have never met.  And honestly, you can’t read it just once.  I tabbed chapters that I read on days when I need a little reinforcement.  Take a look at it HERE!  Or you can purchase directly from the publishing company here.  It makes a great gift for someone who has been through a loss or even for one of your children or a friend who needs some uplifting thoughts and motivation.  Or treat yourself.  If you do get it, please let me know what you think.  Until next time, let’s all skip the bull, get real and move forward!  

My signed book keeping company with my vision board!
So excited about my signed copy with tabbed pages…keeping company with my vision board!