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Showing posts from 2023

Eye of the World (Book 1, Wheel of Time Series) - Robert Jordan - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Eye of the World: The Wheel weaves in the heroes the world needs to fight the Forsaken. My favorite Robert Jordan quote from the book: "The fact that the price must be paid is proof that it is worth paying." Question to ponder while reading: Do you feel like you have a destiny? Do you like adventure? My review of the book: The kick-off book of a 14-book saga (15, with the prequel) Detailed with thorough character and world development. A great story with engaging characters. Did you know Robert Jordan was in the US Army?  Read his #EverydayPatriot biography here: https://www.everydaypatriot.com/2023/12/a-soldiers-story-sergeant-james-oliver.html **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  w...

Root Shock: How Tearing up City Neighborhoods Hurts America, and What We Can Do About It - Dr. Mindy Thomas Fullilove - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Root Shock: All about the cultural costs caused by Urban Renewal. My favorite Dr. Mindy Thomas Fullilove quote from the book: "Buildings and neighborhoods and nations are insinuated into us by life; we are not, as we like to think, independent of them." Questions to ponder while reading: How much do you know about the history of your neighborhood? Do you know what was lost? My review of the book: A very good look into the human costs of urban renewal programs. Well-researched and well-written. A book to make you question "progress" **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads L...

Ice Cold Spy - David Archer/Blake Banner - A Short Summary and Review

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A short summary of Ice Cold Spy: Mason looks into the murder of Magnusson with a Mossad agent in the middle of the Nuuk. My favorite Archer/Banner quote from the book: "We have to go through the crap to get out of it, right?" Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you like the cold? Do you believe in conspiracies? My review: Fun, fast, and full of action. An interesting twist at the end. Some scary environmental theories in there. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coff...

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life - Henry Cloud - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Boundaries: Deciding where you are and what you will allow. My favorite Henry Cloud quote from the book: "To forgive means acknowledging we will never get from that person what was owed to us." Questions to ponder while reading: Do you take on too much? Are you doing what you want to do? My review of the book: A good book on setting limits. Uses real-life examples. Realistic tips for change. *I love Henry Cloud's definition of forgiveness.* **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , o...

Unmissing - Minka Kent - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Unmissing: A missing and presumed dead x-wife returns to her husband's life to haunt him and his new wife. My favorite Minka Kent quote from the book: "Monsters aren't supposed to get happy endings." Questions to ponder while reading: How well do you know your spouse? Why not just go to the police? My review of the book: A fun little thriller with an interesting twist. Engaging story. The materialism bothered me. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coff...

The Seven Storey Mountain - Thomas Merton - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of The Seven Storey Mountain: The story of Thomas Merton's call. My favorite Thomas Merton quote from the book: "You cannot live for your own pleasure and your own convenience without inevitably hurting and injuring the feelings and interests of practically everyone you meet." Question to ponder while reading the book: What leads you? Have you ever truly been alone? My review of the book: I am very inspired by his calling. It's a poignant life story. I really see the beauty behind the Trappist austerity. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider su...

Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee - Shannon Lee - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Be Water, My Friend: The philosophy of the late Bruce Lee. My favorite Bruce Lee quote from the book: "Never assert yourself against nature." Questions to ponder while reading: What do you battle against? How disciplined are you? My review of the book: A lovely book about the life of Bruce Lee. A close look at Mr. Lee's discipline and determination. A must-read for any martial art aficionado.  **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!

The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.K. Rowling - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of The Tales of Beedle the Bard: Fairy tales for the wizards among us. My favorite J.K. Rowling quote from the book: "To hurt is as human as to breathe." Questions to ponder while reading: Do you help others? Could you provide proof of your pain? My review of the book: I love J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Universe. It is such a fun place. A must-read for all Harry Potter Fans. The tales are pretty deep. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!

Pope John Paul II: A Life of Love - Wyatt North - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Pope John Paul II- A Life of Love: A short, quick biography of Saint Pope John Paul II.  My favorite Saint Pope John Paul II quote from the book: "War is a defeat for humanity." Questions to ponder while reading: Have you ever been truly alone? Have you ever really suffered? My review of the book: I am really inspired by the life of Saint Pope John Paul II. A very good overview. Quick and easy to read. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!

Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits - Reese Witherspoon - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Whiskey in a Teacup: How Reese lives her life, and where she got the gumption to do it. My favorite Reese Witherspoon quote from the book: "Life has many different chapters, and every chapter deserves celebrations." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you like biscuits? Have you ever used hot rollers? My review of the book: FUN! FUN! FUN! A modern look at maintaining traditions. She would be awesome to have a glass of iced tea with. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop ...

Kateri: A Beacon in the Wilderness - Jack Casey

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  A short summary of Kateri: The story of the Native American Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. My favorite quote by St. Kateri Tekakwitha: "I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus." Questions to ponder while reading: What do you feel called to do? What have you suffered? My review of the book: A great look into the life of a newly canonized saint. Lots of inspiration. Lots to think about. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life - Steve Martin - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Born Standing Up: The story of a stand-up comedian. My favorite Steve Martin Quote from the book: "Thankfully, perseverance is a great substitute for talent." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you enjoy the ridiculous? What dreams have you followed? My review of the book: One of the funnest biographical reads, ever. Full of behind-the-scenes things. I love Steve Martin's take on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buy...

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - J.K. Rowling - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: Newt searches Paris for Credence, meets Nagini, and discovers Grindelwald's nefarious plans. My favorite J.K. Rowling quote from the book: "The disapproval of cowards in praise to the brave." Questions to ponder while reading: Is it ever ok to do the wrong thing for the right reasons? Have you ever done something you regret? My review of the book: Another great story by the great J.K. Rowling. A fun, thrilling read.  Ties up several of the loose ends in other books. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Plea...

The Peripheral - William Gibson - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of The Peripheral: Flynne and Wilf's futuristic murder mystery with time-bending implications. My favorite William Gibson quote from the book: "It's how you behave makes the difference." Questions to ponder while reading: Have you ever wondered what the future holds? Do you like to play video games? My review of the book: An interesting take on a dystopian future. Lots of twists and turns. Quite unlike the Amazon show, although the characters are the same. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my...

The Saints of Swallow Hill - Donna Everhart - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of The Saints of Swallow Hill: Ray's tale of turpentine and tragedy. My favorite Donna Everhart quote from the book: "A life is a life, you know?" Questions to ponder while reading the book: What would you do for someone you loved? Have you ever pretended to be something you're not? My review of the book: A heartbreaking tale with a happy ending. Engaging story. The turpentine business sounds horrible. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!

The Stroke of Winter - Wendy Webb - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of The Stroke of Winter: A chef's encounter with a haunted past during a historic home renovation. My favorite Wendy Webb quote from the book: "It was all too easy to take a thing for granted, even something beautiful, when you lived with it every day." Questions to ponder while reading The Stroke of Winter: Do you know all of your family's secrets? Are you afraid of the past? My review of the book: A fun haunted house story. I loved the food! I loved the dogs! **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my...

Killing Jesus - A History - Bill O'Reilly - A Short Summary and Review

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  A short summary of Killing Jesus: The historical and political why behind the death of Jesus of Nazareth. My favorite Bill O'Reilly quote from the book: "The need to dig deeper into the meaning of God overwhelms every other consideration." Questions to ponder while reading Killing Jesus: Should religion and politics ever mix? Should capital punishment exist for people who follow the Ten Commandments? My review of the book: A good historical overview of the time period. Clarified a lot of political intrigues. A non-religious look into a religious society. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoa...