Book-Talk : ‘Like Vanessa’ by Tami Charles

In my latest Book-Talk video: While historical details in Tami Charles’ Like Vanessa place this story during the ’80s, it touches upon themes that remain vitally relevant today. This book deserves a wide readership among older Tweens and Young Adults.

‘Laura Monster Crusher’

Accidentally breaking the arm of a smaller classmate during a game of “Duck, Duck, Goose,” sealed Laura Ledwick’s fate to be known by cruel nicknames capitalizing on her size.

So when Laura and her family moved to the town of Riverfield, Laura hoped that by beginning eighth grade in a brand-new school, she would leave that persecution behind.

On the first day of school, Laura gains two new friends, meets a boy she’s attracted to, but also attracts the attention of a mean girl and her wanna-be followers.

But the travails of middle-school are compounded by eerie sightings and reports of wild animals in the dark forest that borders Laura’s home. A mysterious rattling in Laura’s closet leads to her discovery of a hidden world beneath her feet.

Personal development: Recommended books

The Personal Growth and Business Development Book Club that Jonathan and I are involved in, will meet in early July to decide what book the group ought to read next. With one exception, all of the selections on my recommendation list are available through our Jackson County libraries. I’ve listed them in the order they are shelved according to the Dewey classification system and have also noted their availability through Overdrive/Library2Go.

‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich, the classic book about personal achievement, is available through Jackson County libraries.

This reader found immediate benefit in its descriptions of good and bad leadership.

A good leader, according to author Napoleon Hill, possesses unwavering courage based upon knowledge of his- or herself and of his or her occupation, self-control, a keen sense of justice, definiteness of decision, definiteness of plans, the habit of doing more than paid for, a pleasing personality, sympathy and understanding, mastery of detail, willingness to accept full responsibility and cooperation.

‘Just a’ leader or a leader who is just?

Deb Mills-Scofield

“What if we modify the culture to recognize people fairly, based on their work, effort, passion and results, as individuals and teams?”

For the Smart Blog on Leadership, Deb Mills-Scofield offers an insightful perspective (and grammar lesson) on the difference between being “just a” leader and being “a just” leader”: treatment that is fair versus equal and a focus on “I” versus “you.”

Her piece resonated with my own interest in social intelligence and Skillful Means at work (and the wordplay in her introduction was a real attention grabber).

‘What can I do differently?’

No one is more critical than I am during times when I make a mistake. It’s tempting to berate myself but far more productive to look ahead and ask, “What can I do differently going forward from this point?” It’s not so easy when occupying the moment to focus on the more productive view.

Skillful means helps cultivate awareness

Cover image: “Mastering Skillful Means” by Tarthang Tulku

During lunch today I was reading “Mastering Successful Work” by Tarthang Tulku (Dharma Publishing, 1994). I encountered this passage, “Daily Checklist,” that I thought valuable to share:

“Start the day by reflecting on the key questions below, adding your own to the list. Remember to check back at the end of the day: How well did you do?

“What are my priorities for the day?

“How will I focus my awareness?

“How can I measure my success?

“Who is depending on me?

“What am I forgetting or ignoring?

“What is cloudy or foggy? Being covered up?”

The checklist highlights a chapter in the book that is called “Paying Attention.”

I have found  Tarthang Tulku’s book and an earlier book, “Skillful Means,” to be valuable in developing awareness. In my personal and professional endeavors I am required to learn new things and to meet expectations that are imposed by myself and others.

Skillful means is worth pursuing because it cultivates the mind in ways that can benefit irregardless of what task I am trying to pursue. I know that in some areas, I still need improvement for cultivating greater awareness. I turn to these books to help myself develop in that direction.

YA book blog: The Girl's Guide to Absolutely Everything

Cover art: Girl's Guide to Absolutely Everything

As its title suggests, The Girl's Guide to Absolutely Everything by Melissa Kirsch (New York: Workman Publishing, 2006) is a comprehensive guide to issues that girls and women  face in society.

Its contents include Health and Body Image, Careers and Jobs, Money and Finance, Etiquette for the Present Day, Friends and Relating, Dating, Sex and Romance; Family, Spirituality and Self-Discovery, Home Ec 101 or Remedial Life Skills and The Pitfalls of Pantyhose: Fashion Sense for Any Era.

I became aware of this book by pulling it against requested holds at the Lakeport Library and immediately placed a hold of my own through our catalog.

The Publisher's Weekly review for this book identifies Kirsch's background as former senior producer at Oxygen Media and author of its "Ask Princess" advice column. It states that Kirsch "specializes in helping young women face the challenges of life in the real world."

I was so impressed with this book that I put it on my Christmas list (having exhausted available renewals). My sister bought me a copy and brought it to Easter lunch. I believe I will refer to this book frequently and would include it in a YA collection.

Originally submitted to a class discussion board for Cuesta College LIBT 118: Connecting Adolescents with Literature and Libraries.