Inside the Criminal Mind by Stanton E. Samenow, Ph.D.

What a book! It's very well written and organized! After reading other books about criminals, this was a great change to the norm. Dr. Samenow gives multiple examples on how a criminal goes throughout their lives from childhood, to school, peer pressure, the work force and basically when and if they end up in jail.

My ex-husband is the poster child for a sociopath. Dr. Samenow describes him to perfect detail in his pages. He is sneaky, a loner, a thief, a cheater, has killed several pets and is now a police officer. How fitting. According to Dr. Samenow, the criminal tries to blend in so their acts won't be noticed. How I wish he could spend some time with the ex.

I also admire the way Dr. Samenow has spent time with youth offenders. As a law assistant, I am fascinated with how or why our clients chose this life when their sibling has the same upbringing and chose a very different path.  With all his years of research and hands on experience, he knows his stuff.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to know how or why criminals behave the way they do.  It's very interesting and the examples of patients give an insight you may never have.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Furry Logic, 10th Anniversary Edition by Jane Seabrook

If you are looking for a cute, uplifting, beautifully illustrated book, this is it! I'd never heard of this book before ordering it and I was pleasantly surprised.

This would make a perfect book for a graduating student or someone who is going through a rough patch. I'm gifting it to a friend who is going through one right now. 

The lines are funny and uplifting, and being an animal lover I can totally see my cat and dogs using those lines on me.

Big things come in small packages and this is a small package of happiness. I would recommend this to everyone from the ages of 0-100!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith

I was a little uneasy reading a holiday book this early, but I cannot tell you how glad I am! The 13th gift is a story of sadness and grief, memories and heartache; but becomes a story of hope and happiness.  With her husband's sudden death, Joanne Smith struggles to keep her life in order. Her kids and her house are turned upside down and it takes a tiny act of kindness to put it mostly back on track.

This book was just wonderful and the exact thing I needed to read. I ALWAYS have little projects during the holidays and this book has inspired me to start my own tradition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Not only will I find a family, I will also pass the book on.


If you are looking for a pick me up or to get ready for the holiday season, I strongly suggest this amazing little book. I hope it also inspires you to start your own tradition of small acts of kindness!  Now, back to ninja training!

"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."