life beyond the well…


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Book Review: The Noticer

We all need to be noticed.  And there are times where we can all benefit from a different perspective.  It’s with these themes that Andy Andrews writes the awesome book, “The Noticer”.

Andrews tells the story of a man named Jones- not Mr. Jones, just Jones, who sweeps through a town changing lives by imparting a valuable change of perspective.  Jones encounters different situations that have the opportunity to truly make or break a person’s life: divorce, poverty, an unsuccessful business; and easily and gently explains how that situation can be changed if the person’s perspective is changed.

This book is an easy read, yet a profound one.  I found myself reading it very quickly, then uncovering a valuable lesson or thought, and going back to make sure that I completely understood and benefitted from the lesson.

While some books that encourage a change of perspective can be rather preachy or condescending, this one is not.  It’s light and encouraging, providing useful advice in the same manner that a grandmother might provide over cookies and milk: you don’t feel as if you must adopt the advice, but it seems extremely beneficial and worthwhile to consider.

There are some religious/spiritual undertones in this book; however, it’s not an overwhelming undertone where one may feel as if they are being beat over the head with biblical principles.  Additionally, I found a light reference to some other books that had small biblical references.

Did I enjoy this book: 100%!  Would I recommend it to others: I would absolutely, without hesitation!  I would especially recommend it to those who have struggled with overcoming some of the different situations life presents us (and I think that would be all of us).  It’s not necessarily a book for children, but I would say that a mature young adult could enjoy and benefit from the story that Andy Andrews tells.

All that said- head out to get a copy of The Noticer- and maybe grab one for Mom for Mother’s Day as well.  It won’t disappoint!


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Books I’ve Recently Read

Those who know me, know that I LOVE to read…it’s more than a hobby for me, it’s kind of a lifestyle.  I can go to Borders, Barnes and Noble, or even the book sections in Wal-Mart and Target and stay for hours.  I’m amazed that there are so many things wrapped up in books and I want to know them all.

Teaching doesn’t give me MUCH free time to read anymore, so I’m forced to handle it when I can.  This usually consists of reading while I’m at the hair salon, the bathroom (disgusting, I know….but please don’t act like you don’t do it), or when I need to wind down.  Here’s the books that I’ve recently read:

1.     You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah by Fiona Rosenbloom

2.     We are SO Crashing Your Bar Mitzvah by Fiona Rosenbloom

3.     Letters to a Young Teacher by Jonathan Kozol

About books 1&2: I work at a Jewish Community Day School, and it’s important that I understand the rites of passage for my students.  This book is being read in the Pre Bar/Bat Mitzvah class taught by one of the teachers that I share a classroom with.  To say that these books are hilarious would be a serious understatement.  By following the life of Stacy Freidman, a precocious middle-schooler trying to navigate the world as she knows it, the reader gets insight into Jewish customs and culture, as well as the thoughts of a typical American teenage girl.  It’s easy reading and fun.  I HIGHLY recommend it.

Book 3:  I snagged this book while also purchasing the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism.  I’ve read other books by Jonathan Kozol, and this did not disappoint.  I love the way that he imparts wisdom through sharing letters with a young teacher named Francesca.  While the book includes some educational politics, I felt that the way that Kozol shared his knowledge and expressed his frustrations at the current educational system was what truly made this book special.  This is a great book for new teachers, but also for more experienced teachers who may wonder why they do what they do.