“What’s Wrong With Me?” is a collection of memories, lessons, advice, experiences and quotations written by speaker and author, Daree Allen.  It’s directed to teenage girls with the intent of helping them through the difficult time of questions and discovering who they are and what they want to make of their lives.  This YA nonfiction book will be released on Valentine’s Day.  The author describes it as, “an empowering Christian self-help book for older teen girls”.

The topics Daree discusses can be pretty much summed up as “Life”.  They include:

• Identity
• Family
• Friendship
• Positive Thinking
• Physical Appearance
• Eating
• Men
• Sex
• Marriage
• Motherhood
• Money
• God

About the Author

Daree Allen, MS is an award-winning speaker and author.  This entrepreneur is an experienced workshop presenter/facilitator for youth and adults spiritual discipleship classes.  Daree has presented business and professional development topics at organizational chapter meetings, workshops, conferences, schools, and universities across the country for such organizations as The Society for Technical Communication (STC), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at Strayer University, and the University of Houston’s BLACKE Student Summit. She has also been a mentor and facilitator, conducting divorce recovery workshops, and a Toastmasters Youth Leadership program at a local middle school.

My Take

Yes, whew!  There is a lot packed into this book.  Despite the quantity of information, Daree’s style makes it an easy read.  Because she combines her personal journal entries from the past, quotations from famous people, and straightforward advice, the book is also entertaining and interesting.  It’s also structured in an easy-to-read style with highlighted passages, paragraph headings, lists and charts.

Favorite things I read in the book:

• Confrontations are best done one on one.  Don’t be defensive, just be honest.  Your reaction to drama and mean girls is fuel for their actions.  Comparing yourself to others is normal but have a healthy evaluation of your own appearance.
• You have no control over how you’re raised or who your family is.  The influence of parents is undeniably strong and shapes us, but you are not your parents.  You should respect but not necessarily agree.
• The average person has about 60,000 thoughts per day.  According to scientists, roughly 45,000 of those thoughts tend to be negative.  Fight those odds by surrounding yourself with positive people, books, media and eliminated toxic influences.

Where to Win

Here, of course!  Enter in the Rafflecopter form below to win my gently read copy.

Continue reading Book Giveaway and Review: “What’s Wrong With Me?” by Daree Allen Ends 2/18

About the Story

Chris Kyle is the deadliest American sniper ever, called “The Devil” by the enemies he hunted and “The Legend” by his Navy SEAL brothers.

During the ten years of his active military career, Chris Kyle reported the most sniper kills in US Military history.  This book is his autobiography, primarily focusing on the time he served in Iraq.  It gives an interesting account of his training and what goes into being a military sniper.

Without releasing confidential information, Chris still goes into significant detail about many of his missions and battles.  It’s an eyewitness account of war and the military life.  Kyle talks honestly about his experiences, both good and bad.  What it takes to be a Navy SEAL and effective soldier.

About the Author

Kyle grew up in Texas and learned to shoot on hunting trips with his father.  He spent time in college and cattle ranching before joining the military where he found his true calling in the roll of military sniper.  Serving four combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere, he was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corp Commendation.

Following his combat deployments, Kyle became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare Sniper and Counter-Sniper teams.

Today Chris Kyle is back in Texas and president of the training and security firm, Craft International.

My Take

As you can imagine, this book is more than a bit “outside the box” of my usual reading.  I’m mostly a fan of fiction and the non-fiction I read is usually spiritual or self-help.  I’m not sure why I picked up this one to read, but I’m glad I did.

War is a topic that brings out deep issues and feelings for all of us.  The military, and especially Navy Seals, is unfamiliar territory for most of us.  Chris Kyle gave me a glimpse, an honest glimpse, into his world.  When I was reading the book, I felt as if I’d been stranded at a snowed-in airport somewhere with this man and he’d felt comfortable enough to share the story of his life with me.  Although not about marriage, family, or military wives, the sections written by Chris’s wife add fascinating perspectives and gave me an honest glimpse into her life as well.

If you or someone you know is interested in the Iraq war, the military or snipers, I recommend this book.  It’s written in an easy-to-read style and holds your attention throughout the book.  Although not about marriage, family, or military wives, the sections written by Chris’s wife add fascinating perspectives and gave me an honest glimpse into her life as well.

Surprising things I read in the book:

• the snipers always had a witness to their kills and could be tried for murder, if there was not justification for every action
• Taya Kyle wrote that she woke up one morning to find Chris had her in a dangerous hold and she had to wake him up slowly so he would realize he was at home and she was his wife
• the armed forces work together and each group ie Rangers, SEALS have special expertise
• Although the SEALS are in the Navy, they often work on land-based operations
• In general, SEALS are physically fit and in extremely top condition, but it is truly “heart” and mental stamina that set a SEAL apart from other soldiers

For More Information

Browse the book

American Sniper Facebook page

Where to Buy

Amazon.com

Indie Bound

Where to Win

Here, of course!  Two lucky KLY readers are going to win their own copy.  Enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

Continue reading Book Review and Giveaway: American Sniper by Chris Kyle – Two Winners! (Ends 2/25, US)