Choose Your Path – Review

Book Review
Avatar of Fran LewisBy Fran Lewis
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Imagine you are standing in the middle of a road that has many different forks or paths that you can follow. The many roads we encounter often have different terrains, off ramps and detours that need to be explored in order to help each one of us find the right path.

Take the journey along with me as we travel life’s paths, learn many lessons and encounter numerous opportunities, to learn, grow and understand how to choose between right and wrong something every parent tries to teach their child at an early age.

Each day we are given chances to create a better path for ourselves, overcome obstacles, learn to deal with negatives, turn them into positive and focus on reunifying with the Creative Force of he Universe: God. This compact, short but informative spiritual guide teachers the reader whether a teen, young adult or even an adult numerous and valuable lessons which will help each of them individually.

Life is not easy. Each road or path you take will have some smooth pavement and others rocky surfaces filled with ruts, stones, and maybe some boulders. Challenges make us stronger. Using love and understanding rather than discord and bitterness will easy your way and help you stand tall. Life is not always going to deal you a perfect straight flush. At times you might feel like you have to fold. But, the strength within you that is in all of use will guide you to take the right path. Something my parents taught me and a great point made by the author is that your actions really do impact on others and you need to decide before completing an action if it is going to hurt someone else- you might not want to do it.

One example that the author offers and it is so true is about the young girl who enjoys gossiping. Find out how or whether you can literally take back your words or what you say to someone else by reading pages 19-22 and decide just how some real lessons are learned.

Dead-end-Roads deals with lying and how to break yourself of the habit but first you need to focus on creating and setting the right priorities for success. Pressure from friends, bulling, getting caught in   a lie not only leads to dead-end-roads but also diverts you from the path you should be taking and provides you with a detour you should circumvent. Living your life according to someone else’s plan is not what the Creator wants for you nor should you accept. Lying is a serious issue and learning the technique simply stated in this book will definitely create a more aware you. Just- become aware of what you are doing and think before you speak. Read Lesson We Learn to understand how using a notebook, great idea, will help you understand things you have experiences and thoughts you have had. Learn the differences between lessons from the head and heart in Chapter Four.

Sometimes we get, I know I do, so angry we cannot se part what is creating that anger and it does more harm than god. Harboring negative feelings as the author states, need to be released. Accepting and learning to learn others can be done. Try activity two-Guided Imagination: I did!. It will ease your tension, lighter your burden and release the negative energy.

Life Is Not a Candy Store; It’s the Way to the Candy Store: A Spiritual Guide to the Road of Life for Teens deals with everyday issues teens, adults, and even small children face on a daily basis. If you think about it many things that we stress about at work, dealing with difficult bosses, your own children, friends, school, peer pressure and other teen issues are discussed in this outstanding spiritual guide in order to help everyone deal with life.

Teens and young adults feed off of compliments or even insults they hand out to others. Ego: Can be your own worst enemy especially when inflated like a hot air balloon. Let some of the air out, don’t worry you won’t fall. Thinking as many kids do that they are the best comes form “Your higher self, not your ego.”

Teens encounter many difficult roadblocks that often hinder their way and sometimes obstruct and cloud their vision. I have to agree with our author that verbalizing decisions and problems does help. Sometimes I even write down-hence the notebook idea, which is great, my feelings about what might be bothering me and hopefully find a positive solution. I did try what the author suggested on page 46-47 and believe it or not well read it for yourself and you will find out just how it works. Writing down the pressure issues and possible solutions: great start.

Drivers often need help when they get flats, blowouts or run out of gas. People need different kind of help such as Roadside Assistance, which the author expands on in Chapter 7. Helping the reader look at life through different eyes, clearer, more focused and with totally a totally different outlook. Finding a “higher purpose.” But don’t think you are home free. The Chapter titled Road Hazards is quite vital and important. Teaching yourself whether an adult, teen or young adult how to deal with anger and not walking away from God is important. Keep moving ahead and don’t’ allow life’s challenges to hinder your forward journey. My Dad always told me that if you worry about something that you can do something about then do something about it. If you worry about something you can do nothing about that stop worrying. Don’t spend your life on things that you cannot change. Remember you can change your life and you can do better all you have to do is do it and have faith in yourself. But, parents, teachers, friends and siblings need to allow the teen or young adult the latitude to change and admit being wrong and accept the words “I’m Sorry or I made a mistake,” and not dwell on the past.

Finally, create your own unique road. Take the fork that is going to bring you where you need to be. Each one of us has a purpose in life. Each person their own path to follow in order to create a journey that will take you closer to God and that Candy Store of Life. Learn from others and you will grow on your own. I Did!

Author Tal Yanai created a unique and interesting format in this books where he speaks directly to the reader, engages the reader in the discussions, embraces your differences, allows you to self question while helping each of us travel down that road called LIFE! Read the book. Then reread it again. Hear the voice of the author. Listen to God and understand life is much more than instant gratification or feeding off of the pain of others. I love his stories; his examples and I do have a sense of humor that keeps me going.

Life Is Not a Candy Store; It’s the Way to the Candy Store: A Spiritual Guide to the Road of Life for Teens
Author: Tal Yanai
Reviewed by Fran Lewis

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Avatar of Fran Lewis
Fran Lewis

Born in the South Bronx, I grew up with people from many ethnic backgrounds. I learned to play and work with children in my school that came from other countries and different places.
I was always over weight as a child and got picked on a lot by the other children in my class and even my teachers. I found it hard to do many of the sporting activities that my sister and cousins could do. I learned at an early age that kids can be mean and I promised myself that I would never retaliate or do mean things to other kids in return.

When I decided to write my short stories I realized that I had a lot to say about my youth and in both of my books I tell about a ten year old girl named Bertha who learns to deal with real life issues kids face today at home and in school.

As an educator I the New York City Public Schools for over 36 years, I realized just how unique and precious our children are. I was the reading and writing staff developer in my school and the dean. I loved the children and had the respect of my fellow teachers and parents. Teaching children to read was really very rewarding and introducing them to writing and creating their own stories was exciting for the students. I love reading different kinds of books in many different genres. I have started reviewing books of new authors and those that are more established. I love giving them great reviews and saying wonderful things about their writing. I have three Masters Degrees and PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently I am a member of Who’s Who is America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge. In addition, she is the author of three children’s books and a fourth that has just been published on Alzheimer's Disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a Cure. The title of my new Alzheimer’s book is Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey; Ruth’s story. My second Alzheimer’s Book is called Sharp As A Tack or Scrambled Eggs Which Describes Your Brain. This book should be out in June 2010. I was the musical director for shows in her school and ran the School’s newspaper. I write reviews for authors upon request and for several other sites. You can read some of my reviews on Ezine.com and on ijustfinished.com under the name Gabina.

Other accomplishments:
Book reviewer
Radio show talk host: book discussion with Fran Lewis and authors all over the US and the world- how cool is that I get authors that even request a review.
Would love to become an interviewer.
Caregiver and expert on Medicaid and medicare Author of five books and writing number six
The sixth book is based on a true story but will be written as a fictional memoir.
Worked in the same school for 36 years as the reading and writing staff developer I was the dean of discipline and assisted the Principal and AP when needed I was the test coordinator for the school and instructed teachers in testing procedures –administrated the tests and oversaw the reading, math and other tests to make sure that everything ran smoothly.

I am an expert in the ELA or any test prep for reading and writing
I can take an author’s book and even if it is not five stars write a five star review for them by looking for the soul of the book and for something positive. I am a member of Who’s Who of America’s executives, teachers and professionals and belong the Cambridge’s Connect and Pen with Sword
I would like to take my three children’s book plus the fourth one and put them together in one book. I played the piano as a kid and the violin.
I was in the Bronx Borough Orchestra. I played the piano in Carnegie Hall –that was scary. I do consulting for some of the teachers in my school when they need help with lesson plans. I love writing for Robins Falls Magazine.

I love writing reviews in my own style. I even find time to help my nieces and nephews with their homework over the phone.
Email: riffyone@optonline.net

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