Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.
On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.

Admiral McRaven’s original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life’s darkest moments.


Book Overview:

Author: Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) | Series: None | Format: Audiobook | Narrated By: Admiral William H. McRaven | Length: 1 hour and 53 minutes | Publish Date: April 4, 2017 | Genre: Self Help/Personal Development | Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Recommend: Yes


“Hope is the most powerful force in the universe.” 


This was also a book club book that I read but never got to discuss. Either way, I’m glad that this was a book that I got a chance to listen to and really digest what Admiral McRaven spoke about. I’ll definitely need to listen to or read more personal development and self help type of books to keep myself centered and in control of my life. I highly recommend taking some mini breaks to read those when you find yourself having a book hangover from some traumatic ending to a favorite (or not so favorite) book.

I found the situations that he talked about endearing, and could see how he related it to the regular person not in the military. The stories were really there to enforce the ideas that he felt would help you change your life, and I definitely liked all of them. I finished listening to it in a day, and I feel like this is the best kind of book to keep with you whenever you need a reminder that you can do well in your life with these small things.

The President is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

The President is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

President Bill Clinton and bestselling novelist James Patterson have written a spellbinding thriller, The President is Missing.

As the novel opens, a threat looms. Enemies are planning an attack of unprecedented scale on America. Uncertainty and fear grip Washington. There are whispers of cyberterror and espionage and a traitor in the cabinet. The President himself becomes a suspect, and then goes missing…

Set in real time, over the course of three days, The President Is Missing is one of the most dramatic thrillers in decades. And it could all really happen. The President Is Missing is Bill Clinton and James Patterson’s totally authentic and spellbinding thriller.

Book Overview:

Authors: Bill Clinton and James Patterson | Series: None | Format: Audiobook | Narrated By: Dennis Quaid, Jeremy Davidson, Mozhan Marno, January LaVoy, Peter Ganim | Length: 12 hours and 55 minutes | Publish Date: June 4, 2018 | Genre: Political Mysteries & Thriller | Literary Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Mystery & Thriller (2018) | Rated: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Recommend: Yes



“Gerald Ford once said that an impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives says it is.”


Let’s try to remember everything that I liked about this book after five months since reading it… I’m sure it will come to me.

As you’ve probably seen during my review history, I am not one to stray from my main genre of Young Adult books. Even then, I don’t go into certain sub genres like Contemporary or Romance. However, I took a chance with this book being a Mystery/Thriller (a political one at that) and I was blown away.

For one, the voice acting of Dennis Quaid as the President was absolutely amazing. I may be biased because I really enjoy Quaid as an actor, but it sold me in continuing to listen to this book. Even though the contents of the book only took place within a span of three days (it felt way longer to me), it moved with such an amazing pace that I could not stop listening to it. I think President Clinton and James Patterson did an amazing job of making me want to follow this fictional President during his time away from the White House, and really thinking about what would happen if the United States was under that kind of attack.

I liked how it ended, although I was sad about a certain part of it. I’m a sucker for women that can kick ass… let’s just leave it at that. All in all, I recommend this to those that may want a taste of political thrillers, and I highly recommend listening to the audiobook if that’s your thing. Short review, but at least it’s done.

Long Periods of Time…

Long Periods of Time…

I swear I always go through periods of time where I need to take a break from reading and/or writing reviews because I just can’t keep up.

Definitely hate it, but I love it when I can come back and feel rejuvenated.

So here I am, back writing some reviews, especially now that I got back on the Netgalley wagon and got approved for ARCs that I had no business requesting because of my schedule, but I’m going to work on it anyway.

Let the games begin.