Movie Review: Frozen (2013) by Disney

 

Movie Review: Disney's Frozen (2013)

It's more a Barbie movie than a traditional Disney classic. There are the heroines and some clever little animated animals. I loved the marvels created by ice and the fun songs that kids will love to sing and dance to. I still have "in summer" on a loop. And it's simply beautiful.

The eldest sister has a magical power to freeze things and create icy things. But for fear of hurting others with her powers she is taught to hide them, and be hidden herself. She grows up in isolation, especially from her sister who she had hurt in the past (who now no longer remembers that her sister has magical powers). You can only hide for so long, when her power becomes exposed, she runs into the mountains turning everything along the way into winter. Can the love of a sister or the love of a lover save the world?

My psychological perspective:

I loved the many themes bought out for kids in this movie. Definitely one to have a chat about after the movie.

Topics to talk to your kids about
Guarding our hearts, sibling love, courage, isolation, betrayal, grief, being unique

My Christian Perspective:

Yes. In typical Disney fashion, Love is what can save the day. But this time, there is less emphasis on romantic love than friendship and family love. The bible tells us to guard our heart. And this echoes throughout the movie.

This is an important lesson for all wannabe princesses out there. How can we fall in love with someone if we don't even know them? 

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time. 

I love a disney family movie. This is one to keep on the dvd shelf, the kids will love to re-watch this for years. 

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Book review: The Owner's manual for driving your adolescent brain (2013)

 

Book Review:  The Owner's Manual for Driving  Your Adolescent Brain by Deak et al (2013)

Funky. Fun. Facinating. I loved it.
It's got a great balance of neuroscience and modern language appealing to the younger audience.

My psychological perspective:

For adolescents

It's great to find resources you know are beneficial for adolescent's to read, that they won't mind reading. This book is written in a non-threatening way and provides really helpful information, tips for young people in the context of their rapid development. 

How to protect their developing brain. How it changes throughout adolescence.

My Christian Perspective:

It's very cool from my perspective to investigate creation. When we look at the human body, it's a wonder how anyone can think we became by accident. The intricate ways in which our bodies operate, change and adapt- I cannot fathom how this is not by devine design.

This book is a great way for Christian parents to begin to talk to their young people about these bodily changes, and how this effects their decision making and choices throughout adolescence.

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time. 

Nicely illustrated. Perfect holiday reading to keep young people occupied and learning. But I don't think the audience is purely young people, as it provides a quick refresher for those of us who left neuroscience back at college.

My advice, buy the book, (read it first) leave it by the kitchen table and see if your young person picks it up.

I was provided with a review copy of this ebook. It retails for physical copy $11.48 and ebook under $5 from Amazon and the publisher's website.

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Movie review: Saving Mr Banks (2013)

Movie Summary: Saving Mr Banks (2013)
Let me start off by saying that Mary Poppins is one of my favourite non-animated disney films of all time.  If I had not seen the previews of saving Mr Banks, I would have never guessed that there was a connection. The title of the film could have easily directed my imagination towards a war movie, or a movie about a Banker.

The movie is a little mix between the Hitchcock, Mr Bean with subtle underlays of music from Mary Poppins. It's fun, no funny as grumpy Mrs T tries to have her say in every part of the portrayal of Marry Poppins. And as the movie unfolds, the layers of her onion are revealed in a soft and tear jerking way.

I'm partial to the sunburnt portrayal of my country of Australia and giggled a little when I saw Ipswich and Brisbane on the train map. The film gave me a greater appreciation of Mary Poppins and Walt Disney, great job by all the actors involved.

My psychological perspective:

For a Disney film based on a lively musical, this film has very deep themes.

Mr Banks struggles with a very real issues of depression and alcoholism, marriage problems. And at the same time, his daughter also struggles with unresolved grief and resentment towards her father. And his daughter has carried this emotional baggage with her - for life. 

Indeed, the early years of development, and attachment security is an extremely powerful influence in the development of young people. These experiences with primary caregivers shapes our views of the world, shapes our views of relationships, of hope. If distorted views of reality are left unaltered in childhood and through adulthood, it is likely that these distorted views will change how we interact with the world around us.

The film has been able to delicately touch on this sensitive topic. While we cannot change the past, we can recreate a future. And I hope I can continue to help clients be able to let go of this emotional baggage. It's never too late.

My Christian Perspective:

Several times during the movie, Mrs T makes joke of how Walt Disney has God-like status in Hollywood. But the film was able to show a less beautiful side of Walt as he reveals his past and bad habits. Despite his many problems, Walt was able to create beautiful things.

I have a favourite quote from Corrie Ten Boom, which goes roughly like this...

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.

The best novels and creative works come from people with rich experiences, with pain and emotional baggage. The experience of pain and recovery changes us. And this film was able to illustrate that out of the roughness of the Australian outback, and the darkness of alcoholism comes a story of hope.

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time.

This is a beautiful film and a must for those who have grown up with Marry Poppins. It touches a heartstring for me. A soft yet rewarding experience to be shared. 

Parental guidance is definitely required for the little ones, and I'm not sure they would appreciate the art that is in this movie to the true extent.

DON'T MISS THIS MOVIE AT THE CINEMAS!

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Movie review: Ender's Game (2013)

Movie Summary: Ender's Game (2013)

Asa Butterfield's eye made Hugo. And his eyes are the only redeeming thing of this movie remake of a stunning book. When the action in the film is confined to consoles, all you have is the reactions of the little actors to convey the sheer relevance of the action scenes. Subplots did little to enhance the overall quality of the movie. It's like a mix of Tron with a younger version of a war game.

The story revolves around training Ender to become the commander of the entire fleet of battleships. The goal is to end the war FOREVER. That all sounds good, but Ender is a kid and the war is against another spieces.

The idea of using kids to fight a war... 

My psychological perspective:

The idea of using kids to fight a war is in reality brilliant. Especially if they were trained in this way before they developed appropriate executive functioning neurologically. But the shrink in the movie is right, it will be up to her to put these kids back together. In fact, there are many social developmental theories which point to the importance of appropriate role models and societal rules during these crucial stages of development to shape our decision making processes and our moral view of the world. 

The film is a great reminder that children are just that- children. They should not be asked to do things like killing or fight wars much less wipe out entire species. But there really are child soliders out there in our society- brainwashed to think that killing is ok. Desensitized to empathy for pain.

Topics to talk about with your teenagers

Bullying. Assertiveness. Compassion for enemies. 

My Christian Perspective:

I'm not sure what my opinion is of this film from a Christian point of view. 

Parallels are drawn between God destroying all sin, so that it cannot ever cause a problem again. But this doesn't hold. God didn't destroy us all so we can start again, but he reaches out to each of us individually, and asks us to respond. 

Some are drawing parallels between Ender and Christ. The balance of understanding enemies and defeating them through this understanding. Yes sure, Jesus was put through many different challenges on earth, but these were not to break him. Jesus came first out of love.

Poor
This has not been a useful resource or good use of time.

The movie didn't do the book justice. May be entertaining for 13+ year olds out of sheer boredom from the Christmas holidays and need of aircon in 40+ degrees weather.

As you can see I wasn't the biggest fan. If not for Asa's deep eyes conveying the story, I don't think I would have sat through the film. The storyline was disjointed and did not truly represent the freshness or radical notions the 1985 book would have bought at the time. 

Not my pick of movie to watch this year.

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Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Movie Summary: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

This review is biased because I've read the books. And the only reason I read the books is because the youths at my church wanted to see the first movie. So as a responsible adult, I went to read for myself and give them my informed opinion.

I found the original book really aimed for young adults, it was a gruesome view of an alternative world where children tributes from poor districts go into an arena and kill each other with only one victor left. And the victor is promised wealth and safety by a richer Capital district. In the last movie/book, our heroine was able to save herself and her partner from death. and Catching fire picks up from there. 

*Spoiler alert*  Due to the disturbance last time, the Capital has difficulties controlling the poorer Districts. As Katniss and Peeta tour the districts in an attempt to calm down the resistence fighters, Katniss realizes that people are starting to see her as a figure of hope. The Capital isn't happy with this. This time, all victors are drawn to go back in a whole new arena. Our heroine is called back into the arena with Peeta. But when people start sacrificing themselves for the couple, they realise something is different with these games.

I felt that Catching Fire was really true to the book. I laughed, I cried, I scream, and I can say, as an adult, I really enjoyed the movie and felt it was rather well made for a sequel.

My psychological perspective:

For adults, this film can trigger so many different emotions. And may I urge you to seek help from a Medical professional should you be severe affected by the content of this movie. PTSD (symptoms include the flashbacks, reexperiencing shown in the film) is a serious mental health problem which could benefit from psychological intervention.

Suitability for children: 

No. I don't believe children under the age of 13 should be seeing this film with or without the supervision of parents for several reasons. Firstly, the triology is based on killing, you see children killing other children for their own survival. This can be traumatic for some children, and there is research to show that watching violence or playing violent video games encourages violence in children. And far from an animated video game, the characters are just too real. Secondly, Catching fire begins with dealing with themes of adult relationships where the heroine is kissing one character but is in love with another. This can be quite confusing for young children. Thirdly, the main characters use of alcohol is questionnable.

Things to talk to your teens about:

Differentiation between the movie and real life. How they felt about the killings and death.

My Christian Perspective:

As a Christian watching Catching Fire, I feel somewhat embarassed. I feel like I'm a member of the Capitol district watching killing and pain as entertainment. How much of these sins amd I committing? Self-indulgence...

I urge Christians to reflect on the inappropriate use of alcohol, profanity, nudity, violence. And be prepared to have answers for these thing.

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time. 

As a film for adults, this was a really good movie- it elicited the full range of human emotions. Themes of resistence is resounding. Young adults and adolescents would benefit from adult guidance. For children, I don't recommend this film.

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Movie review: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2

Movie Summary: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2

I was wowed by the first movie. This movie was comparably a disappointment. This movie is really focuses on a far younger market, a market that may not have watched the original movie at the cinemas when it first came out. Endless pun after pun after pun is thrown with enough pause for kids to laugh. the group of kids I took to the movie really enjoyed it. They were copying the foods and retelling the funny bits.

*Spoiler alert* This story picks up from the first movie.  (and since most of us don't remember much, they review the first movie within the first 5 minutes). And our main character is once again tasked with "saving the world" by recovering the machine he created. Little does he know, this is more complicated than he thinks. His band of trusty friends try to help him every step of the way.

As an adult, I found deeper themes than kids will ever learn to appreciate. Large parallels with a famous "fruit" and "web search" innovation company where made. But after watching the movie, I am wondering to myself, if even vegetables had feelings, what on earth are we left to eat? But then I remembered, than even in the new twisted reality portrayed, even the foods ate each other suggesting that the ecosystem balance is preserved.

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for children: 

I believe that this movie is suitable for most of the family. Kids any younger than 10 should really have parental guidance as the action scenes can get a little scary. It's a fun little film for the family, but more suited for DVD release than a cinema. I can see kids watching this film again and again and again. Primarily because the storyline wasn't the main attraction, but the cuteness of individual food types. Hopefully, this film doesn't put kids off eating particular food groups - meats, vegetables or fruits. The main themes for a kid is the understanding of the importance of friendships, and putting aside personal success for your friends. 

Things to talk to your kids about:

Eating different types of food.

Things to talk to your teens about:

Importance of friendships and trust. Not judging a book by it's cover.

My Christian Perspective:

The themes of friendship is very well valued from a Christian perspective. From my own personal Christian perspective, I am a little worried that a machine can give birth to life, and not just vegetation and food, but life, including all it's emotions and attachments. It's the same argument some people use to combine the big bang theory and God, perhaps God created the big bang theory. From my own personal perspective, both God and the big bang theory could not coexist. Because that suggest that God didn't create the world in 7 days.

But at the end of the day, this is an animated film and even kids know it's not real. They are much more concerned about the cute little foods. I was surprised though, that on our way home, some of the kids asked me about Adam and Eve, and things to do with Creation, based on this film, so be prepared with answers. 

My overall rating: 

Good
This resource maybe useful and maybe a decent use of time.

The only reason why I've scored this so highly is because it's released perfect for bored kids during Christmas school holidays, and it's got enough stuff to keep adults and children occupied.

The sunday school class I took to this really enjoyed it, and I laughed heaps. This was thanks to Reading Cinemas at Harbour Town for $1 movie tickets. Legendary!

#cloudywithachanceofmeatballs2 @sonypicturesAUS

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Book review: Matilda saves Santa Claus

Book Review:  Matilda saves Santa Claus (2013) by Alex Field

A Christmas gift, that is a picture book about Christmas? Yes please!

It's a beautifully illustrated book your kids are going to enjoy for the whole year. 

Kids won't really care that the story lacks a lyrical flow or that it's really repetitive.

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for children: 

This is a book that needs to be read to little children. Some of the typeface makes it difficult, and a few words would be unfamiliar to preps. It's a simple story with a great moral. It' doesn't matter how small you are, you can make a huge difference, and be rewarded for it.

My Christian Perspective:

God uses the most unlikely of heros to do great things. He chose the youngest child to be a king, a persecutor to be an evangelist. So the themes of getting little ones to recognise that their size or age isn't a barrier to serve others is a great message.
Whether santa claus is real or not, and whether as a Christian, we should perpetuate this is another debate. But I heard on the radio the "origins" of Christmas stockings. It's goes something like this, there was a poor man with three young daughters, he was too proud to ask for assistance during Christmas, but couldn't afford any gifts for his little girls. Saint Nicolas findng out about this threw 3 gold coins down his chimney which landed in the stockings the girls were hanging out to dry.
Yes, the spirit of Christmas is about love, it's about giving, whether gifts or services to others. And it's not expecting anything in return.

My overall rating: 

Good
This resource maybe useful and maybe a decent use of time. 

Great solid picture book that will withstand the multi-re-reads your child will enjoy.

I was provided with a review copy of this book.

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Book Review: Bailey Beats the Blah (2013)

Book Review:  Bailey Beats the Blah (2013) by Karen Tyrrell

We know CBT works, but somehow it's difficult to describe how this works with children. A great book for parents, GPs, schools and psychologists working with young children. This is another great mental health book by Karen. Well done.

"Blah" a word to use, when you can't describe the yucky feeling. 

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for parents:

Particularly if it's your first child, parents aren't used to talking to little people about feelings. This book is a simple and short way to help parents and their offspring communicate emotional distress.

For children:

Topics presented are a great way as an "in" to discuss mental health issues with young people. Children aren't great at describing what's wrong. They often point to the same problems listed in the book - like tummy pains. When there is no word for them to describe this yucky feeling they have, the lack of energy of joy, "blah" is a great alternative.

My Christian Perspective:

Depression isn't a word we can find in the NIV version of the bible. Yet, we find that symptoms of depression are actively described in some of the most influential biblical characters. Moses, David, Solomon, Job, Paul. They are mourning, downcast, miserable. Sometimes it's helpful to be able to identify times of distress. And the bible tells us that Jesus is our friend and support in these times. I was so blessed to hear a testimony from a young child at my Children's Sunday School. Mother came up to me on Sunday and said, "sometimes I'm ashamed of the lack of faith I have compared to my daughter." She went on to describe a situation where her daughter was required to list people she could turn to when she was in trouble. Number 1 on the list was God. This was closely followed by police, her mother and her friends.

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time. 

I liked it, it does a great job of pinpointing what mood disturbance in young children look like. And best of all, there is a happy ending with practical ways parents and schools can help. Sometimes simple is best.

I was provided with a signed copy from the author- Good reads. It retails for $13.45 on Amazon or $3.99 on Kindle (Christmas sale!). Its aligned with Kids Matter national education program. 5% sales go to Kids Help Line. 

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Book review: Best friends and mean girls (2008) WIN!

Book Review:  Talking with Your Daughter About Best Friends and Mean Girls (8 Great Dates) (2008) by Dannah Gresh

Looking for ways to broach hard subjects with your tween daughter? Looking for ideas for activities to get closer to her?

Although this book has a lot of focus about God, it still works great if you ignore the spiritual references. Teaching your daughter that Love is patient, kind, bears all things.

I have started letting parents read this book in the waiting room of my practice.

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for tweens: 

Talking to your daughters about these subjects is perhaps more effective in the tween years than later in life. Research shows that strong parent-child relationships and firm guidance about certain behaviours are protective for offspring. It's a great and fun way to begin to talk to your daughters about difficult topics. Some ideas included in the book include having a slumber party, going on a shopping spree, doing random acts of kindness to others. All these are great ways to spend quality time with your girls.

Main topics the book covers includes: what real friendship looks like, how to be a nice neighbour, friendships with best friends, how to deal with mean friends, parents, siblings and boys. Wow.

I like how the book is really interactive with tonnes of activities, technology bits you and your daughter can listen to and spaces to put down thoughts and notes.

For children:

Topics here are less relevant for younger children, but the ideas to spend time with your daughters still apply. There are even sections with adjustment for younger children. 

My Christian Perspective:

There is a large focus and assumption that readers are christians. But I believe the content is not necessarily directed as such. Any daughter/mother can benefit from learning that love is patient, love is kind, love doesn't gossip, love trusts, love endures. But it's an added bonus for Christian daughters and parents to be able to reflect on the many blessings that God has given. And it also offers specific prayer requests you may have. 

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time. 

I liked it, it has some really great ideas for spending time with your tweens. I didn't think all the topics were relevant for all girls, but this is still a worthwhile read for parents, even if it was in the waiting room. 

I was provided with a signed copy from the author- Good reads. It retails for $13.00 a Big W, you can also obtain copies from Amazon and the publisher's website. 

And here's your opportunity to get a copy. The publisher has given me a copy to give away!

HOW TO ENTER. 

Simple fill in the form to enter (If you don't  like Rafflecopter, you can just comment below to enter). Be sure to enter your email address so I can contact you if you win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

I was provided a review copy by the publisher but was in no way paid for writing this review. 

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Movie Review: Smurfs 2 (2013)

Movie Summary: The Smurfs 2 (2013)

This was much better than the first movie, which doesn't happen often with sequels. I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews out there for this movie. It was never intended as a masterpiece. The humour is such that adults can have a little giggle while their children enjoy the adventure.

*spoiler* Some of my favorite bits include the use of a media play- ipad like device to plan ahead, and "Patrick-Barney" coming to terms with loving a step father.

Yes the graphics weren't the best, but they were great compared to the 2d blue smudges I used to see on TV. And what I liked about the movie is that it didn't lose sight of the main themes and attitudes of the original Smurf series.

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for children: 

I believe that this movie is suitable for most of the family. Kids any younger than 13 should really have parental guidance as the action scenes can get a little scary and some of the jokes a bit off! The story lines and morals are great for the kids. -- it doesn't matter where you came from or who you were, it's who you choose to be.

Things to talk to your kids about:

Good vs evil. step parents

Things to talk to your teens about:

Rebelling, identity, step parents, unconditional love

My Christian Perspective:

The theme about choices in this movie is great. Grumpy can choose to be grumpy or positive, smurfette can choose to be a smurf or a naughty. Some choices can have small consequences, but others choices can influence your entire life and even the future of the world as we know it.

My overall rating: 

Superior
This is a fantastic resource or was an extremely great use of time.

This review may have been slightly biased because I grew up with Smurfs on TV, but which review isn't biased by personal experience? This is a keeper. When the DVD comes out, it will be on my shelf and I intend to watch it many times with children of all ages. And I think this is an excellent addition to any DVD library.

This isn't a movie for everyone's taste, but if you are a fan of kids animated movies, the original smurfs series, this is one for you.

#Smurfs @sonypicturesAUS

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Book Review: The Carousel (2011)

Book Review:  The Carousel (2011) by Ursula Dubosarsky

If theme park rides could talk and dream, would wooden horses like to escape?

It's nearly Christmas, and it's time to pick up gifts for kids. Picture books are great keepsakes for young ones who don't seem to mind the repetition.

This is a heavy weight book with lots of pretty pictures, more suitable for girls than boys. This book can encourage young people to follow their dreams and not conform to set norms about who them must be.

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for children: 

Children love spending time with their caregivers. Reading is a great way to spend time with them. Allow them to fill in the blanks with familiar words, talk to them and ask them what they think would happen next. This is a cute little book for young children and would be good for any waiting room.

For children:

I think for young kids, simply listening to their parents reading and just looking at the pictures is a real enjoyment. While reading, you may notice deeper themes within the text. At least on one level it's teaching kids to break free from the mundane.

My Christian Perspective:

There are different religions in the world that believe in cycles. In the asian tradition, when you die, you will reencarnate. But Christians believe that this cycle doesn't occur. We are all bound to one destiny- eternal death. That is unless we decide to break free from this destiny by accepting Jesus Christ as our personal lord and savior.

My overall rating: 

Good
This resource maybe useful and maybe a decent use of time. 

My first thought was, this is a heavy picture book. Yes, both in weight as well as in thought. It was beautifully illustrated and can be interpreted at many different levels. Would be a great gift for little ones 8-10, or a good waiting room book.

I was provided with a signed copy from the author- Good reads

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Book review: The Little Book about God (2013)

Book Review:  The little book about God (2013) by Ron Rhodes

Understanding God, and his will in our life is an ongoing quest. The author pulls the bible apart to highlight 28  things we should know about God including, God is the father, the son, the holy spirit. God is eternal, everywhere, all-powerful, all-knowing. God is love, true and merciful.

The format for each chapter is easy to understand. The author start out with a main idea "e.g. God is, by nature, love. His grace is limitless". Then goes through the needs to know and verses in the bible to think about. The author then provide ideas/quotes to think about which bring out the main idea. The structure of these chapters is a great way to teach kids/teens but the content maybe a bit abstract for children without explanation. 

Just as the author recommended, it's got 28 chapters (2 pages each) which makes for a great one month devotional. I think it's a useful resource to have on hand. It's like a quick desktop reference guide. 

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for children: 

I believe this book is targeted at older adolescence to adults. The complexity of ideas would require explanations for younger adolescences. For adults, this book allows for room to expand your understanding of who God, according to the bible, is. 

For children:

As you personally go through this book, you may want to share some simple ideas/snip its with your children. However, you will need to judge whether some concepts are too difficult for them to understand and simplify these for them. The easiest way for children to understand these concepts is to use examples.

For teens:

Although they maybe able to grasp the content of these chapters for themselves, the application and the importance of these ideas may warrant further discussion with parents/peers. 

My Christian Perspective:

In Sunday School, we learned that God is love. It wasn't until when I grew up when the importance of righteousness came to me. So on one hand, God needs to punish us for our sins, but on the other hand he loves us. When my students ask me about other elements of God, I find myself dusting off knowledge in my brain. I find that I am unable to adequately describe and back up what I have said. This book is a helpful resource to read through at least once, then keep on hand for when a question comes up about who God is.

How can we teach what we do not understand? 

My overall rating: 

Excellent

Overall, I believe this is a great little resource to have on hand to remind us of the many qualities of God. However, it's not a resource I would be encouraging children to read alone. 

The Little book about God will be released October 2013. 

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Book review: Chicken Soup for the soul 20th anniversary edition

Book Summary: Chicken Book for the Soul 20th edition

I grew up reading chicken soup for the soul. And if by association, chicken soup always makes me feel better after symptoms of cold or flu. My doctor brother does the same, so I can't be completely wrong.

This book talks about love (how the man made a list about characteristics he wanted in his partner and how God granted a partner), (I love the story of how a teacher made all the difference), (about how hugging can make a difference), learning to love yourself, parenting, learning, living your dream, overcoming obstacles, wisdom but not as you know it.

My Psychological Perspective:
I think from my psychological perspective, the stories presented in the "Chicken soup for the soul" series are effective because they are from real people, and you can connect with the writer.

While these are not stories geared for young readers, they can be shared in the family and the stories don't go old.

My Christian Perspective:

My personal opinion is that we have so many challenges in everyday life, and how God helps us overcome these challenges is a testimony. The author wrote in the first chapter that the book was initially rejected by publishers. But when it finally got published, people kept sending their stories in too.

Each of these stories inspire others. If you have a story, why won't you share them too? Has God saved you through a miracle? Did you learn something about life today?

My overall rating: 

Loved it, and always have. This book makes for a great gift for young and old. I don't adore every story or buy into every story, but as with every edition, there is bound to be a story that was made for you to read.
Always have a box of tissues on hand, don't say I didn't warn you.

Chicken Soup for the soul 20th anniversary edition is now available on Amazon and good bookstores.

I was provided a review copy of Chicken Soup for the soul 20th edition by the publisher but was not otherwise influenced in this review. 

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Book Review: Three Hours Late (2013)

Book Review:  Three Hours Late (Nicole Trope)

Warning- do not pick up this book if you don't have time to finish it. It was a gripping account of a young mother based on an afternoon's time-frame. 

Yes, everything can change in an afternoon. Because I was so eager to find out what happens, and didn't want to miss any crucial details, I found myself flipping back and forwards. It would have been easier to read it from cover to cover, but the long-winded flashbacks did not win my urge to find out what happens next.

My psychological perspective:

This is a book written for parents, it's a book written for divorcees and it's a book written for adults. When divorce rates in developing countries being quite common, separation with kids is a serious issue of concern. Psychological literature is playing the catch up game with trying to understand why, how, and the aftermath following separation with kids.
Although the book is fiction, there are so many elements worth investigating as non-fiction. For example, Hopes of re-unification, shared custody, just to name a few.  Are we doing our best as psychologists and researchers to try to figure out ways to protect children?

Suitability for children: 

I personally don't think this book is suitable for children. And would only recommend to older adolescents who are genuinely interested in the read.
But after reading this novel, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect and assist kids in similar situations. 

My Christian Perspective:

Guidelines from my own Christian perspective suggest that divorce and separation is against Jesus' teachings. But there are exceptions to that rule, I believe. And this novel really challenged the "greyness" of such rules. In a domestic violence situation, should I woman stay? What if she was a Christian? These are all questions that the novel bought up. And of course I don't know the answer, but it's food for thought. 

My overall rating: 

Excellent

It was an overwhelming read and a must for anyone working with divorcees. It helped me get a better insight into the life and difficulties surrounding divorce, separation, and loss. Even thinking about the story now, I can still vividly picture scenes in my head and the emotions just come rushing back. 

I was provided with a copy of this book for review.  

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App review: Keep Track Pro

Monitoring is a very useful clinical tool, and it can be really handy for parents. How can we know if we have improved unless we measure it? How can we know if there are any patterns unless we keep an objective record?

With smart phones, it's really easy to have a monitoring tool beside you all the time. Keep Track Pro allows you to record weight, glasses of water a day, or anything you can think of, because you "invent" the category yourself.

My Psychological perspective:

We know monitoring works, at least in the short term. Keeping track of progress can be rewarding for people who are externally motivated. Especially when working with young people and young adults, having the option to allow them to record on their smart phone reduces barriers associated with traditional paper and pencil monitoring forms.

It can be useful to record for personal insight into patterns and trends of behavior. I find it really useful to have monitoring tools with clients to track progress before, during and after therapy. 

My Christian Perspective:

Our trials and tribulations are not forgotten by God. Psalm 56:8 talks about God recording all of our troubles in his book. I have found it helpful to keep track of both my ups and downs. And looking back at the volumes of my life, I have found that God has never forgotten me.
So at least from my Christian perspective, it's important to keep oneself accountable.

Overall rating
This is useful for tracking (1) weight (2) behavioural goals (e.g. walking, running, drinking water). And the free version, at least, is something I will recommend to clients as a monitoring tool prior to, during and after therapy. 

You can pick up KeepTrack and KeepTrack Pro on both Amazon and Google Playstore

Overall Rating:

Excellent

I will be recommending app-based monitoring tools such as Keep Track Pro to my adolescent clients. I think they some of them would be more likely to complete monitoring tasks on their phones than paper diaries. 

I will also personally be using some app-based monitoring tools for some of my personal goals. 

I was provided with Keep Track Pro for free but I was not paid for writing this review.

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