Your Family in Pictures, by Me Ra Koh

Your Family in Pictures, by Me Ra Koh (author bio) is a beautiful, user friendly guide to taking better pictures of your family. Covering settings both indoors and out, from the most casual such as eating breakfast and playing video games, to more formal occasions like weddings and graduations, this book gives you a simple, step-by-step plan to getting the best pictures possible.

As someone who loves to take pictures (particularly of my family) I have read a LOT of photography books, and have even taken a course or two to help me better understand my DSLR.  Unfortunately, even those aimed at beginners are often overly complicated and technical, and make the entire process seem more intimidating than anything else.  

This book is different.  It uses simple language and gives simple directions, all without feeling condescending towards the reader.  It assumes that even the most casual of camera users can learn to take great pictures, and with the help of this book, they probably can.  It gives instructions for both point-and-shoot cameras and DSLRs, so you can use it no matter what kind of camera you own.  In addition to its dozens of "recipes" for getting the best picture in a variety of settings, it also gives good, clear tips on understanding your camera and photography in general, so that you have the information you need to take better pictures every time you pick up your camera.

It offers a fresh perspective, solid information, and easy-to-follow directions for anyone to capture wonderful and priceless memories of their family.  

Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.  It's a book I will be referring to again and again.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.*

Semi Serious, by Charlotte Stone

 

Semi Serious, by Charlotte Stone, tells the autobiographical story of a woman who, disillusioned and burnt out from her job as a middle school teacher, decides to heed a calling to completely change her course and become a commercial truck driver. Encouraged by her son in law's suggestion, Stone quits her job and embarks on a whole new adventure at a time in her life when most people are thinking about retiring.

Covering everything from her training to her early days to her many experiences along the way, the author takes us along for the ride as she learns the ropes of her new job, and explores the country in a whole new way.  Reading very much like a person journal, the book recounts her experiences, both positive and negative, in great detail, She talks about her personal growth, her encounters with animals (there is an entire chapter devoted to her different wildlife sightings), the people she meets along the way, and her opportunities to encourage others by sharing her faith.  

This was a fairly interesting book, and one I read quickly.  The author clearly found meaning and purpose in her new life's work, and it was encouraging to read about her experiences.  Unfortunately, it seemed to somehow fall a little short for me, for no real discernible reason other than I think I just wanted to like it more than I ultimately did.  The premise was interesting, and her passion and enthusiasm was palpable, but I found the writing style to be a little bit slow moving.  Certain chapters gripped me much less than others.

Still, it was a good book, and an encouraging read... especially for anyone who is feeling led to challenge the status quo and follow God's nudging for a new career.

I received this book for free from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.