GirlForce, by Nikki Goldstein

Since this book is geared toward teenage girls, I think it is appropriate to post a review from one. So, without further ado, here is the review from my daughter.

Leah’s Review:

I was sitting on the couch one day last week, and noticed, among a pile of other books next to me, an interesting-looking book, called GirlForce. Unlike the others, this one was not a novel. I read the back, and was intrigued by what it said. Now, I recently turned eighteen and I feel that this book is geared towards younger teens, but once I started reading the book I couldn’t stop. It’s easy to read, and the Body and Mind quizzes were simple and fun. I found out that out of Wind, Fire, and Earth, I am a “Fire Girl.” This is pretty ironic, considering I have red hair.

GirlForce is pretty simple, and definitely non-stressful, from what I have read. You take the quizzes, twenty questions total, and find out your body type. Once you find out your body type, you continue reading and pay closer attention to the sections designated for your type. Nothing in this book is mandatory. If you decide to try out the philosophy, you don’t have to do every single thing mentioned. Nikki Goldstein even says that it’s best to add in a couple things from GirlForce at first instead of jumping right into everything. Jumping right into everything and following GirlForce strictly will stress you out, and the whole book is about how to live for your body type without being stressed.

After reading the book, almost all in one day, I decided I want to try out GirlForce. I immediately practiced the yoga moves for Fire, which weren’t bad at all. I tried meditating, but not even five minutes later, my cat was making a lot of noise and demanding my affection. The daily routines outlined towards the back of the book look simple enough to follow, and easily re-arrangeable to fit in with your schedule. I’m looking forward to practicing GirlForce, and the results I will get. If my mother lets me, maybe I’ll do a follow-up post on my experience and results sometime this summer.

From Margay:

For all of you parents out there, there is a website devoted to you (listed below) that will help you connect with and better understand your daughter, entitled Get to Know Your Daughter. It is a wealth of information on girls and the issues they face today and there is a section with stories from other parents on their experiences. You can sign up for a newsletter for more information and updates concerning the book and the website, which I did, or simply read the testimonials. Want to know what’s in the book but you can’t get it from your daughter? Check out the links below for peeks inside. There is a wealth of information here that can keep you busy for days, but if it helps you to better understand your daughter and form a closer relationship, isn’t it time well spent? I hope you will take a little time out of your busy schedules to give it a try. You might just decide, like I have, to do some of the exercises within with your own daughter.

This content is by, Nikki Goldstein, author of the GirlForce series. Nikki Goldstein has worked as a beauty editor and writer for Marie Claire, Vogue, Elle, InStyle and Cosmopolitan. She regularly blogs on her two websites – www.mygirlforce.com and www.gettoknowyourdaughter.com which give further information about the power of GirlForce, as well as fun quizzes, activities and forums. You can also visit Nikki at http://www.facebook.com/pages/GirlForce/76740694436 or http://twitter.com/MyGirlForce. Learn more about the book at http://www.amazon.com/GirlForce-Nikki-Goldstein/dp/1599903547.

Testimonials

Testimonials for Nikki Goldstein & GirlForce — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/testim…


Excerpts/Images from the Book:

Table of Contents — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/table-…

Book Cover, Book Excerpt Images and Author Picture for Girl Force — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/book-c…

Chapter 1 – Pages 1-4 — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/chapte…

Chapter 1 – Pages 5-8 — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/chapte…

Chapter 1 – Pages 9-12 — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/chapte…

Chapter 1 — Pages 13-16 — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/chapte…

Chapter 1 — Pages 17-20 — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/chapte…

Air, Fire and Earth Girl Pictures — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Quizzes Exploring Topics in GirlForce:

Body Type Quiz – Which Body Type Are You — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/body-t…; see also Air, Fire and Earth: The Awesome GirlForce Body Types — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi… and Air, Fire and Earth Girl Pictures — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Quiz – How’s Your Body-Lurve? — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-h…

Quiz – Unleash Your Creative Powers — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-u…

Quiz – Tame Your Dark Side — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-t…

Quiz – Discover Your Emotional Self — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-d…

Quiz – Love or Loathe Clothes? — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-l…

Quiz – Friend or Foe — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-f…

Quiz – Get To Know Your Mum — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/quiz-g…

Information for Young Women Discussed in Girl Force:

Ayurveda

Indian Giving (The ancient art and science of Ayurveda) — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/indian…

Meditation and Affirmations

Chakras and Meditation — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/chakra…

The Sacred Chakra Meditation — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/the-sa…

Affirmations — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/affirm…

Yoga

Quiz: Find out your body type to discover which postures are right for you — Body Type Quiz – Which Body Type Are You — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/body-t…; see also Air, Fire and Earth: The Awesome GirlForce Body Types — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi… and
Air, Fire and Earth Girl Pictures — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Yoga and Your Body Type — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/yoga-a…

Air Body Type Yoga Postures — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-bo…

Fire Body Type Yoga Postures — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/fire-b…

Earth Body Type Yoga Postures — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/earth-…

Stress Management

Air – Fire and Earth Stress Tips — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Beauty and Style Tips

Beauty Tips — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/beauty…

Beauty Tips — Air Body Type — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/beauty…

Beauty Tips — Fire Body Type — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/beauty…

Beauty Tips — Earth Body Type — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/beauty…

Air – Fire and Earth Style Tips — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Romance

Air – Fire and Earth Hotties — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Air – Fire and Earth Romance — http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/girlforce/forum/topics/air-fi…

Women of Wisdom

Karen Joy – http://www.wisewomantradition.com/empoweringwomen/2009/06/women-of-wisdom-jean-houston.html

Susun Weed, at the Wise Woman Community Weblog, shares information from Women of Wisdom by Kris Steinnes. This unique, award-winning book brings together different voices, exploring women’s intellect, creativity and spirituality and what it means for women to be divine. If you buy a copy today, you will receive $3000 worth of free gifts.

We invite you to go to this page – www.wisewomanpublishing.com/womenofwisdom.html – to access the order page and then go back to this page and enter your order confirmation code and your email address. That will take you to the sign up page for the Women of Wisdom enewsletter, once you join the WOW book group you will be sent an email with a link to the bonus gifts that are available to people who buy the book today. You can later opt out of being on the Women of Wisdom newsletter list if you choose.

Details about Women of Wisdom: Empowering the Dreams and Spirit of Women

Book Summary #1 – Women of Wisdom – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/bo…

Book Summary #2 – Women of Wisdom – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/bo…

Table of Contents – Women of Wisdom – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/ta…

Testimonials for Women of Wisdom – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/te…

Foreword for Women of Wisdom – Shortened Version – 520 words – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/fo…

Foreword for Women of Wisdom – Long Version 850 words – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/fo…

Women of Wisdom Cover Pictures – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

Women of Wisdom – Physical Characteristics of the Book – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

Miscellaneous Information About The Women of Wisdom Foundation

About the Women of Wisdom Foundation – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/ab…

Interview with Kris Steinnes on Natural Choice Website – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/in…

Future Products For Women of Wisdom – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/fu…

Current trends in the U.S. and Canada of interest related to the book’s topics – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/cu…

Excerpts from Women of Wisdom: Empowering the Dreams and Spirit of Women

WOW Excerpt – Being a Feminine Co-Creator (Barbara Marx Hubbard Chapter) – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Excerpt — Have You Put Your Dreams On Hold? (Angeles Arrien’s chapter) – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Excerpt – Make Your Intuition a Conscious Spiritual Practice (Judith Orloff’s Chapter) – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Excerpt – Spiritual Courage: Put Love Into Action (Riane Eisler’s Chapter) – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Excerpt – Millionth Circle: Tranforming Ourselves and the World (Jean Shinoda Bolen’s chapter)
http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

Biography, Pictures and Quotes by the Presenters From Women of Wisdom: Empowering the Dreams and Spirit of Women

WOW Presenter – Angeles Arrien – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Barbara Marx Hubbard – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Brooke Medicine-Eagle – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Frances Moore Lappé – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Isabel Allende – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Jean Houston, PhD – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Judith Orloff, MD – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenters – Kris Steinnes – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Marion Woodman, LLD, DHL, PhD – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Nick Scully – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

WOW Presenter – Riane Eisler – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/wo…

Discussion Points from Women of Wisdom About Problems Facing Women

Problems Facing Women – Women of Wisdom book offers solutions and ways to manage these problems – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/pr…

Problems Facing Women – Lack of balance of the masculine and feminine energies in the world. – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/pr…

Problems Facing Women – Lack of passion and dreams – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/pr…

Problems Facing Women – Lack of proper health care and education for our children – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/pr…

Problems Facing Women – Lack of the Divine Feminine and female leaders in traditional churches – http://virtualblogtour.ning.com/group/womenofwisdom/forum/topics/pr…

Frankie the Walk ‘N’ Roll Dog

Thank you, Margay for having me as a guest on your blog today! I am honored to be here to share with your readers how my wheelchair-bound dachshund, Frankie, has made me look at things in a new way.

If Frankie could walk again, would I want that for her? Yes, I would. Something interesting though stirs inside me in regards to this issue.

When Frankie was first hurt I thought the only possible outcome that made sense was for her to walk again. I did everything I emotionally and financially could do. I poured a lot of energy into trying to do all I could to ensure that Frankie would walk again despite the odds.

While I believe we must give it all we’ve got, I also believe we have to look inside ourselves and come to appreciate acceptance for what an outcome might be. If this is the hand we are dealt we must look for the reason why, and find the best possible way to learn from it.

One thing I never expected with sharing Frankie’s story was the connection she would share with kids with special needs. I can only imagine the heartache special needs children go through just wanting to be accepted for who they are. They did not ask for the challenges they were handed. Just as a sibling who has a sister or brother with special needs didn’t ask for this either. But how can they come to an understanding and acceptance of this?

When I brought Frankie home as a pup I never expected she would end up in a wheelchair someday. When I made the decision to get her a wheelchair, I will be honest and say I was apprehensive about what other people would think or say. Would they think it mean of me to put my dog in a wheelchair?

I realized it was up to me, and only me, to hold my head high, and know deep within my heart this was the right thing to do. I am not ashamed of Frankie. In fact I am so proud of this little dog whose spirit is so large she taught me to not be afraid of what I believed in. Frankie never once felt sorry for herself. That is the beauty of animals and what they teach us.

How can a child of a sibling with special needs accept that sibling? I am by no means someone who can speak from experience in that category, but I can only say what I have learned from Frankie. It is something I try to help children understand now when I speak at schools in our area.

Frankie, nor I, asked for this to happen to us. I could be mad or sad about this for the remainder of my life, but what would that change? I realized I always have a choice to a situation I am facing. Whatever higher spirit you believe in, I believe that God did not give us challenges to punish us. He gives them to us because he knows we can handle them. He also knows we will learn and grow from them. The best thing we can do with a challenging situation we learn from is to pass that lesson on, and to share it with others in hopes we can help make their lives a bit easier.

The biggest thing I learned from Frankie that I hope can help another child is that Frankie is still Frankie. She only looks different because of the wheels. Nothing else about her has changed. She is the same dog, wanting to do all the same dog things she did before she hurt herself. She still runs and plays, she still loves cuddle time, she still loves spa night, and she still especially loves giving kisses.

Just like any human being in the world, we all want to be accepted whether we have special needs or not. And let’s face it; we all have challenges in our lives. We always will. It is what we do with those challenges that can not only change our life for the better, but those around us as well. And believe it or not, I learned all of this and more from my special little dachshund. I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world to say I am Frankie’s mom.

My Review

Told from the point of view of Frankie, a spunky Dachsund with a big heart, Frankie, the Walk ‘n’ Roll Dog is an uplifting story of a brave little pooch facing adversities we humans can easily identify with: disabilities. Frankie is an active and playful dog until an accident takes away her ability to walk. Her back legs paralyzed, she must undergo surgery and physical therapy. Still, she cannot use her back legs, so her owners discover a new way for her to get around – a cart! They have one specially designed for Frankie and soon, she finds herself actively pursuing her life as she did before the accident.

When I first became aware of this book, I was interested in it because I am raising a daughter with disabilities and though hers are more of an emotional and behavioral nature, they still present many challenges when dealing with every day issues – such as the perception of others regarding her problems. Frankie eloquently addressed these issues in her story, making me forget, for a moment, that I was reading about a dog and not another girl. I think this story will have that affect on everyone who reads it, including children with disabilities. This story shows that, despite our differences, despite our issues or disabilities, we still have a lot to contribute to society and our lives and experiences could make a difference to others. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It serves as a good reminder that we are only limited by our own ideas of what we can and cannot do. This book is a treasure.

Thank you for reading about Barbara Techel and Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog. To learn more, and to order a copy of this multi-award winning picture book, please visit http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

Other Sites to Check Out:

Barbara’s Blog: http://joyfulpaws.typepad.com/

Frankie’s Blog: http://frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/

To See the Tour Schedule: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/frankie-walk-n-roll-dog-virtual-book.html

There will be a SPECIAL OFFER FOR VISITORS TO THE VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR. Each guest who comments on a post in Barbara and Frankie’s tour will be entered in a drawing for some fun, unique gifts that will especially appeal to Frankie fans and other dog lovers. We will give away several items from Frankie’s store — http://www.cafepress.com/Joyfulpaws. These include two Frankie t-shirts and two Frankie tote bags.
.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY USE:

About Barbara Techel

Barbara is a writer and animal lover. Her column, “For the Love of Animals” has appeared in the Depot Dispatch. Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll dog, her first children’s book, was awarded the 2008 National Best Book Award (children’s picture book soft cover) by USA Book News, the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award by Dog Writer’s Association of America, and the Editor’s Choice Award by Allbooks Review. It was also a finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence Awards. Frankie herself was inducted into the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.

About Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog

Frankie is a dachshund, and this story is told from her point of view. She survives the normal challenges of puppyhood, including a struggle with house training, after Barbara and John adopt her. After a spinal injury, her human family nurtures her through a long period of rehabilitation and buys her a custom-fitted wheelchair. It takes a while to adapt to her new wheels, but soon she is joyfully rolling and playing.

Barbara wrote this book to offer hope and inspiration to people who face challenges. A lifelong animal lover, she realized Frankie’s paralysis was an opportunity to spread a positive message.

Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog Virtual Book Tour – June 2009

Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog, an Inspiring Story About Overcoming Adversity, Tours Cyberspace

In June 2009 – Barbara Techel will tour cyberspace to promote her multi-award winning picture book, Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog. This book tells the true story of her dachshund, Frankie, who was paralyzed by an injury. Frankie recovers, thrives, and keeps on rolling with the help of a custom-fitted wheelchair. Children love this book, and it resonates with dog lovers, families of kids with disabilities, and book lovers of all ages.

About Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog

Frankie is a dachshund, and this story is told from her point of view. She survives the normal challenges of puppyhood, including a struggle with house training, after Barbara and John adopt her. After a spinal injury, her human family nurtures her through a long period of rehabilitation and buys her a custom-fitted wheelchair. It takes a while to adapt to her new wheels, but soon she is joyfully rolling and playing.

Barbara wrote this book to offer hope and inspiration to people who face challenges. A lifelong animal lover, she realized Frankie’s paralysis was an opportunity to spread a positive message.

Topics and Themes in Frankie the Walk and Roll Dog

* Teaching children and adults about compassion

* Helping readers learn to overcome adversity

* Providing encouragement to children with disabilities and their families

* Helping people see challenges as a way to learn and grow.

*

* Showing animals with disabilities in a positive light

* Helping dachshund owners (and many vets) understand this disease in doxies and know that a wheelchair is a viable option

About Barbara Techel

Barbara is a writer and animal lover. Her column, “For the Love of Animals” has appeared in the Depot Dispatch. Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll dog, her first children’s book, was awarded the 2008 National Best Book Award (children’s picture book soft cover) by USA Book News, the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award by Dog Writer’s Association of America, and the Editor’s Choice Award by Allbooks Review. It was also a finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence Awards. Frankie herself was inducted into the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.

To see the tour schedule visit: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/frankie-walk-n-roll-dog-virtual-book.html

For more information see Barbara’s site: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

And her blog: http://www.joyfulpaws.com/

–
Stephanie Marshall Ward
Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours – Tour Coordinator

Cynthia Eden’s 30 Days of Demons Contest

Prizes up for grabs:

First place: $100 gift card to Barnes and Noble
Second place: $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble
Third place: $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble
Fourth place: ARC of BELONG TO THE NIGHT
Fifth place: Any autographed Cynthia Eden book you’d like.

http://www.cynthiaeden.com/romance/30-days-of-demons/#more-1603

60 In 6 Giveaway

Here’s a great contest. Check it out!

http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/60-in-6-begins-june-1st.html