Happy Halloween and Pre-NaNo Jitters

Happy Halloween, everyone! Are you dressing up? I think I am. In fact, this year, I'm dressing up as a bestselling author. No, I'm not joking. I'm serious. That's my costume.

Wait, what does a bestselling author look like? In my imagination, I guess a BSA looks like me. Maybe with glasses. Hey, I think it's totally creative. Anyway, I've decided to pretend I'm a kid and go trick-or-treating in my neighborhood. I figure I really need to stock up on chocolate for my upcoming writing sprint.

Are you ready for thirty days of literary abandon?  Get ready, NaNoWriMo starts in a few hours...

Most every participant I know is nervous, anxious, and wondering how we're ever going to force ourselves to finish this challenge. It's definitely intimidating. I'm feeling it myself.  But it's been done before, and will be done again this month by more than a hundred thousand other authors. So, people, we're not alone. This is not to mention my ever growing buddy list. In my one writer's group we've gathered twenty-three participants and counting.

I realize that the chances of all of us actually completing the 50,000 words are pretty slim, but the point is that we're starting, we're writing, and we're giving ourselves permission to write something really bad in order to later come back and turn it into something good. What a trip this is going to be.  No matter what the outcome, nothing bad has ever come from trying right?  So turn on your computers, get out your notebooks and pens, and hide your chocolate stash from the kids, because it's almost go time.

Okay, so pep talk done. Get ready, get set...wait for midnight on Halloween....don't cheat, I'm watching you...GO!

Write like your fingers are on fire!

Nichole

**If you're participating, I want to hear about your progress. Drop me a line and let me know how you're doing.

Book Review: "The Mazerunner" by James Dashner

By Nichole Giles

The blurb:

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is blank. 

But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark.

The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might find their way home…wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable. 

And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

My thoughts:

I’ve heard this book being compared to a lot of things. One of James’s faithful fans even coined the phrase, “modern day Lord of the Flies.” And truth be told, I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on a copy for a long time. 

The first time I heard the concept of the Mazerunner was three or four years ago (I think) at a writers conference.  James mentioned an idea of these kids who are stuck in a maze, and everyone in the room could see the light in his eyes as he talked about it.  A palpable excitement shimmered through the air—almost a premonition of how great this idea would become.  At the time, we were all just happy to be there, learning from James’s wisdom about how to be better writers and—dare I mention it?—discussing sexual tension between Han Solo and Princess Leia.  (I know, writers are total geeks.)

But the concept remained, and in the coming years, every time I saw him, I asked about James’s maze book.  Then it happened.  I ran into him again (at another writer’s conference—because, that’s where we all convene, you know) and asked the same tired question. But this time, an enormous smile spread across his face and he looked about to burst with elation. Turns out, he didn’t just have good news. He had RANDOM HOUSE size news.  (Which, in a writer’s world, is HUGE.)

I have to be honest. I wanted to jump up and down and cheer for him—right there in the middle of the poetry dinner where we were supposed to be listening to the MC announce contest winners. But even then, even knowing his huge-New York-publishing-house news, I didn’t know how great his book would be. 

Back to the comparison with Lord of the Flies.  I have to be honest. I haven’t read the older book since junior high or high school, and though I know I read it more than once, a person can only retain so much leftover-from-high school information in her brain.  That said, I don’t remember Lord of the Flies ever being fast-paced like The Mazerunner. I liked the older book, but I know that I never read it in one or two days the way I—or better yet, my fifteen-year-old son—did.  There’s something incredible about reading a book that refuses to be put down. That was The Mazerunner for me.

Also, I’ve always loved James’s propensity for puzzles and riddles, and this book didn’t disappoint. I love the variety of characters, their different back grounds and personalities, and the unique slang the characters use. And as always, the antagonists in this book are uber creative, and the ultimate in scary.

I wonder if I could figure out how to make a Griever costume in time for Halloween?

I’d love to compare The Mazerunner to The Hunger Games, but sadly, that one’s still on my “to read” list. (Stupid Scholastic book orders that take two months and change to arrive…) Sorry.

My nitpicks:

I have to wait a whole entire year to read the next one? Noooooooooo.  (James? Really? Can’t you write a little faster? Forget 13^th Reality….ok, wait, never mind. Just write fast!)

Okay people, I’m rambling. This book is a must read, and my saying that has nothing to do with my friendship with James. (If you're a regular reader, you should already know I don't give glowing reviews unless the book truly deserves it.)

Click here to buy your copy online.

Click here to find out where James will be signing book near you.

Click here to check out the awesome Mazerunner website, where there’s a really fun, totally addicting game you can play absolutely free.

**The author of this review did NOT receive compensation of any kind as incentive for writing this review. In fact, she drove for over an hour to a certain bookstore, where she then waited in line for another 45 minutes to purchase her own copy, only to have her fifteen-year-old son wrestle it from her grasp and run away to read it first, causing her to wait several days before she could actually open the cover.

I Must Be Crazy

I've done it before. And it was worth it. totally and completely. I've never had any reason to regret the time dedicated, the agony of emotion, the physical exertion and lack of sleep, the actual insanity it takes to write a 50,000 word novel in a month.  And yet, as the end of October looms ever closer, I find I have a stomach full of fireflies--hot and fluttery all at once--and my brain screams for all the many other projects to which I could, and maybe should, be dedicating myself.

Thanksgiving is in November. It's at my house again.  There's scrubbing, and cleaning, and organizing, and shopping to do. Not to mention cooking, preparing, inviting, and planning. And don't get me started on Christmas preparations, or the serious shopping involved in that.

And I've gone and committed myself to participate in NaNoWriMo. What am I thinking?

Clearly, I'm thinking it's about time I got another novel drafted, and forget about everything else in life for a while. Oh, I'll handle the holidays and the family dramas. In fact, now that I think about it, maybe all my other stresses will become fuel for my new story. After all, life does lend the best material.

Now, lets just hope I actually find time to sleep next month.

That's right, kids. November is National Novel Writing Month, in which thousands of authors dedicate themselves to writing an entire rough draft of at least 50,000 words before December first. Some think it sounds easy, others think it's hard. Truthfully, it's a little bit of both. More hard than easy, though. And there are no guarantees that we'll actually produce good work, and most definitely, none of it will be publishable right away. But creatively, it's empowering, and inspiring, and then we get to say we did it.

I think maybe that's the best part. Being able to say you did it.

So if you're a writer, and you want to jump on an author-wagon with other writers, join us! Sign up for NaNoWriMo and come be my writing buddy. Username: NicholeGiles. Now, let's get writing!

On a different subject, I was remiss in mentioning a few other author events/signings.  Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00, James Dashner will be signing The Mazerunner at Deseret Book in Orem. (The big distribution center one, not the one in the mall.) And because he is also the author of The 13th Reality series, I'm pretty sure he'll sign those too.

Also, on November 3rd, Valor Publishing will join Mark L. Shurtleff, the Utah State Attorney General, in launching his book Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story.  This is a big deal.  Not only will Mark be there selling and signing his books, but Dred Scott's great-great granddaughter will take a few minutes to speak. Also Connie Hall, winner of the Cry for Freedom contest held by Valor last month, will be reading her winning entry. Musical entertainment and refreshments are provided. This is a MUST ATTEND! It's going to be way, way fun, and a truly memorable occasion. And if you don't want to see Mark or any of the other amazing authors I hear are attending, you can always come just to see me. 

6:00-8:00 P.M.
November 3rd
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
The Gateway
6 North Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 456-0100

Okay, what else? Oh, Halloween is on Saturday. Have a safe, memorable, fun day, and if you're dressing up as something cool, I want to know about it. Me? Well, considering what November is looking like, sounds like I'm dressing up as an author. Imagine that.

Until next time, write on!

Nichole

A Little Inspiration, A little Information

First, the information:

Two of my good friends are launching books this week.
Ronda Hinrichson will be signing her debut book Missing Thursday, October 22nd at the Reflections of Utah bookstore @ 47 South Main Street, Brigham City, UT from 5-7:00.

This is a long anticipated release, so if you're anywhere near Brigham City, run on over and be one of the first to get your copy and have it signed by the author--who's name is actually lit up in lights on the marquis.

Heather Justesen will be signing her debut book The Ball's In Her Court Saturday at the Filmore City Library, in Filmore Utah from 10-1:00.  

Again, a much anticipated book. I already have my copy--signed by the author, naturally--and am excited to get reading it this week. So if you're anywhere near Filmore, same deal. Go get your copy, get it signed. Be ahead of the crowd.

If you are not one of the lucky people who can make it on Thursday or Saturday don't despair. I hear both of these ladies will be signing together at the Barnes and Noble in Sandy, UT on November 7th. (Details to come when I have them.)

Also, Frank Cole, author of the Hashbrown Winters series will be signing at the library in Pleasant Grove on Thursday evening, and since the library closes at 7:00, I'm thinking that one will be early--like five-ish. (Don't quote me, I'm not positive.) His book has been out for a month or so, but this will be a great chance to say hey to Frank if you live in Utah County.

Okay, now that I have you running all over the state of Utah (sorry out-of-towners) here is some inspiration for the week.  This is not your average shampoo commercial, and so worth watching.  Bottom line? NEVER GIVE UP.

Nuff said.

Over the Top Bloggy Award

Last week was a little trying for me. I don’t really know why, a bunch of small things added together with some not-so-small ones and by the end, I was ready to run away and start a new life in another country. Well, okay, maybe not an entirely new life. Still, sometimes I feel that way, you know?

And then my friend Ronda awarded me with the “Over The Top” blogger award, and the fact that she would think of me, and her reasons behind giving me the award made my week. I am one lucky lady to have such supportive and wonderful friends like Ronda, and our larger Authors Incognito group, as well as my other writing groups and all the extended support I get every day from each of them. Also, I have some amazing and wonderful friends who are not writers, and who love me no matter what.

Thanks to a combination of those people, this week has been wonderful, and so much better than last week. Hooray for awesome friends. Thanks, Ronda, for the award. And now, I’ll try to do justice to your fun questions.

1. Where is your cell phone? Right next to me on my bed (since that’s where I’m sitting right now.)

2. Your hair? Clean, just past my chin, auburn this month, flat because it’s almost bedtime.


3. My mother? Um, what about her? She’s my mother.


4. Your father? Same deal. Neither of them live very far away, so I see them regularly.


5. Favorite food? Snow crab. And really, I’m not very picky.


6. Your dream last night? Can I plea the fifth on this one? No? Let’s just say it involved me, my friend Jen, Las Vegas, shopping, lightening and some seriously amazing thunder. Oh, and probably a bestselling novel—or I could be inserting that in mentally, not sure. Don’t remember much else, sorry.

7. Favorite drink? Dr. Pepper rocks!


8. Your dream/goal? You already know this answer—my novel on the New York Times Bestseller List. Duh!


9. What room are you in? My bedroom.


10. Your hobby? Besides writing? Reading, listening to music, driving around in my car, shopping, traveling, hanging with my family.


11. Your fear? Something happening to my husband or kids.


12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? A bestselling author living on a tropical island.


13. Where were you last night? In Las Vegas.


14. Something you aren't. Fake, a liar, perfect.


15. Muffins? Yes please. I like all except ones with walnuts in them.


16. Wish list item? Trip to Hawaii. Macbook Air, new carpet, living room chairs.


17. Where did you grow up? Everywhere. =) Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Utah.


18. Last thing you did? Caught up on three days worth of email.


19. What are you wearing? Pajamas.


20. Your TV? On. Watching “The Breakup”.


21. Your pet? Two golden retrievers, Tika and Dixie.


22. Your friends? THE BEST!


23. Your life? Is now complete. =) Full, awesome.


24. Your mood? Calm, content, happy.

25. Missing someone? Always.


26. Vehicle? 2004 Ford Mustang convertible. Red.


27. Something you're not wearing? Jewelry. (Are ya shocked? Yeah, well, I don’t wear it to bed.)


28. Your favorite store? That is a loaded question. Depends on what I’m shopping for, and the purpose for which I need it. Express maybe? Victoria’s Secret? Dillards? Really, I have to choose just one?

29. Your favorite color? Depends on my mood. Usually green or purple. Or pink. Or blue.


30. When was the last time you laughed? A few minutes ago. I laugh regularly.

31. Last time you cried? Last week, I think.


32. Your best friend? Besides Gary and my kids, Jennifer, Tiffany, Raylene, Lori, Mitzi, and Tova.


33. One place that I go over and over? The schools. Drive to school, pick up from school, drive to school, pick up from school. It’s a never-ending cycle. Same thing with the grocery store. Can’t figure out why…


34. One person who e-mails me regularly? My writing groups—SuperEdits, AuthorsIncognito, NovelThoughts, ANWA—my cousin Kellie, my coauthor Cindy…wow, do you really want this list? It’s pretty long.

35. Favorite place to eat? Mexico, a cruise ship, the beach, the mountains. (No one said it has to be a restaurant.)


Now for the five I've tagged to receive this award:



1. Rachelle: For always being there when I need encouragement or a good edit. Also, for her ability to continue on when most other people would give up, and seeing the forest for the trees. You are a constant example to me.

2. Danyelle: For patience and strength, and a deep and abiding ability to encourage others and be a good friend. Even as she collected rejection after rejection, she always rejoiced with others when they found success, and continues to do so every day.


3. Josh Perkey: Who watches out for others, gives excellent input, and is generally an all around great guy/editor. I’m so lucky to have him for a friend.


4. Darvell Hunt: Who is the head and heart behind Authors Incognito, and who has toiled and labored at his writing as long or longer than anyone else I know. Success is headed his way very soon.

5.Tristi Pinkston: For always saying it like it is with class and panache. The Storymakers wouldn’t be the same without her, and neither would Authors Incognito.

Since I was limited to five people, there are others I didn’t tag. Cindy Beck was tagged by both Karlene Browning and Ronda Hinrichson, and Connie Hall is dealing with a lot of things and I’m not sure she’s up to answering all these questions. But she definitely deserves an honorable mention for her sweet generosity, kind heart, and stalwart strength.

Thanks again, Ronda. And good luck with the release of your book, Missing.


Hey, you five, if you answer this tag, let me know. I really want to read your answers. Thanks. Until next time, write on.

Nichole

Book Review: "Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story" by Mark L. Shurtleff

By Nichole Giles

When I was first asked to review this book, I thought it sounded interesting. After all, it covers a very volatile period of time in our nation’s history, and I like history for the most part. What I didn’t expect was a heart-wrenching, tear-jerking story of a family of slaves—one man in particular—who loved the people they served, but who were kept as owned property.

The family—which grew to include a large group of white benefactors, brought together by the children of Peter Blow, who originally owned Dred—fought for freedom with a patience and passion strong enough to cause people to riot, and who would eventually become one of the catalysts that changed our fledgling nation forever. Indeed, Dred Scott’s fight was the platform on which Abraham Lincoln stood, and that catapulted him to be elected president.

About the book:

An Illiterate slave, Dred Scott trusted in an all-white, slave-owning jury to declare him free. But after briefly experiencing the glory of freedom and manhood, a new state Supreme Court ordered the cold steel of the shackles to be closed again around his wrists and ankles. Falling to his knees, Dred cried, “Ain’t I a man?” Dred answered his own question by rising and taking his fight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dred ultimately lost his epic battle when the Chief Justice declared that a black man was so inferior that he had “no rights a white man was bound to respect.”

Dred died not knowing that his undying courage led directly to the election of President Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Dred Scott’s inspiring and compelling true story of adventure, courage, love, hatred, and friendship parallels the history of this nation from the long night of slavery to the narrow crack in the door that would ultimately lead to freedom and equality for all men.

My thoughts:

This was a hard thing to read. Not because it isn’t well written or because the story isn’t compelling—actually, it was one of those books you don’t put down much—but because even though I’ve heard it all before, reading the story through one man’s eyes shed a whole new light on the horrors of slavery. And many of our countrymen, those who fought so hard to gain freedom from England’s stronghold, kept and mistreated people of color as slaves. They wrongfully believed that the statement in our Declaration of Independence about all men being created equal, only really applied to white men. It was hard to read because this is a shameful truth in our nation's history, and the truth is hard to ignore, even if it occurred nearly two hundred years in the past.

Yet, difficult as it was (and I admit to shedding more than one or two tears) I felt Dred and his wife Harriett’s hope, their belief in a fair and just judicial system, and their love for the Blow family who gave up everything to fight for the Scott family’s freedom.

So while it was hard to read, I’m so glad I did. This story, the fight of this family, was a turning point in the history of our nation. These people—specifically the slave Dred Scott, who was considered the property of other men for more than fifty years—found a way to change the world. When anyone else would have either run away or lay down to die, Dred and Harriett Scott, slaves from birth, bravely stood up to the highest court in the nation, fighting for the one thing they wanted most, the one thing we all want more than anything else. Freedom.

And in the end, Dred Scott won. He did not win freedom for himself, or his wife and daughters. Instead he won freedom for all the slaves in the United States.

Now I dare you to tell me you or I can’t do something to change the world.

Yep. This is definitely worth reading. In fact, I’ve already recommended it to several people, and plan to buy a few copies to give away as soon as it’s released on November 3^rd.

To pre-order your copy, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about the author, Mark L. Shurtleff, CLICK HERE.

For information about Valor Publishing Group, CLICK HERE.

**Disclaimer: The author of this review did receive an uncorrected advance reader's edition of this book. This is not a hardbound, signed collectible that one might sell in a used bookstore, but rather a copy printed pre-edit for review purposes. No other compensation was, or will ever be, made in payment of this review or endorsement.

Super Quick: Launch Parties and Charitable Donations

I totally don't have time to be blogging today, but I just can't help myself. Today is a big day for one of my author friends, James Dashner, who's book The Mazerunner is on shelves and available TODAY!!!! This book has been a long time in coming, and he's been counting down the days for months.

So, because it's finally here, and because I can practically feel his excitement over the point of the mountain and like, twelve cities away, I just have to share.

He's throwing a party.

It's going to be HUGE.

Apparently, he has invited everyone on Earth. Literally. (Don't believe me? Check out this blog.) That includes you.

You can be one of the first to own his new book and get it signed.

Where? The King's English bookstore 1511 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT.
When? 5:00 PM today.
How? By getting in your car and driving there. Duh.

For those not living in Utah, James will be heading out for his first major Mazerunner tour this week, so check his blog to find out when he'll be in your area. He LOVES visitors, especially Dash-fans. =)

In other news, one of my very good friends is in charge of putting together a fundraiser for the Clear Horizons Academy, a preschool for autistic children. All proceeds go toward the school and tuition for special needs kids whose parents wouldn't otherwise be able to afford the kind of care these children need.

They are currently accepting items of all sizes and values for their auction. If you or someone you know would like to donate, contact me at writenichole at gmail dot com and I'll forward you more information. Remember, every small donation adds to the larger number. (Books and promotional items welcome.)

Okay, now I'm late. Gotta run. Until next time, write on!

Nichole

If Life Were Like Facebook

©By Nichole Giles

If life were like Facebook...

Poking someone you’ve only ever met once would be a perfectly acceptable form of greeting.

You get to choose whether or not to be friends with someone—and you can take all the time you need to decide. Confirm or deny?

Hitting your family and friends in various body parts with different types of food would be considered a daily dinner ritual.

No one could make the claim that they had more friends than someone else unless it was really true.

Everyone in the world could be friends with a celebrity or two. Or fifty.

Psychics would lose their jobs because people could tell their own futures, including day and time of death, by taking a quiz.

You could ignore people without being obvious.

Single people would never again have to endure those tired pickup lines. Instead, the dating ritual would be reduced to super-soakers filled with love potion.

You could easily hide that obnoxious person who drives you crazy. They could keep being themselves, and you wouldn’t have to know about it.

You never have to wonder where your friends are, because everyone always checks in to tell you where they are and what they’re doing. Ex: So-and-so just went to the grocery store to hit the big toilet paper sale.

Having someone kidnap you to a foreign country would be considered a gesture of friendship.

TV would become obsolete as the world watched real-life personal drama unfold on their newsreel.

When someone made you mad, you could get back at them by tagging them in an embarrassing photo and sharing it with all of their friends, and yours too.

It would be completely acceptable to write on people’s walls.

And finally, everyone you know would have a successful, thriving farm.

Christmas Light Spottings and Contest Winner

I love the holidays. The warmth of inside on cold days, the smells of oncoming winter (I know, totally out of character for me), and especially the decorations. There's just something about twinkling lights and pine boughs that make a person feel...well, happy, content, and giving. It's nothing like the contentment of having the sun shine on my skin, but I'll take it.

But people, really, don't you think the holidays lose their novelty if you celebrate them for six months out of a year?

This weekend I've seen three houses/restaurants that have already turned on their Christmas lights. And while I've been known to put up my tree in the first weeks of November (it's 12 feet tall and a lot of work) I found myself amazed that we're already heading into the holiday season. It's only the beginning of October!

But...I guess those people might have the right idea. I mean, if it has to be stormy and cold, like it is where I live, and since we're only a month away from Halloween, which for me is pretty much the holiday kickoff, then it stands to reason that we prepare to usher that kickoff in by getting out the decorations. Right?

Okay, maybe not the Christmas ones. I admit, though, that it made me a tiny bit excited for the upcoming holiday season.

Just saying.

Guess I should go find that other box of fall decor and get to work.

On a totally different subject, I realize I was supposed to pick a winner for for the copy of Zion's Promise by Chris Jefferies on Friday, and I totally forgot. Well, actually, I didn't forget, I just got way busy and didn't get it done. So, in case any of you were waiting with baited breath to see if you'd won this awesome prize, I'm very sorry for the delay.

And the winner is...

David J. West.

Clap, clap, clap, cheer, yell, yahoo, cheer, clap, clap, dance, clap, clap, clap.

David, email me with your snail mail address and I'll get your prize in the mail this week.

And since I'm blogging today, I'll leave you all with a thought:

"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss."
~Douglas Adams

Until next time, write on.


Nichole

Book Review: "Prayers That Bring Miracles" by Stephen M. Bird

By Nichole Giles


The Blurb:

In the summer of 1983, a young Marine knocked on the door of Chaplain Bird. His face was ashen and his eyes wide with fear. He had just come up positive for the second time on a drug test and now faced certain demotion to the lowest rank, two months in the brig, and a dishonorable discharge.

The Marine explained that he was innocent and that there must have been some mistake. He went on to say that he had recently married a woman with five children. The family was living in military housing and his wife was currently receiving treatment at the base hospital for bone cancer. If he were kicked out of the Corps, his family would have no home or income.

As he listened to the young man’s story, Chaplain Bird began to pray. After the Marine finished, the chaplain heard Heavenly Father say, “I’m the only one who can help him now.”

This began a spiritual adventure for both the Marine and Chaplain Bird. As they talked, prayed, and read form the scriptures Brother Bird felt impressed to teach this young man how to pray. A few days later the Marine returned to Brother Bird’s office saying, “Chaplain, you’ll never believe what happened.”

The result of their prayer together was so remarkable that Brother Bird began to share the story with other Marines. Virtually all those who learned and used the same principles of prayer as this young Marine came back to report their own personal miracles.

My take:

When I first picked up this book, I looked at the cover and thought, oh no, not another book on how to pray. But I opened it anyway, and was surprised to find myself reading the entire first chapter, which then led to the second chapter. By starting out with the lead-in story, the author drew me in, and I became interested in what the author was trying to convey. I then continued on to read through his scripture references, and the steps he claims will help us bring about our own miracles.

After walking the reader through nine chapters in which certain steps are outlined and broken down, Brother Bird concludes by reminding us that our own hearts are changed by prayer, and that is the biggest miracle of all.

This book was a surprisingly quick and easy read, with lots of great information and some insight into the reasons we all pray, and how to listen for answers. This is definitely a religious book, meant for readers of the LDS faith, but the references sited are all nonsecular, which makes it a great book for an audience of any Christian religion.

To buy your copy of “Prayers that Bring Miracles” click here.