The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson

If you're looking for a book that is unlike any other book you've read before, then The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson is probably a good pick for you.  It jumps around from past to present like some other books, but I've never read a book about this subject matter.  It's the journey of a man who basically doesn't exist.  He has to take on the life of others but he does it without wanting to.  He's not a spy.  He lives in North Korea.  It was quite eye-opening to what life is like there.  It's a work of fiction, but a note from the author at the end of the book tells you that he got a lot of his information from talking to people who have lived there and told him their own stories of life there.  Jun Do is forced to become a kidnapper.  However, that is only the beginning.  His life takes so many turns after that.  The story even becomes somewhat of a love story by the end of the book.  He has to find a way to save the woman he loves, but the question is, can he save himself, too?  It's a good read.  It reminded me how lucky I am to have the freedoms I have in my daily life.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Time To Get Tough: Making America #1 Again by Donald J. Trump

Time To Get Tough : Making America #1 Again by Donald J. Trump took me forever to read.  If you're a fan of Mr. Trump, maybe it won't take you as long.  It felt as though this is a culmination of everything Trump has been saying at his rallies and appearances.  It was published in 2011.  Therefore, he has been saying all these things longer than I thought.  The book is basically a preview of his campaign, or so it seems.  He talks about how bad he thinks Obama is doing.  He talks about what a great negotiator he is.  He talks about America's missed opportunity of getting oil.  He talks about how China is mistreating our country by undervaluing it's currency.  He even shows the schedule A and Summary of Net Worth as of June 30, 2010.  He also talks about frivolous stuff like how successful his TV show The Apprentice has been. He has a lot of information for which he sites his sources.  I have not gone through and researched those yet, but there are also points he makes for which he has no sources, points where he might even say something like "People are saying it."  What people?  Why does "people saying it" make it true?  I still can't say that I know what Trump will do as President.  However, if you feel at all unsure about his stance on things, then definitely read this book.  I didn't enjoy it, but I'm glad I read it even though I still can't say that I am 100% sure of my decision in the November election.  I give this book a 3 out of 5 simply for being informative.

Think Big and Kick Ass In Business and Life by Donald J. Trump, Bill Zanker

I'm not sure there was anything I enjoyed about Think Big and Kick Ass In Business and Life by Donald J. Trump and Bill Zanker.  I felt as though everything that was said was directed toward someone who is already at least somewhat successful.  At one point Donald Trump literally says, "If you can't raise a million dollars, then you've got a problem."  Say what?  How am I supposed to do that?  The book didn't answer that question.  The only thing it did say was a lot of "love what you do," "follow your passion," "never give up."  I could have gotten that from a children's book and probably would have enjoyed it more.  There was also a discussion about instinct, and that you should trust your instinct.  I'm sorry, but I disagree on that one.  I know a lot of people that should RUN from their instincts and quickly.  I felt as though Donald Trump has absolutely no humility.  He loves to tell people how awesome he is and how FANTASTIC his golf courses are and how his book (Trump: The Art of the Deal) is the number one best selling business book of all time.  I think if I actually met him I might have to go shower after I left.  He just comes across as very icky to me.  He even tells the reader that if someone screws you, go screw them back harder.  He told a story about a woman who worked for him that he asked for a favor because she knew some of the big banker people with whom he had loans.  He did not mention the nature of the favor, but said she refused.  She later parted ways with his company (I can't remember if he fired her) and failed at her endeavor.  She lost her house and her husband.  Trump said he was so happy to hear about that.  He thought it was great.  I'm sorry, but I just don't think I could be that vicious.  Also, Donald says at one point that he's not conceited.  Let's ponder that... conceit (noun) - vanity, an exaggerated opinion of oneself, self-importance.  You can decide for yourselves.  I am just having a hard time finding anything to admire or even like about the guy.  I find this funny because he mentions in the book that Bill Clinton is his "good friend" and that Hillary Clinton is a great person.... and now he just refers to her as Crooked Hillary.  All this after referring to himself as a good judge of character.  Whatever.  The book was just not helpful, especially for a self-help book.  I give it 1 out 5 stars.

Why We Want You To Be Rich by Donald J. Trump and Robert T. Kiyosaki

I did not really enjoy Why We Want You To Be Rich by Donald J. Trump and Robert T. Kiyosaki.  I picked it up to try to get to know Donald Trump just like I'm trying to get to know Hillary Clinton.  I'm hoping by reading books they've written or that are written about them will help me make my decision in the presidential election in November.  I'm not sure I will vote for either of them, but we'll see.  If you're looking for a book that will help you figure out how to become rich, this book is not it.  It truly is a "why" book not a "how" book.  The two authors kind of tell you how they made their millions, but I didn't really walk away feeling as though I could do the same.  There were many parts of the book to which I just could not relate.  For example, the part about going into the military or attending military school.   I never did.  So, asking me what I got out of it... it was just pointless in relation to me.  However, the stories they told were a little interesting.  Therefore, I give the book 2 out of 5 stars.

Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton

I liked Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton a little better than Hard Choices.  It had slightly less politics in it.  This book was more about her adjustment to living in the white house, her experiences being a mother and her feelings about what happened with Monica Lewinski.  The fact that she and Bill both took out student loans to pay for law school was hard to fathom knowing how wealthy they are today.  The story about Chelsea going off to college was endearing.  This book shows her as much more human than anything I've seen in the media, especially lately.  Once again, I listened to it.  It was read by her.  I like hearing her speak her own written words.  I feel it portrays meaning better than having someone else interpret it and read it.  I think if I had read this book without the curtain scandals surrounding her I might be convinced to vote for her.  Did this book help me decide to vote for her as president?  No, not quite.  Do I feel I know her a little better now?  I think so.  It's just so hard to know if someone is being sincere without truly knowing them personally.  That's one reason I hate politics.  I don't REALLY know any of the politicians.  Anyway, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.