Books should be a staple in every household.  It is so important to read to your kids, but also to make time for yourself and enjoy a good book.  Books take us to a world where only we can be. 

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.  ~Author Unknown

Books create memories.  Some of my favorite childhood memories are my mother tucking me into bed at night and reading a story to me.  She has the best voices for characters!  I also remember when I found that book that I just couldn’t put down until it was over.  I remember times when I cried until I couldn’t see the words and even laughed out loud while on a cardio machine at the gym.  I love reading!

TV.  If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they’ll have with twenty-six.  Open your child’s imagination.  Open a book.  ~Author Unknown

Glitterati Incorporated is an intellectual property producer and publisher for books, ancillary gift products, and electronic media.  They primarily produce illustrated books for for adults and children at a wonderfully high quality.  Some of their well known products include: the Peanuts publishing program, the bestselling Spice Girls’ In Your Pocket series, the deluxe edition of Fleur Cowles’ The Best of Flair, or Douglas Kirkland’s extraordinary photo essay, "Coco Chanel: Three Weeks/1962."  Their books can be found in markets and stores domestically and abroad. 

Glitterati generously, VERY GENEROUSLY, gave books to Hollie, Stephanie, and I!  We were able to pick some amazing books to review.  We all loved them!  Here is what we received:

When I received my envelope full of books I was so excited!  It was like Christmas opening this package.  First, I received “American Portraits” by Michael Clinton.  This is a wonderful book full of portraits of Americans.  This includes people from 100 different countries.  These diverse faces and their stories help remind us of what it means to be an American.  I received another book by Michael Clinton called, “Global Snaps.”  In this book, Clinton displays 500 pictures from all 7 continents.   This is a perfect way to see the globe when you aren’t lucky enough to experience it first hand.  It is also a great way to teach children about different parts of the world.  Both books by Clinton have stunning photographs!  I also received a book of poems inspired by 9/11 called, “Healing Light: Thirty Messages of Love, Hope, and Courage.”  The book, says its author Alexandra Villard de Borchgrave, is "for all those who strive to overcome the adversity of life and who seek comfort, joy, strength…to meet the challenges of today."  Everyone should read this so we never forget those who passed and families who were effected during such a horrendous attack on the US.  Lastly, I received two great books for wives.  First, “PMAT: The Perfect Marriage Aptitude Test” by Mary T. Carty.  Inside you will find 100 multiple-choice questions to gauge both partners responses to everyday predicaments.  Carty then gives advice on how to deal with these situations.  This is a great self help book to help any couple get over the little things and make married life the best it can be.  It makes for interesting conversation between you and your spouse, try it if you don’t believe me.  The last book I received was, “Wife Dressings: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife” by Anne Fogarty.  I know this my sound like an old fashion book but it has awesome advice!  It is actually a reprint of a 50 year old book and although parts may be humorous a lot of it is practical and helpful.  I don’t know about any other women out there but I would LOVE to live in the 1950s.  Those were the days when wives always looked their best and vacuumed wearing high heels.  I know some of you may be rolling your eyes, but honestly I would love to be this type of wife.  One of my favorite quotes from this book is to the men in our lives. If you adore her you must adorn her.  There lies the essence of a happy marriage.  Use THAT on your hubbies   Thank you Glitterati for sending me such a wonderful library of books.  They are so great…in fact, I had to convince my husband that these were books are mine and would stay in the house and no, he couldn’t take them to work to show off to others.  He was just as excited to receive them as I was.  Especially American Portraits…he is so patriotic!  Thanks again Glitterati!

I was very excited when my envelope of books arrived from Glitterati. We love books in our home so these were a pleasant surprise. The first book "Carchitecture" by Fredric Winkowski and  Frank D. Sullivan. It is definitely my hubby’s favorite. It is a very nice coffee table book (well when my little one is old enough to not rip out the pages). It features frames, fenders, and fins of cars through history with over 500 photographs. The photographs are amazing, and there is so much history just to be seen in these pictures. The second book we received was Sandra Magsamen "The Gift". A wonderful pop up book that my son loves having me read to him every night. It is a moving tale that tells the story of an anonymous gift and how it is passed along. I won’t share the whole book but it is a definite  must-have book for your family. The third book "Henley" by Julie Muszynksi is a New York City Tail! Follows a glamorous entering life of an adorable black and white Japanese Chin. Life lessons is what the end of this book covers. My son loves dogs so this book was a hit for the pictures alone. The fourth book we received was "Everybody Eats Lunch" by Cricket Azima. It is a fun  cookbook perfect for kids! It showcases friends around the world and what they eat for lunch. I love this book. It opens the door to other cultures and best of all their lunch recipes with each recipe kid tested and approved. It also features fun food-shaped puzzles pieces that are a lot of fun with the kids. Thanks Glitterati for the wonderful books. They will definitely be used for years and year to come.

In the 10^th grade I almost decided to be a fashion designer when I grew up. Alas it didn’t happen, so now fashion and sewing are more like hobbies. When I received the list of books from Glitterati, I immediately knew what books I wanted: T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions, and Coco Chanel: Three Weeks 1962. T-Shirt Makeovers by Sistahs of Harlem (Carmia Marshall and Carmen Webber) is full of ideas to transform your t-shirts, from that cherished one from a memorable concert, to that blah one that you never wear. Included are step-by-step instructions and diagrams for all 20 styles inspired by hip-hop fashion, plus basic information on sewing and styling tips. You’ll be inspired to take their designs and create something of your own…I’ve already got a bunch of ideas buzzing through my head for my own as well as my girls’ t-shirts! Coco Chanel: Three Weeks 1962 by Douglas Kirkland gives us a little peek into the world of this amazing woman. In 1962, Kirkland was assigned by Look Magazine to photograph and report on three weeks of  Chanel’s day-to-day activities. He gained her trust and what resulted was this inspiring look into her life. He covered not just how she designs clothes and runs a fashion show, but he also captured her independent spirit, giving us insight to her personality and philosophies on fashion and on life. I love both of these books…you may think they are from opposite sides of the style spectrum, but one of many things they have in common is they inspire you to be more creative, bold, and different!

Turn off the television, grab a great book, and dive in!  Next time you are book hunting, keep your eyes peeled for book published by Glitterati Incorporated.  You won’t be disappointed.  Pinky swear!

{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Glitterati for sending us these great books for this review.}