dreams
Book Review: The Guided Dream Journal by Katherine Olivetti
Dreams are an invaluable window into our lives. They can lead to a burst of creativity, shed light on a challenging relationship, or reveal a deeper understanding of a difficult situation. Your dreams often know you better than you know yourself. The Guided Dream Journal will help you learn how to keep a dream journal and work with your dreams.
This engaging journal helps you record, explore, and reflect on the themes and symbols that appear in your nightly visions. From helping you remember a long-forgotten memory to solving a seemingly impossible problem, there are so many answers in our dreams that can help us understand our waking life―learn how to interpret them.
The Guided Dream Journal includes:
- Dream variety―Learn about the different types of dreams like lucid, recurring, nightmares, and others, and discover how knowing the storyline, pattern, and genre of your dream can help you determine its deeper meaning.
- Dream escort―Supportive prompts show you how to pinpoint signs, track insights, and keep a record of your breakthroughs over time.
- In the know―Use the dream dictionary to better understand and interpret 100 of the most common symbols, settings, colors, animals, and more that show up in dreams.
When you want to discover and understand the significance of your dreams, The Guided Dream Journal is your go-to resource.
My Review
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I’ve always been interested in dreams especially after a weird dream I had came true. Since then, I’ve been wanting something to help me discover how to interpret my dreams. It seems to me that a journal makes sense, and this journal is a great resource.
First, it explains dream interpretation and how to use the book. Next is the journal section which has a lot of blank pages to write and many questions (just a couple each day) to help you explore and reflect on your dreams. You will also now have a log of your dreams if you need to go back to find one. Since I have an e-copy of the book, I have a notebook I use to record my dreams, but I have to keep going back to the e-book for the questions. The last section helps you interpret your dreams and even has a small dream dictionary.
If you have an interest in learning more about your dreams, this is definitely a great resource that guides you through the process. I will continue to use it for a long time.
About the Author
Katherine Olivetti has remembered her dreams since she was a child, and has been recording them since early adulthood. She was born in New York City, the eldest of six children. She grew up in the suburbs of Manhattan and went to Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, a private college for women in Purchase, New York. She began her studies as a mathematics major, but switched to French, and later studied psychology as a graduate student. Katherine is a Jungian analyst and writer who earned her graduate degrees from Columbia University and completed psychoanalytic training at the C. G. Jung Institute of New York, where she became its president. She completed family therapy training at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, completed the Institutes of Religion and Health’s program in pastoral counseling, a year-long course at Stanford University on the mind and the brain, and a leadership program with the Coach Training Institute. She taught and supervised at Yale Medical School, and the C. G. Jung Institutes of New York, San Francisco, and Catania, Sicily. From 2012-2018 she was the Editor-in-chief of Jung Journal: Culture & Psyche and conducts an online seminar on writing and editing for Jungian analysts. She has lectured and written about dream work, clinical process, creativity, spirituality, writing and editing. When she is not working as a psychoanalyst, Katherine loves to cook, spend time with her family, and hang out with her nine year old Australian Shepherd, Patch.
Katherine maintains a private psychotherapy and psychoanalysis practice in Atherton, California and a website and blog at: www.katherineolivetti.com.
Book Review: Waking Dream by J.J. DiBenedetto
Title: Waking Dream (Dreams #5)
Author: J.J. (James) DiBenedetto
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publication Date: 2014
About the Book
“Oh, God! We can hurt each other. Whatever we do to each other in the dream, we’ll do it to ourselves for real…”
When her own dreams are visited by a mysterious woman in a red dress, Sara realizes she has something she never expected: a counterpart, someone outside her family who shares her talent to see other people’s dreams.
When the woman in red keeps showing up in other dreams as well, leaving ruined lives in her wake, Sara knows she has something she never imagined: a nemesis.
Now, Sara must track the woman in red down in the waking world, before she’s forced to fight for her life in her dreams…
Waking Dream is the fifth novel in the Dreams series.
My Review
I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.
Waking Dream is the fifth book in the Dream Series. I listened to the first two books, Dream Student and Dream Doctor, and they were okay but I liked the third book, Dream Child, the most. The fourth book, Dream Family, was my least favorite of the series because Sara, the main character, was so pitiful rather than her usual strong self. Since I feel like I know Sara and her family by now, I was still looking forward to reading the next book.
A lot of what happens in these books is about family. They’re able to get through anything by sticking together and supporting each other. There are still times that Sara drives me crazy when she gets melodramatic, but this is still a good story.
Waking Dream contains a lot of drama and mystery. Someone is invading the dreams of Sara’s husband, Brian, and she needs to find out who it is and why this woman in red keeps showing up. And when someone that Brian works with commits suicide, Sara knows that the woman in red has something to do it and she feels like she has to find her before she hurts someone else.
This is the first narrator of these books that I like. She has a good speaking voice with good timing.
I recommend Waking Dream and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
About the Author
J.J. (James) Dibenedetto‘s fans would swear he’s got a sixth sense when it comes to seeing into the minds of others and often wonder if his stories could possibly be fiction. He enjoys suspending disbelief with suspenseful paranormal tales that are a perfect blend of reality meets fantasy.
His popular Dream Series continues to delight readers with each and every exciting installment.
Born in Yonkers, New York, he currently resides in Arlington Virginia with his beautiful wife and a cat he is sure has taken full advantage of its nine lives. When it comes to the cat, he often wonders, but then again it might just be his imagination.
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Book Review: Fever Dream by J.J. DiBenedetto
Title: Fever Dream (Dream Series, Book 9)
Author: J.J. DiBenedetto
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Blurb
Dr. Sara Alderson isn’t used to her patients dying for no reason. When a young boy succumbs to a mysterious illness that defies all her efforts to treat it, she refuses to accept defeat.
After two months of questions, Sara has attracted the attention of powerful people who don’t want their secrets uncovered, and will go to any lengths to make sure they stay hidden.
Now, time is running out for Sara to unravel the mystery before anyone else falls victim to the illness. And before her career, her family and her freedom are taken from her by enemies she doesn’t even know she has.
Fever Dream is the ninth book of the Dream Series.
My Review
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.
I read the first four books in this series, and I plan on reading the next four, but I ran out of time. I had committed to posting this review so I had to skip ahead to read #9. I like the premise of these books but Sara does a lot of rambling in the first two and I was almost ready to give up (I couldn’t imagine 7 more books with her rambling) but I really liked the third book, so I decided to keep on going.
Fever Dream is my favorite book in this series so far. It’s full of drama and Sara has a mystery to solve before she ends up in prison for something she didn’t do. She and her friends and family are a formidable force when they’re pushed too far. And being able to go into others’ dreams helps, too.
I still can’t believe how dumb Sara can be sometimes when she’s such a smart person. It’s finally been confirmed that I’m not the only one who thinks that. From one of Sara’s dreams: “‘You are the dumbest smart person I’ve ever met,’ Lydia says, sighing deeply. ‘You’ve got all the pieces. But you refuse to put them together.'”
I really enjoyed this book. It refers to things that happened in previous books but it also stands alone. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series that I haven’t read yet, including the last one that hasn’t been released.
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About the Author
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J.J. (James) Dibenedetto‘s fans would swear he’s got a sixth sense when it comes to seeing into the minds of others and often wonder if his stories could possibly be fiction. He enjoys suspending disbelief with suspenseful paranormal tales that are a perfect blend of reality meets fantasy.
His popular Dream Series continues to delight readers with each and every exciting installment.
Born in Yonkers, New York, he currently resides in Arlington Virginia with his beautiful wife and a cat he is sure has taken full advantage of its nine lives. When it comes to the cat, he often wonders, but then again it might just be his imagination.
Follow JJ DiBenedetto on Social Media
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| Amazon Author Page |
Book Review: Dream Family by J.J. DiBenedetto
Title: Dream Family (Dreams #4)
Author: J.J. (James) DiBenedetto
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Publication Date: April 18, 2013
About the Book
Dr. Sara Alderson didn’t think she had a problem in the world, when she walked into the office for her first day as a partner in her own medical practice. And then the
police showed up and arrested her for a crime she couldn’t possibly have committed. Twenty four hours later, after a horrifying day and night in jail, Sara comes home a different – and completely broken – woman.
Clearing her name is her first challenge, but that’s nothing compared to the task of rebuilding her shattered psyche. And the only way she can do that is with the help of the supernatural dreams, the same dreams that have nearly cost Sara her sanity – and almost got her killed – in the past.
Dream Family is the fourth novel in the Dreams series.
My Review
I received a free copy of the audiobook and ebook for an honest review.
Dream Family is the fourth book in the Dream Series. I listened to the first two books, Dream Student and Dream Doctor, and they were okay but I liked the third book, Dream Child, a lot more, so I was looking forward to reading this book.
This is one of those reviews that is difficult to write because I am torn. When Sara is in jail for one night, she loses her identification and, at times, even forgets who she is, who her kids are, who her husband is. And it traumatizes her beyond anything I could imagine. For the first time, I couldn’t empathize with her, I pitied her. Like Paul Sorrentino said, “Doctor? Dr. Alderson? Get a grip. It was one day, and it’s over and done with.”
On the other hand, I was able to wade through the rambling and self pity and the rest of the story was good. Sara’s dreams are changing in interesting ways and she and her mom are able to use their dreams to help themselves and others.
I feel like I’ve really gotten to know the characters. I think that’s one reason I didn’t care for Sara’s reaction to being jailed. She’s always been so strong. Brian, her husband, is still patient, loving, and unwavering. My favorite character is still their precocious, intelligent, adorable daughter, Lizzie.
I did start with the audio version of this book but I had to switch to the ebook version. I liked reading this better so I could skip some of the rambling.
About the Author
J.J. (James) Dibenedetto‘s fans would swear he’s got a sixth sense when it comes to seeing into the minds of others and often wonder if his stories could possibly be fiction. He enjoys suspending disbelief with suspenseful paranormal tales that are a perfect blend of reality meets fantasy.
His popular Dream Series continues to delight readers with each and every exciting installment.
Born in Yonkers, New York, he currently resides in Arlington Virginia with his beautiful wife and a cat he is sure has taken full advantage of its nine lives. When it comes to the cat, he often wonders, but then again it might just be his imagination.
Follow JJ DiBenedetto on Social Media
Book Review: Dream Child by J.J. DiBenedetto
Title: Dream Child (Dreams #3)
Author: J.J. (James) DiBenedetto
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Drama
Publication Date: March 18, 2013
About the Book
(from Goodreads)
“I would give anything to take this away from her. I would gladly go back to having the nightmares myself – the very worst ones, the ones that had me waking up screaming in a pool of my own vomit – rather than see Lizzie go through this…”
As a resident at Children’s Hospital, Sara can handle ninety hour workweeks, fighting to save her young patients from deadly childhood diseases. But she’s about to be faced with a challenge that all her training and experience haven’t prepared her for: her four-year-old daughter has inherited her ability to see other people’s dreams…
“Dream Child” is the suspenseful third novel in the “Dreams” series.
My Review
I received a free copy of the ebook for an honest review.
Dream Child is the third book the Dream Series. I thought the first two books, Dream Student and Dream Doctor, were okay but I liked this one quite a bit more. One thing that I didn’t care for in the first two books was Sara’s rambling thoughts, but there wasn’t near as much of that in this book.
In Dream Child, Sara finds out that her 3 (almost 4) year old daughter, Lizzie, has the same gift (curse?) that she does. She and her husband, Brian, work together to help Lizzie deal with her psychic dreams.
I liked Sara more in Dream Child. She has not only matured, but there weren’t any obvious clues that she missed like she did in the previous books.
Brian is the perfect supportive husband and Lizzie is my favorite character. She’s not only adorable but smart. I’ve met a couple of 4 years olds like her and they amazed me!
Dream Child is about family relationships, Sara’s residency, and a mystery that needs to be solved. I’m glad I stuck with this series. It’s getting better and I’m looking forward to reading the next one, Dream Family.
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About the Author
J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he’s not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
The “Dreams” series is James’ first published work.
Book Review: Dream Doctor by J.J. DiBenedetto
Title: Dream Doctor (Dreams #2)
Author: J.J. (James) DiBenedetto
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Publication Date: April 2, 2012
About the Book
(from Goodreads)
“I didn’t expect to be woken up by someone I don’t know dreaming about killing somebody. I thought I was done with that once and for all…”
But Sara’s not done with it. As if adjusting to life as a newlywed and starting medical school weren’t difficult enough, she’s started seeing the dreams of everyone around her, again.
Before everything is said and done, those dreams might destroy Sara’s hopes of becoming a doctor, wreck her marriage and even end her life…
Dream Doctor is the thrilling second novel in the Dreams series.
My Review
I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.
Dream Doctor is the second book in the Dream Series. I listened to the first book, Dream Student, and was hoping it would be better as the writer matured.
When I started Dream Doctor, I was hopeful. It seemed to have less of Sara’s random and wandering thoughts. The further I got into the book, though, the more she rambled.
This book was more about medical school and the life of newlyweds than it was about Sara’s dreams and the mystery of who may be trying to kill a doctor. As far as the mystery was concerned, I still don’t understand how a medical student could be so dumb. There were times I found myself saying (out loud), “You have got to be kidding me!”
There were a couple things that bothered me in this book (maybe I’m just too picky). One was when Sara sprained her ankle and wasn’t supposed to put an weight on her foot. She used a cane to walk. There is no way a person can use a cane and not put any weight on their foot. They would have to use crutches or a walker (been there, done that).
The other thing that troubled me was that Sara believes that her dreams happen because she is supposed to help someone. Some of the dreams, though, only had the purpose of misleading her, giving her additional suspects, when she was trying to solve the mystery.
I do think the story idea is a good one and if J.J. DiBenedetto had a good editor these stories could not only be good, but great.
About the Author
J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he’s not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
The “Dreams” series is James’ first published work.
Book Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto
Title: Dream Student (Dreams #1)
Author: J.J. (James) DiBenedetto
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Publication Date: March 18, 2013
About the Book
(from Goodreads)
What would you do if you could see other people’s dreams? If you could watch their hidden fantasies and uncover their deepest, darkest secrets without them ever knowing?
Sara Barnes is about to find out. She thought that all she had to worry about was final exams, Christmas shopping and deciding whether she likes the cute freshman in the next dorm who’s got a crush on her.
But when she starts seeing dreams that aren’t hers, she learns more than she ever wanted to know about her friends, her classmates…and a strange, terrifying man whose dreams could get Sara killed.
Dream Student is the thrilling first installment of the Dreams Series.
My Review
I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.
I found the Dream Student an interesting idea overall. Sarah being in others’ dreams is creative, especially the way she was able to remember detail. It was a bit annoying when she woke up from her “dreams” not knowing who she was or where she was. The where is more believable than the “who am I?”
There was a lot of repeating and there were times that my mind wandered because of Sarah’s rambling (and it’s difficult to skip in an audiobook). I stuck with it, though, mainly because I was traveling and didn’t have any other audiobooks to listen to. I was glad I did because the ending was good.
The love story between Sarah and Brian was sweet but unrealistic. I liked the relationship between Sarah and her roommate, Beth. They could talk about anything and were supportive of each other no matter what.
The mystery that unravels because of Sarah’s dreams was the best part of the book. I did, however, wonder how Sarah could be so dumb at times when she was such a good student.
I don’t think I’d recommend this book if it weren’t part of a series, but I’m almost done listening to book #2 and it’s much better. If you plan on reading the Dream series, I would recommend reading, not listening to Dream Student.
About the Author
J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he’s not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
The “Dreams” series is James’ first published work.
Book Review: Dream in Color, Think in Black & White by Jonathan Bissell
Title: Dream in Color, Think in Black & White: How to Get Unstuck and Fulfill Your Dreams
Author: Jonathan Bissell
Publisher: High Performance Impact, LLC
Pages: 108
Genre: Self-Help/Personal Growth
Format: Paperback/Kindle
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Somewhere along the way, you had a dream that you let go of. But it hasn’t let go of you. You’re the reason this book was written. Because dreams matter. Dreams are powerful. And sometimes dreams just won’t go away – no matter how impractical, ill-timed or financially risky they are.
This is a book about getting unstuck in your life or career. It’s about learning to dream in COLOR and think in BLACK & WHITE. There are three parts to this book: Dreaming in Color, Thinking in Black & White, and Fulfilling Your Dreams. Each part contains practical “how to” steps and examples explaining how to get unstuck and move toward your dream. The rest is up to you.
Review:
I received a free ecopy of this book for an honest review.
Dream in Color, Think in Black & White is a step by step book to help you to realize your dreams once you define what they are.
I like how this book is set up. Its important points are in bold for easy reference. There are clear assignments to do in order to work on fulfilling your dreams and a place to put the date those assignments are completed.
This isn’t a book to just sit down and read and set aside. If you’re serious about getting unstuck and pursuing your dreams, Dream in Color, Think in Black & White can be used as a guide. I think the best way to use this book is to read it through once and then start over and follow the steps one by one over a period of months or years.
This is a good book for anyone who feels like they are stuck and haven’t done anything to pursue their dreams or just don’t know how to get started.
About the Author
Jonathan Bissell is a coach, author, speaker and teacher, as well as the CEO of High Performance Impact, LLC, an executive coaching firm helping proven and emerging leaders to identify and consistently leverage patterns of high performance. He helps dreamers do and leaders excel.
Born in Liberia, Africa and raised in Upstate New York, Jonathan has lived and worked in Japan, New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. He has a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Le Moyne College. Jonathan enjoys reading, long coffee breaks with his wife, co-creating children’s stories with his daughters, writing poetry, and supporting couples in ministry.
If you’d like to stay current with what Jonathan is writing and doing, or get advance notice on new books or events, sign up for his mailing list at http://www.jonathanbissell.com. Jonathan can also be contacted for coaching, training, teaching or speaking engagements.
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