Extra Credit: The 7 Things Every College Student Needs to Know About Credit, Debt & Ca$h

If you have a kid about to go into college or even just starting out in college, this is a must read book. Honestly, I think you should pick up this book even earlier, maybe Junior or Senior year!

Extra Credit: The 7 Things Every College Student Needs to Know About Credit, Debt & Ca$h, is a nice, quick easy 83 page for the young adult. It quickly goes over the essentials of money management (credit cards, debit, cash, debt, etc) in an easy to read way. After each of the 12 short chapters, is a question area to fill out that is called Extra Credit.

Product Description
In Extra Credit: The 7 Things Every College Student Needs to Know About Credit, Debt & Ca$h. You'll learn how credit card companies "trick" you into playing their game by their rules and why it's not your fault that you can't beat them... at least until now. Extra Credit is the book that every college student and high school senior should be armed with as they are about to be assaulted by 50 credit card solicitations each semester. Extra Credit should be a mandatory book for all incoming freshman. You will be able to get your first credit card and use your debit card on your own, but nobody taught you how to use them, when to use them, how to balance your account, or how to tell if you are getting ripped off. You'll discover everything that credit card companies don't want you to know and more!

- What's the difference between a credit card and debit card?
- What are the top 10 tricks used by credit card companies?
- How do credit card companies market to college students?
- How do I know when to use a credit card, when to use my debit card or when to use cash?
- How do I get out of debt?
- and much, much more...

About the Author
Bill Pratt is the author of several books on personal finance including Extra Credit: The 7 Things Every College Student Needs to Know About Credit, Debt & Ca$h, The Graduate's Guide to Life and Money and Money Made Simple: A Complete Financial Workbook. His books are written to help students and young adults improve their finances and their lives.
Bill is a former economist for the U.S. federal government and a former Vice President for one of the largest financial institutions in the world. He holds an MBA in finance. He left the financial industry to focus his efforts on helping others understand money.
Bill is the President of Pratt Financial Group and Bill Pratt Seminars. He speaks professionally, focusing primarily on colleges and high schools. He also coaches college students and recent graduates on topics from money to careers. His goal is to help students wade through the endless financial and life decisions they will encounter. By making the best decisions with the right attitude, Bill believes that people will accumulate more wealth faster and will then be able to use that wealth to improve the lives of those around them.

"Visions" by Jean Koning Giveaway

'Visions' is a collection of columns written for the e-zine The Noise. A surprisingly intimate portrait on life and every day politics, accomplished with a fierce manner of writing.

Inspired by his own research for the musical album 'Notes from Purgatory', Jean Koning digs deep into the well of his personal life and blends the stories he found there with his experiences and visions of the American Way of Life, to portray a whirlwind of emotion, anger and doubt.

Dipped deep in a cocktail of absurdity and melancholy, the swift stories are built upon the eagerness to achieve a deeper understanding in trends, hypes and the corrupt world of commercial art.

The stories' subjects change as swiftly as the Dutch climate. From Amsterdam hookers to New York art openings and the ongoing war in Iraq. From the duality toward American lifestyles and Hollywood productions to Barbie and Ken in a setting of ironic perversity. From a heartfelt letter full of tips for Hillary Clinton to a remarkable talk show with Oprah Winfrey.

'Visions' is a humoristic approach of the life we lead today, with a huge comment made on worldwide politics. This is our planet today, with America as the prime suspect, Europe as the jury and Koning himself as the brutal judge.

Surprisingly enough, Koning doesn't point a finger of blame at anyone without pointing that finger at himself first.

Visions provides the year 2006 in columns. Jean Koning investigated the American Way of Life through European Eyes for an American Magazine during the promotion of his personal vision of the American Song Book presented on the album ´Notes from Purgatory´.

In these unique tales Koning mixes politics with sexuality, humor with tragedy and intelligence with complete naivety. The stories are touching and thrilling, and offer a unique glance at America from an artist’s point of view. It is like magazine editor Josh Brown once said about these columns: ‘Every American Citizen should read this!’ And now the same can be said about this book: “Every American Citizen should have a copy of this!”

Giveaway ~

Jean Koning is offering two copies of his book, Visions, to two of my lucky readers.

To enter ~ Comment here with why you want this book. Doesn't have to be a detailed answer or anything like that :)

Extra Entries ~

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Contest will run until July 25th

2009 Books Read

Short Stories

1. A Reversal of Fortune by Holly Black
2. Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russel
3. Holiday by M. Rickert
4. All Hallow's Haunting
5 - 14. Restless Dead ~ 10 stories
15. Love Struck by Melissa Marr {Love is Hell} ~ May 2009
16. Sleeping with the Spirit by Laurie Faria Stolarz {Love is Hell}
17. Stupid Perfect World by Scott Westerfeld {Love is Hell}
18. Fan Fictions by Gabrielle Zevin {Love is Hell}
19. Thinner then Water {Love is Hell}


Full Length Books ~

1. Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie by Holly Black
2. Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell
3. Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale by Holly Black
4. Body Count by PD Martin
5. Murderer's Club by PD Martin
6. Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi
7. Whispering Lake by Jessica Coulter Smith
8. Shocking Pinkby Erica Spindler
9. Death Perception by Victoria Laurie
10. Freeze Frame by David Warner
11. Cross Country by James Patterson
12. Save the best for Last by Kim Hanks
13. White Witch Black Curse ~ April 2009
14. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris ~ April 2009
15. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich ~ April 2009
16. Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair ~ April 2009
17. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver ~ April 2009
18. Would-be Witch by Kimberly Frost ~ April 2009
19. Blasphemy by Douglas Preston ~ April 2009
20. Silent Thunder by Iris & Roy Johansen ~May 2009
21. Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman ~ May 2009
22. An Accessory to Murder by Elaine Viets ~ May 2009
23. Black Echo
24. Just take my Heart by Mary Higgins Clark ~ May 2009
25. Clubbed to Death by Elaine Viets ~ May 2009
26. Katka by (June 09)
27. Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (June 29, 09)
28. 39 Clues Maze of Bones (July 09)
29. Lick of Frost (July 09)
30. Run for your Life - Michael Bennet by James Patterson (July 09)

Finger Linking Fifteen - Stephanie Plum - reading

Graphic Novels ~

1. The Good Neighbors by Holly Black (1/09)

Idea/Instruction Books ~

1. Lost Sock (1/09)
2.
3. Sock Doll Workshop (1/09)
4. Softies by Therese Laskey (1/09
5.

Movies ~

1. Sex in the City (1/2009)
   
2. X-Files (1/2009)
   
3. The last templar (1/25-1/26)
   
4. Step Brothers (1/28)
   
5. Get Smart (1/29)
6. Dark Night (2/09)
7. Coraline (2/14/09)
8. Baby Mama (2/19/09)
9. Burn After Reading (3/31/09)
10. Made of Honor (4/09)
11. Star Trek (5/09)
12. The Sixth Day (5/09)
13. Mall Cop (7/09)
    

Review ~ Katka by Stephen R. Meier

I had read a review on Katka awhile ago that I really enjoyed. The book sounded really good, so when I was actually asked to review it myself ~ I was thrilled. Normally I got asked to review books I had never heard of, so it was nice to get a chance at one already on my TBR pile :)

Katka is a novella by Stephen Meier. It is a gritty, edgy novel of greed, love, and swindles gone very wrong. When Gavin and his girlfriend team with her best friend Simona to pull a phony mail order bride scam in the Czech Republic, Gavin gets in way over his head in the high-stakes and dangerous business of selling wives. When Gavin talks Katka, his girlfriend, into becoming part of the merchandise, planning to bait-n-switch the client in the end, things go awry and Katka disappears with the client. Partnering with the jealous and volatile Simona, Gavin begins to lament this risky life he has chosen, but finds the money is something he can’t walk away from. Gavin’s doubts grow; the con begins to consume him, and he finds himself thinking of Katka, the fate he dealt her, and whether he can undo the biggest mistake of his life. Written with staccato grit and streetwise savvy, Katka reads like a Quentin Tarantino movie. Stephen Meier’s work will leave you begging for more.

Katka is a quick 108 page read. I would have had it done in one night if I didn't pick it up so late. I quickly finished it the very next day. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I don't think I have read a book specific to mail order brides yet, so it was very interesting to me. The language is gritty, but that has never bothered me. It is also needed for this type book. I thoroughly enjoyed Katka and would recommend it.

About the Author
Stephen Ross Meier was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the first of many places he would live worldwide. He received his Bachelors in English from Arizona State University. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Thank you to Tracee at Pump Up Your Book Promotion and Stephen R. Meier for giving me the opportunity to read this novella.

Review ~ Dudley's Solo

Dudley's Solo, by Tiffany Alexander, is the story of a young boy who is deaf. He wants to do what the rest of his friends do and sing in the choir. Sweet Dudley can't hear or speak, but he is still able to preform his own solo with the choir.

I read this story and it has a great inspiring message. It is a religious story, I didn't realize it at the time of accepting the review. Dudley is in the Church choir, they sing "He's got the whole world in his hand".

Honestly my 7 year old did not like the book. We are not a religious family, so she had no interest in church, prayer, etc. She did like that Dudley got to the solo by signing though. The book was just too religious for our taste.

I'm not sure the recommended reading age of this book. It is most likely geared more for younger kids though. If you are enjoy a religious natured book, then this is an excellent book to read to your child. The idea of treating everyone equal is very important!

The kids in the choir are called the Children's band. They have a great website, where you can meet the inspiring kids including Dudley.

The book retails for only $8.00. It is a really nice softcover book.

Review ~ Chemical Cowboys by Lisa Sweetingham

Lisa Sweetingham, former CourtTV.com reporter best known for covering the trials of Michael Jackson, Robert Blake and Scott Peterson has written Chemical Cowboys: The DEA's Secret Mission to Hunt Down a Notorious Ecstasy Kingpin.

Book Description ~ For nearly a decade, Ecstasy kingpin Oded Tuito was the mastermind behind a drug ring that used strippers and Hassidic teenagers to mule millions of pills from Holland to the party triangle--Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.

Chemical Cowboys is a thrilling journey through the groundbreaking undercover investigations that led to the toppling of a billion-dollar Ecstasy trafficking network--starting in 1995 when New York DEA Agent Robert Gagne infiltrated club land to uncover a thriving drug scene supported by two cultures: pill-popping club kids and Israeli dealers.

Gagne’s obsessive mission to take down Tuito’s network met unexpected challenges and personal discoveries that almost crippled his own family. Weaved into the narrative are the stories of Tuito’s underlings who struggled with addiction as they ran from the law, and the compelling experiences of a veteran Israeli police officer who aided Gagne while chasing after his own target--a violent Mob boss who saw the riches to be made in Ecstasy and began to import his own pills and turf warfare to the U.S.

Chemical Cowboys offers a taut, behind-the-scenes glimpse into an international criminal enterprise as daring as it is deadly.

My Thoughts ~ I was excited about this book because my husband always watches tv shows talking about the history of drugs, etc. This is the first and probably only book I have ever read, that he actually said he wanted to read as well, lol.

If you grew up in the 70's, 80's or even the 90's then you are probably familiar with Ecstasy. It was actually discovered in the early 1900's by Merck (Germany), but was forgotten about due to the War and other discoveries. Somehow the drug made it's way over to the US for further study over the 1950's & 1960's. It actually has an interesting history, along with most illegal drugs.

Chemical Cowboys is an account of one DEA agent's years-long quest to take down an Israeli crime boss who was responsible for the importation of much of the Ecstasy sold in the United States. This is an investigation that took place over several years, the book covers all of it, including another look at the Michael Alig case.

Chemical Cowboys is full of facts, figures, and details. However, it never reads like it is. The book is fast paced, it reads just like a fiction novel. I honestly, hardly ever read non-fiction. I had to keep reading the book description to verify it really was a true crime book.

It provides a unique perspective on how the police build their cases. Regardless of how you feel on drugs that are considered illegal, you can't help but be happy when Tuito was a taken down. It also gives you a look at some of the other illegal activities that most drug dealers take part in, and why the police are so serious about drug crimes.

This was an excellent read and would make a great gift for Father's Day offering all the action and suspense that a Dad could ask for! I know my husband would love to open this book on Father's Day. He has already started reading my copy. I will be honest, this is the first time since we have been together (13+ years) that I have ever seen him read an actual book.

Be sure to check out other great reviews of Chemical Cowboys and many other fabulous books over at Pump up your book promotion.

Chemical Cowboys

Guest Post from Katka Author Stephen

Be sure to check out the Guest Post from Katka author ~ Stephen R. Meier over at my Product Review & Giveaway Blog.

Why Social Networks are the Key to Success

Keep an eye out for my review of Katka in a couple weeks!

The 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge

I am a huge fan of the library, so when I saw this challenge I had to join in! There are 3 different versions of this challenge and I am going to pick to read 50 books from your local library in 2009.

1. Valiant by Holly Black
2. Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell
3. Ironside by Holly Black
4. Body Count by PD Martin
5. Murderer's Club by PD Martin
6. Sock Doll Workshop
7. Softies by Therese Laskey
8. The Good Neighbors by Holly Black
9. Lost Sock
10. The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner
11. Shocking Pink by Erica Spindler
12. Death Perception by Victoria Laurie
13. Restless Dead ~ short stories
14. Freeze Frame by B David Warner
15. Cross Country by James Patterson
16. White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, Book 7) by Kim Harrison
17. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris
18. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
19. Would-be Witch by Kimberly Frost
20. Silent Thunder by Iris & Roy Johansen
21. Once Upon a time in the North by Philip Pullman
22. An Accessory to Murder by Elaine Viets
23. Clubbed to Death by Elaine Viets
24. Just take my Heart by Mary Higgins Clark
25. Love is Hell

A to Z Challenge 2009

I started this last year and never finished completing out my post. I need to go back because I may have actually completed it, I know I read enough books. Just not sure if they will all fit the letters. Anyways, joining again and going to try to actually follow through with it. Such a fun challenge! You can sign up here until June 30th. There are several different options of reading either 26 books or 52 like the original challenge. You can find all the new rules here.


Book Titles ~

A ~ Accessory to Murder by Elaine Viets (5/09)
B ~ Body Count by PD Martin (2/09)
C ~ Cross Country by James Patterson (3/09)
D ~ Death Perception by Victoria Laurie
E
F ~ Freeze Frame by B David Warner
G ~ Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi (2/09)
H
I ~ Ironside by Holly Black (1/09)
J ~ Just take my Heart by MHC (5/09)
K ~ Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair (4/09)
L ~ Love is Hell (05/09)
M ~ Murderers' Club by PD Martin (2/09)
N
O ~ Once upon a time in the North by Philip Pullman (5/09)
P ~ The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner
Q
R ~ Restless Dead ~ short stories
S ~ Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell (1/09)
T
U
V ~ Valiant by Holly Black (1/09)
W ~ Whispering Lake by Jessica Coulter Smith (2/09)
X
Y
Z

AUTHORS ~

A
B ~ Black, Holly ~ The Good Neighbors
C ~ Connelly, Michael ~ Black Echo (5/09)
D ~ Deaver, Jeffery ~ The Bone Collector (4/09)
E ~ Evanovich, Janet ~ Plum Spooky (4/09)
F ~ Frost, Kimberly ~ Woul-be Witch (4/09)
G
H ~ Harrison, Kim ~ White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, Book 7) (4/09)
I
J ~ Johansen, Iris & Roy ~ Silent Thunder (5/09)
K
L
M
N
O
P ~ Preston, Douglas ~ Blasphemy (4/09)
Q
R
S ~ Spindler, Erica ~ Shocking Pink
T
U
V ~ Viets, Elaine ~ Clubbed to Death (5/09)

2009 Young Adult Book Challenge

Guidelines for 2009 Young Adult Book Challenge

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Read 12 Young Adult novels. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
3. Challenge begins January thru December, 2009. 4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.

Books I've read for this challenge ~

1. Valiant by Holly Black
2. Ironside by Holly Black
3. Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi
4. Love is Hell Anthology ~ May 2009