Recent Reads

This has been a strange book month. Some were really good, some were ok, and others were disappointing.



I loved this book, perfect for capturing the Spirit of Christmas.



Next on the list is Inkheart. I actually really liked it although it started off kind of slow and I was confused about what was going on. About a quarter through the book it got exciting and the rest was good. It was kind of Harry Potter/Fablehaven-ish. I found it on the "clean" list at the Provo Library. There were a couple swear words though. Apparently it's a trilogy, I did not know that... as well as a movie.

(no photo available)

Third, Fine Old High Priests. This is one we're reading for our neighborhood Book Group. I wasn't that thrilled about it at first, but it worked itself out and it was quite a good book with a good message about friendship and religion.



Fourth, Map of the World, from Oprah's Book Club. It was so intense I couldn't sleep at night after reading it and I had nightmares about the story line. The book was extremely well written and exciting, but it's one of those books where I wanted to re-write the ending. I had been so invested in the book I felt let down at the end. The (bad) language in it is terrible as well, be warned. I don't know, I think if I had the chance to unread this book I would. Haunting...

Recent Reads

I have a dirty little secret. I love to read. ALOT. I stay up way too late reading mostly because I get sucked in and can't quit until I fall asleep or finish the book. Sometimes the hubby has to remind me that the stories are "not real" because I get so involved like they're really happening! These are some of the fun books I've read this month.
Dairy Queen, a cute little book, and something different to read.
My sister in law Kim recommended this book and I read it in a day (I did have the flu and couldn't move without hugging the toilet bowl, so I had a good excuse, ok). It was really good and gave me some good ideas for food storage and preparedness!
Rashi is a Jewish scholar and I enjoyed learning more about him and his family. The Jewish religion is so fascinating with all of their rituals and their hardships in world history. This is a series of 3 books, but beware of the "romance" factor of these books, it's pretty graphic.
I loved this book. It was witty and fun with a surprise ending. Do I like Cinderella's step-sisters now? I think maybe I do.
Haunting and distressing, but a good read because of it! I can't stop thinking about the love triangle in it, it's driving me nuts! I loved this book and it's sequel "Catching Fire"

We read Freakonomics for Book Group and had a very lively discussion on it. It's basically a spin on traditional statistics and interesting comparisons on society that you wouldn't naturally think of. I liked the chapter on Parenting the best, but the whole book was interesting, but I wasn't crazy about some bad language and the writers style.

I have also read a book on stress relief and how to run a small business, but I didn't think you'd be as interested in those :).

Hunger Games

Whew! I'm addicted to this book. Very exciting. I can't wait until I get the 2nd book at the library. Only 74 people need to read it first :).

Wednesday Wars

I thoroughly enjoyed my latest read, Wednesday Wars. It was a pleasant book for a change!

The Alchemist

I just finished The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It was.... I'm not sure... interesting and thought provoking, with an unexpected ending. I think it would be a good one for book group and the discussion that insues.

Meeting Amazing Grace

I just finished reading this book from my neighborhood book group. It's mostly about relationships with in-laws and is indirectly about our relationships with everyone from our spouse to our parents to our children. It is written from a religious perspective. I have to say, at first I thought it was mighty superficial, but found as I read on, the message of the book is quite profound. It's like a non-fiction written in fiction style with stories from real people. Gary Lundberg is a family therapist and Joy is a song writer with Janice Kapp Perry. They are a fun couple, but sometimes you have to turn on the "sicky sweet" filter, but that's ok.