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.

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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...

Touching Spirit Bear

A friend recommended this book to me and I liked it pretty well. It taught me a lot about forgiveness. It's a youth fiction about a troubled teen and his path to recovery.

I've had an arthritis flare up, so I am not feeling so well and have been in bed all day. I finished 3 books today. I also finished Kite Runner. I feel differently about the Afghan people after reading it.

Last is the one below. It was okay. It was recommended by my doctor, but it seems like too much work for someone who doesn't have very much energy (like me).

Book: Queen of Attolia

I really enjoyed this page turner by Megan Whalen Turner. It's the second in a series of 3. Please tell me there's only 3 in the series and then it's over. I hate waiting for subsequent books!

AustenLand

I know reviews have been less than kind with this book. But, I am a huge Shannon Hale fan and have read all of her books. I actually liked this one and thought it was interesting. However, I found it to be quite unrealistic compared to her other books (funny that I can say that about fantasy books starring teens with special powers) and felt like it was slightly disjointed. It still was a fun read. I was actually pulling for the gardener!

The Secret Garden

We read this book for Book Group this month and I ABSOLUTELY loved it. Can't say enough good things about it. I started reading it to my kids and Kaylee has really liked it. I read it as a child, but didn't remember very much about it. I consider it an must read as an adult!

Multiple Blessings

So when I go to Seattle, I am usually without a car and in my Mom's apartment most of the day. There's generally nothing on TV. When we're there, we watch TLC. On TLC, they have Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathons and they are really addicting. It's a reality show about a couple who has twins and sextuplets (6 babies- AT THE SAME TIME!). It's just their every day life and they are very real people, they don't pretend to be something they're not. Try taking 8 kids under 4 out on an excursion! Mine is a relaxing day on the beach compared to them.

Anyway, my mom gave me their book for Christmas. I just finished it. I didn't have very high expectations, but I really loved this book! It's set before the TV show, so it gives a background on it. Kate is a really good writer and a very devout Christian with strong faith. How did she have time to write a book?

The amazing thing to me is how many volunteers helped around the clock with these babies for more than a year. They are probably still helping, I don't know. Also, Jon lost his job several times around when they were born. Can you imagine?! They had a 3 bedroom house. All the babies were in ONE room.

Aren't you just a little curious what a belly looks like with 6 babies in it? I was.




If you are a mom, you will love this book. It will make you thankful for what you have. Even if you are not a mom, it's still interesting and touching. It's at the library. Check it out!

Indian in the Cupboard

I'm reviewing the book next month for our neighborhood Book Group, so I've been trying to find something that everyone would like. It's been really hard! I remember reading this book when I was a kid, and really liked it. I just read it again and it was ok, I think Megan will like it. I would like to see the movie though.

Tale of Despereaux

I just finished a book that I really loved! It was a quick read, I read it in a few hours. I have not seen the movie (which I heard wasn't very good), but the book, WOWIE! It was amazing and a fairytale worth reading.

A Long Way From Chicago

I really enjoyed this youth fiction book by Richard Peck that a neighbor loaned me. I loved the character development and the author's writing style. It has a real light and funny feel to it... perfect reading for a Spring day or a book club choice. It's a fast read and has a sequel set around the Depression times, that I found quite moving and applicable to today's economic times. The sequel is called, "A Year Down Yonder". I actually liked it better than the first too.

Great Book I Just Read

Steve and I were both given 2 copies of a book from my aunt (so we could each read it at the same time) when he quit his job. It's called, "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. At first, I didn't think I would like it--mostly because of the title and because I prefer novels. I also thought the idea of "winning" friends was somewhat disturbing, because shouldn't friends just like you because of who you are? However, after she prodded me several times, I did pick it up to scan it.

After reading a chapter or two, I found the book extremely compelling and useful. Winning friends really has nothing to do with it, it's more about being a better person. I can apply it to work, home life, church callings or leadership positions, changing negative situations into positive ones, and just dealing with people in general.

I found it to be one of my favorite non-fiction books because of the simple manner in which it was written and for the plethora of stories used to illustrate concepts. I think it would be a great choice for the book group I attend as well.

Anyone want to borrow it? I have two!

Book of a Thousand Words

I finished Shannon Hale's, Book of a Thousand Words today and loved it! It was based on a Brother's Grimm fairy tale called "Maid Maleen". The story was familiar to me because my Mom read me those fairytales as a child. Although it wasn't Hale's typical writing it was still enjoyable and I would recommend reading it. Next on the reading list, Tale of Despereaux.

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

If you haven't read Shannon Hale yet, you are sorely deprived. I love her books! She has a series of award winning books called Princess Academy, Goose Girl, Enna Burning and River Secrets. They are sort of like a modern fairy tale and slightly fantasy-ish.

Make sure to start them when you are not that tired, because you WILL be tired when you stay up all night trying to find out what happens next :). When I signed up for River Secrets, the last one I haven't read yet, I was number 48 on the wait list at the library if that tells you anything.

My neighbor loaned me Hale's newest book about called "Book of a Thousand Words". I'm sure it's fantastic, but I'm kind of tired from staying up all last night reading Enna Burning, so maybe I'll start tomorrow!