Desperate For a Good Read

High Heel Series by Gemma Halliday

2011-09-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

L.A. shoe designer, Maddie Springer, lives her life by three rules: Fashion. Fashion. Fashion. But when she stumbles upon the work of a brutal killer, her life takes an unexpected turn from Manolos to murder. And things only get worse when her boyfriend disappears - along with $20 million in embezzled funds - and her every move is suddenly under scrutiny by the LAPD's sexiest cop. With the help of her post-menopausal bridezilla of a mother, a 300 pound psychic and one seriously oversexed best friend, Maddie finds herself stepping out of her stilettos and onto the trail of a murderer. But can she catch a killer before the killer catches up to her...

These books are along the same lines as the Janet Evonovich books. Fun, quick, and silly. I got the first one free on my Kindle and read the rest in the same weekend. There is a little bit of language and some not to detailed love scenes.

This Is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis

2011-01-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

This was a great read and even funner because the author is a Provo native, Ann Dee Knight now Ellis. It's about a boy who witnessed something traumatic and how he deals with the weight of his experience. It is a quick and interesting read. Read it. It's worth it. She did a great job. I can't wait to read her other books!

Inspector Lynley Series by Elizabeth George

2010-06-24T17:24:00.001-07:00

I love a good mystery novel. A good one. And I love a good mystery series even better. And I really got into this series. I picked up my first Inspector Lynley novel several years ago at my Mom's urging. And I have to confess, although I thoroughly enjoyed the books from the start, the writing has improved as Elizabeth George has continued her story of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sargent Barbara Havers. You may have seen this series televised (butchered, in my not so humble opinion) on PBS Mystery over the last few years. Some of the things I love best about these: they take me all over England, and I like the way she writes her mysteries. Much less contrived than some. The overarching storyline is as intriguing as each mystery. The last one, This Body Of Death, in my opinion is her best so far. It reminded me of Prime Suspect (I think maybe she based a character on Jane Tennyson). Anyway if you want some books to keep you hooked these are they. Not perfect, but enjoyable.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

2010-05-27T14:50:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to write a decent review on this book for the last few days and I just can't seem to come up with anything that does it justice, so I'll just post what it says on the author's web site (sorry, it is a bit long).

My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.
"The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.
"The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.
I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.
My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.
But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know."
I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.

So begins the tale of Kvothe—from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe as a notorious magician, an accomplished thief, a masterful musician, and an infamous assassin. But The Name of the Wind is so much more—for the story it tells reveals the truth behind Kvothe's legend.

This book is fabulous! It was long and involved and it took me a little while to get through it but it was worth it. But now I have to wait until the next book comes out, which according to Rothfuss won't be for a while.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

2010-05-20T13:49:00.001-07:00

Mary lives in a small village where life has very strict boundaries and rules. Surrounding the village is a fence, beyond the fence is the forest, within the forest are the Unconsecrated- humans who have been infected by a disease causing them to Return to a zombie like existence. The existence of the community depends on the limits imposed by the Sisterhood. Despite all that Mary has been told about the world she lives in she questions that there might be more to life, more outside her small enclosure. When the time comes she must determine what she is prepared to give up and how far she will go to learn the answer to her questions.

This book reminded me a lot of the movies The Village and I Am Legend although it certainly has it's own unique twists and turns. I can't say that I loved this book, because I was a bit disappointed with the ending, but I can say that I was hooked. I finished it in just over 24 hours (24 hours that included sleep and work and normal life stuff) and when I wasn't reading I was wanting to be.

Left To Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza

2010-05-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Before I get going on my recommendation I have to let you know that I have a very hard time with memoirs. I always feel that I am getting a very slanted story. I simply have a hard time trusting the authors. I guess I am a pretty big skeptic. It seems the main characters are always the total victim or the total hero and I have a hard time buying their stories. But, with that said, this is a memoir I highly recommend. Imaculee's story, even if embellished, is one everyone should read. It will make you completely rethink your relationship with God, your faith, and most of all it will teach you how incredibly powerful the act of forgiveness can be. Immaculee is a woman who knows what it means to pray and to have perfect faith. She is a woman who truly has a personal relationship with God. I was afraid to read this book because it is about the Rwandan Genocide, but it was uplifting, not depressing and disturbing. Imaculee tells a powerful story and I think this is one of those books that leaves its mark. It is a must read.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

2010-05-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

"Lights shine in the city of Ember—but at the city limits the light ends, and darkness takes over. Out there in the Unknown Regions, the darkness goes on forever in all directions. Ember—so its people believe—is the only light in the dark world. And now the lights of the city are beginning to fail. Is there a way to save the people of Ember? No one knows. But Lina Mayfleet has found a puzzling document, and Doon Harrow has made discoveries down in the Pipeworks. With these clues, they start their search."

I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read and a fun read. I did find the darkness clausterphobic and it made me anxious,and made me crave the imagry of a tree and blue sky. But that is because the writing is well done. This is the first in a series of four. I am looking forward to the other three books.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-03-09T12:55:00.001-08:00

After my mom, my husband and my 11 year old daughter read this book - I finally got my turn! It was fantastic. Exciting, interesting and a quick read. Keep in mind this is meant for a young adult audience. (And I think it is being made into a movie!) Here is a summery I found on a Hunger Games website:

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying ﬁght to the death - televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

And the cool thing is that it is part of a trilogy! The second book is already out and the third book is due out this fall.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

2010-02-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

This is, in my opinion, a fascinating must-read. It is incredibly interesting. It talks about why people succeed: how they become outliers. Genius, apparently doesn't have a huge role to play in success. Opportunity, chance, and culture seem to be the key players in success. Mozart had to put in about 10,000 hours of time before he became a master of composition. Bill Gates was fortunate enough to go to a high school that happened to have a computer (in the sixties this was extremely unusual) and so he was able to put in about 10,000 hours of programming time, setting the stage for him to come into Silicon valley at just the perfect time. NHL players in Canada tend to have birthdays in the first three months of January. Why? What is it about being born early in the year that makes someone a better Hockey player? What is the significance of being born in a three year range in the early 1800's that enabled Rockerfeller and Carnegie to reach the pinnacles of success whereas those that came before or after by only a few years, didn't have the same advantages? Why did Korean Airlines have more airplane crashes than most airlines? Were their pilots inferior, or was there something else happening? Read it and find out. You will love this book. (This review makes me feel like I'm on Reading Rainbow...."but don't take my word for it" :-).

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

2010-02-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

Maisie Dobbs entered domestic service in 1910 at thirteen, working for Lady Rowan Compton. When her remarkable intelligence is discovered by her employer, Maisie becomes the pupil of Maurice Blanche, a learned friend of the Comptons. In 1929, following an apprenticeship with Blanche, Maisie hangs out her shingle: M. DOBBS, TRADE AND PERSONAL INVESTIGATIONS. She soon becomes enmeshed in a mystery surrounding The Retreat, a reclusive community of wounded WWI veterans. At first, Maisie only suspects foul play, but she must act quickly when Lady Rowan's son decides to sign away his fortune and take refuge there. Maisie hurriedly investigates, uncovering a disturbing mystery, which, in an astonishing denouement, gives Maisie the courage to confront a ghost that has haunted her for years.

I loved this book. I thought it was a fun and interesting read. It did however break my heart to think of all those poor men who fought in WWI. If they came home, none of them came home the same!

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

2009-12-22T06:50:00.001-08:00

"The system was simple. Everyone understood it. Books were for burning, along with the houses in which they were hidden.

Guy Montag was a fireman whose job it was to start fires. And he enjoyed his job. He had been a fireman for ten years, and he had never questioned the pleasure of the midnight runs or the joy of watching the pages consumed by flames, never questioned anything until he met a seventeen-year-old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid. Then Guy met a professor who told him of a future in which people could think. And Guy Montag suddenly realized what he had to do..."

"The novel presents a future American society in which the masses are hedonistic and critical thought through reading is outlawed. The central character, Guy Montag, is employed as a "fireman" (which, in this future, means "bookburner"). One rainy night returning from his job, fireman Guy Montag meets his new neighbor Clarisse McClellan, whose free-thinking ideals and liberating spirit force him to question his life, his ideals, and his own perceived happiness."

Although this was a fast/easy read, I really enjoyed it and had a great discussion with my book group about it.

Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

2009-11-23T10:27:00.001-08:00

We just read this book for my book club. A perfect November choice. I think this is a must read. It is the historical account of the Pilgrims, their treacherous voyage on the Mayflower, and the Indians who helped them to survive (who they in turn destroyed). It is the story of Plymouth Colony. It was fascinating to find out the real story, as opposed to the blissful myth we are familiar with, and realize how basically through nothing but sheer luck the Pilgrims survived. It is also an eye opening account of the war we never learned about; King Phillip's War. I have to say I found myself favoring the Indians and wishing the Indians had just slaughtered the dang fanatical Pilgrim's when they first landed. But I suppose I should be grateful things worked out how they did, or else I wouldn't be here today. Anyway, an eye opening read. Well written and well researched.

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

2009-11-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

The narrator in this book is Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old autistic boy who knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. Late one evening he encounters the dead body of his neighbor's dog and is determined to solve the mystery of who would murder this nice poodle, though specifically told by his father to "stay out of other people's business."

Told in first person, this novel shows the world through the eyes of a boy with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, complete with his inability filter the overwhelming amounts of minute information we receive through our senses at any given moment, his inability to relate to or be touched by other people, his dislike of certain colors, and his need for all things to be in a certain order. Yet, Christopher is a delightfully sympathetic narrator and hero. I couldn't help but admire him for his challenges, the implicit humor, and the innocence and sweet certainty of his personality and his assessment of every situation. He is removed from feelings and responds only with logic, and often times, this means that what is an everyday event for the rest of us requires heroic efforts from him. Of course, he gets more than he bargained for when he starts his investigation.

It's a fascinating book not only for the interesting plot, its characters and their relationships, but mostly because of the glimpse into what life on the autism spectrum might be like. And equally interesting for it's perspective on the everyday challenges that face the parents of children with autism, and the both frustrating, humorous, and endearing parts of building a relationship with that child. Would make a great book group discussion book as well.

Note: there is a bit of language used by the characters out of anger, as well as some discussion/explanation of extramarital relationships, though nothing explicit.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2009-10-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

This is one of the better books I've read in a while. It is about the "colored help" in Jackson Missisppi at the height of the civil rights movement. It spotlights, two maids and one white woman. They come together, at great risk to themselves to tell the story of what it is like to be a black servant in the Jim Crow South. It chronicles the very complicated relationship these maids have with the children they tend and the white women who rule over them. It was nuanced and insightful. Each characters voice was believable and well written. It was very gripping and made the time on my plane ride whiz by. I highly recommend this book.

The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas

2009-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Diary of Mattie Spenser is a fiction, presented in the form of a journal and accounting for three years in the life of a woman (from 1865 to 1869), who leaves family and friends and the small Iowa town where she grew up, to follow her husband in the wild plains of Colorado Territory. Mattie’s husband is Luke Spenser, considered as the best catch in town, being handsome as well as brave for having fought in the war against the South. So, when Mattie (who thinks of herself as plain and thinks she will remain a spinster) is proposed, she does not try to question the motivations hidden beneath this unexpected proposal; she accepts both marriage and the difficult life Luke offers her.

In a voice that really gives the impression of a true testimony, the narrator, Mattie Spenser, tells her journey in a covered wagon, her settlement in a sod house on the frontier; the harsh climate, the isolation, lack of comfort, lurking dangers as well as the joys, disappointments and hardships of domestic life. Beside the greatest threat represented by the Indians, Mattie Spenser has a more private battle to lead: with few knowledge on marital matters, she tries to get closer to a husband who, though never mean, remains distant. She also has to bear the difficulties of pregnancies far from civilization, and to deal with numerous deaths among her acquaintances. But her more difficult trial is maybe her discovery of the truth behind her husband’s behavior, that she will finally learn in the most tragic of circumstances.

This journal follows Mattie’s progression, from a naive young girl full of illusions to a mature woman who has overcome prejudices, learned that rules don’t always apply outside civilization and also managed to find her place and a sense of belonging, after many doubts and personal battles.

A Guide To The Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Grayson

2009-09-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

I personally love the books of Alexander McCall Smith, so when I picked up this book I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle humorous style which reminds me so much of Smith's writing. This is a book about Mr. Malik, a widower, who has a crush on the widow Rose Mbikwa, the woman who leads the weekly bird walk in Nairobi. Anyway as the book progresses Mr. Malik finds himself involved in a competition with an old school mate (his old nemesis) Mr. Kahn, to see who can spot the most species of birds in Kenya within a week. The winner of the competition gets the privilege of asking Rose to the premier social event in Nairobi, the Hunt Club Ball. There are adventures along the way, and Mr. Malik remains a true gentleman throughout the competition. It was a fun glimpse into Nairobi, and the birds of Kenya. If you are a birdwatcher don't miss this book, but certainly even non-birdwatchers will also enjoy it. I really loved this wonderful, light, entertaining book.

No Shame, No Fear and Forged In the Fire by Ann Turnbull

2009-09-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've been debating posting these books, since I read them earlier this summer. The main plot is kind of predictable and although enjoyable not particularly noteworthy. But I am posting about them anyway because the subject and setting was fascinating. No Shame, No Fear is about a Quaker girl living in England in the seventeenth century and the persecution that came with being a Quaker at that time. I had no idea about the Quakers and I found reading about them fascinating. Their views were revolutionary. They believed in people being able to feel the Spirit without a paid clergy and that all people are equals despite social class, gender, or any other factor. Quite a radical concept for that time. The book sent me to Wikipedia and many other websites learning about them. The book Forged in the Fire is the sequel to No Shame No Fear and is about the same characters who move to London. The story itself wasn't as interesting to me as it was to read about the Plague and the Great Fire of London, that occured in the same year. I found both topics totally fascinating, learned a lot, and went online to read more.

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

2009-09-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is the second book by Barbara Kingsolver that I have recommended on this blog. The first being The Poisonwood Bible - still one of my all time favorite reads. But back to Animal Dreams. I first read it about 10 years ago but I recently was in need of good book so I picked it up again. Wow! Ten years later, I read it with a completely different perspective and understanding. I must admit I didn't enjoy it quite as much this time around but I still think it is worth reading. Especially because Kingsolver is such a talented writer. I apologize if this is a copout - but I am stealing the summary from the back of the book:

"Animals dream about the things they do in the day time just like people do. If you want sweet dreams, you've got to live a sweet life." So says Loyd Peregrina, a handsome Apache trainman and latter-day philosopher. But when Codi Noline returns to her hometown, Loyd's advice is painfully out of her reach. Dreamless and at the end of her rope, Codi comes back to Grace, Arizona to confront her past and face her ailing, distant father. What she finds is a town threatened by a silent environmental catastrophe, some startling clues to her own identity, and a man whose view of the world could change the course of her life. Blending flashbacks, dreams, and Native American legends, Animal Dreams is a suspenseful love story and a moving exploration of life's largest commitments. With this work, the acclaimed author of The Bean Trees and Homeland and Other Stories sustains her familiar voice while giving readers her most remarkable book yet.

I would rate this PG-13 for language and adult scenes.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

2009-08-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Goose Girl is a retelling of a Grimm's fairy tale (not one that I had heard of before). Ani is the Crown Princess of Kildenree and betrothed to the Prince of Bayern. She travels from her home to Bayern with her maid in waiting. Her maid in waiting turns traitor and claims to be the princess rather than Ani. Ani bides her time working for the King as a goose girl, trying to determine how to prove the maid false. Along her journey she finds friends and help in unlikely places, including herself.
There are two other books about Bayern including Enna Burning and River Secrets. Both are worthy tales, but The Goose Girl is the most intriguing.

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

2009-06-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

This novel looks back at a pretty dark time in American history, the witch trials of Salem. Kent is actually a 10th generation descendant of Martha Carrier, who was hanged as a witch in 1692, and writes the story of Sarah, Martha's daughter. Sarah is only 9 years old when her mother, brothers and herself are all charged and imprisoned for witchcraft. She very poignantly tells her tale looking back over the many years of her life. It is hard to imagine a time when whole communities could be taken in by something so irrational but the fear and uncertainty brought on by a life that was hard and unpredictable along with the pettiness of man set a strong back drop for the events which took place.
I really appreciated this intimate portrayal of the Salem witch trials. Where The Crucible set the stage for the events, the Heretic's Daughter gave detail and made it real for me.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeanette Walls

2009-06-26T15:15:00.001-07:00

Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.

Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.

What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.

Love, LOVED this book. A quick and very entertaining read.

Love Walked In by Maria De Los Santos

2009-06-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

What a good read. I finished this today and I really enjoyed it. It starts out as a romance story, but quickly progresses in a direction you would not expect. A young terrified girl tries her best to cope on her own as her mother slides into mental illness. A woman living in Philadelphia, managing a cafe, is sure she has met the man of her dreams when Martin walks into the cafe. He looks like Cary Grant, acts like Cary Grant, and is her ideal of perfection. Meeting him begins a chain of events that lead to love. Real true love. But not the real true love you would expect.

I loved the characters, I loved the story. It was touching and soulful.

Books About the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies

2009-06-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

I just wrote a very long post for my personal blog listing 4 different books about the Willie and Martin handcart companies. I was going to write a separate post for this blog but to save time - just check my blog if you are interested. Here is the link to the post:
http://almosthalfwaythere.blogspot.com/2009/06/price-they-paid.html

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Socity By Mary Anne Shaffer and Annie Barrows

2009-05-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

I LOVED this book. It is written all in letters and is the story of an woman writer and friends she makes from the Island of Guernsey and there amazing stories of the occupation of their small island.

The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan

2009-05-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

"While running for judge, Cowen roamed all over Dallam County and saw firsthand how the dirt-packed winds were taking the life out of the place. He drove for days without seeing a single green thing. He saw farmhouses without a chicken or cow. He saw children in rags, their parents too frightened of dust pneumonia to send them to school, huddling in shacks shaped into wavy formations on the prairie, almost indistinguishable from the dunes." (The Worst Hard Time, pg. 177)
"The dust in Kansas was falling in heaps; a team of scientists calculated that during the storms of March and April of 1935, about 4.7 tons of dust per acre fell on western Kansas during each of the blizzards" (The Worst Hard Time, pg. 188)
"How to explain a place where black dirt fell from the sky, where children died from playing outdoors, where rabbits were clubbed to death by adrenaline-primed nesters still wearing their Sunday-school clothes, where grasshoppers descended on weakened fields and ate everything but doorknobs? How to explain a place where hollow-bellied horses chewed on fence posts, where static electricity made it painful to shake another man's hand, where the only thing growing that a human or cow could eat was an unwelcome foreigner, the Russian thistle [tumbleweed]? How to explain fifty thousand or more houses abandoned throughout the Great Plains, never to hear a child's laugh or a woman's song inside their walls? How to explain nine million acres of farmland without a master? America was passing this land by. Its day was done." (The Worst Hard Time, pg 306)
The Worst Hard Time written by Timothy Egan is a powerful record of survivors of the dust bowl of the 1930's. During an already dark and dismal nation-wide depression, the great plains suffered almost a decade of blowing dirt and dust that almost completely wiped out this part of the country. I had heard a little of this catastrophe - one of the worst in American history. In reading The Grapes of Wrath, we learn about people who escaped the disaster. This book is about the people who stubbornly hung on to what was left of their farms and lives and waited it out. One thing I found very interesting about this story is that it reveals the cause of the dust bowl - it wasn't just drought - and also how it was man that actually helped to remedy the problem.
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-04-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

The setting is the future ruins of North America. The population is divided into 12 districts and ruled by the Capitol. Each year the Capitol holds the Hunger Games requiring 2 youth from each district as tribute. These 24 kids are placed in an arena concocted by the Capitol. These gladiators must fight to the death because the Games end only when one survives. Sixteen year old Katniss volunteers as the female tribute from District 12 in place of her younger sister. A skilled hunter and tracker, she will need these traits to stay alive in an environment where even the elements are against you.
I thought this book was incredible! I read most of it in a single day (if you can count staying up until 3 am the next morning). The depth of the characters and the intense plot do not disappoint. Just a warning though, this is the first book in a trilogy so be prepared for a certain amount of plot to be unresolved. The next book, Catching Fire, comes out this September.

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophi Kinsella

2009-04-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

With the same wicked humor, buoyant charm, and optimism that have made her Shopaholic novels beloved international bestsellers, Sophie Kinsella delivers a hilarious new novel and an unforgettable new character. Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets:

Secrets from her mother:
I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur.
Sammy the goldfish in my parents’ kitchen is not the same goldfish that Mum gave me to look after when she and Dad were in Egypt.

Secrets from her boyfriend:
I weigh one hundred and twenty-eight pounds. Not one eighteen, like Connor thinks.
I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken.

From her colleagues:
When Artemis really annoys me, I feed her plant orange juice. (Which is pretty much every day.) It was me who jammed the copier that time. In fact, all the times.

Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world:
My G-string is hurting me.
I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is.

Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.

But come Monday morning, Emma’s office is abuzz about the arrival of Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO. Suddenly Emma is face-to-face with the stranger from
the plane, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her. Things couldn’t possibly get worse—Until they do. (from Here)

LOVED this one VERY funny! Again I read it in a day, again adult language and themes.

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

2009-04-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

When twenty-eight-year-old Lexi Smart wakes up in a London hospital, she’s in for a big surprise. Her teeth are perfect. Her body is toned. Her handbag is Vuitton. Having survived a car accident—in a Mercedes no less—Lexi has lost a big chunk of her memory, three years to be exact, and she’s about to find out just how much things have changed.

Somehow Lexi went from a twenty-five-year-old working girl to a corporate big shot with a sleek new loft, a personal assistant, a carb-free diet, and a set of glamorous new friends. And who is this gorgeous husband—who also happens to be a multimillionaire? With her mind still stuck three years in reverse, Lexi greets this brave new world determined to be the person she…well, seems to be. That is, until an adorably disheveled architect drops the biggest bombshell of all.

Suddenly Lexi is scrambling to catch her balance. Her new life, it turns out, comes complete with secrets, schemes, and intrigue. How on earth did all this happen? Will she ever remember? And what will happen when she does? (from Here )

I really like this book and finished it in a day. I thought it was pretty funny and a fun story. There is some language and some adult themes.

Dark Angel by Robert Kirby

2009-03-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine loaned me this book when I had my last baby. I was highly skeptical for 2 reasons: the plot seemed hokey and it was a "mormon" novel. But I picked it up and couldn't put it down, which was good because I was constantly feeding my newborn. Kirby is a Mormon satirist who has a column that pokes fun of Mormon culture in the Salt Lake tribune. This book is not satire, however. I would put it in the same genre as These Is My Words. It is the story of a young girl growing up in Salt Lake Valley during the Brigham Young era. She is the daughter of the first wife of a polygamist bishop. (See, ick, right?) Robert Kirby handles the polygamy issue with humor and sympathy. Anyway, she is a tomboy and when a mysterious man saves her and her sister from a pretty bad situation the family takes this mysterious Dark Angel in. He sleeps in the barn and helps out around the farm. Rumors about this cold blooded stranger take the community by storm and the plot thickens. Anyway, it was a great read. I loved imagining the Salt Lake Valley back in the pre-overdeveloped era. I loved the portrayal of the family. I really loved this book. It was a very fun read. My mom read it and loved it too, and was also surprised she liked it so much. And it is hokey and silly at times. But still it is a fun read.

The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith

2009-02-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is the fifth book in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This is a delightful, charming, easy to read series about Mma Ramatswe - an African woman living in Botswana and her simple but interesting life as a detective. I haven't read all the books but of the few I have read - the first one is my favorite. But all the books are very funny and quirky.

If you want a real treat - get the first book on audio CD read by Lisette Lecat. She is incredibly talented and her accents are lovely! I couldn't help but hear her voice in my head as I read other books in the series. I loved it!

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

2009-02-25T14:36:00.001-08:00

Gaiman also wrote the book Stardust. I saw the movie, with Claire Danes, which came out a few years ago, and wanted to read the book. I liked the book but it just wasn't quite as exciting as the movie. The plots are very similar but Hollywood jazzes up the ending a bit. Both are good though and I would recommend them in any order.

Tristan is a young man in love. And to prove his love he offers to go across the wall to find a fallen star and bring it back to the lovely Victoria. The wall marks the boundary between our world and another very different world. There Tristan finds many adventures waiting for him along with a fallen star that is much more feminine than a celestial rock.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2009-02-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, The Graveyard Book is the newest winner of the Newberry Medal. And now that I've read it I can say it was well deserved. I thought this was a fabulous book and Gaiman has an incredible writing style.

The story is about a little boy, whose family is murdered but he escapes with a little luck and some help from the ghosts in the local cemetery. Nobody Owens, Bod, grows up in the graveyard learning the ways of the dead, protected from the murderer that is still searching for him. However there are other dangers that Bod encounters, including the Indigo Man, a Ghoul Gate and the mysterious Sleer. He has help along the way, from his guardian Silas, a witch's ghost and a living girl named Scarlett.

Note: If you like Gaiman's tales, you might also be interested in the movie that is out right now called Coraline, based on his children's book.

Roomates Wanted by Lisa Jewell

2009-01-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been reading serious and somewhat heavy books. I needed a breather. I picked this one up at the library the other day. This one hit the spot. It is a story about a sort of loser guy named Toby whose father gives him a large if somewhat delapitated old Victorian home in North London. After his wife leaves him, Toby decides to advertise for roommates and picks people who need some help (struggling artist, homeless teen, etc.). Anyway fifteen years pass, and suddenly, after the death of his sitting tenant (In Britain you can't kick out a resident that occupied a place before you bought it) and meeting his cute and spunky across the way neighbor Toby basically decides to get a life. He fixes up the house, tries to fix his tenants and help them move on with their lives. In the process he falls in love and finally moves on with his life. It was a great light read. Not too fluffy, but just fluffy enough. In many ways this book seemed like a gentler, kinder version of Nick Hornby (one of my favs). Quirky characters, London, and a fun twisty plot.

Some language and adult scenes/themes.

The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery

2009-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Valancy lives a drab life with her overbearing mother and prying aunt. Then a shocking diagnosis from Dr.Trent prompts her to make a fresh start. For the first time, she does and says exactly what she feels. As she expands her limited horizons, Valancy undergoes a transformation, discovering a new world of love and happiness. One of Lucy Maud Montgomery's only novels intended for an adult audience, The Blue Castle is filled with humour and romance. (From http://books.google.com/books?id=yGoxgtO0HNoC ) I love this book. It is typical overly romanticised Lucy Maud Montgomery , but, I love that!

The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein

2009-01-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

One of the most interesting parts of this book is the author wrote it when he was in his nineties. It is the story of his childhood. He grew up Jewish in a Northern England manufacturing town. On one half of his street lived the Christians, and on the other half lived the Jews. Harry was the son of an abusive alcoholic and a devoted mother who struggled to make ends meet and to provide for her children. The invisible wall that divided his street came down when death came to the street in the form of World War One. The book was slightly reminiscent of Angela's Ashes. The main story of the book is his sister's love for the Christian neighbor boy across the street. It was enjoyable and although not the finest literature I've read, a quick interesting book. (The sequel is sitting on my nightstand, The Dream, about his families struggles as immigrants in the USA).

The Shack

2009-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie Allen Philips’ youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever.

This is a short quick read that flows like a story but will leave you searching your heart and mind as you mentally face all of your own life experiences and challenges

* warning* It does have a bit of a Nicholas Sparks feel, but I really enjoyed it for what it is.

Mormon Scientist: The Life and Faith of Henry Eyring by Henry J. Eyring

2009-01-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Twice in the final years of his life, Elder Neal A. Maxwell told a grandson of Henry Eyring's, 'You need to write your grandfather's story.' This is that story of Henry Eyring, perhaps the Church's most acclaimed scientist. It is a book about science and Mormonism, written to be easily understood by newcomers to both subjects. It demonstrates why one of the Church's highest-profile intellectuals was also one of its humblest believers. In fact, this story of Henry Eyring shows how intellect and belief go hand-in-hand and how simple, faithful people can change the world. (www.deseretbook.com)

I loved this book! I was truly enlightened reading about Eyring's reconciliation of science and religion -evolution specifically. It really aligned with my views so that is probably why I enjoyed it so much. There are a couple of chapters that were pretty technical - dealing with chemistry and physics - but if you can dig through those, the rest of the book is very interesting.

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

2008-11-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Brisinger is the most recent instalment in the Inheritance Cycle. The first two books are Eragon and Eldest. The books tell a familiar story about a peasant boy, Eragon, who discovers there is more to him than meets the eye. He finds a dragon egg, it hatches, and he becomes a Dragon Rider. Thus starts an adventure of self discovery where Eragon and Saphira (his dragon) must battle fantastic creatures, befriend Elves, Dwarves and Men, and find a way to destroy the evil King Galbatorix.
I enjoyed the first 2 books and was excited to read the third. I liked it, but was a little disappointed in the movement of the plot, I felt it was slow. I was also bummed because I was about 3/4 of the way through the book when I realized that it is not the last book. The author originally planned for 3 books, but when writing Brisinger he realized that the story was too long for one book and made the series into a cycle! I'm bummed because I didn't get a conclusion as I was hoping, and I have to wait for the next one to come out.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

2008-11-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

Not to be confused with the John Jakes Civil War novel of the same name, this novel is set in Victorian England at the height of the Industrial Revolution. It is a gentle love story between two people from vastly different backgrounds; it reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. If you have a chance to see the BBC adaptation for TV, be sure to check it out.

The Darcy Connection by Elizabeth Aston

2008-10-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

I preferred this story to Mr Darcy's Daughters. It is about Mr and Mrs Collins Daughters and their first London season.
These books all seem to follow the same formula, but, I find them to be fun quick reads.

Mr Darcy's Daughters by Elizabeth Aston

2008-10-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

This book follows Elizabeth and Mr Darcy's daughters through their first London season. Lizzy and Mr Darcy are abroad and their daughters are staying in London with Mr. Fitzwilliam and his wife.
This is a fun easy read. If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice you will probably like it. It is not the best writing, but, a fun story.

Label

2008-10-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have gone through and added my name on my posts in the labels so you can look the book up who recommended it. If others would do it too, that would be great!

Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Patillo Beals

2008-10-28T07:28:00.001-07:00

Warriors Don't Cry is the story of the "Little Rock Nine" told by Melba. They were the nine students who volunteered to integrate Little Rock High School in the late 1950's. They are amazing and suffered extreme persecution and ugly racial hatred. It was a war zone and the students really did risk their lives and I'd even say sanity by attempting to defy the segregationists. But what they did was valuable and their sacrifice did eventually bring about positive change for a racist country. I read the abridged version, which wasn't great by literary standards (I read it for book club and my library only carried the abridged version). The courage and sense of purpose these teenagers had was overwhelming. It is a very powerful story.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

2008-10-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

Meet Denver, a man raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960s; a man who escaped, hopping a train to wander, homeless, for eighteen years on the streets of Dallas, Texas. No longer a slave, Denver's life was still hopeless-until God moved. First came a godly woman who prayed, listened, and obeyed. And then came her husband, Ron, an international arts dealer at home in a world of Armani-suited millionaires. And then they all came together.
But slavery takes many forms. Deborah discovers that she has cancer. In the face of possible death, she charges her husband to rescue Denver. Who will be saved, and who will be lost? What is the future for these unlikely three? What is God doing?
Same Kind of Different As Me is the emotional tale of their story: a telling of pain and laughter, doubt and tears, dug out between the bondages of this earth and the free possibility of heaven. No reader or listener will ever forget it. (Barnes and Noble.com)

This is an amazing story! I was continually impressed at how just one person can make a difference in the lives of so many. It was inspiring and moving.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

2008-10-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall begins from and eventually returns to the point of view of gentle Gilbert Markham as he endures what he thinks is an unrequited love of the mysterious and independent Helen Graham. But as the story progresses, a far more interesting tale emerges from the pages of Helen's own journal. In this novel within a novel, we learn of Helen's painful past as the devoted, devout, and often tortured wife of the handsome, alcoholic scoundrel she unwisely chose to marry. ( from http://muruch.blogspot.com/2008/10/anne-bronte-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.html )

It has been a long time since I read this, but, I was thinking about it again and thought it needed a post. I love this book. I thought it was an interesting and well told story! I also love the movie if you get a chance to see it, do!

The Lizard Cage by Karen Connelly

2008-09-19T11:23:00.001-07:00

This novel takes place entirely within the confines of a Burmese Prison. The main character, Teza, is a political prisoner. He has been sentenced to 20 years of solitary confinement, but finds ways to free his mind and spirit through small and powerful means. The writing is very well done and one gets such a good sense of the political situation in Burma. The author does a wonderful job of pointing out beauty in what would seem to be a beauty-free environment. It is a tribute to the human soul and all that is good about people. The back cover says, "The Lizard Cage is an urgent, necessary addition to the canon of fiction about political oppression . . . the novel tells the story of the friendship between a Burmese political prisoner and a young orphan boy. Set entirely in a prison called the Lizard Cage, it is a gripping exploration of how human connection can liberate one's spirit despite unimaginably, cruel circumstances, as seen through the eyes of an idealistic revolutionary who inspires in a child the bravery to escape a life of confinement." It is a powerful story, and a book I think everyone should read.

(For those that may care, the prisoners speak like prisoners and behave like prisoners, so don't expect it to be a Pollyannaesque story).

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

2008-09-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Oprah just named this her newest book club book, so now I'm feeling all Jonny-come-lately, and I did start this post before her announcement, I just never got around to finishing it.....but whatever. Ok, actually, it deserves the publicity.

It's been a long time since I read a book that caused me to totally neglect my kids and everything else that I was supposed to do around the house in order to read just a few more chapters. So I loved it for that.

The central character is Edgar Sawtelle, a young teenager growing up in mid-century Wisconsin on the farm where his father and mother are raising a fictional breed of dogs, the Sawtelles. Edgar is also born mute and communicates with his parents and also with the dogs through sign. The story itself derives a lot of its elements and characters out of Hamlet, but Edgar himself would choose to identify more with the characters and elements of Kipling's The Jungle Book. Certainly one of the most interesting aspects of the story is the relationship that Edgar has with the dogs, and specifically one dog that he's been especially close to since birth. But this is way more than a boy-and-his-dog story (because I don't even like dogs).

The pace of the story telling is gentle and I felt that it was through this pace that the reader really comes to understand Edgar and his world of silence.

It was one of the most enjoyable and satisfying reads I'd had in a long time.

ps. Anna, it's nice and long (like 555 pages), so I know you'll like it.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

2008-09-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

You've probably already heard about this book, even if you haven't read it. It's a kind of memoir/life-affirming lessons/inspirational talk by 47 yr old computer science professor, Randy Pausch, that grew out of the actual "Last Lecture" that he gave upon his retirement from Carnegie Mellon University after learning of his terminal cancer.

The "Last Lecture" is a series that CMU does with each retiring professor, but Randy Pausch turned it into a way to give his very young children a sense of who he was and how to live their lives after his death. The lecture itself became a YouTube phenomenon and because of that, he expanded the lecture into a book. I watched the lecture before I read the book and I really enjoyed it. I came to really like and appreciate him as a person (and feel inspired by him) from even this tiny glimpse into his life.

The book does follow the outline and spirit of the lecture, but it adds a lot of background info about his childhood upbringing with his parents, his relationship with his wife and their dealing with his cancer, and it expands upon many of his lecture's premises.

It was moving but not sentimental. And, frankly, I was relieved that it wasn't heavy-laden with how terminal cancer can bring a person down. Actually, it was just the opposite. Mostly, it was this really upbeat, successful, hard-working and funny guy telling about the things that he'd done in his own life, what he'd learned from doing them, and what he was grateful for that other people taught him along the way.

It's a great read.

A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby

2008-09-02T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of Nick Hornby. I loved High Fidelity, and About A Boy. Hornby writes about below average humans and makes you like unlikeable people. And sometimes he even gives his characters some redemption. This book is no different. It is told from the point of view of four different Londoners. All meet up on a rooftop, New Years Eve, where they were all planning to take their lives. There is an older woman who has been taking care of her son who has been in a vegetative state for twenty odd years, a punk totally messed up teenage girl, a washed up tabloid-fodder talk show host, and a musician who has never been able to get his career going. Anyway, they decide to help each other want to live instead of killing themselves. Hornby doesn't go for feel good solutions and keeps things starkly realistic. It is darkly humorous, and surprisingly touching, just as all his books are. (Hornby also uses the F-word a lot, so if that bugs, don't read this book or any of his others).

A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich

2008-08-22T10:26:00.001-07:00

This book was given to me by my dear friend years and years ago but I just barely got around to reading it. It was written in 1928 and is the classic story of Abbie and Will Deal - pioneers who left everything behind for a new life on American Frontier. This book reminded me a lot of These is My Words - but much shorter. It was a little cliche and somewhat over-sentimental and while I was reading it I wasn't sure I was going to post about it. However, after I finished the book I felt that I really did enjoy it and it was a touching story. There are not many books that evoke tears but I was definitely touched by the story of this woman. I appreciated her perpsective of having kids and watching them grow and become individuals and make their own choices. If you liked These is My Words - I think you will like this book. Good, good story.

Note: This image of the book cover is from an old edition. The newer edition has a more "romance novel" look to it and I didn't want to use it.

Question?

2008-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

What were some of the books that sucked you in and you could not put down? I am not necessarily asking for the best written books ever just ones you get caught up in quickly?
Some of mine are: the Twilight series, Jane Eyre,
Memoirs of a Geisha, Harry Potter series, most Nicholas Sparks books, I am sure I have a lot more I just cant think of any right now.
I think I must be a shallow reader, but, I seem to have a hard time with some books. I may like them, but, I have a hard time if they don't grab me at the beginning!

North River by Pete Hamill

2008-08-14T06:42:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed this book. My library has a "readers choice" section and that is where I picked it up. This is the story of Dr. Delaney, a WWI veteran who lives in the Village during the depression. Then, it was an enclave of immigrants and mobsters. He is a doctor, who has been abandoned by his wife and daughter. In many ways he is damaged goods, until his daughter abandons her son on his front step bringing life, love, and happiness back into Dr. Delaney's life. One of my favorite characters in this book is the depresion era New York City Pete Hamill brings to life. It was a good story.

For those that might care there was some swearing and a few "adult" scenes.

Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King

2008-08-10T16:18:00.001-07:00

Filippo Brunelleschi's design for the dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence remains one of the most towering achievements of Renaissance architecture. Completed in 1436, the dome remains a remarkable feat of design and engineering. Its span of more than 140 feet exceeds St Paul's in London and St Peter's in Rome, and even outdoes the Capitol in Washington, D.C., making it the largest dome ever constructed using bricks and mortar. The story of its creation and its brilliant but "hot-tempered" creator is told in Ross King's delightful Brunelleschi's Dome (amazon.com).

I was hesitant to read this but ended up really enjoying it. I found it fascinating and interesting - and not too long. There were definitely parts that got a little too technical for my understanding but I muddled through. Now I just have to go to Florence, Italy to see the dome in person!!! (By the way - this is the cathedral that Lucy Honeychurch sees out her window in Room With a View).

Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

2008-08-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

The book starts three months after the end of Peter and the Starcatchers.^[3] Slank returns to the island with more of the Others, including a certain Lord Ombra, to reclaim the trunk of starstuff lost in the previous book. When they learn that the Starcatchers have taken the trunk back to England, they set sail for London. Peter follows, fearing for Molly's safety, and with Tinker Bell's help conceals himself on their ship.

Once in London, Peter does not know where to find Molly. After unpleasant encounters with beggars, traders and the police, Peter finally gets directions from J. M. Barrie to Lord Aster's house, and rescues Molly from Lord Ombra in the nick of time. However, Louise Aster -Molly's mother- has been kidnapped by the Others, and the children must find Lord Aster who is guarding the starstuff.

Meanwhile, back on the island, the pirates are hunting the Lost Boys. They capture the boys to use as bait for Peter, not knowing he is not on the island. (from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_and_the_Shadow_Thieves)

I Liked the first book more, but, I really did enjoy this story also. I will be reading the third book in the series soon!

The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd

2008-07-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is the third novel written by Edward Rutherfurd that I have read. I also read Sarum and London. I will be the first to admit that these historically based sagas are not for everyone. These books are historical fiction and are very long (we're talking 800-900 pages!). Often, the book will begin in the early 1st or 2nd centuries and continue following family lines up through modern times. His characters are fictitious (and also very similar from book to book I am learning) but they are based against actual historic events and individuals. I really liked Sarum which is based in the geographical area around Salisbury and Stone Henge and I also enjoyed London. I enjoy a good book that keeps you hooked for a long time! The Princes of Ireland - which ends in 1500 AD (the sequel takes us into modern Ireland) - got a little tedious with some of the military and political events, but I still enjoyed it. If you like historical fiction and interesting tales of romance, mystery, betrayal and war then you would enjoy these books. Rutherfurd's writing is a little predictable and nothing out of the ordinary but I definitely plan on readying the sequel.

People of the Book

2008-07-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Written by the same author as Year of Wonders (which I loved), this story follows the fictional journey of the real Sarajevo Haggadah from 14th century Spain to modern-day Sarajevo through a series of clues found in the ancient book's binding. A hair, a splash of water, the wing of an insect - all spark the curiosity of a book restorer, who attempts to put together the story of how this remarkable book survived 500 years of Jewish exile and persecution. It is a fun book to read! The writing is okay - it bugged me that the author didn't really change the voice through the different eras of history, but it was obviously well-researched. I especially liked the idea that people of Muslim, Jew & Christian faiths all had a hand in the miracle of the book's survival -- "there were people who could see that what united us was more than what divided us."

Little Britches by Ralph Moody

2008-07-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

My Grandma recommended I read this book, and now I second her recommendation, and will tell you basically what she told me. This certainly isn't fine literature, or deep material, but it is a good story and I loved the relationship between the young son, Ralph, and his Father. It is the story of the authors childhood. His family, for health reasons, left New England and made a go at a life as ranchers outside of Denver in the early 20th century. Ralph is in love with his new cowboy life and gets into lots of mischief, but is always guided by his fathers wisdom, love, and goodness. The writing is somewhat abrupt and not terribly refined, but the story and narration kept me going. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the sequels.

John Adams by David McCullough

2008-07-08T08:12:00.001-07:00

This is an amazing book, which I think should be required reading for anyone who claims American citizenship. John Adams was an eyewitness and participant in the founding of our country and this book is taken from his letters to his wife Abigail, and her letters to him. It is a wonderful read and you will have a serious appreciation for John Adams and the other founding fathers after reading this book. Fascinating. (I believe they just made an HBO series based on this book. I'd love to see it).

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

2008-06-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Follow the story of Santiago, a shepherd's son, who fantasizes of grander adventures than his current situation warrants. Then one night he dreams that he must go to the Pyramids in Egypt to seek his fortune. Along the way he meets, a gypsy, a king, a thief, a merchant, a beautiful girl and finally the alchemist. Some mean to help, others to hinder him, but eventually Santiago must look inside to find truth in life.
It is an incredible journey, with set backs and hardship but also enlightenment and success. Written like a fable or parable, it is very inspirational and applicable to all. The book will not take long to read, but it is one that you will want to return to again, for further insights. The book was originally written in Portuguese, and has been translated into more than 50 languages.

Joy In The Morning by Betty Smith

2008-06-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

I recently posted about one of my favorite books, A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. This book is by the same author, and is a very good read as well. It is about a very young, just, married couple. He is a college student in the midwest and she joins him, from Brooklyn. It is about her efforts to adjust to a totally different life in a totally foreign culture. It is about their first year of marriage. Smith really captures the ups and downs of newlywed life, the insecurities, the financial struggles, and the effort to mesh two different lives together. She really captures what it is like to love someone. It is a gem.

Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster

2008-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a quick short read, I would recommend this story. It is not quite long enough to be be called a novel, but not quite short enough to be called a short story. Anyway it is about an orphan girl in the early 1900's that receives money, anonymously, from one of the orphanage's trustees to go to college. It is a collection of her letters to her sponsor about her college life and it is charming. It is a very quick read (two hours, tops) and you can read it for free online here. I first read this in junior high, remebered it last year and read it online once while my baby napped. I love it.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

2008-06-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.
from http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/thehost.html

I read this in about two days. It is not the best book ever written, but, I like it. I thought it was entertaining. It is not too sci-fi and I think it is better writing then Twilight. It is a fun read if you don't expect too much.

Question?

2008-05-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

So what was the last great series you read? These don't have to be the best books ever, but, something you enjoyed and were able to be caught up in, with the added bonus of more to come!
I for one have enjoyed Twilight, and Harry Potter. I also loved all of the Anne of Green Gables books and all other books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The Inspector Lynley Mystery's by Elizabeth George are another I enjoyed.
What about you?

Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors

2008-05-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

In 1632, the Emperor of Hindustan, Shah Jahan, consumed by grief over the death of his empress, Mumtaz Mahal, ordered the building of a grand mausoleum to symbolize the greatness of their love. Against scenes of unimaginable wealth and power, murderous sibling rivalries, and cruel despotism, Princess Jahanara tells the extraordinary story of how the Taj Mahal came to be, describing her own life as an agent in its creation and as a witness to the fateful events surrounding its completion.

To escape a brutal arranged marriage, Jahanara must become the court liaison to Isa, architect of the Taj Mahal. She is soon caught between her duty to her mother's memory, the rigid strictures imposed upon women, and a new, though forbidden, love. With exceptional courage, Jahanara dares to challenge the bigotry and blindness at court in an effort to spare the empire from civil war, and to save her father from his bellicose son, Aurangzeb, a man whose hatred would extinguish the Islamic enlightenment from the Mughal Empire. To do so she must enlist her Hindu friend, Ladli, and her guardian, Nizam, as spies, and urge her brother, Dara, the designated heir to the throne, down from the ivory tower of his philosophical inquiries. The stakes become ever greater when Jahanara must deceive her husband as to the true father of her child, and must protect those closest to her from her enemies' retaliation.

As a princess and a mother, as a sister and a daughter, Jahanara will find herself faced time and again with impossible choices, and will discover the real meaning of her regal birthright. In Beneath a Marble Sky John Shors recreates an historical Hindustan brimming with breathtaking intrigue and containing the secret truth of the Taj Mahal for a world still in awe of its enduring majesty. (from http://www.beneathamarblesky.com/thestory.html)

I bought this book because I thought it was this one. I was however very glad I read it I liked it very much.

Wild Swans, Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

2008-05-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

With China so much in the headlines this would be a great time to pick this book up. It is an amazing story of three generations of women and simultaneously the history of China in the 20th century. The story is amazing and totally gripping. One reviewer said, "Wild Swans is a riveting account of the impact of history on the lives of women. This is a powerful, moving, at times shocking story of three generations of Chinese women...." I would definitely consider this book in the category of must-read. It will really open your eyes.

Still Life With Rice by Helie Lee

2008-05-22T07:55:00.001-07:00

I will confess it has been ages since I read this book, so the details are quite fuzzy, but I do remember it being an amazing and important story. The book is based on the incredible life of the author's grandmother who was born in Korea, married, and lived a very traditional Korean life, which in and of itself is fascinating. Then throw in the part where her grandmother is caught up in the historical event of the Korean division. This is one of those amazing stories and as I remember a great story of mothers and human strength and sacrifice.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

2008-05-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read this classic coming of age story yet, you absolutely must. It is a story of a young Irish girl in Brooklyn at the turn of the century (the last century that is). I love this book and it is one of my all time favorites. A gem.

The Elm at the Edge of the Earth by Robert D. Hale

2008-04-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a few years since I read this book so I actually had to read a synopsis to remember the details. But what I do remember is what a great story it is and how often, even years later, scenes from it will pop into my head and make me wonder.
David is a young boy who is sent to a country institution while his mother is seriously ill. There he makes friends with the inmates, each a little stranger than the last. But his best friend is Rose, a woman convicted of killing her husband with a butcher knife. Throughout his stay David and the reader, learn from his friends about the intricacies of life through humor and heartbreak.
You may have some trouble finding the book, because it's no longer in print and a lot of libraries don't have it (Amazon does have some copies for sale). However, it is worth whatever searching you have to do.

How Green Was My Valley

2008-04-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Set in a Welsch coal mining village, this book is a poetic and nostalgic coming-of-age story. I loved the beautiful language of the book, although it took me a little while to get used to the unusual dialogue. I loved the protagonist, Huw Morgan, who has a very unique and strong voice. He describes his large family, the valley they live in, the community and society they share, so vividly and with such integrity, you feel as if you are seated around the hearth and walking the hills with him. At times it was painful to read of the difficult life the coal miners lived, but I loved to read of the strong community ties, respect for family and God, and just the basic integrity and decency of the characters.

Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginnining, by Lemony Snicket and read by Tim Curry

2008-04-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is a two-for-one recommendation. One for the book, one for the audiobook recording. Last year my family became a little addicted to audio books after we listened to all of the Harry Potter series read by the award-winning narrator, Jim Dale (maybe this is a three-for-one recommendation as I highly recommend the narration performance in this series too). Ever since, we've had to have something to listen to when in the car driving around, and we've been through a handful of books now.

No matter how great the book, we've learned a lot about the importance of a good narrator. And so I have to get the word out there about Tim Curry and his reading for the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. I should say upfront that I think that I've had a crush on Tim Curry ever since I his performance opposite Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters in Annie, and then I can't even tell you how many times I've seen the movie Clue, but all that bias aside, he's still a really fabulous narrator and our whole family has been enjoying his performance of this very clever series. In fact, we've been spellbound.

Caveat: for whatever reason, books #3, 4, & 5 are narrated by the author and not Tim Curry. As talented as the author was in forming these characters and putting their adventures together, not to mention, introducing all sorts of advanced vocabulary words in a really fun and disarming way, he is a pretty lousy narrator. Actually, my kids haven't complained about it very much because the story is still so fun--it's me who was so disappointed. Still, if you've got a long drive ahead, check your local library for the set.

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

2008-04-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful book for lots of reasons. First, the writing is tremendous and the stories and characters are rich and compelling. And second, the author's own story is also just as compelling and interesting.

The book is made of two short novellas both taking place in June 1940, the first about Parisians fleeing the city on the eve of the German invasion; the second in a small French town during the German occupation and is about the fraternization of the French townspeople and the German soldiers stationed there. The book was intended to be a suite, much like a symphony taking place with multiple acts, but with some variations on a theme with an ensemble of characters that are intertwined and overlapping throughout the different acts. The author intended the book to have five acts total, but was only able to complete these first two.

The author, who was born a Russian Jew and immigrated to Paris at 18yrs old, converted to Catholicism, but was repeatedly denied French citizenship. She was writing this while in hiding in France in 1940, but was turned over by the French and taken to Auschwitz where she died later that year. Her manuscript was saved by her 10 year old daughter thinking it was a journal. 50 years later it was published in France and became an instant best-seller.

Even considered "unfinished" as far as the overall work is concerned, I felt that the two novellas still felt complete as works on their own.

p.s. It makes a great Book Group book, not only because of the amount of information available for discussion, but also if you have a ward that reads only books with a PG rating.

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

2008-04-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

Whew, I will never ever ever ever ever ever eat fast food again, and if you love fast food and don't want to give it up don't read this book. Okay, this book was totally fascinating. It was kind of long and I thought it would take me a few weeks to plow through, but it read very easily and was very interesting. It has loads of information in it. One of the most interesting parts of the book was the history of fast food and Ray Kroc (McD's founder) and Walt Disney. The book covers the history of the industries involved with fast food, the workers, the meatpackers, the processors, the ranchers, e coli, advertising to children, and much more. It has some truly important things to say and will definitely raise the bar on your social awareness. I really do recommend this book to anyone.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

2008-04-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

This book is written for kids grades 5-8 but I thought it was hilarious. There was so much buzz about it at the last book fair that when I saw it at Costco - I decided to pick one up for my kids. When I had a couple of minutes I sat down to peruse the book. Before I knew it, I was loving the story and totally laughing out loud!

Greg Heffley is a middle school student trying to learn the ropes of fitting in, looking cool, and how to avoid as much schoolwork as possible. He keeps this "dairy" of his experiences that are so familiar and crazy at the same time. Having been through middle school made it even more recognizable and funny. I was wondering if my 4th grader would understand some of the humor but she is enjoying it so far. This is worth reading! It is such a quick and easy read (could easily be read in one evening) - and will give some good laughs. I guess there is a sequel already out that is supposed to be great and another one expected in the future. I also found a website for the book here.

Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris

2008-04-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

I remembered this book yesterday when I heard the author interviewed on The Diane Rheam show on NPR. This is a twisty, turny, crazy book. It is about an old, well established boys school in England and how it is sabotaged. It is dark at times and will surprise you several times. The author also wrote Chocolat which I would love to read. My sister hated the book, but I found it intriguing, so I guess it isn't for everyone.

The Unquiet Nisei by Diana Meyers Bahr

2008-04-19T02:09:00.000-07:00

A Nisei is a second generation Japanese American and this book draws on a collection of oral histories of an incredible woman, Sue Kunitomi Embrey and her friends and family. In 1942 Sue, along with nearly 120,000 other people of japanese anscestry, was removed from the West Coast to what were called "relocation centers". Sue's experiances in this internment camp transform her into a life long activist speaking out against racism, prejudice, and moral injustice her entire life. Sue did all this in the face of great hostility from both Japanese Americans and mainstream communities. She worked tirelessly for more than three decades to make her particular internment camp a historic site as well as gain congressional acknowledgement and a presidential apology for those she suffered with as well as to remind us of what can happen in war time chaos so that it will not happen again.

This story is absolutely inspiring. Sue did what she felt was right and became an activist in a time when there were few voices for those who were considered less than, and in direct opposition to her upbringing and japanese culture.

Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy

2008-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

"At age nine, Lucy Grealy was diagnosed with a potentially terminal cancer. When she returned to school with a third of her jaw removed, she faced the cruel taunts of classmates. In this strikingly candid memoir, Grealy tells her story of great suffering and remarkable strength without sentimentality and with considerable wit. Vividly portraying the pain of peer rejection and the guilty pleasure of wanting to be special, Grealy captures with unique insight what it is like as a child and young adult to be torn between two warring impulses: to feel that more than anything else we want to be loved for who we are, while wishing desperately and secretly to be perfect." (Amazon)

The book was originally published in 1994 but in 2003, author Ann Patchett who was Lucy Grealy's best friend added an afterward. She wrote that Grealy wanted to be recognized for the quality of her writing and not just for the emotional impact of her experience. I thought that the writing was excellent and the story was powerful.

I am currently reading, Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett which is sort of a companion novel to Autobiography of a Face. Patchett give many insights into her friendship with Grealy.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

2008-04-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

I know this is a fairly widely read book, but I wanted to post about it anyway. This is the true story of an amazing man, Greg Mortenson. After an unsuccesful attempt at summiting k2 in Northern Pakistan, Greg wanders into the little village of Korphe, where the good people take him in. He feels indebted to the village and when he sees that the girls have to sit outside for their school vows to return to the village to build a school. So begins his life mission of forming family-like relationships with the tribes of Afgahanistan and Northern Pakistan, people who have little to no education and have been ignored by their governments, building schools, and fighting terrorism and ignorance in the only way possible: through education and friendship. It is a great and inspiring story. People that see a need and fulfill it and make a huge difference by following their gut really inspire me.

The Lost by Daniel Mendlesohn

2008-04-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Lost begins as the story of a boy , Daniel Mendlesohn,who grew up in a family haunted by the disappearance of six relatives during the Holocaust—a subject that captured his imagination from childhood. Decades later, motivated by the discovery of letters written to his grandfather in 1939 by this lost great-uncle, Daniel Mendelsohn sets out to find the remaining eyewitnesses to his relatives' fates. This journey eventually takes him to a dozen countries on four continents, and forces him to confront the discrepancies between the histories we live and the stories we tell. And it leads him back to the small Ukrainian town where his family's story began, and where the answer to the mystery is found.Moving between past and present, inter-weaving his world wide journey with childhood memories of a now-lost generation of immigrant Jews and ruminations on biblical texts and Jewish history Daniel Mendlesohn has written a masterpiece! At times suspenseful this deeply personal story is always poignant. I felt immediately inspired to do some genealogy and document some of my own families stories. This was really inspiring and beautiful.

The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther

2008-04-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

This book is a portrait of betrayal and retribution set against a backdrop of Iran's tumultuous history, dramatic landscapes, and cultural beauty. The story begins on a blustery day in London, when Maryam Mazar's dark secrets and troubled past surface violently with tragic consequences for her pregnant daughter, Sara. Burdened by guilt, Maryam leaves her comfortable English home for the remote village in Iran where she was raised and disowned by her father. When Sara decides to follow her, she learns the price that her mother had to pay for her freedom and of the love she left behind.
The Saffron Kitchen is about the connection between mothers and daughters, roots and exile, our first love and the power of family bonds.Of course its also a political story, full of grief, turmoil and misunderstandings between continents.
This book is rich in emotion and written so well that these people become real. At times I wanted to shake them and ask what the heck they were doing! Good read.

Geisha, A Life by Mineko Iwasaki

2008-04-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Iwasaki was one of several geisha author Arthur Golden interviewed while researching his novel Memoirs of a Geisha. According to Iwasaki, she agreed to speak with Golden on the condition that her involvement would be kept confidential, but Golden revealed her identity by mentioning her name in the book's acknowledgments, as well as several national interviews. After Memoirs was published, Iwasaki received criticism and even death threats for violating the traditional geisha code of silence.Iwasaki felt betrayed by Golden's use of information she considered confidential, as well as the way he twisted reality, and denounced Memoirs of a Geisha as being an inaccurate depiction of the life of a geiko. Iwasaki was particularly offended by the novel's portrayal of geiko engaging in ritualized prostitution. For example, in the novel the main character Sayuri's virginity (called mizuage in the novel) is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Iwasaki stated that not only did this never happen to her, but that no such custom existed at all in Gion. Part of Iwasaki's displeasure with Memoirs may also have been because the character Sayuri seems obviously modeled on Iwasaki, with many of the book's main characters and events having parallels in Iwasaki's life. These people and experiences are often portrayed negatively in Memoirs, even when their real-life counterparts were positive for Iwasaki.
Iwasaki sued Golden for breach of contract and defamation of character in 2001. The lawsuit was settled out of court in February 2003.

After the publication of Memoirs of a Geisha, Iwasaki decided to write her real autobiography, contrasting with the fiction of Golden's book. Her book, co-authored by Rande Brown and published as Geisha, A Life in the US and Geisha of Gion in the UK, detailed her experiences before, during and after her time as a geiko to the outside world. It became a worldwide bestseller.

Mineko left home to begin studying traditional Japanese dance at the Iwasaki okiya (geisha house) in the Gion district of Kyoto when she was only five years old. She was legally adopted by the okiya's owner, Madame Oima, and took on the family name Iwasaki. She had been chosen as the house's atotori, or heir. When Madame Oima became too old to run the business any longer, it would be Mineko's job to take over. Mineko became a maiko (apprentice geiko) at age 15. By age 21 she had earned a reputation as Japan's best dancer and maiko.

I absolutely loved this book! When I was in Japan I picked up some of the feeling of respect and awe for these women and their lifestyle and was so excited to find a book which acurately depicts it. Another strong woman who yet remains obedient in the confines of her culture.

The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan

2008-04-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

For three and a half centuries, the Taj Mahal has haunted our imaginations. It is a tomb built by a grieving king of the Mughal Empire (1526-1858) in India in memory of his beloved wife.
But it was this woman's aunt, an empress in her own right, who was the most powerful queen of that dynasty. The Twentieth Wife is the story of this Empress Nur Jahan.

She is one of India's most controversial empresses. Her brilliance and determination trumped myriad obstacles and helped shape the course of the Mughal Empire.

Although a work of fiction, The Twentieth Wife is rooted in historical fact and detail culled from accounts of seventeenth-century travelers to Emperor Jahangir's court and the memoirs of the Mughal kings.

The sequel, titled The Feast of Roses (Atria Books, May 2003) tells the story of Mehrunnisa's life as Empress. She rules in Jahangir's name for the next seventeen years, and in doing so, shapes the destiny of the empire. In a time when women were never seen and rarely heard, Mehrunnisa has coins minted in her name, owns ships that ply the Arabian sea routes, and commissions many of the gardens and tombs that still stand in India today.

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. It is written beautifully and absolutely transports you. I was craving some saag paneer and naan for weeks afterward! I loved that she was a strong individual and yet still obedient to the confines of her culture, a balance I am always trying to find. I have not read the sequel yet but will post when I do.

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas

2008-04-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Most have heard the story of how Roman soldiers killed Jesus, and gambled for his robe. This book tells the story of the soldier in charge of the crucifixion who also wins the robe. The affect that this experience has on his life is profound, and leads him on a quest to learn for himself the truth about Jesus. This book really gave me a different perspective on the well know stories of the life of Jesus. It is also a great story of personal change and faith. Plus you get a lot of adventure and some romance thrown in too.
Douglas wrote another book called Magnificent Obsession. This book is similar and has some strong Christian themes. However, it is more of a tale of one man's search for happiness, than strictly religion. Both books are incredibly well written combining great stories with thought provoking ideas.

Devil in the White City By Erik Larson

2008-04-01T08:29:00.001-07:00

Their fates were linked by the magical Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, nicknamed the “White City” for its majestic beauty. Architect Daniel Burnham built it; serial killer Dr. H. H. Holmes used it to lure victims to his World’s Fair Hotel, designed for murder. Both men left behind them a powerful legacy, one of brilliance and energy, the other of sorrow and darkness.

Here, then, is your ticket to the greatest fair in history—a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares.

Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spellbinding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men--the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Erik Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction. ( Excerpts from the Devil in the White city website)

I loved this book. Two story's play out every other chapter and I found both fascinating.

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

2008-04-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

In this ambitious debut novel, fact and fiction blend together brilliantly. While scholars have largely relegated Mamah to a footnote in the life of America’s greatest architect, author Nancy Horan gives full weight to their dramatic love story and illuminates Cheney’s profound influence on Wright.   

Drawing on years of research, Horan weaves little-known facts into a compelling narrative, vividly portraying the conflicts and struggles of a woman forced to choose between the roles of mother, wife, lover, and intellectual. Horan’s Mamah is a woman seeking to find her own place, her own creative calling in the world. Mamah’s is an unforgettable journey marked by choices that reshape her notions of love and responsibility, leading inexorably ultimately lead to this novel’s stunning conclusion.  

"Well, I must agree that Loving Frank is an excellent choice for a book club. I could talk about this book for a couple of weeks! I disliked the main characters from the start of the book. Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah were two very selfish people! Having said that...I couldn't put the book down. The writing is wonderful and the ending hit me right between the eyes. My husband is a huge fan of Frank Lloyd Wright's work and I caught him scanning the book several times. :o) I am researching non-fiction books on Wright's personal life. Thank you for sending the book. I know my book club will be reading this one!"
—Glenda Spivey, Prima Divas, Tupelo, MS

Robert Twombly, author, description of Mamah: "She was a noble woman who valued her freedom more than motherhood, wifehood, or chastity, and who had the courage to live by her convictions." Frank Lloyd Wright: An Interpretive Biography, page 136.
(Excerpts from the Loving Frank website)
I loved this book even though the main character was selfish in my opinion. It is an interesting story that lots of people do not know.

These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner

2008-03-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 is a fictional journal of the author's actual ancestor who worked to survive in Arizona Territory. There are stories about Indians, cattle, family, heartache and love all told from Sarah's voice. She is an uneducated pioneer with a desire to learn and endure, which helps her through most of the situations in her life. My sister in-law introduced me to this book when I first moved to Arizona. I of course couldn't put it down, and for a few days I lived in an Arizona that was 100 years younger. It really is an incredible portrayal of the American West. There is also a sequel, Sarah's Quilt, if you are interested in more of her story. It was good, but I didn't like it as much as These is my Words.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

2008-03-21T08:10:00.001-07:00

If you have never read Steinbeck I can only feel very sad for you. If you have only read Steinbeck as a school assignment and not out of appreciation for the man's genius or out of sheer enjoyment I am afraid I can only pity you. Steinbeck is one of my all time favorite authors. That man is a word magician and the best story teller I've encountered. I love all of his novels, and when I was first married I think I read almost every one of his novels. I can't pick a favorite, but East of Eden was absolutely amazing. It is the modern tale of Cain and Able. Eden, as in all Steinbeck novels, is California. It is an amazing story, wonderfully written, and completely absorbing.

Crossing To Safety and Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

2008-03-21T08:02:00.001-07:00

Again, I have read these books several times, but the last time was ages ago and so I don't remember all the details. But I do remember Crossing To Safety being a very interesting and thought provoking story about the lifelong friendship between two couples. Wallace Stegner is one of my favorite authors and is such an amazing author. Another one of his that I love is The Angle of Repose, which I recommend just as highly. The angle of repose is the angle at which rocks will no longer slide down but remain in place on a slope. This is a book about a poorly suited couple who spend years finding the angle of repose in their marriage, and also one of their descendents finding the angle of repose in his life. These, in my opinion, are must read books. They are incredibly well written, and provide some very interesting discussion material. Be sure to pick them up.

Seraph On The Suwanee by Zora Neale Hurston

2008-03-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have read this book a couple of times because I love how it is written, and I love the authors message. It is the story (I hope I don't mess this up. I haven't picked it up in a few years) of a "cracker" couple. Cracker for those not from the Jim Crow South is a White Trash white couple. The husband falls in love with his wife and works hard to provide her with the life he feels she deserves. They end up living in a beautiful home, and have two beautiful children (that represent the husband) and one child that has mental and physical disabilities that the wife identifies herself with. Anyway, after a life time of the husband trying to prove his love to his wife, she still can't shake her insecurity. She simply can't believe that her husband could love her, until he finally forces her to understand. It is a great story and the message is relevant and important. I also read Hurston's famous Their Eyes Were Watching God, but Seraph really is my favorite. Zora Neale Hurston has an interesting history as well. If you read the book take the time to learn a little about her.

Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose

2008-03-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

I read this book too many years ago to give a good summary so I am stealing from Amazon:

"A biography of Meriwether Lewis that relies heavily on the journals of both Lewis and Clark, this book is also backed up by the author's personal travels along Lewis and Clark's route to the Pacific. Ambrose is not content to simply chronicle the events of the "Corps of Discovery" as the explorers called their ventures. He often pauses to assess the military leadership of Lewis and Clark, how they negotiated with various native peoples and what they reported to Jefferson. Though the expedition failed to find Jefferson's hoped for water route to the Pacific, it fired interest among fur traders and other Americans, changing the face of the West forever."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story is captivating and truly an adventure. I am a big fan of Stephen Ambrose.

Peter and the Starcatchers By Dave Barry and Riddly Pearson

2008-03-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Peter was the leader of the orphan boys because he was the oldest – or so he claimed. And because he could spit the farthest. Not that it did him much good, shipped off aboard a leaky old bilge bucket to be the servant of a tyrant king.But Peter and his mates aren't the only ones on the Never Land...Why is a trunk holding "the greatest treasure on earth" aboard the stinking, worm-ridden ship? Does it contain gold, jewels – or something far more mysterious and dangerous? And what is Molly, the beautiful daughter of a rich diplomat, hiding from Peter? (this is a summery from someone else but I forgot who and can't find it again. I will keep trying)

I really liked this book it was a fun quick read and is the first in a series of three. It is the story of how Peter becomes Peter Pan and Neverland becomes what it is. I have not read the others yet so if someone who has wants to post about them that would be great!

Shogun by James Clavell

2008-03-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

I read this as a favor to my husband--it's his favorite book. Honestly, I didn't expect much. I was so surprised by how much I loved it. It kept me glued to it's pages until the very last sentence! Few books remain in my memory for long but this one has moments that will stick for many, many years.

This was my introduction to Japanese culture and history. An intricate story with beautiful detail. Shogun tells a story about an English sailor who gets shipwrecked in Japan around 1598 when christian values were just being introduced via missionaries into the enchanted samurai culture of that time.

Action, adventure, suspense, and an amazing love story to boot! This book delivers.

Holes by Louis Sachar

2008-03-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Stanley Yelnats is unjustly sent to Camp Green Lake where he and other boys are sentenced to dig holes to build character. Stanley learns the warden has them digging holes for something else- but what?
It has been a while since I saw the movie so I can't remember how they compare. The book itself is a funny, clever, quirky and entertaining. If you need an amusing, easy read (category: ages 9-12), this is it.

Bridget Jones Diary and Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding

2008-03-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, first I need to say, do not judge these books based on the movies. I absolutely loved these books ( The Edge of Reason was one of the worst movies of all time in my opinion, they absolutely slaughtered the book).

Why do I love them so much?

First Bridget is a wonderful, quirky character. I love her. I love her friends. I love how they are muddling through life as best they can. I love her funny parents and their friends who are also just muddling through the best they can. Just like we all are. I love the style of writing. I love the way she keeps track of her alcohol units, weight, calories, and cigarrettes. I love it. I love it. I love it. I laughed so hard as I read these books.

Also as a huge fan of Jane Austen, I loved these books. Helen Fielding is also an Austen fan. Bridget Jones Diary is a modern take on Pride and Prejudice and Edge of Reason is a modern take on Persuasion.

I have read and re-read these books. Very entertaining and I love them.

Warning: they do contain language and some "adult themes".

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

2008-03-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

If you want to immerse yourself in a complex and mysterious culture, read Arthur Golden's first novel, "Memoirs of a Geisha". Steven Speilberg just bought the rights to this novel, a wise move since the story is full of vivid images and brisk action.
The story follows the life of a young Japanese girl, Chiyo, as she is sold into slavery during the Great Depression. It begins in a small fishing village as the 9-year-old's father sells her and her sister, Satsu, to a local businessman. Because of her unusual grey eyes, Chiyo is then sold to an okiya, a geisha house, while Satsu is sold into prostitution.
It is amazing that Golden, an American male, has so eloquently portrayed the life of a Japanese geisha. He captures the emotions of his characters perfectly while describing Japanese life.
Chiyo initially rebels. But when she learns that her sister has escaped without her and her parents have died she accepts her fate. She struggles to find independence within the strict world of the geisha and climbs to the top of geisha society, only to crash during World War II. She then starts over and finds independence through her patrons.
Golden fills the book with vivid images and subtle descriptions of the nuances of Japanese culture, and is absolutely brilliant in his description of the customs and rituals of the geisha. Through the meticulous detail the reader can fully understand the politics, rivalries, and traditions of the Japan geisha society.
But while Golden captures your attention with information, this is also the book's minor downside. With so much detail you almost get bogged down by the numerous definitions of Japanese terms. But if you hang in, the action picks up and you will start to cheer for Chiyo as she continues her struggle. Golden explores the concept of freedom within a slavelike society as Chiyo uses her brains more than her beauty to make an independent life for herself.

Review by Ann Hastings

I Loved this book. I thought it was an interesting and well told story.

Escape by Carolyn Jessop

2008-03-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is the story of Carolyn Jessop who at 19 was married off to 54 year old Meril Jessop. She was his 4th wife. This is an amazing look into the FLDS church. She tells about her childhood and her absolute faith in her prophet and it follows her as she loses her faith and the changes that occur in her life. I started reading at 2:00 PM and finished by 11:45 PM. I could not put it down. It is an amzing tale that seems like it is fiction but it is the real life story of her struggle to keep herself and her eight children safe.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

2008-02-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

I read this book last spring and was really inspired. This is a non-fiction book by one of my favorite fiction writers. Barbara Kingsolver and her family decide, in the name of being more environmentally responsible to eat, for a year, only the food they raise or purchase within a 10 mile radius of their home. It is incredible. They opt out of the traditional food chain we all belong to. They eat abundantly and become incredibly self-reliant. I was motivated, to say the least, to try and expand my gardening repetoire and to learn how to can and preserve my food so that I can enjoy my garden year round and be a little more eco-friendly in my eating habits. If nothing else it is a fun read to see how their kitchen is drowning in zucchini and squash and tomatoes around August.

When The Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Hothle

2008-02-28T11:17:00.001-08:00

This is a book that mixes Philippine folklore with the amazing tale of some that survived the occupation of Manila by the Japanse. As with any WWII survival tale it is an amazing story of struggle and humanity. A group of neighbors huddle together in a cellar, hiding from the brutal Japanese forces. To pass the time they take turns telling stories. Each of these "short stories" are wonderful and rich. The overall story of these people is also wonderful filled with courage and strength.

A suggestion

2008-02-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

Because the labels list seems to be getting way too huge, and will only continue to do so, perhaps we should omit the title from the label and just use the genre and general topics like India etc. What do you all think?

Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

2008-02-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

From the jacket: "Blue van Meer; a brainy, deadpan, and preternaturally erudite girl who, after traveling from one remote academic outpost to another with her professor father (see"Gareth van Meer"), has head crammed full of literary, philosophical, and scientific knowledge. (She is also a film buff and can recite pi out to sixy-five decimal places.) When she is sixteen, due to certain nuclear events, her previously dull life is forever transformed.
The Flying Demoiselle: an archaic means of hanging someone, populear in the South between 1829-1860. It is also, in all likelihood, how Hannah Schneider died..."
I picked this book up from the library last week because it sounded interesting. I loved it. It is the story of Blue Van Meer, daughter of a nomadic political science professor. Blue can't help but be a precocious intellectual, after all her father is the academic erudite, Gareth van Meer. Anyway, they end up (coincidentally?) in a small town in the South for her senior year of high school. The film teacher at her new, exclusive school, Hannah Schneider, takes her under her wing. Hannah is a compelling, eerie, fascinating, person. Hannah has a little group of prodigies, all interesting characters, called the Bluebloods who also take Blue under their wing. Anyway, why would a teacher be so interested in a bunch of high school students? Why does she seem so familiar to Blue? What is the big secret Hannah seems to be protecting? Why is Hannah's personality so erratic? What is going on? Blue finds out and it is quite a tale. Blue is the wordy (she can't help it) narrator and her tale is a good one.

Stolen Lives by Malika Oufkir and Michele Fitoussi

2008-02-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

The back cover reads:

"Malika Oufkir was born into extreme privilege as the daughter of the king of Morocco's closest aide. But in 1972, her life of luxury came to a crashing halt. Her father was executed for attempting to assassinate the king, and she and her family were imprisoned for two decades. Stolen Lives is the story of their resilience and their resolve to live in freedom." This is a true story and I found it to be very interesting. I was fascinated by the detailed description of the lavish and pampered life of this woman when she lived with the Moroccon royalty. I was then shocked by the deprivation and torture that she and her family experienced when they were imprisoned for a crime they didn't commit. "A heartreading tale of survival and courage, Stolen Lives is an unforgettable memoir by an extraordinary woman."