The Insatiable Reader

That Summer in Sicily by Marlena De Blasi

2012-01-01T20:53:00.003-06:00

That Summer in Sicily by Marlena De Blasi

When I closed this book today, after reading the last words, I sighed and said, "Now that was a real book."

My husband looked at me wearily and shook his head, "And all the others aren't?" He asked quizzically. If I didn't know better I'd think he was tired of my nose-in-a-book habits.

But really, this book was total magic. The writing was so solidly good (an understatement, but true) and the story was grand and sweeping and...epic. (At the risk of jumping on the bandwagon of abusing that perfectly good word.) De Blasi lives in Italy - Venice, I think - and her adoration for the place, the culture, the people, the food drips from every page.

I'm just so in love with it I think I'll read it again. FYI: I never read a novel twice. I attempted to read my all time favorite, Gone with the Wind a second time and only got 1/4 of the way through. Just couldn't do it. But give me a few years and I'm almost positive I will pick this one up again. And I will certainly be hunting down the rest of De Blasi's work and enjoying every sumptuous bit.

Get this one. Read it. Thank me later. Ciao.

The Slow Moon by Elizabeth Cox

2012-01-01T20:38:00.000-06:00

The Slow Moon by Elizabeth Cox

I had never read anything by Elizabeth Cox but picked this one up at the book swap I hosted last year and was assured it was "a good one." And so it was. Very Jodi Picoult in style and subject with a bit less action in the courtroom - which I appreciated.

I would say pick this one up in the summertime and be prepared to have it as a constant companion for a few days, it's one of those you find yourself sneaking to read in those few moments of downtime.

Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman

2011-11-03T20:29:00.003-05:00

Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman

The story of Mary Beth Chapman (the wife of Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman) contains one of those nightmarish, I-could-never-live-through-that moments we all hope will never touch us. One of her daughters was run over by her teenage son in the driveway killing the preschooler and leaving the family reeling with disbelief, questions, and - ultimately - faith in the God they knew had his hand in it all.

This memoir begins early in Mary Beth's life and follows her through struggles common to many women: the yearning to control, the desire for a comfortable and predictable life, the realization that God has plans different from her own and clinical depression. Mary Beth takes her readers through the details of her three Chinese adoptions - my personal favorite part - with such candor.

Though it may not be the most masterfully written book it is touching and real and brought me to tears so often I fear my pillow may be water-logged for a long time. This book leaves you feeling stripped and raw and completely in awe of God's healing and life-restoring power in the lives of His people.

Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

2011-09-20T20:29:00.000-05:00

Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

When one of my most precious friends texted me imploring me to read one of Shauna Niequists books because, "it reminded me of you" I couldn't resist.

She was right on. This book is right up my alley.

Thoughts on life depicted with just the right mix of flourish and realism.

There were so many moments when I found myself nodding emphatically and giving an empathetic, "Mmmm..." or proclaiming, "yes!" to one of Niequists beautiful insights.

Bittersweet looks at life and all of its flawed, exquisite nuances. We see how, in one of the darkest seasons of her life, Shauna finds the light. In a time when bitterness could have swallowed her, she sought out the sweetness of life.

This book made me want to throw a weekend-long soiree for my longest-lost girlfriends; it made me want to dine on wine and cheese under twinkle lights in the backyard; it made me want to order Chinese take-out and eat it on pillows on the floor. It inspired me to see my life in all of its facets...hard, unsure, funny, doubtful, sweet, delicious, confusing...and look at exactly what God is trying to teach me.

Nigella Lawson by Gilly Smith

2011-08-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

Nigella Lawson by Gilly Smith

I find Nigella Lawson a completely fascinating woman. This book, sadly, did her no justice. The four chapters I read (forced myself to read...) were terribly boring. This "unauthorized biography" (hint: next time get authorization, Gilly) was an atrocious compilation of quotes from her books, columns and TV shows. I could do an Internet search and get this information.

Not a worthwhile read at all. I'll wait for the authorized biography, thankyouverymuch, and you should too.

Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddons

2011-08-28T13:51:00.000-05:00

Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddons

I'm an avid ARS fan. I think I've said it before on this blog but one of my all time favorite books is Colony by her. Just. so. good.

Burnt Mountain, her newest, had all the trappings of her classic, Southern story. Family dramatics, intoxicating locations (I have a love-affair with the deep southeast), and captivating characters. I read this one in three days, quite out of the ordinary for me, I think I was spurred on by the knowledge that my school break lasts only for the weekend and I need to get this one read...fast.

What took this one down a couple of notches for me was the inclusion of so much mysticism. One of the central characters got much too caught up in his Irish folklore and went off the deep end at the climax of the book, causing quite a dramatic ending. Dramatics usually fit seamlessly in to ARS's masterpieces but this one just didn't ring true with me. Can't exactly put my finger on the reason why.

It was good. The writing was gorgeous. But it wasn't my favorite.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

2011-07-17T13:13:00.000-05:00

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

I hesitate to write my review on this one for a few reasons. One; a sweet online friend recommended it to me and I don't want to make her think I'm not appreciative or think she has terrible taste in books (neither of these things is true!). Two; it is supposed to be a literary masterpiece and going against that praise is probably going to make me look very ignorant. Three; I fear my dislike of the book has a lot to do with my stage in life and the fact that I am in the midst of nursing school and totally can't handle heavy leisure reading at the moment.

When I started this book (a few months ago? I know!) I really liked it. Loved the characters, the plot was interesting enough and there was mystery. Although it moved a bit slowly for my taste (as much 19th century literature tends to) I stuck with it thinking, "surely it will get more fast paced, it's a suspense novel, after all." And with the cult following that occurred when this book emerged in the 1800's - a lot like the Twilight phenomenon that is happening now, people naming their children after characters, women swooning over it, reading it multiple times - I thought it must be wonderful! I started out excited.

But...300 pages in and still not even half way through I started to get discouraged. (Like I said, it may have something to do with my semester of statistics and logic classes.) I was getting tired of the story and the snail's pace at which it was moving. But I didn't give up.

...not until page 650, when I didn't care even a little bit about what the big secret was, and whodunit. I didn't care. I was finished.

And so, with only 100-ish pages left in the book, I closed it and returned it to the library (after multiple renewals because I'd had it for nearly 2 months) with a sigh and an equal mixture of reader's guilt and reader's relief.

I gave up on a book with only 20% remaining to read. That's rare, people.

Take my review as you will.

Ravenous by Dayna Macy

2011-07-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ravenous by Dayna Macy

I definitely fit into the category of "food lover." Just hop over to my regular blog to see...quite a high ratio of food-postings found there. So when I came across this free offering on my Kindle I didn't hesitate to push "buy." I'm always skeptical when it comes to free Kindle books. Usually they're trash, but this one had me by the first page.

I was taken with the language and flow of Dayna Macy's writing style. Her descriptions of food, her love for her California home and her candid way of speaking about food obsession were perfect.

The only thing I found lacking was the bit about her "assignment" to overcome her food addiction was confined by her book deadline (at least that's how it felt). She had a year to write Ravenous and so she fit it all in a perfect year and tied it all up in a perfect little bow by the end of that year...just in time to write the memoir. Hmm...something about it read as inauthentic. Can food addiction really be overcome or at least fully understood within a year? I feel like there needs to be a sequel entitled "Still Ravenous" or something along those lines.

That's my only complaint. Otherwise it was a delightful, sensory pleasing, food-for-the-soul type of book that I would recommend to other food-lovers. And, for the record, I would totally read "Still Ravenous" if it appeared in the future.

The 4-Day Win by Martha Beck

2011-07-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

The Four Day Win by Martha Beck

I know, I know...a diet book. Roll your eyes. It has all of the signs and symptoms of being another gimmicky, short-term fad diet book. But its not. I promise you, it's totally not.

I wasn't familiar with Martha Beck before I picked this book up, but apparently she's done a lot of work in the health industry and most of it has been dealing with the way the American thought processes effect our weight-loss or...lack thereof.

This book is changing the way I think, not just the way I act...or try to act. So much of the time I set out to lose that "last 15" from my pregnancy days and try to will-power my way through some insane diet regime, only to fail miserably 2 or 3 days in.

Beck promises to help you reinvent the way you think about food, to stop your weight-gaining thought patterns and turn you into a skinny person - for life. The kind of person that never worries about their weight again. I have to say, I was a skeptic when I read those promises...but I am a skeptic no more. Through the exercises put forth in this book I truly have found it within myself to stop overeating and eat only what my body needs. You guys...I love food...this is monumental. And you know what? I still love food as much as I did before I started the book...I love food and I've lost weight.

Now, my numbers aren't going to knock any one's socks off. I started the book about 10 days ago and I've lost 6 pounds. Six pounds that would. not. budge. in the last six months. I was running, I was dieting, I was freaking out and fretting and not a pound was coming off. I read this book, took some deep breaths, implemented the ideas that seemed like they would work for me and off came the pounds. If that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will.

Five stars for this little baby...I would give six if I could - one for each pound. : )

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

2011-05-19T11:02:00.001-05:00

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Where to start...this book has had an impact on me. The story is of an (almost) four-year-old boy who has surgery on his ruptured appendix. He comes through the emergency surgery and - after a few glitches - is released and has his health restored. The story surrounding his illness and hospitalization is enough to make anyone with faith in God believe that his return to health was a miracle.

But that's not even the half of it...

While Colton (the 4-year-old) was on the operating table, he was taken to heaven. For three minutes. Yep. Heaven. He saw it all. He met Jesus (I'm insanely jealous of this one, by the way), met his sister whom his mother miscarried and his deceased great-grandpa, saw rainbows and people with wings, he saw the throne of God.

These stories and many others came out in the few years following his hospitalization and his family was amazed at the way his stories of heaven lined up with what they knew about the Bibles descriptions of heaven. While Colton was a boy raised in the church and attended sunday school, the book of Revelation was not one that was on the curriculum list, so his family knew that the stories he was telling were first-hand, not just rote learning.

I had heard of this story a few times and seen it in the book stores...I was skeptical. Because there are a lot of quack books and stories about heaven out there. Ones that just have a ring of insincerity and obvious theological flaws. But this one? This one's different. This one feels real.

It brought me to tears a few times. The descriptions of Jesus' face, "his eyes, his eyes are so pretty!" and the insistence by Colton that Jesus loves the children so much. It was all I could do to swallow my emotions and dab at the tears (I was in public while reading...not my brightest idea).

This is a must read.

Come back and let me know if you read it...

(My "four star" rating was only because of the writing style. Todd Burpo used the term "upchuck" and a few other strange (nonliterary) devices that annoyed me, but he's not supposed to be a writer, he's just telling an amazing story. Content deserves a "five star" though.)

The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain

2011-05-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain

{Unabridged Audio Book Version}

This is the fictionalized story of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife (he had four, and its easy to see why from this account), Hadley. It tells of how they met in Chicago and corresponded long-distance between Chicago and St. Louis - interesting since these are two cities I am so familiar with. Their romance was short and sweet and then they married and moved pretty quickly afterward to Paris so Ernest could write - I guess that's what all of the serious "artists" were doing those days, flocking to Paris to do their work.

Honestly, it was quite a sweetly, melancholy story. Ernest was sort of a narcissistic, needy type; always needing to be reassured in some way or another about his manhood, his ability to write great literature, his place in Hadley's heart. (There are people in my life that remind me of him and his self-focused ways...not naming any names but, boy, would that be a hard type to live with!) I wouldn't have put up with it for 2 seconds, personally, but Hadley was an angel.

They travelled from Paris to Spain quite a bit. To mountains to ski and vacation and it was really quite a charmed life they were living if it hadn't been for the dysfunction.

When Ernest took a mistress (after much flirting and a few affairs with other women) about 4 1/2 years into their marriage, he fully expected Hadley to go along with the idea and for everyone to become one big happy family. To witness the falling apart of their marriage (via the novel) was heartbreaking and Mclain did a lovely job making it real and raw.

Room by Emma Donoghue

2011-05-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

Room by Emma Donoghue

What a ride. This book was a wonder. It's the story of a 5-year-old boy, Jack, {told from his perspective} and his mother captive in an 11-by-11 foot room. No windows, no access to the outside world {other than television} and no hope of escape. Until Jack and his mother attempt an act of bravery that is unbelievable to me as a mother of a 5-year-old boy myself.

I'm not one of those marathon readers; picking up a book and plowing through it until I get to the last page. I tend to savor a book, reading little bit at time and taking days - sometimes weeks - to finish a book. And, with my crazy life, I can't afford the time commitment and absence it takes to get lost in a book.

I got lost in Room. I read all it in a matter of 36 hours. {Broken up, but still...} And yeah, the reading was very easy and quick given that the perspective was from that of a preschooler. But it was so so good. A must-read. And will most definitely be my favorite for May.

Have you read this one? What did you think? I'd love to get a bit of a discussion started in the comments...

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

2011-04-28T11:22:00.000-05:00

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

After reading this book I am hungry. Or maybe not...maybe I'm totally fulfilled...

Do you find that there is a fine line between the two? I do. Because sometimes when you've been completely filled up there is this delicious subtle yearning. That's what this book does.

This is the story of a cooking class and its seven students. Each chapter centers around one of the students lives and circumstances bringing them to the cooking class. The vignettes of lives lived are poignant and beautifully written. The descriptions of food leave you with a watering mouth and inspired to hit the kitchen in a new way. {I swear I created some of the best split pea and sausage soup because of reading this book...and ate it while I read a chapter...perfection.}

If you are a lover of food - I am...hopelessly so - you will adore this book.

It looks like Bauermeister has another coming out this summer promising to be just as magical. Check out the details at her website here.

Radical by David Platt

2011-04-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

Radical by David Platt

This book. Life-changer. Perspective-shifter. Game-changer. It's a must-read for every Christian in America.

I felt that I already had a broad view of God and what His purpose for me (and, more broadly, Christianity) was. I did have a grasp on it all...but a very very loose one. God isn't a God of the American dream, He doesn't believe in it. He designed us for something radically different. A life of service to other people. A life of sacrifice. A life of total abandonment to our own earthly desires to bring other people hope. It's so big. It's so much bigger than me and it makes me scared but it's also comforting. Comforting to know that its not about me. My life isn't supposed to center around me...what a meaningless existence! It's supposed to orbit around Him and His purposes and His glory.

I'm ready to change some things; things I focus on and deem worthy of my time and energy. I'm ready to get a little bit radical...

A Year in the World by Frances Mayes

2011-04-14T09:50:00.001-05:00

A Year in the World by Frances Mayes

I've just gotten back from the most breathtaking trip. The Greek isles, Morocco, the Turkish coast, Spain, France, Italy and, my surprising favorite, Portugal. It was sumptuous and sweeping; the food a living, breathing entity on its own. The vistas and architecture and history all giving me abundantly more than I could have thought, yet leaving me wishing for more...more...more...

I didn't even leave Missouri. I just picked up Frances Mayes' travel memoir and got lost in the world. I wish I didn't have to be found again.

This book is the height of "armchair travel," that interesting genre of material that takes you places in your mind and makes you feel like you've almost been there. Fantastic. If I didn't have the travel bug before (and I did) then I surely have it now.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2011-03-31T23:16:00.000-05:00

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I finished this book a few days ago and I miss the series...

The third book in the Hunger Games series was so different from the first two, but it wrapped up the story so nicely. All of the characters, circumstances and plot lines were tied up with a nice little bow. And the heroine ended up with the right guy...and that's what matters in YA literature, right?

I'm looking forward to the movie coming out in 2012...

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2011-03-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This is the second book in The Hunger Games series (Book #1 reviewed HERE) but I'm sure you already know that. You need to be living under a rock not to know about this trilogy.

I loved The Hunger Games last month. I loved Catching Fire this month. Fluff reading, I'll totally admit - which is funny in light of my uber heavy read I just reviewed - but exactly what I've been needing.

This was a worthy sequel to The Hunger Games. Catching Fire had the same elements that drew me into the first book and some new elements and characters to keep it fresh. My only (minuscule) complaint would be that it ended so abruptly. I just wasn't feeling the big cataclysmic build up to the end. Yes, it was surprising. But I just didn't feel that "the end is near" feeling that you're supposed to get with these books. Maybe because the entire book is so "the end is near" that there's not much room for a climax.

You're not going to get a spiritual jolt from this one, or even learn huge life lessons (I suppose you could...) but it sure is a fun read.

(Note: I'm on to Mockingjay - #3 in the series - and not loving at much as the first two...time will tell.)

Desiring God by John Piper

2011-03-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper

Phew. It's taken me quite the stretch of time to get through this book. Heavy. It wasn't the most riveting reading, didn't keep me itching to crack the cover and read a few more pages - not like C.S. Lewis does - but I'm so glad I read it.

The ideas in Desiring God are the crux of Piper's ministry and as such a respected pastor and speaker (his church is Bethlehem Baptist in the Twin Cities) I have been meaning to read some of his writing for years.

I have to be honest, the term "christian hedonist" sort of threw me and I'm still a little jarred by the terminology - the two words together are supposed to be an oxymoron - but I completely understand where Piper is going with it. I'm not going to presume I can eloquently state what exactly he means by christian hedonism, it takes an entire 300+ page book to explain, so if the byline has peaked your interest I encourage you to read this book.

Be sure to have your study tools handy: highlighter, notebook and granola bars...it's going to be a long road.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2011-02-24T18:36:00.000-06:00

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This is a story I'll carry with me forever. Kathryn Stockett has written a masterpiece portraying the depth of human character and relationships all wrapped in an engrossing story of race relations. There isn't much more I can say about this book. Sometimes you just can't do justice to how wonderful a book is. How deeply you felt for the characters. How profoundly they impacted you. How all-encompassing the story and all it stood for was.

All I can say is read this book. You'll be so glad you did.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2011-02-14T22:14:00.000-06:00

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I'm a little wary when it comes to YA literature. The characters, story lines, writing always tend to veer nauseatingly toward...well...juvenile. Which is as it should be. It's the nature of the genre!

I was told by more than a few friends to read The Hunger Games. So I did. Hoping against hope it would be better than my last venture into the world of YA with the Twilight series (three words that can send me into twitches...).

The Hunger Games was so much better. The futuristic vibe felt to me a little like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. I know...Atwood is a literary genius of our time; how can I compare this Young Adult book to her? Yet, it gave the same feel.

I'm totally excited to get to the other books in this series.

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg

2011-02-01T22:06:00.001-06:00

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg
This, my friends, is the book I would have wanted to write if I were going to write a book. It is fantastic. Pure magic.

A Homemade Life is the debut memoir/cookbook from Molly Wizenberg. Molly is a blogger and much of the material from her book came from her blog which was started before she ever had a book deal.

Orangette is her blog. Check it out, it's fabulous. But I like the book better...probably because I'm a romantic and I'd rather hold an actual book in my hand to read than reading a screen any day.

Molly tells short stories from her life, many involving food - she is an innovative cook and (more importantly) someone who revels in a good meal - some not involving food...but they all point back to some sort of recipe. I've tried about five of her recipes so far and have been delighted with all of them. The banana bread with crystallized ginger and chocolate is to die for and the slow roasted tomatoes and coriander were a sensation.

I love this book.

Love. Love. Love.

Your Time Starved Marriage by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

2011-01-29T17:05:00.000-06:00

Your Time Starved Marriage by Les and Leslie Parrott

A good book. And a worthy subject. In our society with all of its time-suckers time is a pretty hot commodity and when there's not enough of it to devote to your spouse the relationship goes un-nurtured...a recipe for divorce.

I wasn't blown away by the content of the book. Most of the material wasn't new to me but it was a nice reminder. I appreciated that the Drs. Parrott kept it short and concise...a lovely consideration for reader who are obviously already over-committed.

Not one I would necessarily recommend for every couple. But if time was a major issue in their marriage I'd definitely show them this one.

Rooms by James L. Rubart

2011-01-29T09:46:00.002-06:00

Rooms by James L. Rubart

(Not to be confused with Room by Emma Donoghue, which I really want to read...)

I was going to give this book four stars...and then I thought for a minute and gave it three. After a bit of self-analysis I decided it was because, in many of the reviews for this one it was touted as a Screwtape Letters and The Shack combo. I'm sorry, but that's just unacceptable. C.S. Lewis has been knighted in my writing/reading world as one of the most prolific, profound writers in history; don't mess with C.S. And The Shack...well, it was strange and it was "out there" and even considered irreverent (and worse) in many Christian circles; but it was good. So I guess three stars is my silent protest to what I feel is unwarranted acclaim.

Rooms is a novel featuring a captivating home built on Cannon Beach, OR. (Loved the setting. See HERE.) The house was built for Micah, the protagonist, by his deceased uncle. The home is a reflection of Micah's soul. As things are unearthed in his spiritual journey (this is a Christian novel) new rooms appear in the home. It is a thought-provoking, decently written novel that I would recommend to the right person. It was quite the page-turner (in a virtual sense, since it's the first book I've read in entirety on my Kindle...weeee!) and I actually really enjoyed it.

I also wanted to let you in on a giveaway that I've got going on at my other blog: She's Star-Crossed.

I'm giving away the sweetest knit hat and one of my two favorite books in celebration of my 1,000th post.

Big doings over there on Star-Crossed. Big doings indeed.

Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

2011-01-13T14:32:00.000-06:00

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Eh. Not totally impressed with this book. The Sugar Queen is not nearly as good a book as Allen's debut novel, Garden Spells. Now, that one, I loved.

This book had the same mystic elements and humor and lovely writing skill that seems to be Allen's trademark but it just didn't have the spark I was anticipating. A solid three stars.

Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola

2010-12-27T14:52:00.000-06:00

Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola

This is not a book recommended for everyone. Actually, a select group of women will get use from this book. But, to that group it could be an invaluable resource. Pocketful of Pinecones is a simple little story of a homeschooling mother leading her two children in nature-study. The story is nothing to write home about...and in and of itself would be a take-it or leave-it read - but the beauty of this book comes in the encouragement and wealth of ideas it represents.

If you are a homeschooling mother, read this book.

Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow

2010-12-16T11:26:00.000-06:00

Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow

This one is newly on my short list of books every Christian woman should read. Such a vital message and portrayed so powerfully in the 12 chapters of this book.

Whether you consider yourself someone plagued with anxiety or not, this book will speak to you and quite possibly change your life. One of the major antidotes to anxiousness is contentment. A really perfect message for this time of year.

This is a book I did with a group of women for a Bible study and we were all equally impressed with it. It is also perfect for a solo read.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

2010-12-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

So much buzz about this book! And, really? It lived right up to all the hubbub. Absolutely. (Unlike the last book I read.)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was fast-paced (once I got through the dragging first few chapters) and kept me riveted until the closing pages. I may have even been known to sneak a chapter or two at 4 am...

The only reason this one didn't get my full 5-star rating is because it didn't necessarily make me feel good. But it wasn't supposed to, so that's not a reflection on the skill of the writing or the greatness of the plot. It's just that...well, it was dark and made me think of creepy things and this is my blog, so I say that knocks a point off. (Admittedly, this is a little irrational, but I don't care.)

I'm going to give myself a little break from the heaviness of the subjects broached in TGWTDT and the two following novels and then I'll jump back into it with the second book in the trilogy. I feel the need for a few cheery, happy books in the meantime.

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

2010-11-19T20:56:00.003-06:00

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

What have I just read? Why did I stick with it for so long? I gave 500 + pages of my precious reading time to this book...I'll never get those pages back.
Regret.

Oprah chose Freedom as her book club pick. Why?
Franzen is going to be on her show in the next month or so, talking about the book...hopefully she'll let me in on the secret of why she thought this was a read worthy of every one's time. Oprah, you've got some 'splainin' to do...

The hype over this one is completely unfounded. Yes, the writing is skillful, I will accede to that. But I had no connection to the characters or the plight they found themselves in. The Berglunds, quite frankly, made me sad. They seemed to be aimless, self-destructive, borderline sociopaths rutting around for something to call their "purpose."
And all the political jibber-jabber. Ugh.

I wont say much more about this one. I've already wasted enough time reading it, I'm not going to sit and rehash the distaste I have for it. Someone else has already written a much better review of Freedom than I could hope to, I'll link you there: Pickle Me This.

(The three stars awarded here are strictly given because the book was well-written.)

Nigella Kitchen by Nigella Lawson

2010-11-06T10:04:00.001-05:00

Nigella Kitchen by Nigella Lawson

Nigella Lawson is such a Domestic Goddess. Just the right mix of intelligence, buxom sex-appeal and inviting comfortable-ness. I'm not persuaded in that way and even I wouldn't mind coming home to her! : )

(That probably has a lot to do with her desserts.)

Her new book, Nigella Kitchen, is out this month and I adore it. It feels a bit like reading a good book about home comforts and mouth-watering food, not so much a list of ingredients and how to put them together like many cook books are.

The only thing that could make this better would be if I had the book signed by Nigella herself.

Wait...

I did!

Nigella with Evie

To read more about our book signing experience with Nigella, click here.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

2010-10-27T23:00:00.002-05:00

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

~~Funny~~ Embarrassing story: I read this book at least five years ago. I remembered being riveted - it was a page-turner of epic proportions. I loved it. I did recall a bit of earthy themes when I thought back to the reading experience, but nothing really stood out too vividly in my mind.
Fast forward to a few months ago. I was asked to give a list of good reads for my church book club. I thought of this one - after all, it's a fictionalized account of the story of Dinah from Genesis. I gave a small disclaimer of, "there may be a little raunchy-ness, but we're all big girls, we can handle it."
Um...while re-reading it, with the audience of church book club in mind, I remembered how downright dirty some of this book was. Namely the first 5 chapters.
We had an interesting discussion tonight at my church book club. I didn't blush nearly as much as I thought I might. :)

Diamant is a masterful story-teller. No, she's not trying to be historically correct - at least, I hope she's not, if she is trying to be accurate, she failed miserably. The themes of exalted womanhood, mother/daughter relationships and the different expressions of love in a family were portrayed in one of the most engrossing stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

This one goes down as one of my favorites.
Yeah, there's raunch. No, its not completely Biblical. But I'm taking it at face value - a fictional work built around a mere few chapters in the Bible.
And it was so, so good.

Nose in a Kindle

2010-10-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

Yes...that would be my nose in my Kindle. Mmmhmm. I'm feeling quite the smug, ultra-hip reader at the moment.

To hear how I came to be the proud owner, read this post at She's Star-Crossed. It's a sweet story.

I'm just getting acquainted with the little beauty...

Do you have a Kindle?
If so, what is your favorite aspect?
Are there any features I just have to know about?
Tips? Tricks?
Fill me in.

September by Rosamunde Pilcher

2010-10-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

Satisfied. That's what I am after this book. Like I just had a full, five course meal of hearty soups, light salads, creamy sauces on tender meat and a dessert full of berries or chocolate...or both. There was even coffee at the end...or maybe a nice night cap to top it all off.

I want to wear a kilt. Or, maybe see a man wearing a kilt - ladies don't wear kilts. I'll settle for a nice pair of Wellies and a romp through a muddy moor.

The best thing about this book? The feelings it evokes. The settings you find yourself engrossed in. I think Pilcher does the most exquisite job with capturing the feel of a place and making it so real that you're surprised when you look up and find yourself still curled up on your own couch.

From a sentimental,ancestral home in London to grand Tudors on the moors of Scotland to sweet country cottages to an opulent tropical getaway in Majorca...there was something for every taste.

The story was present but really took a backseat to the places. This book was all about the places.

I recommend this one to you if you don't mind a bit of rambling. But please, please read it in September.

Second Honeymoon by Joanna Trollope

2010-09-23T23:06:00.000-05:00

How I chose Second Honeymoon in the library was a classic case of judging the book by its cover. I mean, look at this cover; so homey and elegant. A perfect mix. Really though? What in the world did it have to do with the story? Not a clue.

The story is centered on a newly empty nester couple finding themselves adjusting to their new life without children in the house. It's sort of a rambly story that isn't as much driven by plot as by character development. I didn't think this of myself, but after reading this book, I'm realizing I like a book a bit more plot-driven. This one seemed a bit pointless.

It kept my interest. I liked most of the characters. But I was really glad when I was finished.

Coming Down the Pike

2010-09-11T10:19:00.005-05:00

I've got my head in a lot of books lately. I'm not usually a multiple book reader - can't handle the 'noise' of a few stories going on at once. Usually there's one parenting or marriage book, one novel and one spiritual book being read at any given time.
Here are the books that I'm reading now or have lined up to read in the near future. A glimpse at what's coming down the pike for Insatiable.

Your Time-Starved Marriage by Les and Leslie Parrott
Mr. B. and I are reading this one together for our church small group. The chapters are short and sweet - perfect for those w/ a marriage that is truly time-starved.

Desiring God by John Piper
I've been wanting to read a book by John Piper for ages. Now's as good a time as any. I chose Desiring God...really excited to delve into it as soon as I can get some really quiet time - in my house it's a rare commodity.

Second Honeymoon by Joanna Trollope
My token novel. Can I admit something? I was at the library and totally chose this book because of its cover. Adorableness.

It's about a couple of empty nesters - a bit of a fast forward to the future for me and especially poignant in view of all the growing up my children have been doing lately. (First Day and ...and Now, He's Five.)

Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow

I am reading this one for a women's Bible study that I am co-leading this Fall. With chapters on finding contentment in your marriage and with all that you have; and being calm about the "what ifs," "if onlys" and "whys" in life, I think I'll learn a lot from this one.

I'm holding my pleasure reading time very close to my heart at this point in life. I have a mere 6 months until nursing school starts in earnest and from then until graduation it's all about viscera, cellular biology, pharmaceuticals and nursing procedure. I'm trying to live. it. up!

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

2010-09-11T10:09:00.004-05:00

Ah...Jodi Picoult. It's been awhile. So long, in fact, that I don't have even one review of Picoult's books on this blog since I started it three years ago. Considering she's one of my favorite authors, that is too long.

I'm so glad I "came back" to Jodi with this book. House Rules is the story of a teenage boy with Asperger's Syndrome. There are so many nuances to Picoult's writing - relationships, legalities, crime, suspicions, families, doubt, duty and love. I can't put into writing all of the aspects of the story Picoult tells in this novel, but I can give the jist.

Jacob (the boy with Asperger's) is accused of murder. The symptoms of his disorder are varied and come across as harbingers of guilt when it comes to putting him on trial for his suspected crime. Through the book, the reader isn't privy to whether or not Jacob has actually committed the crime. It isn't until the last few pages that the truth is revealed. Now that makes for a glued- to-the-book experience!

Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison

2010-08-24T15:22:00.006-05:00

"All that is really important is invisible:

love, God, air."

- Peggy O'Mara

"This is the divine work we mothers do; perhaps for a time, it is our vocation - taking care of the invisible...I remind myself that the slow, open-ended hours I spend with my sons are not without purpose; they are, in fact, a precious gift, islands of repose in the midst of life's onrushing stream."

-Katrina Kenison

This book.

This book is my mantra. My banner. My philosophy of motherhood.

Every parent with children living at home (whether they're 2 months or 17 years old) should read this book. Not just read it; own it...and read it repeatedly.

It's easy to read, creates beautiful pictures in your mind and inspires you to create a magical, meaningful childhood for your children.

I'm going to be handing this sweet little read out to my mom friends like candy at a parade. It's that good.

Click here for more on the book.

Powell's Books

2010-07-27T09:36:00.005-05:00

Went to Portland a couple of weeks ago and got to visit the most incredible book store. Powell's gets a resounding 5 stars.

Click for more about our trip to Portland and Powell's.

White Picket Fences

2010-07-26T14:17:00.003-05:00

This is the second of Susan Meissner books that I've read. It didn't blow me away...but I had interest enough to read the entire novel.

It examines the real life behind the seemingly perfect exterior of a white picket fence and the preconceived notions that goes with it.

I felt like Meissner was a little all over the place with this storyline. There were so many mini-stories going on here that could have really made a whole - poignant - novel in and of themselves. But having them all covered on the surface left a much to be desired.

I can't quite recommend this one...

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

2010-07-11T16:45:00.004-05:00

Any Christian who considers him/herself a thinker absolutely must read Lewis.

This is a fantasy type-allegory type story of a man who finds himself visiting both heaven and hell. The thoughts Lewis has about heaven are different from any I have ever dared to imagine in my thinking of heaven. He clarifies the feeling of heaven being so much bigger than we could have ever imagined in such a profound way. But not so much the atmosphere of heaven...the feeling, the greatness, the spirit of the place - more than the streets of gold - is what he approaches in The Great Divorce.

Still Summer by Jaquelyn Mitchard

2010-06-27T10:40:00.004-05:00

I love Jacquelyn Mitchard's writing. Deep End of the Ocean was one of the most memorable books I've ever read. Her book, 12 Times Blessed is also one of my favorites - I haven't read that in years...I think I'll go find a copy and read it again.

Still Summer is a pulse pounding modern day pirate story. Pirates?! Yep, pirates.

Four women embark upon a chartered sailing trip. Two days into their trip they run into a band of ruthless men that come aboard the boat and turn their lives upside down. This novel isn't just about the invasion of pirates on a ship - there is beautiful care taken to develop each of the characters.

Read this one. While it's still summer. (Pun! Hehe.)

The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright

2010-06-21T09:10:00.004-05:00

A friend loaned this book to me because it is her favorite. Don't you just love that? Sharing a favorite story with a friend.

I loved it too.

This was an easy, quick read that had me up at night reading to find out what would happen next. What family secret would be revealed, how the relationships would be changed.

This was an inspiring read. I wouldn't be surprised if my Brawny Man has an ever increasing pile of hand-written letters in his near future...

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

2010-06-15T17:14:00.005-05:00

I wouldn't have ever found this book if it weren't a Book Club read. I'm so so glad I'm in this Book Club...this is a book unlike any other. One I know I'll remember for a long time.

A college student is hired to transcribe a journal of a young woman from the late 1600's. The journal was written in Salem, Massachusetts. Do you see where this is going?

The journal's author was accused of being a witch in the infamous historical trials.

Lauren, the girl living in modern days, transcribing the journal uncovers some unwelcome aspects of her personality and her habit of judging and making premature decisions about people and their character.

This is a thought-provoking and consuming read. It is also an easy read, so I found my baby-brain easily devouring it well past my bedtime.

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

2010-06-01T16:45:00.003-05:00

Feminine Appeal is a book outlining the seven virtues of a Godly wife and mother - the points are taken from Titus 2:3-5 which appeals to the older women to teach the younger women how to be the wives and mothers God intended for them to be.

Each chapter highlights a 'virtue' and expands on it. The topics are: Loving my Husband, Loving my Children, Self-Control, Purity, Working at Home, Kindness and Submission.

A really great book and one that I would recommend as the basis of a church women's study.

The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

2010-05-30T17:50:00.003-05:00

A fun, sort of brainless (in a good way) read. The brit wit kept me smiling and laughing out loud at points. Just what I've needed to unwind from demanding days of caring for a sweet new boy. A total get away from real life - as beautiful and treasured as my days are it's nice to retreat to a book that demands so little.

A perfectly fun summer read.

Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

2010-03-12T08:13:00.003-06:00

My last Trigiani before baby. I promise...induction day is set for tomorrow. Tomorrow, people! I really enjoyed Lucia, Lucia. It was a little departure from Trigiani's other novels that I've been reading, only because it was set in 1950 (still Greenwich Village and Italy, though).

Lucia is a career girl, fashioning custom women's clothing in a New York city department store. I really loved her as a character and her family was multi-dimensional and real.

Up until about 3/4 of the way through the book, I would have given this one a 4 out of 5 stars, but things really picked up and got to "I-can't-put-this-down" status when Lucia began figuring out that her fiance was not all (or maybe a lot more than) he portrayed himself to be.

Such a good book. Of course, it's by Adriana!

Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs

2010-03-08T19:47:00.002-06:00

Whence Came a Prince is the third book in the series by Liz Curtis Higgs. I think there's a fourth...but she seemed to wrap things up pretty nicely in this one so I'm not sure what else Higgs has got up her sleeve.

When I say, "wrap things up" I mean it. She addressed pretty much every issue that the series brought up - which was a lot. It's nice to have no lose ends, but something I'm not sure I love is the fact that she killed off quite a few (three) main characters and completely changed the personality of another in order to make her story line end in a nice little bow.

It was nice to have a happy ending. This was a heart-wrenching story to read, especially as a mother.

As far as Christian fiction goes, I would recommend this series.

Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

2010-03-02T12:09:00.003-06:00

Brava, Adriana! Trigiani followed up her smash hit, Very Valentine (reviewed here) with an equally delightful sequel, Brava, Valentine.

This book follows Valentine to Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina as she searches to grow her hand-made shoe business and uncover some family secrets. What's a good book without family secrets? And a dreamy love interest to keep us glued to the page?

Can you tell I can't get enough of Trigiani? She's just too good. Think I can squeeze in one more of hers before Baby B. makes it's arrival? Let's see...

Milk Glass Moon & Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

2010-02-19T21:14:00.002-06:00

I'm just so in love with the Big Stone Gap series. These are the last two books in the quartet...just as touching and funny as the first two. Although I'd probably give Milk Glass Moon a bit higher rating than Home to Big Stone Gap.

Home was just a little bit too wordy for my taste - almost as if Trigiani wanted to wrap up all the thoughts/issues that had been brought up in the series. Which I understand...but I sort of missed the dialogue between all the characters that I came to love through reading these books.

This series is reminiscent of the beloved Mitford series by Jan Karon, but...of course...different.

I wonder how many more Trigiani novels I can fit in between now and the birth of Baby B?

(P.S. Trigiani is going to be in my town for her Brava Valentine book tour. So hoping I can make a trip to see her!)

Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani

2010-02-01T12:48:00.003-06:00

The second book in The Big Stone Gap series did not disappoint. I'm on an Adriana Trigini kick and loving every minute. They're just engaging enough but perfectly light and funny. Exactly what I need in the "entertain me" stage of my pregnancy. (Approaching 34 weeks, folks.)

While I thought Big Stone Gap (novel #1) was cute, I thought this novel dug a bit deeper into matters of the heart. More accurately: matters of marriage. And it was so. good.

I adored the message about imperfect people falling in love with wrong expectations for their relationship. It was a story of heartbreak but redemption after all was said and done. I can tell - in the few Triginani novels I've read - that she really values marriage and committed relationships.

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney

2010-01-27T21:09:00.005-06:00

Well...I finished this one. That's a credit to me and my loyal nature because I didn't really enjoy any of it.

This was a selection for my church book club and I will just say (to keep things as nice and glossy as possible) that this type of book is precisely the reason I don't read much Christian fiction.

Best words to describe this one: melodramatic, juvenile, predictable.

The ironic part? I finished the book so I could be a part of the discussion and my kids ended up sick the night of...so I stayed home. Figures.

Better luck next time!

The Petit Bookshelf

2010-01-26T11:51:00.003-06:00

I started a new blog...I know, I'm a nut.This one highlights our favorite children's literature. So, if you're stumped or your bookshelf is lacking and you have chickies between the ages of 0-5 years old, peek in at The Petit Bookshelf and see what books we're curled up with.

Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

2010-01-17T21:44:00.004-06:00

Adriana Trigiani. Love her. Love. Her.

She's smart, funny and real. I wanted to live the life of the witty, lovable Valentine Roncalli. The setting - Grenwich Villiage, NY - was glam and cozy at the same time. The profession - designing and cobbling couture wedding shoes - was fashionable and whimsical. The getaway - The Isle of Capri - was luxe. The romance - not one, but two handsome Italian men vying for Valentine's hand - was swoony.

Just a good, indulgent (in the best sense) chick lit. And I hear it's only the beginning of a trilogy. That makes me a happy girl.

(Brava, Valentine is the second novel in the series, due to come out in the beginning of February 2010.)

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson

2010-01-07T19:16:00.002-06:00

...Kind of a weird reading experience...

Here we have a little girl whose mother is much too busy to have an ounce of time for her. She has an imaginary friend, Michael. Michael provides the support that little Jane will not get from her mom. When Jane is 9 Michael is "called away" and disappears from her life.

Fast forward 20+ years. Jane is a successful playwright working for her overbearing mother and Michael reappears in her life. Turns out he's not as imaginary as Jane believed. And the rest is...history?

Such a strange, vague concept for a novel. But, the story was sweet, entertaining and a quick read. I can say one thing: it left me with a major craving for a coffee ice cream sundae with gooey hot fudge. Mmmm...

Up Island by Anne Rivers Siddons

2010-01-05T20:30:00.003-06:00

Let me just tell ya, I love me some A.R.S. Love her. I'm absolutely enamoured with the Low Country and Outter Banks - the entire Carolina coast just captivates me. Siddons has the same obsession and it radiates through every page of her novels.

But...this one was a little strange. Maybe a departure from her usual novels. Most of the time her stories are of women in their middle age; this one dealt with a group of college girls. Much of the story took place inland, not on my coveted Carolina shore. The end of the book took a strange, melodramatic turn that I was not expecting and, honestly, not in the mood to deal with.

The writing style of Siddons was still wonderful and the bits of beach scene were utterly satisfying. But the book as a whole wasn't one of my favorites.

Fair is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs

2010-01-05T20:16:00.003-06:00

This is the second installment of the series of novels paralleling the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau. The first book is reviewed here.

The story has veered quite far from the original Old Testament account of feuding brothers...not even sure we can call it a parallel anymore. But boy, is it a captivating story.

I can't delve into the heartbreaking details - spoiler, anyone? - but I will say that as a mother, I had tears in my eyes and a choked up throat more than a few times reading this tale. Unbelievable circumstances.

Read it, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Thorn in my Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

2009-11-06T09:06:00.002-06:00

Another Christian Fiction! Look at me go. I liked the book and there were moments that I found myself sitting up into the wee hours (not a small feat for this tired lady) reading just because "I can't put it down yet."

The major problem I had and why its not rated higher is that Higgs took a story from the Old Testament of the Bible - the story of Jacob and Esau (the brother who steals his twin brother's birthright and the story of sisters Leah and Rachel) and made it into a Scottish saga.

The story is amazing but it is an existing story. I would have more respect if Higgs had come up with an original story instead of "borrowing" one from the Bible. But I also understand being swept up by a captivating story and wanting to put your own twist on it.

There were times when the Biblical account just didn't match up with the Scottish account (set in the 1780's instead of BC). The culture was just too different.

I don't know how Higgs is going to handle the fact that Jacob - Jamie, in the book - is married to two women. That was not a part of the culture in Scotland at the time. I guess I'll have to get my hands on book #2 (there are four in the series) and see how she approaches that.

But I see this as a really good book for a book discussion group like the one at my church. The women would love pulling apart the similarities and nuances between the original story and the novel.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

2009-10-21T20:02:00.003-05:00

One of my all-time favorites.

I read Peace Like a River in college for a fiction writing class. The professor happened to be friends with Leif Enger and had us read the book and then had Mr. Enger come to a class and have Q&A. So much fun!

I re-read this one for my church book club and re-enjoyed every second of it.

This novel is a hybrid of Western, suspense and drama all tied together with impeccable literary voice. I mean, it's one of the most well-written books I've ever had the chance to read.

Other than Scarlett O'Hara, Swede is my most memorable female fiction character.

If you read it, you will not be disappointed.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

2009-10-14T13:16:00.002-05:00

Cute story. Cute setting. Cute characters. Cute writing. Cute cute cute.

This was a feel-good book that touched on some tough, real-life issues but mostly made for a wonderful light read.

What I love the most: there are two more books in the series and I'm off to hunt for them!

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

2009-09-23T21:33:00.003-05:00

This is a Pulitzer Prize winner. I really enjoyed it but felt a bit...

Like that.

Just "..."

The writing was beautiful - obviously, it won the Pulitzer - and the characters completely engaging, believable and lovable; but the storyline was rambling and open ended and the point? I didn't get the point.

This was a collection of vignettes of people in the small town of Crosby, Maine. All of the chapters take a snippet of a person either intimately or remotely connected to the main character, Olive Kitteridge.

There were some wonderful moments though and I really did appreciate the book...mostly. It was just a little...

The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes

2009-09-11T08:35:00.003-05:00

Christian fiction...usually I'm wary of this genre. I have to really love the subject to get into the syrupy, "all's well that ends well" story lines. The truth is, I only bought this book because I have a reading club at church (I love church, I love Jesus, I do not love Christian fiction). That's the only reason.

Buuut...I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I actually read it in record time because it was so engaging and real. Which is something I can't say about a lot of this genre.

This story follows the lives of four girls growing up in the throes of The Great Depression. They each placed their life's dreams in a blue bottle and stored it up in the attic of a mansion. The bottle is found 60 years later and the ladies are tracked down to find out the fate of their dreams.

Juicy premise. Intriguing characters. Good writing.

I'm looking forward to discussing this one with the girlies at church. I have a feeling I'll be reading lots more Christian Fiction but I'll bear with it, I have much faith in choices of our leader. :) Hi, L!

The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther

2009-08-31T19:58:00.002-05:00

From the title of this novel I was expecting a tale full of culinary joys. Warm kitchen scenes and sumptuous smells coming from steaming pots.

Nope.

This was a story of loss, family tragedy and Iranian culture. I didn't love it. Maybe because I was in the mood for something else entirely. The writing was fine. The storyline was fine. The characters were fine. All just fine.

"Fine" does not spell a great book to me. Three stars it is.

To Read

2009-08-13T08:56:00.002-05:00

In light of my current condition I can't wait to get my hands on this book:

Birth Day by Mark Sloan

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

2009-08-10T20:32:00.002-05:00

This one is sort of a 'new classic.' It's well-loved by French-wannabes everywhere and I see why.

Peter Mayle takes the reader with him as he buys and renovates an old home and vineyard in Provence. It's a month by month account of his first year spent as a resident of France (he's from England originally).

It's funny, informative and smart. The accounts of food & wine makes you want to hop a plane to the southern part of France and never come back.

I loved getting an 'insiders' view of the locals and the beautiful countryside. A favorite for sure.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

2009-08-08T19:11:00.004-05:00

'Yay' for good books!

I adore Jeannette Walls. Her writing is so real and honest and not a bit "poor me." It's life. It just is.

This is a "true life novel" meaning it was taken from the true story of Walls' grandmother's life but she added some unknowns to make it read more like a story.

You might be familiar with this author if you read her breakout memoir, The Glass Castle. Heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time. Half Broke Horses is the story of her maternal grandmother - a rancher and smart-alecky frontier woman.

I was honored enough to receive this one via Library Thing's Early Reviewers program so I got to read it before the general public. It is released in October of this year. As soon as it is, go get it.

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

2009-08-05T09:14:00.003-05:00

Just loved this book. I studied it in a group setting with some ladies from my church. We took three chapters a week and really immersed ourselves in the ideas and prayer tactics of Stormie Omartian.

The book is full of topical prayers and Bible verses for praying over your children. Subjects ranging from your children's protection from harm to instilling in them a desire to learn and having a sound mind.

A wonderful, inspiring book that gives a parent new ways to influence their children's lives and the confidence to pray boldly for them.

This is another book I recommend for every Christian parent.

One For The Money by Janet Evanovich

2009-08-05T09:05:00.004-05:00

I hate to give a book (especially a Bestselling author) my lowest rating. But I just couldn't finish this one. Maybe it was my mood. Maybe I'm not a lover of snarky mysteries - scratch that, I know I'm not a lover of snarky mysteries.

No more Janet E. for me, thankyouverymuch. Not to worry, I'm sure she'll do just fine without my readership. ;)

Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson

2009-07-14T10:10:00.002-05:00

I'm going to make a big claim. If you have a son (or more) you must read this book. You must.

It is encouraging and challenging; enlightening and reassuring. Dobson has wonderful insight into the minds and spirits of little boys and practical advice on how to help cultivate wonderful human beings.

A pivotal book for any parent of boys. And I hear he is coming out with a counterpart, Bringing Up Girls this year.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2009-06-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I've finally done it. Read the first of the Harry Potter books. It was fabulous. A solid 5 stars.

I don't even need to review this one because I'm probably the only literate person on the face of earth that hadn't read these and adored them...before now, that is.

I've moved on to #2 - The Chamber of Secrets.

I think I'll wait to review all of these until I've finished the entire series. Just because I don't feel like writing a blog post for each book. (I'm going to do the same w/ Anne of Green Gables.) Looks like this is the Summer of YA Lit. :)

I'm good with that...a year of intense Anatomy and Physiology classes will do that to a girl.

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

2009-05-29T14:44:00.004-05:00

Good, smart, guilty pleasure Summer read. I think that about sums this one up in its entirety.

I completely enjoyed this one, while being simultaneously embarrassed and sympathetic for the main character, Lee. Prep takes the reader along with Lee in her journey as a scholarship student in a prep school.

Lee was painfully aware of her surroundings and her peers. She examined every facet to its death and many times this left her lonely and feeling terribly awkward. But I liked her so much and recognized a little of myself in her while I was in high school that I just had to keep reading.

The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian

2009-05-26T09:53:00.003-05:00

I don't want to say too much in this review for fear of spoiling it for future readers.

I will say it is a psychological thriller...something I did not know before reading the book - why? I don't know. It was touted on the cover as one...

To be completely truthful, I've been wanting to read this one since it came out a few years ago. I loved Bohjalian's Midwives so much I just had to read another of his. I read The Great Gatsby first so that I could pick this one up in good conscience. (Much of this novel is based on the classic by Fitzgerald.)

I will say: It was clever. It got most compelling in its last two chapters, when the great twist was being unveiled. Part of me wanted to read it again with the knowledge of the twist in mind; but, frankly, I didn't like it enough to do that.

Daily Anne ~ 2nd Installation

2009-05-25T11:59:00.003-05:00

"...the tree; of course it's lovely - yes, it's radiantly lovely - it blooms as if it meant it - but I meant everything, the garden and the orchard and the brook and the woods, the whole big dear world. Don't you feel as if you just loved the world on a morning like this?"

-Anne of Green Gables

...For more Daily Anne, visit my personal blog, She's Star-Crossed.

Daily Anne ~ 1st Installation

2009-05-18T13:14:00.002-05:00

Anne of Green Gables. The entire, 8 book series. This Summer. *Sigh*
What a delight.

I'm reading along with an acquaintance from college, whom I can now firmly call a 'friend.' We reconnected over our love for reading via facebook. One more point for my beloved facebook.

Anne says so many clever, hilarious things that I just have to share some with you. When I come across a doozy or one that makes me think, I will post here. I hope you love Miss Anne as much as I do...

"...Anne is such an unromantic name."

"Unromantic fiddlesticks!" said the unsympathetic Marilla. "Anne is a real good plain sensible name. You've no need to be ashamed of it."

"Oh, I'm not ashamed of it," explained Anne, "only I like Cordelia better. I've always imagined that my name was Cordelia - at least, I always have of late years. When I was young I used to imagine it was Geraldine, but I like Cordelia better now. But if you call me Anne please call me Anne spelled with an e."

"What difference does it make how it's spelled?" asked Marilla with another rusty smile as she picked up the teapot.

"Oh, it makes such a difference. It looks so much nicer. When you hear a name pronounced can't you always see it in you mind just as if it was printed out? I can; and A-n-n looks dreadful, but A-n-n-e looks so much more distinguished. If you'll only call me Anne spelled with an e I shall try to reconcile myself to not being called Cordelia."

"Very well, then, Anne spelled with an e..."

~Anne of Green Gables

The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee

2009-05-18T12:59:00.003-05:00

Eh. Eh...eh...eh.

Didn't love this one. I'm trying to figure out why. The Piano Teacher had all the trappings of a great, tragic novel. But it fell flat.

Set around the time of World War II (I've been stuck in that rut lately, haven't I?) in Hong Kong. There are love, rivalry, secrets, high class and the lowest of lows. But it was all very heavy and drudging along and the time flash backs got a little confusing.

Here's what I think: I think an author has to love the characters they create. If they don't love the characters like real people, the reader wont love the characters or care about them. I didn't care. Perhaps Lee didn't love those lives she created? Perhaps she did and I missed the point entirely.

Well written, interesting story line, a bit hollow. A solid 3 out of 5.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer & Annie Barrows

2009-05-05T20:24:00.005-05:00

Satisfied. Absolutely, completely satisfied.

I loved this novel. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (don't you just love that name?) took me to another time and place and kept enthralled to be there until the very last page.

I will admit that it took me a few 'letters' to get into the style of the book, but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. Line & sinker included.

This novel is a actually a collection of fictitious letters written from members of a literary society on the island of Guernsey (off the coast of France) to an author in London in the years following World War II. The author, Juliet, falls in love with these pen pals she has never met and finds herself planning a 'research' trip to the island for a possible future book. I will not say more about the plot; I will say that the character development done here is impeccable. I loved each and every one for their unique, quirky characteristics.

Another sweet facet? The names in this novel are beautiful to read. Juliet, Isola, Dawsey, Sidney, Amelia, Elizabeth...

The end had me gazing dreamily 'into the middle distance'. (One of my favorite expressions from the novel.)

Read this one. Read it, read it, read it.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

2009-04-29T07:52:00.004-05:00

Such excitement when the Advanced Copy of Shanghai Girls came in the mail! I had no clue I was even on the receiving list for this one so when it arrived I was giddy. I promptly put down the book I was reading and dove into this one. I love Lisa See's work.

This is a wonderful novel about Chinese sisters native to Shanghai in the 1940's. They are forced to leave the country during the Japanese attacks and invasion. A set of horrific events unfolds and they find themselves in San Francisco, CA. They meet up with the strangers their father arranged for them to marry.

This book is different from See's others in that it takes place during a more contemporary time. I am still a bigger fan of Snowflower but this was a good read too.

Look for the release of Shanghai Girls at the end of May 2009.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2009-04-09T19:32:00.003-05:00

This is one that has been on my TBR list for years. I finally was in "the mood" to pick it up. I'm glad I did, but mostly because it is such a well known classic and I couldn't consider myself much of a reader if I haven't read 'The Big Ones'.

So, really? I'm not sure why its such a classic. I didn't see the sparkle in it. Maybe I'm terribly uncivilized but it just didn't float my boat. Glad I could mark it off my list! :)

Read for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge 2009.

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

2009-04-09T16:30:00.002-05:00

*via audiobook

This was the first of Jacobs' books I've read, I have The Friday Night Knitting Club sitting on my TBR shelf and will get around to it eventually.

I was disappointed by Comfort Food. There were some shining spots in this novel - the food, the hidden world of food TV, Gus Simpson's home. But it was lacking in character development, I didn't love Gus, the main character, in the way Jacobs probably wanted me to. The plot seemed to move veeery sloooowly, could have done with a bit more development there as well.

I didn't hate Jacob's writing style, it was quite nice and I'll give her novels another chance. I am fully aware that my less-than-glowing review could have to do with listening to an audiobook (read by a rather gruff, annoying narrator) instead of reading pages. There's no way to tell.

The Secret by Beverly Lewis

2009-03-29T21:47:00.003-05:00

The Secret came to me in the mail a few weeks ago (via librarything Early Reviewers)and I dove into it immediately. Pleasure reading has been slow going since I'm in the throes of Spring semester at the moment.

This is the first installment in Beverly Lewis' new series Seasons of Grace, it releases officially on March 31, 2009, so I'm getting my review out just before the big day.

Seasons of Grace is another series about Amish life, taking place in Pennsylvania. Grace is an Amish girl in her early 20's, committed to marry a serious Amish man in the near future. When her mother disappears without any word of her whereabouts her world is rocked and she begins to question things she had always taken for granted.

There is a parallel story about an Englisher, Heather, also in her early 20's, visiting Amish country because of a cancer diagnosis that has put her life to a halt.

This book moved a bit slow and was light reading - as all Lewis' stories are - but just what I needed at the moment. I am drawn into Grace's story and am anxious to know when the next novel will be released. Hopefully I can get another advance copy? ;)

I can tell I'll be enjoying this series.

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

2009-03-11T21:21:00.002-05:00

Oh...Father Tim. I love him. Feel like I know him and Cynthia, she's a dream.

Home to Holly Springs brings Father Tim from his home in Mitford N. Carolina to his hometown in Mississippi to confront some trouble from his past.

I didn't love this as much as I enjoyed Karon's Mitford series, but it was still a good read.

Skinny B**** by Rory Freedman

2009-03-05T12:01:00.009-06:00

Afraid of dirty words? Don't read this book. On the fence? Tread carefully. Laugh in the face of crudeness? Go for it!

I was cringing at the excessive use of icky words and nasty imagery (I have to admit, sometimes I was laughing in spite of myself). But I was also inspired. Sometimes you just need a little tough love in your self-help reading.

This one goes a bit far with the whole gross-you-out tactic of persuasion for vegetarianism/veganism. It was quite heavy on the emotion and, "seriously, you eat meat?? How nasty can you be?!" vibe but still worth the read.

I'm actually on a no-meat jag at the moment (began before I even read this book) and it really solidified that decision for me. I wouldn't count myself a full-on vegetarian, I'm still partial to cheese and occasional ice cream.

Due to this book...drum roll please...I've given up coffee as my morning vice. Why? Read it, you'll find out.

**Update - March 30, 2009 - Coffee is back, in a big way. I couldn't stop...
Still vegetarian and loving it.***

The Girls by Lori Lansens

2009-02-25T19:28:00.003-06:00

The Girls. A favorite for sure. I'm so glad I bought it in hardcover.

I've never read a Lori Lansens book; but I will again.

This story is about conjoined twins. Craniopagous - at the head. How do you live life joined at the head to your sister?

Here's what I loved about the book. It could have been dark and sad and depressing but it wasn't. It was hopeful and funny and real. When I first picked it up I was reluctant to read it because of the premise and how strange it all must be. That's probably why it has sat on my shelf unopened for over a year now.

This relationship between "The Girls," their parents and their friends is renewing. A must-read in my book.

The Well Seasoned Reader Challenge: Finished!

2009-02-23T18:09:00.002-06:00

I completed The Well Seasoned Reader Challenge hosted by Melissa. Such a quick, fun challenge that really makes one feel accomplished even if they're not ;)
I read three books for this one.
The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart
Low Country by Anne Rivers Siddons
My Life in France by Julia Child

Did you participate in this challenge? If so, drop me a comment so I can check out your readings.

Endless Possibilities

2009-02-23T12:48:00.004-06:00

Do you see those beautiful, open bookshelves? They have their arms flung wide to accept page upon page of beautiful words.

My wonderful Mr. B. built them for me while I was away. What a man.

I can't wait to fill them...

My Life In France by Julia Child

2009-02-18T19:43:00.003-06:00

This is a gem of a book. Written just before her death by Julia Child about her life in France.

Julia was in her mid 30's when she arrived in France the first time. She fell madly in love with Paris and the French way of life and cooking. For the next 30 years Julia and her husband, Paul, lived in France and other countries surrounding and Julia learned the French way of cooking.

Her books and television show all stemmed from this French experience. It is such an encouragement to hear about a woman beginning the most important and influential segments of life around the age of 40...makes me feel like there's all the time in the world.

I actually listened to this book on CD and it was done wonderfully by a woman with a raspy voice and colorful expression. Plus, I am not a French speaker or reader and I have no clue as to how to pronounce the French words I see in print. To actually hear the silky language come off the tongue was a real treat.

Love Julia Child? Love France? Love food? Read this book.

Believing God by Beth Moore

2009-02-14T07:51:00.004-06:00

I really loved this book. It took me awhile ~ months ~ to read; only because I was trying to suck every bit of wisdom from its pages.

Beth gives us five basic principles to ingrain in our thinking throughout the book. A mantra, if you will:

God is who He says He is.

God can do what He says He can do.

I am who God says I am.

I can do all things through Christ.

God's Word is alive and active in me.

The principle that illuminated my thinking the most was the last, God's Word is alive and active in me. For too long I thought of the Bible as a great guide, an ultimate answer book, a way to look into God's character but I rarely thought of it as pure power; able to work actively in my spirit. But it can...it does!

I'd like to include a small quote from the book and leave you with this:

"For the most part we've dumbed-down New Testament Christianity and accepted our reality as theology rather than biblical theology as our reality."

~Beth Moore

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers (Illustrated by Marla Frazee)

2009-02-12T19:18:00.005-06:00

"Every day, everywhere, babies are kissed ~ on their cheeks, on their ears, their fingers, their nose, on the top of their head, on their tummy, their toes."

So starts this charming children's book about babies. The words are sweet and lulling but what really draws me to this book is the illustrations by Marla Frazee (her website here).

They are intricate and adorable. I swear I find a new detail every time I read this book to my little ones. Delightful.

Low Country by Anne Rivers Siddons

2009-02-11T08:13:00.003-06:00

Here's something I love about ARS - her writing is real. So real it can't help but strike a chord in the reader somewhere.

The villain in this book was Caro's husband. A man she adored and had spent most of her life with. He wasn't an evil, terrible husband. He loved her. He nurtured her. He knew her. But he was still "the bad guy."

Don't you think it's delicious when an author is so real they can make the "evil one" human? It is rare to find someone that is all bad, so when an author sets out to create an antagonist and they make them wholly despicable, it's almost like a caricature. Not so with ARS. She's a master. Truly.

Caroline has lived in the South Carolina lowcountry since she married her husband, Clay. They have raised two children there and made it their home. Clay is a real-estate developer and has made his living taking prime properties and making them into manicured mansion dwellings. Caro inherited an island (an entire island!) just off the coast of S.C. from her grandfather and it is her sanctuary. As well as a sanctuary for the Gullah inhabitants who call it home.

Clay finds himself between a rock and a hard place and sets out to - secretly - develop the mystical haven that nurtures Caro. A nightmare. A betrayal. The only way out.

I'm not going to spoil the end of this story. But it is right. It is beautiful.

{Read for the Well Seasoned Reader Challenge}

The Sunday Salon: A Sunday to Belong

2009-02-01T08:00:00.002-06:00

Do you have a place - a region, a state, a city, a country - where you just belong?

I place that calls out to a spot that goes deeper than simple enjoyment. A place that takes you in and nestles you deep. A place that enfolds you.

I do. Low Country, South Carolina. I have never lived there but have visited a few times and when I do, it's right. It's my place.
Especially Charleston. There's something about that city. I belong there.

This is one of the reasons I read Anne Rivers Siddons. Her novels are like love letters to the Low Country. She captures the essence of that mystical place so perfectly. I just crave her books.

Right now I'm reading Low Country by ARSiddons. I feel at home in this novel.

(Just a note: I have never been to Paris, France but I have a deep conviction that I would feel the same belonging there too...)

Where do you belong?

Photo: Mr. & Mrs. B. and baby B's on Pawley's Island, S.C. 2008

The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart

2009-01-30T14:36:00.005-06:00

What fun!

I got this advanced copy of The Matchmaker of Perigord from Libarything

Early Reviewers and I'm so glad I did.

The story takes place in a mountain village in present day France. A has-been barber trades in his shears for a Cupid's bow and arrow; he takes up matchmaking.

This book is charming, laugh-out-loud funny and unique. Pick up this book.

{Read for the Well-Seasoned Reader Challenge}

The Sunday Salon: A Sunday in France

2009-01-25T10:10:00.002-06:00

Today I am reading The Matchmaker of Perigord by Juila Stuart.

Love it. Recommend it to all of you wannabe (or real-life) world travelers. Each turn of the page transports me to French mountain country. Magnifique!

Orbis Terrarum 2008 Wrap Up

2009-01-15T10:38:00.003-06:00

It's finished! I actually did it. Completed the challenge. :)
Here's the wrap up:

1 The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - Bulgaria
2 The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman - Poland
3 The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis - England
4 The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn - France
5 Peony In Love by Lisa See - China
6 A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah - Africa
7 Night by Elie Wiesel - Romania
8 The Birth House by Ami McKay - Nova Scotia
9 Monique and the Mango Rains by Kris Holloway - Mali

Orbis Terrarum 2008 Challenge survey:

1.) What did you like about the challenge? The push to read books that were from a different perspective than my own.

2.) What would you like to see change for next year? Really, I think the challenge is pretty great the way it is. Maybe we could include books about other countries, not just books with foreign authors?

3.) About the rules, or the non-existent rules...did you like that? Yes Ma'am.

4.) Are you going to join us next year? Yes Ma'am, once again.

5.) Pretty please give me any suggestions for changes, the betterment of the challenge, or just anything that you would like to see changed for next year.
I really think you've done a fabulous job, b.

6.) Would you like the challenge to be more involved? What if we read books together sometimes? Would that interest you? Maybe, I kinda like doing it on my own time w/ kids and school. It's a busy life we OTer's live!

7.) would you be interested in helping somehow next year? How would you like to help? I'm not sure how I could. What sort of help is needed?

Thanks for hosting, b! I've really enjoyed it. Compiling my list for 2009!

The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn

2009-01-15T08:31:00.004-06:00

I read this one in December and I'm just getting around to reviewing it.

I really enjoyed The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry. It's a memoir of Kathleen Flinn's time in France studying at Le Cordon Bleu. She takes us through losing her big-time job, making the decision to follow her dream to Paris and the most famous cooking school in the world. She lets us in on her relationship with her fiance, her struggles to find a suitable apartment in Paris and her fascinating education in the kitchens of an icon.

It was a bit slow at times but very satisfying in all.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

2009-01-15T07:38:00.003-06:00

There was so much hype surrounding The Story of Edgar Sawtelle that I couldn't help being a bit let down. I read this novel of over 400 pages and felt like so much more could have been done with the story. I was primed and ready. I loved the characters, I identified with the setting, the dogs hooked me and then...crash. It fell a bit flat.

Here's the thing: the last 5 chapters had me reading like a fiend. Completely engrossed. I was reading in the kitchen while stirring the soup, I was reading during commercials, I was reading by the light of a tiny lamp at midnight. It was the climax and I was loving it. But the end? Really? Everyone dies? Really?!

The writing was beautiful. The characters were deep. The premise was interesting. But the story? I felt like it didn't do much. Didn't go anywhere...except into a burning inferno of a barn at the end.

I will read another of Wroblewski's books if he puts out another. I really like his style, but in that thick of a book I expected a bit more.

BTT ~ Sing a Song

2009-01-15T07:21:00.004-06:00

If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.
So, today’s question?
What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
Why?
And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?

Fun question today...

There are so many fabulous songwriters and songs out there. One that has been particularly speaking to me is "Lucky" sung by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. It's a little light and fluffy but the combo of the sweet lyrics and music gets me.

Here's the chorus:

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again.
Lucky I'm in love in every way
Lucky to have stay where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday...

As far as other artists that have memorable lyrics: John Legend, Sara Groves, John Mayer, Alanis Morissette and so many hymns.

2009 Challenges.

2009-01-13T20:12:00.004-06:00

My picks for Challenges of the year:

I participated in Orbis Terrarum last year (hosted by the lovely b). The Well Seasoned Reader challenge is a new one hosted by Melissa.

Here she goes!

BTT ~ The Best.

2009-01-12T13:07:00.002-06:00

It’s a week or two later than you’d expect, and it may be almost a trite question, but … what were your favorite books from 2008?

I have six books that are jumping out at me from 2008.
In no particular order, here they are:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
The Birth House by Ami McKay
Colony by Anne Rivers Siddons
The Shack by William P. Young
Belong to Me by Maria de los Santos

Promise.

2009-01-12T11:07:00.003-06:00

I'll be back to blogging my book reviews and maybe joining a few new challenges for 2009 soon!
I have a few good books I've read but yet to post reviews on.

Here's to good reads in the new year!

Photo Credit: flickr member noqontrol

Wanted: A Cozy Christmas Read

2008-12-11T07:30:00.004-06:00

I'm on the hunt for a novel to read this Christmas. Have you got a suggestion?

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

2008-12-09T21:16:00.003-06:00

A new favorite author: Marisa de los Santos. She has an intelligent, understated, grand voice.

Belong to Me focuses on relationships between women and the way one person can belong to another in love and friendship.

It is a beautiful and touching novel...one of my favorites of the year. Read this; and then let me know what you think.

Watermelon by Marian Keyes

2008-11-04T19:27:00.002-06:00

Watermelon was a light, "chick-litty" type of book. Marian Keyes writing is actually really fun. She's witty and wry and real.

This story covers the unfortunate situation of a new mother whose husband leaves her the day she gives birth to their first child. Terrible.

But Keyes doesn't make this devastating situation into a depressing mush of a book and while it's probably rather unrealistic, it's a fun read.

Lighthearted and silly.