Saving CeeCee Honeycut

What an absolute joy to read! This book was recommended to me by my bff Blythe. I knew it was going to be great by the way she talked about it.

This book is about a little girl that lives with her mentally ill mother after her father has left. She tries to care for her, but tragedy strikes and her great aunt swoops in to the rescue. This book has southern charm to the max. It makes you want to go live in the south with a long lost aunt and her help. The friends this little girl makes are unlikely but fantastic!

There is some language and a little risque scene, but other than that, it is clean. I would only recommend adults read because it isn't a "light" book. But it is. Tough to explain. It just has some topics, like mental illness, that younger readers may not enjoy.

Anyhow, I found it to be a quick, easy read full off surprises. Loved this book.

I Capture the Castle

by Dodie Smith
This book was recommended to me by my friend Miss. Not a bad pick at all Miss. But I won't lie, it was a little Pride and Prejudice to me. Wait, is that the Mr. Darcy one? As you can tell, I am not a big Jane Austen reader, but this was a Jane story, but a way easier read. I like it. I like it a lot. I came back to it night after night, which is saying something.
Story about some really poverty stricken sisters that live in an old English castle that meet some more well off western young men. Pretty much all she wrote. The best part of this book is the narrator. She is one of the sisters and wants to be a writer. So the whole book is somewhat of a journal. She is a character. She has a mild, but enlightening sense of humor. I loved her.
I would recommend this book to anyone although it would be a little boring for a younger gal. There is no language and a few very minor references to sex.
If you enjoy a gentle flowing story, this is for you. Enjoy

Saint Training

By Elizabeth Fixmer
This was a pretty good book. It was a clean book too.
About a little girl that wants to be a Mother Superior nun when she grows up. So she starts a correspondence with a Mother Superior about taking her job. It's cute how she bargains with God and takes any amount of sin very seriously. But she is asked to take on a lot when her mother decides to go back to work, with 9 children. Oh my it is hard to be humble and not sin! Cute character in this book. I would recommend it to anyone. I don't think I remember any cuss words at all.

A Little Princess

By Frances Hodgson Burnett
Now, I don't know if it was the beauty of the new Kindle or that this was a good book, but I loved it. I thought this old classic was a great read! I was about 85% through with it, (I knew this because the Kindle told me so) I recalled a Shirley Temple movie that sounded familiar. So, of course, I called my poor sister, Jeannie. (PS she is forced to endure these random phone calls from me about 80's TV show soundtracks and weird facts. I'm pretty sure it makes her think I am crazy.) Anyhow, it was a Shirley Temple movie! But the book was so cute. Classic rags to riches or vice versa. Cute. I would recommend this book to anyone. (Lyza might like this one Jeannie.)
About a little well off girl that loses it all and the choice she makes to be happy regardless and how things turn out for her in the end. It really made me feel lucky really, to have the material things I have. It made me want to be better about not complaining so much. I know, I have a long way to go.
PS Jeannie, what was that scary show with the witch and the weird yellow/orange dude and they rode on crazy vehicles?
(See what she has to put up with?)

Omagosh! Omagosh! Omagosh!

I got one!!!

Sterling, my favorite husband, (wait, my only husband) got my a Kindle!!!

I am one happy chick!

What a great birthday gift. The one that I've wanted forever!! Ask Sterling how many times I have bugged him about it.

Not only that, but he got me the real nice one. Free 3G so I can download a book in the middle of nowhere.

The icing on my birthday cake??

My book club book this month was a free download!!!

Be ready people!!

I got new books!!!!
Yes!
Thanks Dr. Craig for the gift card.
It was money well spent.
The first book is a biggie. It might take me a day or 2.
In the meantime, did anyone read the Work and the Glory series? I was thinking about it the other day. Not thinking I would read it again just yet but thinking about how great it was. Everything I learned about our church history, I learned from this book. And maybe primary.
Anyhow, if you are looking to get into a series that is fabulous and finished and will take you away for quite some time, (my kids didn't eat a square meal for months), then this is it. I love how it goes back at the end of the chapters and tells you what was fictional and what was not. Loved these characters like family. An easy read that left me aching to read more. Loved it!
Ps....I don't know if my kids have EVER eaten a square meal...
Pss... I should never admit that

Three Cups of Tea

I will have to take this one on later.
A little too slow moving for me right now.
Anybody else.
Should I keep reading?

The Shack

By William Young

Wow! What a book. True story? Unbelievable!

I want to hear from anyone who read this one.

This is a story of a man, angry at God for the abduction of his little girl. They found evidence of her murder in a shack, but no body. It seems to be the work of a serial killer.

But then, years later, Mack hears from "Papa". A nickname given to God by his wife. He asks him to meet him at the shack and a really deep story evolves from here.

This one is a deep thinker for sure. Anyone could read it, but I doubt a lot would make it through it as it is really one big conversation with God. A little boring if you are an adventure seeker.

This book addresses why bad things happen to innocent people. There are very thought provoking ideas.

I liked it. It was tough to get through and at times I thought this fella was full of it. But in the end, something amazing happens and make it worth the read.

Glass Castle

Seriously the most gripping book I have read in a spell. Not the scary gripping, but I could not put this book down! I was in awe. I cannot believe it is a true story! I am horrified by it.
OK. So this is a memoir of growing up homeless and neglected, but loved in a weird way. She starts out when she was 3 years old and starts on fire while cooking her own hot dog. Her father kidnaps her from the hospital (because he doesn't believe in them) only to begin a long life of running from authorities. The stories of their neglect and filth are heart wrenching. They would eat food out of trash cans while their dad was drunk and their mother was painting. Their living conditions were hideous! The whole time I was reading this, I was wondering how many people live like this. I think I actually know a few.
So, that being said, I would only recommend this to adult readers that aren't looking for an uplifting read. Even in the end, well...
There is some language in this book but very little reference to sex, surprisingly.
I really loved this book and will most likely read her other book, "Half Broke Horses." I like her writing style a lot. It is very easy and has good flow.
Has anyone else read this?

Sh*t My Dad Says

OK seriously the funniest book ever written!!

Now, for those of you with no tolerance to cuss words... don't waste your time with the rest of this post.

This book has more F-bombs than an Army barrack!

Anyway, I was at my favorite little bookstore, The Kings English, and was just getting done with Governors Day, and was feeling like I needed a little pick-me-up. So I bought the saddest and the funniest book in the whole store! Loved both of them!

So, this book is obviously not for little peeps. (And some big peeps.) But I really did laugh right out loud at several parts of this book. It is a memoir of a kid just growing up with a totally witty dad. No real story here. Just several quotes and memories of his dad.

This book is now a TV show which, by the way, is not near as funny as the book for lack of funny cuss words. But William Shatner is the dad and does a fine job with prime time TV.

So, who would I recommend this book to? Almost no one!

But I sure needed it at the time.

Warning!! I am going to spill the beans

OK Hunger Games fans! Becky is finally done with the series. Now, because no one else is... Let's talk about it!!!

I am warning you now, if you plan on reading this series, don't read this blog post.

So, all the hype was awesome and then my peeps read "Mockingjay". And then, not a word about it. Well, I guess I heard a lot of disappointment about it. No one liked the ending. And I gotta tell you, I did. I liked it. I liked the whole series. OK so I have put a lot of thought into this book and if I liked it. It took me a long time to finish. I have been avoiding "war" stories like the plague, so it was hard for me to read. I guess if I would change something, it would be the end. She wrapped this series up in the last 5 pages and I felt like I needed more info. Not necessarily more story, just more rhyme and reason. Here goes... Like I didn't feel like there was enough story behind killing President Coin. What was up with that? I mean, I understood why it had to happen but I needed more. I felt like that part was so hurried. Especially after she kills her. Locked up for a bit. Nobody really cared that she murders the Pres. Send her back to live in 12. What?!

NOW, here is my beef with the whole series. (It's a big beef for a book I loved.) I don't feel like it was a good young people read. I was a bit sad that Skyler read this last book before I did because I maybe wouldn't have let him read it. The series is out there as a teenage book, but I felt the games, the war, the gore and the whole concept was a little mature for young readers. One of the things I like most about the book was the Capitol control and taking it down. However, I think that side of the book is a little deep for the young un's. There is no sex or language which is refreshing, but the blood... Ouch!

I don't know what I was expecting with this book. I knew she would eventually take down the Capitol, but it was a tough read. I actually think someone close to her besides Prim should have died. One of the boys? Haymitch? Sometimes, it has to happen.

So, I want to know what everyone really thinks now that I put it out there. Come on people. What did you love about this? Hate? Are you glad it's over?

I LOVE that she ends up with poor little disturbed Peeta. Love it!! I kinda felt like Gale was always more big brother material. I like that they get to go back home and start new. I like that she concedes and has kids. Again, a little vague with the details, but hey...

Stayed tuned

I am reading the funniest book on earth.
Oh and Mockingjay.
Yes Moe, I am finally almost done with it. I will post ASAP. Be forewarned people, I might talk about this book and its ending as no one else is. So be prepared.
As for the other, it is very short but hysterical.
Stay tuned for more...

Let's talk Hunger Games

So people, I don't want any clues yet as to what happens in the third book, but I do want to talk a bit about the first one. I am re-reading it to update myself before diving into the last installment. I first read this book about 2 years ago and could not put it down. Let's recap: Oh PS if you haven't read it I may give some things away here...
Girl and boy go to the Games
Girl is better than she thought
Boy is injured
Girl rescues boy
Boy and girl defy the capitol and end the book with a bang!
I don't know how many of you felt like reading this book and enjoying it was wrong, but I did. I loved it!! But I wasn't sure if I should.
This book is a bit gruesome and the thought of kids fighting to the death is a little twisted. What I did find intriguing was the idea of the government control. It is kinda creepy.
So I would let my teenagers read this if they don't wig out easily. It is bloody but no language issues at all. No sex at all either. Fascinating book really. Grabs your attention and doesn't let go. You have to keep reading to see what happens. Don't plan on sleeping for a night or two. Let me know if you've read it and what you think of the original book.

OK

Just finished the third in the series, Faefever. So, Darkfever and Bloodfever were compelling books to read. This last one just left you hanging,
by one finger,
over a cliff,
with a pit of ? at the bottom,


with alligators in it.

OK, so the next Dreamfever is out only in hardcover until Oct and the next one is not due out FOREVER! They are not the best books I have ever read, but come on!
Thanks "family member" that recommended these unfinished books to me.
So, back into Hunger Games so I can read the latest. I haven't heard good reviews, but shhh don't tell me. Skyler has kept it very to himself so I won't be disappointed.

Bloodfever

So fans, #2 was even better. You just keep following this young lady through the streets of Dublin trying to solve her sisters murder and stay alive in the meantime. And there is this guy...Barrons! Yikes! I love the guy! So I am starting on the third book while waiting for my copy of Mockingjay to arrive. I also am doing something a little uncharacteristic for me. Reading 2 books at a time. One is kind of a theory book though, so it can be done. "Outliers" by Malcom Gladwell. Fantastic! Makes you really think. It is not a hard read though. Just intriguing. anyone read it?
Also, just so you know, my book club has chosen "The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" for our book this month. AND, if anyone wants to join our club, we are looking for some avid readers to come join our fun.

Darkfever

O my! A dear family member of mine, (wink, wink) recommended this book to me. I couldn't pull my nose out of it. She compared it to Twilight. I guess that's close. This book has a lot of mystery and stuff though. I am on the second book now and that says alot because I have not been able to get into anything.

So, this book I would only recommend to those who can handle some pretty "squirm in your chair moments." And I don't mean scary. Although it has those too. There are also some f-bombs throughout.

Basically a girl goes to Ireland to look into the murder of her sister and finds anything but answers. She finds out she is not who she thinks she is and ends up relying on "Jericho Barrons" , a good or bad guy, I don't know. But sexy hot I am sure.

So if you dare, this is a pretty good book. The writing is not award winning, but it is an easy read and a intriguing story. So, there you have it. I made it through a book. Miracle!

Mudbound

By Hillary Jordan

Recommended by Book lovers Calendar

My rating is a B+

I liked it. It was the first full book I have read in a spell. It caught my attention right away and held it throughout.

I would only recommend it to adult readers as it has a lot of racist story plot. And some f-bombers. (Only a few, but enough to warrant a warning.)

The story is of a family living on a cotton farm in Mississippi. It is told in first person of several different characters. (A little Jodi Picoult.) The farm owners brother has returned from war and is fighting the demons that come with that. The colored farmhands son has also returned after being in Europe where it is OK for him to have a relationship with a white woman.

On top of all this going on, there is a despicable father that everyone is sick of. This is a story of trying to make do in horrible conditions on the part of all the characters. I really don't know how better to describe this one.

Book Club is tonight

I hope they respond better to my contest idea!!!
Jeannie you are the only one in the running for my contest and I was the one that reccommended your "idea".
Sad...

For real...

I am still reading people. I just have not made it through a whole book in a spell. So I have been reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Anyone read it? I have been taking my time with this one. Little bit of a mystery. I also have to read "Ruby Holler" for my book club next week. So this is a great op of me to hear what everyone else is reading. Post your comments here and I will award some lucky gal a small prize for my favorite read out of your posts.
Enjoy!

The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance

Ok ladies. Don't let the name fool you.... This is not Gospel Doctrine.

However, it is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Totally irreverent and somewhat naughty at parts, but witty as they come.

Book is a memoir of a Mormon girl that moves to New York and her attempts at staying true to the faith in a city that is so not. Elna Baker is a comedian in New York.

So if you are looking for a good clean LDS book, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU!

Jeannie, Maryam and any of my ward book club gals, don't read this!

I would only recommend it to adults that can handle a little laugh at pop culture Mormonism and some crude humor. I loved it. I would love to see her put out more.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox

Yikes, this is a haunting little story about a girl that gets a call from the local mental hospital to come pick up her great aunt. But poor Iris has never even heard of her. In fact, the family has gone to great lengths to forget about Esme. This book was recommended by my friend, Miss. It was a fast read that I couldn't put down. I would only recommend it to adults that don't mind a bit of language. Very good book! Has anyone else read this??? Let's talk about the ending!!!

The Help

FINALLY!

So I have been on hold for this book forever! And then Sterling threw it in the cart at Costco without my knowing. Yeah!

So,let's talk about it...

It a first novel by Kathryn Stockett. At first, I thought I might not want to read one more book about slavery. (Sorry Oprah.) But this is nothing like her picks.

The book takes place in the 60's when most white families still had black maids. They still were treated very badly as well.

This book is told from 3 characters points of view. This is one of the most intriguing things about the book for me. The one maid has such a strong southern drawl that at the beginning, I thought I might not be able to read it. But I quickly fell in love with this maid. Then it goes into a second maid that is just as lovable, but always in trouble. The 3rd character is a white woman writing an anonymous book about the conditions for the maids.

All of them could be in serious trouble if caught and could even die for voicing their opinions.

This book is a wonder. It has some small tidbits in history that I found interesting as well. Socketts ability to go from character to character is unmatched. (And I love Jodi Picoult for this.)

It is a sweet, heartbreaking story. I really did love it. I would recommend it to adults, only because it is a little controversial. Not really a lighthearted read. Who knew the maids were not allowed to use the homes toilet for fear of disease. However, I did laugh out loud several times. There was also some very mild language.

Overall, I loved it. Glad my husband had the insight to throw it in the cart!

Seriously???!!!

People!
I cannot get into a book right now to save my life!
Help!
I have tried 3 different books lately and let me just say,
Rose, this book is not a page turner for me. Maybe later.
Oprah, "Say you're one of them" is very difficult to read! I am not from Africa and the dialog in this goes something like this, "I am gkjdkfk to store agsc peach I get akljdfk."
And the other book I can't even remember the title to. So there you go.
Anyone out there?
Help?
I am lost in "no book hell"!

Handle with Care

By Jodi Picoult
Not my favorite Jodi Picoult. However the story is once again riviting. About a little girl with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Her bones are so brittle that the very act of being born broke 7 bones. The story is about her mom that wants to sue her OB who also is her best friend, for wrongful birth. She claims she would've aborted had she known how disabling the disability was. Was she in it for the money? Good fiction as usual for Ms. Picoult, but I didn't like the ending at all. Very hard to imagine living with this disorder.
I wouldn't recommend this book to a young reader at all. There is a fair amount of language and the whole book is based on abortion rights. If you love Jodi Picoult, it is her same type of plot though.
I am going to pick up the book "The Last Valentine" now, being that Rose at the Paperback Book Exchange keeps giving me a copy while I am there. I didn't realize she had given it to me last time. She must really love this book. I will let you know. I have 2 copies if anyone needs one.
Ps. I love Rose. She has been known to tell me the end of the books I am looking at. She is a last page first kind of gal.

Fairest

By Gail Carson Levine
This was a book that my book club was reading. It was hard for me to get through because it wasn't quite my kind of book. However, the further I got into it, the better it was. I give it a B. It's a book anyone could read. The story is kind of like ugly duckling, Snow White mixed. Interesting. That's all I really can say about it.
I am currently reading "Handle with Care" by Jodi Picoult of course.

We are all the same

By Jim Wooten
Get out your Kleenex people. This is a tear jerker from the get go. This short story made me cry over and over! And I am not a book cryer! OUCH! Jim Wooten, a journalist, covers a story on a little boy that was born HIV postive. His mom died after she had found a place for him to live as long as he could. He was the child to live the longest in Africa after being infected by birth from his mother. The most amazing part is that a white woman and her family took him into their home and nursed him until he died. He was a motivational speaker that visited the US twice and advocated for AIDS medicines. This is not only and educating read, but moving. It is a somewhat adult topic so I would only recommend it to adults, but it is very clean. I was in awe of this little boys will to live and to help others live. I feel very blessed today.

Remembering Issac

The Wise and Joyful Potter of Niederbipp by Ben Behunin
This book was recommended to me by my boss, Dr. C. He has great taste for good clean uplifting books. This book is all three. About a young man that responds to an ad for a village potter. He quickly finds that this village is unlike any place he has ever been. He takes the place of Issac, the previous potter, and finds his shoes are very hard to fill. This book is about faith, love and service. This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone. There is also a sequel that I plan of reading. Oh and this book made we want to try my hand at pottery. (Right after I am a beekeeper.)
My favorite part about this book is the pictures on the edge of the book of a potter at the wheel. It reminds me of the old flip books. Does anyone remember these? The author is a local guy and also does little doodles on all the pages. It was as enjoyable to keep up with the doodles and picture flipping as it was to read the book. Loved it!

Currently reading...

Remembering Issac. It's taking me forever due to other activities, but getting close.

Graceling

OK. So this book was pretty good actually. It was recommended to Blythe and I at the Kings English Bookstore. It was good enough to read the sequel to. I wouldn't call it my favorite book ever and it did have some "Twilight" moments, but overall OK. I give it a B+
It has a bit of a "Lord of the Rings" time era to me. There is a lot of kings ticking off other kings to the story.
Who should read it? Funny you should ask. This book was written for young adults but the main characters enjoy some extracurricular activites together without any thought of getting married. In fact it is the heroines goal to not be tied down. AND, they talk about an herb that prevents pregnancy. So all of this is pretty minor in the whole scheme of the book, but if you have a very "with it" teen, she might notice this. P.s. It is no worse than "Twilight".
What's the Story? It's about a girl that has a "Grace". A grace can be anything like mind reading, strength, etc... but this girl has been able to kill a man since she was 8 years old. She becomes the thug for her uncle that is a king.
This story is about finding herself.
I liked it.

The Notebook, The House of Sand and Fog, drumroll please.....

Jodi Picoult's "House Rules"!!!!!!!
I was so stoked when I saw this was out. I normally don't read a lot of fictional stories about folks with Autism, but this is Jodi Picoult people!!! I love her!
So this book was incredible! I can't say that it was my favorite plot by her, even though I could not put it down. I had the mystery figured out pretty early on. The intriguing part was her characters! I am pretty sure she stalked my Skyler for this kid. (Aside from hating the color orange and having to have his food color coordinate of course.)
I give this book an A just because of the research involved really.
Who would I recommend it to? Young adult and up. There are some f-bombs and some gruesome forensic stuff.
The Story: An 18 year old autistic boys tutor is murdered and he is the prime suspect. He is a forensics buff and it plays out that he is right in the middle of events. Unfortunately at 18, his poor mom can do nothing for him. This is a story about the justice system being unable to cope with the brilliance of an autistic mind while taking care of justice. I sympathize with the mother throughout this story. She, Jodi Picoult, writes this part like she has been through this herself. Incredible! This book will haunt me for a while, I am sure. I have even already called a lawyer to see what I need to do to get guardianship for Skyler. If you love a insane mystery with a human side, this is the book for you.
Oh and the Notebook and House of Sand and Fog were good too. The Notebook is your typical Nicholas Sparks while the House of Sand and Fog was swell without a great ending.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

New Favorite!!!
I give it an A+ for real!
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Young Chinese boy becomes friends with Japanese girl during WWII in America. They are separated when she is forced to go to an internment camp. This story goes back and forth from 1986 to the 1940's.
Recommend to: Anyone. This is one of the cleanest books I have read in a spell.
What I think? Beautiful story. One of love, loss and family. Their young romance is so tender that it will leave you teary eyed. Please, someone read this book so I can chat it up with you!

Year of Wonders

By Geraldine Brooks



So, when I asked my friend Blythe for a good easy fast uplifting book, she delivered.
No, I mean she actually rented it for me.
As for all the other stuff...Blythe...uplifting?
The book is about the plague.
Hmmm...
Ok so I read it anyway. Actually beautifully written. It is really a descriptive read that you actually can put yourself into.
I give it a B. Possibly just because I was in a different mood, but I loved this gripping story.
Genre: Oh my I hope it is fiction!
Who would I reccomend this to? Anyone that loves literature. This is why Blythe loved it I am sure. It is an adult book in the sense of the awful details. I can't picture my neice sitting down to read about he plague. It also has some juicy words and a love scene that one can only appreciate if they understand her writing style. This is also somewhat gruesome. It is the plague we are reading about here.
Theme: A small town that blocks itself to the outside world after a plague outbreak. No one comes or goes and they bury each other day after day. Comes from one womans point of view and what she learns and suffers through caring for her neighbors.
What I think? I actually took a while to read this even though it is not lengthy. I must be busy. It held my attention throughout. I would say I enjoyed it if that didn't sound morbid. It was an excape from my hectic world to another.
Good book. Probabally would not reread it over and over.
Has anyone else read it?
Ps. Blythe, I adore you and your neverending list of good reads! Keep them coming!

Can we talk about "The Life of Pi"?

I don't get it. This book held my attention but seriously, I was lost as to what everything meant. Has anyone read this?
I give it a C because it was weird.
Genre: Who knows?
Theme: Boy in the ocean with a tiger on a very small boat.???
What I think: I wouldn't read it again.
What did you think?

Jane Austen and Harry Potter

What have they got in common you ask?
NOTHING!
Unless you consider the following closely related:
Mr. Bennett: "What say you, Mary? for you are a young lady of deep reflection I know, and read good books, and make extracts."
(What the blazes?)
Hagrid: "Ah, go boil yer heads, both of yeh."
So, for me it probably is a good thing they are not alike. I just finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone AGAIN. Now I am trying to read Pride and Prejudice AGAIN. No matter how hard I try, I cannot do Jane Austen! So, to you all, I ask, which book do you find the easiest read? I think it is that I cannot read HARD enough if that makes sense. I just have to concentrate too hard! So is there one of her books that I might find easier than another? HELP!
Now, let talk Harry! Now that is a good read! I don't fine J.K. Rowling to be a literary master, but man can she weave a story. HP made kids the world over become freak readers overnight. (And some adults) They are an easy carefree read that I can do again and again. This fantasy stuff is not normally my thing. (Then again, neither was a vampire love story.) But I really enjoy Harry. I think the characters are fabulous right down to Moaning Myrtle. After an intense book I always can count on Harry to bring me back down to Hogwarts.

Quote of my day by Hagrid of course: I should be chucked out an made ter live as a muggle!"
Which books were your favorite?

The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope Stokes

So, here is my latest read and I loved it!!! I read it fast which is always an indicator for me as to how good it was. Let me break it down for you in my opinion.
Rating: I give it an A. I really liked the book and couldn't put it down.
Genre: Fiction. Story about a reporter that comes across a bottle with the dreams of 4 teenage girls from 1929. She goes on a quest to find out where each of the now 80 year old women are.
Recommend to: Anyone. This book is pretty darn clean. Nothing in here I wouldn't let my kids read. Although, they may not want to. It's not an adventure type book. I would also recommend it to anyone looking for a little spiritual pick-me-up. It's not a lot of religion but certainly has a spiritual aspect.
What I think: I think all my book club gals would love this book. It was just interesting to see where each of the girls ended up. Keep in mind that they put their dreams in the bottle in 1929.
Loved it! Read it and let me know what you think!

Book Clubs

If you aren't in one, Hurry and get in on one!!!
It is my favorite. All we do is talk books for a couple hours with some good munchies and hot chocolate! Mmmmmm
If you need a book club to be in, come to mine! The girls are great and always have good recommendations. My list has grown by leaps and bounds since last night. (Much to the dismay of my already starving family.)
OHHH and I also wanted to bring up something beautiful to those of you that love to read, want to buy every book you read, but don't have the room to have that amazing library with long flowing velvet curtains and high enough ceilings to carefully maneuver your 10 foot long ladder on wheels...
Oh sorry.
Lost myself.

bookswim.com

It is literally Netflix for books! It does have some fees so you have to decide if it would save you money and room. But it works just like netflix. They mail you a book (or 3) and you can take as long as you need to read them. AND if you happen to love a book, you can keep it and purchase it! Yikes! It sounds fantastic! I have not signed up yet as I am still trying to decide if I want to throw all of my library dreams out and get a Kindle. (If anyone has one, let me know what you love and hate about them.)

My latest read... A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
I gave it a B+ because I like the story however, it is graphic! I would only recommend it to adults who don't mind a lot of sexual content. It takes place in the early 1900's. A man places an ad for a Reliable Wife and Catherine answers but has different plans for the wealthy man she is going to marry.

What are you reading?

All time Favorites

This far...
Not in order...
Maybe not all of them, just off the top of my head...
*My Sisters Keeper- Emotions to the max. Husband thought someone had died for real!
*Thirteenth Tale- Little bit mystery. Don't normally like this stuff, but this is literary heaven!
*The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society- The title for starters. Easy read without any real climax! Great book!
*The Secret Life of Bees- Made me want to be a beekeeper when I grow up!
*The Hunger Games and sequel- WOW! This author can create a story! Enjoyed to the last page! Now I have to wait for the 3rd! Augh!
*The Choice and Message in a Bottle- Really, anything by Nicholas Spark. He can create love that makes me want to lick the book. Nothing horrible and dirty. Just good lovin romance!
*The Book Thief- Not your usual holocaust story. Beautifully written. Nice flow.
*Water for Elephants- If you can handle some profanity and such, this is a fantastic book that I can't even tell you why I loved it so much!
*Angels and Demons- Dan Brown has got it goin on! His stories, research and historical detail can't be beat! I can't put his books down!
So I've given up a few of my faves. I'm sure to have missed a few, but I will get to them. PLEASE post yours!

Let's Talk Books!

And why we love them...


Asking you all to post comments on your favorite books would be like asking you to post comments on your favorite child. So we will take it slowly. I want to tel y'all about some of my favorites and why I love them. The list is lengthy so I will only cover one at a time. Then I would love to hear your comments about the books I love and hear some things about books you love. Are ya with me?


Ah books I love... where to start?

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel

My Rating: A

Genre: Memoir

Recommend to: Older teens and up (Some language and adult themes, it is a small town after all)

Great for book clubs.

What I think? I loved this witty little story about growing up in a small town. It made me laugh out loud at points. I'm sure Haven Kimmel and I are long lost relatives! In fact, I first was motivated to start "Growing up Redneck" as I read this book. If you are looking for a fun, fast, easy read, this is sure to me a memorable book for you!

Let me know if you love it as much as I did!

Books Books Books

Augh, I must be crazy! Do I really need one more blog to manage? But my faithful friends have asked and I have once again risen to the occasion. This will be a posting place for my latest and greatest reads. I am very excited for you to check out the books I am reading and hear what you are reading too! So, I am going to post what I am reading now and post a list of all time favorites this weekend.

So I am reading "Wish You Well" by David Baldacci. So far so good. It's about a 12 year old girl that has tragedy strike her family and so they go to live in the hills of Virginia with their great grandmother. It has held my interest so far.

I will keep you posted! What are you reading???

Becky