Book #1 of 2011 is finally finished. It was a great book, but self-help type books just take longer to read. I'm always drawn to the organizing section of the book store, ask my best friend! Just the same you could also ask her and she'd tell you for the most part it's not something I really need help with, at least to the normal observer. To me, it's always something I can improve.
The House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark was a book that I picked up because I knew it would help me improve in some way. It is a great book of ideas, and for some I'm sure the ideas and steps are intended to be followed step by step. For me, I felt I just needed to pick and choose my way through the book and pull out things that would help me. I was happy to know some of the suggestions I already use. For instance, not putting the mail down without doing a quick sort. I have been doing this consistently. As I walk in from getting the mail I put the things I need on the top and the things I don't need on the bottom. I walk straight to my desk and dump the junk mail in my recycling bin. Then sort the rest of the mail. If it is bills they go in my financial folder, the other items that need to be taken care of immediately go in my to do file on my desk. It keeps my desk neat and also helps things get into the right spot.
Another suggestion was finding the room that you feel horrible about when it is a mess. For me it's the front hall closet, my office and the kitchen sink. When those things are picked up and neat the rest of the house doesn't seem so bad. I've made it a point this year to reorganize the hall closet so it works for our family, and when hanging up my coat straightening it quickly at that point. I've made sure that each night before going to bed my office is picked up, supplies back where they go and if piles of projects are needed they are stacked neatly on my craft desk so I don't feel overwhelmed when I look at it. Lastly, either last thing at night or first thing in the morning I tackle any dishes left in the sink. That way I don't feel like they are staring at me during the day. There were lots of other great suggestions in the book, and I'm sure I will be refering back to it occasionally as I continue to improve the "mess" of our lives and reorganize the house to my standards.
I'd mark it as - great book, definitely needed for the person who wants to become, or stay more organized.
Next book- (can't wait to read!!!) Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Year Book 1- The House That Cleans Itself
Book 1 for the new year is the House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark. So far it has some good ideas, about 1/2 way done though so check back for the final report!
It's a New Day Challenge/Week 2
Made it a whole week without one single can of pop! Not only that, haven't had a sip of soda since the 1st and you know what, I don't miss it! Can't believe it since so many times in my life I have felt like I can't live without it. Feels good. I've had more veggies and fruit and less sugary stuff this week then anytime I can even remember. It's been amazing! I feel good, not as tired, and to add to it all lost 6 lbs this week! Huh, I wonder if I keep doing what I did and start exercising more what will happen next week. Can't wait to find out!
This weeks challenge though isn't about exercising, it's about shopping once and cooking for a week. This one is easy for me. I've been planning menus out for years, and then hitting the store once. Not only does it help with eating issues to not wonder what is for dinner, it helps with budget and busy schedules. Tonight we did try a new type of premade frozen chicken noodle soup mix. Added water and some chicken (only 4 pts a serving) and it was awesome! Tomorrow, a found a cool new zucchini recipe to try. Kids won't like it, but oh well!
This weeks challenge though isn't about exercising, it's about shopping once and cooking for a week. This one is easy for me. I've been planning menus out for years, and then hitting the store once. Not only does it help with eating issues to not wonder what is for dinner, it helps with budget and busy schedules. Tonight we did try a new type of premade frozen chicken noodle soup mix. Added water and some chicken (only 4 pts a serving) and it was awesome! Tomorrow, a found a cool new zucchini recipe to try. Kids won't like it, but oh well!
Monday, January 3, 2011
It's a New Day Challenge/ New Year
Just read the new day challenge for the day from Weight Watchers. This week it's to try a food I've never tried before. I've chosen to try whole wheat spaghetti. We'll see if the family likes it. They weren't all crazy about tonight's dinner which was mainly vegetables! Oh, well. It's a new year and a new day. One step forward and not looking back.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Book 44 The Way to A Man's Heart
This is book three in the Miller Family Series by Mary Ellis. All three books were very well written. They are about Amish women and the struggles they face with determining the true path for their lives. The stories were all very nicely done and seemed very accurate. Is Leah old enough to stand on her own and make wise decisions, or is she too naive to understand the world around her? The characters are so real you find yourself really wanting them to succeed at what they are doing. Or, yelling at them when the mess up!
Definitely, a good series to read.
Not sure if I'll manage to finish another book before the end of the year. I had decided to read 12 novels this year, one per month. So far, at least by the ones I remembered to blog, I've read 44! Not bad. Guess next year I'll have to see if I can beat it! Happy Reading. Pick up a book, it will take you someplace you never imagined you would go.
Definitely, a good series to read.
Not sure if I'll manage to finish another book before the end of the year. I had decided to read 12 novels this year, one per month. So far, at least by the ones I remembered to blog, I've read 44! Not bad. Guess next year I'll have to see if I can beat it! Happy Reading. Pick up a book, it will take you someplace you never imagined you would go.
Book 43 Happy Ever After
The final book in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts was Happy Ever After. It was a great end to the series, although to be honest 1/2 way through book 2 I think I could have named who would end up with who. Just the same, it was a quick read filled with love and friendship and trials. Will they work it out and make it to the end of the aisle, or will they determine they are not meant to be? Guess based on the title, you could pick which it will be, but getting there is over 1/2 the story. Still would recommend the whole series.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Book 42 Running Out of Time
Book 42 is Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This book, once you start reading is really hard to put down. The primary audience is young adults, and the book is only 184 pages, but it is full of twists and turns. In the story there is a community that believes it is 1840, the problem is it is really 1996. Some of the people in the community know that they are not living in the right time, as it was set up to be a sample of life in the 1840's for tourists to see. The problem is to begin with the people were still getting 20th century medical care and now when things are not going well that medical care is no where to be found. Seeing no other way Jessie, a 13 year old girl, that only knows life in the 1800's is sent out of the community secretly to get help. Will she succeed? Only through reading it can you find out.
This author also wrote the book Among the Hidden, which having read out loud to 5th graders through the course of subbing I highly recommend too!
This author also wrote the book Among the Hidden, which having read out loud to 5th graders through the course of subbing I highly recommend too!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Lost Hero Book 41
Sometimes reading books written for the tweens is not such a bad thing! Since last September I have read the entire Harry Potter series, the Percy Jackson Series and most of the Artemis Fowl books. All have been wonderful. This new book The Lost Hero by Ric Riordan is a new book in a series that deals with the Heroes of Olympus. It has some characters from the Percy Jackson series but also introduces a whole different group of characters.
I had a hard time putting down this action pack, twist and turn filled book. Will they follow the quest that their friends at Half Blood Hill think they are on, or will they listen to the dreams that beg them to do something different. Who is on which side, who will betray who, who will win in the end? These questions keep the book interesting and hold the reader spell bound. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the next thing happened and threw my prediction off. Zach just started reading it today, wonder what he will think is happening. He has already made guesses, similar to what I thought, only to discover that some of what he thinks is true, and some of what he thinks is not!
Great series, great author. Now if he could just hurry up and get the next book out that would be great! Unfortunately, book 2 is not due out until next fall!
I had a hard time putting down this action pack, twist and turn filled book. Will they follow the quest that their friends at Half Blood Hill think they are on, or will they listen to the dreams that beg them to do something different. Who is on which side, who will betray who, who will win in the end? These questions keep the book interesting and hold the reader spell bound. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the next thing happened and threw my prediction off. Zach just started reading it today, wonder what he will think is happening. He has already made guesses, similar to what I thought, only to discover that some of what he thinks is true, and some of what he thinks is not!
Great series, great author. Now if he could just hurry up and get the next book out that would be great! Unfortunately, book 2 is not due out until next fall!
Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony Book 40
Ok, yes I'm possibly addicted to this series. They are fairly quick reads, and I like to know I've read every book in a series. It's a challenge I guess. Of course I've read every book Karen Kingsbury, the previous reviews author has ever written, also a challenge I suppose.
This book by Eoin Colfer introduces a new female counterpart to Artemis. She is equally smart and also knows about the fairy people. She has even discovered the demons and when they will appear in the human world. She takes a chance and actually beats him to capturing one which creates a new contest. Not only does Artemis have to figure out how to get the demons back from her, he also must do so while saving the demon world, the fairy peoples privacy and protecting the humans. The adventure is full of surprises. With more books in the series there were certainly be more reviews to come.
This book by Eoin Colfer introduces a new female counterpart to Artemis. She is equally smart and also knows about the fairy people. She has even discovered the demons and when they will appear in the human world. She takes a chance and actually beats him to capturing one which creates a new contest. Not only does Artemis have to figure out how to get the demons back from her, he also must do so while saving the demon world, the fairy peoples privacy and protecting the humans. The adventure is full of surprises. With more books in the series there were certainly be more reviews to come.
Take Four- Book 39
Love Karen Kingsbury books! Love the fact that the characters grow and change in each book and that you really don't lose the characters when you go into a different book by her. Instead you are reading about a whole community and how the people interact with each other.
Take Four was no exception. In this book you get to follow Andi, and her decision on whether or not to keep her baby. Will Bailey and Cody finally get and stay together. Who will make the next movie? All these questions get answered as the story evolves. Of course some are also left unanswered giving you the desire to read Leaving, a story about Bailey that will be out in March of 2011.
These books are full of faith, family and friends and the trials that come and go in life. She is a must read author.
Take Four was no exception. In this book you get to follow Andi, and her decision on whether or not to keep her baby. Will Bailey and Cody finally get and stay together. Who will make the next movie? All these questions get answered as the story evolves. Of course some are also left unanswered giving you the desire to read Leaving, a story about Bailey that will be out in March of 2011.
These books are full of faith, family and friends and the trials that come and go in life. She is a must read author.
Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception Book 38
Haven't had much time to get up on my book blogs lately so I've fallen a bit behind. I actually read this book back in September, but here's the review:
In this book Artemis Fowl has had his memory wiped by the LEP (Fairy police) for the other times he has infiltrated the fairy people. Of course Artemis, being who he is, knew that they were going to wipe his mind and Butler's so he made preparations for such an occasion. Also, in the previous book Opal has been taken down in her plot to overthrow the fairy people. Of course she, also being incredibly clever, has developed a plan to fool the people into thinking that she is in a coma and trying once again to take over the world. Holly, Captain Short, Foaly, Butler and Artemis are brought back together to save not only the people but the Mud men (humans) as well. Will it be enough? Will they be able to stop Opal's Deception.
Guess you'll have to read it to find out!
In this book Artemis Fowl has had his memory wiped by the LEP (Fairy police) for the other times he has infiltrated the fairy people. Of course Artemis, being who he is, knew that they were going to wipe his mind and Butler's so he made preparations for such an occasion. Also, in the previous book Opal has been taken down in her plot to overthrow the fairy people. Of course she, also being incredibly clever, has developed a plan to fool the people into thinking that she is in a coma and trying once again to take over the world. Holly, Captain Short, Foaly, Butler and Artemis are brought back together to save not only the people but the Mud men (humans) as well. Will it be enough? Will they be able to stop Opal's Deception.
Guess you'll have to read it to find out!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More books!! book 37?!
Realized as I was writing on the blog today that I never posted a review on Bed of Roses or Savor the Moment book 2 an 3 in the Bridal Quartet Series by Nora Roberts. Actually, read them this summer, but since I am keeping track I'll call them books 37 and 38! (think I went well above the 12 I was planning on reading this year!)
Bed of Roses is the story of the florist in the Bridal series. Emma, is a true beauty who men swarm around, but she hasn't been able to find the right one. In this book she realizes that sometimes you have to look close to home to really find happiness.
Savor the Moment is book 3 in the series. In this book pastry chef Laural finally realizes her dream of knowing true love. She has perfected her world of pastry can she perfect and keep a relationship alive.
Both books were great romance stories. Looking forward to Happily Ever After which is set to be released in November of this year.
Bed of Roses is the story of the florist in the Bridal series. Emma, is a true beauty who men swarm around, but she hasn't been able to find the right one. In this book she realizes that sometimes you have to look close to home to really find happiness.
Savor the Moment is book 3 in the series. In this book pastry chef Laural finally realizes her dream of knowing true love. She has perfected her world of pastry can she perfect and keep a relationship alive.
Both books were great romance stories. Looking forward to Happily Ever After which is set to be released in November of this year.
Choosing to See ( Book 35)
It's hard to even start this review. Book 35 was Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. Wow, doesn't even begin to describe the life she has lived especially these past several years. As long as I can remember I have been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music. So in May of 2008 when I heard the crushing news that his daughter had been killed in a car accident I felt compelled as so many across the world did to pray for his family. At the time I had just purchased a CD of his with the song Cinderella on it. It's a song about how quickly little ones grow up, and that before you know it they are ready to be on their own and gone. For days after the accident the radio stations would play the song and I'd have to shut it off, sick over what had happened to their family and wondering why God would allow this to happen to a man who had spent his adult life telling the world about God through his music.
When I heard Mary Beth Chapman was writing a book about what God has taught her over the years I knew I had to read it. Part of me was curious, would she say what really happened, at the time of the accident there were only sketchy details, would she talk about how she simply trusted God and moved on? While she did tell of the accident, and her life before and after the book was so much more about journeying with God. Yes, she absolutely trusted God, before, during and after the accident. But at the same time she trusted Him with her heart, and her family, she struggled with, and most likely still does struggle with questions that may never be answered this side of heaven. She poured her life out on the pages of the book. At times I'd find myself laughing over different stories she was telling, and the next I was brought to tears.
Real. That is what she allowed herself to be for everyone through this book. She shared with honesty her struggles, her questions, her trials. Yet, as she did I found myself drawn to the fact that regardless of the storms life may be throwing at her she was going to hang on, if only by a thread to the fact that God is in control, that His love is real, and that He will never leave us. We might not feel His presence at times, we might wonder why He would allow something to happen, and we might honestly scream out to him in anger. Yet, He knows how we feel, He has felt our pain, and He alone will be with us no matter what. I don't often buy books, but this one I knew I had to purchase. Not so it will sit on my shelf for years to come, but so that I can pass it on to someone else to read. Perhaps her story will help someone find the peace, the hope and the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. That they too will choose to see God, perhaps for the first time.
The Chapman family is till in my prayers. I pray for them as they live without their precious daughter, and as they continue to show others what it means to really walk by faith.
When I heard Mary Beth Chapman was writing a book about what God has taught her over the years I knew I had to read it. Part of me was curious, would she say what really happened, at the time of the accident there were only sketchy details, would she talk about how she simply trusted God and moved on? While she did tell of the accident, and her life before and after the book was so much more about journeying with God. Yes, she absolutely trusted God, before, during and after the accident. But at the same time she trusted Him with her heart, and her family, she struggled with, and most likely still does struggle with questions that may never be answered this side of heaven. She poured her life out on the pages of the book. At times I'd find myself laughing over different stories she was telling, and the next I was brought to tears.
Real. That is what she allowed herself to be for everyone through this book. She shared with honesty her struggles, her questions, her trials. Yet, as she did I found myself drawn to the fact that regardless of the storms life may be throwing at her she was going to hang on, if only by a thread to the fact that God is in control, that His love is real, and that He will never leave us. We might not feel His presence at times, we might wonder why He would allow something to happen, and we might honestly scream out to him in anger. Yet, He knows how we feel, He has felt our pain, and He alone will be with us no matter what. I don't often buy books, but this one I knew I had to purchase. Not so it will sit on my shelf for years to come, but so that I can pass it on to someone else to read. Perhaps her story will help someone find the peace, the hope and the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. That they too will choose to see God, perhaps for the first time.
The Chapman family is till in my prayers. I pray for them as they live without their precious daughter, and as they continue to show others what it means to really walk by faith.
Books 33, 34, and 36.
It's been awhile since I've taken the time to update my blog book reviews. I have been reading, in fact I read books 33 and 34 back in August, followed by an attempt at 2 different books that I just couldn't get into. Book 35 deserves it's own entry, so for this post I've included the books on either side of it.
Book 33 Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. It is book 1 of a set of 9 books that focus on Betsy, who has turned into a vampire. Now if you like the Twilight series or the Vampire Diaries you might not find this book to your taste. In fact, it's not one you can really sink your teeth into. It's more of a snack. (I know enough with the Vampire analogies) This book was a fairly quick read, and despite the fact the lead character has turned into a vampire, it is a pretty light hearted book. The main character knows she died, but can't figure out why she is still alive. It takes a bit to determine why when she was killed in an accident she comes back to life. Her family and friends have to learn how to deal with this new part of her life, will they stand by her or turn away? Of course there is also the problem that she is being hunted by a group of vampires who feel that she is unworthy of the status that she has earned. Will she be able to save the vampire world from destruction? To answer these questions you'll have to pick up the book and read it. It was a fun book to read, not sure I'll read the rest of the series or not. I'm not addicted to vampires so I could take it or leave it. Guess I'll have to see what other books cross by path first.
I guess on that note I have to say that if you are really into vampires you might like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I started book one, and was told ahead of time that it was pretty edgy. I thought I'd give it a try, as it was recommended, I made it to page 100. At that point I decided it just wasn't for me.
Book 34 Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
This series is one I keep returning to. I guess mainly to see what more trouble Artemis can get into. In this book he has stolen Fairy technology that he has decided to sell. Of course that doesn't go the way he has planned and requires Fairy intervention to help him escape a bad situation. This character is like James Bond/Sydney Bristow meeting a 6th grader. It's quick, funny, and intriguing as to what could possibly happen next. I have the next book The Opal Deception in my teaching bag ready for down time. This series is perfect for your late elementary school student too, although mine is currently reading about 5 different novels depending on which one he picks up at any given moment!
Before reading book 35 and 36 I did attempt to read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It was a good book, I just couldn't quite get into it. I don't know if it's because at the time so much else was going on that I never found time to really read for long enough periods. I may go back to it again sometime. It's the story of friendship, love and relationships.
Book 36 UnBridaled by Eileen Rendhl
To be honest I picked up this book because I found the cover amusing. After reading the back of the book, it reminded me of the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride, which was pretty funny, so I decided to read the book. It was just a light, quick, read that didn't require much thinking. Sometimes, I don't want to have to spend hours contemplating the world and the relationships of people. It just unfolded. Chloe the main character leaves her husband to be at the alter. What happens next is a tale of realizing that life doesn't always happen the way we expect it, but the way it should. She does have other books with similar titles, may or may not read them. It will depend on recommendations, or other books that just leap off the shelf at me between now and then.
Book 33 Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. It is book 1 of a set of 9 books that focus on Betsy, who has turned into a vampire. Now if you like the Twilight series or the Vampire Diaries you might not find this book to your taste. In fact, it's not one you can really sink your teeth into. It's more of a snack. (I know enough with the Vampire analogies) This book was a fairly quick read, and despite the fact the lead character has turned into a vampire, it is a pretty light hearted book. The main character knows she died, but can't figure out why she is still alive. It takes a bit to determine why when she was killed in an accident she comes back to life. Her family and friends have to learn how to deal with this new part of her life, will they stand by her or turn away? Of course there is also the problem that she is being hunted by a group of vampires who feel that she is unworthy of the status that she has earned. Will she be able to save the vampire world from destruction? To answer these questions you'll have to pick up the book and read it. It was a fun book to read, not sure I'll read the rest of the series or not. I'm not addicted to vampires so I could take it or leave it. Guess I'll have to see what other books cross by path first.
I guess on that note I have to say that if you are really into vampires you might like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I started book one, and was told ahead of time that it was pretty edgy. I thought I'd give it a try, as it was recommended, I made it to page 100. At that point I decided it just wasn't for me.
Book 34 Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
This series is one I keep returning to. I guess mainly to see what more trouble Artemis can get into. In this book he has stolen Fairy technology that he has decided to sell. Of course that doesn't go the way he has planned and requires Fairy intervention to help him escape a bad situation. This character is like James Bond/Sydney Bristow meeting a 6th grader. It's quick, funny, and intriguing as to what could possibly happen next. I have the next book The Opal Deception in my teaching bag ready for down time. This series is perfect for your late elementary school student too, although mine is currently reading about 5 different novels depending on which one he picks up at any given moment!
Before reading book 35 and 36 I did attempt to read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It was a good book, I just couldn't quite get into it. I don't know if it's because at the time so much else was going on that I never found time to really read for long enough periods. I may go back to it again sometime. It's the story of friendship, love and relationships.
Book 36 UnBridaled by Eileen Rendhl
To be honest I picked up this book because I found the cover amusing. After reading the back of the book, it reminded me of the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride, which was pretty funny, so I decided to read the book. It was just a light, quick, read that didn't require much thinking. Sometimes, I don't want to have to spend hours contemplating the world and the relationships of people. It just unfolded. Chloe the main character leaves her husband to be at the alter. What happens next is a tale of realizing that life doesn't always happen the way we expect it, but the way it should. She does have other books with similar titles, may or may not read them. It will depend on recommendations, or other books that just leap off the shelf at me between now and then.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Red Pyramid #32
32 books this year?! Wow! The crazy thing is I have two more at home already set to read and two at the library waiting to pick up. Truly, I am not spending all my time reading either, it's crazy!!
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan was wonderful! The books target audience is about 4th grade and up, and my 5th grader loved it too. This book is the first in the Kane Chronicles which will follow Carter and Sadie Kane, children of parents who made it their life work to study Egyptian artifacts and mythology. Through the story you discover that Mom and Dad were more then just interested in Egypt as a career, they were interested as it was a part of their lives from the time they were born. Which in turn has now made it a part of their children's lives.
Dad finds himself opening a portal and allowing multiple Egyptian gods loose. Of course in the process the evil god Set captures Dad and now Carter and Sadie find themselves on an adventure to stop Set before he destroys North America. The story has many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. The book being based on Egyptian mythology helps you to understand their philosophy in how things were built and what their belief system taught them.
While the book was good and both Zach and I look forward to the next book in the series, I did notice that Disney was on the spine of the book. With the very remote chance that they would ever see my blog... "PLEASE FOLLOW THE BOOK IF YOU INTEND TO CREATE A MOVIE AS YOU SCREWED UP PERCY JACKSON FOR LOTS OF READERS!" Just thought I'd let them know.
(by the way, the Percy Jackson movie is good, if you don't read the book, but since Zach and I like to read...we didn't like the movie all that much!)
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan was wonderful! The books target audience is about 4th grade and up, and my 5th grader loved it too. This book is the first in the Kane Chronicles which will follow Carter and Sadie Kane, children of parents who made it their life work to study Egyptian artifacts and mythology. Through the story you discover that Mom and Dad were more then just interested in Egypt as a career, they were interested as it was a part of their lives from the time they were born. Which in turn has now made it a part of their children's lives.
Dad finds himself opening a portal and allowing multiple Egyptian gods loose. Of course in the process the evil god Set captures Dad and now Carter and Sadie find themselves on an adventure to stop Set before he destroys North America. The story has many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. The book being based on Egyptian mythology helps you to understand their philosophy in how things were built and what their belief system taught them.
While the book was good and both Zach and I look forward to the next book in the series, I did notice that Disney was on the spine of the book. With the very remote chance that they would ever see my blog... "PLEASE FOLLOW THE BOOK IF YOU INTEND TO CREATE A MOVIE AS YOU SCREWED UP PERCY JACKSON FOR LOTS OF READERS!" Just thought I'd let them know.
(by the way, the Percy Jackson movie is good, if you don't read the book, but since Zach and I like to read...we didn't like the movie all that much!)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sisters Book #31
I haven't been reading Danielle Steel for quite awhile now. Mainly because she started to go way beyond what I wanted to read in a romance novel. This book however was completely different. I picked it up mainly because of the title Sisters, which caught my attention having just read a few books by Nancy Thayer about sister and their relationships with each other. Danielle's book was just as good as those, this time.
This book explores the lives of the Adams sisters. All four are different, their is a lawyer, a producer, a model and an artist. They are all incredibly close to their parents and head home for the 4th of July celebration when tragedy strikes. How will they deal with the difficult situation that lays before them is the tale that fills the rest of the book. The sisters show you a side of love that you wish every family would find. You want to laugh with them, cry with them and smack at least one of them around a bit. Much like real family life. In the end you want to be like them, and have the relationship with your siblings that they have with theirs. A great quick read!
This book explores the lives of the Adams sisters. All four are different, their is a lawyer, a producer, a model and an artist. They are all incredibly close to their parents and head home for the 4th of July celebration when tragedy strikes. How will they deal with the difficult situation that lays before them is the tale that fills the rest of the book. The sisters show you a side of love that you wish every family would find. You want to laugh with them, cry with them and smack at least one of them around a bit. Much like real family life. In the end you want to be like them, and have the relationship with your siblings that they have with theirs. A great quick read!
Sarah Palin's Going Rouge An American Life Book #30
I know this post will generate several opinions. You either like Sarah or hate her, and I can deal with that. Personally, she intrigued me. Not because she was the best politician ever, but because she seemed to want to tell it like it was. This book, written by her, is a way of understanding where she came from, what she wanted to do and where she was going. Did she succeed. Not really, but not necessarily because she wasn't the trained speaker that other candidates were, but rather because she was made to be a scapegoat for failure. She prided herself on being her own person, and making decisions based on what was best for the people she was serving. She didn't care if she was a Republican by voting status or if she was siding with the Democrats. She cared about her city, her state, and her country. The Republican election committee made her say, act and be someone she wasn't and when she bucked the system she was considered to be "going rogue". I don't know that she would have been the best person to be elected, maybe she'll run again on her own terms and we'll find out. What I do know is having read this book, I feel even more strongly about how the true picture of who the candidates really are is something that we very rarely ever see. We see who they want us to believe them to be, or who the press wants us to see. And if the press doesn't like you or agree with you LOOK OUT! I respect Sarah for writing this book and at least to those who read it exposing the truth of the situation. Maybe if a few more American Politicians decide to Go Rouge, we might actually have a fighting chance of getting the country back to the Glory Days. You Go Sarah!
Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident Book 29
The book Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident is book two in the Artemis Fowl series. It can be found in most young adult sections of the library and is a great read. My son really likes the series, and honestly so do I. In this book young Artemis discovers that his father may actually have survived the destruction of his ship, from book one, and is possibly being held captive by the Russians. While attempting to discover if this is true, he is once again caught up in the Fairy World when the take him captive to accuse him of sabotaging their world. Did he do it, or is it someone else?
As Captain Holly investigates she learns that working with Artemis might be the only way to discover the truth. The story is filled with spy like action, twists and turns. Definitely, a good series to be reading through. I've already reserved book 3, of course it's on a list behind 4 more books I would like to read!
As Captain Holly investigates she learns that working with Artemis might be the only way to discover the truth. The story is filled with spy like action, twists and turns. Definitely, a good series to be reading through. I've already reserved book 3, of course it's on a list behind 4 more books I would like to read!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Summer Hours Book 28
Summer House was the 28th book I've read this year! It took awhile for me to get into the story, perhaps as I was laying on a beach in 98* weather and it was hard to concentrate. Once the characters began to unfold it was hard to put the book down.
The story, by Nancy Thayer, follows the lives of the Wheelwright family. This family is rooted on tradition, and banking, but one of Nona's sons children are not the "respectable" family members that her daughter's family thinks they should be. The family conflict is real, and reminds you of the shortcomings that all families have. Will they learn to love and support each other in the end, no matter what it takes to get there, or will they tear each other apart?
Another book that I would recommend for light summer reading, on a beach or a hammock, it was a story that pulled you into another place and found you fighting for the characters that you felt were right.
The story, by Nancy Thayer, follows the lives of the Wheelwright family. This family is rooted on tradition, and banking, but one of Nona's sons children are not the "respectable" family members that her daughter's family thinks they should be. The family conflict is real, and reminds you of the shortcomings that all families have. Will they learn to love and support each other in the end, no matter what it takes to get there, or will they tear each other apart?
Another book that I would recommend for light summer reading, on a beach or a hammock, it was a story that pulled you into another place and found you fighting for the characters that you felt were right.
Moon Shell Beach book 27
Summer reading should be fun and light. Something that can transport you to a dreamy vacation spot or catch you up in the tale of friendship and love. Moon Shell Beach by Nancy Thayer was just that. This book follows the lives of 2 friends Lexi and Clare as they move from childhood to adulthood. Will their friendship survive the challenges that teenage and young adult years bring? Will they learn from their mistakes what it takes to keep a friendship alive? Can they restart from where they left off? All these questions run through the book, as the tale of true friendship unfolds.
Friendship isn't just a day to day thing, when it is a good friend. Rather it is a lifelong learning process of building and learning to trust enough in a relationship to make it last. This book as the jacket on it says, makes you want to grab your best friend and walk on the beach with her.
Friendship isn't just a day to day thing, when it is a good friend. Rather it is a lifelong learning process of building and learning to trust enough in a relationship to make it last. This book as the jacket on it says, makes you want to grab your best friend and walk on the beach with her.
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