Why I have this book: It's another "borrow" on my Kindle. I sure like the library loaning program for Kindle!
I think I've read one other book by Debbie Macomber, but I don't remember much about it. She was just featured in a Christian magazine I read, so I figured it would be a clean read.
So... I liked this book quite a bit. Nothing challenging about it at all. It's one of those "bathtub" or "beach" reads... soemthing that doesn't require a lot of brain power.
Some of it was a bit corny, but she did a good job developing most of the characters. I guess it's part of a series (Blossom Street). There sure were a lot of widows in the book.
Anyway, yeah... enjoyable book.
ETA: I ended up reading several of the the other books in this series. Some of them had more swearing and more sexuality (still nothing graphic). I liked one of the character's philosophy on "life affirmation" (she is a cancer survivor), but overall, these aren't books I'd spend more money on. Library? Yes, if I want something totally light and mindless to read.
There may have been one mild swear word, and a hint of sensuality... and a weird exchange of words between a mother and daughter.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The Believer (Ann H. Gabhart)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the library for my Kindle.
Well... this book was interesting. First of all, I didn't know anything about the Shakers other than having seen "Shaker style" furniture from time to time.
Their beliefs sure are interesting. I don't even know if they exist still. I'll have to look into it.
The book itself was really good in some spots and super corny and lame in others. That's all I really have to say about it.
I would pass it on if it was my book.
This book is clean.
Well... this book was interesting. First of all, I didn't know anything about the Shakers other than having seen "Shaker style" furniture from time to time.
Their beliefs sure are interesting. I don't even know if they exist still. I'll have to look into it.
The book itself was really good in some spots and super corny and lame in others. That's all I really have to say about it.
I would pass it on if it was my book.
This book is clean.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Until We Reach Home (Lynn Austin)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the library on my Kindle.
I'm 99.9% sure I've read this book before. I don't know when, and I'm pretty sure I didn't review it on here (but if I did already, forgive me!)
I liked this book a lot. The thing is, I really want to know what happened AFTER it ended. There is still more than one story to tell. As far as I know, the author hasn't continued the story, but maybe she will at some point.
Like some of her other books, the ended ties up rather neatly. And again, the stories of the faith the characters show or develop is not real deep. It's hard to "feel" their faith, because you don't get that much depth in each character. That's unfortunate, I think.
Even so, I liked this book quite a bit. It's a good light, uplifting, Christian book.
Clean.
I'm 99.9% sure I've read this book before. I don't know when, and I'm pretty sure I didn't review it on here (but if I did already, forgive me!)
I liked this book a lot. The thing is, I really want to know what happened AFTER it ended. There is still more than one story to tell. As far as I know, the author hasn't continued the story, but maybe she will at some point.
Like some of her other books, the ended ties up rather neatly. And again, the stories of the faith the characters show or develop is not real deep. It's hard to "feel" their faith, because you don't get that much depth in each character. That's unfortunate, I think.
Even so, I liked this book quite a bit. It's a good light, uplifting, Christian book.
Clean.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
All She Ever Wanted (Lynn Austin)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the e-book library.
I like Lynn Austin books. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that before. I liked this one, too. I didn't LOVE it for two reasons:
It switches between 3 generations, which is just something I don't love so much. I get all invested in one storyline and then it changes. Then I get invested in that storyline and it changes again! I'm not a hater of that way of writing, but it just disrupts the flow for me... it's distracting. My problem, I know.
The second reason I didn't LOVE it was because parts of it didn't seem plausible. The ending tied up too neatly and too quickly. There were things that happened that should have had more depth to them than was explained. I guess I mean that she hit on some deep wounds, but didn't write to the depth that seemed to be required.
The same thing applies to the characters who had strong faith. I felt like the author could have developed that more deeply.
Still, it was a good book. It kept my interest.
This book is clean. There are some hard topics, but none of them were explored enough to be really disturbing.
I like Lynn Austin books. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that before. I liked this one, too. I didn't LOVE it for two reasons:
It switches between 3 generations, which is just something I don't love so much. I get all invested in one storyline and then it changes. Then I get invested in that storyline and it changes again! I'm not a hater of that way of writing, but it just disrupts the flow for me... it's distracting. My problem, I know.
The second reason I didn't LOVE it was because parts of it didn't seem plausible. The ending tied up too neatly and too quickly. There were things that happened that should have had more depth to them than was explained. I guess I mean that she hit on some deep wounds, but didn't write to the depth that seemed to be required.
The same thing applies to the characters who had strong faith. I felt like the author could have developed that more deeply.
Still, it was a good book. It kept my interest.
This book is clean. There are some hard topics, but none of them were explored enough to be really disturbing.
Monday, November 28, 2011
All That is Bitter and Sweet (Ashley Judd with Maryanne Vollers)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from my library for my Kindle.
I thought this memoir would be mostly about Ashley's dysfunctional childhood... and there was that. Most of the book, however, was about her work with humanitarian causes, specifically with women and children who are victims of forced prostitution, rape, poverty, AIDS/HIV, and other horrible life conditions in all parts of the world.
It's a hard book to read... really, so many of us live in a bubble and don't realize (or internalize) the reality of life for so many people in this world. It's unfathomable, but it's... real.
The book itself is well-written. I don't agree with many of Ashley's life philosophies, but I certainly admire her for the way she has fought to open her heart in order to love and serve and heal. She does what relatively few people would be willing to do. At the same time, she lets us know that there are many unsung heroes in the fight for humanity.
It wasn't what I expected, but I'm glad I read it. It opened my eyes.
This book contains a handful of swear words. Obviously, the subject matter is sensitive: Rape, prostitution, violence. The author doesn't mince words or descriptions of what she saw and what these women experience. But... what would be the point of sugar coating it? The world does need to know exactly what is happening, and I believe she shared the details to be a voice for those who can't speak up for themselves.
I thought this memoir would be mostly about Ashley's dysfunctional childhood... and there was that. Most of the book, however, was about her work with humanitarian causes, specifically with women and children who are victims of forced prostitution, rape, poverty, AIDS/HIV, and other horrible life conditions in all parts of the world.
It's a hard book to read... really, so many of us live in a bubble and don't realize (or internalize) the reality of life for so many people in this world. It's unfathomable, but it's... real.
The book itself is well-written. I don't agree with many of Ashley's life philosophies, but I certainly admire her for the way she has fought to open her heart in order to love and serve and heal. She does what relatively few people would be willing to do. At the same time, she lets us know that there are many unsung heroes in the fight for humanity.
It wasn't what I expected, but I'm glad I read it. It opened my eyes.
This book contains a handful of swear words. Obviously, the subject matter is sensitive: Rape, prostitution, violence. The author doesn't mince words or descriptions of what she saw and what these women experience. But... what would be the point of sugar coating it? The world does need to know exactly what is happening, and I believe she shared the details to be a voice for those who can't speak up for themselves.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
While We're Far Apart (Lynn Austin)
I think my bookshelf challenge has totally and completely evolved, because I'm really not reading any of my old books. Maybe at some point... but there are too many books that I haven't read yet!
Why I have this book: I'm pretty sure I got it for free on my Kindle. If it wasn't free, it was pretty close to free. In any case, I do like Lynn Austin, so I was happy to get to read one of her books at a good deal.
Let's just get the annoyance at the adoption theme out of the way first. Yes, there is an adoption theme, and there were several cringe-worthy moments involved. Why, oh why do people not "get" that your adoptive parents ARE your "real" parents??? I understand that in this case, the child didn't have a great relationship with her parents, but they still were her parents and that makes them "real". I just wish that people who write about adoption would research it a bit and understand those trigger words.
Next, let's talk about how things did tie up pretty neatly at the end. Which is good... happy endings are always good, and there was a lot of drama and loss already in the story, so I can accept how nicely everything turned out. It probably would have been too heavy without it... but it did seem somewhat "convenient" in some ways. Still, I was happy that there were so many good things that happened.
So, with those two issues out of the way... I really liked this book. I liked how the author covered the topic of whether or not God is involved in our lives, even when we can't see Him or even if we're not sure He is listening to our prayers. I liked how faith was represented by characters of both Jewish and Christian belief. I liked how they could lean on each other and learn from each other.
At first, the writing seems simplistic, but it gets better as the book goes on. And as for the characters, I loved Mr. Mendel. I related to his feelings and efforts the most.
Definite keeper... even if it wasn't on my Kindle.
This book is clean, other than a few times when a kid uses a derogatory term for "Jew".
Why I have this book: I'm pretty sure I got it for free on my Kindle. If it wasn't free, it was pretty close to free. In any case, I do like Lynn Austin, so I was happy to get to read one of her books at a good deal.
Let's just get the annoyance at the adoption theme out of the way first. Yes, there is an adoption theme, and there were several cringe-worthy moments involved. Why, oh why do people not "get" that your adoptive parents ARE your "real" parents??? I understand that in this case, the child didn't have a great relationship with her parents, but they still were her parents and that makes them "real". I just wish that people who write about adoption would research it a bit and understand those trigger words.
Next, let's talk about how things did tie up pretty neatly at the end. Which is good... happy endings are always good, and there was a lot of drama and loss already in the story, so I can accept how nicely everything turned out. It probably would have been too heavy without it... but it did seem somewhat "convenient" in some ways. Still, I was happy that there were so many good things that happened.
So, with those two issues out of the way... I really liked this book. I liked how the author covered the topic of whether or not God is involved in our lives, even when we can't see Him or even if we're not sure He is listening to our prayers. I liked how faith was represented by characters of both Jewish and Christian belief. I liked how they could lean on each other and learn from each other.
At first, the writing seems simplistic, but it gets better as the book goes on. And as for the characters, I loved Mr. Mendel. I related to his feelings and efforts the most.
Definite keeper... even if it wasn't on my Kindle.
This book is clean, other than a few times when a kid uses a derogatory term for "Jew".
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Jamie Ford)
Why I have this book: It was our book club book this month. I put it on my Kindle, so it's taking up no space on my shelves. :)
The book was slow going at first... I kept thinking I must be at least 1/3 of the way through, but then I'd look down and see that I was only 10% done. It was kind of like that for nearly the first half... not that it wasn't good, but it wasn't a quick read. I'm not sure why. Maybe I was just too distracted by other things... but once I got hooked into it, I really enjoyed it. In the second half, I kept wanting to get back to it if I had to put it down and do something else. And I couldn't stand it when the book was 96% completed and I still didn't know how it was going to end.
I love historical fiction, especially about the WWII era. I love the way the author told this story... it's so smooth and almost dream-like in it's flow. I was able to feel the emotions of so many of the characters, even though there wasn't a lot of information given about each one individually. Somehow, there was a depth without a lot of words. I like that.
I highly recommend this book.
Several times while reading this book, I stopped and thought, "I have not seen one swear word. Not one." The book was perfectly clean. Other authors should take note that a really great book doesn't need sex or swearing to make it authentic and successful.
P.S. I am not the only one in my group of friends who wondered how the internet and CD's came into his story in the 80's. I was there in the 80's... and internet and CD's were not common at all. I'm not even sure they were even heard of at that time! I know the author has also been asked about this, and he did have a response. You could probably google it, if you want. :)
The book was slow going at first... I kept thinking I must be at least 1/3 of the way through, but then I'd look down and see that I was only 10% done. It was kind of like that for nearly the first half... not that it wasn't good, but it wasn't a quick read. I'm not sure why. Maybe I was just too distracted by other things... but once I got hooked into it, I really enjoyed it. In the second half, I kept wanting to get back to it if I had to put it down and do something else. And I couldn't stand it when the book was 96% completed and I still didn't know how it was going to end.
I love historical fiction, especially about the WWII era. I love the way the author told this story... it's so smooth and almost dream-like in it's flow. I was able to feel the emotions of so many of the characters, even though there wasn't a lot of information given about each one individually. Somehow, there was a depth without a lot of words. I like that.
I highly recommend this book.
Several times while reading this book, I stopped and thought, "I have not seen one swear word. Not one." The book was perfectly clean. Other authors should take note that a really great book doesn't need sex or swearing to make it authentic and successful.
P.S. I am not the only one in my group of friends who wondered how the internet and CD's came into his story in the 80's. I was there in the 80's... and internet and CD's were not common at all. I'm not even sure they were even heard of at that time! I know the author has also been asked about this, and he did have a response. You could probably google it, if you want. :)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Another book bites the dust...
Confessions of an Organized Homemaker (Deniece Schofield)
Why I have this book: I think my mother-in-law had a copy in her house, and after looking through it, I ended up buying myself a copy. Then I loaned my copy to someone else and never got it back or something... because I bought another copy.
Incidently, it used to be called Confessions of an Organized Housewife. But I guess "homemaker" is more politically or socially correct these days.
Anyway, it was a great book to help me get started on being organized back in the day, but Flylady's book Sink Reflections is a better fit for me. I'll pass this one on so someone else can get organized the Deniece Schofield way.
Another clean cleaning book. :)
Why I have this book: I think my mother-in-law had a copy in her house, and after looking through it, I ended up buying myself a copy. Then I loaned my copy to someone else and never got it back or something... because I bought another copy.
Incidently, it used to be called Confessions of an Organized Housewife. But I guess "homemaker" is more politically or socially correct these days.
Anyway, it was a great book to help me get started on being organized back in the day, but Flylady's book Sink Reflections is a better fit for me. I'll pass this one on so someone else can get organized the Deniece Schofield way.
Another clean cleaning book. :)
Friday, October 7, 2011
Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier)
Why I have this book: It was the first book in our newly resurrected book club.
Oh... how wonderful to read something that required some brain power!!!
Okay, this book had the feel of Jane Eyre, with a touch of Wuthering Heights. (Not a fan of Wuthering Heights... but loved Jane Eyre!) I really liked it a lot. The first few chapters require a bit of "stick-to-it-ness", but once you're hooked, you're hooked.
The end just... ends. I thought at first maybe I was missing the last chapter. (It was a "bargain book", so it was possible.) But, nope... that really was the ending. It left a few too many questions for me, but I still loved it.
I will be finding the movie version(s) and watching them.
Keeper.
This book had some swear words.
Oh... and the author also wrote The Birds, which Alfred Hitchcock made into that creepy movie.
Oh... how wonderful to read something that required some brain power!!!
Okay, this book had the feel of Jane Eyre, with a touch of Wuthering Heights. (Not a fan of Wuthering Heights... but loved Jane Eyre!) I really liked it a lot. The first few chapters require a bit of "stick-to-it-ness", but once you're hooked, you're hooked.
The end just... ends. I thought at first maybe I was missing the last chapter. (It was a "bargain book", so it was possible.) But, nope... that really was the ending. It left a few too many questions for me, but I still loved it.
I will be finding the movie version(s) and watching them.
Keeper.
This book had some swear words.
Oh... and the author also wrote The Birds, which Alfred Hitchcock made into that creepy movie.
Fools Rush In (Janice Thompson)
Why I have this book: It was on the account Kindle account I share with my mom. I'm guessing it was a free download.
So this is the first book in a series called Weddings by Bella. The genre would be "Christian Romance".
Um... okay. It was fine. Very light read... almost too light. It was sometimes painful to read, because things that were meant to be humorous or... whatever... just weren't so much. It was like the author was trying to hard. I don't know. I can't even write a review on it, because it just defies description.
Anyway... it was okay. Totally brainless, no emotional connection whatsoever to the storyline or any of the characters.
I would have no problem passing this book along to the library or someone else. I wouldn't keep it and I have no desire to read the rest of the series. If they were free and I was really desperate, I might. I mean, it didn't offend me in any way... it just didn't mean anything to me, either.
Clean.
Wow... this sounds so harsh! It wasn't THAT horrible... just not wonderful.
So this is the first book in a series called Weddings by Bella. The genre would be "Christian Romance".
Um... okay. It was fine. Very light read... almost too light. It was sometimes painful to read, because things that were meant to be humorous or... whatever... just weren't so much. It was like the author was trying to hard. I don't know. I can't even write a review on it, because it just defies description.
Anyway... it was okay. Totally brainless, no emotional connection whatsoever to the storyline or any of the characters.
I would have no problem passing this book along to the library or someone else. I wouldn't keep it and I have no desire to read the rest of the series. If they were free and I was really desperate, I might. I mean, it didn't offend me in any way... it just didn't mean anything to me, either.
Clean.
Wow... this sounds so harsh! It wasn't THAT horrible... just not wonderful.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Four books that are going bye-bye
I was straightening my bookshelves downstairs, and found four books that are headed out the door...
2x4 Furniture; Simple, Inexpensive and Great-Looking Projects You Can Make
Reader's Digest Home Improvements Manual
Time Life Books - The BIG Book of Flower Gardening
Time Life Books - Pick the Right Plant
In this day of internet information, none of these books is crucial to our family. I'll donate them to the library... and free up a little space for some of those piles of books that haven't quite found room on the bookshelf yet.
2x4 Furniture; Simple, Inexpensive and Great-Looking Projects You Can Make
Reader's Digest Home Improvements Manual
Time Life Books - The BIG Book of Flower Gardening
Time Life Books - Pick the Right Plant
In this day of internet information, none of these books is crucial to our family. I'll donate them to the library... and free up a little space for some of those piles of books that haven't quite found room on the bookshelf yet.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Whiter Than Snow (Sandra Dallas)
Why I have this book: Being a Sandra Dallas fan, I bought it when I saw it at Costco one day.
Okay... so... I don't know. Maybe my Sandra Dallas fanhood is starting to fade. I liked this book... I like how she wrote it, I liked the point she was making. I liked learning about all the different characters and thought she did a great job developing the story.
It's just that... why does it seem like a recurring theme (this book and the SD book I reviewed just previously) that these young women sleep with a guy who makes them think they love them and then they don't and the gal has to figure out how to marry someone else so she won't be labeled or something?
It just seemed too familiar to the book I just read.
And one storyline in here was really bothersome to me.
Sooooo, I don't know. It wasn't an uplifting story, although there it was definitely a story of redemption. (I stole that description from the back of the book... but it fits.)
I will probably donate it to the library.
Some swearing, one character is a prostitute, there are some disturbing elements here and there. Again, premarital sex (not really descriptive).
Okay... so... I don't know. Maybe my Sandra Dallas fanhood is starting to fade. I liked this book... I like how she wrote it, I liked the point she was making. I liked learning about all the different characters and thought she did a great job developing the story.
It's just that... why does it seem like a recurring theme (this book and the SD book I reviewed just previously) that these young women sleep with a guy who makes them think they love them and then they don't and the gal has to figure out how to marry someone else so she won't be labeled or something?
It just seemed too familiar to the book I just read.
And one storyline in here was really bothersome to me.
Sooooo, I don't know. It wasn't an uplifting story, although there it was definitely a story of redemption. (I stole that description from the back of the book... but it fits.)
I will probably donate it to the library.
Some swearing, one character is a prostitute, there are some disturbing elements here and there. Again, premarital sex (not really descriptive).
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Bride's House (Sandra Dallas)
Why I have this book: Because I'm a Sandra Dallas fan and Amazon recommended it to me. :)
I liked this book enough to have to make myself put it down every chapter to do some housework, so that has to mean something, right? Actually, when I finished it, I wasn't as in love with it as I could have been. It was good, but it just lacked... something... for me. I think I was bothered by some of the storyline... maybe I just never could connect to the characters with much depth. Actually, the character I got the most connected to died so quickly that maybe I didn't invest much more as the book went on. Ha.
Anyway, not my favorite Sandra Dallas book, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from checking it out of the library. My copy will be going to my grandma or the library.
This book had a few swear words, and several characters engaged in non-married sex... it was mostly implied, but there was a little bit of "roaming hands" type stuff. Also, some attempted incestuous sexual assault.
I liked this book enough to have to make myself put it down every chapter to do some housework, so that has to mean something, right? Actually, when I finished it, I wasn't as in love with it as I could have been. It was good, but it just lacked... something... for me. I think I was bothered by some of the storyline... maybe I just never could connect to the characters with much depth. Actually, the character I got the most connected to died so quickly that maybe I didn't invest much more as the book went on. Ha.
Anyway, not my favorite Sandra Dallas book, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from checking it out of the library. My copy will be going to my grandma or the library.
This book had a few swear words, and several characters engaged in non-married sex... it was mostly implied, but there was a little bit of "roaming hands" type stuff. Also, some attempted incestuous sexual assault.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Gift of Angels (Rachel Ann Nunes)
Why I have this book: The LDS fiction selection on Amazon/Kindle is getting bigger and bigger! I saw this book, had enjoyed a couple of other books by the author... and I thought it sounded like something I needed right now.
I admit... this book was kind of hard for me to read. The protagonist is a middle aged mom who is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is struggling with her spirituality in the wake of her uncertain future. She is doubting her faith in prayer and miracles, and is frustrated by the stories others tell or that she reads about of angels and miraculous healings. The book is about how she is able to turn back to God and use His strength and the strength of the angels around her to endure the trial she is facing.
I could relate to her feelings, and reading it was comforting in some ways and hard in others. I agree completely with the message of the book, so there is no conflict there. Life can just be hard and painful at times, and I'm more the "denial" kind of person. :) I generally choose not to read sad books... and this book wasn't sad, per se... but it described a very difficult situation.
All in all, I think it is an important message.
Clean.
I admit... this book was kind of hard for me to read. The protagonist is a middle aged mom who is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is struggling with her spirituality in the wake of her uncertain future. She is doubting her faith in prayer and miracles, and is frustrated by the stories others tell or that she reads about of angels and miraculous healings. The book is about how she is able to turn back to God and use His strength and the strength of the angels around her to endure the trial she is facing.
I could relate to her feelings, and reading it was comforting in some ways and hard in others. I agree completely with the message of the book, so there is no conflict there. Life can just be hard and painful at times, and I'm more the "denial" kind of person. :) I generally choose not to read sad books... and this book wasn't sad, per se... but it described a very difficult situation.
All in all, I think it is an important message.
Clean.
Ashley and Jen (Jack Weyland)
Why I have this book: My daughter-in-law loaned it to my daughter. It was sitting here, so I read it.
Okay, so Jack Weyland has published a ton of books in the LDS fiction genre. Pretty sure they are all for teenager/young adults. I've read a handful over the years... mostly borrowed from friends. He tackles some heavy subjects (this one is about eating disorders), and somehow he does a good enough job that he keeps having books published. But... honestly... the dialogue in this book (and I'm quite certain the same holds true in other books of his) produces eye-rolling at an astonishing rate for this reader.
This kind of sums it up for me: I texted my friend and told her I was reading a Jack Weyland book. Her response was, "Put down the words posing as a good book and walk away." LOL! I told her I was on about page 10 or 14 or something and that I had already rolled my eyes a zillion times. But I did finish the book and I liked the overall message. I don't know. I'm totally torn on it. I don't think I'd ever spend money on one of his books, but I would borrow them and read them when I was in the mood for something like that.
Clean... there is mention of one character's reputation with boys.
Okay, so Jack Weyland has published a ton of books in the LDS fiction genre. Pretty sure they are all for teenager/young adults. I've read a handful over the years... mostly borrowed from friends. He tackles some heavy subjects (this one is about eating disorders), and somehow he does a good enough job that he keeps having books published. But... honestly... the dialogue in this book (and I'm quite certain the same holds true in other books of his) produces eye-rolling at an astonishing rate for this reader.
This kind of sums it up for me: I texted my friend and told her I was reading a Jack Weyland book. Her response was, "Put down the words posing as a good book and walk away." LOL! I told her I was on about page 10 or 14 or something and that I had already rolled my eyes a zillion times. But I did finish the book and I liked the overall message. I don't know. I'm totally torn on it. I don't think I'd ever spend money on one of his books, but I would borrow them and read them when I was in the mood for something like that.
Clean... there is mention of one character's reputation with boys.
Friday, August 26, 2011
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms (Dr. Laura Schlessinger)
Why I have this book: It was on the bargain shelf at the local bookstore.
I liked it. I am fairly neutral about Dr. Laura (I know there seems to be the "Love Her" camp and the "Can't Stand Her" camp. I'm not camping at all. I like some of her advice, don't like some of it... and in any case, I only really listened to her if I happened to be in the car while her show was on.)
Anyway, it's a good book. Not all of it was "Holy Cow! Great thought!", but I did love this part about the transition to SAHM-hood: "The major issue of this transition is, I believe, one of the most important tasks of maturation; that is, becoming less self-centered. Being responsible for children, a home, and a husband teaches you to live outside yourself, for something and someone other than yourself."
So, so true. All in all, it was a good reminder to me of why I do what I do, and how to keep loving it and putting as much into it (and more) as I have since I first began being a SAHM nearly 24 years ago.
A keeper. My daughters and daughters-in-law might want to read it in the coming years. :)
There were one or two swear words in this book.
I liked it. I am fairly neutral about Dr. Laura (I know there seems to be the "Love Her" camp and the "Can't Stand Her" camp. I'm not camping at all. I like some of her advice, don't like some of it... and in any case, I only really listened to her if I happened to be in the car while her show was on.)
Anyway, it's a good book. Not all of it was "Holy Cow! Great thought!", but I did love this part about the transition to SAHM-hood: "The major issue of this transition is, I believe, one of the most important tasks of maturation; that is, becoming less self-centered. Being responsible for children, a home, and a husband teaches you to live outside yourself, for something and someone other than yourself."
So, so true. All in all, it was a good reminder to me of why I do what I do, and how to keep loving it and putting as much into it (and more) as I have since I first began being a SAHM nearly 24 years ago.
A keeper. My daughters and daughters-in-law might want to read it in the coming years. :)
There were one or two swear words in this book.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Girl Who Chased the Moon (Sarah Addison Allen)
Why I have this book: It's the second half of a RD's condensed book.
Hmmm... well. I did like this book, in the sense that it was very entertaining. It had a "magical" feel to it. (The cover art even looks magical!) I wanted to keep reading it even when there were other things I needed to be doing... there were just too many things I needed to see play out.
On the other hand, some of it was a bit too magical for me. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. The ending was satisfying... but I wanted to know more. So...?
Good book? Yes, I think so. If I had the "real" book, I'd probably keep it and read it again in the future, just in case I could figure it out on the second go-round. I finished it several days ago and now that I'm writing about it, it's in my head again. It's one of those books that kind of absorbs you.
This edited version had implied unmarried sex and some swear words. I have no idea how much the "real" version contains.
Hmmm... well. I did like this book, in the sense that it was very entertaining. It had a "magical" feel to it. (The cover art even looks magical!) I wanted to keep reading it even when there were other things I needed to be doing... there were just too many things I needed to see play out.
On the other hand, some of it was a bit too magical for me. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. The ending was satisfying... but I wanted to know more. So...?
Good book? Yes, I think so. If I had the "real" book, I'd probably keep it and read it again in the future, just in case I could figure it out on the second go-round. I finished it several days ago and now that I'm writing about it, it's in my head again. It's one of those books that kind of absorbs you.
This edited version had implied unmarried sex and some swear words. I have no idea how much the "real" version contains.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Home to Italy (Peter Pezzelli)
Why I have this book: My mom had put it on our shared Kindle account. I realized this is the same author as two of the RD Condensed books I've read - and whose books I've enjoyed - so I decided to read it.
I liked this book a lot. It's a good story... easy to get into, and fun to come back to after you've had to put it down. I liked how the characters were so into the Giro d'Italia, since my husband is a biker and we've watched it on tv. I could picture the descriptions given on how the spectators get involved with the race. I felt like the author captured the spirit of Italy, and did a great job making the characters come to life.
I wasn't completely convinced on the love story, and there were a few cheesy parts... but overall, this is a very enjoyable book. I will even look to see what else Peter Pezzelli has written. If it was a "real" book, I'd keep it and have my husband read it. He'd like all the biking stuff in it. :)
There is some using the Lord's name as an exclamation of emotion, but it's in Italian, so...? For all I know, there was other swearing in Italian, but none in English that I recall. There is also some implied (not described) unmarried sex.
I liked this book a lot. It's a good story... easy to get into, and fun to come back to after you've had to put it down. I liked how the characters were so into the Giro d'Italia, since my husband is a biker and we've watched it on tv. I could picture the descriptions given on how the spectators get involved with the race. I felt like the author captured the spirit of Italy, and did a great job making the characters come to life.
I wasn't completely convinced on the love story, and there were a few cheesy parts... but overall, this is a very enjoyable book. I will even look to see what else Peter Pezzelli has written. If it was a "real" book, I'd keep it and have my husband read it. He'd like all the biking stuff in it. :)
There is some using the Lord's name as an exclamation of emotion, but it's in Italian, so...? For all I know, there was other swearing in Italian, but none in English that I recall. There is also some implied (not described) unmarried sex.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Rainwater (Sandra Brown)
Why I have this book: It's the first half of a Reader's Digest condensed book.
I did like this book. The story has some hard topics in it... racism, poverty, murder, etc. It's a touching story, but not necessarily a happy one. There are definitely life lessons to be learned from it, and there is a certain "peace" about it... but it's not what I would call a light, happy read.
There is one blaring contradiction in the book... so much so that I went back in the pages to see if I misread what it said. Sometimes I think I should have been a book editor. I tend to catch the misspellings and typos and there was even one book where a character's name completely changed by mistake. Anyway...
I would read it again, so it would be a keeper if it was the real thing. Since it's part of a condensed version, I will send it on to my Grandma when I finish the second novel in the book.
As mentioned, there are some hard topics in this book... some are even a bit disturbing. There are one or two swear words (used by the "bad guy") that I recall, some implied sex between two unmarried adults, and an attempted rape. This book is an edited, condensed version, so I can't say what else might be in the full version.
I did like this book. The story has some hard topics in it... racism, poverty, murder, etc. It's a touching story, but not necessarily a happy one. There are definitely life lessons to be learned from it, and there is a certain "peace" about it... but it's not what I would call a light, happy read.
There is one blaring contradiction in the book... so much so that I went back in the pages to see if I misread what it said. Sometimes I think I should have been a book editor. I tend to catch the misspellings and typos and there was even one book where a character's name completely changed by mistake. Anyway...
I would read it again, so it would be a keeper if it was the real thing. Since it's part of a condensed version, I will send it on to my Grandma when I finish the second novel in the book.
As mentioned, there are some hard topics in this book... some are even a bit disturbing. There are one or two swear words (used by the "bad guy") that I recall, some implied sex between two unmarried adults, and an attempted rape. This book is an edited, condensed version, so I can't say what else might be in the full version.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Through His Eyes (Virginia H. Pearce)
Why I have this book: I bought it at my local bookstore for several reasons: I read another book by the author which I really liked. She is the daughter of President Gordon B. Hinckley (who was the leader of my church before he passed away). I liked the subtitle of the book, "Rethinking What You Believe about Yourself".
I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. I liked it... it was good. There were lots of thoughts that resonated with me, and I agreed with the overall idea of the book (throwing out false beliefs and thoughts you have)... but it just didn't "touch" me the way I had hoped. I think it's a good book with great ideas, though... maybe it was just the way that it was written that didn't quite work for me. (I did write down some of her quotes... there were some great ones that I wanted to refer to again in the future, so - like I said - lots of thoughts that resonated with me!)
I'll pass it on to someone else to enjoy.
Clean.
I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. I liked it... it was good. There were lots of thoughts that resonated with me, and I agreed with the overall idea of the book (throwing out false beliefs and thoughts you have)... but it just didn't "touch" me the way I had hoped. I think it's a good book with great ideas, though... maybe it was just the way that it was written that didn't quite work for me. (I did write down some of her quotes... there were some great ones that I wanted to refer to again in the future, so - like I said - lots of thoughts that resonated with me!)
I'll pass it on to someone else to enjoy.
Clean.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Ladies Auxiliary (Tova Mirvis)
Why I have this book: It was a book club book from years ago.
I love this book. Just love it. This is the author's first novel and it became a national bestseller. She did an amazing job at character development... every character has a story, and you learn a bit about each one, enough to feel like you "know" them, but also would love to know more. They each have depth, even though there are a lot of them and the story can't focus too much on each one.
The story is about a small, Jewish community in Memphis, Tennessee, which happens to be the author's hometown. I also live in a small religious community (not Jewish), and I had more than one chuckle about how a community like that can be. There are so many emotions that run through this story that I can't even begin to describe them.
This book is a definite keeper.
The name of Lord is used several times in conversation as an expression of emotion. I recall one other swear word. Sexuality is talked about here and there (the women have ritual bathing to prepare to resume relations with their husbands as per Jewish custom, and there is some conversation about sex between teenage girls and their teacher.) Nothing is graphic or disrespectful, in my opinion.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Heritage of Lancaster County series (Beverly Lewis)
The Shunning
The Confession
The Reckoning
Why I have these books: They are on my Kindle. I downloaded them to take to Korea when we went to bring our daughter home. (I hadn't reviewed them yet, even though I read them over a year and a half ago.)
Imagine my surprise as I was reading the first book (on the airplane to Korea) to discover that there was an adoption theme. Hadn't planned that at all... and it turned out to be a disappointment. I didn't really like the way the author handled the subject... the protagonist had been adopted and when she finds out this fact (as a young adult), she wants to find her "real" mother. Now, I have no problem with one searching for, meeting, and developing a relationship with one's birth mother... but the term "real" mom is really ridiculous. What would her adoptive mother be then? The "fake" mother? The author uses the term many times during the books.
Anyway, don't get me started. I haven't read any books of hers since. I guess I should give her another chance, but with so many other books out there, I haven't felt the need. If you love her books, tell me the title of her best one and I'll read it.
PS. I just looked up on my adoption blog where I wrote my feelings about this book series not too long after I read them, when the feelings were still fresh. There were so many more offensive things pertaining to adoption in that reveiw than I remembered. I won't go into details... but just reading it made me all annoyed again.
Clean.
The Confession
The Reckoning
Why I have these books: They are on my Kindle. I downloaded them to take to Korea when we went to bring our daughter home. (I hadn't reviewed them yet, even though I read them over a year and a half ago.)
Imagine my surprise as I was reading the first book (on the airplane to Korea) to discover that there was an adoption theme. Hadn't planned that at all... and it turned out to be a disappointment. I didn't really like the way the author handled the subject... the protagonist had been adopted and when she finds out this fact (as a young adult), she wants to find her "real" mother. Now, I have no problem with one searching for, meeting, and developing a relationship with one's birth mother... but the term "real" mom is really ridiculous. What would her adoptive mother be then? The "fake" mother? The author uses the term many times during the books.
Anyway, don't get me started. I haven't read any books of hers since. I guess I should give her another chance, but with so many other books out there, I haven't felt the need. If you love her books, tell me the title of her best one and I'll read it.
PS. I just looked up on my adoption blog where I wrote my feelings about this book series not too long after I read them, when the feelings were still fresh. There were so many more offensive things pertaining to adoption in that reveiw than I remembered. I won't go into details... but just reading it made me all annoyed again.
Clean.
Created for Greater Things (Jeffrey R. Holland)
Why I have this book: I love the author and the book was at a local book store... so I bought it.
This books is really just a collection of quotes by the author, who is an apostle and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is an amazing speaker, full of compassion and encouragement. There is one quote per page, with beautiful photographs to illustrate the thought shared.
I wish this was one of those flip calendars... one for each day of the year. The quotes are very inspirational and uplifting. It would be nice to have it on my windowsill with a different quote all year long.
Definite keeper.
Clean.
This books is really just a collection of quotes by the author, who is an apostle and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is an amazing speaker, full of compassion and encouragement. There is one quote per page, with beautiful photographs to illustrate the thought shared.
I wish this was one of those flip calendars... one for each day of the year. The quotes are very inspirational and uplifting. It would be nice to have it on my windowsill with a different quote all year long.
Definite keeper.
Clean.
The Amish Nanny (Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould)
Why I have this book: It's a sequel of sorts to The Amish Midwife (which I reviewed earlier)... my friend told me about it and said she liked it, so I downloaded it to my Kindle.
I liked this one even more than the first one. The story was not your typical Amish love story... there was a bit more depth and lots more stuff going on. I also found it really interesting to note that even though the main character in this story was also adopted, she didn't seem to have that "Primal Wound" that the authors made a deal of in the first book.
Anyway... a good read. If it was a "real" book, I'd keep it.
Perfectly clean.
I liked this one even more than the first one. The story was not your typical Amish love story... there was a bit more depth and lots more stuff going on. I also found it really interesting to note that even though the main character in this story was also adopted, she didn't seem to have that "Primal Wound" that the authors made a deal of in the first book.
Anyway... a good read. If it was a "real" book, I'd keep it.
Perfectly clean.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Her Royal Spyness (Rhys Bowen)
Why I have this book: It was the second half of the Reader's Digest condensed book mentioned in the previous post.
I liked this British mystery enough to think about reading the other books in the series. I could totally picture how the story would look on the TV screen... on some kind of PBS channel that features British television, you know?
This edited version was clean enough... I do wonder if the full novel has bit more of that British irreverence...?
I liked this British mystery enough to think about reading the other books in the series. I could totally picture how the story would look on the TV screen... on some kind of PBS channel that features British television, you know?
This edited version was clean enough... I do wonder if the full novel has bit more of that British irreverence...?
Villa Mirabella (Peter Pezzelli)
Why I have this book: It is one half of a Reader's Digest Condensed book.
I enjoyed the nice message in this book... namely, that family is important and no matter what, you can always go home.
This edited version was clean. I don't remember if there was any swearing, so if there was, there must not have been much. :)
I enjoyed the nice message in this book... namely, that family is important and no matter what, you can always go home.
This edited version was clean. I don't remember if there was any swearing, so if there was, there must not have been much. :)
Behind Every Good Man (John Bytheway)
Why I have this book: I bought it after flipping through it at a local bookstore.
I liked almost every bit of this book. There is one little group of paragraphs that made me roll my eyes in a big way. A big way. But other than that, this little book is great for "helping your husband take the spiritual lead at home".
It's a keeper.
Clean.
I liked almost every bit of this book. There is one little group of paragraphs that made me roll my eyes in a big way. A big way. But other than that, this little book is great for "helping your husband take the spiritual lead at home".
It's a keeper.
Clean.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Glass Castle (Jeannette Walls)
Why I have this book: I know a friend told me about it... we may have also read it as a book club book.
Okay... this is one of those books that sticks in your mind for a long time. It's just so unbelievable and sad and triumphant (in some ways)... also puzzling and disturbing and sometimes funny and sweet.
I don't know. It's so hard for me to fathom that anyone is surrounded by that many troubled people. I guess it's possible, and probably reality for more people than I can imagine. I can understand that everyone has someone that has mental issues or troubling behavior, but the author grew up with it on all sides. It was interesting to read this again after reading Half Broke Horses, which is about her maternal grandmother. I can see some similarities in how the grandmother and the mother parented ("buck up" type of parenting), but wow... something went amiss at some point, because the life of the author is just crazy.
I haven't decided if this book stays or not, so for now, it stays. It's not a book I could recommend to just anyone, but for those who are intrigued by the human story and are willing to sometimes go through the muck to understand what others go through, it's a fascinating memoir.
There is the filthiest of language as she quotes her parents and others (mostly her dad), and several instances of sexual misconduct are described.
Okay... this is one of those books that sticks in your mind for a long time. It's just so unbelievable and sad and triumphant (in some ways)... also puzzling and disturbing and sometimes funny and sweet.
I don't know. It's so hard for me to fathom that anyone is surrounded by that many troubled people. I guess it's possible, and probably reality for more people than I can imagine. I can understand that everyone has someone that has mental issues or troubling behavior, but the author grew up with it on all sides. It was interesting to read this again after reading Half Broke Horses, which is about her maternal grandmother. I can see some similarities in how the grandmother and the mother parented ("buck up" type of parenting), but wow... something went amiss at some point, because the life of the author is just crazy.
I haven't decided if this book stays or not, so for now, it stays. It's not a book I could recommend to just anyone, but for those who are intrigued by the human story and are willing to sometimes go through the muck to understand what others go through, it's a fascinating memoir.
There is the filthiest of language as she quotes her parents and others (mostly her dad), and several instances of sexual misconduct are described.
Monday, July 4, 2011
When the Bough Breaks (Kay Lynn Mangum)
Why I have this book: It was on the bargain table of a local bookstore. I actually bought it for one of my daughters.
This LDS novel was written for the teenage/YA crowd. I liked it. Some of it was a bit cliche (wish I had the accent mark to make that spelled just right), and one character was too good to be true, in my opinion. Some of the storyline wasn't developed to the depth that would be required to declare this super well written... but I thought it was a touching story that kept my interest. I enjoyed it.
This book belongs to my daughter, so it's up to her whether or not we keep it. My guess would be that we will.
This book is clean. The subject matter includes the death of a parent and alcoholism.
This LDS novel was written for the teenage/YA crowd. I liked it. Some of it was a bit cliche (wish I had the accent mark to make that spelled just right), and one character was too good to be true, in my opinion. Some of the storyline wasn't developed to the depth that would be required to declare this super well written... but I thought it was a touching story that kept my interest. I enjoyed it.
This book belongs to my daughter, so it's up to her whether or not we keep it. My guess would be that we will.
This book is clean. The subject matter includes the death of a parent and alcoholism.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Half Broke Horses (Jeannette Walls)
Why I have this book: It is the second half of a Reader's Digest condensed book.
Okay, this is the problem with condensed books: You might read the condensed version and then wish you had read the real version.
I've had my eye on this book for quite some time. Now that I've read the condensed version, I'm kicking myself that I never just bought the book when it came out.
I'm especially intrigued because this novel (based on the author's grandmother's life) talks about the author's mother... and Glass Castles (another book by the same author) goes into great detail about how her mother's life played out and affected her and her siblings. I am going to read Glass Castles again.
I enjoyed this book very much. I may still read the unedited version.
This book does have some swearing in it. I also want to point out that Glass Castles is a very raw and heavy book and there are even "rougher" words than this one contains. Of course, I have no idea what swear words are in the unedited version of this book.
Okay, this is the problem with condensed books: You might read the condensed version and then wish you had read the real version.
I've had my eye on this book for quite some time. Now that I've read the condensed version, I'm kicking myself that I never just bought the book when it came out.
I'm especially intrigued because this novel (based on the author's grandmother's life) talks about the author's mother... and Glass Castles (another book by the same author) goes into great detail about how her mother's life played out and affected her and her siblings. I am going to read Glass Castles again.
I enjoyed this book very much. I may still read the unedited version.
This book does have some swearing in it. I also want to point out that Glass Castles is a very raw and heavy book and there are even "rougher" words than this one contains. Of course, I have no idea what swear words are in the unedited version of this book.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Love in Bloom (Sheila Roberts)
Why I have this book: It's the first half of a Reader's Digest condensed books.
About 2/3 of the way through this book, I thought I'd be gushing about it here on the blog. Then it just got cheesy and lost it's appeal in several different ways.
Too bad.
This edited and condensed version had a few swear words and a bit of sexuality at the end. I'm not sure how much more the original version has.
About 2/3 of the way through this book, I thought I'd be gushing about it here on the blog. Then it just got cheesy and lost it's appeal in several different ways.
Too bad.
This edited and condensed version had a few swear words and a bit of sexuality at the end. I'm not sure how much more the original version has.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Amish Midwife (Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould)
Why I have this book: A friend recommended it, so I downloaded it to my Kindle.
Oh, look! Another Amish book! It's been a while since I read one, and the reason I was motivated to read this one is that it has an adoption theme.
I do wonder if either author is directly involved in adoption. Were they adopted? Have they adopted? I wonder because they seemed to write as if they know what a person who was adopted feels like. They quoted from a well-known adoption book (which, btw, I've seen adults who were adopted as babies disagree with.) *That was a terrible sentence. Ack.*
Actually, one of the authors (Leslie Gould) wrote Beyond the Blue, which I reviewed earlier this year. That is also a book about adoption (and I loved it), so maybe there is some personal experience in her life with adoption. I could research, I guess, but I probably won't.
The book was enjoyable and, as an adoptive mom, it had some interesting angles to it.
I'm not sure if I would keep it or not if it was a real book and not on my Kindle. I might, simply because of the adoption theme. Whether or not my daughter can relate to some of the emotions expressed in the book, it would make for good conversations when the time comes that she might be exploring what adoption means to her.
This book was perfectly clean.
Oh, look! Another Amish book! It's been a while since I read one, and the reason I was motivated to read this one is that it has an adoption theme.
I do wonder if either author is directly involved in adoption. Were they adopted? Have they adopted? I wonder because they seemed to write as if they know what a person who was adopted feels like. They quoted from a well-known adoption book (which, btw, I've seen adults who were adopted as babies disagree with.) *That was a terrible sentence. Ack.*
Actually, one of the authors (Leslie Gould) wrote Beyond the Blue, which I reviewed earlier this year. That is also a book about adoption (and I loved it), so maybe there is some personal experience in her life with adoption. I could research, I guess, but I probably won't.
The book was enjoyable and, as an adoptive mom, it had some interesting angles to it.
I'm not sure if I would keep it or not if it was a real book and not on my Kindle. I might, simply because of the adoption theme. Whether or not my daughter can relate to some of the emotions expressed in the book, it would make for good conversations when the time comes that she might be exploring what adoption means to her.
This book was perfectly clean.
Monday, May 9, 2011
I Hate it When Exercise is the Answer (Emily Watts)
Why I have this book: I bought it on the bargain table of my local book store.
This is a quick, easy read (I read it in one bathtub session) that's basically about little things we can do to fine-tune our spiritual and emotional lives. I think I could be good friends with the author... I like her personality and the way she thinks. There were a couple of inspiring thoughts in the book, but nothing earth-shattering. It was enjoyable, but not a keeper for me.
Clean.
This is a quick, easy read (I read it in one bathtub session) that's basically about little things we can do to fine-tune our spiritual and emotional lives. I think I could be good friends with the author... I like her personality and the way she thinks. There were a couple of inspiring thoughts in the book, but nothing earth-shattering. It was enjoyable, but not a keeper for me.
Clean.
Ranger's Apprentice: Book One (John Flanagan)
The Ruins of Gorlan
Why I have this book: I can't remember where I heard about this series, but I bought them for my son. There are ten books in the series, and by the time he got through the first few, we were pre-ordering the ones that were still being published here in the States. (The author is Australian.)
I mostly decided to read this book because my son (and my daughters) had read it and loved it, and I felt like I should give them a try. It looks a little "Lord of the Ring"ish, and I wasn't sure how I would like it, but I actually enjoyed it. I think my girls (teenagers) liked the series, but I would definietly classify them (at least this first one) as a book for boys. There are never too many books that have "boy appeal" in my opinion, so YEA for John Flanagan.
Definite keepers.
There is some swearing in this book.
Why I have this book: I can't remember where I heard about this series, but I bought them for my son. There are ten books in the series, and by the time he got through the first few, we were pre-ordering the ones that were still being published here in the States. (The author is Australian.)
I mostly decided to read this book because my son (and my daughters) had read it and loved it, and I felt like I should give them a try. It looks a little "Lord of the Ring"ish, and I wasn't sure how I would like it, but I actually enjoyed it. I think my girls (teenagers) liked the series, but I would definietly classify them (at least this first one) as a book for boys. There are never too many books that have "boy appeal" in my opinion, so YEA for John Flanagan.
Definite keepers.
There is some swearing in this book.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist (Michael J. Fox)
Why I have this book: I downloaded it to my Kindle because it piqued my interest a few months ago. With my newly discovered health challenges, I thought it would be good to read about someone who is handling his own (much bigger) challenges optimistically.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Michael J. Fox is a very good writer... the words flow easily and he writes with humor and honesty. The book wasn't exactly what I expected... I think his first book (Lucky Man) is one I'd like to read and is probably more about his journey through his diagnoses of Parkinson's Disease and how he came to grips with that, but it's not available on Kindle at this time. I'll keep checking.
Yes, a good read. I don't know if I would read it a second time (if it was a real book and not on my Kindle), so I would donate it to a library.
MJF uses a good amount of profanity, including the "F" word several times. It always surprises me how profanity is just kicked around like it's common language... which I guess it is for some people.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Michael J. Fox is a very good writer... the words flow easily and he writes with humor and honesty. The book wasn't exactly what I expected... I think his first book (Lucky Man) is one I'd like to read and is probably more about his journey through his diagnoses of Parkinson's Disease and how he came to grips with that, but it's not available on Kindle at this time. I'll keep checking.
Yes, a good read. I don't know if I would read it a second time (if it was a real book and not on my Kindle), so I would donate it to a library.
MJF uses a good amount of profanity, including the "F" word several times. It always surprises me how profanity is just kicked around like it's common language... which I guess it is for some people.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini (Heather Horrocks)
Why I have this book: It was on the bargain table of a local bookstore, and the Easter Bunny took advantage of this and gave it to my daughter in her Easter bag. (Because we do bags instead of baskets.)
I'm sure I've read other versions of this story many times. It was a fairly typical LDS young adult romance novel. Cute. Enjoyable for a light read. Written well. A bit witty.
Yeah.
It's not mine, but if it was, I'd pass it on. Not that I regret reading it... it's just not a keeper for my overstuffed shelves.
Clean.
I'm sure I've read other versions of this story many times. It was a fairly typical LDS young adult romance novel. Cute. Enjoyable for a light read. Written well. A bit witty.
Yeah.
It's not mine, but if it was, I'd pass it on. Not that I regret reading it... it's just not a keeper for my overstuffed shelves.
Clean.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
La's Orchestra Saves the World (Alexander McCall Smith)
Why I have this book: It was the second half of a Reader's Digest condensed book. I'm pretty sure I already reviewed the first half a long time ago.
I liked this book a lot. The only problem was that I went back and read the first chapter after finishing the book... it was one of those stories where the first chapter takes place years later, and then you go back in time for the rest of the story. Anyway, I had more questions than answers after reading that first chapter again, and I wish I knew what happened. I don't think reading the original version would answer the questions for me, but maybe my friend (M) will check it out of the library and tell me if I missed anything with this abridged version
If I had the "real" version, I'd keep it.
This edited version was clean... I think there was a swear word or two, but nothing major.
I liked this book a lot. The only problem was that I went back and read the first chapter after finishing the book... it was one of those stories where the first chapter takes place years later, and then you go back in time for the rest of the story. Anyway, I had more questions than answers after reading that first chapter again, and I wish I knew what happened. I don't think reading the original version would answer the questions for me, but maybe my friend (M) will check it out of the library and tell me if I missed anything with this abridged version
If I had the "real" version, I'd keep it.
This edited version was clean... I think there was a swear word or two, but nothing major.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bitten (Robert Smith)
Why I have this book: It was on the bargain shelf at the local bookstore.
Okay... so this book (I discovered) is an abridgement of two previous books by the author, who also is known as Robert Farrell Smith. He wrote Baptists at our Barbeque and Captain Matrimony. I reviewed Captain Matrimony earlier in this blog, and I liked it and the movie version of "Baptists..."
So if I had bought this book and didn't know it was an abridgement, and I had already read the other books (which were titled All is Swell: Trust in Thelma's Way and Falling for Grace: Trust at the End of the World), I would not be happy. But anyway, I hadn't read those other books, so it was fine.
Unfortunately, it seems to me that the author is somewhat a one-trick pony. All these stories are about quirky, LDS communities with even quirkier LDS people. You could interchange any character from this book into the other books and vice-versa. It worked a couple of times, but now it's just a bit redundant.
This book was okay... the second half was better than the first. I finished it and I'm glad it's done and now I can donate it to the library and move on.
I feel horrible saying all this, because I'm sure Robert (Farrell) Smith is a nice guy, and his stories are kind of fun. It would just be nice to see if he can write something that isn't based on quirky people in quirky communities.
Clean.
Okay... so this book (I discovered) is an abridgement of two previous books by the author, who also is known as Robert Farrell Smith. He wrote Baptists at our Barbeque and Captain Matrimony. I reviewed Captain Matrimony earlier in this blog, and I liked it and the movie version of "Baptists..."
So if I had bought this book and didn't know it was an abridgement, and I had already read the other books (which were titled All is Swell: Trust in Thelma's Way and Falling for Grace: Trust at the End of the World), I would not be happy. But anyway, I hadn't read those other books, so it was fine.
Unfortunately, it seems to me that the author is somewhat a one-trick pony. All these stories are about quirky, LDS communities with even quirkier LDS people. You could interchange any character from this book into the other books and vice-versa. It worked a couple of times, but now it's just a bit redundant.
This book was okay... the second half was better than the first. I finished it and I'm glad it's done and now I can donate it to the library and move on.
I feel horrible saying all this, because I'm sure Robert (Farrell) Smith is a nice guy, and his stories are kind of fun. It would just be nice to see if he can write something that isn't based on quirky people in quirky communities.
Clean.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
East (Edith Pattou)
Why I have this book: I joined a small, online book club... and this was the choice of the month.
East is a cross between a fairy tale and a fantasy. I'm not a big fantasy fan AT ALL. I would have never picked this book to read on my own... but that's the wonderful thing about belonging to a book club. I have read many books I wouldn't have read otherwise because of the various book clubs I have been in!
I started this book a couple of weeks ago, read the first chapter or so, and put it down. Last night (since the discussion begins later this week) I picked it up again at around 9:30 pm, settled into a hot bath, and began reading again.
I tore myself away from the book when I noticed - a couple of hours later - that the water was cool, got my jammies on, and climbed into bed with my small book light to keep reading. (I was that enthralled in the story!) I read until well after midnight, when I finally put the book down to get some sleep. (It's spring break, so I knew I could sleep in a bit.)
I finished the book today.
I will say I thought that once the climax of the story had happened, the book ended rather quickly and fairly neatly. I was a bit disappointed in that. It was like I was completely engrossed in the story, totally sucked in... and then the rest of the book was just "surface" reading, because there wasn't much depth to it.
But... it's a keeper. I know both my older girls will love it. I really enjoyed the story, and wish the author would have finished out the ending with the same depth as the rest of the book. However, the book was already nearly 500 pages long, so... ?
This book is totally clean.
East is a cross between a fairy tale and a fantasy. I'm not a big fantasy fan AT ALL. I would have never picked this book to read on my own... but that's the wonderful thing about belonging to a book club. I have read many books I wouldn't have read otherwise because of the various book clubs I have been in!
I started this book a couple of weeks ago, read the first chapter or so, and put it down. Last night (since the discussion begins later this week) I picked it up again at around 9:30 pm, settled into a hot bath, and began reading again.
I tore myself away from the book when I noticed - a couple of hours later - that the water was cool, got my jammies on, and climbed into bed with my small book light to keep reading. (I was that enthralled in the story!) I read until well after midnight, when I finally put the book down to get some sleep. (It's spring break, so I knew I could sleep in a bit.)
I finished the book today.
I will say I thought that once the climax of the story had happened, the book ended rather quickly and fairly neatly. I was a bit disappointed in that. It was like I was completely engrossed in the story, totally sucked in... and then the rest of the book was just "surface" reading, because there wasn't much depth to it.
But... it's a keeper. I know both my older girls will love it. I really enjoyed the story, and wish the author would have finished out the ending with the same depth as the rest of the book. However, the book was already nearly 500 pages long, so... ?
This book is totally clean.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Fearless Mind (Craig Manning, PhD)
Why I have this book: My oldest son and I went to hear the author speak at a seminar put on by the owner of the gym we belong to. We were so impressed that we bought his book. :)
This book is about how our minds are such a crucial part of how we become "high performers". Dr. Manning is a sports psychologist and was formerly a tennis coach at BYU. Most of his stories are sports-based, but his theories can apply to anyone in any situation.
I enjoyed this book. I think it's one I'd have to read over and over again to remind me how I should be thinking. It certainly doesn't come naturally to me. :) Definite keeper.
Clean.
This book is about how our minds are such a crucial part of how we become "high performers". Dr. Manning is a sports psychologist and was formerly a tennis coach at BYU. Most of his stories are sports-based, but his theories can apply to anyone in any situation.
I enjoyed this book. I think it's one I'd have to read over and over again to remind me how I should be thinking. It certainly doesn't come naturally to me. :) Definite keeper.
Clean.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Austenland (Shannon Hale)
Why I have this book: I bought it when it was a book club book several years ago.
I liked it the first time I read it... mostly because I am a huge fan of the Pride and Prejudice movie version with Colin Firth.
But now that I apparently have a chip on my shoulder about the author (because of the book The Actor and the Housewife, which I reviewed a few entries ago), I didn't love it quite as much this time.
I enjoyed it. I thought it was cute. A nice, silly, fun romance.
But I'm not keeping it this time. I'm probably going to give it to the library.
There are a couple of swear words and one use of elementary age'ish slang for a male body part.
I liked it the first time I read it... mostly because I am a huge fan of the Pride and Prejudice movie version with Colin Firth.
But now that I apparently have a chip on my shoulder about the author (because of the book The Actor and the Housewife, which I reviewed a few entries ago), I didn't love it quite as much this time.
I enjoyed it. I thought it was cute. A nice, silly, fun romance.
But I'm not keeping it this time. I'm probably going to give it to the library.
There are a couple of swear words and one use of elementary age'ish slang for a male body part.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Beyond the Blue (Leslie Gould)
Why I have this book: I bought it after reading a review on someone's book blog.
I loved this book. Loved it. It is about adoption. Birth mothers and birth families. It's about Vietnam, motherhood, womanhood, and sisterhood.
I am an adoptive mother, and although my daughter wasn't born in Vietnam, this story connected with me. I found myself rubbing my little girl's back as I read. I found myself stopping and thinking of her birth mom and wondering how she is and if she is thinking of her little girl. I thought about our time in Korea, when we were there to bring her home, and about the people we met. This book just brought up all the emotions of the experience, and the gratitude I feel for my daughter and how she came to be a part of our family... and about the loss that is also a part of adoption.
One person who reviewed this book said every adoptive parent should read it. I agree. I think everybody should read it. It will help them to understand the emotions of adoption, and how it is so much bigger than just a family bringing home a child.
This book is a definite keeper. It's another one of those books that gets into your mind, but really, more deeply than that. For me, it is in my heart and soul.
This book is clean. There is some alluding to the fact that some women have to earn food and medicine through having relations with men.
I loved this book. Loved it. It is about adoption. Birth mothers and birth families. It's about Vietnam, motherhood, womanhood, and sisterhood.
I am an adoptive mother, and although my daughter wasn't born in Vietnam, this story connected with me. I found myself rubbing my little girl's back as I read. I found myself stopping and thinking of her birth mom and wondering how she is and if she is thinking of her little girl. I thought about our time in Korea, when we were there to bring her home, and about the people we met. This book just brought up all the emotions of the experience, and the gratitude I feel for my daughter and how she came to be a part of our family... and about the loss that is also a part of adoption.
One person who reviewed this book said every adoptive parent should read it. I agree. I think everybody should read it. It will help them to understand the emotions of adoption, and how it is so much bigger than just a family bringing home a child.
This book is a definite keeper. It's another one of those books that gets into your mind, but really, more deeply than that. For me, it is in my heart and soul.
This book is clean. There is some alluding to the fact that some women have to earn food and medicine through having relations with men.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
Why I have this book: My mom downloaded it on our shared Kindle account. I heard of this book years ago, and had no desire to read it. I don't like creepy books, and it sounded creepy. Then they made a movie out of it and I had no desire to watch the movie either.
Anyway, I recently heard of others reading the book, and since it was on my Kindle and I was just in the mood to read something out of my ordinary range... and knowing I could just exit out of it if I didn't like it... well, I gave it a try.
Even though it had more swearing than I like and more sexuality than I prefer to read, I still found the story compelling and well-written. I got sucked in, I admit.
If I owned it, I would probably pass it along. I don't think I would read it again.
It's kind of one of those books that gets into your head and you think about it after you finished it.
This book does contain a handful of swear words, including two uses of the f-word. (I hate that word!) The main character is raped and murdered as a young teenager, and there are several references throughout the book that are sexual in nature. None of this is on the extreme graphic side, but I can't say it's not at all descriptive, either.
Anyway, I recently heard of others reading the book, and since it was on my Kindle and I was just in the mood to read something out of my ordinary range... and knowing I could just exit out of it if I didn't like it... well, I gave it a try.
Even though it had more swearing than I like and more sexuality than I prefer to read, I still found the story compelling and well-written. I got sucked in, I admit.
If I owned it, I would probably pass it along. I don't think I would read it again.
It's kind of one of those books that gets into your head and you think about it after you finished it.
This book does contain a handful of swear words, including two uses of the f-word. (I hate that word!) The main character is raped and murdered as a young teenager, and there are several references throughout the book that are sexual in nature. None of this is on the extreme graphic side, but I can't say it's not at all descriptive, either.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Endurance (Alfred Lansing)
Why I have this book: It was reviewed on a blog I read, and I decided it was time to read something besides Amish books. :)
The full title is: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
It was a little hard for me to get fully engaged in this book, but it did happen after a bit! Really, it is an incredible story... amazing what people can endure. It is about an expedition through the Antarctic back in 1914. Their ship got caught in ice... meaning packed in to the point that they couldn't move at all. Eventually, the ship was crushed by the ice, and the men had to find a way to get to civilization. They had no means of communication with anyone else in the world, so they were completely on their own. It's hard to imagine that kind of isolation. These men (and not one of them died... which it says on the back of the book, so I'm not giving anything away) survived through terrible conditions that never let up. I was impressed that they not only physically survived, but also mentally and emotionally. Really, it's a fascinating (true) story.
I'm soooooo glad I read something that required a little more concentration! Now I'm excited to get back to that level on a more regular basis. (This book, btw, is a keeper.)
There is also a DVD documentary about the Endurance and her crew... Am*zon has it. AND... don't you think it's appropriate that the ship was called "Endurance"???
This book may have had an occasional swear word, but I could be wrong. I don't really recall...
The full title is: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
It was a little hard for me to get fully engaged in this book, but it did happen after a bit! Really, it is an incredible story... amazing what people can endure. It is about an expedition through the Antarctic back in 1914. Their ship got caught in ice... meaning packed in to the point that they couldn't move at all. Eventually, the ship was crushed by the ice, and the men had to find a way to get to civilization. They had no means of communication with anyone else in the world, so they were completely on their own. It's hard to imagine that kind of isolation. These men (and not one of them died... which it says on the back of the book, so I'm not giving anything away) survived through terrible conditions that never let up. I was impressed that they not only physically survived, but also mentally and emotionally. Really, it's a fascinating (true) story.
I'm soooooo glad I read something that required a little more concentration! Now I'm excited to get back to that level on a more regular basis. (This book, btw, is a keeper.)
There is also a DVD documentary about the Endurance and her crew... Am*zon has it. AND... don't you think it's appropriate that the ship was called "Endurance"???
This book may have had an occasional swear word, but I could be wrong. I don't really recall...
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Union Quilters (Jennifer Chiaverini)
Why I have this book: I pre-ordered it, because I have all the Elm Creek Quilter books. :)
(And I'm still reading the book about the Antarctic expedition mentioned in the previous post. It's just not one of those books that I can't put down.)
I liked this book, but it wasn't one of my favorites. It would have been easier to get into if it was read right after reading The Runaway Quilt. (This is a sequel of sorts.) I had to sort out who the characters were again.
There was also a fair amount of description of battle locations and stratigies, which I mostly skimmed over.
I dunno... it was okay. Of course I'll keep it... I have all her books. :)
This book was clean, with just some minor descriptions of battle wounds and other war-related conditions.
(And I'm still reading the book about the Antarctic expedition mentioned in the previous post. It's just not one of those books that I can't put down.)
I liked this book, but it wasn't one of my favorites. It would have been easier to get into if it was read right after reading The Runaway Quilt. (This is a sequel of sorts.) I had to sort out who the characters were again.
There was also a fair amount of description of battle locations and stratigies, which I mostly skimmed over.
I dunno... it was okay. Of course I'll keep it... I have all her books. :)
This book was clean, with just some minor descriptions of battle wounds and other war-related conditions.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Actor and the Housewife (Shannon Hale)
Why I have this book: It was on the Bargain Books shelf of a local bookstore, so I bought it. I like some of this author's other books, so I figured I couldn't go wrong.
I was so wrong. This book was entertaining. I couldn't stop reading it. And I'm glad I read the whole thing, so I could know how seriously disturbing it really was. (Edited to Add: A friend of mine thought I was saying I enjoyed the book. What I mean is this: It's like watching a train wreck about to happen. You can't quite turn away, but you know it's going to be a disaster.)
I can't even begin to describe how disappointing the story is.
And for the record: No, it's not okay to have a "soul mate" who is not your spouse. Meaning, a woman who is married should not have a "BFF" who is a male. And vice-versa.
Yeah. I am not keeping this book. I asked a couple of friends to read it so we could talk about how disturbing and disappointing it is.
There is some subtle talk about sexuality, and I think there might have been a swear word or two.
I was so wrong. This book was entertaining. I couldn't stop reading it. And I'm glad I read the whole thing, so I could know how seriously disturbing it really was. (Edited to Add: A friend of mine thought I was saying I enjoyed the book. What I mean is this: It's like watching a train wreck about to happen. You can't quite turn away, but you know it's going to be a disaster.)
I can't even begin to describe how disappointing the story is.
And for the record: No, it's not okay to have a "soul mate" who is not your spouse. Meaning, a woman who is married should not have a "BFF" who is a male. And vice-versa.
Yeah. I am not keeping this book. I asked a couple of friends to read it so we could talk about how disturbing and disappointing it is.
There is some subtle talk about sexuality, and I think there might have been a swear word or two.
Sister-to-Sister series (Virginia Smith)
Stuck in the Middle
Age Before Beauty
Third Time's a Charm
Why I have these books: The first one was a free download on the Kindle, and I was sucked into buying the other two. :)
I enjoyed this Christian series very much. It's about three sisters, and each book focuses on one of them. They are uplifting and entertaining, but also teach about God's love and the way it can bring peace to our souls. I'm glad I read them.
Clean.
Age Before Beauty
Third Time's a Charm
Why I have these books: The first one was a free download on the Kindle, and I was sucked into buying the other two. :)
I enjoyed this Christian series very much. It's about three sisters, and each book focuses on one of them. They are uplifting and entertaining, but also teach about God's love and the way it can bring peace to our souls. I'm glad I read them.
Clean.
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt (Beth Hoffman)
Why I have this book: A friend recommended it to me, so I downloaded it on my Kindle. (I'm afraid I'm getting addicted to the Kindle. It's actually probably a good thing for my bookshelves, which are already overflowing.)
I really liked this book. Several reviewers say it reminds them of The Help, which was another book I loved. I agree... it had that same feel and when I finished it, I kept thinking about it. It's one of those books that was easy to absorb.
This book has some bad language and some non-graphic situations dealing with sexuality.
I really liked this book. Several reviewers say it reminds them of The Help, which was another book I loved. I agree... it had that same feel and when I finished it, I kept thinking about it. It's one of those books that was easy to absorb.
This book has some bad language and some non-graphic situations dealing with sexuality.
A Time to Love - Quilts of Lancaster County #1 (Barbara Cameron)
Why I have this book: My mom downloaded to our shared Kindle account.
Another Amish book. I just like them... what can I say? They are just clean and uplifting and make me want to live a simple life. They also don't require a lot of thinking. So it's all good.
This one was especially pertinent to me right now, as the main character was recovering from a difficult medical situation and dealing with the emotions of uncertainty and worry. I could relate. I'm glad I read it.
Clean.
Another Amish book. I just like them... what can I say? They are just clean and uplifting and make me want to live a simple life. They also don't require a lot of thinking. So it's all good.
This one was especially pertinent to me right now, as the main character was recovering from a difficult medical situation and dealing with the emotions of uncertainty and worry. I could relate. I'm glad I read it.
Clean.
(sigh)
Okay, my reading life was temporarily disrupted by a long visit to the hospital, but it's time to get going again. I HAVE been reading... just not much that takes a lot of thinking power.
I can't believe it, but I read three Harlequin romance novels. Yeah. One was already on my Kindle, then there were two more in the series that were inexpensive, so I downloaded them, too. They were pretty good, and not too sleazy. Very mindless reading, but it kept me distracted somewhat from my worries and stress.
I also read some other books that are worth mentioning in more detail, so I will try to remember what they are and write my reviews...
And my next goal is to read something that will require me to force my brain to grow some new cells. It's been too long since I've read anything really challenging!
I can't believe it, but I read three Harlequin romance novels. Yeah. One was already on my Kindle, then there were two more in the series that were inexpensive, so I downloaded them, too. They were pretty good, and not too sleazy. Very mindless reading, but it kept me distracted somewhat from my worries and stress.
I also read some other books that are worth mentioning in more detail, so I will try to remember what they are and write my reviews...
And my next goal is to read something that will require me to force my brain to grow some new cells. It's been too long since I've read anything really challenging!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Forevermore (Cathy Marie Hake)
Why I have this book: It was a free download on the Kindle. Actually, my mom downloaded it and then recommended it to me.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character was so likeable and funny. The book was all-around uplifting and fun to read. I'd be tempted to keep it if it was a "real" book, but I know my grandma would like it, so I'd send it to her.
I'm actually going to see what else the author has written, because I would like to read more of her books.
This Christian book is perfectly clean.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character was so likeable and funny. The book was all-around uplifting and fun to read. I'd be tempted to keep it if it was a "real" book, but I know my grandma would like it, so I'd send it to her.
I'm actually going to see what else the author has written, because I would like to read more of her books.
This Christian book is perfectly clean.
A Simple Amish Christmas (Vannetta Chapman)
Why I have this book: It's another "loan" from my aunt to my Kindle.
Let's face it... there is something very appealing about the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle. I guess none of us - not even the authors of these books - know exactly how their religion and lifestyles affect each individual. It would be very interesting to actually get to talk to some Amish women and find out more about their lives.
Still, the simplicity of it all makes me want to clean out my house and get rid of things.
Anyway, another nice, light, enjoyable book about the Amish. They are all somewhat the same, but I like them for easy reading. If it was a "real" book, I'd pass it on to my grandma.
Clean.
Let's face it... there is something very appealing about the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle. I guess none of us - not even the authors of these books - know exactly how their religion and lifestyles affect each individual. It would be very interesting to actually get to talk to some Amish women and find out more about their lives.
Still, the simplicity of it all makes me want to clean out my house and get rid of things.
Anyway, another nice, light, enjoyable book about the Amish. They are all somewhat the same, but I like them for easy reading. If it was a "real" book, I'd pass it on to my grandma.
Clean.
A Lantern in Her Hand (Bess Streeter Aldrich)
Why I have this book: I don't remember why I bought it. It was one of my 2001 purchases... and someone must have recommended it to me.
I love this book. This is the third time I've read it. I'm all about historical fiction, but that's not it. I think this book has always made me think about my grandma, and it offered me a glimpse into her heart and mind. Not just my grandma, but any elderly person. Sometimes it's easy to forget that each person has lived a LIFE and has had hopes and dreams and has felt the way we all feel when we are young. As mothers, we often move into the background as our children grow... and our lives become more about them. This book touches my soul and it is a definite keeper for me.
Clean.
I love this book. This is the third time I've read it. I'm all about historical fiction, but that's not it. I think this book has always made me think about my grandma, and it offered me a glimpse into her heart and mind. Not just my grandma, but any elderly person. Sometimes it's easy to forget that each person has lived a LIFE and has had hopes and dreams and has felt the way we all feel when we are young. As mothers, we often move into the background as our children grow... and our lives become more about them. This book touches my soul and it is a definite keeper for me.
Clean.
Tuscan Holiday (Holly Chamberlin)
Why I have this book: My aunt "loaned" it to my mom on our shared Kindle account.
I don't read very many contemporary novels, so this was kind of fun. I enjoyed it. As a mom of grown children, I had a few chuckles about the author's description of how that relationship can go. I could relate to the "letting go" that a mom has to do. I could relate to the feeling of being one's own person even though one is a mother.
If I owned the real book, I would pass it on to a select group of my friends. I probably wouldn't read it a second time, so not a keeper. It just wasn't the kind of book I would read over and over.
Definitely some language and while there is no descriptive sex, there is premarital - and "day they met" - sex that happens and there is no moral conflict about any of it.
I don't read very many contemporary novels, so this was kind of fun. I enjoyed it. As a mom of grown children, I had a few chuckles about the author's description of how that relationship can go. I could relate to the "letting go" that a mom has to do. I could relate to the feeling of being one's own person even though one is a mother.
If I owned the real book, I would pass it on to a select group of my friends. I probably wouldn't read it a second time, so not a keeper. It just wasn't the kind of book I would read over and over.
Definitely some language and while there is no descriptive sex, there is premarital - and "day they met" - sex that happens and there is no moral conflict about any of it.
Friday, January 7, 2011
My Heart Remembers (Kim Vogel Sawyer)
Why I have this book: I bought it as a bargain book during my recent Christian/Amish book obsession.
Eh. This book was okay. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. The storyline was good, but (in my opinion) wasn't developed very well. The love stories and characters didn't pan out for me. They just weren't really believable. Not a waste of time, but it could have been much MORE than it was.
I'll be sending this on to my grandma.
Clean.
Eh. This book was okay. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. The storyline was good, but (in my opinion) wasn't developed very well. The love stories and characters didn't pan out for me. They just weren't really believable. Not a waste of time, but it could have been much MORE than it was.
I'll be sending this on to my grandma.
Clean.
The Tucket Series (Gary Paulsen)
Mr. Tucket
Call Me Francis Tucket
Tucket's Ride
Tucket's Gold
Tucket's Home
Why I have these books: Because I have boys. I've had most of them for about ten years, but I had to buy the fifth one, because apparently we didn't have it. (My older boys borrowed it from a friend.)
Great series for boys around age 10... give or take a few years. I liked them, so I think just about anyone would enjoy them. I didn't like having to wait another day after I finished the fourth one and the fifth one still hadn't arrived.
I still have younger kidlets, so these books are definite keepers.
There is some violence, as you would normally see in books about America during this time period. I don't recall any swearing.
Call Me Francis Tucket
Tucket's Ride
Tucket's Gold
Tucket's Home
Why I have these books: Because I have boys. I've had most of them for about ten years, but I had to buy the fifth one, because apparently we didn't have it. (My older boys borrowed it from a friend.)
Great series for boys around age 10... give or take a few years. I liked them, so I think just about anyone would enjoy them. I didn't like having to wait another day after I finished the fourth one and the fifth one still hadn't arrived.
I still have younger kidlets, so these books are definite keepers.
There is some violence, as you would normally see in books about America during this time period. I don't recall any swearing.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Proper Pursuit (Lynn Austin)
Why I have this book: It is on the Kindle account I share with my mom. I'm guessing she downloaded it, because I don't remember doing it.
Okay. I loved this book! It's funny and sort-of lighthearted in a way, but also touched on some deeper subjects. I don't know how to describe it. I think for me, the "fun" factor was the biggest part... but there is more to the story than just that. Really, it's one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while. I loved it. If I had it in hard copy, I'd be keeping it for sure. My girls would love it, too. It's really romantic and fun.
(Just saw that the paperbook is in "bargain" mode on Amazon, so I ordered a copy for my grandma.)
Perfectly clean.
Okay. I loved this book! It's funny and sort-of lighthearted in a way, but also touched on some deeper subjects. I don't know how to describe it. I think for me, the "fun" factor was the biggest part... but there is more to the story than just that. Really, it's one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while. I loved it. If I had it in hard copy, I'd be keeping it for sure. My girls would love it, too. It's really romantic and fun.
(Just saw that the paperbook is in "bargain" mode on Amazon, so I ordered a copy for my grandma.)
Perfectly clean.
Kauffman Amish Bakery: Book 3 (Amy Clipston)
A Place of Peace
Why I have this book: I noticed there was a third book to this series, so I decided I might as well read it. I downloaded it to my Kindle.
There were still eyebrows careening to the hairline and people running their fingers through the condensation on their glasses. And I've never seen so many people sipping and gulping their water like the Amish in these three books. I had to laugh when the review from Publishers Weekly (on Am*zon) said this: Clipston's narrative drags repetitively around the lovers--how many times can Timothy raise his eyebrows in surprise and eat Miriam's crumbly peach pie? Haha... guess I'm not the only one who noticed how often she she repeats certain things.
They're good escape books, though... mindless reading and entertaining enough. Reading about how the Amish live makes me want to clean my house out and get rid of lots of my stuff... live more simply, you know?
Clean.
Why I have this book: I noticed there was a third book to this series, so I decided I might as well read it. I downloaded it to my Kindle.
There were still eyebrows careening to the hairline and people running their fingers through the condensation on their glasses. And I've never seen so many people sipping and gulping their water like the Amish in these three books. I had to laugh when the review from Publishers Weekly (on Am*zon) said this: Clipston's narrative drags repetitively around the lovers--how many times can Timothy raise his eyebrows in surprise and eat Miriam's crumbly peach pie? Haha... guess I'm not the only one who noticed how often she she repeats certain things.
They're good escape books, though... mindless reading and entertaining enough. Reading about how the Amish live makes me want to clean my house out and get rid of lots of my stuff... live more simply, you know?
Clean.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)