Why I have this book: So you know how you have books from your childhood that stick in your mind forever? This is one of those books. I must have read it several times when I was a pre-teen. I could not remember the name of it... I just remembered some details. I'm pretty sure that I owned it, but maybe I just checked it out from the library again and again. (This was before I developed library-book-phobia.) (Haha)
This book and one other came to mind from time to time... and finally a couple of months ago I looked online for some kind of site where you could put a book description and others would suggest books that could be the one you're trying to remember. I found a group like this on Goodreads, so I posted my two descriptions and within an hour had the title of the other book. The next day, I remembered what seemed like could be the title of this book, did a search on it, and lo and behold... I found it!
So anyway, this is that book. What I remembered was actually the original title: A New Penny. (This title is also listed on the cover. Funny that I could remember that little footnote and not the real title.) I think I thought it was "A Shiny New Penny"... but in any case, it came up and seeing the cover just brought back so many memories.
Neither book was in print anymore, so I went out on a limb and bought both of them used. USED! I never buy used books! I don't even really read library books. Too many bad experiences with finding green, sticky gunk and blood smears on pages and wondering if anyone took the book to the toilet with them. (Seinfeld, anyone?)
Okay, so I read Love is Never Enough yesterday. It was like going back in time. I still liked it, but I think mostly because I liked it before. The story isn't amazing, the characters aren't well developed. It definitely is a product of its time (published in 1971), and the protagonist is whiny and immature... more so than most girls I know who are that age.
I'll keep it just because it holds some nostalgia for me. I might even read it again. It's kind of like a "comfort read" just because it's from my childhood.
P.S. I'm pretty sure that even in 1971, it was sick and wrong to leave your baby outside the store while you shop or at home while you run to the store. Yikes.
Clean. I don't recall any swearing (although I did doze off a time or two while reading, since it was very late) or anything inappropriate. The main characters "had" to get married, and that is mentioned a couple of times.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Two books by Dr. Laura
Stop Whining and Start Living
The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage
Why I have these books: The first one has been on my bookshelf for a long time. It was a bargain book somewhere or other. The second I bought because I enjoyed the first one so much and wanted another one to read. I looked through her list of books and it seemed the most applicable to my life (being married and all).
So I really liked the first one. I am a whiner. I admit it. I thought she had some really great advice in this book... and it applies to so many situations. It's not a marriage book. It really is just about lighting a fire under yourself, stop making excuses (whining), and just do what you know is best/right/important.
The second one was okay. I read The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands -sort of - many years ago. Actually, I was seeing red before I was too far into the book, so I only skimmed most of it. I thought this one might be more evenly directed at both husbands and wives. It was... but I still think Dr. Laura seems imbalanced when it comes to men vs women. The same scenario creates different advice depending on if it's a man or a woman with the problem, with the women generally being the one told to put your own needs on the shelf and put your man first... no matter what. The same doesn't seem to apply to the husbands. I don't disagree that serving one's spouse is a good thing... I just think there should be mutual understanding.
There was a lot of good advice in the book, but I can't say I agree with all of it.
I definitely think Stop Whining... deserves a place on my shelf. The other is on my Kindle... but if it was a "real" book, I probably would donate it to the library.
Dr. Laura does swear in both books, and also talks about sexual relationships in marriage.
The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage
Why I have these books: The first one has been on my bookshelf for a long time. It was a bargain book somewhere or other. The second I bought because I enjoyed the first one so much and wanted another one to read. I looked through her list of books and it seemed the most applicable to my life (being married and all).
So I really liked the first one. I am a whiner. I admit it. I thought she had some really great advice in this book... and it applies to so many situations. It's not a marriage book. It really is just about lighting a fire under yourself, stop making excuses (whining), and just do what you know is best/right/important.
The second one was okay. I read The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands -sort of - many years ago. Actually, I was seeing red before I was too far into the book, so I only skimmed most of it. I thought this one might be more evenly directed at both husbands and wives. It was... but I still think Dr. Laura seems imbalanced when it comes to men vs women. The same scenario creates different advice depending on if it's a man or a woman with the problem, with the women generally being the one told to put your own needs on the shelf and put your man first... no matter what. The same doesn't seem to apply to the husbands. I don't disagree that serving one's spouse is a good thing... I just think there should be mutual understanding.
There was a lot of good advice in the book, but I can't say I agree with all of it.
I definitely think Stop Whining... deserves a place on my shelf. The other is on my Kindle... but if it was a "real" book, I probably would donate it to the library.
Dr. Laura does swear in both books, and also talks about sexual relationships in marriage.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Reaching for Hope; An LDS Perspective on Recovering from Depression
Why I have this book: I'm not really sure how it ended up in my hands... er... on my Kindle. I was "browsing" on Amazon, and somehow this ended up on a "suggestions" list. It was right about the time a friend had a major depressive "event"... and having another loved one who suffers from depression and having faced times where I've had to work hard to pull myself 'up', I decided to buy it.
I really liked this book a lot. It was very insightful, especially in regards to how depression can affect one's spirituality. Some of the personal stories in it were hard to read (for me)... I just have a hard time imagining the difficulty of the experiences some have to face. I don't think we generally imagine how painful life can be for some people. The book helped me sort through some of my own experiences, and also helped me feel compassion for those who deal with deep and unrelenting depression.
There is also a section on "Bipolar Illness." It was sad to read. I just wish people didn't have to deal with things that are so out of their control and so difficult to endure. It's very sad and seems so unfair.
I will keep this book. Besides being written for those who suffer with depression, it's also written for those who wish to help and understand others who are clinically depressed. It's really a good resource.
Clean. At least one personal account involves sexual abuse, but it is not graphic in description.
I really liked this book a lot. It was very insightful, especially in regards to how depression can affect one's spirituality. Some of the personal stories in it were hard to read (for me)... I just have a hard time imagining the difficulty of the experiences some have to face. I don't think we generally imagine how painful life can be for some people. The book helped me sort through some of my own experiences, and also helped me feel compassion for those who deal with deep and unrelenting depression.
There is also a section on "Bipolar Illness." It was sad to read. I just wish people didn't have to deal with things that are so out of their control and so difficult to endure. It's very sad and seems so unfair.
I will keep this book. Besides being written for those who suffer with depression, it's also written for those who wish to help and understand others who are clinically depressed. It's really a good resource.
Clean. At least one personal account involves sexual abuse, but it is not graphic in description.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Conflict of Interest (Clair M. Poulson)
I lied. But I tried. (Haha) I'm not reading two Jane Austen books next. I started Emma, decided to watch the movie first, haven't had time, and so... yeah.
My brain is liking the easy read.
Why I have this book: One of my friends loves this author, so - in the name of friendship - I decided to read one of his books and make a connection with her.
Here's the thing: I don't really like suspense novels. They creep me out. Freak my freak. I could tell you the story of how I broke my toe all because I was creeped out by The DaVinci Code, but I won't.
Anyway, I went on Amazon and picked the book by Clair M. Poulson that seemed the least scary.
After the first few chapters, I was thinking, "Great... another mediocre LDS writer." The conversations were so... Anita Stansfield. (Sorry, Anita.) But I perservered... and it got better. I don't know if the conversations themselves got better, but the story sucked me in. It was... suspenseful. Haha.
I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I stayed up past midnight finishing it. Yeah, some of it was corny. Some characters made me roll my eyes. There was so much going on that was bordering on unrealistic... but it didn't matter. It was kind of fun to read. I think teenagers would love it... it gives enough of a thrill without all the gore and swearing and yuckiness that most suspense novels have.
Even the Kindle editions of these books are pricey... over $10. I don't know if I'd buy more of them, but I'd check them out of a library.
Clean. There are some moments that make you want to pull your covers up to your ears and give you a little creepy shiver, but it's definitely just PG rated.
My brain is liking the easy read.
Why I have this book: One of my friends loves this author, so - in the name of friendship - I decided to read one of his books and make a connection with her.
Here's the thing: I don't really like suspense novels. They creep me out. Freak my freak. I could tell you the story of how I broke my toe all because I was creeped out by The DaVinci Code, but I won't.
Anyway, I went on Amazon and picked the book by Clair M. Poulson that seemed the least scary.
After the first few chapters, I was thinking, "Great... another mediocre LDS writer." The conversations were so... Anita Stansfield. (Sorry, Anita.) But I perservered... and it got better. I don't know if the conversations themselves got better, but the story sucked me in. It was... suspenseful. Haha.
I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I stayed up past midnight finishing it. Yeah, some of it was corny. Some characters made me roll my eyes. There was so much going on that was bordering on unrealistic... but it didn't matter. It was kind of fun to read. I think teenagers would love it... it gives enough of a thrill without all the gore and swearing and yuckiness that most suspense novels have.
Even the Kindle editions of these books are pricey... over $10. I don't know if I'd buy more of them, but I'd check them out of a library.
Clean. There are some moments that make you want to pull your covers up to your ears and give you a little creepy shiver, but it's definitely just PG rated.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Edenbrooke (Julianne Donaldson)
Why I have this book: Because I apparently have become a reader of LDS fiction? I bought it for my Kindle after reading quite a few good reviews.
So... Let me think about this. The book was okay. The second half was better than the first. The writing seemed to improve as the story went on and it became less distracting to me. The first half seemed a bit trite, like the author was trying too hard. The beginning moved fast, like the background had to be told in order to move on to the "real" story. There was too much "reading" of emotions due to the hero's eyes and face. He was perfect in every way. She was imperfect in an endearing way. It was predictable throughout.
Things settled down in the second half, although the story was so typically a romance novel. It was entertaining for a day of "down time", and I will unashamedly admit to one moment of one scene giving my heart a little pitter-patter. (It was in the second half. :) The book really was better the further you got into it.) So take that for what it's worth.
One thing that really didn't work for me were the serious "book club" type questions in the back. They tried to make the book into some kind of deep book, when it just was not. This book was sort of close to being a really great read, but it didn't quite pull it off, in my opinion. Still, if you just want something mindless and enjoyable to read (something that has become way too much of a habit for me lately), this would fit the bill. I don't regret reading it... I just wouldn't keep it or read it again.
Random question: (Maybe not so random if you've read this book.) How exactly does one look through their eyelashes at someone else? Wouldn't your lashes have to grow downwards in order to look through them? As often as it happened in this book, I decided to try it. It's impossible. What am I doing wrong???
I think I'm just kind of a book snob... not that my choice of reading lately shows that fact AT ALL. I have definitely been going for the easy read lately. I need to change that. Two Jane Austen books are on the schedule next.
This book is clean.
So... Let me think about this. The book was okay. The second half was better than the first. The writing seemed to improve as the story went on and it became less distracting to me. The first half seemed a bit trite, like the author was trying too hard. The beginning moved fast, like the background had to be told in order to move on to the "real" story. There was too much "reading" of emotions due to the hero's eyes and face. He was perfect in every way. She was imperfect in an endearing way. It was predictable throughout.
Things settled down in the second half, although the story was so typically a romance novel. It was entertaining for a day of "down time", and I will unashamedly admit to one moment of one scene giving my heart a little pitter-patter. (It was in the second half. :) The book really was better the further you got into it.) So take that for what it's worth.
One thing that really didn't work for me were the serious "book club" type questions in the back. They tried to make the book into some kind of deep book, when it just was not. This book was sort of close to being a really great read, but it didn't quite pull it off, in my opinion. Still, if you just want something mindless and enjoyable to read (something that has become way too much of a habit for me lately), this would fit the bill. I don't regret reading it... I just wouldn't keep it or read it again.
Random question: (Maybe not so random if you've read this book.) How exactly does one look through their eyelashes at someone else? Wouldn't your lashes have to grow downwards in order to look through them? As often as it happened in this book, I decided to try it. It's impossible. What am I doing wrong???
I think I'm just kind of a book snob... not that my choice of reading lately shows that fact AT ALL. I have definitely been going for the easy read lately. I need to change that. Two Jane Austen books are on the schedule next.
This book is clean.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Deliverance from Depression (GG, Greg, and David P. Vandagriff)
The complete title includes the words, "Finding Hope and Healing Through the Atonement of Christ."
Why I have this book: My sweet husband took me on a much overdue date night last week. I was at "that point", it having been weeks since the last time we were out together (alone) and I was not feeling too happy. As part of our date, he took me to our local LDS bookstore to "look around." Then he told me I could buy whatever book I wanted. I jokingly said I was going to buy a book on depression. Haha.
Anyway, we ended up buying several books... but as we were looking around, this one caught my eye because "Depression" was right on the cover. Still sort of joking, I picked it up and flipped through it. I liked what I saw and ended up buying it.
The book is written by three members of a family: a wife/mom, a son, and a husband/dad. The wife struggled with debilitating depression for 25 years. It was sad for me to read about, because I could imagine how very difficult it was for her. The son also had depression as a teenager/young adult. Both of them eventually were able to find proper treatment for their illnesses, and both are able to live happy lives now. The husband/dad wrote about how it was to live with the suffering of his loved ones, and how to cope and draw on the strength of the Savior for support... and how to use that strength to be a support to his wife and son.
The thing about the book I really appreciated, and why I will refer to it again, was the focus on the Atonement in their lives. They have a reference list in the back of good books/talks/scriptures about the Atonement for study.
The book was fairly short and for me, the most important part was how the Atonement of Christ worked in their lives. I appreciate it hearing about the personal experiences people have that show how the grace of Christ is real and at work in their lives.
I will keep it because of the reference section of the Atonement study resources.
Clean.
Why I have this book: My sweet husband took me on a much overdue date night last week. I was at "that point", it having been weeks since the last time we were out together (alone) and I was not feeling too happy. As part of our date, he took me to our local LDS bookstore to "look around." Then he told me I could buy whatever book I wanted. I jokingly said I was going to buy a book on depression. Haha.
Anyway, we ended up buying several books... but as we were looking around, this one caught my eye because "Depression" was right on the cover. Still sort of joking, I picked it up and flipped through it. I liked what I saw and ended up buying it.
The book is written by three members of a family: a wife/mom, a son, and a husband/dad. The wife struggled with debilitating depression for 25 years. It was sad for me to read about, because I could imagine how very difficult it was for her. The son also had depression as a teenager/young adult. Both of them eventually were able to find proper treatment for their illnesses, and both are able to live happy lives now. The husband/dad wrote about how it was to live with the suffering of his loved ones, and how to cope and draw on the strength of the Savior for support... and how to use that strength to be a support to his wife and son.
The thing about the book I really appreciated, and why I will refer to it again, was the focus on the Atonement in their lives. They have a reference list in the back of good books/talks/scriptures about the Atonement for study.
The book was fairly short and for me, the most important part was how the Atonement of Christ worked in their lives. I appreciate it hearing about the personal experiences people have that show how the grace of Christ is real and at work in their lives.
I will keep it because of the reference section of the Atonement study resources.
Clean.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
MEE Thinks (Mary Ellen Edmunds)
Why I have this book: A sweet friend gifted it to me on my Kindle. :)
I loved this book. MEE (Mary Ellen Edmunds... Get it?) is so funny and sweet. I'm sure anyone who reads her books or hears her speak wants to be her friend in real life and/or neighbor. She's just adorable.
This book is just a feel good collection of thoughts by MEE. I enjoyed it so much. I'm excited that I also have MEE Speaks (another gift from the same sweet friend) waiting to be read.
Clean.
I loved this book. MEE (Mary Ellen Edmunds... Get it?) is so funny and sweet. I'm sure anyone who reads her books or hears her speak wants to be her friend in real life and/or neighbor. She's just adorable.
This book is just a feel good collection of thoughts by MEE. I enjoyed it so much. I'm excited that I also have MEE Speaks (another gift from the same sweet friend) waiting to be read.
Clean.
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