Due Back...

2010-11-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

Mutiny on the Bounty by Charles Bernard Nordhoff. Our pastor mentioned this story in church a while back and it sounded really interesting. It was a really good story, and I learned a lot about life on a ship.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. This was a pretty good story.

The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England from 1811-1901 by Kristine Hughes. This was okay. However, I liked What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew better because that book used literature. I did learn a lot about Queen Victoria and her influence though.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy. Lud love me, I Loved, loved, looooved this book!

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. This was okay, as are all Sarah Dessen's book, but I would rank this near the bottom of her books.

The Horse and His Boy by C.S Lewis. What can you say, it's C.S Lewis! There is a reason people love Narnia.

2010-10-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty busy reading month.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Good, although I liked the original ending better. He let his friends talk him into writing a "happy ending", but I think his original one fit the story much better.

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinesella. I didn't even realize there was another Shopaholic book out until I happened to find it on the "hot" shelf at the library! All fluff of course, but you need to read fluff every once in a while.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler. This was okay. I was expecting it to be better though. Loved the idea, but some parts of the plot were just a little too murky. A lot of vague, feel-good, wishy-washy stuff was said to explain key parts of the story. I think they were meant to be deep, and sage and clever. Didn't work.

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler. Okay, I actually liked this one better than the first. Only it was too predictable because it was the same story in reverse. Kind of wish I would of read it first. And the ending really didn't make sense. I have to say ,though, this book actually made me ponder a lot of things. What would it be like to suddenly wake in the future? How fast could one adjust? And would it be easier to wake up in the past, since theoretically you would at least have knowledge of the time?

Cure by Robin Cook. Not too bad. I saw glimpses of the old Robin Cook in this book. His last couple books gave me the feeling they were hastily written to meet his yearly quota. This one was better, maybe it was the return of the mobsters.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. This is supposed to be some great must-read book. I don't get it. I thought the characters were disturbing and the mystery mediocre.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. I really liked this one. I liked the characters, the conflict and the whole future world that Card created.

Jane Fairfax: The Secret Story of the Second Heroine in Jane Austen's Emma by Joan Aiken. What's a month of reading without at least one Jane Austen spin-off? This was a good one. It wasn't nearly what I imagined Jane Fairfax's side of the story to be, but then again that would of been boring if it was.

2010-09-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. What an amazing story!

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef. This was another amazing story, only this one is true! Not only was Mosab Yousef disowned by his family for choices he made, but publishing this book has, i'm sure, placed a target on his back.

Three by Ted DeKker. Very, very good! A nice twist at the end, which I love in a story.

Phantom of Pemberly by Regina Jeffers. I really enjoyed Regina Jeffers's Wayward Love, about Captain Wentworth )from Persuasion). However, this one seemed too long and dry. I kept finding myself wishing it would end already. I was also expecting it to be a little bit spookier.

Mercy's Embrace: So Rough a Course by Laura Hile. This is the first in a trilogy about Elizabeth Elliot. Really enjoyed it. I loved how she drew characters out of other Jane Austen novels. I also love how she takes Elizabeth Elliot as we knew her in Persuasion, and changes her through circumstances instead of pretending she was misrepresented in Persuasion.

2010-08-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Well, it took months to read, but it was worth it. A little bit or romance, a little mystery, so many well developed characters. Dickens can really spin a tale.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scoot Fitzgerald. I understand this is a considered one of the "Great American Novels" because it gives us a snipped of the American Jazz Age. It was a bit interesting to get a glimpse into the roaring 20's, but otherwise I didn't really see the big deal.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I saw this movie, and thought the book might be good. It was okay, but didn't really offer anything more than the movie.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. The long awaited ending to the Hunger Games trilogy! It was good, but I would have to say it ended with more of a fizzle than a bang. I don't want to say much more for fear of giving away spoilers.

The Telling by Beverly Lewis. Another final book in a trilogy. Although the whole thing about treating non-Hodgkins lymphoma naturally was a little hard to swallow. But that's just me.

Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford. Jane Austen didn't die, in fact she is a vampire who owns a bookstore. At least that's the premise here...and it could of been a good story too except for her character. Even 200 years ago Jane Austen was pushing at the societal standards, so to see her character written so weak and wishy-washy was disappointing. She needed more "bite" herself.

2010-07-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This wasn't at all what I expected, I actually thought it was supposed to be humorous! It was, however, very good. A poignant mix of stories that blended together to give you an idea of life for blacks in Mississippi during the 60s.

1984 by George Orwell. For as long as I can remember I have been hearing about "Big Brother" and the "Thought Police". I picked this book up in the library, and it occurred to me that although I knew the story well, I had never read the actual book! It was actually so much more complex and deep than I expected. Very good.

Austenland by Shannon Hale. I was looking for an Austen fix and came across this book. The idea is so cute, Jane Austen addict takes a vacation to a retreat in England where you dress the period and follow regency rules. The romance was so disappointing. I got the feeling that the author knew how she wanted to end it, and was just trying to "connect the dots" to get there.

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist-The Facts of Daily Life in Nineteenth-Century England by Daniel Pool. Loved this book! The only problem was it covered 100 years, and of course things change so much over a century. Just imagine how different 1900 and 2000 were. The author was good about clarifying what part of the century, though.

Fang by James Patterson. I know, I know! Every time I read one of these Maximum Ride books, I swear them off forever but then a new one comes out and I can't help myself. I have to say, this one wasn't half bad! Much better than the last several ones.

2010-06-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

My American Adventure by Amy Burritt. Two parents sell their business and spend a year visiting every state in the U.S. This book was the perspective of their 12 year old daughter. Very good book, and what an incredible opportunity!

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Another classic to cross of my list. This story is 60 years old, but still so relevant! I liked it.

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. Some kids go camping in the Australian Bush and return to find their country has been invaded and overtaken. This is the first in a series. Not too bad. Sort of Red Dawn, Australian style.

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Asteroid hits the moon and forces it closer to earth, reeking all kinds of havoc. An apocalyptic story. The author seemed to want to end it on a good note though, which confused me. Also, this was definitely not a "love your neighbor" story. It was more like a "look out for your own" story. It made me wonder why you would fight to survive only to live like that.

Fallen by Lauren Kate. Not too bad, although a little confusing at the end.

I knew it!

2010-06-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I think I even mentioned somewhere on this blog, that of all Jane Austen's heroines, I related to Elinor Dashwood the most.

You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see.

Take the Quiz here!

2010-05-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been a month of memoirs! I love a good memoir.

Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush. Pretty good. It was kind of tough to go through 9/11 in so much detail, but of course it was a huge event in their administration so it's to be expected.

Labor of Love: A Midwife's Memoir by Cara Muhlhahn. Not as many birth stories as I would of liked. It was more like "this is my life, I just happen to be a midwife". Although I will admit her life is pretty interesting.

Ciao, America!: An Italian Discovers the U.S. by Beppe Severgnini. This was so interesting and funny. How fascinating to see America through the eyes of a foreigner. I have to say he was quite fair and not critical in his judgments.

The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House by Melissa Sue Anderson. When I saw this at the library, the girl in me who watched every Little House episode at least twice had to get it. How it got past editors though, I don't know. It mostly recapped entire episodes where Mary played a important role. Also there was what can only be described as an "ode to Obama" in the middle of it. Weird.

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers. Very good, just like all her books have been. Can't wait for the sequel.

Spells by Aprilynne Pike. Very good, I think I liked it better than the first in the series. Again, I can't wait for the next in the series.

The Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker. Hmmm..not my favorite of his. There was so much violence in the book, I felt like I cringed all the way through.

Mount Vernon Love Story : A Novel of George and Martha Washington by Mary Higgins Clark. Very cute story! Also very well researched so you learn a lot of history.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L. J. Smith. Not too bad, but not good enough that I wanted to read the sequels.

2010-04-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

Even MORE Jane Austen related books...

Letters to Her Sister Cassandra and Others by Jane Austen. There was some very interesting stuff in this book, but 80% of it was pretty boring. I loved the parts when she mentioned her books or characters, and the parts she talks about dresses and fabric.

The Family Fortune by Laurie Horowitz. This was a modern re-telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion. I thought the characters were pretty true, but I thought the actually love story was lacking. There was no tension between them, and that is one of the things that make Persuasion so good.

Possibilities by Debra White Smith. This was another modern re-telling of Persuasion. This was also written by a Christian author, and I really liked that. Although, there is no letter at the end! How can it be Persuasion without a letter?? I do like how both writers advanced her age by about 10 years, because 27 isn't really considered "past one's bloom" anymore and I think that was an important aspect of the story.

Northpointe Chalet bye Debra White Smith. This is a modern re-telling of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. I really liked this book, it was cute. Debra White Smith has written one for each of Jane Austen's books, and I definitely plan on reading the rest.

A Visit to Highbury by Joan Austen-Leigh. This book was written by Jane Austen's great-grand-niece. It is a spin-off of Emma, but involving much lesser characters and introducing new ones so it still seemed original, and good.

The Blue Cotton Gown: A Midwife's Memoir by Patricia Harman. Very interesting memoir. I thought it would be stories of delivering babies, but instead the stories were more about general health care (and often TMI for some readers!) She also writes about the financial struggle to keep a medical practice afloat, which is a side of medicine that you often don't see.

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. This was very good, one of my favorites by her. I also loved how there was a little overlap with characters from some of her other books.

That Summer by Sarah Dessen. Not too bad.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I would have to include this book in the "trying to copy Twilight" category. That being said, I still liked it and there was enough suspense and weirdness to keep you turning the pages.

2010-03-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

My Jane Austen theme continues:

Mr. Knightley's Diary by Amanda Grange. This was okay, but it didn't really show me anything about Mr. Knightly that I didn't already imagine.

Wayward Love: Captain Frederick Wentworth's Story by Regina Jeffers. Now this one, I really loved. It went above and beyond the original story.

Persuading Annie by Melissa Nathan. This book is a modern re-telling of Persuasion. Besides the language (what, exactly, is foul language supposed to add to a story?), I thought it was pretty good. The perfect tension just wasn't there though, as it is with the original.

Sanditon: Jane Austen's Unfinished Masterpiece Completed by Jane Austen and Juliette Shapiro. Wasn't too crazy about this. I did like the characters though.

The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis. This was a critique of textbooks and their effect on children. Also, about modern philosophy and what happens when we lose objective morals.

Readings for Meditation and Reflection by C.S Lewis. This wasn't a book written by him, but a compilation of excerpts from books he wrote.

Last Chance by Sarah Dessen. This book was okay although not nearly as good as her other books.

2010-02-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

If my 2010 reading had a theme so far, it would be Jane Austen!!

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. Of course it was good, but not my favorite of hers.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I found the coolest edition of this book at Sam's Club. It had side notes throughout the book which gave additional information about the time period, Jane Austen's life, and sometimes just fun opinions of the editors. Loved the story too!! Of all Jane Austen's heroines, I related to Elinor Dashwood the most.

Persuasion by Jane Austen. LOVED IT!!! After Pride & Prejudice, this would be my favorite by Jane Austen. When Captain Wentworth hands Anne that letter?? Has to be one of my favorite literary moments!

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange. Take P&P and Twilight, mix them together and you get this story! Very interesting, if odd, story.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith. Just as weird as the title sounds, but funny.

A Grief Observed by C.S Lewis. This was the journal he kept after his beloved wife of only a few years died. Very raw, very heavy. He works through incredibly tough questions that most of us would be afraid to ask.

Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto. This book was awesome! Don't read this if you enjoy the status quo.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows. At least three people recommended this book to me, and I'm so glad I finally read it! Though epistolary
stories are generally not my favorite, this book makes it work. I saw shades of Anne Shirley in Juliet and I learned quite a bit of WWII history! I had no idea there were inhabited islands in the English Channel! Definite postmodern undertones though.

Witch and Wizard by James Patterson. I was drawn to this book more for the dystopian theme, than the fantasy aspect. I have to say that the makings of a great story were here, but James Patterson really kept it dumbed down. Just like his Max books, the characters are shallow wisecracking kids that belong in a comic book. It's almost like he is writing a screenplay instead of a novel.

Cocktails for Three by Madeleine Wickam (Sophie Kinsella). This wasn't a bad story, but it lacked the "funny" that I love about her Sophie Kinsella books.

2010-01-21T10:12:00.001-08:00

In regards to reading, 2010 has started out great! I did some quality reading this month already.

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. What better way to start the year than some Jane Austen? I loved the characters in this book, and found it interesting to compare the differences in Fanny Price and Elizabeth Bennet.

An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aiden. Loved it!

Duty and Desire by Pamela Aiden. Loved it!

These Three Remain by Pamela Aiden. These three books make up the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy. All I can say is that any fan of Pride and Prejudice should read these! They tell Darcy's side of the story, but they are more than just the flip side of P&P, Pamela Aiden really creates Darcy's whole world, and it's very intriguing and entertaining.

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S Lewis. Like all his books, there was so much in this book to really get you to think. I learned a lot about the Jewish religion during OT times, and the Bible in general from this book.

Till We Have Faces by C.S Lewis. This book was a twist on the Greek myth of Psyche and Cupid. It was very good and interesting, although I wish I would of been familiar with the myth before I read the book. They did include the original story at the back of the book and reading it made parts of Lewis' story make better sense.

The Wedding Girl by Madeline Wickam (Sophie Kinsella). I recently found out that Sophie Kinsella used to write under a different name. This book was good, but not quite as funny and maybe a little more edgier than the books under the Sophie Kinsella name.

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen. When I started this book, I was a little disappointed because at first it seemed like the exact same formula as her other two books I read (which were ridiculously similar). There was quite the twist in the middle of this book (I think I actually flinched) and it turned out quite different.

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. This was a good story, and I liked the choices eventually made at the end.

Wings by Aprilynn Pike. This was such a good story (for those whole like fantasy type books). It was really quite original, which is not easy to find anymore in that genre with everybody trying to copy JK Rowling or Stephenie Myer.

2009-12-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Four Loves by C.S Lewis. Good book (of course! C.S Lewis!). I especially thought the chapter on friendship was interesting. He always has such a simple yet deep way of looking at things.

20 and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. I've enjoyed their show on TLC since it started and I waited for months for our library to finally get a copy of their book. It is worth reading this book just to hear how they live debt-free and the incredible stories that go along with that.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella. I could not put this book down, it was so good! Funny, just like all her books.

The Departed by Kathryn Mackel. This wasn't too bad. It had enough weird for me to enjoy it.

Love Someone by Delilah. This was written by the radio host Delilah who I listen to all the time (one of the few stations we pick up clearly in our house). I really loved when she writes about her mom teaching her to sew. She shares a lot about her own life, which is pretty interesting (she has adopted seven children) and she also shares stories of some of her listeners.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen. Another blogger recommended this YA author so I thought I would try one of her books. It was very good, I'm surprised I had never heard of her before. I loved the characters, and the very slow building, subtle romance.

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. I enjoyed her other book so much, I thought I would try another one. The two books were very similar in plot and characters, but this one was also good.

2009-11-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Rainbow's End by Irene Hannon. This was a Christian fiction romance. Honestly, I can't believe I even finished it. I love romance as part of a story, but I don't like a story about romance (if that makes sense). So predictable.

Catching Katie by Robin Lee Hatcher. This was okay. I liked the idea of the story, but it was a little too light and fluffy for me.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. This book is the second in the Hunger Games trilogy. SO GOOD! I could not put this down.

True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In by James Choung. This was a good book. Very thought provoking. It really made me look deeply at some issues.

2009-10-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Great Divorce by C.S Lewis. What can I say, I absolutely love C.S Lewis's writings. This is an allegorical story about heaven and hell. Very thought provoking, as all his stories are.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. This was pretty good, although I was expecting a little more considering he took 10 years to write this book. Although it was written in the same "race against the clock" format as his previous two, it just didn't carry the same suspense. One of the big twists was easy to figure out early on, and I found myself actually rooting against the good guys in one aspect. Pretty good book though.

Blink by Ted Dekker. This was really good! The characters were very likable and the plot moved really fast, no dull moments at all. And of course, a dash of Ted Dekker's weirdness.

2009-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Kind of a short list this month. There were several other books that I started but didn't care to finish. Here are the ones I did:

The Pilgrim's Regress by C.S Lewis. This is an allegorical story of Lewis' own journey to faith. Very good, although some parts were a bit complex and hard to follow. I've seen a book that helps explain this book (sort of like cliff notes), and I might read that.

The Missing by Beverly Lewis. Second in the Seasons of Grace trilogy. This was good, although I have to say it didn't leave much suspense for the next book. Unless she is planning on a huge twist or something in third.

Intervention by Robin Cook. Not his best by far.

Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer. I've seen several "P&P through Darcy's eyes" books, but this was the first that I actually decided to read. Mostly because it was written in the same chaste style as the original P&P. I think most P&P fans would like this, it almost feels like reading the original again, just from a different view.

2009-08-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

This has been a month of sequels as most of these are sequels to other books.

The Golden Road by L.M Montgomery. I have actually had this book for over 10 years. I just needed to get my hands on The Story Girl first! It picked up right where The Story Girl left off. And c'mon it's L.M Montgomery so you know it's good!

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. On the cover it says it is a companion to The Giver, however, I thought of it as more of a contrast. The two books share no characters. It was a really good book though.

The Messenger by Lois Lowry. Now this book tied Gathering Blue and The Giver together. Also good, although it got a bit weird at the end.

Extras by Scott Westerfeld. This is the fourth book in The Uglies series. I wasn't that anxious to read it, but it was right there at the library so I grabbed it. Turns out it was really good! Better than the second and third even.

Max by James Patterson. Okay, I know I swore I was done with this series but my curiosity got the better of me. The thing about this series is that the characters are very likable even thought the actual stories are kind of dumb.

Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff. This was a story about a poor girl who ends up babysitting for an even poorer teenage mom. The author painted a realistic picture of poverty, but I felt like the whole story was kind of "dumbed down" (which I'm sure is part of the effect she was going for).

The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) by John Flanagan. Now this was a good book. If he would of added a bit or romance, it would of been terrific!

2009-07-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Story Girl by L.M Montgomery. I have waited so long to read this book and finally got it from Paperback Swap. Very good, just like all her others. This is the book that the show "Road to Avonlea" is based off of.

When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances by Carol J Kent. A friend recently recommended this book and I really liked it and it left me with a lot to ponder.

Dunkirk Crescendo by Bodie and Brock Thoene. This was #9 in the Zion Covenant series. I had a hard time getting through it because most of my favorite characters were not in it and there was so much war and battle stuff.

Looking For God in Harry Potter by John Granger. John Granger is a Christian homeschooling dad with a literature background who first read HP so he could explain to his daughter why she couldn't. Instead, he found a resonating story that was chalk full of symbolism. Loved this book, and I recommend it to any HP fans. I had no idea of J.K Rowlings extensive literary background and the hidden meanings and symbols she put in her stories.

The Deathly Hallow Lectures by John Granger. This book is not quite as easy-reading as Looking For God but if your a "serious Harry Potter reader" (as the author likes to say), then you would like this book. There is also a lot of info on interpreting literature in general.

2009-06-17T11:13:00.001-07:00

Lady Susan by Jane Austen. I had never even heard of this book until my friend mentioned it. It was okay, not nearly as good as her others. I think because it was much shorter and the characters were never really developed.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. This book was SO good! I might have to get myself a copy of it. I often find myself thinking about many of the concepts and ideas in it.

The Secret by Beverly Lewis. This is the first in her Seasons of Grace series. It was good, I really like the variety of characters in this one and can't wait until the next one is out.

London Refrain by Bodie and Brock Thoene. Number 7 in the Zion Covenant series. This is one of my favorite series ever, so I was excited to see there were three new books added. This was very good, just like the rest of the series.

Paris Encore by Bodie and Brock Thoene. Number 8 in the Zion Covenant. Very good! I'm going to start number nine as soon as I finish updating this blog!

Match Day: One Day and One Dramatic Year in the Lives of Three New Doctors by Brian Eule. As I'm sure I mentioned, I love books about medical school and residency. This book focused on "match day" which is a huge event in the life of a medical student when they learn where they will be doing their residency. At first, I couldn't believe there would be enough about "match day" to write a book, but by the middle of the book I couldn't not wait to see where these doctors had matched!

Plain Girl by Virginia Sorensen. This was a cute book I found at Goodwill about an Amish girl who has to go to school at a regular public school where no other Amish children attend.

2009-05-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I really liked this book...until the end. One of thee most disappointing endings ever.

Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto by Mark R. Levin. My friend wanted me to read this book and it was really good.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.
This was a good book, sort of modern Jane Austen type story, however the ending was not nearly as satisfying as one of Jane Austens. Another disappointing ending.

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose.
I could not put this book down! What happens when an uber liberal enrolls at Jerry Falwell's university and tries to blend in? This is a funny and intriguing book. Kevin Roose is open and honest about his experience there, he brushes it with neither an evil or good view but with an an open mind that is just trying to understand the other side and see if the "God divide" can be overcome.

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson. This was just okay. Didn't even get very interesting until the end. I don't think I will be reading the next in the series.

Deception Point by Dan Brown. I have to hand it to Dan Brown, he can take things I have absolutely no interest in and make it into a really good story!

2009-04-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

Multiple Bles8ings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets by Jon Gosselin, Kate Gosselin, and Beth Carson. This was a good book. Kate got to express a lot of their spiritual faith that doesn't make it to the t.v show. I am a bit confused as to why Jon's name was on the cover though, since he didn't contribute one tiny bit to it!

Midnighters #3: Blue Noon by Scott Westerfeld. A good wrap up to the trilogy. A very weird twist at the end.

Hit and Run by Lurlene McDaniel. I always liked her books when I was younger, but this one was pretty stupid.

Specials by Scott Westerfeld. I almost didn't read this final book in the Uglies trilogy, but I'm glad I did. It was better than the second book, and a pretty good ending.

Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult. This was really similar to her book Change of Heart. I really couldn't believe how much of the same material she used, although the endings were quite different.

2009-03-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of books to add, I guess I've read a lot this past month!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore. This was an original plot and a pretty good story, however, there were undertones that really ruined it for me. Also, I felt there was a lot of superfluos stuff at the end that didn't add to the story at all.

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld. The was the second in the Uglies trilogy. I didnt' enjoy it as much as the first book.

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke. I really liked the characters in this trilogy, but I felt like the whole story could of been condensed into something shorter.

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. This book sounded interesting when I heard about it, but I was disapointed. I really hated how Christians were portrayed.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forrester. This was okay. Not as great as the reviews made it out to be.

Once Upon a Summer by Janette Oke. I found Janette Oke's Seasons of the Heart saga at Sam's Club a few weeks ago for less than $10.00! I read this series when I was in jr. high and really enjoyed it. I didn't remember much about them, it was almost like reading them again for the first time. Very good, although a little sappy.

The Winds of Autumn by Janette Oke.

Winter is Not Forever by Janette Oke.

Spring's Gentle Promise by Janette Oke.

Black by Ted Dekker. Very good! I really like alternate reality plots and this is a good one.

Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld. I have to say that I thought the plot of these books was so cool and I had some preconcieved ideas beforehand and found the actual story a bit disapointing. Still good, but I guess I liked my own ideas better. :)

Midnighters 2: Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld. Not a bad sequel. I do like the characters in this trilogy more than in his Uglies trilogy.

2009-02-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. I did not like this book. I understand that Artemis is not supposed to be a good guy, but I just don't enjoy a book where the main character is a bad guy. I actually heard this book compared to Harry Potter and I have to say there is NO comparison whatsoever.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I liked this book. It wasn't one that I couldn't put down, but I looked forward to reading it every night.

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke. A good sequel, maybe even a bit better than Inkheart.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson. I didn't enjoy this as much as the first 2 books. It really began to feel like he is just stretching the story longer and longer.

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning by James Patterson. This was worse than the third! It turned into a PSA about global warming. This was pretty much the nail in the coffin for this series as far as I'm concerned.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Very good! I definately plan on reading the next in this series. If you liked Brave New World, or The Giver, than you would like this.

Girlheart by Norma Fox Mazer. This book was not at all what I expected. I was expecting something mother/daughter like Gilmore Girls. Instead, the mother dies right away, and it's about the daugher's grief. Not bad, but there were a lot of undertones I didn't like. As a Christian, I felt this story was absolutely depressing and lacking any true hope.

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown. This was good, not as good has his Robert Langdon novels though. I really liked the "who will guard the guards?" message.

Chosen by Ted Dekker. This was okay. It felt sort of like a vague copy of other stories (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Narnia).

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. This was good. Not the best prisoner story, but it gives you a sense of the mundane prisoner life that other books tend to overlook.

2009-01-22T11:01:00.001-08:00

I have to get these books posted before I start forgetting some!

First, the December books that I never got around to posting.

Emma by Jane Austen. I love the movie Emma, and decided to finally read the book. Of course, it was good. It was Jane Austen.

Marley and Me by John Grogan. I bought this so I would have something to read when we drove up to the U.P on Christmas Eve. It was such a cute story!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Very good! It's the first of a trilogy, and I can't wait for the next one.

Now for the beginning of my 2009 reading. January has been a great month for reading! It's been way too cold to go many places, great weather for snuggling up and reading.

Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Bronte. Not sure what to say about this one. It's an interesting story but it would of been nice to have one character to like. Well, I guess the maid that tells the story is okay...

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. This was like some type of John Grisham/ Da Vinci Code hybrid. Not bad.

Against Medical Advice : One Family's Struggle with and Agonizing Medical Mystery by
by James Patterson, Hal Friedman, and Cory Friedman. This was a really good memoir! You could feel the frustration of not only Cory, but of his parents, teachers and sister too. I love that they finally dediced to what they did in the end.

Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. This has been on my "To Read" list for awhile. I really liked the movie and figured the book would be even better. It was.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson. This was a pretty good book. I wish the characters were a little more real and not so "action movie-ish".

Maximum Ride: Schools Out Forever by James Patterson. This is the second of the trilogy. Good enough that I was actually disapointed when the third book wasn't in at the library.

School of Fortune by Amanda Brown and Janice Weber. Amanda Brown is the author of Legally Blond. This was a funny book! Very cute story.

Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. This was such a sweet, and very unique, love story! Notice how many James Patterson books I've read this month? This guy is such a versatile writer! Three different genre, yet all very good.

2008-11-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

Crossing Over: One Woman's Escape from Amish Life by Ruth Irene Garrett. This was a good story. Of course Amish life is not quite idyllic as many of the fictions books I read make it out to be.

Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris. I have seen many "sequels" to Pride and Prejudice, but this was the first one that I have read. It was a good, classic "who did it" mystery and the author stayed pretty true to Jane Austen's style of writing.

Pretense by Laurie Wick. This was a very long book that I slowly trudged though. I guess it was okay, but I don't think I would read it again.

Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella.

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella. I finally finished the Shopaholic series. It was so hard to get a hold of the second one, but once I did I read the last three right away. Now I feel a little sad that there are none left.

2008-11-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Barefoot Heart: Stories of a Migrant Child by Elva Trevino Hart. This was a pretty good memoir.

Rumspringa: To Be or Not to Be Amish by Tom Shachtman. This was a really good book about both the Amish custom of Rumspringa and the Amish in general.

Intern: A Doctor's Initiation by Sandeep Jauhar. I love books written by doctors about medical school, internship and residency. This was a bit darker than other similar books, and the author often questions his choice of career and certain things about the field of medicine in general.

The Longing by Beverly Lewis. This was the third and final book in "The Courtship of Nellie Fisher" trilogy. It was a good series.

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella. This is the second book in the shopaholic series. I have checked the library for this so many times and finally got it! At first it was a little over the top, but she toned it down a bit and it ended up being an okay read.

Multiple Choice by Claire Cook. This was a cutesy book about a mother and daughter who end up going to college at the same time. Have you ever read one of those short stories that are in Family Circle (I think that's the magazine that has short stories)? Well, this was like a really looong short story.

2008-10-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. This was a behemoth of a book, about 1000 pages. It was a good medieval epic story.

Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson. I was quite skeptical about this book, but it was really good. The author stayed true to L.M Montgomery's style (minus a few things).

Rosie by Anne Lamont. I've heard a lot about this author so I thought I would try one of her books. Eh. Not that great.

Meet the Austins by Madeline L'Engle. Very good. This book introduces the Austins, who are the main family in many of her books. I would of loved her books when I was younger.

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. I picked this out because it was a Newberry winner. Boy was I surprised to find it was set in Jerusalem during the life of Christ! It was pretty good.

2008-09-15T18:00:00.001-07:00

Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup. This is a memoir of a widow who followed her late husbands dream to become a chaplain. It was okay. Her theology is quite different than mine, but her job is admirable.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I can cross another classic off my list.

Young Pioneers by Rose Wilder Lane. This was written by Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter Rose. It's a good little story.

Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella. Once again, she had me laughing out loud.

Foreign Body by Robin Cook. Eh. I generally really like his books, but this one fell a little short to me. They can't all be great I guess.

Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. I hadn't read Janette Oke is so long! This was okay, not really anything new though. It felt like a story i've read many times already.

Johnny Tremain by Ester Forbes. This is a Newberry Award winner. I'm trying to work my way through that list too, and I haven't been disapointed by one yet. I liked this story. I especially like how it illustrates the fact that all American's during the revolution we're not patriots and things are not always so cut and dried as history books sometimes make them.

2008-08-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. Her books are always good for making me laugh.

The Story Of My Life, An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky by Farah Ahmedi. Very good memoir. An amazing story.

A New Kind of Christian by Brian D. McLaren. If your curious about the "emergent church" movement, this is a good book. Lots of philosophy in it. I disagree with a lot, yet it is very thought provoking and mind stretching.

The Forbidden by Beverly Lewis. This was the sequel to The Parting.

Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson. This wasn't a bad book, but I really had to push myself to finish it. I think the story is relevant, but it just wasn't a page turner.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Myer. The final book in the Twilight series. I was not disappointed. She tied it up so nicely.

2008-07-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

As always, the inactivity on this blog in no way reflects my reading! I have a lot of books to list since my last entry, I probably won't remember them all.

Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood by Julie Gregory. This was okay, not really as much insight in munchausen by proxy then I was expecting.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Emily recommended this awhile ago when I asked for recommendations and it was VERY good.

Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? by Richard J Maybury. This is a book about inflation. Jeremiah loves this book and has been after me to read it for so long. I finally read it. It's a really good primer for economics and the boys will definitely be reading it in the future.

The Shack by William P. Young. I read reviews on this book that made me order it immediately, then I read reviews that made me cancel my order. I finally decided to read it when I saw it at Sam's club. Not sure what to say, I think it offers a lot to think about...however the theology is a bit...weird.

Into the Silent Planet by C.S Lewis. This was my birthday present. It's the first in his space trilogy and I'm excited to finally start reading it (I already have the other two).

The Host by Stephenie Meyer. My friend lent me this book and I really enjoyed it.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer.

The last three are the Twilight saga (with the fourth and final book coming out next month). This series was geared more for teens but I still really enjoyed them. They had me up late every night reading for a week, and I can't wait until the last book is released. This is one of those series where the characters are so memorable and likable that you really miss them when you finish the book.

2008-05-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Swimming Across by Andrew S. Grove. The author of this book fled Hungary right after the revolution in 55. It's a good book and gives you a glimpse of life under a communist gov't.

The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz. This is one of Jeremiah's favorite books. It was on his paperback wish list for a long time so when we finally recieved a copy I decided to read it. The author tells his story of his incredible escape from a Soviet prison camp in Siberia. It is a remarkable story!

2008-05-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have a lot to catch up with here.

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. My neighbor lent me this book and it was good. It was a funny and heart wrenching memoir about the author's life growing up in poverty in Ireland.

'Tis by Frank McCourt. This book picked up where Angela's Ashes left off. Also good.

A Monk Swimming by Malachy McCourt. Malachy is Frank McCourts brother. He was such an endearing character in Frank's books that I was delighted to see he wrote his own memoir. It was good, but he doesn't have quite the way with words as his brother.

The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory. I was intrigued with Queen Katherine's character in The Other Boleyn Girl so I decided to read Phillipa Gregory's book that told her story.

2008-03-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated this site in awhile but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading! For some reason updating this site is more of a chore, opposed to my sewing blog which I love to update when I finish something.

Lets see...

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. Jeremiah and I both wanted to read this one. He finished it first, but only because he hogged it. :D It was good though, we both thought so. There are more short stories in it that I hope to get around to reading someday.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I saw this at S*m's Club (they have the best book deals there) and thought it was historical fiction, but I don't think I could call it that, more of a romance I guess?

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. This was another that Jeremiah and I both wanted to read. I won this time :D I really liked this book, Jeremiah said it wasn't really what he expected. The only thing I don't understand is the author's very broad definition of economists. To me, economists study the economy. The author seems more of a sociologist/statistician to me but refers to himself as an economist.

Escape by Carolyn Jessop. This is true story written by a woman who fled the polygamist FLDS cult near the Utah/Arizona border. Bih. Zaaaarre. It's a very good book but my eyebrows were perpetually raised as I read it. I just cannot believe that people live that way. It really makes you realize how victimized women are in polygamy.

How Do You Know You're Not Wrong? by Paul Copan. This is the book we decided on for our Bible study. I haven't read it yet, but it looks pretty good at glance through.

Main Street by Ann M. Martin. I actually borrowed this from Melissa's daughter. I used to LOVE the Baby-Sitter's Club books, and I wanted to see what Ann M. Martin was writing these days. This series is about two young girls who lose their parents in a car accident. They go to live with their grandmother who owns a sewing shop in a small Northeastern town. The town reminds me of a Star's Hallow type of place (from Gilmore Girls). I love the references to sewing (even smocking!), and I love that the sisters are true friends. So often in contemporary literature friends are only people your own age, not siblings.

The Art of Manipulating Fabric by Colette Wolff. Gathering, godets, flounces, tucks, cording ect... These are things that can be tricky, so I'm hoping to pick up a few hints in this book.

A-Z of Bullions by Counry Bumpkin Publications. I am so happy with their A-Z of smocking that I had to check this out. Bullion is a type of embroidery (often used in smocking).

Creative Smocking by Chris Rankin. This book touches on a few things that my A-Z doesn't. Otherwise though, I like the A-Z of smocking MUCH better and I'm glad I purchased that one.

2008-02-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

I had Loves Unending Legacy by Janette Oke sent to my mom via paperback. Now she only needs 6 and 7.

I ordered -and just received- All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. This is a great book. I've checked out the first edition once but there is just so much info in this book that it's worth owning. I was something like number 89 on the paperbackswap waiting list for this book. I finally just decided to spend the $13 :)

I also ordered A-Z of Smocking by Country Bumpkin Publications. I ordered this from the company I ordered my pleater from. I can't wait for it to arrive!

2008-01-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated in awhile here. I have been doing pretty good reading the books I have accumulated from paperbackswap.

When I was at my parents, my mom let me take Drowning Ruth by Christian Schwartz to read. This was an okay book. Not bad, not great. It started in such a way, however, that I had to finish it so I could know what happened. Unlike my dad I refuse to read the last couple pages before I start (he seriously does that).

Then, from paperbackswap, I had Love Finds a Home by Janette Oke sent to my mom. It was #8 int the series, but I just take them as they come available. She only needs 5, 6 and 7 and she will have the whole collection, all from paperbackswap!

Today from the library I got:
The Book of Smocking by Diana Keay. Smocking is the next area of sewing I want to tackle.

Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina. I've checked this book out before, but it is full of so much information I wanted to go through it again. It offers facts, sewing tips and general info for different fabrics.

Sewing Classic Clothes for Children by Kitty Benton. I think I have checked this book out a long time ago, but that was before I had a daughter to sew dresses for!

Embroidered Alphabets by Gail Lawther. Offers many different patterns for embroidering letters.

Encyclopedia of Needlework by Donna Kooler. More embroidery stuff. Basically, i'm trying to decide if I want a machine that does embroidery in the future, or if hand embroidery is something I will enjoy.

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that I checked out The Parting by Beverly Lewis awhile ago. I can't wait for the next one in the series!

2007-11-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

I told myself I was NOT going to get any library books until after the New Year because I have so many to read at home from Paperback Swap!

However, I could not resist Robin Cook's newest book Critical when I saw it on the rental shelf at the library.

2007-11-10T14:06:00.001-08:00

New Paperbackswap books:

The Lord of the Flies by William Gerald Golding

Love's Long Journey by Janette Oke. I had this sent to my mom.

The Quilter's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I also had this one sent to my mom.

And from S*m's Club I recently purchased:

Into the Deep by Colleen Coble. This is Christian fiction and it's a mystery and it's set in the U.P!

Bittersweet Christmas by Jocye Livingston, Gail Sattler, and Janet Spaeth. After Thanksgiving, I will have two Christmas novels to read.

2007-10-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, first I wanted to link to this article about Philip Pullman. I actually was going to read this series! Ugh...I'm so glad I saw this at snopes.com first.

Next, here are the latest books I have ordered from paperbackswap.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Aurthur Golden. I'm always tempted to watch this movie, but I've been told to read the book instead (of course, when is a movie ever better??)

Perelandra and That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis. These are two of the three books from his fantasy trilogy he wrote for adults. I have the first one on my wishlist.

Winterflight by Joseph Bayly I guess this is sort of a Christian fiction 1984.

The Departed by Kathryn Mackel. I tried to order The Surrogate by her, but the sender was not responding so I canceled that and ordered this one.

Love's Enduring Promise by Janette Oke. I had this one sent to my mom.

I have to say that I feel my current fiction streak coming to an end. I'm ready to start looking for some good non-fiction, specifically some memoirs I think. Any suggestions?

2007-10-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...more books!

First, the latest books I've ordered from paperback.swap

The Surrogate by Kathryn Mackel. A Christian fiction thriller.

Mistletoe by Karen Ball, Barbara Jean Hicks, and Lorena McCourtney. This is a Christian romance. I generally don't like romance because what could be more predictable? But, it's by three good authors and it's a Christmas story (I love reading Christmas stories around Christmas).

Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke. I had this book sent to my mom because she wants to read those again.

The Silver Chair and The Final Battle by C.S. Lewis. I just finished reading The Lion, The Witch, ad The Wardrobe to the boys. Now we have all the books to finish the Chronicles of Narnia.

And now for my latest library books:

Crystal Lies by Melody Carlson. She is one of the authors on my list to try.

Oxygen by John B. Olson and Randall Ingermanson. Some Christian sci-fi.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. A Newberry award winner. I'm making my way thru that list. So far I have found that they are almost all worthwhile reads.

The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. This author creates a story to go with famous pieces of art. You might of heard of The Girl with the Pearl Earring.

Whew! A lot of books huh? Now you know why my sewing blog has been so quiet lately.

Where the Map Ends

2007-10-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to find this site yesterday! I love books that make me think "wow, how did they ever think of this plot??" I also like Christian fiction. I have always had a hard time finding books that meet both those. Thanks to this website I now have long list of authors to try.

2007-10-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Usually when we go to the library, Jeremiah and I take turns staying with the kids in the children's section while the other goes up to the adult floor. Last week, Jeremiah dropped us off while he took care of something at work so I didn't get to the adult section. Instead I grabbed grabbed some young adult books. I specifically looked for Newberry winners.

The Giver by Lois Lowry. This was sort of A Brave New World for kids. I liked her style of writing, very simple and to the point. Although that might of been intentional to match the content.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Why had I never heard of Caddie Woodlawn before?? I seriously can't believe I have never heard of this, and (to my knowledge) there hasn't been a movie made. If you enjoy Laura Ingalls, you will enjoy this! This will definitely be a book Sadie gets when she is older.

A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle. This is one of the books about the Austin family. I just learned that Madeleine L'Engle just died last month. I look forward to reading more of her many books.

Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. This is the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen by the same authors. I read -and loved- Cheaper by the Dozen a long time ago and have been meaning to read this one. These books are hilarious! The movie with Steve Martin does not do these books justice, in fact they share little more than the same title.

Trees of Michigan and The Upper Great Lakes by Norman F. Smith. The boys and I have been doing a lot of tree identifying on our walks and I just wanted to read up a little bit more.

I also finished House by Frank Peretti an Ted Dekker. The back said "supernatural thiller", which I generally enjoy. It was a supernatural thriller for sure. I had to keep reading just for the sheer fact that it was so weird that I had to know how the heck it was going to end. It wasn't really one of my favorite Peretti books.

2007-10-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yay, I just got an email from the library that the copy of House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker that I reserved is in! I can't wait to read it.

I also have The Parting by Beverly Lewis reserved. That one will be a while though as there were several people who had it reserved ahead of me.

I have also ordered The Horse and His Boy and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S Lewis with two of my paperbackswap credits.

Paperback Swap

2007-09-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

I've seen papberbackswap.com on several blogs over the years. I was never really motivated to join until Risa explained it a little better. Basically, you list all the books you are willing to send to somebody if they request it (very simple to list a book by the way). When somebody wants one of your books, you mail it media rate ($2.13 unless it's over a pound). Once they receive the book you will get a credit. With your credit you get to choose a book (over 1.5 milion are listed) and have it shipped to you for no cost. When you first join if you list 9 or more books, you get three credits! I was surprised at the sheer amount and variety of books available.

This was made for people like us! We cleared off a whole shelf in our bookcase already. I have a habit of buying one or two books out of a series when they are not available at the library and Jeremiah always wants weird books that the library doesn't have so he buys them. We listed over 20 books and have mailed 8 already -make that 10 now-!

With my first 3 credits for listing 9 books I ordered:

Prince Caspian by C.S Lewis (I'm reading The Chronicles of Narnia to the boys)

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Vienna Prelude by Bodie and Brock Thoene. This is the first book of the Zion Covenant series. I lent it to a friend several years ago and didn't get back before she moved away. I just now heard they have written a #7, 8 and 9 to this series!! I want to read the whole series again before I read the three new ones.

I have no idea yet what books I want with the 8 -make that 10- credits we will get, but I know I will have fun choosing!

2007-09-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Laura Ingalls Wilder Country by William Anderson. I found this gem in the juvenile section while gathering books for the boys. It's a must for anybody who has enjoyed the Little House books. It shows pictures of and offers more info on the real places, people and things in her books. It makes me want to read the books again.

I finally got around to Harry Potter, and I wasn't disappointed. Awhile ago somebody mentioned that I might like fantasy type books after I described what kind of writing I like. I can't even remember who said it, but I think they were right. Fantasy can be so much more unpredictable (I can't stand predictably). I can say I never knew what was coming at the end of any of these books. Also, JK Rowling has such a gift for developing characters that you really care about.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling (My Favorite)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

2007-07-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

I purchased a few sewing books from ebay and amazon.

Sewing With Sergers by Gail Brown and Pati Palmer

The New Creative Serging Illustrated by Pati Palmer, Gail Brown and Sue Green.

I didn't realize it, but the second book contains most of the info from the first book also.

2007-07-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I updated this blog.

Let's see....here are a couple books I read since my last post.

Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

Two Little Girls In Blue by Mary Higgins Clark (actually, I didn't finish this book. I gave it to my dad to read before I finished it)

And a great book about using your overlock machine (a type of sewing machine). This was a good book. Next time I'm at the library I'm going to have to jot down the title so I can see if I can find it on ebay.

When I was in the UP last month visiting my family I scored some great books from my dad and sister.

Silent Partner by Jonathan Kellerman

State of Fear by Michael Crichton

Expiration Date by Eric Wilson

The Innocent Man by John Grisham

Escape by Lorena McCourtney

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller (recently purchased from e-bay)

I'm sure it will be a long while before I get to reading all these books. Not to mention I have a growing list of books I want to check out from the library.

2007-03-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. I was standing in the library looking at this book when a women next to me told me it was the best series she ever read. How could I not at least try it after that?

Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson. This is yet another Christian author I have never heard of. The new branch library we go to since we moved has a lot of Christian fiction and they even have "Christian Fiction" stickers so you can pick them out on a shelf.

Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann. Same as above.

2007-02-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind, I've already read most of these. I tend to read a lot of fiction in pregnancy. I guess because I can relax and read more without feeling guilty (specially when I have to try and control my blood pressure).

SAHM I Am by Meredith Efken. Sam's Club has some Christian Fiction by some new women authors for less than 8 dollars. This was an easy, and funny, read.

Gap Creek By Robert Morgan. This caught my eye because it had a "historical fiction" sticker on it. Then I saw it also had the Oprah's Book Club seal on it. I really don't think it fit the "historical fiction" category, but it wasn't bad. The male author's attempt at describing childbirth was pretty far off though.

Monster by Frank Peretti. One of my favorite authors. This book was published in 2005 but I had never heard of it! It was really good, as all his books are.

Songbird by Lisa Samson. This is a Christian author I haven't tried. I have recently read about her on Dolly Mama's blog and she sounded like an author I would like.

Things We Once Held Dear by Ann Tatlock. Another Christian author I haven't read yet. I saw this book on the new fiction shelf and it looked good before I even knew it was Christian fiction.

2007-02-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

The Brethren by Beverly Lewis. The third and final book in the Preacher's Daughter trilogy. Once again, I lucked out finding it in at the library.

2007-01-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born by Tina Cassidy. I already finished this one. It's one of those books that draws you right in. This book chronicles how women have labored and birthed their babies thru history.

The Englisher by Beverly Lewis. This is number 2 in the Preacher's Daughter series, and once again I was so happy to find it in at the library.

2007-01-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana by Linda Rosenkrantz and Pamela Redmond Satran. I came across this book when I was pregnant with Jonah. Even though we already had Jonah's name picked out, I enjoyed reading this. Instead of a simple alphabetical list of names, they break names into categories (Hot,Spiritual, So Far Gone They Are Never Coming Back ect...) They also list the top baby names of several other countries. They also offer alternatives if you like a really popular name, but don't want a popular name. Bottom line is this is my favorite baby name book!

The Last Word on First Names by Linda Rosenkrantz and Pamela Redmond Satran. This one is an alphabetical list, but there is a paragraph for each name with info (beyond the meaning). You'll notice it's by the same authors.

Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. I have been wanting to read this book for a couple years, but it's always been checked out. I would love try a garden like this.

2006-12-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, our local library was having a book sale and I actually found some good books!

Isolation Ward by Joshua Spanogle. This is a medical thriller, looks good.

The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. it looked like it might be worth $1. We'll see.

A Newberry Christmas by Newberry Award winning authors. This one was a real find for $2! It contains 14 Christmas stories by Newberry Award winning authors. I thought the boys might enjoy hearing them, but when I started to read to them I realized it was a little above their level. However, I think I will enjoy it!

2006-11-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased three books. I intended to read them on our trip, but didn't read as much as I thought I would:

The Crisis by Robin Cook. Normally, I would of had this read in two days max, but i'm just busier and more tired than usual.

A Bend in the Road by Nicolas Sparks. I started this on our trip. Its not a bad book, but there wasn't anything in it that made me pick it up yet since we got home.

Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin. I saw this on clearance at Meijer. Its a fictional account of king Hezekiah from the Bible. I just haven't been motivated to start it yet. I've read so many Bible stories turned novels in recent years (Francine Rivers, Bodie Thoene), i'm just not feeling too interested yet.

Now for the library books:

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. I saw this on Genevieve's blog and it looked interesting.

A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd. This book is made up of the four short stories that inspired the movie A Christmas Story, which I LOVE.

The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis. The great thing about smaller branch libraries, is that you can often find the popular books that are never in at the main library.

2006-10-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Fabric of Society: A Century of People and their clothes 1770-1879 by Jane Tozer and Sarah Levitt

Fifty Years of Fashion: New Look to Now by Valerie Steele

Fallen Angels by Patricia Hickman

Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner (Treadmill Reading)

The Siege by Helen Dunmore

2006-09-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Fit and Fabric from Threads Magazine

The Encyclopedia of Knitting Techniques by Debby Robinson

Quilting by Machine from the Singer Sewing Refrence Library

Beyond the Pattern, Great Sewing Techniques for Clothing from Threads Magazine

The Thief of Always by Clive Barker

Ya-Yas in Bloom by Rebecca Wells

First, you probably notice that I quit linking the books to Amazon.com. I doubt it matters to anybody. The last two books were desperate attempts for some treadmill reading. I knew Jeremiah was waiting for me, and I tend to take a while in the library. Treadmill reading has to be fast, interesting, and easy on the mind. They have to be books that make me want to turn the page to see what happens. Neither of these books show much promise. I also renews a couple of the pattern making books from last time.

2006-08-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I actually started this book before but didn't finish it.

Shortcuts to a Perfect Sewing Pattern by Rusty Bensussen.

How to Make Sewing Patterns by Donald H. McCunn. I want to take that next step in sewing where I can alter patterns, combine patterns, and even make my own patterns.

Power Sewing Step-By-Step by Sandra Betzina. I like Sandra Betzina. I have checked this book out before, but it is so full of good info that wanted to go thru it again.

Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting. I have SO MUCH scrap fabric that I don't want to just throw away, so i'm going to start putting quilt squares together.

2006-07-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I'm working on my classical education (see previous post).

2006-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Billy Straight by Jonathan Kellerman

The Well-Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never Had
by Susan Wise Bauer. This is an excellent book about learning how to read good literature. It includes recommended reading lists. I wish I would of read this in high school, or even college. She writes about the three stages of education: grammer (absorption), logic (evaluate) and rhetoric (forming ones own opinion). She is right, it is an education I never had.

2006-06-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family by Cybele Pascal. Sandy told me about this book, so I checked it out. I'm looking forward to making Sammy a real birthday cake this year.

Cell by Stephen King. I haven't read Stephen King since high school, but this one seemed interesting. Reminded me a bit of The Stand, although not as good. I wasn't crazy about the ending. I do not like wondering what happened. I took my valuable time to read your story, please give me some resolution.

How To Break An Egg : 1,453 Kitchen Tips, Food Fixes, Emergency Substitutions and Handy Techniques by Fine Cooking editors Because some of us need all the help they can get in the kitchen!

2006-06-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

No, I did not quit reading books in March. I just haven't updated in that long! I doubt I will remember all the books checked out since than but I will try...

Rainbox six by Tom Clancy Didn't finish this one, although it started out good. Just didn't have time with the move and all.

The Betrayal by Beverly Lewis I read the first book in the Abram's daughters series a long time ago. I got tired of waiting for #2 to be in at the library so I ordered it off ebay for a couple bucks. Good.

The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis Go figure. Number 3 was in the library first time I checked. Good

The Prodigal by Beverly Lewis Bought it. Didn't feel like waiting. Good

The Revelation by Beverly Lewis. Again, I ordered this from Ebay. Still waiting.

The Storekeeper's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter Another series about an Amish woman, but different author. Just started this and so far is good.

Allergy Shots by Robert B. Litman, M.D Medical drama. Fast moving, but a little crude at times.

Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Wiener. I have seen so much raving about this author on different blogs that I thought I would give her a try. It was okay, but really not as great as others made it sound.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have actually never read this book yet. I really want to see the movie, but want to read the book first. I have waited and waited for it to be available at the library, but finally caved and bought it. I started it today and already love it.

Myth, Lies, Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel--Why Everything you Know is Wrong by John Stossel. This book was great! Just like his first one. Schools should start using this as a text to teach free market principles. He has such a great way of explaining how a free market works, something many American's don't grasp. Also, he is a Libertarian.

The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears. I didn't really look at this because most of the info can be found at askdrsears.com (one of my favorite websites). Jeremiah had mentioned he wanted to see the book so I checked it out.

Postsecrets by Frank Warren. I check out the website every Sunday night, so when I saw this popular book available I checked it out. Extremely interesting.

There are a few sewing books that I can't remember the titles, and one about the history of alternative medicine in the U.S which I can't remember the title. And I'm sure I'm missing several more.

2006-03-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

I'm running a little behind here, i've read three of these already!

The Harvard Medical School guide to Taking Control of Asthma by Christopher H. Fanta, M.D., Lynda M. Cristiano, M.D., and Kenan Haver, M.D., with Nancy Waring, Ph.D.
Answered a few questions, raised a few questions. Not the most exciting book, but something I needed to read as one of my boys and my husband both have asthma.

Incidental Findings by Danielle Ofri
Pretty good.

Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh
My recent "treadmill" book. I like to have a "junk" fiction book to read while i'm on the treadmill. Not bad.

Polio, An American Story bye David M. Oshinksy

2006-03-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Stain by Harry Lee Kraus, M.D. I purchased this on Ebay a while back and just started reading it on our trip. I love medical fiction (eg Robin Cook), and this is actually a Christian author to boot! So far its very good.

The Broker by John Grisham. I gave this to my dad for Christmas and took it back while we were up there. My dad finished it of course, he is the only person I know who reads faster than I do.

Boy by Ronald Dahl. So many people find my blog by searching for this book I decided to check it out (also, I like Ronald Dahl's other books). This is essentially his autobiogrophy. I read a few chapters on the treadmill one day, and its not bad. Unfortunately, its going to be returned unread due to lack of time.

2006-02-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

Learning How The Heart Beats The Making of a Pediatrician by Claire mcCarthy, M.D.

Smart Organizing by Sandra Felton

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Sandra Betzina Sews for your Home by Sandra Betzina and Debbie Valentine

2006-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Magician's Nephew by C.S Lewis (first in the Chronicles of Narnia)
I checked this out to read aloud to the boys. This was a great book! I had to stop and clarify things once in a while, and refresh the boy's memory each time before I read but they enjoyed it.

Hot Lights, Cold Steel Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon's First Years by Michael J. Collins, M.D. I really enjoy books written by doctors about their residencies and training. I was excited to see a new one on the shelf as I have already read every other one at the library.****Very good! I was not disapointed in the least.

2006-01-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

Messie No More by Sandra Felton

I heard this author a few years ago on Focus on the Family. I am only on the third page, but I know i'm gonna like it.

This book showed me something I did not expect! I'm mulling over a regular blog entry on it...

First books of 2006

2006-01-14T05:08:00.000-08:00

I have always wished I kept a journal of books I have read. I decided that now is a good time to start! The stars are my own rating (1-5), no stars means I haven't read it yet. I came home with these books after our first trip to the library this year:

Nourishing Traditions The cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon. ***

Haircutting for Dummies by J. Elaine Spear*** (I have found all the "for Dummies" books I have read to be easy to understand and full of good info)

Does This Make Me Look Fat? by Leah Feldo *

What not to wear by Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine ***

How to Start Making Money with your Sewing by Karen Maslowski

simple knits for cherished babies bye Erika Knight ****

Knits for Barbie doll by Nicky Epstein ****