Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson

I'm going to make a big claim. If you have a son (or more) you must read this book. You must.

It is encouraging and challenging; enlightening and reassuring. Dobson has wonderful insight into the minds and spirits of little boys and practical advice on how to help cultivate wonderful human beings.

A pivotal book for any parent of boys. And I hear he is coming out with a counterpart, Bringing Up Girls this year.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Well, I've finally done it. Read the first of the Harry Potter books. It was fabulous. A solid 5 stars.

I don't even need to review this one because I'm probably the only literate person on the face of earth that hadn't read these and adored them...before now, that is.

I've moved on to #2 - The Chamber of Secrets.

I think I'll wait to review all of these until I've finished the entire series. Just because I don't feel like writing a blog post for each book. (I'm going to do the same w/ Anne of Green Gables.) Looks like this is the Summer of YA Lit. :)

I'm good with that...a year of intense Anatomy and Physiology classes will do that to a girl.

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

Good, smart, guilty pleasure Summer read. I think that about sums this one up in its entirety.

I completely enjoyed this one, while being simultaneously embarrassed and sympathetic for the main character, Lee. Prep takes the reader along with Lee in her journey as a scholarship student in a prep school.

Lee was painfully aware of her surroundings and her peers. She examined every facet to its death and many times this left her lonely and feeling terribly awkward. But I liked her so much and recognized a little of myself in her while I was in high school that I just had to keep reading.

The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian

I don't want to say too much in this review for fear of spoiling it for future readers.

I will say it is a psychological thriller...something I did not know before reading the book - why? I don't know. It was touted on the cover as one...

To be completely truthful, I've been wanting to read this one since it came out a few years ago. I loved Bohjalian's Midwives so much I just had to read another of his. I read The Great Gatsby first so that I could pick this one up in good conscience. (Much of this novel is based on the classic by Fitzgerald.)

I will say: It was clever. It got most compelling in its last two chapters, when the great twist was being unveiled. Part of me wanted to read it again with the knowledge of the twist in mind; but, frankly, I didn't like it enough to do that.

Daily Anne ~ 2nd Installation

"...the tree; of course it's lovely - yes, it's radiantly lovely - it blooms as if it meant it - but I meant everything, the garden and the orchard and the brook and the woods, the whole big dear world. Don't you feel as if you just loved the world on a morning like this?"

-Anne of Green Gables

...For more Daily Anne, visit my personal blog, She's Star-Crossed.

Daily Anne ~ 1st Installation

Anne of Green Gables. The entire, 8 book series. This Summer. *Sigh*
What a delight.

I'm reading along with an acquaintance from college, whom I can now firmly call a 'friend.' We reconnected over our love for reading via facebook. One more point for my beloved facebook.

Anne says so many clever, hilarious things that I just have to share some with you. When I come across a doozy or one that makes me think, I will post here. I hope you love Miss Anne as much as I do...

"...Anne is such an unromantic name."

"Unromantic fiddlesticks!" said the unsympathetic Marilla. "Anne is a real good plain sensible name. You've no need to be ashamed of it."

"Oh, I'm not ashamed of it," explained Anne, "only I like Cordelia better. I've always imagined that my name was Cordelia - at least, I always have of late years. When I was young I used to imagine it was Geraldine, but I like Cordelia better now. But if you call me Anne please call me Anne spelled with an e."

"What difference does it make how it's spelled?" asked Marilla with another rusty smile as she picked up the teapot.

"Oh, it makes such a difference. It looks so much nicer. When you hear a name pronounced can't you always see it in you mind just as if it was printed out? I can; and A-n-n looks dreadful, but A-n-n-e looks so much more distinguished. If you'll only call me Anne spelled with an e I shall try to reconcile myself to not being called Cordelia."

"Very well, then, Anne spelled with an e..."

~Anne of Green Gables

The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee

Eh. Eh...eh...eh.

Didn't love this one. I'm trying to figure out why. The Piano Teacher had all the trappings of a great, tragic novel. But it fell flat.

Set around the time of World War II (I've been stuck in that rut lately, haven't I?) in Hong Kong. There are love, rivalry, secrets, high class and the lowest of lows. But it was all very heavy and drudging along and the time flash backs got a little confusing.

Here's what I think: I think an author has to love the characters they create. If they don't love the characters like real people, the reader wont love the characters or care about them. I didn't care. Perhaps Lee didn't love those lives she created? Perhaps she did and I missed the point entirely.

Well written, interesting story line, a bit hollow. A solid 3 out of 5.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer & Annie Barrows

Satisfied. Absolutely, completely satisfied.

I loved this novel. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (don't you just love that name?) took me to another time and place and kept enthralled to be there until the very last page.

I will admit that it took me a few 'letters' to get into the style of the book, but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. Line & sinker included.

This novel is a actually a collection of fictitious letters written from members of a literary society on the island of Guernsey (off the coast of France) to an author in London in the years following World War II. The author, Juliet, falls in love with these pen pals she has never met and finds herself planning a 'research' trip to the island for a possible future book. I will not say more about the plot; I will say that the character development done here is impeccable. I loved each and every one for their unique, quirky characteristics.

Another sweet facet? The names in this novel are beautiful to read. Juliet, Isola, Dawsey, Sidney, Amelia, Elizabeth...

The end had me suppressing and gazing dreamily 'into the middle distance'. (One of my favorite expressions from the novel.)

Read this one. Read it, read it, read it.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Such excitement when the Advanced Copy of Shanghai Girls came in the mail! I had no clue I was even on the receiving list for this one so when it arrived I was giddy. I promptly put down the book I was reading and dove into this one. I love Lisa See's work.

This is a wonderful novel about Chinese sisters native to Shanghai in the 1940's. They are forced to leave the country during the Japanese attacks and invasion. A set of horrific events unfolds and they find themselves in San Francisco, CA. They meet up with the strangers their father arranged for them to marry.

This book is different from See's others in that it takes place during a more contemporary time. I am still a bigger fan of Snowflower but this was a good read too.

Look for the release of Shanghai Girls at the end of May 2009.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is one that has been on my TBR list for years. I finally was in "the mood" to pick it up. I'm glad I did, but mostly because it is such a well known classic and I couldn't consider myself much of a reader if I haven't read 'The Big Ones'.

So, really? I'm not sure why its such a classic. I didn't see the sparkle in it. Maybe I'm terribly uncivilized but it just didn't float my boat. Glad I could mark it off my list! :)

Read for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge 2009.

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

*via audiobook

This was the first of Jacobs' books I've read, I have The Friday Night Knitting Club sitting on my TBR shelf and will get around to it eventually.

I was disappointed by Comfort Food. There were some shining spots in this novel - the food, the hidden world of food TV, Gus Simpson's home. But it was lacking in character development, I didn't love Gus, the main character, in the way Jacobs probably wanted me to. The plot seemed to move veeery sloooowly, could have done with a bit more development there as well.

I didn't hate Jacob's writing style, it was quite nice and I'll give her novels another chance. I am fully aware that my less-than-glowing review could have to do with listening to an audiobook (read by a rather gruff, annoying narrator) instead of reading pages. There's no way to tell.

The Secret by Beverly Lewis

The Secret came to me in the mail a few weeks ago (via librarything Early Reviewers)and I dove into it immediately. Pleasure reading has been slow going since I'm in the throes of Spring semester at the moment.

This is the first installment in Beverly Lewis' new series Seasons of Grace, it releases officially on March 31, 2009, so I'm getting my review out just before the big day.

Seasons of Grace is another series about Amish life, taking place in Pennsylvania. Grace is an Amish girl in her early 20's, committed to marry a serious Amish man in the near future. When her mother disappears without any word of her whereabouts her world is rocked and she begins to question things she had always taken for granted.

There is a parallel story about an Englisher, Heather, also in her early 20's, visiting Amish country because of a cancer diagnosis that has put her life to a halt.

This book moved a bit slow and was light reading - as all Lewis' stories are - but just what I needed at the moment. I am drawn into Grace's story and am anxious to know when the next novel will be released. Hopefully I can get another advance copy? ;)

I can tell I'll be enjoying this series.

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

Oh...Father Tim. I love him. Feel like I know him and Cynthia, she's a dream.

Home to Holly Springs brings Father Tim from his home in Mitford N. Carolina to his hometown in Mississippi to confront some trouble from his past.

I didn't love this as much as I enjoyed Karon's Mitford series, but it was still a good read.

Skinny B**** by Rory Freedman

Afraid of dirty words? Don't read this book. On the fence? Tread carefully. Laugh in the face of crudeness? Go for it!

I was cringing at the excessive use of icky words and nasty imagery (I have to admit, sometimes I was laughing in spite of myself). But I was also inspired. Sometimes you just need a little tough love in your self-help reading.

This one goes a bit far with the whole gross-you-out tactic of persuasion for vegetarianism/veganism. It was quite heavy on the emotion and, "seriously, you eat meat?? How nasty can you be?!" vibe but still worth the read.

I'm actually on a no-meat jag at the moment (began before I even read this book) and it really solidified that decision for me. I wouldn't count myself a full-on vegetarian, I'm still partial to cheese and occasional ice cream.

Due to this book...drum roll please...I've given up coffee as my morning vice. Why? Read it, you'll find out.

**Update - March 30, 2009 - Coffee is back, in a big way. I couldn't stop...
Still vegetarian and loving it.***

The Girls by Lori Lansens

The Girls. A favorite for sure. I'm so glad I bought it in hardcover.

I've never read a Lori Lansens book; but I will again.

This story is about conjoined twins. Craniopagous - at the head. How do you live life joined at the head to your sister?

Here's what I loved about the book. It could have been dark and sad and depressing but it wasn't. It was hopeful and funny and real. When I first picked it up I was reluctant to read it because of the premise and how strange it all must be. That's probably why it has sat on my shelf unopened for over a year now.

This relationship between "The Girls," their parents and their friends is renewing. A must-read in my book.

The Well Seasoned Reader Challenge: Finished!

I completed The Well Seasoned Reader Challenge hosted by Melissa. Such a quick, fun challenge that really makes one feel accomplished even if they're not ;)
I read three books for this one.
The Matchmaker of Perigord by Julia Stuart
Low Country by Anne Rivers Siddons
My Life in France by Julia Child



Did you participate in this challenge? If so, drop me a comment so I can check out your readings.

Endless Possibilities

Do you see those beautiful, open bookshelves? They have their arms flung wide to accept page upon page of beautiful words.

My wonderful Mr. B. built them for me while I was away. What a man.

I can't wait to fill them...

My Life In France by Julia Child

This is a gem of a book. Written just before her death by Julia Child about her life in France.

Julia was in her mid 30's when she arrived in France the first time. She fell madly in love with Paris and the French way of life and cooking. For the next 30 years Julia and her husband, Paul, lived in France and other countries surrounding and Julia learned the French way of cooking.

Her books and television show all stemmed from this French experience. It is such an encouragement to hear about a woman beginning the most important and influential segments of life around the age of 40...makes me feel like there's all the time in the world.

I actually listened to this book on CD and it was done wonderfully by a woman with a raspy voice and colorful expression. Plus, I am not a French speaker or reader and I have no clue as to how to pronounce the French words I see in print. To actually hear the silky language come off the tongue was a real treat.

Love Julia Child? Love France? Love food? Read this book.

Believing God by Beth Moore

I really loved this book. It took me awhile ~ months ~ to read; only because I was trying to suck every bit of wisdom from its pages.

Beth gives us five basic principles to ingrain in our thinking throughout the book. A mantra, if you will:

God is who He says He is.

God can do what He says He can do.

I am who God says I am.

I can do all things through Christ.

God's Word is alive and active in me.

The principle that illuminated my thinking the most was the last, God's Word is alive and active in me. For too long I thought of the Bible as a great guide, an ultimate answer book, a way to look into God's character but I rarely thought of it as pure power; able to work actively in my spirit. But it can...it does!

I'd like to include a small quote from the book and leave you with this:

"For the most part we've dumbed-down New Testament Christianity and accepted our reality as theology rather than biblical theology as our reality."

~Beth Moore

Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers (Illustrated by Marla Frazee)

"Every day, everywhere, babies are kissed ~ on their cheeks, on their ears, their fingers, their nose, on the top of their head, on their tummy, their toes."

So starts this charming children's book about babies. The words are sweet and lulling but what really draws me to this book is the illustrations by Marla Frazee (her website here).

They are intricate and adorable. I swear I find a new detail every time I read this book to my little ones. Delightful.