book problems

I have a problem.

You see... I love to read.  Like, really... I do.  But for whatever reason I can't seem to commit to my books.  If one is too serious, I go out in search of a funny one... if one is too light-hearted, I start looking for something deeper.  It's a problem really.

I'm in a book-love-affair.  It's gotten a bit out of hand actually.  Here's what I'm currently reading...

 

-Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (by Mindy Kaling) 

I'm probably the most committed to Mindy right now.  She stays in my car and I read a chapter or two pretty much everyday during lunch.  She seriously cracks me up.  I honestly think we are friends right now.  I talk about her to my husband... me: "Lance, did I tell you what Mindy says about 'hooking up'?!? ...it's hilarious."  Lance: "You don't know her, by the way."  

-Kisses from Katie (by Katie Davis)

This is a great book about a young girl living in Uganda, learning to love and care for the widows and the orphans.  This chic is like 23 years old and her life both convicts and inspires me in so many ways.  This book sits on my bedside table and on the nights that I manage to crawl under the covers before midnight I will read a chapter or two.

-A Voice in the Wind (by Francine Rivers)

Okay... I have tried to start this book three different times now... and every single time I seem to get stuck around the end of chapter 2.  This is the first book in a trilogy series called "Mark of the Lion" and I have heard so many wonderful recommendations on this series.  This is also the same author that wrote my all-time favorite book, "Redeeming Love" so, there's really no reason why I shouldn't be able to push through on this book... just can't seem to make it happen.

-The Great Gatsby (by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

I attempted this classic shortly after the recent Leonardo Dicaprio movie came out.  It's been on my classic book list for quite some time now... and it actually seems to be a pretty easy read.  I kept this book in my car and was reading it periodically on my lunch break... that is, until I lost it somewhere in the depths of my car.  I just now found it so I could write this blog post.

And if that wasn't enough... I'm also listening to an audio book called The Next Best Thing (by Jennifer Weiner).  Yep.  I have problems.

Because just in case I didn't have enough reading to do.... here are the books I'm currently hoarding by my nightstand... 

Dying to start these...

-The Little Prince (by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

-The Sweetest Hallelujah (by Elaine Hussey)

-The Atonement Child (by Francine Rivers)

-A Dream So Big (by Steve Peifer)

Sooooo.... yeah.  I'd say I have commitment issues.  What about you?  Are you a committed reader?  Have you read any of the above books?  Any recommendations?  Because I'm sure I'll be adding another handful of novels to the bedside table soon:)  Problems, I tell ya... problems. 

book review

Apparently I only do book review posts semi-annually... which would make sense... yep, that's about how long it takes me to read enough books to compile a note-worthy post.  Yeah, yeah... I'm a slow reader, okay?  Sheesh.

Regardless... here's what I've been reading lately...

Lone Wolf {by Jodi Picolt}
I bought this book at the airport when Lance and I were traveling to Houston over the holidays. I like Jodi Picolt's writing.  She does a phenomenal job writing about hard ethical issues in a way that challenges her readers.  Lone Wolf was an easy read, but not one of my all time favorites.  I would still recommend it... just maybe not at the top of my list.

The Help {by Kathryn Stockett}
Great, great read.  I borrowed this book from my mom like a bajillion months ago... and I've heard so many great reviews... and I saw the movie.  So, I figured it was finally time to crack the book open and read it.  So.so.worth.it.  I love how Stockett writes each chapter from the perspective of a different character.  She seems to effortlessly capture the hardships of a racially divided culture and era.  If you are one of the few people left on this earth that haven't already read this book, then I highly recommend it.

Kisses from Katie {by Katie Davis}
Katie Davis is a gorgeous 22 year old girl that has left her familiar Tennessee lifestyle to live in Uganda.  She has a blog (Kisses from Katie) where she writes about her new life in the Ugandan culture.  I have occasionally read bits and pieces of her blog, but ever since Lance and I decided that we would be adopting from Uganda, I have had a new interest in pretty much anything Uganda-related.  I had heard about this book and then stumbled upon it last week when I was in Atlanta.  I have only read the introduction, but I can't wait to dive in.  This book excites me for so many reasons.

The Little Prince {by Antoine de Saint-Exupery}
I'm quite certain this is a children's book... but I am totally okay with including it on my book list.  I can't remember where I first heard about this sweet little book, but I ordered myself a copy probably over a year ago.  It's a tiny book... shouldn't take long to read at all, but I'm excited none-the-less.  Has anyone out there read this before?  Maybe to your kids?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.


What about you?  What are you reading these days?  Anything recommendations?

book review

It's been quite a while since my last book review... a long while... 8 months ago, to be exact.  And sadly, that was the same opening sentence used for the last book review post.  I'm a terribly inconsistent reader... somedays I can't seem to put a book down... and others I can't seem to pick a book up.  Lately, it's been more of the latter for me.

But regardless... here's what I've been reading lately (or in the last 8 months, rather)...

 The Hunger Games {by Suzanne Collins}
I may be the very last person on the planet to start this trilogy... but none-the-less... it was good.  In March when my family visited Louisville, we all went to see The Hunger Games movie.  My dad had read the trilogy and really enjoyed it, as did several of my other friends.  The movie was enough to spark my interest... and once I read Lindsey's post on why the book is so much better than the movie... I decided to go ahead and buy my own copy... and I definitely don't regret it.

The Happiness Project {by Gretchen Rubin}
This book was on my Christmas list and I was completely stoked to find it in my stocking this year.  I started it right at the beginning of the year... highly motivated... but sadly my bookmark is still very much in the middle of this book.  I haven't cracked it open in months.  The way the book is divided up is by months... each month is a new chapter with a new "happiness project."  I thought maybe I would just read one chapter a month and just stay on track with the author... but that hasn't really happened either.  I'm not giving up on this one though... still plan on finishing it... eventually.

Treasure Island {by Robert Louis Stevenson}
However, I am calling it quits on this one.  I just can't do it.  The whole pirate lingo is killing me and I really have no idea what John Silver is even talking about.  I really wanted to try to finish it, but it just isn't working for me.  I still have 100+ pages left and can't seem persevere.  This one is moving from the nightstand back to the bookshelf.  Maybe I'll give it another try... in a few years.

Adopted for Life {by Russell Moore}
I just finished this book last week... soooo good.  It's a great mix of Moore's own personal adoption stories with solid Biblical theology.  We bought this book over two years ago... I read chapter 1 out loud to Lance on our way home from our very first visit to Louisville... and cried.  This book will move you.  If you are even remotely considering adoption, or know someone who is, you need to read this book.  Be prepared to be challenged and encouraged... all at the same time.

Catching Fire {by Suzanne Collins}
I just started book 2 of The Hunger Games trilogy... like, just started... last night.  I'm thinking this will be the perfect beach read for our trip next week.  Nothing like reading with your toes in the sand:)  I'm hoping this book is just as good as the first one... if so, I'll be in good shape.

What about you?  What are you reading these days?  Anything new I should pack in my beach bag next week?

book review...

It's been quite some time since I've done a book review... 10 months ago, to be exact. This is mainly due to the fact that I am a horribly inconsistent reader... so sadly, in the last 10 months, I've really only read a handful of books. I am also blaming my lack of reading on the fact that I persevered through Pride & Prejudice early this year... I thought it would be a good idea to have "read a classic" as one of the items on my 30 by 30 list. But I'm happy to say I finished the book at 11:00pm on the night of my 30th birthday... no lie.

So... what else has been on my nightstand lately? Let's see, shall we...

Same Kind of Different as Me...

This was such an inspiring story written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. A true story about an unlikely friendship between two grown men and how they overcame their prejudices. I think I enjoyed this book even more because I read it only a month or so before Lance and I moved into our new house. The book really challenged me to think about what I am doing to really embrace our new community and how I am making this new neighborhood "home."

The Time Traveler's Wife...

I bought this book probably over a year ago, and honestly, I wasn't really in a hurry to read it. I haven't seen the movie, and I didn't really understand how the whole time-traveler concept was going to draw me in. But I have to say... I was totally hooked after I started. Audrey Niffenegger does an amazing job with the characters, and once you get pulled into the love story between Henry and Clare, you soon realize the time-travel portion just weaves into the story and becomes almost normal.

Treasure Island...

I just barely started this book by Robert Louis Stevenson the other day... and I'm not quite sure what I think about it yet. This was one of the many books on my list of "books I should have read in school, but didn't." All of the pirate-talk is hard for me to get used to, but I really want to give it a shot... it's not a long book, by any means, and I really feel like I need to conquer this one. Maybe on my next flight?

The Help...

I know, I know... I am waaaay behind on this bandwagon. My mom recently let me borrow her copy of this popular book by Katheryn Stockett and I'm dying to dig in. The only problem is, based on the reviews I continue to hear about this amazing story, I know that once I crack this book open, I can pretty much count on nothing else getting done on my to-do list for a while. So, I continue to prolong... I haven't seen the movie either... maybe Treasure Island will have to wait...

What have you been reading lately? Have you read any of the above novels? If so, what did you think?

top 10 :: books i should have read in school

I have a confession... I never really read all of those books that were assigned to me back in school. You see, I was an avid Cliff Notes reader... sigh, I know, I know. But don't you worry... I have big plans to read all of that great literature that I missed out on... starting with this top 10 list...

Books I should have read in school...

but didn't...

and wish I did...

1) Jane Eyre... by Charlotte Bronte

2) Treasure Island... by Robert Louis Stevenson

3) A Wrinkle in Time... by Madeleine L'Engle

4) 1984... by George Orwell

5) Fahrenheit 451... by Ray Bradbury

6) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn... by Mark Twain

7) The Great Gatsby... by F. Scott Fitzgerald

8) Gone with the Wind... by Margaret Mitchell

9) My Antonia... by Willa Cather

10) To Kill a Mockingbird... by Harper Lee

Linking this up to Oh Amanda and It's a Crafty Life. If you are wanting to create a reading list of your own... here's a great starting point.

books & nooks :: special guest

I am super excited today for 2 reasons... 1) I am currently in Canada, preparing to go on the trip of a lifetime... an ALASKAN CRUISE... and 2) because today kicks off the first day of my special guest blogger series!

I can think of no one better to jump start the series than my blog friend Teagan from Echoes of a Soul. She is an incredibly gifted writer, a newlywed, a lover of classic literature, and not to mention absolutely beautiful. She and I discovered our common ground over blogland when I realized she spent some time living in Kazahkstan... a place near and dear to my heart. Today's topic is "Books & Nooks" and I secretly hoped Teagan would be up for guest posting this one. She is an extremely gifted writer that truly understands the importance of having your own creative space. Enjoy!! {Be sure to stop by Echoes of a Soul and say hello... I promise you won't want to leave}

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Alright, I'm just going to jump in here.
(I'm not always good at beginnings.)

All of us have something we like to do. We read, take photographs, make art, write poetry, cook, sew, care for our families, scrapbook, garden - the list could go on.

No matter what you enjoy, I think it is so important to have some sort of nook or space for your creativity to dwell in. After five years of living in college dormitories, cramped apartments and one-room spaces, I realize that this can be difficult. For a variety of reasons. Some of us have clutter that plague our best-intentioned spaces; others deal with the constant presence of children leaving very few spaces as kid-free zones in our homes; a lack of funds or space can hinder our ability to make a magical get-away in the places we live; whatever our reasons, the fact remains - without some form of a nook, it's easy to feel lost. Even in the places we live.

Now I'm not saying that we all need a specific room dedicated to ourselves and our creativity - that's simply not a possibility for everyone. I know it's not for me. But there is something so freeing, so inspirational and precious in a safe place where our thoughts can be let loose to bounce around. Maybe this means placing a comfy chair in your yard or garden or on your porch with a sturdy little end table next to it for a glass and a book. Maybe it's a corner of your living-room with a nice little lamp and your sewing supplies organized in some chic cupboard. When I lived in dorms, I would always find some space to post and rotate through photos and quotes that spoke to me and made me think - things that got my imagination flowing and helped me appreciate what was around me. Maybe the creation of your space needs to be more mental-space oriented - finding a way to have half an hour to yourself, uninterrupted by emails and phone calls and questions, once or twice a week. You probably know how your creativity works best. Embrace that - give it a place to thrive.

Virginia Woolf, a brilliant woman who wrote at a time when it was not necessarily profitable or glamorous (or even very possible) to be a creative female novelist, greatly believed in the benefits of people having creative space. She especially encouraged women to seek out ways to get for themselves space (both physically and mentally) in which to dwell creatively. In a lecture she gave to some female graduates, she encouraged them, "I would ask you to write all kinds of books, hesitating at no subject however trivial or however vast. By hook or by crook, I hope that you will possess yourselves of money enough to travel and to idle, to contemplate the future or the past of the world, to dream over books and loiter at street corners and let the line of thought dip deep into the stream." She had to encourage these women to find the money to make their space possible - if she were talking to people today, I believe she would emphasize the fact that we need to find the time. In our busy lives, we must seek out a space in which to loiter, for the sake of letting our minds roam.

In the end, I think this is a piece of why we blog. It's us finding space. Room to breathe. Each blog you read is a person's nook. They've fashioned it in a way that inspires them, and often others find it inspiring, too. So keep on blogging, you wonderful people. Keep exploring others' nooks, and most of all, keep spending time making your own nook (in blog-land and in your home) a place you delight in.

Because environment can make all the difference.

Bad Reading Environment

Good Reading Environment

See what I mean?
:)


Thank you so much to Julia for asking me to help her out while she's on vacation!
Julia - you've got to enjoy that trip to the fullest.
And you know we're so excited to hear your stories once you do!

i heart amazon.

I ordered a few books from Amazon last week, and they finally arrived on my doorstep the other day! I can think of nothing better than an Amazon box sitting on your doorstep... okay well, except for maybe a care package box... or a Cookie Gram...

And why, might you ask, was this Amazon box so exciting? Because of the fabulous books inside...

The Artist's Way,

by Julia Cameron...

A dear friend of mine kept going on, and on, and on about this amazing book... and about how it encourages you to find the creativity hidden within your soul. In the book Cameron pushes two types of exercises... the morning writings and artist dates. I love the idea of making time to be creative... making time to process your thoughts. I'm sure you will hear more about this book as I step into this journey of discovering my "creative self."

One Thousand Gifts,

by Ann Voskamp...

I heard about this book from another dear friend of mine. The cover alone made this book hard to resist... but the description on the back of the book is what truly sold me. "One Thousand Gifts beckons you to leave the parched ground of pride, fear, and white-nuckle control and abandon yourself to the God who overflows your cup." Ummm... yes please.

Bird by Bird,

by Anne Lamott...

I have already read most of this book... as for the author... well, she's one of my favorites. Lamott is a little out there for me in some of her books, but she's funny and challenges me to think outside of my conservative little box. This book in particular is about writing. Don't be deceived into thinking this is a book solely for writers.... not so. She talks about her own journey into the world of publishing, all while giving encouragement and instruction for tapping into your own hidden writing skills. I imagine that this book will be a great companion to The Artist's Way.

So... now do you understand why I was so thrilled to receive my Amazon box?!?

Have you read any of these books? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts...

book review...

Seeing as it has been an entire 6 months since my last book review... I figured it was high time for some reading updates. Let me remind you, that I am by far the most inconsistent reader on the planet... so it makes sense that my book reviews would be far and few between. (Not to mention the fact that it practically took me 6 months to finish one of my books... sad, I know.)

Eclipse: Yes... this is the one that took me practically 6 months to finish. I know, I know. All you Twi-hards out there are gasping in astonishment, since I'm sure it only took you 6 hours to read. What can I say... I'm just not completely into all the vampire drama. Don't get me wrong, I thought Eclipse was waaaayyy better than New Moon, and I will read the last book... I'm committed now (see my notes below in the Harry Potter review regarding my thoughts on sagas). I just have this terrible habit of starting a book... getting half way through it... putting it down for 3-4 months... absolutely forgetting about it... finding it under my bed... and then finally finishing it. I am working on this.

When it's Time to Go: This was some of my assigned reading for one of the Seminary Wives classes I took last fall. The book serves as a tool to help prepare women for the mission field. Lance and I aren't moving overseas anytime soon, but this is something we always discuss as an option for our future. I would recommend this book to any woman considering moving overseas as a missionary. The author, Brandi Biesiadecki, does a fabulous job pulling from her own experiences as a missionary wife and mother.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: I am trying my best to persevere through the Harry Potter novels... as this is item #29 on my 30 by 30 list. I have really enjoyed them so far and have found them easy to get lost in. Even if I hated them I would probably keep reading... mainly because I have this weird thing about sequals/sagas/trilogies, etc. I feel compelled to complete the series. Thankfully I really like the Harry Potter books, seeing as I still have 5 books to go, and they seem to get longer and longer with each one.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: I received this book for Christmas this year. I have been wanting to read it, as I have heard wonderful things about the author, Stieg Larsson, as well as the entire trilogy. See... another trilogy. Such commitment.

Pride & Prejudice: A classic. Tried and true. This book of Jane Austen's has captured hearts for years and years... so I figured why not? This is the piece of classic literature I have selected to read for item #17 on the 30 by 30 list. (I bet you will be excited when I actually turn 30, so I will stop referencing my list.) I'll be honest, the old language kind of intimidates me here... but I've heard from numerous people it's not so bad. We'll give it a go.

books, nooks & babysitter clubs

Today I visited an adorable little book store not far from my house... A Reader's Corner. Rows and rows of both used and new books. I stopped in thinking I would grab a quick book for my wreath project, and an hour later I was still perusing the aisles of literature.

I couldn't help it... there is just something about a good bookstore... it gets me every time. I am a horribly inconsistent reader, as seen in my very sporadic book review posts, but I love books.

I spent the majority of my visit at the bookstore in the classic literature section, and came home with this...

...a beautifully loved copy of Chalres Dickens' A Christmas Carol & The Cricket on the Hearth. I love how the corners are frayed and the book cover is yellowed with age and probably about to disintegrate... the signs of a truly cherished novel.

Then, just as I was about to leave... I stumbled upon this row of books in the youth section...

...yep, that's right. The Baby-Sitters Club. I used to love these books! I think I had practically the entire collection. My generation grew up with these girls... Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Dawn. Oh, and don't forget the Sweet Valley High twins... Jessica & Elizabeth Wakefield. Now that was some good reading!

book review...

I figured it was about time for another "inconsistant book review" ...from your very own inconsistant reader.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: So, I have finally finished reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I know, I know, it took me absolutely forever. But I'm completely blaming this on the fact that I lost the book for over 2 weeks under the passenger seat of my car (don't ask). I really did enjoy it, and will definitely be reading the third Harry Potter sometime in the near future. In the meantime, I'm going to take a small break from Hogwarts.

Size 12 is Not Fat: This cute murder mystery book by Meg Cabot was my most recent audio listen. When I am at the library, I totally pick out my audio books based on the cover... I don't believe in that whole "don't-judge-a-book-by-it's-cover" crap. This book had a cute girlie cover, so I snatched it up. But I was completely shocked to discover it was actually a murder mystery... okay, a cute-girlie-murder-mystery, but none-the-less, I was very pleased with my selection. Audio books are best if they are simple and mindless, and this one was. So much, that I actually checked out the sequal 'Big Boned.'

Eclipse: I know, I know... I'm way behind on the whole Twilight mania. But I barely made it through 'New Moon' and I just had to give the whole saga a rest for a while. I feel like I'm ready to give it another chance now. My original goal was to finish the book before the movie came out... but seeing as how I just started the book yesterday and the movie comes out on Wednesday... that's probably not going to happen.

Redeeming Love: Okay, I have read this book a long time ago, and it is probably ranked as my #1 favorite book of all time. This Francine River's novel is the book I recommend to anyone and everyone. I recently encouraged two of my co-workers to give it a try, and they both absolutely loved it. This book quickly became the topic of some of our lunch conversations and I decided that it's probably about time that I re-read this favorite. And... if any of you have not read 'Redeeming Love' ... you must.

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As a side note... thanks to all who checked out the Black Tag Photography website. I realized today that I still have a few glitches to work out, so be sure to check back soon!

i found harry...

Everyone can rest easy now. Don't worry, everything is under control... I found Harry.

Mr. Potter was hiding out under the passenger side seat of my car. And luckily, about once a month, I do actually drive my little Prius to the car wash. And lo' and behold, I recovered Harry. He and I spent some quality time together this weekend at the lake... but more on that later.

i lost harry...

That's right, folks. I lost Harry Potter. Well, actually I prefer the term "misplaced." You may remember on my last book review, I had just started reading the second Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It seems that I may have temporarily misplaced my book... oops. I guess this just goes to prove to you all how terribly inconsistent of a reader I really am. I was wanting to try to finish this book up so I could start back up on the dreaded Twilight series... and I couldn't find good ol' Harry anywhere. This has happened to me before, but usually I find my book shoved under the bed. No such luck this time. I last remember taking Harry with us on a road trip, so I'm really hoping he's in my car somewhere... we shall see.

PS... Any comments on the 3rd Twilight book, Eclipse? I barely made it through New Moon, and had to give the whole saga a rest for a while... but I would really love to read Eclipse before the movie comes out. I've heard mixed reviews on this one.

book review...

Again, let me preface this post by saying I am a horribly inconsistent reader. Please notice in my "About Me" section to the right, that I describe myself as an inconsistent bookworm. I honestly want to read more, and I am definitely good at shopping for books... I just seem to have a problem actually making time to read them. Okay, now that being said, let's continue with the book review...

PUSH (or Precious): This is the book that the popular movie "Precious" was filmed after. The author's name is Sapphire and it's a pretty quick read. I'm not quite sure how to describe this story. I, personally, have not seen the movie yet, so I'm unable to compare book v. big screen. But I will say that PUSH is a rather troubling story. It's insane and heartbreaking to realize that the events described in this book actually happen to girls/women every day. Sapphire writes this novel in such a way that it disturbs you and intrigues you all at the same time. I definitely recommend it, but with caution.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: Lance finished this book by Donald Miller a few months ago, and I have stolen it since then. I have heard great reviews about Miller's writings, and so far, it's all proving to be true. He is funny and quick-witted. He is the male-version of another one of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott. This book is basically about his journey through life and how he has learned to record and cherish all of life's moments and memories. I'm still at the beginning, so I'll give the full review later.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: I did actually finish the first Harry Potter book (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) and surprise, surprise, I actually liked it. When I posted my first book review, I wasn't crazy about Harry, and wasn't really getting what all the Hogwart's hype was about. However, when I finally finished book number one, I was hooked (well, at least hooked enough to start book number two). I'm not quite sure how long my love affair will last with Harry, but my ultimate goal is to finish all 7 books in the series... so we'll see.

Craft, Inc: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business: This book is currently riding around with me in the backseat of my car. I have only read a few pages, but have found it very interesting thus far. It is full of helpful business ideas and creative tidbits, and is absolutely perfect for waiting room or lunch-time reading.



Shopaholic Takes Manhattan: Sophie Kinsella is providing me with commuter entertainment. I checked this audio book out from my local library a few months ago. It always takes me a while to get through a full audio book, as I only listen on my way home from work, assuming I'm not blabbing on the cell phone. I listened to the original "Confessions of a Shopaholic" a while back and really enjoyed Sophie's style of writing. The Shopaholic series are fun, light-hearted, and ease the pain of commuter traffic. I also love the audio book narrator on this novel, Emily Gray. I have decided that my favorite audio books are all read by British women. I will quit listening to an audio book solely based on the reader's voice. Is that strange?