I have never considered myself a “creative person” My definition of creative being someone who can paint or draw beautiful art work, write amazing stories, or sing beautiful songs. But several years ago I heard a talk given by one of our church leaders which changed my definition of creative and the way I define being creative. Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained that we each have the desire to create, that it is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.
“No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.” Uchtdorf went onto say, “Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before – colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.”
After hearing that talk, my definition of being creative changed. I am creative, everyone is creative and we can all be creative. I have loved this talk since it was given 7 years ago. You can read the entire talk here.
2016 Word of the Year
So my 2016 Word of the Year is create!
The first book of 2016 I am reading is called Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. I haven’t finished the book yet but I am loving it and it has given me lots to think about in my quest to be more creative. She refers to having a “devotion to creativity.”
Be More Creative
This year I am going to devote myself to being creative. Creativity means to bringing into existence something that did not exist before. It may look like a smile I give someone, a note of appreciation to someone, a new skill, or cleaning up and organizing a space in my house. I want to think of creativity differently.
Try to create more service in my life by giving of my time and resources to others more often and more willingly.
I want to create space in my home by organizing and dejunking.
Learn to create art by revisiting some old interests of mine such as watercolor and calligraphy. I studied both years and years ago and I want to get back to that creative part of me.
Create quiet in my life by beginning my mornings with prayer, scriptures and meditation. I want mind to be opened to new ideas and creativity instead of hoping on my phone and checking out what’s new on IG, Facebook or SnapChat.
Create Memories
Continue to create memories for my friends and family. We have a wedding coming up this year and I can’t wait to create what I like to call a “magical moment in time” for my son and new daughter in law!
Instead of being unhappy or complaining about the things I don’t have I want to create the things I wish existed, whatever that might be! I am going to create my own happiness.
I am making a commitment to doing something creative every day, devoting myself to creativity. Somedays it might be practicing my lettering skills, cleaning out a closet or somedays it may just be seeing how many people I can smile at!
We were created by an endlessly creative and compassionate God. I believe that being creative is an innate part of all of us. We can find happiness through creating things and by bringing into existence something that did not exist before!
Have you picked a Word of the Year yet? I’d love to hear what it is!
If you have read my blog for any length of time you know how I feel about reading. I love to read.
My love for reading comes from my mother. She is an avid reader and as children she would take us to the public library almost every Saturday to pick up a new pile of books. As a young girl I loved reading biographies of famous women and of course, Nancy Drew! Mysteries were always a favorite of mine. As I have gotten older my tastes have grown more towards historical fiction but I can really appreciate almost every genre although Science Fiction just isn’t my thing.
I love sharing with you what I read through my Recommended Reads posts I do ever couple of months through the year and then my year end roundup of books that I recently just shared!
I am often asked how I find time to read as much as I do. Today I want to share with you some of my Top Tips on How to Read More Books this Year! Did you set a New Year’s Resolution to read more books this year? If you didn’t, you should! Did you know that only about 40% of Americans have read a book in the last year?! Don’t be part of that 60%!!
I love this quote from Dr. Seuss about the importance of reading. I want to go lots of places!
So here are my Top Tips on How to Read More Books this Year
Make it a priority. Just like anything else reading is a choice. It is a decision to do one thing instead of another. Turn off the TV and pick up a book. TV is a passive activity, reading is an active one, it takes effort. It keeps your mind sharp and engaged. I love a good TV show as much as the next person but if you really want to read more pick up a book instead of the remote.
2. Think you don’t like to read? My guess is that you just haven’t read the right book yet. Try different genres. I am a big historical fiction fan but also enjoy a good mystery, biography and even a dystopian novel now and then! Ask your friends for book recommendations. Check out some of my Recommended Reads posts. Check out sites like Good Reads to see what books they are recommending. Browse a book store. I love going into my local bookstore and seeing what the new arrivals are. Be sure to read the recommendations of the people that work at the bookstore make. Get a library card and talk to your librarian for suggestions. Amazon is also another great place to see what is new and popular. Read the classics. Can’t go wrong there! There are lots of book lists available online such as Top 100 Novels of all times, etc. Just Google it.
3. If you don’t like a book, you don’t have to finish it. Close the book and find another. There is nothing worse than reading a book you don’t like, unless it is for a class you have to take, then you have to read it! Life is too short to read a book you don’t like.
4. Join a Book Club. I have been a member of a book club for years now and I love it. I don’t always love the books that are chosen and sometimes I choose not to read them but many times the book club has given me the opportunity to read a book I wouldn’t normally choose and I end up loving it. It has introduced me to lots of new authors that have become some of my favorites. My book club meets every other month which is just right for me. Many local bookstores offer book clubs or start one of your own!
5. Get a library card! Don’t let the cost of books stop you from reading. I rarely buy a book. I am a frequent visitor to my local library. I go online to request the books I want and then an email comes when the book is ready for me to pick up. I am not a big electronical book reader. I like to hold a paper book in my hands and read. I do have a Kindle that I like to use for traveling but when I’m home – I want a real book. But if electronic books work for you and get you reading – do it!
6. Listen to books. I always have a book on CD in the car with me. It is amazing how much reading I get down in the car and yes, I do count listening to books as reading! My son uses Audible which is a great way to download books to your I Pad or phone and listen on the go.
7. Carry a book with you always. Whether a real book or an audio book, have a book with you, always. It is amazing how much reading you can get done when you are waiting in the car pool line, outside of piano lessons, at the doctor’s office, etc.
8. Make it a priority! Yes, it was my first tip and it is also my final tip. There will always be something else that needs to be done. Make the time to read. Now go read a good book!
Happy 2015! One of my favorite things about a new year is selecting a new Word of the Year. I know a few of you have been waiting for my Word of the Year reveal as you’ve left me some messages on Facebook! Today is the day.
This will be my seventh year selecting a Word of the Year.
I love selecting a Word of the Year over making Year’s Resolutions. I find it more empowering. I love selecting a word I can focus on for the year and integrate into my daily life. I always spend some time thinking, pondering and praying about what my word will be.
I chose this word for several reasons. I am a goer and a doer. I wake up in the morning and plow my way through my day crossing things off my to do list. Working as hard and fast as I can. I don’t take time to Reflect.
One of the definitions of reflect is to think, ponder, or meditate. I feel a need to think, ponder and mediate more in my life. I don’t take enough time to reflect on all that is good in my life, to reflect on what I have accomplished and what I want to accomplish. I need to spend more time in my life reflecting, thinking, pondering and less time always doing! Instead of grabbing my laptop first thing in the morning and checking my email and social media I want to take time to reflect. To pray, to read scriptures and reflect on my day ahead. Reflect on what I have to be grateful for, what I want to accomplish that day, what His will for me is that day and what I want to reflect to others that day.
I want to take time at the end of my day to reflect and express my gratitude for all that the day brought.
The other definition of Reflect that I want to integrate into my year is that of giving back. I want who I am to be reflected in my soul and my actions, not the reflection I see in the mirror because sometimes that is just plain scary! I want to make sure that who I truly am and what I believe are reflected in my daily actions, the way I treat others, the things I do on a daily basis.
I want my life to reflect what is in my heart.Last year my Word of the Year was His Will. I wanted to focus on what my Heavenly Father’s will for me was, not what my will was. I did better some days than others and know that this is still something I need to work on. I hope that by taking more time to Reflect on a daily basis I can do that. By doing this I hope that my life will then reflect His will, His light.
I’d love for you to join me in selecting a 2015 Word of the Year. Leave me a comment and let me know what your word is.
Throughout 2014 I shared with you what I had been reading on a monthly or quarterly basis. But I decided it would be nice to have all the books I read in 2014 in one post so today I have put all those monthly lists into one long post.
Each year I like to keep track of how many books I read and pick a favorite book for the year. Last year I read 36 books. This year, in 2014 I read 30.
As last year, I have given the books I read a rating system (1-5 stars) Books with a 2.5 or lower are often books I don’t finish a book because the language is bad or it is what I would consider R rated but sometimes I don’t finish a book because I just don’t like the subject matter or the story. That doesn’t necessary mean someone else won’t love the book. I did not rate the non-fiction books I read, only the fiction. I don’t give out too many 5.0. The majority of what I read falls in the 3.5-4.0 range. A book has to really wow me and make me want to read it again to get a 5.0.
There were two books in 2014 to get a 5.0 rating and thus tie for the spot as my Favorite Read of 2014. One I read this year for the second time when I presented it to my book club. The other favorite was also a book club read. Keep reading to see which ones they are!
My Favorite Author of 2014 was Jon Phillip Sendkar. I read two books by this author this year and loved them both. They are beautifully written and beautiful stories as well. I also enjoyed reading a fun murder mystery series, called the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley.
Onto my 2013 Book List.
Disclaimer: We need to take personal responsibility for what we read and watch and we all have different standards so please be sure and check things out. Although the majority of what I read I would consider rated PG there may a few books that I have read that don’t meet with your personal standards so please be a responsible reader. I don’t want to offend anyone.
January Recommended Reads
Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt was my first book for 2014. I am still not sure if I really liked it. It is a story of love, grief, discrimination, misunderstanding and renewal. Fourteen year old June’s uncle, whom she adores, dies of AIDS in the late 80’s when no one talked about AIDS. The story follows how June and her family deal with Finn’s death and June meets Finn’s partner Toby and they grieve and heal together. The book is well written but I just felt sad after I finished it.
I am a big fan of Trigiani and have read all of her books. This is the final book in the Valentine triology and finds shoemaker, Valentine Roncalli, planning her wedding to a handsome Italian nearly 20 years her senior and the son of her grandmother’s new husband. Valentine, an ambitious and talented shoe designer, struggles to balance work and home life, with her marriage often taking a backseat to her career. Not my favorite book of the triology and I was disappointed in the story. I love a story about the dynamics of a large Italian family and all the characters that make up the family. Definitely worth reading if you have read the first two books but not on it’s own.
3 Stars
The Fault In our Stars – John Green (some language) I read this book mainly because I heard so many people raving about it. Every time I would ask for book suggestions this one was always there – numerous times. My daughter had read it last summer and loved it. It is Young Adult Fiction. I read it because I saw they were making it into a movie and I always like to read the book first. This is a story of love, life and death. Yes, it is sad. It is one of those books that may make you cry. But there are touches of humor throughout which stops you from being totally depressed.
It is the story of two teenage cancer survivors who meet and fall in love. I enjoyed their quirky and irreverent sense of humor. You see what is like to live with cancer and the fact that death may be just a breath away at any time. Hazel Grace, one of the main characters, learns to celebrate life while at the same time acknowledging and accepting the pain that it brings. I was sad at the end yet inspired by the strength and fortitude of the characters
4 Stars
February Recommended Reads
Allegiant by Veronica Roth is the third in a series of dystopian young adult books. Although this isn’t my typical genre of book I enjoyed the first two books in the series. Not so much the third one. I didn’t like the ending which I won’t talk about to as not to spoil it but remember I don’t like a sad ending. Be warned
3.5 Stars
I Am Half Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley is the fourth in the serious of delightful little murder mystery novels that take place in the English countryside. Flavia de Luce the main character is 14 years old and loves chemistry and murders and using that love of chemistry to help solve the murders! The book is funny and entertaining I want to live at Buckshaw with Flavia. This story takes place at Christmas when a murder occurs at Buckshaw and the entire village is stranded in the house due to a snowstorm.
4 stars
My Story by Elizabeth Smart with Chris Stewart. Elizabeth Smart tells her own story – the story of her kidnapping and abduction that lasted for 9 months. She endured unimaginable things as a 14 year old girl but the beauty of this book is the incredible strength and spirit that she possessed and possesses that allowed her to survive and thrive. An amazing story of faith. A faith that allowed her to survive the daily nightmare she lived for 9 months. After her freedom Elizabeth chose happiness. She chose to no longer allow these people to have any control over her by living a happy and beautiful life. A truly inspirational story.
4 stars
March Recommended Reads
Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley is a continuation with the fun Flavia de Luce series I’ve been reading. This British mystery series is delightful and I will be sad when I read the last one. In addition to finding a body in the church there is also a crisis at home when Flavia’s father may be forced to sell the family estate. There is never a dull moment when Flavia is around.
4 stars
Lost Lakeby Sarah Addison Allen. I think this is the fourth book I have read of Allens and I enjoyed it as much as I did all the others. Lost Lake is a story of love, loss, grieving and starting over and it all takes place in a quaint run down lakeside resort. The story left me feeling nostalgic for the little lake cabin our family spent a summer at and wistful – wishing I could find a place like Lost Lake. If you enjoy this book be sure and read Allen’s other books too.
4 stars
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Phillip Sendker. This was my second time reading this book because my Book Club chose it and I was the presenter. I loved this book the second time as much as I did the first time. Maybe even more. It is a beautiful love story and beautifully written. I was able to focus more of the beautiful writing since I knew the story and what happened the second time. I underlined and marked so many beautiful phrases, thoughts and ideas. Please read this.
5 stars
April Recommended Reads
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein was a recommendation from one of you.
This is a piece of historical fiction that takes place during WWII. It is the story of two women, one a pilot and one a spy and their friendship. The story was a bit slow in the beginning and I almost stopped reading but I am glad I finished. I loved the historical aspect of it and the story of the involvement of women in WWII. I didn’t love it but if you are a historical fiction fan of the WWII era it is definitely worth reading.
3 stars
The Myth of Multitasking by Dave Crenshaw. My son Logan recommended this book to me. It is a non-fiction, short book and a quick read. If you ever thought you were a good multitasker you should definitely read this book. I always took pride in what a good multitasker I was but I quickly learned from this book that it is a myth. This book is written in a business/work setting but the ideas and concepts are applicable to all aspects of life.
(I don’t rate non-fiction)
The Well Tempered Heart by Jan-Phillip Sendker is the sequel to The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. Although I didn’t love it as much as the first book I enjoyed reading it and recommend it. It is the story of Julia and what happens to her and her life after she returns from her initial visit to Burma in search of her family. Ten years later, her life at a cross roads, when she returns to Burma to learn more stories of love.
4 stars
As always I’d love to hear what you are reading! Please leave me a comment and let me know what your recommended reads are.
May Recommended Reads
Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford. This book was written by the author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, a book I really enjoyed so I was excited to read this one too.
This book takes place in Depression Era Seattle and is the story of a young Chinese boy who is in an orphanage and his mother who left him there. The boy pursues his dream of being reunited with his mother and we learn the story of his mother who is trying to escape her haunted past. I enjoyed this book, not as much as Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet though.
4 Stars
Longbourn by Jo Baker. This is the Upstairs, Downstairs version of Pride & Prejudice. The servants of Longbourn are the focus of this story. Elizabeth Benet’s orphaned housemade, Sarah is the center of the story. I must admit I much prefer the story of the upstairs residents of Longbourn over the downstairs. The plot of this “made up” story of what life was like downstairs at Longbourn just didnt’ work for me.
3 stars
The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser may just be my favorite book I have read so far this year. This book was selected by a member of my book club who had actually purchased the book in the gift shop of The Swan House in Atlanta. Although the story is historical fiction, The Swan House does exist. It is the story of a young girl coming of age in the early 1960’s. Her mother is killed in an airplane crash in Paris (an actual event) and a lot of secrets are left behind. Mary Swan attempts to unlock these secrets as she deals with the death of her mother, civil rights and revealed secrets. I loved this book and you should read it! It is my favorite genre of book – historical fiction.
5.0 stars
June Recommended Reads
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd was another good book. I also really enjoyed Kidd’s other book The Secret Life of Bees.
This story is based loosely on the real-life story of Sarah Grimke, a Southern aristocrat whose father is a bigshot judge on South Carolina’s Supreme Court, where Sarah wants to be eventually. She is given a slave (Handful) for her 11th birthday, which she hates. She doesn’t want the “gift” but she’s forced to accept. The story is of these two women who both struggle for a common goal: freedom.
4.0 Stars
The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley is another book by one of my favorite authors this year. I think I have almost read everything she has written. May have one or two more to go.
Like her other books this one combines, history, romance and a bit of the supernatural. The fact that this story takes place in France and there is a castle involved didn’t hurt! I am totally ready for another trip to France and a little adventure.
4.5 stars
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfour takes place in Paris during World War II. It is the story of a gifted architect who risks his life designing hiding places for Jews. His designs are foolproof until one of them fails badly. You can’t help but ask yourself, “How far would I go to help a stranger?” This book is a bit brutal to read as what was happening in Paris and Europe at that time was not pretty. There is also some language.
3.5 stars
Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg was my final read for these two months. I have read Elizabeth Berg’s books for years. I love her stories about women and this one was no exception. It is the story of four women who venture into their pasts in order to shape their futures, fates, and fortunes. The women discover that leaving home brings revelations, reunions, and unexpected turns that affirm the inner truths of their lives.
4.0 stars
Happy reading and dont’ forget to leave me a comment letting me know what you’ve been reading!
July Recommended Reads
The Girl in the Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold. The one book I read in July was for Book Club and I liked it, I didn’t love it. By the author’s own account this is a work of fiction. The story is based on the life of Charles Dickens, who was the modern ages first celebrity. Although based on history the author has taken much literary license. This book is a little bit like our modern day magazines that tell us all the good and the bad of modern day celebrity’s lives. You aren’t sure what to believe and what not to believe. In this book we learn that Charles Dickens own home life wasn’t all the world might have thought it was. Go into reading the book as a work of fiction and you won’t be too disappointed in the story, only in Charles Dickens.
3.0 Stars
August Recommended Reads
I read twice as many books in August as July – that would be TWO!
The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro. This book was a recommendation from one of you and I enjoyed it. It takes place in Paris where the main character Grace receives an unexpected inheritance and discovers hidden secrets about her life she never imagined. The story takes place in the 1920’s and deals with the lives and challenging times of two fascinating women,The Perfume Collector weaves a haunting, imaginative, and beautifully written tale filled with passion and possibility, heartbreak and hope.
4.0 stars
The Lady of the Rivers by Phillippa Gregory. This is the first book in a series of historical novels that are part of the author’s series, The Cousin’s War. This book takes place during the reign of King Henry VI and is the story of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, mother of Elizabeth Woodville who becomes The White Queen and reigns as Queen of England. I am planning on reading the series but want to read them in chronological order, not the order in which they were written. Check out this page to see which order to read the books in. I am on the second one now. If you enjoy early English, Tudor history like I do I think you will enjoy the series.
4.0 Stars
September Recommended Reads
The Visionist by Rachel Urquhart This book was a recommendation from a friend who is an avid reader and belongs to several book clubs. Her book club had read this. It is a fascinating story about the Shaker community. I didn’t know much about the Shakers and enjoyed learning more about how their community works and their beliefs. The story is of a 15 year old girl who escapes from an abusive father and she and her brother are hidden away in a Shaker community by their mother. “It is the Era of Manifestations, when young girls in Shaker enclaves all across the Northeast are experiencing extraordinary mystical visions, earning them the honorific of “Visionist” and bringing renown to their settlements.”
3.5 stars
Delicious by Ruth Reichl Jim and I listened to this book on CD together during a car trip. We both loved it. If you love stories about food, history, mystery and a little romance I think you will enjoy it too! The author has drawn on her years as editor of Gourmet, for this delightful work of fiction.
4.5 stars
Garden of the Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng is a beautiful story that is beautifully written. This was one for my book club and I fell in love with it. The story takes place in Malaya (Malaysia) in the early 1950’s. The main character is the sole scarred lone survivor of a brutal Japanese wartime camp. She seeks refuse from her memories by building a garden in memory of her sister who died in the camp. A story of history, love, memories and gardens.
4.5 stars
October Recommended Reads
Four by Veronica Roth. This is the prequel to the Divergent series which I have read all of. It is a quick read and you learn more about the character Four. If you are a Divergent fan this is a must read and will give you more of the backstory.
3.5 stars
The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory is part of the Cousin’s War series and the next one to read after The Lady of the Rivers which I read last quarter. I am a fan of Tudor era literature and this is the story of the Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. If you are a fan of historical fiction and the Tudor era I recommend this series. I am anxious to read the next one in the series The White Queen.
3.5 stars
The Girl You Left Behind by Jo Moyes. I throughly enjoyed this book. It is my favorite genre – historical fiction and takes place near Paris during WWI and also during current day. The story takes place during the french occupation by the Germans and deals with a family painting. The painting is also the main character in the modern day storyline. A nice love story.
4 Stars
The Orphan Train by Kristina Baker Kline. This book was a choice of my book club earlier in the year and I never got around to reading it in time for book club. After several of you, my readers, recommended it, I decided I better give it a try. I enjoyed the book. The story takes place during the Depression Era but there is a dual storyline with the second occuring in modern day. The two story lines intertwine very well and it is a story of courage and love and the two stories become one story. The story begins with the Oprhan Trains of the Depression Era which was basically the foster system in the 20’s and 30’s. Orphaned children were put on a train and sent out to the “frontier” to find families. A very good read.
4 stars (some language)
November Recommended Reads
Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini is another historical fiction piece. The book is based on the true story of Elizabeth Keckley who had a front seat to history as the friend and dressmaker to the First Lady – Mary Todd Lincoln.
The themes of love, loss and healing are woven throughout the historic storyline. An enjoyable way to learn a little history.
4 Stars
The Rose Project by Graeme Simsion. This is story of a man, Professor Don Tillman, with autism and his project to find the perfect wife for himself. During his project he meets Rosie who has a project of her own, to find her birth father. Rosie’s project becomes Don’s project and his orderly, logical life is turned upside down. Didn’t totally love the book, was a little bit too much language for my taste.
3.0 Stars (language)
December Recommended Reads
No books finished in December but I did enjoy watching all seasons of Parenthood!
For the last six years I have chosen a Word of the Year. Rather than setting a long list of goals (although I have set a few of those too) I like to choose a word to focus on each year. The process in determining my word each year is always interesting and I look forward to discovering how my word finds me each year. Because it does just that – it finds me.
This year my word has tried to make itself known to me three different times. I finally listened the third time. I am a pretty strong willed, driven, focused person. I am pretty much a control freak. I like to drive fast but only when I am driving. When I am in control. I like to think that I am in control of my life – of MY goals, MY plan, My to do list, etc. I am always focused on what I need to get done, what I want to accomplish. But then I had 3 separate experiences lately where I realized the following:
I had to stop and ask myself. Do I truly KNOW what my Heavenly Father’s will is for me? I like to think I have a good idea and that many of the things I have chosen to do with my life are a direct result of His will for me being made known to me. But what about on a daily basis? Am I living my life on a daily basis as He would have me live it? I am sure I do better some days than other.
So, my word for this year, my 2014 Word of the Year is:
I guess technically it is two words but one in meaning.
I hope that I can begin each day this year inquiring what His will is for me that day and that more importantly I will listen. That when he asks I will have the faith and confidence that he will also open the door, provide the means and resources that I will be able to accomplish His will.
I want to live my life, on a daily basis, striving to better know and follow my Heavenly Father’s will for me. I know that my plan may not always be His plan but I hope that His plan can become my plan.
Do you have a 2014 Word of the Year? I’d love to hear what it is!
During 2013 I shared with you what I had been reading on a monthly or quarterly basis. But I decided it would be nice to have all the books I read in 2013 in one post so today I have put all those monthly lists into one long post. janu Each year I like to keep track of how many books I read and pick a favorite book for the year. In 2012 I read 45 books. I didn’t do quite as much reading this year – only read 36. But there were some good ones! And one of the books was over 900 pages so I think that should count as 3 books!
As last year, I have given the books I read a rating system (1-5 stars) I think there is only one 2.5 book on this list. Those are the ones I don’t recommend or didn’t finish. Sometimes I don’t finish a book because the language is bad or it is what I would consider R rated but sometimes I don’t finish a book because I just don’t like the subject matter or the story. That was the case with the 2.5 book this year. That doesn’t necessary mean someone else won’t love the book. I did not rate the non-fiction books I read, only the fiction. I don’t give out too many 5.0. The majority of what I read falls in the 3.5-4.0 range. A book has to really wow me and make me want to read it again to get a 5.0.
There was one book to get a 5.0 rating this year and thus earns the spot as my Favorite Read of 2013. It is actually a book I have read before. Keep reading to find out what it was!
My Favorite Author of 2013 was a new one to me – Susanna Kearsley. I think I have almost read just about everything she has written and that makes me sad. I wish there were more! Her historical fiction with a touch of romance and mysticism is my favorite!
Now onto my 2013 Book List.
Disclaimer: We need to take personal responsibility for what we read and watch and we all have different standards so please be sure and check things out. Although the majority of what I read I would consider rated PG there may a few books that I have read that don’t meet with your personal standards so please be a responsible reader. I don’t want to offend anyone.
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. I almost stopped reading it but kept going and am glad I did – it got better. It is a meeting of modern technology and medieval mystery. It does get you thinking about technology and if good old fashioned books are going to one day disappear – I hope not! Love my Kindle but nothing beats an old fashion, paper book! If you enjoyed The Night Circus I think you will like this book.
2. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
(3.0 stars)
This is another one I was on the fence about. Set in the 1920?s this historical novel is the story of silent film star Louise Brooks who leaves Kansas as a young teenager with her chaperone. They both have their reasons for making the trip as they struggle to over come the confines of the time period they live in. The life choices they make are heavily effected by the morals of the time.
3. The Baker’s Daughter: A Novel by Sarah McCoy
(3.5 stars)
Another piece of historical fiction, this one is set in Germany in 1945 during Hitler’s reign of terror. The story of Elsie Schmidt who is the Baker’s Daughter during this time period and hides a Jew in her closet which puts her entire family in danger. At the same time the story flashes forward to El Paso Texas, present day where Elsie now lives and a reporter Reba wants to interview Elsie and her story is unveiled. As both women’s lives become intertwined, both are forced to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and seek out the courage to forgive.
4. The Light Between Oceans: A Novel by ML Stedman
(4.5 stars)
My favorite book of the month!
The story of Lighthouse keeper Tom and his wife Isabelle are unable to have children and when a boat washes ashore their island home with a dead body and a living newborn baby there are choices to be made. They choose to keep the baby, a choice which shatters and changes lives, including their own. But it is a story of good people, tragic decisions and the beauty found in each of them.
5. Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community Joy Deangdeelert Cho
(I don’t rate non-fiction)
I actually skimmed through this book. After having blogged for five years I was pretty familiar with most of the information in this book but still picked up a few ideas and things I can do. It is a great book for a beginning blogger or someone who might be thinking about starting a blog. I enjoyed the Q & A sessions with some of the biggest bloggers around.
6. Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child is a biography of Julia Child by Bob Spitz
4 stars
I am a big Julia Child fan. I have previously read My Life In France about Julia Child’s time in France when she began writing her cookbook and the book Julie and Julia which also has a motion picture by the same name. Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child is a biography of Julia Child and I really enjoyed it. Learning about her whole life and the amazing woman she was. I remember watching her cook on PBS when I was a young girl! This book marks the anniversary of her 100th birthday. I listened to this book on CD and started it on a drive my husband and I made up to Gig Harbor last weekend. He listened along and really enjoyed it! (some language)
I have decided I need to learn more about Google+ so I read the book What the Plus by Guy Kawasaki (an amazing blogger!) If you want to know more about the ins and outs of Google Plus check it out.
The other non fiction book I read was Love Does:Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff. Bob has accomplished some pretty incredible things in his life – As a college student he spent 16 days in the Pacific Ocean with five guys and a crate of canned meat. As a father he took his kids on a world tour to eat ice cream with heads of state. He made friends in Uganda, and they liked him so much he became the Ugandan consul. He pursued his wife for three years before she agreed to date him. His grades weren’t good enough to get into law school, so he sat on a bench outside the Dean’s office for seven days until they finally let him enroll. For Bob,love is an action word – Love Does!
For our Book Club in February we read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie which was a delightful, fun, easy read. The first in the series of the Flavia de Luce Mysteries. I have already started in on the next one in the series. Flavia is a young aspiring chemist with a passion for poison and is intrigued by a series of inexplicable events: A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Then, hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath. Flavia will delight you!
My last book for February was Mrs. Queen Takes the Train ( I think it was recommended by one of you!) Honestly I almost didn’t keep reading the book. I found the beginning of the book a little boring but I’m glad I stuck with it. It was a fun read. This book is a fiction piece about when a bored Queen Elizabeth strolls out of the palace in search of a little fun, leaving behind a desperate team of courtiers who must find the missing Windsor before a national scandal erupts. Just imagine Queen Elizabeth trying to figure out the internet and Facebook as well as doing yoga. (some language) I’d love to know if Queen Elizabeth has read it and what she thinks about it!!
The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag is the second book in the Flavia de Luce mystery series by Alan Bradley which I am thoroughly enjoying. The first book in the series was on my February 2013 Recommended Reads list. Flavia is an 11 year old with a passion for chemistry and a genius for solving murders. This murder involves a puppeteer and an electrocution! I look forward to reading more of them.
A book that had been recommended by many of you. This book is for all of you Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer fans out there! Set in the Regency Era, the language is a bit easier to follow than Austen but maintains the feel of the period. A story of love and intrigue that I loved!
This book follows the fortunes and losses of five families from the Stone Age through the present time.The story takes place in and around Stonehenge and Salisbury and covers 10,000 years. It’s a long book. But it reads like a novel rather than a text book and definitely held my interest and attention. I especially found it fascinating as I visited the areas where the story took place on our trip. If you would like to learn more about the history of England I highly recommend the book.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel was the second book I read in April. It is another long one, over 600 pages. It too deals with English History and is the story of King Henry VII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon in the 1500?s. Remember this time period was a violent and brutal time and that is reflected in the story. Although I enjoyed the book from a historical standpoint I found the story somewhat difficult to follow and really had to force myself to finish it. There were way too many people named Thomas during this time period!
I love it when I am introduced to a new author. When I find an author I like I have a tendency to read everything they wrote. Our book club read the book The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley in May and I loved it. It was a really enjoyable, easy read. Especially after Sarum and Wolf Hall! It is a historical fiction piece and set in the present day but goes back in time to Scotland in the early 1700?s during the Jacobite rebellion. I have now read 3 of Kearsley’s books and they all are modern gothic novels that blend historical adventure and modern-day suspense with romance and a touch of something spooky. They are a nice clean read too!
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett is another English history novel that takes place in the twelfth-century and the story deals with the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral. Although it takes place in a fictional town, the story is based on Salisbury and the cathedral there. Please remember this was a violent and barbaric time and the story reflects that. There is some sex in the book and a rape scene. But from a historical perspective it was very interesting.
I promise I will get off my English history kick soon! Bringing up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel is the sequel to Wolf Hall and deals with King Henry VII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. We all know what happens to poor Anne when she can’t produce a male heir so the story ends with Anne’s trip to The Tower of London from which she never returns. There are a few more wives to go so maybe there will be a few more sequels. I almost hope there aren’t any sequels because I think I’m pretty much done with old Henry! I enjoyedBringing up the Bodies a bit more than Wolf Hall and the story was easier to follow. A few less Thomas’ I think!
I am a big fan of this author. His book Molokai was one of my favorites and I really enjoyed Honolulu too. I was excited for a new read from this author. Palisades Park doesn’t take place in Hawaii like the other two (at least not the whole book) and is based on the real life Palisades Park in New Jersey during the 1930?s. The the author grew up near Palisades Park. The story takes us through the Great Depression and Pearl Harbor and a family of dreamers who don’t always have the same dream. I loved the combination of history and fiction.
19. The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley
4.5 stars
This book is a sequel to The Winter Seawhich our book club read and I loved. This book also takes place in Scotland. This story is about a group of archaeologists searching for proof that Roman legions once roamed the land. I love how this author combines, history, fiction, romance and a little paranormal into one story.
This is one of my favorite books I have read this year. Not only is it beautifully written but the story is beautiful and inspirational. It is a love story that takes place in Burma and begins in the 1950?s and continues into present day. Julia’s father disappears and she sets out on a quest to find him and discover his hidden story. Your belief in the power of love will be renewed after reading this story.
When I discover an author I like I tend to read everything they have written. This is my third book by Kearsley and I enjoyed it as much as the other two. Not only did I like this one because it is historical fiction but it also involves a rose garden! How could I not love it. This story is set on the Cornish Coast and involves awoman who is trying to confront her own ghosts and meets a few more on the way hidden in the rose garden. A story of love, importance of family and home.
Another historical saga that takes place during the 1850?s and deals with slavery and the underground railroad. The story is about a Quaker family and a woman named Honor who must learn to deal with her personal/religious views in regards to slavery and acting on what she believes vs. protecting her husband’s family and their property.
This is the story of the wives of the first Mercury astronauts. What is was like to live in the shadow of their famous husbands, to have the press living in your front yard and deal with the stress of having your husband charting unknown territory in space. An interesting look at the story behind the story. As divorce and tragedy strike their bonds of friendship are fortified and strengthened.
This book was recommended to me as one to read if you like The Great Gatsby. I love the Great Gatsby but I didn’t love this book. The book is set in New York City in 1938 and the main character Katy is a working girl in the city. She and her friend Eve embark on a journey from a Wall Street secretarial pool through the upper echelons of New York society in search of a brighter future. As I said I didn’t love this book. I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t really like it either – just left me flat. I found the characters a bit boring despite the glamorous life they were sometimes living. Maybe I was just expecting too much.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is about a boy with autism. Tessa had seen this as play during her study abroad in London this spring and loved it. It may have been the favorite play she saw while there and she saw a lot. I have several friends with autistic children and I found this a fascinating look into the mind of someone with autism. The story is told by a 15 year old autistic boy who doesn’t like to be touched. The story involves a “murder mystery” when Christopher finds the neighbors dog has been killed and he sets out to find the killer.
Every time I ask you for a book suggestion The Goose Girl shows up on the list, more than once! This Young Adult book is based on the Grimm fairytale but with a bit of a modern and magical twist. Ani, the princess in the story has a special gift. She can talk to animals but one day she is shipped off to another kingdom to marry the prince, but along the way is overthrown by her lady-in-waiting. Ani becomes a servant, tending geese, while she searches for a way to return to the marriage and throne that is rightfully her own. This story is part of the Books of Bayern series. I haven’t read any of the others.
This book continued my Great Gatsby theme. This is a piece of fictional autobiography of the life of Zelda Fitzgerald. The wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The character Daisy in The Great Gatsby was based on Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda. I loved the look into the life of Scott and Zelda, the golden couple of the 1920?s and what was going on in their life behind the scenes of The Great Gatsby and the self destructive behavior that was happening. If you enjoyed The Paris Wife you will enjoy this book too. While the world considers The Great Gatsby the best novel ever written I loved the insights into the woman behind the book.
This book is also YA fiction and was one that my book club decided to read. It is fantasy and not my typical genre. My book club is made up of mainly retired ladies and when they noticed their grandchildren reading this book and raving about it they decided they wanted to read it too. I read it and enjoyed it and even went on to read the second in the series but that was enough for me. I actually had a hard time finishing the second one. The story is of two children whose grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven, a land of greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. The story is of their adventures and what happens when rules get broken. There are some good life lessons to be learned in the stories. So if you enjoy this genre of book, as many in my book club do, you will love the series.
This book was recommended to me by a friend who is a ferocious reader. It is a British murder mystery and I loved it. I use to read a lot of murder mystery and was a big Agatha Christie fan in my youth! The Private Patient involves an investigative reporter who is killed after having plastic surgery. Commander Dalgliesh and his team are called in to investigate a case complicated by old crimes and the dark secrets of the past. Fun read and I look forward to reading more P.D. James books.
Walls has also written The Glass Castle which I enjoyed. Unlike the memoir, The Glass Castle, this book is a work of fiction. It is the story of Bean and her sister Liz whose mother abandons them and they are left to live with their eccentric uncle. Bean and her sister learn to coexist with their uncle and deal with the challenges and injustices of the real world. A well told story and a fairly quick read.
I continued on my Susanna Kearsley phase in October. I have enjoyed everyone of her books so much. She writes in my favorite genre, historical fiction with a bit of romance and mysticism thrown in. So fun! I pretty much loved everything about this book. I think I have just about read all of her books and I wish there were more! I love it when I find an author I adore and then read everything they wrote.
Firebird is a followup to Winter Sea that I read earlier this year and loved. If you want to read Firebird be sure to read Winter Sea first, following by The Shadowy Horses and then read Firebird.
This book is a historical novel based on the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I have always been a big fan of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. She is the author of my favorite book, Gifts from the Sea. She was also married to famous pilot Charles Lindbergh. The author says, “ It’s time for Anne to step out from behind her husband’s shadow once and for all and be the heroine in her own epic story.” I am a big history and biography fan also so I really enjoyed this book. Some interesting insights into the life of both Anne and Charles Lindbergh and what it was like to be married to one of the greatest heroes of all time. Not an easy job!
I LOVE this book. This is actually the second time I have read it. I reread it in anticipation of going to see the movie. I enjoyed the movie but I loved the book.It is beautifully written and I love the character of death and the beautiful pictures he paints with his words. I am a big WWII era fan which is when this book takes place. If you have not read this book, please do! The book is listed as a young adult book but every adult should read it too. I will probably read this book a third time.
I am a fan of Fannie Flagg and have read most of her other books. They are nice light, entertaining reads that will make you smile and laugh! I also enjoyed the historical aspect that is part of the storyline too.
We have lived in our home for 19 1/2 years. We moved in when Tessa was 6 months old. When we moved in back then we never imagined that almost 20 years later we would still be living here. But life happens, plans change and you end up with wonderful neighbors you can’t ever imagine leaving.
A few years after moving in we decorated our master bedroom. I wanted to create a little garden sanctuary. This is what it looked like. I loved it and I have loved it for about 17 years but it was time for a change. Change is good and since I don’t get a new house I decided a new master bedroom would have to do.
In a previous post I shared with you my inspiration for the room redo. The look and feel I was trying to achieve. I also shared with you my love/hate relationship with paint. Well, thanks to My Image Inspiration that relationship is now a love one! I uploaded my inspiration image into the system and it presented me with four potential color choices. I decided to go with the Pebble Grey and it was the perfect choice! They hit it on the head the first time. Boy was my husband a happy camper! None of that 10 different colors of paint on the wall trying to decide. Grey can be a bit tricky. I didn’t want a taupey grey or a blue grey – I wanted grey and that is what I got with Pebble Grey, a nice light, grey!
I bought my paint at Home Depot and we got to work. The paint went on beautifully – so smooth and it covered in one coat!
I am so excited to share with you what my new master bedroom looks like today. My bedroom does not have a lot of natural light so taking photographs is a bit difficult but I did my best. The room is still a work in progress as far as the decorating and accessorizing goes but I love it! It feels so calm and peaceful.
I decided now that we are empty nesters I could go with all white bedding ala Target (no kids to jump on the bed and mess it up!!!) I brought in the egg colors from my inspiration photo with pillows (TJ Maxx). I love a few pillows on my bed.
We needed a new bedside table for my husband’s side of the bed so I found an old sewing machine table at Goodwill for $15.00 and gave it a nice coat of paint – the height is just perfect by the side of the bed. I had a collection of gold framed mirrors I had picked up at garage sales over the last few years so I used those on the night stands to open up the room more. I have a little bit of a “thing” for empty vintage frames so I have used those throughout the room too.
My very favorite part of the room is my little reading corner. This is where I start my day with a little reading and devotional time and it is often where I end my day with a little pre-bed reading. The chair is just my size! My little reading side table also came from Goodwill for $7.99 and a fresh coat of paint made it “just right.” I also found a good use for one of those yogurt crocks I made my husband carry home in his bag from Paris! It holds my pens and glasses.
Here’s a view from the bathroom door. True Confessions: I don’t make my bed every day and in fact I don’t make it most days. Sorry if I have disappointed you!!! But since our Master Bedroom Redo – I haven’t missed a day making my bed! It’s amazing what a new coat of paint can do for a room.
So, yes I am pretty much in love with my new room and it is almost as good as getting a new house. And I think this is my favorite corner of that whole house!!
Many of you mentioned in my recent blog survey how much you enjoyed my book recommendations and wished I would share with you what I am reading more than once or twice a year. So because I aim to please I will be sharing with you monthly what I am reading. I hope you will also share with me what you have been reading.
So the final book count for my 2012 Book List was 45.
That was slightly up from last years 42 but down from 2010’s 53 books.
This year I have given some of the books I read a rating system (1-5 stars) There are a few 2.5 books on this list. Those are the ones I don’t recommend or didn’t finish. Sometimes I don’t finish a book because the language is bad or it is what I would consider R rated but sometimes I don’t finish a book because I just don’t like the subject matter or the story. That was the case with a few books this year. That doesn’t necessary mean someone else won’t love the book. I did not rate most of the non-fiction books I read, mainly the fiction. I don’t give out too many 5.0. The majority of what I read falls in the 3.5-4.0 range. A book has to really wow me and make me want to read it again to get a 5.0.
I’d love for you to leave a comment at the end and let me know what some of your favorite books are that you read this past year.
Disclaimer: We need to take personal responsibility for what we read and watch and we all have different standards so please be sure and check things out. Although the majority of what I read I would consider rated PG there may a few books that I have read that don’t meet with your personal standards so please be a responsible reader. I don’t want to offend anyone.
This was a book club choice and probably not one I would have read on my own. I ended up skimming quite a bit as they were stories I was familiar with. Did enjoy reading about how the author believes God had intervened in History to make America the amazing nation it is today.
I had to read this book because my son Clark has always said it is his favorite book of all time and Clark is a reader. Probably not my favorite book of all time (not my favorite genre)but a fun departure from the usual type of fiction I read. A science fiction book set in Earth’s future, the novel presents an imperiled humankind who have barely survived two conflicts with the “Buggers” and are preparing for a third invasion.
I have been on a bit of a Paris kick this year. This book is a prefigure to the book Suite Francaise which I also read this year and takes place in France in 1910. The author is a Jewish women who was sent to a concentration camp and died. The book wasn’t published until five years after the author’s death. The book is a story of war, family life and star-crossed lovers.
In my attempts to become a runner this year I read several running books and this was one of them. Although it is geared more for the “younger mother” I learned some great tips and ideas from reading it.
This was also a book club read. We were brief participants in a couples book club. This book got lots of attention around here. Picked as a top read by the Multnomah County Library (a Portland author) it got rave reviews. I did not like it at all but had several friends who loved it. Full of racial tension, The Girl who Fell from the Sky follows a group of characters involved in an incident where an entire family falls to their death from a rooftop. Only one young girl survives – and the majority of the story follows her as she tries to make sense of her life after the tragedy. I can’t really tell you why I didn’t like but I didn’t. (PG 13 for language and sex)
7. A Simple Act of Gratitude by John Kralik
Instead of focusing on what he didn’t have, this author decides to be grateful for what he does have. This book chronicles his journey to write 365 thank you notes in one year.
If you are a flower lover like me you will enjoy this book. Using the Victorian language of flowers, a woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.
Set in Victorian England, The Wet Nurse’s Tale is the story of young Susan Rose, who must find work as a wet nurse when her baby is taken from her. Susan attempts to balance other peoples’ babies with her quest to regain her own.
More of my love for Paris. Set in Paris in the 1860s, hundreds of houses are being razed, whole neighborhoods reduced to ashes by the order of Emperor Napoleon III, Rose Bazelet is determined to fight against the destruction of her family home until the very end.
The Night Circus or Cirque des Reves is a circus that arrives without warning, simply appearing when yesterday it was not there. It was a bit slow getting into it but I totally enjoyed the story. A little mystical magical romance for summer
Although I am still searching I really enjoyed this book and took quite a few notes while reading it. Some good thought provoking ideas and suggestions that I am trying to incorporate into my life. I always try to read one or two non-fiction books each summer for personal improvement!
Although I am not planning on running a marathon I did pick up some good tips from Jeff. I like his run/walk approach to long distance running but I think a 1/2 marathon was enough for me
I aways like to read one or two classics each summer and this was my first one for the summer. I had never read it before. Jim and I listened to it on a long car ride and he enjoyed it too. The life and labors of a Chinese farmer.
This book was recommended to me as one that “anyone who loves Downton Abbey, will love this book.” Well, I love Downton Abbey and I enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it but it was a good read. It is the story of a wealthy American girl who marries a British Aristocrat. Sound familiar? The two main American women in the book and mini series even have the same name! The beginning is slow but if you hang in there it gets better. Tessa and I listened to this and both enjoyed it.
This book has been a continuation of my run on books that take place in Paris that I have been on for the last year. This book is about Paris during WWII and the Nazi occupation. When Irène Némirovsky began working on Suite Française, she was already a highly successful writer living in Paris. But she was also a Jew, and in 1942 she was arrested and deported to Auschwitz, where she died. For sixty-four years, this novel remained hidden and unknown.
(4.0 stars if you are looking for a sweet and simple read)
This is a fun new series I discovered this summer. If you are a fan of the Mitford Series you will enjoy the Harmony series. They are sweet, simple easy reads about a quaint little community and all the characters that live there. You may just want to move to Harmony after you are done reading it just like I wanted to move to Mitford!
This book was recommended to me by my good friend Marsha and I loved it. I read a library copy and took copious notes while reading the book. Marsha and I then went down to Powell’s Books and each bought a copy. Jim also read it and I am ready to reread it. Donald Miller is a Portland author and the book is Donald’s story of how he learns to edit his life into a great story which is something each of us can do. We can edit our own life and make the choice to live a great story. This book is a celebration of the beauty of life. I loved it and it has changed how I look at my life.
I have been an Anne Tyler fan since reading The Accidental Tourist in 1985. I think I have read every book she has written. This book is a story of loss and recovery and how the main character (a man) learns to live with and deal with loss and how to say goodbye.
This book came on recommendation from my husband who is a big history fan and a Bill O’Reilly fan. Although not my favorite book of the summer it was an interesting read and I learned a lot about the history of the Civil War and President Lincoln’s assassination that is not printed in your average history textbook.
This is the story and book written by popular blogger Nie Nie who survived a near fatal plane crash with her husband. It is a story of struggle, courage and amazing spirit. Caution: You may shed a tear or two. I have been a follower of Stephanie’s blog since the crash so most of the story I was familiar with but it is always inspirational.
If you are looking for a good murder mystery this summer and if you are a fan of Bones or any of those CSI TV shows you will enjoy this book. Amazon describes it as CSI meets Age of Reason. The story takes place in England in the 18th century and is an enjoyable murder mystery/ forensic medicine type tale. Really enjoyed this book.
If you enjoyed The Help you will like this book. This story takes place on a plantation in the 1800?s and is the tragic story of what life on a plantation as a slave was like. Despite the terrible things the slaves endured they enjoyed family and love amongst each other.
I am always a sucker for a Jane Austen themed book. This author’s story is what happens after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are married and includes a mystery and a murder trial. If you always wished Pride & Prejudice and want more of Lydia, Mr. Wickham and the rest of the characters of Pride & Prejudice you might enjoy this read.
30. A Good American by Alex George (2.0 stars – do not recommend)
Enjoy the first half but the second half was way too much teenage sexual angst. (PG-13)
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this is the story of Tess, an aspiring seamstress who is a survivor of the Titanic. The story then focuses on life after the Titanic and the story of some of those who survived. Documentation of real testimony is used and lots of questions are left to be answered. The story includes romance, fashion and a look into history.
This book was written by the author of one of my favorite books – Molokai. It was my top read in 2008. This story is of a young “picture bride” from Korea who arrives in Honolulu in 1914. A story of moments of love and loss as well as woes, dreams, triumphs. Her strength and determination helps to overcome abuse as she constantly strives to better her circumstances. One of my favorites of this year’s list.
Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
Another historical fiction book set in 1915. Having lost her mother and sister on the Titanic, Sybil tries to find answers through a crystal ball. A good raed.
This is one of the books I read this year that I didn’t finish. It doesn’t mean it is not a good book. It is a true story of survival that takes place in Africa in 1815. I just got tired of the
barbarism, murder, starvation, death, dehydration, and hostile tribes and that they had to constantly drink their own urine.
Dr. Dyer explores intention—not as something you do—but as an energy you’re a part of. We’re all intended here through the invisible power of intention. His book looks at intention as a field of energy that you can access to begin co-creating your life with the power of intention.
I was mainly attracted to this book because it was about pie and the author lived in Portland. When her husband dies, Beth Howard gets in their RV and travels the country baking and giving away pies in her attempt to comes to term with his death and find purpose in her life.
This was another one of those good reads that leaves you feeling good about the world. In 1929 four friends gather in the attic of one of their homes and write down their dreams for their lives on a piece of paper. The papers are then put into a blue bottle and hidden away. Decades later the bottle is found and a report tracks down the women and stories behind the bottle.
Life has taken those four girls’ dreams of love, fame, and faith on a path filled with seduction, betrayal, and loss. Little has turned out as expected—and yet every choice, every tear has led each of them to a special place. A Hallmark movie of a book.
Not my typical genre so I only gave it a 3.5 but I really enjoyed this piece of Young Adult fiction. A dystopian novel takes place in Chicago where society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue. If you liked Hunger Games then this is your book!
This book almost made a Twitter user out of me. If you’d like a better understanding of how social medial works and more specifically Twitter I highly recommend this book. The power of Social Media is amazing!
I am a big fan of Kate Morton and have read all of her books. Highly recommend them! This is a story of mystery, thievery, murder, and enduring love. The story takes place in the countryside of England where a crime takes place. Fifty years later, Laurel works to uncover the family secret and the crime she has memories of witnessing as a child. The story takes you from the London Blitz through the 60’s to present day.
The sequel to Divergent (there is one more book to come), Insurgent continues the story as Trish the book’s heroine must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
By the same author as the Blue Bottle Club I decided to give another one of her books a try. It too, was a “good read”. The story of four friends who have been seperated by life and time come together when a tragedy strikes. They have a bittersweet reunion and are forced to confront the falsehoods and also embrace the truth in their lives.
I am a big fan of Adriana Trigiani and have read all her books. At the end of each book I always end up wishing I was part of a big Italian family. This story is a riveting historical epic of love and family, war and loss, risk and destiny, inspired by the author’s own family history.
45. The Book of Mormon – If you are interested in receiving a copy of this book please let me know. It is my goal to read this book of scripture at least once a year, every year!
So now it is your turn. What did you read in 2012? What was your favorite read of 2012? What are your reading right now? Please share!!!
This is my fifth year of choosing a Word of the Year. It has become a fun practice for me. I love choosing a word each year that I can focus on and work on. I love to see how the word manifests itself through my year and how it grows and develops.
I also love the process of selecting my new word, almost as much as having the word. It is always an interesting process and I love to watch the selection of the word unfold in my life.
As I have said before, I don’t find my word – it finds me. This year was no different.
I actually had several words I had been thinking about. None of which I ended up choosing. Then on December 14th we were all shaken to our core by the shootings in Connecticut. It was a hard day. There was a mass of emotion – anger, sadness, disbelief, the list goes on and on. Several weeks later, I still can’t look at pictures of the faces of those whose lives were lost that day without shedding tears. How could such a horrific thing happen and to children? We will never fully understand what happened or why it happened.
That day I was reading through my Facebook feed, like many of you, I came across the quote from Fred Rogers.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” —FredRogers
I love this quote. We can’t stop the ugliness that happens in life but we can “look for the helpers.” But more importantly we can be one of those helpers. One of the many caring people in this world.
Later that day I came across the following photo in my Instagram feed.
There it was – my 2013 Word of the Year. Or rather words of the year.
We can not rid this world of the bad and the ugly. But we can be a source of Goodness and Light. My word and goal for this year and the rest of my years is to always be a source of Goodness and Light to those around me, to those I come in contact with on a daily basis. To do what I can to bring goodness and light to this world.
These words have a double meaning for me. Not only do I want to be a source of Goodness and Light but I want to live my life so that I always look toward the true source of Goodness and Light. That I live my life in such a way that I am worthy to partake of the blessings that come from the ultimate source of Goodness and Light. My Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the Goodness and Light that is in my life because of Him.
When I think of the word light and goodness I am reminded of a scripture in the New Testament that I love.
So this year, through this blog and with my daily encounters with people I will strive to always be a source of
I’ve compiled a list of my Recommended Reads for 2011 – Happy Reading!
Several of you have been asking when I was going to post my list of books read in 2011 – so here it is!!
You may also want to check out my book lists from 2010, 2009, 2008.
I only read 42 books this year, down from 53 books last year but I think I should get extra credit for reading all of Harry Potter. Those are some big books!
As I said last year, just because I read the book doesn’t necessarily mean I recommend it although usually if it is on my list it’s worth reading. If a book ends up with too much language or sexual content I will stop reading it and those books are not on the list. But my list is not G rated. Using movie ratings, the books on this list range from G rated to PG 13. So I highly recommend that you consult this great site – Rated Reads before you read the book to make sure it is something you want to read.
This year I have given the books I read a rating system (1-5 stars) There are no 1 stars on the list because those are the ones I didn’t finish. The lowest score that made the list was a 2.5.
We need to take personal responsibility for what we read and watch and we all have different standards so please be sure and check things out. Although the majority of what I read I would consider rated PG there may a few books that I have read that don’t meet with your personal standards so please be a responsible reader. I don’t want to offend anyone.
2011 was the year I finally read Harry Potter. Yes, believe it or not I had only read the first one but I can now proudly say I have read the entire series and watched each of the movies. I must admit I enjoyed them more than I thought I would and I was so sad when Dumbledore died. I kept hoping it really wasn’t true. I now have a list of Dumbledoreisms that I love! I am not even going to attempt to rate the Harry Potter books – how do you rate a classic? But there definitely are some I enjoyed more than others and to be perfectly honest with you they have all run together in my brain!
Picking my favorite book of the year is difficult and quite a responsibility. This year there were a couple. Of course, like many of you I loved The Help but hesitate to pick it as my favorite because it is such an “expected” choice. I loved it though and loved the movie almost as much.
My husband is not as big a reader as I am so when he started reading this next book and couldn’t put it down I knew it had to be good. He gets up very early for work but he would stay up past his bedtime to read. He couldn’t wait for me to read the book but I had to wait to get to the top of the waiting list at the library. That book was Unbroken – a sometimes difficult to read but beautiful story of endurance, strength, survival, and redemption. I loved it and it is one of my two top picks.
As always, I LOVE to hear what you have been reading. Please share with me what your top picks for 2011 are and what you’re reading right now and loving!! Just leave a comment below.
My 2011 Book List
Ape House by Sara Gruen (2.5) Probably my least favorite book of the year but I did finish it. I had read Water for Elephants and really enjoyed it but this one was a disappointment. Guess I just don’t like apes.
Come, Tell Me How You Live by Agatha Christie Mallowan (3) If you have ever been an Agatha Christi fan you may enjoy this story of part of her life. It is not a book I would have picked up on my own but read because it was a book club pick and really enjoyed it.
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin (4.5) Loved this book and want to read more of his work.
The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman (3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
At the Little Brown House by Ruth Alberta Brown (3.5) A sweet G rated read
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (5) Almost loved the movie as much as the book
Once Upon a Time, There was You by Elizabeth Berg (3) Not my favorite Elizabeth Berg book.
A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz (3.5) Interesting view and interpretation of Pride & Predjudice
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Ten Thousand Sorrows by Elizabeth Kim. (2.5) Did not enjoy at all but kept reading because it was for book club.
Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (4.5) Love all her books. Hope she writes more!
The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith (3.5) Don’t enjoy these as much as I did the first ones but I keep reading.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (4) Watch the movie Midnight in Paris after reading this book. Story of Ernest Hemingway during his Paris years.
Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani. (3.5) This is young adult fiction. Love all of her other books better.
The Element by Ken Robinson (3.5) non fiction
The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann (4) non fiction
The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel (2.5) Not worth reading but there is a recipe at the end of each chapter.
Dreams of Joy (Sequel to Shanghai girls) by Lisa See (3.5 – rape scene may be offensive)
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith (3.5) Again, read because I’ve read all the others.
A Year on Lady Bug Farm by Donna Ball. (4.5) First in the series of three. A delightful, easy read.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (5.0) A book club but I would have read it anyway. Highly recommend
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (4.0) My son’s favorite CS Lewis book.
At Home on Lady Bug Farm by Donna Ball (4.5) Enjoyed as much as the first
Love Letters from LadyBug Farm by Donna Ball (4.5) Was sad this was the last in the series
Distant Hours by Kate Morton (4.5) Really enjoy her books – a little Gothic Romance
I Still Dream of You by Fannie Flagg (3.5)
Eiffel’s Tower by Jill Jonnes (3.5) Interesting history of the Eiffel Tower. Similar type book as Devil in the White City but didn’t like it as much as Devil.
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (4.5) My third favorite book of the year
The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas (3.5) Nice story of women supporting each other.
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (3.5) Not sure why I waited so long to read this one.
Keys to the Castle by Donna Ball (3.5) Fun, easy read. Wish someone would leave me a castle in France!
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (4.0) non fiction
Heaven is for Real by Sandra Dallas (3.5) non fiction, story of life after death. Interesting.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (4.0) I read it in English than time. In French the first time years ago.
Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews (3.0) A beach read
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (5.0) Parts were difficult to read but overall an amazing story and book.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (4.0) Not my typical genre (dystopian) but enjoyed it more than I thought I would
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (4.0) Have read all of her books.
non-fiction)
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