Book Beginnings and Friday 56 May 2016 #2

Book Beginnings hosted by Rose City Reader  and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice

"share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name". 

*Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader (If you have to improvise, that's ok.) *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) *Post it. 

So I'm reading 2 books at the moment:  a fiction and a non fiction.  So which to choose?  I think I'll go with the non-fiction.

Prologue:

The day they sent the Romanovs away the Alexander Palace became forlorn and forgotten - a palace of ghosts.  

I've always been fascinated with this historical time in Russia and in particular with this family, the last of the Tsars of Russia.  That first sentence really does start the beginning of their tragic end.  Although this is a big book in non-fiction standards for me I'm hoping it's going to be worth the time and effort.  I've never really read about the sisters as most books focus of the Tsar, Tsarista, Rasputin, or of thier son and heir who had hemophilia.  Should be an interesting perspective.


And page 56:

"The attack of typhoid while serious was not ultimately life-threatening, but in all he was confined to bed for five weeks, suffering at times from agonizing pain in his back and legs and becoming very thin and weak.  Despite her pregnancy, Alexandra had from the first taken exclusive control of his nursing and proved a exceptionally capable sickbed nurse."

Book Beginnings and Friday 56 May 2016

I'm going to try something a bit new that I have found around the internet.  It's a double link post based on one of my favourite things and that is reading.  It happens on Fridays but I think starting next week I'll post it up on Thursdays.  Let me know if it's something you enjoy.

The first is Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader.  The idea is to

"share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name".  

The second is The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice.  Here we

Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader (If you have to improvise, that's ok.) *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) *Post it. *Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. *It's that simple.

Sounds like fun.  I know sometimes those opening lines are what really grab me and set up my anticipation for the story.  And around pg 50 is usually where I decided if I'm going to give up on a book that I've been struggling to get engaged with.  Doesn't happen often but I figure if I'm not into by that time I'm just wasting precious reading time.

So right now I am reading "Go Big or Go Home - The Journey toward the Dream" by Scotty McCreery with Travis  Trasher.

The prologue opens with:

" Everything changed when I first heard that voice.
     I was in preschool when I discovered Elvis Presley in the pages of a book."

So begins the story of Scotty McCreery, Season 10 winner of American Idol.  Perfect hook for me as I was in grade 2 when my mom got me going on listening to Elvis by gifting me with an album.  Looking forward to reading Scotty's story as he has been a young man who has stuck to his faith and values during his AI journey and beyond and wasn't afraid to apologize and admit when he'd done a wrong on national tv when he was only 16.  That took guts.

And ironically enough pg 56 opens up with just that story:

"Even after getting this far and making a mistake.  I just have to man up and move on.
  Lord give me strength". 

Enjoying this book, a full review will come next week.  My review blog is here

It's about the hard copy, Baby!

For all my book lovin' blogger friends who know what I'm talking about when I say I get a thrill from being the first person to crack open a brand new book and bury my nose in the pages getting a good smell of that as of yet unread and untouched paper and ink.  

Thoughts on Last Year's Reads and a Reading Challenge for 2015

I spent the last couple of weeks during Christmas vacation trying to read as much as I could to get some books squeezed into 2014.  In looking back over the year of reading and comparing it to other years, I was behind.  Way behind.  As in a dozen or more books behind.  And this was bugging me.  Really bugging me.  I kept telling myself that numbers didn't matter.  But all of a sudden in my mind they did so in the midst of being sick and Christmas I was cramming in as much reading as I could get in to add a few more books in there.  And as a result, I missed posting the reviews of the last 4 books of 2014 that I read.  And now I'm not only bummed about not reading as much but also about not staying on top of my reviews.  I like to have record of the books I read and what I thought about them.  So was it worth getting the extra numbers in at the expense of missing reviews?  The jury is still out on that one.

I'm still pondering a bit on why I got so behind in the first place.  As I look back it was a bit of an odd reading year for me.  There were many books which I absolutely loved, some that were alright, a study book that though I didn't really enjoy had to finish because it was done in a group and I sorta had to read it as I was leading the group.   And there were actually 3 or 4 which I set aside because I just couldn't get into them.  I think that was a huge part on why I didn't read quite as many books.  I tried to give these books a good chance before I put them down and that took reading time out of ones that I actually liked.   And when all is said and done I really, really miss the spring and fall reading challenge that a lot of us used to participate in.  I used to to love those and always looked forward to picking my books and setting that bar a little higher in my intentional reading for 2 seasons of the year.  This year I tried to put a spring goal out but doing it by myself was just no fun and not nearly as challenging!

So for this year I found this little challenge for the whole year on Pinterest here.  You'll have to click on over because for some reason I cannot make this any bigger no matter what avenue I take.

I have no delusions that I'll be able to do all of those books within the year but I also want to challenge myself to read as many books out of own piles that I can this year.  I have got to chip away at my stockpile.  I won't even tell you how many I have in my closet and in a box under the bed.  Suffice it to say it's a lot!  Like, lots and lots.  So I was thinking I could accomplish reading quite a few of those and knocking some of these off this challenge with the same read.  

I've started the year well by just today completing The Book of Negroes.  (I believe in the States it's called Someone Knows My Name and it has a different cover). It's out of my closet and at 474 pages including the author's notes I'm going to cheat a bit, call it good and check off the first one:  a book over 500 pages.  Actually I could cross off quite a few off with this one book, now that I look at the list...a book that made me cry, a book by an author I've never read before, a book based on or turned into a tv show, a book I own but have never read.  In fact, that is one of the reasons I wanted to get to this book and finish it right off the bat this year because the tv mini series started last week in Canada (and in the next couple weeks in the States, I believe)  and I didn't want the show to ruin the book for me.  I've watched two episodes now and though a valiant effort is made the book is sooo much better.  While based on actual historical occurrence and an actual Book of Negroes penned after the Revolutionary War,  the story built around it is fictional so I guess I can't check off a book based on a true story but I am tempted.  So all that to say I am done book 1 of this year and will have a review up soon.  I am bound and determined to stay on top of those reviews this year.

How did you all do with reading last year?  What was your favorite read of the year and what's on the reading horizon for this year for you?

I Just Have To Tell You...

I have another book I must tell you about.  I don't know what God is doing in me but it seems I seem to be picking a lot of stories, that unknowingly when I choose them, turn out to be stories of redemption and forgiveness.  I had no idea when I chose this book what it's theme would be, the back cover certainly didn't make me think that.  But the description of the story drew me so I picked it up.  I'd never heard of or read this author before so knew nothing about his style.  I think it might be lots of confirmation of stuff we are learning in ladies bible study with the book on forgiveness that we're studying.  This one totally fit the theme.   I think this might go down as one of the best books I've ever read.  The writing was beautiful.  The story absolutely drawing me in, drawing out tons of emotion.  It's funny, as I read it I could totally see a movie being made of it, and could actually hear certain actors voices put to the characters as I read them.  For a more indepth review of this book, check out my book blog and scroll down to #9 "Wrapped in Rain".

Other books I've reviewed lately on said book blog:

"Another Dawn" by Kathryn Cushman - #7.  Another great read about how the decisions we make affects more than just ourselves and again learning to forgive.

"The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage" by Stormie Omaritan - #8.  Very good teaching on issues that can tear marriages apart and how to pray specifically for those issues.

Fall Into Reading 2011 Wrap Up

Today is the wrap up for the Fall Into Reading Challenge.  How on earth did that come up so fast?  That means there is only  4 more days until Christmas!  Now that's a reality check.  Help Me!

So how did I do with the challenge I gave myself here?

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - done and loved it.  Reads like a novel but is unbelievably true.

Sunrise on the Battery - done and found it a thought provoking and enjoyable read

Sacred Marriage - wasn't even able to crack it open

Possession - didn't get to it

The Bait of Satan -  still working on with study group.  Very challenging and very good.  Promotes lots of discussion

Angel Sister - finished

The Wishing Trees - done.  Sad story. Felt like I traveled to the places in the story along with the characters, though.

How to Bake a Perfect Life - Set aside.  Couldn't get into the story after the description of the sexual exploit of a teenager.

The Orchard - Done.  A sweet love story.  Learned lots about the perfume and flavor industry.

Faithful - Still reading

The Secret Life of Bees - didn't get to it

So 5 completely done and 2 half finished.  Out of eleven.  Yikes.  But in all fairness, I did add a few review books as they came along:

Softly & Tenderly - enjoyed.  Looking forward to the next in the series awaiting on my coffee table

The Encounter - quick, easy, moving

Hope Underground  - Amazing true story

So all together I read 8 and 2 halves.  And I did read a portion of one book I set aside.   Not bad considering how busy my life has been lately.  I don't know if I could name a favorite this time around.  A lot of the ones I finished were really good.   But if pressed, I'd probably make it a toss up between "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and "The Orchard".  Least fave would have to be the one I set aside.  And I set it aside because I was no longer interested in the story after the young teenager's sexual experience was described in way more detail than I wanted to know.  Call me a prude.  I just don't like that in my reading.

Most of the author's for me were new this time around.  All except for Ann G. Gabhart whom I discovered in the last challenge.  I can tend to get "stuck" with certain authors as once I discover I like them I want to read everything they've written.  So if was fun this time to branch out so much and to branch out a bit from the Christian genre which is my usual reading fare.

I learned lots this time around within the stories whether they were fiction or not.  "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" taught me stuff about scientific research, it's history, and ethics that I had no idea about.  Sorta scary actually.  "The Wishing Trees" took me to countries I'll never visit with beautiful descriptions of the lands and culture.  "The Orchard", though fiction, taught me things I never knew about the perfume and flavor industry that I totally didn't even imagine.  Very interesting.

If you're interested in reading any of my full reviews you can go here and scroll down to #32 - 39.

Thanks Katrina for organizing challenge and allowing us to share all our great reads!  To read other's wrap ups (and probably get more ideas for great reads) you can join the wrap up party here!

The other day I posed the question:  "What books are you giving for Christmas?".  Well, today Katrina at Callipider Days took the words right out of my mouth, or rather my drafted post, and asked the question for Fall Into Reading.

"Christmas is quickly approaching. What book- or reading-related gift would you love to receive for Christmas?"


A book always, always makes my list.  This year these are on my list:

The Touch by Randall Wallace . 

       The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

Mennonite Girls Can Cook by the girls that contribute to the blog by the same name.









It's also a well known understanding that a gift card to any book store in town rocks my world.  One of my favorite things to do is to take that gift card and browse for hours deciding what I would like to spend it on.

So what books or book related items made your list this year?

FIR '011 Question #2

Katrina is posing a question each week to go along with the Fall Into Reading Challenge.  This week's question is:

"How often do you reread books?  What does it take to make you reread?"


I have favorite books that I definitely wish to reread but there are just so many new books and stories that I want to get to that unless I make an intentional point of re-reading it usually just stays a wish.  (That's why I love these challenges, because I can make it intentional to get to those books I keep meaning to get to.)  For a book to make me want to re-read it, it has to draw me emotionally, touch my heart in some profound way, or have lots of layers to it that I want to revisit.  The characters and their stories have to draw me in and make me want to revisit them.  A well-written fiction novel that teaches me something is always something I'm drawn to pick up more than once.

 The bible is the only non-fiction book that is a continual re-read with me.   There are a couple of fiction series I just love that that I've re-read a few times, I usually like to make those a summer project.  And there are a few stand alone books that call my name regularly from my bookshelves that I get to every couple of years.  The book that I have re-read the most is "Ribbon of Years" by Robin Lee Hatcher.  I get something new from it everytime.

What about you guys?  Do you re-read books or is new territory what you stick to?  What makes you want to re-read a book?

FIR '011 Question #1

All through the Fall Into Reading Challenge, Katrina, our hostess, will be asking an optional weekly question about reading.  Why is she doing this you ask?  Well in her words:

"Why am I doing this? Well, for one thing, I love reading and talking about reading with others. And for another, I thought it would be a great way to keep Fall Into Reading participants connected throughout the course of the challenge. Finally, I posted reading questions during Fall Into Reading 2010 and everyone seemed to really enjoy them. So let’s do it again!"


Sounds good to me!  So here is this first week's question:

How much do book reviews influence your decision to acquire and/or read a book?


I love reading book reviews.  As far as their influence goes, it depends on who is reviewing the book.  I don't put a lot of thought towards the reviews by newspapers, authors or other reviewers that are actually written on the book cover.  I don't know why, I just never have. Maybe because they are all raving reviews that I figure are there to sell the book.   I like the reviews of the average reader.  If it comes from a source I trust such as favorite bloggers or someone I know personally, I'm more likely to listen to their opinion.  I always keep in mind, though, that we all have our tastes in types of stories and styles of writing.  For example, what my friend usually really loves is spiritual toned thrillers and mysteries, and what she would highly recommend and review well is usually something that is not on my radar as far as wanted reading goes and my daughter would probably not pick up any sort of historical romance no matter what raving review it got from anybody. Reviews are more a tool for me to find out in a little more detail what the story is about and if that book actually piques my interest.  I like to read several reviews on any title to get a balance of thought and opinion.

So do reviews influence what you buy or read?

And Speaking of Books

This was a great summer of reading for me.  So far, I've been able to finish nine books in total and hopefully will be adding one more before the official first day of summer.  I've reviewed some of them on this site (here, here,  here , here, and finally, here) for you, but I've gotten a touch behind so for the review of the following, you can scroll down to their respective numbers on my book blog located here under the 2011 reviews.

#25

 #26

                               

#27

#28

I really tried to read a variety of stuff this summer.  Nothing too terribly heavy, as it is summer after all.  But looking back over the list, I see that I have 5 out of the nine books that could fit into the historical fiction category.  Oh well.  They were at different time periods and about totally different subjects, so I guess I'll let myself off the hook for that.  Kinda, sorta.  :v)

Now my mind is already starting to play with this coming up in the fall.  

There are just so many books I want to read.  And I can't stay off my library's website and add more to my "For Later" shelves.  Decisions, decisions.  Not to mention the fact that my own book basket in my closet is totally overflowing.  I can't seem to stay away from library's book sales, either, it seems. Or their shelves.   Or the bookstore.  Ahhh, it's an addiction, I tell ya.  But a good one.  Right?  Hello?  But I have a plan for the upcoming challenge for choosing my books.  I'll share that when the Fall Into Reading post goes up.  But I'm curious.  How do you choose your books you want to read?  Do you go to book sites?  Or are you a shelf browser?  Do you randomly buy books, trade books, borrow books or are you deliberate?  If you have overflowing piles how do you choose which ones to read at the that time?  Enquiring minds want to know.

 

Sometimes I just get a whole lot out of a book. 

 And I want to go back and reread.  

Or take a note or ten.  

Or write down a quote.

But paper and pen is in a land far, far away.

  And sometimes that book belongs to another.  

How could that be?

I know.

But it does happen.

What to do when the temptation to underline is too great?

So it dawned on me I had these post it tabby thingies sitting in my drawer doing nothing with their lives. 

Voila, problem solved.

And they're just happy to be out and about doing their thing.

I heart the post it sticky thingies.

Fall Into Reading Question #10

Each Tuesday during the Fall Reading Challenge Katrina is asking  a question pertaining to reading.  It's been fun  getting to know people's reading habits and taking a look at my own.   This week's reading question from Katrina is:


Do you have multiple books going at once? Or do you prefer to stick to one book at a time?


I usually have several books going at once but of different genres.  I always have a fiction book on the go. Nothing new there.   But never more than one of those at a time, however.  That would just boggle my brain too much.  Then sometimes, key word being sometimes,  I have non-fiction teaching type book on the go though that really goes in spurts and takes me a lot longer to get through than a fiction.   I go through books at a ratio of probably 25 fictions to 2 non-fictions and unless those are biographies it is iffy whether I actually finish them or not.  Though this year I've been on a roll with the non-fiction have actually finished several from cover to cover.   I also, usually have a devotional or book that my bible study is doing going too. So yes, my reading life is just a bit of a juggle, but a good one.

FIR Question #8

On Tuesdays, Katrina, our lovely hostess for Fall Into Reading, asks a question pertaining to something about reading.  Now I am fully aware that today is Wednesday.  I just am not getting my blogging act together lately but I like the questions.  So here we go a day late.  Katrina wants to know this week:

Where do you get the books you read?  Are you a faithful library patron?  Or maybe a bookstore junkie? Do you exchange books with friends or family members?


I will take my books where ever I can get them.  I'll take them new or used or borrowed from the library.  It just does not matter.  As long as I have books.

 Of course my favorite way is new.  I love the look and feel of new books.  I love the smell of them.  I love the thought of being the first one to crack that book open and go through the pages.  I usually get those new books from the local bookstores or from publisher's for review.  I've never bought off the internet.  I think mostly because I'm scared to even get started on that.  It would just be way too easy for me to get carried away.  There is something about making the effort to go to a bookstore that keeps the spending on new books somewhat in check.  Once you get me in the store, though, all bets are off and I have a hard time not walking out without at least one book.  I am very much appreciative of the publisher's review books and being able to pick and choose which ones I want to do.  It's been a real blessing over the last couple of years.  But again I have to show restraint in order to be able to read those books by the assigned date and that is hard.  :v)

Perusing the local library is something I do on a regular basis.  I've loved the library since I was a kid and you will find me there at least every few weeks.  Again I have to show restraint there as I tend to take out way more than I can read in the alloted three weeks time.  I take full advantage of their interlibrary loans and being able to put books on hold over the internet.  In fact, when I go through everyone's reading lists, I make my own list of books I'd like to read and start putting them on hold at the library.  The church library also gets my patronage.

While at the library I always check out their "Booktique" where you can purchase used books for under $4. You never know what treasure can be found there for cheap.   I've gotten my daughter a whole series of about 10 books there for about $2 apiece when they are about $35 -$40 each in the store new.  Once in awhile I go their biannual sale.

Now I have to come out and admit, I don't like loaning the books I own.  There I said it.  But the books that I hang onto are favorites and ones I want to keep because the stories have meant something to me or I really liked them and I feel at sometime I will reread.  I have had issues in the past where I have not gotten books back and months later have had to ask for them back.  (I hate having to ask for them back).  There's even been times where I've found out the person I loaned them to has loaned them to others and has no idea where they've gone. Or they've come back water or food stained or the spines ruined.   That has really bothered me.  So I figure if I can't loan it without releasing it in my mind as if I've given it away, then I just don't loan it.  I do have one friend whom I loan to who understands that and feels the same way, and she has been very faithful to read the books in a decent amount of time and get them back to me in the same shape I gave them to her.  My sister is the same. On the same token, I don't ask to borrow people's books.  So there, now my selfish secret is out.

So where do you guys get your books?

FIR Question #1

This year with Fall Into Reading, Katrina is posing a question every Tuesday that has to do with reading. She's curious about what we have to say about reading and it's a great way to connect with other FIR participants. So here's this week's question:

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to your reading? What prevents you from reading as much as you’d like? OR, if you feel like you already read as much as you want to, what choices have you made to make that happen?

I've often said I really wish I had a job where I could just read all day long. Of course, now that I think on it, it would probably only be fun if I could read just what I wanted to. Somehow reading quantum physics textbooks all day for proof reading as a job changes things in the "fun" department. LOL. I read quite a bit and rarely does a day go by that I don't read. I don't read as fast or as much as some of you who have dozens of books on your lists but I think it's pretty good for me considering what else goes on in my life. But on thinking on the question, if I were truly honest, I cannot blame my job (other's have jobs too), or my other involvements such as church and family activities (most of us have a life outside of reading). The answer would definitely have to be tv and blogging. I have definite shows I like to watch and reading goes by the wayside when I watch those. Sometimes I do read while the tv is on and I can mostly manage to do that depending on the book and the show but I definitely read slower and probably with a whole lot less remembering. And since starting blogging, that has taken a big chunk out of my reading books time. There just isn't enough time in a day for me to be able to read all the blogs I like to read and read the amount of books I want to read. So one of them has to give a bit and that goes back and forth on which one it is.

So what stops you from reading as much as you'd like?

And it's a Wrap...Fall Into Reading is Done

It's official, it's the first day of winter. And it's here, for sure, in my area. And the first day of winter always ushers in the wrap up to Fall Into Reading.

So how did I do? Reading wise, great. Sticking to my list wise. Not so great. My list changed quite considerably as time went on. So much so that I can't even remember what was on my original list. I originally had 7 books on my Fall Into Reading List, but that soon ballooned to 15. There were several that I had forgotten about that I had committed to for reviews, so they were added. Several were dropped as they were due back at the library and I just didn't get to them. Several were added, as I just can't go to the library to make a return and leave empty handed, even though I had a pile at home. It's a sickness, I tell ya.

So in total I have finished 8 books, am halfway through 2 more and should finish before Christmas, if all goes as planned. Ha Ha. Another I was a quarter way through but it had to go back to the library, 3 others I didn't even get to before they had to go back. For the first time, I really, really enjoyed every one of my review books. I don't think I can name a favorite among them for that reason. And that is amazing because I even really liked the non-fiction and am almost finished it which is amazing for me. I'm notorious for starting non-fiction but never finishing them. There was one book from the library, I totally disliked which is a shame because I really wanted to like it.

My Finished Books:

"Into the Arms of Immortals" by Ginger Garrett

"Matters of Faith" by Kristy Kiernan

"White Picket Fences" by Susan Meissner

"Wisdom Hunter" by Randall Arthur

"Double Cross" by James David Jordan

"The Last Word" by Kathy Herman

"Julie and Julia" by Julie Powell

"Until We Reach Home" by Lynn Austin

"I Second that Emotion" by Patsy Clairmont (bible study group)

Still Reading but almost done:

"Unexplainable" by Don Cousins

"John 3:16" by Nancy Moser

If you'd like to read any of my reviews they are here. The fall into reading ones start at number 21. There are links to where you can purchase them in my sidebar.


So I'm now off to make my first ever batch of caramel corn. Should be interesting. :v) Merry Christmas to everyone. Have a wonderful holiday celebrating the birth of Christ and enjoying friends and/or family. May you even have time to get a few minutes of reading here and there.

Emotional Webs

Well there is nothing quite like waking up at 4 in the morning feeling like your head is going to explode and even your back teeth are aching. Made for a very exhausting day. But it's amazing what a couple, or half dozen Ibuprofen and a good night's sleep will do. Getting up today with no headache was a gift. Thank you, Lord. I still feel wiped but at least I feel like tackling the day and not just going back to bed. Yipee! Thank you all for your kind words and prayers.

So I seem to be stuck in the reading department. I've only made it into a few chapters on the book that's been next on my reading list for over a week now. And it's not because it's not good. In fact, it's second in a series, and I very, very much enjoyed the first one and could hardly wait to get into this one. But the last two books I read, even though fiction, have sort of really stuck with me, and I just haven't been able to let go of them yet internally. Does this happen to anyone else? Or is this just a personal weirdness only I own?

And speaking of books, our ladies study decided to do this book for our new study. I think some of the ladies wanted to do it because they felt it might be a little fluffier because of Patsy Clairmont's humor and because of the topic. But oh my word. It has taken us two nights just to get through the introduction. Each chapter has study questions in back and some are very thought provoking and have generated much talk and discussion. And our leader is very good at taking it even deeper and really delving into the Word of God. There has been much revealing of hearts and attitudes amongst the women. I think the topic, our emotions, especially negative ones, is a topic most women struggle with. I mean, who hasn't had fear, insecurity, anger, depression and a myriad of other emotions keep them bound and not living the joyful life that God has for them at some point in their lives. And I'm thinking this study is going to be wonderful, at least for me, in getting me to a point where I can start laying my overwhelming emotional "stuff" at the feet of Christ and leaving it there rather taking it back and allowing emotions to control my life. Huge for me as I'm a pretty emotional person and really "feel" things. Chapter 1 is all about being still and knowing God rather than blustering about with activity or being a people pleaser. Yup, I can definitely see God putting his finger on things in my life already. I have a feeling I'll be hanging on for dear life at some points of this study. But I'm also so looking forward to what God is going to do.

So, I'd like to know if you're involved in a group study, what are you studying and what things do you hope God will accomplish through the study in your life.

Book Meme

Barbara at Stray Thoughts made up a brand new book meme and tagged me. So seeing as I'm in lazy mode because tomorrow is a holiday in Canada and I took today off, it just seemed like the perfect time to do a meme. Especially one with a topic near and dear to my heart. Books! But beware, you will have a bazillion links. How can I not do a meme on books and not link you to them all?!

A perfect time to tell you, too, to make sure you comment on this post so that you can enter my summer book giveaway!

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? I don't know exactly. It just seems like I've been reading since day one (although I know that's not true) and have always enjoyed it. My mom took me to the library when I was small, I could barely print my own name on the card, and there was no looking back.

2. What are some books you read as a child? I remember having A Child's Garden of Verses, and lots of "Little Golden Books". As a tween girl I love the Donna Parkers and Trixie Beldon books and owned them all. I saved every penny and whenever I could I ran to a little local store that carried them and bought them up. I wish now I would have kept them all for my own kids. I also had an Illustrated Bible my parents gave me that I loved to read from. And "The Little House on the Prairie" series was an absolute favorite too.

3. What is your favorite genre? I love a variety. Historical fiction, comtemporary fiction, biographies, mystery. The only kind I don't really like is really scary ones. They just stick with me too long. And unlike my daughter who loves that genre, I don't like the feeling of being scared.

4. Do you have a favorite novel? One of my all time favorite novels is "Ribbon of Years" by Robin Lee Hatcher. I don't know why but it absolutely touched my heart and I've reread it several times. Another favorite is the "O'Malley Series" by Dee Henderson, and the Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury & Gary Smalley. Another that has been reread several times by me is "A Man on the Moon" by Andrew Chaikin, an account of the Appolo years. It just fascinates me. It's the one that Tom Hanks based his From the Earth to the Moon HBO series on. "Armando's Treasure" by Melody Carlson is another favorite. "Uncharted" by Angela Hunt was my favorite book from last year.

5. Where do you usually read? Anywhere I can. Nowhere is out of bounds. :v)

6. When do you usually read? Whenever I can. Usually in the evenings, though.

7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Not usually. But sometimes I do have a fiction and a non-fiction on the go at the same time. I'm not a big non-fiction reader so to tackle one on it's own is hard for me. Umm, unless it's a biography.

8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? I can read fiction while watching a tv program and think nothing of it, but non-fiction I have to focus much more because my mind will wander. Ummm, unless it's a biography. :v) Non-fictions I usually underline a lot, sometimes take notes in a journal and write down quotes.

9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? I usually buy or check them out from the library. I don't usually borrow books from friends because I'm too nervous about something happening to them or that I won't get them back in a timely fashion. I'm not a good book lender with my favorites, either. I don't like asking for them back and I don't like not knowing where they are, as in if several different people borrow several books at the same time. My ones that aren't my absolute faves I might lend out though.

10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? Yes, most I do. I've got most of the books I've ever bought. Now I just need some nice book shelves to put them on. Unfortunately that is not on hubby's priority list the same way that it is on mine. I am working on him though! :vD

11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? One of the absolute favorite picture books that all my children enjoyed was "Bears in Pairs". An absolutely adorable book. I still love it. What books have I shared with them? I tried to get them into the Little House series. And Trixie Beldon. But they all have their own tastes in reading and never quite caught on to those. My older girl loved the Frank Perretti books after finding some of those on my bookshelf.

12. What are you reading now? I'm finishing up "A Mending at the Edge". Book 3 in the "Change and Cherish" series by Jane Kirkpatrick and next up is going to be "Mistaken Identity" by the Van Ryy and Cerak families, and "Living Somewhere Between Estrogen and Death" by Barbara Johnson. Because every summer reading list has to have something light and funny, doesn't it?

13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? You bet. Right here. And it grows longer all the time.

14. What’s next? Oops, answered that in #12.

15. What books would you like to reread? I want to reread "The Mark of the Lion" series by Francine Rivers, and "The Russians" series by Judith Pella & Michael Phillips.

16. Who are your favorite authors?

Wow, I don't have one absolute favorite. I like so many so here is a few: Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, Melody Carlson, Robin Lee Hatcher, Ellen Gunderson Traylor. I'm looking forward to another work by Kim Edwards, too.

Whew, did you make it through? I'm sure I'll think of more once I hit the publish button, but I'll spare you and not put on a whole bunch more. I'm sure Barbara had no idea what she was getting into when she tagged me for this one!

So, who to tag? Shalee for sure, 'cause she's a reading fiend, as is Sandra, and I really want to know Beck's answers. So those are my tags. And if you'd like to grab it and go for it let me know in the comments so I can come read your answers!

It's Not Just For Easter Time

"The resurrection is not a doctrine to be pondered, but an invitation to experience the living Christ in your life......We want you to do more than gain knowledge of the ressurection; we want you to experience the ressurection in your daily walk with the risen Christ" -Henry & Melvin Blackaby

Does that quote not just grab you? I was very excited to be asked to read this book. Unfortunately, it only arrived the day before yesterday. Not enough time to read it all before the book tour, but just look at at some of the chapter titles: The Father's Eternal Purpose; Ressurection and the Uncommon life; Ressurectuin Peace; Ressurection Joy; Ressurection Hope; Never the Same Again; and many more. The author's guide you into experiencing the gospel of Christ in it's fullness. They offer the reader a deeper understanding of the glorious, joyous dimensions of the ressurection with the goal of revealing the living Lord at work in your daily life.

From the Summary:

What does the resurrection of Christ really mean for us? What does it reveal about the heart and mind of God? And what real differences can the miracle of the resurrection make in your life today?

Discover answers to those and other questions as you examine God’s Word with this companion study guide to the book Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry Blackaby and Melvin Blackaby.

Packed with practical notes, advice, and questions for reflection, this highly interactive guide—ideal for small group or individual use—shows you how to witness Christ’s resurrection in and through your life. Each chapter of the book is explored in a flexible one-week format with “life change objectives” that arise from applying the truth for each day to your life.

About the Author's:
Dr. Henry Blackaby, president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries, is the author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling classic Experiencing God. He has spent his life in ministry, serving as a music director and as a senior pastor for churches in California and Canada. Today he provides consultative leadership on prayer for revival and spiritual awakening on a global level. He and his wife make their home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Melvin Blackaby coauthored with his father, Henry Blackaby, the Gold Medallion winner Experiencing God Together. He travels extensively as a conference speaker. He and his wife and their three children live in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, where he serves as senior pastor of Bow Valley Baptist Church.

I'm totally excited that they have graciously given me a copy that I can give away. If you'd like to recieve a copy leave me a comment, I'll do the random number generator thing on Friday (21st) morning and I'll get this book right to you. Don't forget I need some kind of link to a site with an email address or the email address in the comment. I need to be able to get ahold of you if your name is drawn.

This book may also be purchased through Amazon here.

Book Review ~ the Elevator. And we have some winners....

"The Elevator" by Angela Hunt

One day in the lives of three women. One day that will change their lives forever. The result of a lifetime of decisions and consequences has brought them together to this place. Can they survive it?

A full scale hurricane is approaching the coast of Florida and three women are compelled to go to an office building downtown. Each have their reasons. Each have their own secrets. Each is totally different from the other. Three women with imperfect lives, who then find themselves trapped together in the high rise elevator. Their lives depend on how well they can put aside their fears and differences and pull together to survive.

Angela Hunt weaves together a suspenseful page turner that deals with deception. I was caught up in the lives of the three women as each played out through the course of the story. She gave just enough of the back story at a time to keep me wanting to turn the pages to find out what brought each woman to where they were at. And of course, the suspense of the oncoming hurricane and being trapped in the elevator made for a book that was hard to put down. A lifetime brought down to one day.

If you have a definite fear of elevators, this book might be hard to read. But if you can put that aside, and love a good suspense story with great plot weaving, this book is well worth it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now for the winners of "For Parent's Only - Getting Inside the Head of Your Kid"

Drumroll please. Mr. Random.org generator has spit out #5 and #2. Congrats Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie and Chris at Come to the Table. I'll be contacting you.

The book is available for purchase at Amazon along with the rest in the set. Also available is discussion guides if you need them. I highly recommend these books. I find them an invaluable resource not just to read but to open up discussion with your spouse and children. (Depending on which book you're reading of course).

Yay, a new book meme

Book Meme…

Stolen from Stacey at Exceedingly Mundane

who stole it from:

Karen, at Over the Back Yard Fence, who stole it from Kelly at MyUtopia, who borrowed it….

What are you reading right now?

The Stonewyck Trilogy by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. I'm on book 2 "Flight from Stonewyck.

Do you have any idea what you’ll read when you’re done with that?

I have a dozen books in my book bag to choose from but I think "A Vow to Cherish" by Deborah Raney

What magazines do you have in your bathroom right now?

Reader's Digest

What’s the worst thing you were ever forced to read?

The only thing I can think of is in High School when we had to read Shakespeare. I don't know if that falls into a "worst" catagory but I know I hated it. Probably because I didn't get it.

What’s the one book you always recommend to just about everyone?

Other than the bible, my latest that I've been recommending is "Uncharted" by Angela Hunt. I've really recommended "Ribbon of Years" by Robin Lee Hatcher a lot.

Admit it, the librarians at your library know you on a first name basis, don’t they?

Most of them do, but in the children's section, not the adult. LOL. Even though my kid's are all in there teens, I'm still going in there for books for dayhome. So I've been in there about once a month for the last 17 years.

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don’t like it at all?

There is one book that I absolutely loved and highly recommended to my book loving friend, Shalee. "A Rift in Time" by Michael Phillips. A story of an English archeaologist who is looking for the garden of Eden. Sort of an Indiana Jones type of story. In fact I practically twisted her arm until she read it. And she hated it. Totally. LOL! That's okay, I still love it, have read it twice, and will read it again. And I still love her! ;vD Love ya, Shalee!

Do you read books while you do other things?

Always or I'd never get to read. I read outside while the kids play, I read while the rest of my fam is watching tv, heck, I even read when I'm watching tv. I boggles my hubbies mind.

When you were little, did other children tease you about your reading habits?

No, I don't think so.

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn’t put it down?

"Uncharted" by Angela Hunt. Could not put this down. I had a couple bleary-eyed mornings with that book.

Let me know if you grab the meme. I'd love to read it.

Thank you to those who asked. Yes, we survived. Everyone of us. I didn't lose nary a child. But I tell ya that toilet was a working hard when the water came back on!