Books I read in 2015

My goal for the year was 65 books and I did not make that number. I ended the year with 39. Sigh.

To be honest, being pregnant and having a new born for all of 2015, 65 books was a lofty goal. Nonetheless, here's what I read:

1. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (so good!)

2. A Dance With Dragons: Book Five of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin  (so much better than book four!)

3. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (great book! definitely recommend!)

4. The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey From Hollywood to Holy Vows by Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B. and Richard DeNeut (!!)

5. Coraline by Neil Giaman (very good!)

6. The World's First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton Sheen (I always learn from Fulton Sheen, great book!)

7. This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathon Trooper (meh)

8. The Story of A Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux

9. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty (I loved this book!)

10. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (ok)

11. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (good book!)

12. The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art & Laraine Bennett (dude, these books are game changers)

13. The Temperament God Gave You by Art & Laraine Bennett

14. Half the Sky by Nicholas D Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn (very thought provoking. important read)

15. Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit (classic children's literature! must read!)

16. Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds by Robin Olds (with Christina Olds and Rd Rasimus) (one of the best memoirs and books I have ever read)

17. Revolution by Deborah Wiles (young adult book, good)

18. Trigger Warning by Neil Giaman (!!)

19. Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (fantastic!!)

20. Yes Please by Amy Poehler (pretty good)

21. Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver (good!)

22. The Road to Character by David Brooks (great book! one I highly recommend!!)

23. Euphoria by Lily King (pretty good)

24. Lord Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession by Scott Hahn (!!)

25. Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnston (interesting)

26. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Dude!!! Read this!!! Thank me later)

27. Rosaries Aren't {Just} For Teething edited by Michele E. Chronister (quick but good read!)

28. Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis (I do so love C. S. Lewis)

29. The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie (good)

30. One Plus One by Jojo Moyes (good!)

31. Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss

32. The Paradise by Emile Zola (!!)

33. Lean In: Women, Work, and The Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg (great read, great book club discussion!!)

34. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (ok)

35. Slade House by David Mitchell (ok)

36. The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood (great!)

37. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson (hilarious! I laugh-cried!)

38. A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd (!!)

39. A Wild Swan by Michael Cunningham (ok)


My goal this year is to read 45 books. What are your reading goals? What was your favorite book last year?

What I've been reading (Jan-May 2015)

I realize that I have not been keeping you current on what I've been reading this year and for that I truly apologize. I've been reading at a snail's pace and am not anywhere on track with keeping up with my reading goals for the year.

In fact, I had to refresh myself on what my reading goals even were for the year!

They are:

1. Read 60 books in 2015.  Dude, I will be lucky if I get to that number. Seriously. Pregnancy and newborn babies make it hard to read books quickly.

2. Participate in Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2015 Reading Challenge.  I have been kind of keeping track of that and need to see which categories I've completed and what's left.

3. No purchasing books in 2015.  The one goal I have faithfully stuck to! And, my word, it is hard. I'd really been thinking about making this a goal a few months before 2015 came around. Did I have the willpower as a book obsessed bibliophile to NOT buy books for an entire year?! Not even one little dime?!?!  So far, the answer is, Yes I can! I have only borrowed books from the library or friends. Now, this has been frustrating when the books I need to read for book club are not available. Oh man, it was sooooo tempting to just buy them off amazon. But, it's really only happened twice and, guess what?!, I survived! I still plan on reading the books, especially after hearing the ladies from book club rant and rave and have a great discussion about them, but I did not self implode because I didn't get the book in time.

Now that I've refreshed you all about my reading goals (you are welcome), here's what I have read so far this year:

JANUARY:

1. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)

Usually, I am not a huge murder mystery book fan, but I could not put this book down. I truly was not 100% sure who the murderer was and kept going back and forth between a few characters, which I attribute entirely to Rowling's writing. I loved the main character, Coromon Strike, flaws and all! I'll be definitely seeking out the other books in this series. (Also, J.K. Rowling fan FOR LIFE, peoples!)

2. A Dance with Dragons: Book 5 of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

Man, talking about authors I love, I just can not get enough of Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. In fact, I had been putting off reading this book because he is not done writing book six and I hated the idea of waiting forever to read another book from this series. But, Evan finished it and needed someone to talk about it with, so I caved. Now I'm one of the many Martin junkies waiting for my next fix.

3. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

I had never read a book by Kidd and this was a great book to be my first introduction to her writing. I had no clue until I was reading the author's notes at the end of the book that the main character, Sarah Grimke, was a real person! Made the book even better! An amazing story of breaking cultural norms we often grow up with, I found this book spellbinding and could not put it down. I loved discussing it at our book club!

4. The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey From Hollywood to Holy Vows by Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B. and Richard DeNeut

This book is written in a back and forth narrative between Mother Dolores and DeNeut on Mother Dolores' journey from being an actress to following a calling she couldn't ignore of becoming a nun. I love hearing stories about how people lived in the 1940s and 50s because it reminds me of how my Grandma tells stories from her life at that time--more freedom to roam, neighbors being like family. This book was well written and I loved not only hearing about how being an actress in Hollywood was during this time, but also what living a life in a monastery is like as well. A great book!

FEBRUARY

5. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Dude, I am a die hard Gaiman fan now. Elisabeth and I both read this book and were completely captivated. A children's book, it is not one I would read to very young children, but would be pushing on older elementary students for sure. Gaiman's storytelling is so compelling with enough of a dark side to give you chills but not keep you up all night. Ugh, I just love his writing!

6. The World's First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton Sheen

This was one of the books I read during Lent. I love Fulton Sheen's writing style. He has a way of taking complex ideas and concepts and putting them in terms where you find yourself saying, "Oh! That makes a lot of sense!". I learned a lot about Mary and had a ton of my questions as a Catholic convert answered. It's a book I put on my To Buy list (you know, since I had to borrow this one from the library).

MARCH

7. This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

I had mixed feelings about this book. It was well written, quick paced, but so negative and depressing. There were no redeeming characters, no one to relate or connect with in the story. The people were so toxic that I didn't find it entertaining and it felt too fabricated. I'm not sure if the movie would be better, but I do love me some Tina Fey, so maybe I'll try watching the movie. 

8. The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux

Another book I wanted to read for Lent, this book has been on my shelf for ages. This'll probably be a book I pick up again and again over the years because I know it is full of things about the Catholic faith that I won't absorb with just one (or ever three or four!) readings. To be honest, I had a hard time relating to St. Therese. Despite not being able to connect with her seemingly unfaltering faith (I would probably relate better to those saints who struggled with their faith for a while), I still found her writings fruitful.

APRIL

9. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Oh my goodness, I loved loved loved this book! It's been on my shelf for over a year now and I could kick myself for not picking it up ages ago! It was book that I had to have a break after because the characters and story were still hanging around in my brain and I didn't have room for new characters and books until I had mulled over this book for a day or so. I just really loved how full Moriarty's characters were and how well she pieced back Alice's life for us (and for Alice) with humor and raw emotions. Definitely one I recommend!

10. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This book was a simple, fun, amusing read. Not one I'll be keeping on my forever bookshelf, but one that would be good for summer beach reading or for those suffering from pregnancy brain (like yours truly). 

11. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

This book was superb--I couldn't put it down! Rowell tapped into that first love experience perfectly. I was smitten by both main characters equally and loved getting both of their perspectives on their relationship. Rowell's writing is inviting and engaging. I will be seeking out more of her books!

12. The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art & Laraine Bennett

13. The Temperament God Gave You by Art & Laraine Bennett

Oh my word, I could talk about these books and the four temperaments until your ears bled! I borrowed these books from a friend (Hi, Kara!) who was so passionately enthusiastic about the power of understanding your temperament and the temperament of those around you that I had to see for myself what she was talking about. Obviously these books have a lot about how your temperament can shape your faith life (they do have God in the titles), but I ended up seeking out the sources they cited and looking deeper into the temperaments. Seriously, totally life changing and such a great tool in not only learning about yourself but your loved ones and what makes them tick/react to the world around them. The Bennetts have another book, The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse, and I'm totally going to read that one too. 

14. Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

My friend Rachel recommended this book to me and she rarely steers me wrong. This was no exception. A non fiction book about how to help change women's lives all over the world who are being oppressed, this book was hard to read. I often had to put it down and walk away because a lot of what they talk about and the stories of women that they share are heavy. Kristof and WuDunn have been actively participating in grassroot groups to help women globally for years now and you can tell in their writing that this is not just a job or a story for them. A powerful read and one I would recommend.

15. Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit

Wonderful children's book! Written in 1902, Nesbit was a contemporary to JM Barrie, Beatrice Potter, Lewis Carroll, and others from that time period. I can not wait to share this book with my kids, especially Julia who loves classic children's literature. I'll be seeking out more of Nesbit's work to add to my library.

MAY

16. Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds by Robin Olds (with Christine Olds and Ed Rasimus)

Evan read this book last year and told me I would really like it. When he found it at a thrift store he grabbed it for me. (Honestly, how freaking awesome is it to have your husband buy you books to read because he liked the book so much?) I only knew of Robin Olds from bits and pieces Evan had told me over the years (ex: he's why there is a Mustache March). This book was fantastic. Olds voice is conversational and easy to follow, even with all the technical Air Force pilot jabber. What an amazing man! I would love to read/see more about him (he did lots of History Channel stuff about being a pilot in WWII and Vietnam). The ending of the book had me sobbing. A great memoir!

17. Revolution by Deborah Wiles

This is a YA book we read for book club and I really enjoyed it. It's technically the second in a series about the 1960s, but it can totally be read as a stand alone book. Based on the Freedom Summer in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1964, it's told from 3 different points of view of kids living in that town. I really liked how Wiles incorporated real pictures, facts, quotes, news stories and testimonies of things from that summer, both political and personal. An excellent read for middle schoolers and one I'm encouraging Elisabeth to read.

18. Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman

I told you I love him! I usually am not a fan of a book of short stories, but this one was wonderful. How Gaiman can make your hair stand up from one short story that is maybe four pages long is why I love his writing. I'd say out of the dozen stories there were maybe 2 or 3 that I only felt "meh" about. I also appreciated that he had a small summary for the what and why of each story in his introduction. So, I would read a story and then go back to the front and find out why he had written it. I finished it Sunday and then peer pressured Evan to start reading it before the library demands it back.

You all are so sweet to have read this all! I promise to not do 5 months worth of books in one post again. Scouts honor. 

Now it's your turn. Whatcha been reading? Let me know so I can put it on hold from the library!!!

September Reading Log

Can I please tell you how much I love sharing what I'm reading with you all? Cause I do.

After tallying up the books I've read through September, I am a mere 5 books away from reaching my goal of 60 books for this year!!!! How about that?! I'm kind of excited to see what number I actually do reach! I haven't reached a yearly reading goal in a few years and, because I am nothing but a big ol' dork, I am thrilled to actually meet this year's goal. 

Here's what I read this month:

1. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Elisabeth and Evan encouraged me to read this book. I had never heard of it before until Elisabeth took an interest in it. A sci-fi dystopia about Earth having been invaded by an alien race they called Buggers, Ender Wiggin is asked to join the Battle School at age 6 due to his genius. Manipulated throughout his entire training, the story revolves around Ender striving for and constantly having taken from him love, friendship, and affection. A great book! I look forward to the rest of the series.

2. Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn

I really enjoy Hahn's books. They are in depth, full of references and resources to prove his points and encourage you to read more on your own, and are well written. Obviously a book to be cataloged in the Catholic book category, I enjoyed this book because there were so many things about Mary I hadn't even know or read before. A great source for lots of Mother Mary questions.

3. The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

Yet another book I've had for ages and hadn't read yet. Thank goodness for my current goal to read through my bookshelves alphabetically. This book was beautiful. Historic, full of art, love, and seeking the meaning of life in a chaotic world, I could not put this book down. I loved Alessandra. She was the perfect voice to narrate this book. Dunant's words are palpable. If you love books by Tracy Chevair, you'll love love love this book. Please, someone read this book so I can talk about it with you!!! 

4. On Being Human by Fulton Sheen

Fulton Sheen was a priest from the Peoria, IL area (woot!) who went on to become the Archbishop of New York. I guess he was/is a pretty big deal, but I've only recently heard about him. This book is a collection of his newspaper articles that spanned from the 1940s to the 1970s. It was a pretty big book and took me most of the month to get through because it wasn't one you could really fly through. Lots of big ideas to think on. Lots of important views to take your time soaking in. But, I definitely would recommend this one because it'd be super easy to read a smidge at a time the way it's broken up. You could easily read certain parts in between other books.

5. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

I only got less than 100 pages into this book, but I wanted to put it here to warn you all about its terribleness. Dude, seriously. The writing was just too terrible to ignore. You know how sometimes an author's writing isn't flawless, but their story telling is so you forgive them the writing aspect because you were so lost in the story and characters? Yeah, that did not happen AT ALL. There were supposed to be a back and forth between two characters in two different times, but their stories would eventually overlap. You should really have your writing polished before you attempt this idea and should probably also not throw in a third random time/character/setting without any forewarning. I haven't had a book I've discarded and disliked so much in a long time. Bleh.

6. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

You guys! You guys!!! Tell me one of you has read this book! I picked up this book after Anne Bogel over at Modern Mrs Darcy said she couldn't put it down (I heart Anne. She's yet to steer me wrong in her reading recommendations). Dude, you guys, I read this 850 page book in less than 3 days. I can't stop thinking about it and will probably *have* to get the next book in the series. So, it's about Claire, a nurse and wife to Frank in 1945. They're in Scotland on a second honeymoon waiting for Oxford to start the school year because Frank will be a history professor there. As she's wondering around Scotland she ends up somehow transported to the exact same spot in Scotland in 1743. It's just so great. There were times where I felt the book was a bit campy, times I was like--Wait, what?! Seriously, did they just say that?!--but overall, I just couldn't put it down. I must warn you, the love scenes are quite steamy (!!!) and there is a lot of 1700 types of violence. If you have read this, please, message me so I can go all fangirl over this book for a smidge.

{Fair warning, I will be basically reposting this over at Mea Cuppa on the 15th when I link up with Anne at Modern Mrs Darcy for her monthly Twitterature link up. If you've not read her blog yet, do it!!!}

August Reading Log

I read so many good books in August!! I can't wait to share them with you all!

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I had read this book before a few years ago, but decided to reread it after Elisabeth and Evan had read it and wanted to watch the movie. To be honest, it was even more powerful the second time around. I just love Zusak's writing style. He writes in a manner that really compliments my imagination. And, I still cried and cried at the end. I knew it was coming, had seen the movie with Evan and Elisabeth a couple days before I actually completed the book, totally remembered the ending, but still cried. It's just one of my favoritest books ever.

2. Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

I bought this book because I had heard nothing but good things about it. I expected it to be leg-slapping funny, but it wasn't. Instead it was a charming, humorous book that I just couldn't put down. I LOVED Bernadette. I found Audrey to be annoying but hilarious! A great, fun read!

3. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

My dear friend Tawny was reading this book right before she moved and she had her nose in it so often those last few days I knew I'd need to read it. It was soooooo great!!! I love books that inspire you to go do new and great things. Bryson tells his story of deciding to hike the over 2000+ mile Appalachian Train in an informative but conversational tone. In fact, I was laughing out loud at his stories throughout the entire book. This is one I will be pushing on others and an author I will be seeking out more.

4. Dying of the Light by George R. R. Martin

I checked this out from the library because I wanted to read some of Martin's other works. I'm so enraptured with A Song of Ice and Fire series that I wanted to see if I'd enjoy his other work as much. I do! Just like with A Song of Ice and Fire, Martin created another world with just so much depth and detail that you truly have to wonder how many worlds are in that man's head. This book was all outer space and sci-fi, with a lot of suspense and questioning of humanity's nature. It was a really good book.

5. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

This book was recommended by a bookie blogger I follow--Anne Bogel from Modern Mrs. Darcy (don't follow her? YOU SHOULD!). Oh my goodness, you guys, this book was fascinating!!! A memoir about Cahalan's terrifying spiral into madness, Cahalan talks the reader through everything that happened in an honest, intelligent way. At times mind boggling-ly frightening, her story is so moving that it must be shared. My favorite book of the month by far!!

6. House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III

Wow. This book was so intense. A very dramatic story about one house being fought over by people drowning in their own dark life situations. I did not like Kathy. At all. (Anyone out there read it and want to talk to me about it, cause seriously, I hated Kathy but could see where others might love her.) There were times I sympathized with her, but at the end (part II) I was done with her.Overall, it was just a heavy, heavy book. One I'm glad I read, but won't pick up again (and won't be seeing the movie).

7. Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott & Kimberly Hahn

The Hahns are strong leaders of the Catholic Church, but being new to Catholicism, I'd heard of them but had never read any of his work. A friend recommended that I start with his and his wife's conversion story. This book was wonderful. Obviously a religious book (obvs), I loved how they took turns telling their view points of important parts of their lives together. Turns out, Scott Hahn has written like a bajillion non-fiction books and let me tell you, I plan on reading them all!

8. Midwives by Chris Bohjalian

This book has been on my shelves for YEARS and I am so grumpy that I have neglected to read it before now. It was a beautiful read. Bohjalian quietly and poetically unfolds this terrible tragedy using the voice of the daughter Connie, who tells us about her mother Sybil--a midwife who may or may not have accidentally killed the mother of a baby she was delivering. It was just so well written. I loved all the characters, the story, the subtle suspense. 

Ok. That's it for August. Please let me know what you've been reading, if you've read any of these (cause you all know I L-O-V-E to talk about what I've read), and what I need to add to my ever growing list!!

July Reading Log

Another seven books read this past month. I guess seven books a month is my average.

1. Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life by Roald Dahl
I bought this book a while ago because I hadn't known that Roald Dahl wrote adult books! As with his children's books (which I adore), Dahl is humorous, entertaining, and gross. The book was a compilation of short stories from his time living in his childhood town in his 30s after having fought in WWI. The same cast of characters weaved in and out of the stories and his descriptions of them were hilarious. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it.

2. Looking for Alaska by John Green
I enjoyed John Green's The Fault in Our Stars so much I decided to check out Green's other work. Looking for Alaska was John Green's first novel. I wasn't impressed with this book at first (I found it a bit pretentious in the writing) but I was soon sucked into Green's storytelling. I found Pudge to be the best choice of narrators among the teenage characters to choose from. To be honest, this was obviously Green's first book. I felt forced to be more sad than was necessary for a character that was underdeveloped and cliche. I'll still seek out more of Green's work, but I wont' be purchasing them with my own dollars.

3. The Sinner's Guide to Natural Family Planning by Simcha FischerI have been following Fisher's blog for a while and decided to read her book I'd heard such good things about. Her sense of humor and voice of reason went from blog writing to book writing seamlessly. Fisher honestly goes through the good, the bad, and the ugly of using NFP and following the Church's teachings. Definitely a great investment.

4. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Elisabeth and I saw a preview for this movie and decided we'd love to see it. Of course, I have trained her well, and she sought out the book so we could read it before it's August release. The book is YA and a very quick read, but Forman packs a punch in her storytelling. The point of view is from Mia, a 17 year old girl who is lost between being dead and alive after her family was involved in a fatal car accident. Forman's writing style balances going back and forth between Mia watching herself in the hospital and her memories effortlessly. A great read, albeit sad.

5. Four by Veronica Roth
The fourth (appropriate) book to the Divergent series, Four is a collection of stories told from the mysterious Tobias' (aka Four) point of view. I found it interesting that in her introduction to the book, Roth reveals she had originally intended to have Tobias be the main character of the series and Tris being the secondary character. I'm glad she chose to do it from Tris' point of view, but I did love the glimpse she gave in this book to Tobias' background.

6. The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer
I checked this out from the library because I had loved Wolitzer's The Interestings so very much. This book seemed like a good story idea, but I just did not like this book. I kept trying to like it, kept hoping that the magic spell that swept the town leaving the women not ever wanting sex again was more not the obvious plot but a smarter, sneak-up-on-you plot twist, but it never happened. It was predictable, I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and I was pretty grumpy that I bothered finishing the book. And the ending? Ugh. The idea that the excitement of sex should be valued more than familiarity, commitment and devotion in a relationship just left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm leery to try anymore of her books after this one.

7. The Mortal Instruments Book Four: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
You guys, this book series is 6 books long!!! I actually wasn't sure where the next three books would go plot wise in this series since there was some semi-closures between so many of the characters and end of the world situations, but Clare was able to shake things up again. New characters! New plot twists! So much teenage angst! I really can't stop reading these books.

Let me know what you're reading so I can add it to my never ending To Read list!!!
(I'm at 41 books total for the year in case you're keeping track. My goal for the year is 60!)

June Book Log

Seven books read this month!!! I was pretty excited about two of them because they were books by a couple of my favorite bloggers. :)

Style, Sex, and Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things That Really Matter 
edited by Hallie Lord
Hallie Lord writes over at Moxie Wife and was one of the first bloggers that was recommended to me when I joined the Church. They were right and I have loved reading Hallie's blog. When I heard she had a book where she'd asked some prominent women in the Church to write a chapter about being a Catholic woman today and what it means, I figured it'd be a good investment. It really was. Ten authors wrote a chapter each on topics ranging from marriage, a sense of self, children, work, being single, and embracing art & technology. I really loved the chapters by Jennifer Fulwiler (surprised?), Hallie Lord, Simcha Fisher, and Barbara Nicolisi. A fabulous read for a boost of faith.


He Leadeth Me 
by Fr. Walter J. Ciszek
It took me a while to read this book. It is a fascinating book about Fr. Walter's time in Russia where he'd originally gone to be a priest before World War II. Truly a dangerous time to be a religious leader in Communist Russia, Fr. Walter was soon picked up and put in solitary confinement for four years and then to a work camp in Siberia for 24 more years. Throughout all of his trials and tribulations, he faithfully stays true to his vocation and tries to minister as he can in Russia. I think this will end up being a book I will need to re-read to really get all that he says in this book.


The Mortal Instruments: 
Book One--City of Bones
Book Two--City of Ashes
Book Three--City of Glass
by Cassandra Clare
Elisabeth got these books for Christmas last year and has been telling me how much I would love them but that I would find them addicting (she knows her mother well). She was right and I read the first three books (out of 6!!) in basically one weekend. Thankfully, she doesn't own the other three books, so I can take a break and join the real world again. Clare is a great story teller and I was captivated by her characters. The story revolves around Clary and Jace, two star crossed teenagers who, through some real "can't put this book down, fend for yourselves children!" plot twists find themselves in love with each other when it is impossible to be so. Throw in the fact that they are Shadowhunters--keeping the human world safe from demons and the Underworlders--and these books are great summer reads. I plan on investing my time in reading the other three before school starts up again, but if you love Young Adult literature, I'd recommend this series.


The Leaves are Falling
by Lucy Beckett
I gave a much longer review at my other blog Mea Cuppa about Beckett's book, but I will say that I do recommend this book. It was so good. A historic novel, the story revolves around a young boy who is a Polish Jew hiding from both Germany and Russia during WWII. He becomes a refugee in England after the war and we follow his struggle to come to grips with the fact that he has lost everything--family, country, sense of self--and that he must rebuild. Heart wrenching, thought provoking, and beautifully written, I recommend this book to any WWII history buffs or those interested in a great historic novel.


Now I See You
by Nicole C. Kear
I had been impatiently waiting for this book to arrive on my doorstep for weeks!!! Nicole Kear is a blogger and writer that I have been following for years over at A Mom Amok. Her memoir about her degenerative eye disease has gotten a lot of good reviews because it is truly fantastic! Kear has a very honest, witty voice and it has flawlessly transitioned from blog to book form. I was laughing out loud in a way I haven't at a book in a long time, crying as she beautifully describes her deepest fears about losing her sight, and was reading snippets out loud to Evan because I HAD to share what I was reading. I loved this book!

Total for the year is 34 books! Not too shabby for a goal of 60 books. Let me know what you're reading so I can add it to my 1,000 mile long to-read agenda!!!

May Book Log

I was much more productive reading in May! Seven books this month and so close to finishing an eighth!

Here's my May list:

Mission at Nuremberg by Tim Townsend
I borrowed this book from my neighbor. It's about her great-grandfather, Henry Gerecke, the US Army chaplain for the Nuremberg trials. This book was so well written. I knew a little bit about the trials prior to reading this book, but getting information about the behind the scenes from the chaplains who ministered to the Nazis brought a whole new depth to the subject matter. Gerecke was an amazing man and I really enjoyed reading about his life and major role in WWII. Definitely a book I have been recommending to others and would love to have for my personal library.

Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler
I bought this book because I have been Fulwiler's blog Conversion Diary since beginning my own faith journey to Catholicism in July of last year (from the archives in order from 2007 to her current posts) (I'm in 2012 now!). Honest, smart, funny, I love her writing and was so excited to see that what I love about her blog writing translated so well into her book writing. I have always felt that Fulwiler's questions, stumbling blocks, and realizations in her faith journey really mirrored my own. Her book hit home for me and I found myself crying at how she captured my feelings in words in a way I have not been able to on my own yet.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
This book has been on my radar for a while due to Elisabeth begging me to read it to see if she can yet or not. Man, this book was so good. Green's style was easy to read, easy to get lost in. His voice for Hazel, through whose point of view the book is told, is honest and sincere. I had a big ol' crush on Augustus Waters from the get-go. The book had me ugly crying a few times. This book is a keeper.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
After the lovely Sarah at Harry Times gave such rave reviews for this book, I hurried to find it for myself. I could not put this book down. To describe it will make it sound contrite and I promise you it is anything but! I enjoyed the off balance time line, which was actually done properly and not in a confusing manner as happens with some authors. I really loved Rosemary's voice--I felt like i really knew her. Definitely a book I recommend and will be keeping to re-read some day.

Atonement by Ian McEwan
I had a hard time reading this book while pregnant with Vivian over 2 years ago because, as with all my pregnancies, I couldn't concentrate on this or any book. However, even not pregnant, I really struggled not giving up on this book for the first 80+ pages. The points of view were sloppy and overstepped each other. I didn't know who I was supposed to be connecting with because they were all such flat characters. By around page 100, I started enjoying the book and was committed to finishing it. I liked Robbie's perspective and couldn't put it down when he was the voice narrating. The very end was disappointing and unnecessary. Three out of five stars if I had to rate it that way.

Tobit's Dog by Michael Nicholas Richard
I gave a full review of this book over at my other blog Mea Cuppa, but will summarize by saying that I really enjoyed this book. Also, it was the first book I finished on my Kindle! (I just can not get into reading on my Kindle)

The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food by Judith Jones
I adored this  book!!! I also gave an extensive book review at Mea Cuppa on this book, too, but oh my goodness, I just big puffy heart loved it so much. The book was so inspiring and motivating to continue the journey of learning and improving and expanding one's cooking skills.

I have a nice pile of books to read this month! I'm hoping to get a lot in with it being summer and sitting outside while the children frolic until the sun starts melting us into puddles and we have to rush inside to relish the joy that is air conditioning.

April Reading Log

Just to warn you, this past month I did not read as much as planned. I spent half the month reading a very dense book by St. Francis de Sales that was written in the 1500s, but I only got half way through. Anyway, that totally threw my reading numbers off for the month. But, here's what I did end up getting through:

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
I bought this book after seeing Malala's interview on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I had heard of her prior to the interview, but didn't know much about her background, but felt that her book was a must read. I was correct. Malala tells the story of her country, Pakistan, and growing up under Talibanization. She has a very simple but beautiful way of describing some complex and terrifying experiences. The book is also a very glowing tribute to her father, whom she obviously adores and respects, and how he, too, is trying to make a difference for men and women in their home valley of Swat. I already handed the book over to Elisabeth to read and will be having all my kids read it (not to mention pressuring everyone else and their kids to read it) as well. It's very easy to get complacent about the freedom of education and I felt this book was a great reminder to appreciate the total accessibility of education in our country.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
I totally bought this book based on the cover (it was pretty!). Thankfully, my randomness paid off because this was a good book. Brunt weaves a story of love, mourning, and friendship by having 14 year old June tell us in her voice about losing her uncle Finn to AIDS during the 1980s. There was supposed to be a parallel between June's relationship with her older sister Greta that mirrored their mother's relationship to her brother Finn, but the June/Greta thing felt forced and underdeveloped. However, the dynamic between June and Toby was well written and great. A good read overall. Someone else should read it so I can discuss it with another person!!

Yep, that's it. Two books. I'll have to make up for it in May, I guess.
20 books for the year, for those keeping track.

March Reading Log

I got 8 books read this month, which isn't too shabby considering two of them were non-fiction that took me a while to read.


1. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Evan encouraged me to read this book. It's one of his favorites and I can see why. Diamond answers the how and why certain societies of the human race were able to dominate others through the impacts of farming, domesticating animals, writing, politics, and geographic location. It was fascinating to read. I found the history of domesticating crops and animals to be the most intriguing. Definitely a non-fiction read I'll be recommending to others.

2. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
This was a book on my list for a long time because I had had so many people recommend it to me. The Interestings tells the story of 6 teenagers who meet at a summer camp in the 60s and how their friendships continue to influence and shape their lives well into adulthood. The book is not action packed, no huge dramas, just good writing that slowly but deliberately unfolds the stories of characters. I found myself getting lost in the book more often than not. I'd say to myself, I'm just going to read for 15 minutes, start reading, look up, and it'd be an hour later. Wolitzer created such depth in her characters and plot that I can not wait to find her other books.

3. Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
This book was sad. It's not that I cried at all, but it was more of an achy sad for the characters. Told in first person by 13 year old Henry, you find out how meeting one man and spending 6 days with him changed Henry's whole life. I would definitely say that Henry's mom, Adele, was the strongest character in the book. I wanted to give her a big hug, make her some coffee, and fix her. Such a well written book and one I'd recommend...unless you hate being sad.

4. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
I have never read any of Hornby's books, but am familiar with the movie's they've become. After this one, I have no desire to read any more of his work. Half of the time, I felt like I was reading a mediocre high school prose round. It felt forced and sophomoric. I finished it because it wasn't terrible, but I am grumpy I spent $5 on it. The characters were either completely unlikable or under developed. However, I looked up the preview for the movie version, and they seem to have added the depth to the story line and characters that I craved in the book, so I may go see it. Might be the first time where the movie will be better than the book.

5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I have read all of Flynn's previous works. I really liked them and thought that she would just continue to get better as a writer. I was absolutely correct!! This is Flynn's best book by far!! Not as dark and gruesome as her first two books, Gone Girl was a great thriller. Without giving too much away, I was stereotypically rooting for Nick. Amy would have hated me. ;) I will be ranting and raving about this book to others until they read it or cease being my friend. It is smart, mind boggling, and fast paced. I can not wait for her next book to come out, whenever that may be!  Ooh, and the movie version has Ben Affleck as Nick--PERFECT!!!!!! And Neil Patrick Harris as Desi! Definitely going to see that in theaters!!

6. Six Weeks by John Lewis-Stempel
Evan asked me to read this book. It's the first WWI book I have ever read and I'm thankful that Evan recommended it to me. Six weeks was the average lifespan of young British officers once they were at the war front during World War I. Lewis-Stempel wrote this book in a way where I didn't feel like it was a text book, but in a manner where I was intimately being brought into the lives of these very young men. Beginning with where Great Britain pulled their young officers from (elite schools), the author leads you through the schools they attended (where patriotism and heroism was bred into them), to them eagerly enlisting, how they were thrown into life of an officer, and how short their lives ended up being and why. I truly learned the entire time I read this book because I know such an embarrassing little amount about WWI. This is a fantastic book and one I'd recommend to anyone with little knowledge about WWI looking to find out more.

7. Changeling: Book 1 of Order of Darkness by Philippa Gregory
I have been a fan of Gregory's work for a very long time now (The Other Boleyn Girl is still one of my favorite books), but I had no idea she had written a young adult series. Honestly, I was not impressed. It was missing her usual depth of characters and historic detail. I felt like she dumbed down her writing instead of adapting it to younger readers. But, despite her trying to gear this toward a younger audience, I wouldn't let Elisabeth read this yet because of some of the scenes (attempted rapes). I feel like there was a lot of potential to the plot and characters, but it just never met the goal. I was disappointed and will not be reading the next two books in the series.

8. The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida, translated by KA Yoshida and David Mitchell
A very quick read, this book is fascinating. Naoki, a boy with autism, was 13 years old when he wrote this book. His honest answers as to why people with autism do what they do or say is eye opening. Every parent, caregiver, or teacher of a child with autism should read this book. I will be passing on my copy for sure.


Ok, so I am currently at 18 books read in 2014. With a goal of 60 books, I'd say I'm doing well. Let me know if you have any books I should be reading!!!

February Reading Log

I am almost done with the book I am currently reading, but won't be finishing it tonight before midnight when February is officially over. I could potentially finish it by tonight, but Friday nights are now reserved for Dr. Who nights with Elisabeth, so no reading. Oh, and we definitely are enjoying Dr. Who. :)

So, this month I finished 7 books. Are you ready?

1) A Feast for Crows (Book 4 in the A Song of Ice and Fire series)
by George R. R. Martin
The fourth book in the what I refer to as the Game of Thrones series, Martin continues on in his ginormous story telling of all the favorite and hated characters from Westeros. This one was probably my least favorite of the series so far, but that's not saying much because I am so engrossed in this series that I still couldn't put the book down. I think I was just missing some of my favorite characters who were not in this book, but rumor has it they will be in the fifth book (which? no worries, I totally own). If you have not read any of this series yet, I definitely recommend it, but please know, it's a commitment. Each book is close to or over 900 pages and there are a lot (a lot, a lot) of characters to keep up with. However, Martin's story telling is completely captivating. The details in his books are so mindboggling. I ranted and raved so much about the books that I talked Evan into listening to the first book on audio on his commute to work and I got him hooked on the series too!

2) Divergent \
3) Insurgent-  all by Veronica Roth
4) Alliegent /
Elisabeth received this trilogy for Christmas and after reading the first book, Divergent, begged me to read it so we could discuss them. Knowing how I work, I told her she'd need to finish the series before I started the first one because it wouldn't take me long to read them and I'd want to read them all at once. I know me so well. I devoured these books like candy. They are not intellectually challenging by any means, but they are a fun, fast paced read.  The series is about Tris Prior, a 16 year old girl living in a futuristic dystopian Chicago. At 16, all children must choose which of the 5 sectors of Chicago they want to live the rest of their lives. Each sector is divided by characteristics that those people deem most valuable in society. I read all three books in 3 days. Roth is able to keep up the high action and fast plot throughout all three books. I felt like I was in a Divergent fog by the end of those three days, but they were so fun to read!

5) The History of the Church
by Eusebius
Written in the early 300s, Eusebius wrote this book to chronicle the Church from Jesus and the apostles to Eusebius' present time of peace with Emperor Constantine. This was a very long, heavy read, not just because it was written 1700 years ago and I was not familiar with every one he mentioned, but also the content was heavy. There was a lot that happened to the early Christians and Eusebius does not mince words concerning how early Christians were persecuted and martyred. One of the things that I loved was the history in this book. Eusebius sites other works from the centuries before and his own contemporaries. He also puts in documents from the early Church and legal documents from Rome. I started the book in early December, put it down for most of January, and was able to finish the rest this month. I'll probably read it again in the future because there was so much content that I know I missed this time around.

6) The Screwtape Letters 
by C.S. Lewis
So, I love C.S. Lewis. He has a simple way of knocking you on your feet with how he describes religion and philosophy. This book is written in letter form by Screwtape, a seasoned devil, to his novice nephew Wormtail, about how to keep his "patient" (a new Christian) from God. Lewis wrote this book during World War II, but so much of what he wrote could apply to today, which I have found true for all the books I have read of his. An easy, but very fulfilling read.

7) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
Elisabeth has been begging me to read this book so that I can let her know if she can read it. Uh, no, she can not read this book anytime soon due to it not being appropriate for an 11 year old at all!  However, this book was great! Another book written in letter form, Chbosky uses letters written by 15 year old Charlie to an anonymous friend. Charlie starts writing to this friend because he is scared to start high school and wanted to talk to someone about his fears. Through his letters, we get to know Charlie as an intelligent, emotionally unstable boy who has discovered true friendship in a step brother and step sister duo, Patrick and Sam. The book is very raw and honest--sad without being too heavy. I am very excited to see how they turned it into a movie (which has Emma Watson of Hermione fame in it, hence Ebeth wanting me to see if she could read and watch them).


March is national reading month, which now makes March the best month of the year! I'd best get to reading!!

January book log

Here it is! The first month of my book logs for the year!!

I'm so excited about this. I was so inspired by Sarah's monthly book updates that I now have a long list of "to reads" and a year long goal to read 60 books (if not more!) by December 31.

This month I read three books, which is not a lot, but the fourth book I've been reading I'm on page 500 out of 900+ pages. It has sucked up a lot of my reading this month.

I started the year reading Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I've been eyeballing this book for a while (totally based on the cover, which is creepy cool). It is a young adult novel and a pretty quick read, but I found the story so interesting. We meet Jacob, a bored 16 year old, whose grandfather, whom he adores, is slowly slipping into dementia. When Jacob's grandfather mysteriously dies, leaving Jacob with last words that make no sense, Jacob must search for things in his grandfather's past that Jacob had always thought to be tall tales. This book is smart, well written, and engaging. I'm encouraging Elisabeth to read it, but she's kind of freaked out by the cover. :)

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
I bought this book because I thought it looked interesting and I kept seeing it everywhere. The book is told in short stories, all of which involve Olive Kitteridge in some way--some told from Olive's perspective, others told from her husband Henry, and more from those in her small Maine town. The book was hit or miss. Olive's point of view and her husband's were the strongest and most captivating. The other characters I felt rushed to "meet" and it just felt done ineffectively. I did like trying to figure out how Olive would become intertwined in the others' stories, but overall, this book was very meh. Not a keeper.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
I have been wanting to read this book for a while. I saw the preview for the movie a couple years ago, but I just can't seem to make myself watch anything 9/11 related yet. In the beginning, I thought the book would be only about Oskar, a 9 year old boy whose father died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, but the book ended up intertwining Oskar's story with that of his paternal grandmother and grandfather who lived through the bombing of their hometown of Dresdan, Germany during WWII. This book was so unique in its fabulous writing style, visuals that blend in with what you're reading, and characters that were instantly familiar, but still slowly unfolded in front of you. Definitely a book I'd recommend and earned a spot on my permanent bookshelf.


What's the fourth book I'm in the middle of, you ask? A Feast of Crows, book 4 of the A Song Of Ice and Fire series (aka: Game of Thrones books).  I am completely captivated by this world George R.R. Martin has created. But, I'll talk more about that next month.

Born to Run.

My lovely friend, Paige, loaned me this book--Born to Run by Christopher McDougall--when I told her about some of my health goals for this year. Paige is a runner (she's run a marathon!) and she knows full well that I am not, but she told me that this book is very inspiring and after reading it, I just might want to give running a chance.

I started this book last night before bed. I am almost done with it as I type this.

I also jog/walked today.

Paige was absolutely right. I don't know if you have ever read this book, but if you have not please please please find it and read it immediately. Even if you have no plans whatsoever of running, this book is an amazing read. McDougall tells about his search for a tribe in Mexico's Copper Canyon that has been elusive to outsiders for generations now, but are very well known for being the best endurance runners ever. McDougall tells his story and that of many well known runners (well, I assume they are well known because I actually know nothing about running, so this is all new to me) and how they came to be the super athletes that they are today.

I am completely captivated by this book and am going to peer pressure others to read it as well just for the story of the Tarahumara Indians of Copper Canyon, Mexico alone. It is fascinating!

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go finish my book and then plan on running a little more tomorrow.