Posts Tagged ‘books read’

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

We are finally getting some cooler fall weather to enjoy! For some reason, I thought I would have a lot of extra time once my daughter left for college, but I can’t seem to find it. We are staying as busy as ever with work and fun.

Blog posts this week…

I finished…

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom – What an inspiring story. It begins with a request from Albom’s rabbi: Would Mitch write the rabbi’s eulogy? As Albom gets to know his rabbi as more than the Man of God, he also encounters another Man of God–Henry Covington, the pastor of I Am My Brother’s Keeper church and homeless ministry in Detroit. The two men could not have had more different life stories, but both share a passionate love for God that spills over into love for neighbor and community. I know I have much to think about with my own faith after reading this one. I can’t wait to discuss it with my Bible study group and hear what they think, too.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth – Wow. I was blown away by this story. Cameron is a character who will stay with me for a long time. Her voice is at times snarky, at times vulnerable, at times hysterically funny, always courageous and honest. While Cameron’s story is at times heartbreaking (the death of her family, her time at school that is supposed to “cure” her of being gay), it is most of all hopeful and beautifully written. This is an important book, one that students–whether gay or not–need to have access to read.

Sweet Legacy by Tera Lynn Childs – I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy of mythology and monsters. The triplets and descendants of Medusa–Gretchen, Grace, and Greer–are about to fulfill the prophecy that is their destiny. But just when they think they have things figured out, things get much more complicated. Not all monsters are bad. They boys who have come to help them are hiding secrets of their own. Not to mention, at least two sides of gods and monsters want to kill them. All they have to do is rescue the Gorgons, fight off the Olympians and open the door. Then they can take up their legacy of guarding the way between the realms and keeping balance.

I’m currently reading…

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – Who knew the end of the world could be such a rollicking good time? I should have known that is what would happen when these two guys (who wrote the book together before they were literary gods themselves) join forces. I’ve just started, but I’m already snorting at the footnotes (I love funny footnotes) and becoming a fan of Crowly (originally known as Crawly–the snake who tempted Eve with the apple).

Coming up…

I need to remember to renew the library books I still have checked out in order to avoid those pesky fines. I still have two of the books I checked out last time to finish reading. I’m also looking forward to my mom’s visit starting Wednesday, and going to visit my daughter at college next weekend.

What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

Blog posts this week…

I finished…

Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett – Holy Wood has finally been forgotten long enough for it to release a dangerous idea–more than one, in fact. Soon, people from all over Discworld are streaming to Holy Wood, full of ideas they didn’t know they had and eager to take part in this new magic (but not magic like the wizards do), but none of them realize the danger that is close at hand. This is a great read for movie buffs. I’m not up on that many movies (new or old), but I caught quite a few allusions that made me laugh as Pratchett bends and twists them into brilliant humor.

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin – I finally got up the nerve to read my first 9-11 story. I’m glad I did. Baskin weaves together the stories of four teenagers across the country, focusing on the day before and the day of the attacks. Each one has different concerns that are affected differently by the events of 9-11. Their stories also interconnect in surprising ways. As I read, I kept comparing the events of the story to my experiences of that day. Even though there are obvious differences (for starters, I was an adult), much of it rang true, especially the emotional responses. This novel is an excellent introduction to 9-11 for middle grade students, all of whom now were born after the fact.

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None adapted by Samuel French – Since I have a role in the upcoming production of our local theater group’s performance of this play, I figured I should read the rest of the script. (My role is to wear black and move props on and off the stage. I’ve also been reading parts for absent cast members during practice.) This is probable one of my favorite of Christie’s mysteries. In addition to revisiting it, I’m enjoying the process of seeing it come to life on the stage.

Surf’s Up by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Daniel Miyares – I bought this for a birthday present for the son of friends. The author’s name is what first caught my eye (I loved Booked!), but I loved the story and illustrations once I read it. Two friends are ready for the beach: one wants to surf, the other read. Before you know it, the reader has convinced his friend that the book is exciting, and they switch roles. Even though I’m not a fan of Moby Dick, I laughed at the references to it throughout the story. I loved the message that this book sends (one I tried every year to convince my students of): it is possible to enjoy reading and also enjoy other activities. You can do both!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by JK Rowling and more – Can I just say that I love that my daughter is growing up and now buys books that she brings home to share with me? I didn’t quite finish it before she left to go back to school, but now that I have, I can’t wait to discuss it with her. I like the story, but I do wish it had been a novel rather than a script. That’s just because I prefer the novel format–and I wanted to know more. I would love to see the stage production. Since I don’t have immediate plans to go to London, I can hope it one day goes on tour through the Midwest.

It’s the Little Things by Lena Williams – I found this in our church library. I’m pretty sure it is my copy that I donated a while back. I wanted to reread it in light of all the protests along racial lines that have been in the news. Williams write with insight about those little things–the daily interactions that may be done without thought or malice–that get under the skin. Much of it arises from the misunderstanding that comes with people in different racial groups simply don’t know each other–and may be afraid to speak up for fear of being misunderstood. I am thankful for the opportunity to read and listen and to try to understand a perspective different from my own.

I’m currently reading…

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom – This is our latest selection for my Bible Study. I am fascinated by the stories of two–no, three–men that weave together in this account of faith. First, we meet the Reb, the rabbi of the congregation where Albom grew up. His request for Albom to give his eulogy begins the story. Next is Henry Covington, who grew up in a rough family and came to faith through a roundabout path. Finally, there is Albom himself, who is searching for what faith means for him. It’s hard not to read straight through to the end, but I’m trying to pace myself.

Coming up…

I have another stack from the library! Check out the title below.

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What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

I am getting used to a much quieter house this week. We moved my daughter into her college dorm room on Saturday. She is ready and excited to take on this new adventure, and I am excited for her. If I miss her too much, I can always send her chicken pictures and imagine the eye roll when she opens them.

Blog posts this week…

I finished…

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie and illustrated by Yuyi Morales – When I saw Sherman Alexie’s name on the cover of this picture book, I couldn’t resist picking it up off the library shelf. This story is a fun romp through possibilities. Thunder Boy hates his name. He is named after his father, who gets to be called Big Thunder. Who wants to be known as Little Thunder? Thunder Boy imagines all the names he could have based on what he’s done until finally he and his dad pick the perfect name.

Mercy and Melons: Praying the Alphabet by Lisa Nichols Hickman – The last few letters of the alphabet did not disappoint: Xylophones and Exile, Yellow and Yahweh, Zin and Zinnias. Even better  is the last chapter with an invitation to pray the alphabet myself, an invitation to pay attention to the ordinary stuff that fills my days and bring it in conversation with what is holy. I love the question she asks us to ask ourselves each day: What did you do today that was amazing?

It Ain’t So Awful Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas – I’ve had her first book, Funny in Farsi on my wish list for some time now, so when I saw this at the library, I grabbed it. Now that I’ve read it, I want to read her memoir even more. It still blows me away that books set in the 1970’s are considered historical fiction. Even though I lived through the 70’s, I learned much about history, especially that of Iran and what led to the overthrow of the Shah. The background is heavy, but the story and the voice of the narrator (main character Zomorod–now known as Cindy) is hilarious. This book would pair well with Wonder with its emphasis on kindness. Come back for more in my review later this week.

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott – I love Lamott’s writing, and this collection of essays is spot on. I admire her honesty and courage in sharing the struggles she faces, and she is able to make me laugh while doing so. She reminds me that I don’t have to have all the answers before taking the “next right step.” We all muddle through this thing called life, and it’s much better when we can do it together.

I’m currently reading…

Walden by Henry Thoreau – I have found my favorite time to read Walden-during chicken time. Unfortunately, I often get distracted by the antics of the chickens (or of the neighbor’s dog who loves to watch chickens with me). I was reminded by Thoreau this week that the most valuable part of any landscape is not the part you can own with a deed, but the beauty you take with you in your mind from enjoying. I did enjoy his story of how he almost bought a property and escaped at the last minute when the farmer’s wife changed her mind about selling it.

Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman – Once again, much of my reading seems to be coming together as Freeman reminds me to focus on the small things in life, especially as we choose between being led by fear or love. I can so relate to letting fear create storms even when the day is clear and sunny. As I adjust to having my daughter live away from home, I am constantly reminding myself (especially as I fall asleep at night) that the worst is not about to happen.

Coming up…

Check out the stack of books I snagged from the library this week. I’ve already read two, but I have many more to look forward to!

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What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

It’s been a busy week. Not only was I out of town for a training conference for half the week, but I also had tons of veggies from the garden (more in the freezer, more pickles, more zucchini bread, and plenty to share with the chickens). We also enjoyed a visit to the Indiana State Fair on Sunday. With all of that, I didn’t get as much reading done as I would have liked, but I did enjoy watching many Olympic events. The best part of the week, though, was staying up with my daughter to watch the meteor shower on Thursday night. We watched the moon set and then found shooting stars between the clouds that mostly stayed away. I’m still trying to recover from the lack of sleep!

This week’s blog posts…

I finished…

A Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult – Picoult raises so many thought-provoking questions in this book, and the best part is that she doesn’t provide easy, pat answers. The shifting viewpoints allow the reader to consider many different perspectives. Even relatively minor characters like the warden have nuanced views with multiple layers. The major characters–Father Michael, Maggie, June, Lucius and Shay–question their own beliefs as they encounter the events that unfold. I wish that more of us (myself included) would take time to consider life in all its complications more completely.

I’m currently reading…

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott – I love that Lamott makes me laugh even while she makes me think. I love her brutal honesty that reassures me I’m not all alone, that I’m not the only one who screws up on a daily basis. I love that her writing offers grace and hope even in the midst of struggle. My favorite quote from this week: “Another [secret of life] is that laughter is carbonated holiness.” Yes, yes, yes. May we all find holy laughter through this week.

Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman – I missed last week’s discussion because I was out of town, but it sounds like most of the group missed it as well, so I’m not behind on reading. I have one more chapter in the section Accepting Our Tuesday Soul that’s titled “Confession and Laughter.” I think I’m detecting a trend here with laughter and holiness. I will be on the lookout for laughter through the week.

Mercy and Melons: Praying the Alphabet by Lisa Nichols Hickman – I had hoped to finish these reflections this week, but I didn’t pack this one to go with me out of town. Still, I enjoyed reading about Tie-Dye and Testimony, Understanding and Undulatus Asperatus Clouds, Votive Ships and Vows, Wonder and Wheelchairs. With just X, Y and Z left. I should finish this week and then be ready to look for my own alphabet prayers.

Walden by Henry Thoreau – I have to confess:  I didn’t read any of Walden this week. I was too busy watching Olympics, dealing with the avalanche of vegetables, and going to a two-day training out of town. I did think about Walden, though, as I watched my chickens in the evenings. I’m hoping for better reading this week.

Coming up…

I’m hoping for more reading time this week. I also want to catch up with writing book reviews. I have four books due on Wednesday that I would like to review (and get more), so maybe that deadline will motivate me. I will definitely enjoy the rest of the Lamott book and should finish a couple of more that are near the end.

What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

We are in the midst of a garden-palooza at our house. We have zucchini and squash and cucumbers and melons piled everywhere. I’ve been baking zucchini bread, freezing squash and corn, and making pickles. It’s too bad the tomatoes are a bust this year, but I did scrounge up enough to make some peach salsa for us to enjoy this week. As you can see, I’ve found a new source of entertainment this week, too. The hens love time outside their run to chase bugs and eat grass. The neighbor’s dog (an adorable young’un named Sandy) also loves to watch the chickens, so I go and sit with them with Sandy on a leash. I think I may have found a new kind of chick lit!

chick lit

I finished…

Nothing! That’s what happens when I read too many books at once. And I’m learning to enjoy and savor the books I’m reading rather than always rushing headlong through the pages to get to the end. There are still some books I rush through to find out what happens, but the books I’m reading recently have been those that invite me to ponder. I spend time with the book in my lap, staring off into the distance as I absorb the words and thoughts.

I’m currently reading…

Walden by Henry Thoreau – I finished the first chapter on economy. I’m not sure I could live as simply as Thoreau did, but I do find myself thinking about what things cost in terms of the time it takes me to earn the money as well as the price. I can relate to Thoreau’s desire to have more time to pursue his own interests rather than someone else’s (as he would at a job). I think what strikes me the most from this chapter is that Thoreau doesn’t insist that everyone live as he does. Instead he advises each person to discover and follow their own path.

Mercy and Melons: Praying the Alphabet by Lisa Nichols Hickman – This week brought reflections on Origami and Overcome, Prayer and the Phosphorescent Bay, Questions and Queen Anne’s Lace, Rainbows and Resurrection, and Soap and Sanctification. My favorite quote came from the reflection on P: “Maybe prayer is most like this. We jump into the swamp at midnight with the hope of meeting an energy greater than our own. We are lost in the dark, but we leap with faith. And there we are met with light beyond our imaginations. We are met with a grace that we draw around our shoulders as a garment for our grief, a cloak to console, a comforter that holds us together. As we move, tentative at first, we suddenly see that we are swimming in the stars. We are cloaked in a surprising light. Our prayers aren’t lost in the deep, but lifted into an odd but beautiful luminosity.

Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman –  The three chapters I’m reading for this week focus the state of our souls. I love the invitation to more laughter and less shame. One of the hardest lessons for me is being willing to live without clear answers or direction, but to trust anyway. I love exploring the questions raised by literature, but when it comes to my life I want to know if I’m on the right track before I get started. The past few years have been an exercise in living without knowing where I’m headed, and I’m just getting comfortable with it. I also am intrigued by the question she poses: With whom in the Bible does your soul most closely relate today?

A Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult – The more I reread, the more I remember as I work my way through this book. Having read it before (and remembering mostly how it turns out) is allowing me to ponder more of the questions raised as I read it this time through. When, if ever, is the death penalty justified? Could I forgive someone who murdered those I loved most? How do different people see and respond to the same events? I should be able to finish this story this week.

Coming up…

Hmmm…I think I want to finish a few of the books I’m still reading. Then it’s time to head to the library to see what else I find.

What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

We just returned from our annual family vacation (with all of my husband’s family: 2 grandparents, 3 kids + 3 spouses and 5 grandkids). We filled up a beautiful log cabin just outside Petosky, MI, and spent the week collecting and sanding Petosky stones, biking around Mackinac Island, touring the locks at Sault St. Marie, sampling chocolates athe Kilwin’s factory, paddling down the Sturgeon River and enjoying each other’s company. Oh yeah, we ate plenty of ice cream, too! I am glad to be home, but it feels strange that no one in my house is headed back to school as the new year begins this week. Instead, we are waiting about three weeks move my daughter into a dorm for her freshman year of college. Even though we were busy on vacation, I managed to finish a few good books and start plenty of others. I even discovered two Little Free Libraries in Petosky and had to check them out. I didn’t take any (even though some looked good) since I didn’t have any books I wanted to leave behind.

 

I finished…

Panic by Sharon Draper – Diamond falls for every parent’s worst nightmare: she leaves the mall with a stranger and disappears. She leaves behind family and friends who can do nothing but worry. Draper tells this story with alternating viewpoints from Diamond herself and her group of friends from dance class. While Diamond’s abduction is the focus, several of her friends have big problems of their own: bullies, abusive boyfriends. It seems like a lot to cram into one book, but Draper makes it work.

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan – It’s not so much that I learned much new information from reading this book, but Pollan pulls together the information to paint a clearer picture of how our relationship with food (and even our acceptance of how food is defined) has changed–and not always for the better. I’ve always tried to eat healthily, but sometimes it’s hard to know what healthy eating is since nutrition guidelines keep changing. I can get behind Pollan’s manifesto to “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Even better, both my husband and my daughter want to read this book as well. I’m also grateful for our garden and chickens that provide us an abundant variety of fresh foods right here at home.

Making Money by Terry Pratchett – This book continues the story begun in Going Postal (my first Discworld novel). Now Moist von Lipwig has the Ankh-morpork Post Office running smoothly, Lord Vetinari wants him to take on the Royal Mint to shake up the banking industry. Even though Moist is loath to admit that he might be getting bored with paperwork, he isn’t eager to take on a job that includes death threats. But it’s hard to say no to an evil tyrant who knows your every move and can even get fate on his side. Soon Moist is taking the Chair of the bank on walks, fending off murder attempts and revealing the secret to controlling the world’s most powerful army. Since this book was published in 2007, I’m trying to decide if the leaders of finance in the modern world used it to design their own schemes or if Pratchett is just that brilliant. Much of the antics could be drawn from not-so-long-ago headlines with a little imagination.

The Door in the Hedge by Robin McKinley – The master of fairy tales brings four stories in this collection: two retellings and two originals. I love the lush fairyland settings that McKinley creates in each of these stories. Even though they are different, they feel related. The two old stories include the tales Twelve Dancing Princesses and the Princess and the Frog (my favorite in this collection). The new stories create a kingdom that borders fairyland with both blessing and curses and a doomed hunt for a Golden Hind. In all, curses must be broken, but how it happens may surprise you.

I’m currently reading…

Walden by Henry Thoreau – I took this book on vacation with me, but my brain was too much on vacation to tackle reading it. However, I did take Thoreau’s words with me as I enjoyed new experiences. I found myself savoring the memories I was making rather than searching for souvenirs to by. I’m looking forward to reading more now that I’m home again.

Mercy and Melons: Praying the Alphabet by Lisa Nichols Hickman – I’m still enjoying these reflections along the alphabet that pair common objects with aspects of God. This morning I read about Nautilus and not yet. Not yet is a hard place to be (and one I have been in a lot as I’ve transitioned from teaching to writing and other work), but it is not the end of the road. I also find myself appreciating more of those everyday objects in each day as well–and that ties in so well with the other books I’m reading.

Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman – I’m reading this one with my Bible study. I have to read with a pen or highlighter in hand because I find so many thoughts I want to remember and come back to. I suspect I’m not the only one who struggles with slowing down in a fast-paced world. Freeman writes wise words about living in the small moments of life, of seeking connection rather than competition, of being content in the here and now. Since I missed last week’s discussion, I can’t wait to hear what everyone else thinks this week.

A Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult – Someone donated this book to my LFL, and of course I wanted to read it. It looked familiar, but it wasn’t until I got into the story yesterday that I realized I have read this one before. I can remember the big picture of the story but not the details, so I am enjoying it a second time. So many lives are woven into that of Shay Bourne, convicted killer on death row who wants to donate his organs. There’s Michael, the priest who is his spiritual advisor–and who served on the jury for the trial that sentenced Bourne to death. There’s Maggie, the ACLU lawyer, who sees Bourne’s case as a way to make a statement about the death penalty. There’s June, whose husband and daughter were killed by Bourne, and her daughter Claire, who needs a heart transplant.

Coming up…

I want to settle down and finish some of the books I’ve started. I’ve also got a book by Anne Lamott I want to read and I still haven’t started Big Magic. We’ll see how I do this week.

What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

We’ve had the chickens almost two months! We are getting fourteen eggs a day now. If anyone comes through southern IN, stop by and grab and dozen eggs! We have plenty. So far I enjoy being a chicken keeper. They are so much fun to watch and definitely have favorite things. My hens love strawberry tops, spinach and corn. They are not as fond of squash (though the like yellow better than zucchini). They also enjoy scrambled eggs and fresh sawdust! We spread some sawdust out in the run where things have gotten quite muddy with all the rain. They immediately began to scratch in it and then roll in it to give themselves dust baths!

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I finished…

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson – A few years ago I read and enjoyed The Adoration of Jenna Fox, but I never got around to reading the sequel until now. Even though the story is set 260 years later, Jenna is still around (thanks to new biotechnology that raises all kinds of ethical questions). This story focuses on Jenna’s friends Locke and Kara. Their bodies were destroyed in a car accident, but their minds were kept alive until new bodies could be created for them. With their new, improved bodies, Locke and Kara try to navigate a world that has left them far behind–and where they are illegal. Just like the first book, this one raises questions about what it means to be human and about how far you should go to keep someone alive. My surprise favorite character–the bot Dot.

Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett – Poor RIncewind the Wizzard just can’t catch a break. The professors at the Unseen University send him off to the Counterweight Continent in response to an Urgent Request. Even though everyone knows Rincewind is an utter failure as a wizard, the waiting revolution (which has progressed to polite protest posters) thinks he is the answer. Through in a horde of geriatric barbarians (including Rincewind’s old friend Cohen), violent luggage, scheming lords, a dying emperor and water buffalo and times are bound to get interesting. Now I definitely want to read more of Rincewind’s other adventures.

Nudge by Leonard Sweet – As always, Sweet was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. After reading his thoughts on evangelism, I find myself slowing down to notice what God is already doing in the world. Some weeks, like this past week, it is hard to see it, but in the midst of horrible tragedy, there are glimpses of God to be found: in the tears and cries of people who say “enough. Let’s do something, in the photo of white and brown bodies surrounding a baby in a stroller to protect it from gunfire, in words and acts of gratitude and compassion. I will continue to look for glimpses of God, and hopefully reflect God’s image to those I meet.

I’m currently reading…

Walden by Henry Thoreau – I have been wanting to pick this up for awhile. I haven’t read it since my college days. Many years later, I find that I missed much of Thoreau’s humor the first time through. As I read now, I find myself chuckling or just thinking, “That’s a funny zinger.” I am also amazed at how much of what Thoreau wrote way back them applies even more today. I’m still in the first chapter, “Economy.” This will be a slow read for me–no rushing to read chapters for class discussion or a paper or exam. This time I can read and reflect at my own pace!

Panic by Sharon Draper – I don’t know how I missed this one when it came out, but I’m glad I found it on the library shelf. Diamond falls for the temptation to meet movie stars and audition for a part herself when she leaves with a stranger from the mall. She ends up living every parent’s worst nightmare. The chapters switch from Diamond’s point of view to those of her friends that are left behind worrying about what happened to her. Through it all, the friends share their passion for dance. Draper is not afraid to tackle tough issues, not only Diamond’s abuse.

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan – I’ve just started this one, but I’m enjoying it. We’ve been trying to eat better (not just always, but to support my daughter as she tries an anti-inflammatory diet). Fortunately, it’s not too hard–eat more fruits and veggies, lean meat and reduce processed flour and sugar. Pollan’s book goes right along with this. Eating shouldn’t be that complicated, but we have made it so.

Mercy and Melons: Praying the Alphabet by Lisa Nichols Hickman – Did you know that several of the Psalms are acrostic poems? I didn’t. I guess that got lost in the translation from Hebrew into English. Hickman takes that concept and writes twenty-six reflections. For each letter of the alphabet, she pairs an ordinary thing with an attribute of God–such as Advent and avocados . Pulling on memories and experience, she weaves the two seemingly disparate ideas into a thoughtful call to prayer. This next week I start with justice and Jello.

Coming up…

As you can see, I’ve been distracted with lots of new books to start. I should probable focus and finish some of them, but I’ve got more in my stack from the library that are tempting me to peek between the covers, and we’re starting a new book for Bible study as well. We’ll see if I finish any of them or just keep starting new ones!

What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR 2015It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

 

The past month exploded and got away from me. First we celebrated my daughter’s graduation from high school and all the fun of hosting family from out of state. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t leave much time for reading. The in the midst of the celebrations, we also grieved the death of a good friend, and several work projects all came due at the same time. Now I’m stranded in NC at my mom’s house while I wait for the transmission in the car to be fixed. At least it broke down in a good place–I have a comfortable bed, good food, and good company. Hopefully, I will make it home tomorrow. Meanwhile, I have read a few books, including two that I was able to read in long gulps of reading all day long.

I finished…

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs – What a satisfying conclusion to this imaginative series. Just like in the previous two books, Riggs incorporates unusual, historical photographs into the story. The few Peculiars who are left free face daunting odds as they seek to rescue their friends and protectors before the masterminds behind the Hollows destroy Peculiardom for their own ends.  I will miss the world of the Peculiars now that it has come to an end, but I’m glad I can go back anytime into the books, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the movie.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater – Another stunning conclusion to a series I love. As Blue and the Raven Boys close in on their search for the sleeping king, the stakes grow ever larger. Blue sees no way to avoid the prophecy that has shadowed her entire life–she will kill her true love with a kiss. Now that she’s met her true love, the prophecy is even more specific. Something is destroying the magic wood along the ley line and threatens to spill danger and doom and destruction out into Henrietta and beyond. Once again, I love how Steifvater weaves magic into our ordinary world.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare – I may be a mundane, but I love Cassandra Clare’s world where Shadowhunters slay demons to keep us safe. I had read the original series (at least most of them), but had never journeyed back to Victorian London. Tessa Gray sails from America to London to join her brother, but she finds herself held captive and forced to learn a supernatural skill she didn’t know existed. She escapes to the protection of the Shadowhunters who help her track down just who in Downworld is behind the plot. Of course, amid the danger lurks the possibility–or two–of love as Tessa is drawn to the dangerous Will and sweet James. Both boys hide deadly secrets. Even though the book comes to a satisfying end, there are enough hints of secrets and mysteries to come to make me want to grab the next book.

I’m currently reading…

Nudge by Leonard Sweet – I love Sweet’s approach to evangelism in this book. Instead of hitting people over the head with your beliefs, live life in a way that invites people to want to know more. As I’m nearing the end, the chapters focus on using the five senses, but through it all is the underlying message of how we love our neighbor.  This quote from the chapter on aroma struck me: “A house that smells like Jesus,not because it says, “I’m your Christian neighbor,” but “I’m your friend,” is a house where you can smell the fresh aroma of the gospel. Flowers lose their scent while they’re refrigerated. The aroma of Christ doesn’t fare well when frozen. It needs to be baked and taken fresh out of the oven” (Sweet 267-8)

Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett – I’m back in Discworld with Rincewind the Wizzard, probably the most reluctant hero ever to walk through the pages of a book. The professors of Ankh-Morpork’s Unseen University send him to the kingdom of the Counterweight Continent. There the rebels (who chant politely) expect him to lead them to victory. The lords want to arrest him before the Emperor dies and they fight for power. All Rincewind wants is a nice, boring life. At least Rincewind can count on his oldest friend, the elderly Cohen the Barbarian. I am still chuckling my way through these books.

Coming up…

Well, that depends on how long until I can get back home. I have several books waiting for me at home. I’ve also been eyeing some of my mom’s books while I’m here.

What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

My husband’s goal while I was gone was to keep the girl, the dog and the chickens alive. He succeeded on all counts. Even though I was glad to get home to see him and our daughter (and the dog, too), I was really excited to meet the chickens. I confess I’m spending too much time just hanging out with them and watching them. They are fascinating. They seem to be settling in pretty well, but they aren’t too sure about this going outside thing. I hope they will warm up to it once they get used to it. I hope we have eggs in a few weeks, too.

I finished…

Four by Veronica Roth – I loved these stories that tell more about Tobias, better known as Four in the Dauntless faction. The first three stories all take place before Divergent begins. Even though I knew most of the big picture from Divergent, I enjoyed seeing the events unfold. I also enjoyed the last story, which happened in the middle of Divergent. This time, though, the story is told by Four. He definitely saw things differently than Tris. If you are a fan of the series, I recommend this collection just for the opportunity to revisit that world.

I’m currently reading…

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs – Once again, I am amazed at how Riggs weaves this incredible story that ties together unbelievable pictures. The Peculiars are in dire trouble, and only Jacob and Emma and MacHenry are free to help them. They might be getting some help from a shady ferryman, but they aren’t entirely sure they can trust him. Come to think of it, I’m not too sure about him, either. I am sure that the rest of the story will keep me turning pages. Even better, my daughter shared our love of this series by lending the first two (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Hollow City to a friend. I hope she likes them as much as we do!

Nudge by Leonard Sweet – I didn’t read much this week, but one quote stuck with me in the midst of the vitriolic political conversations and even the disagreements which threaten to split the United Methodist church (which just held its General Conference: “The issue is not to avoid controversy or argument. The issue is for nudging to foster dialogue more than discussion. ‘Our duty is not to see through one another, but to see one another through.’ How many of us, when we come away from a conversation (or a sermon), come away with agreement or disagreement, like or dislike? Or do we come away with new insights, fresh understandings, refreshed connections, and varied ways of looking at things, regardless of whether there is agreement or disagreement?

Coming up…

A neighbor came by and dropped off a box of books for my Little Free Library. I spotted several I would like to read before a put them out. I can’t wait to read and pass them on!

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Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.

IMWAYR 2015

The chickens are coming–on Tuesday! We were expecting them the end of the month, but they  are coming now. We’ve been working to finish up the last bits of work on the chicken coop–placing netting over the top so hawks and owls can’t swoop down. We also discovered that our coop is not quite as secure as we hoped when we found a nest of baby bunnies. We moved them out of the way (I suspect chickens would eat them) just outside the fence. They seem to be snug in their new nest. My husband even put up a temporary shelter over them. I just hope mama bunny finds their new location.

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I finished…

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – The closer I got to the end, the slower I read simply because I did not want it to end. This book will stay with me for a long time, and it is one I will look forward to visiting again and again. As the competition within the circus drew to its end, I was afraid for all of the characters and could not see any way out. I’m glad Morgestern saw a way out that surprised me yet felt absolutely satisfying. Like my favorite books from childhood, this novel awakens and feeds my need for magic and makes me believe anything is possible.

Love That Boy by Ron Fournier – I enjoyed both the descriptions of the trips to presidential libraries/homes that Fournier took with his son and the reflections on parenting that infused each chapter. We all have dreams for our children, and we all have to let our children pursue their own dreams–especially those different from ours. As I read, I couldn’t help but reflect on my journey with my daughter. I hope that I have supported her in her dreams (and not just mine for her) as we have shared many things together. I’m excited to watch her take the next steps toward independence in the coming months.

I’m currently reading…

Nudge by Leonard Sweet – Pay attention! The sacred and holy fills the very ordinary things of our days. Am I paying enough attention to recognize the mystery in a blade of grass or the face of a neighbor? I am especially reminded that paying attention requires silence and much more time spent listening rather than talking. I think my challenge this busy week is to find time just to be, just to sit and be aware and to listen to what happens around me. I wonder what I will discover?

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs – I was so excited when I found this on the library shelf. I loved the first two books in the series, and so far this one is not disappointing. Things are even more dire for the peculiars. Jacob and Emma and MacHenry are on a mission to save not only their friends, but the entire world. Their journey leads them deep in to Devil’s Acre, a time loop in one of the worst slums of Victorian London. Jacob is trying to figure out his newly discovered connection with hollowgasts, and the wights are determined to lure them all into a trap. I can’t wait to see how it all ends up. Of course, the story is a masterful blend of fantasy with eerie pictures from the past.

Four by Veronica Roth – I’m finally enjoying my Mother’s Day gift. So far my daughter has been patiently waiting for me to read it first, but she occasionally asks me to read faster. I am enjoying the stories of Four. The first two explore Four’s choice to join Dauntless and his initiation experiences. Even though I knew the big picture from the Divergent series, I love seeing the details play out in these stories.

Coming up…

I am headed to a conference this week, so I don’t know how much time I will have for reading. I do have books ready to pack in my suitcase, though. What have you been reading this week?

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

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