2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Enjoyed this one more than I did the first time I read the Harry Potter series.  I had forgotten so many of the details...or maybe I did not even notice all of them during my first reading of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  And I noticed several hints of future stories to be read!

Harry and his friends, they are all just so young!  Mere babes!  I do appreciate the diversity of their characters:  Harry, the homeless; Ron, the red-head, and Hermione, the brain. All, individuals...yet all a team.

I am re-reading this series for the Harry Potter Re-Read Book Challenge, something I have wanted to do for some time.

Now, to re-watch the movie...such a good day for this.  No school today (MLK).  Plenty of time to watch as I prepare my husband's 50th birthday day dinner...:)

UPDATE!  Tuesday, January 17

Last night, we re-watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  That was such an interesting experience...to have just completed the novel and then watch the movie.   I noted some deletions but was impressed with the amount of detail and scenes included within the movie.

Again, Harry, Ron, Hermione...just babies!  So cute...and brave!

1: Eat, Pray, Love

So good!  My first read of 2012 was Elizabeth Gilbert's nonfiction reflection in Eat, Pray, Love on her journey to develop a more meaningful relationship with God.  Again, this is one of those books that I has sat on my bookshelf waiting on me...and waiting, for I had read the book before I can watch the movie, right?

Why did I wait so long?  God.  He knew this book would speak to me, right now, at this particular time in my life when I, too, am working on my relationship with God in a more intense manner than ever before in my life.

I absolutely love Gilbert's voice, her writing style.  She took me there, to Italy, India, and then Indonesia, teaching me so much about all three countries and so much else, about relationships, culture, religions, and, ultimately, about myself.

The human-factor is probably what I appreciated the most, though, about this book.  Elizabeth Gilbert is a woman, who is quick to point out, what to her, are flaws and one who is just as quick to rejoice in her achievements, whether they are personal, emotional, or spiritual.

Five Stars.  That's what this book receives from me.  Please read this one, for there is absolutely no way the movie can even come close to all the content contained within this great read.  Just to confirm that theory, though, I can now watch the movie!  Yay, me!

Reading...Yes, I Am!

I have begun the year reading...several books at one time!  Here's an update:

1. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert:  Again, I have had this book for some time and will not watch the movie by the same name...have to read the book first!  Right?  WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?  Love, love this book!  Much more to say about this novel in the upcoming review!
2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone:  I am re-reading this novel for a Harry Potter Re-Read book challenge (one book a month) and because I really like this series, and it is just time to re-read this adventure with Harry.  He is just so young in this novel!  That boy grew up through that series!
3. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson:  This will be my first read on an e-reader (also for a challenge, of course!) on my daughter's Ipad.  Maybe this format will grow on me!  I also chose this one because a student asked me to read this novel, for he was impressed by the meanings within the layers of the book.  Good enough reason for me!
4. Deeper Reading by Kelly Gallagher:  A professional read, from this book, I have already gleaned several nuggets for use in the classroom. 
5. Bible in a Year:  So far, so good!  I am actually ahead of schedule in my reading of the Bible in chronological order.

For some reason, I feel like I am behind on my reading, for it's already January 9, and I have not completed one book yet!

Next read...need to re-read The Outlander to begin a re-read challenge for this series.

What are you reading good?

2012 Book Challenges

I have signed up for several book challenges for 2012...please view my post at Treasure Chest of Thoughts for a preview of my upcoming reads.

Happy reading in 2012!