17: Made to Crave

I purchased Lysa TerKeurst's Made to Crave in January 2011 in hopes of finally beginning a diet plan that would this time really work.  Well...in December (yes, eleven months later) I came across her website and remembered the book and determined then to finally read the book, solo. I would loose the weight in secret.  Just myself.

Until....I read the chapter three, page 39:  "...think and pray for some friends to join you on this journey.  I have to tell you, having friends to walk through the same healthy eating plan as me has been such a help.  Getting a plan is the first crucial step; getting a friend or two to join you is the next."

I resisted.  I was doing enough at church.  Life was busy.  My plate was full.

Then, I followed the Lord's leading and shared at church that I was reading this book, and if anyone was interested, I would be glad to meet on Wednesdays.  The group grew...to eight!  And what a blessing it has been...getting to know other ladies, other "Jesus girls" (as Lysa refers to us), ladies I have known for years...or thought I had.  Jesus Girls, ones who are attempting to loose weight together, the spiritual growth of these relationships has been invaluable.

Have we lost weight?  Yes.  As much as we wanted?  No.  But we are learning and growing and sticking with it.

Now...back to the book!  I really appreciate Lysa' writing style, her voice.  Because we are also using her video series within our study (yes, inspired by the synergy within the group, I then purchased Made to Crave Action Plan for us), I could almost hear her voice as I read.  She is such a sincere, down-to-earth, Christian lady.  An inspiration.

As I completed the book this evening, I became re-inspired, touched by several of the Biblical scriptures, and gained new insight to my battle with weight.  As Lysa says, "Having a weight issue is not God's curse on us.  It is an external manifestation of an internal struggle."  Honestly, I struggled (so to speak!) with that expression.  Then, the revelation came! As I reflected upon reading the chapter entitled "Emotional Emptiness," I could pinpoint when I began gaining weight and the reason for the weight gain, and I am now praying that I can begin "parking my mind in a better spot."  Time to let that go, begin to heal, and move to a healthier parking spot.

This is a book that I plan to begin a re-read of...soon.  The book is packed full of spiritual nuggets that I need...again and again.

Involved in a struggle with your weight and want a plan that does not involve a diet plan?  Then, please consider this book as one of your resources...below is the book trailer.

#16: Deeper Reading

Our English Department read (throughout March) and then discussed Kelly Gallagher's Deeper Reading at our meeting this past week.

Awesome!  Wonderful!  Empowering!  Yes!

Now, if I can just implement but a few of his ideas, then the entire read (and money spent!) will be very much worth all the time and effort.

I blogged at Treasure Chest of Thoughts on my favorite quote:  "Learning begins when we encounter confusion." I had never quite looked at learning from this standpoint, but it makes so much sense.  Many classrooms are full of bored students due to our (the teachers) not creating scenes of confusion.  Truly.  With a bit of confusion, comes the spark for learning.

As I look over my book, I at almost at loss as to what to say, for I have never annotated, sticky-noted a book quite so much.  This one is truly full of nuggets.

I suppose what I appreciate the most is that Gallagher is a teacher, still in the classroom, just like so many of us.  For this, his voice resonates more, as was illustrated at this week's meeting, as one comment quickly followed another.

Our next departmental read is Gallagher's latest release:  Write Like This.  More about this one soon!

#15: The Hunger Games

Even better the second time around!

I attempted to re-read The Hunger Games before going to watch the midnight release of the movie.  Made it half-way through...then finished it the next day.  Not sure if reading the book made the movie even better or if watching the movie made the book even better.  Either way...or both ways...I really enjoyed both encounters with Suzanne Collins' novel.

I like the main character Katniss; she just seems so human.  She cares for humanity more than she does the leaders and rules and creeds of the time (this wording reminds me so much of the current topic we are studying on Sunday evenings of Jesus and the Pharisees and the Sadducees).  Interesting.

Also interesting is a review of the movie I read, in which the author suggests the novel is a work of satire...I can see that.  Going to ponder on that...would be a great way to re-introduce my juniors to that term.

Please consider seeing the movie...after you read the novel!  Enjoy!

#14: The Red Tent

 

By Anita Diamant, The Red Tent relates the embellished story of the Biblical Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah.

First, I enjoyed the story and all the research that went into the narrative that became Dinah's life.  Told in first-person, this novel gave the unique perspective of the only female daughter born into a family of twelve sons and four  wives.  Interesting, indeed!

Second, I cannot say that I appreciated all the characteristics awarded Jacob and his wives, as these details are not supported by the Bible.  I had to remind myself from time to time that this is a work of historical fiction. But again...this is historical fiction.

From both the Bible and this novel, I appreciate several lessons of which I was reminded...

• That Dinah was loved much by Shechem, despite a very distressing situation...isn't that when we need love the most?
• Her brothers did pay for what their part in deceiving Shechem's family...yes, we do reap what we sow.
• The bond between women is strong...only to the point of when one's true love is deceived, destroyed.  Loyalty to one's soul mate runs the deepest...I am thankful to have that with my husband.  Blessed, I am.

I purchased this novel recently after perusing the comments in top book list I came across on Facebook that was posted by my friend Dawn (such a lovely lady that I am enjoying getting to know better from my church):  Ten Books Every Girl Should Read.  I noticed this title repeated so often in the comments (the novel did not make the creator's top ten) that I decided that this girl should read The Red Tent...also purchased The Postmistress from this list...it waits patiently on me!

Yes, read this book!  Just read knowing that it is a work of fiction, for this novel stays with you, encouraging reflection, which is so healthy for any girl.

Enjoy!

11-13: More Frankenstein

Since we began Spring Break last Friday afternoon, I have read three novels...in an attempt to finish Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series...so that I can move on to more reads.  (I know I could pause and return, but there's something to be experienced by immersing one's self into a series!)

Of the four remaining in the series (I thought I had purchased every book in this series but found I did not have book four...so I skipped that one.  I discovered that did not hamper my understanding of the plot as details are repeated from book to book.)....

1. City of Night
2. Dead and Alive
3. The Dead Town

With each novel, Koontz's characters became more gross and deadly...just a bit much for my taste...but those who enjoy this type of read, I am sure they would appreciate the horror.

I suppose I am more of a Romantic that I had even previously considered myself to be, for I did enjoy witnessing the budding romances between several of the characters, especially in book five The Dead Town.

As noted previously, I began this series for a book challenged the Classic Double hosted by One Librarian's Book Review.  It's not too late to join!  I am very excited to report that I was the chosen monthly drawing and was like a kid at Christmas when I received my prize...not one, but two books and several bookmarkers!  Thank you!

I chose to attempt the "large" = three doubles.  I just purchased a novel entitled Juliet...I have not read nor taught Romeo and Juliet in several years, so I shall begin there for my next double classic reads.

 

Enjoy!

#9-10: Birthmarked and Prized

While shopping at the high school book fair last fall, I kept returning to Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien...and purchased it.  Then, the novel sat and patiently waiting on me to finish reading other books.  After promo-ing it to my husband, he began reading it...then my daughter.  Why, oh, why did I wait so long to begin this trilogy?!  So good!

The first two Birthmarked and Prized...the third novel will be released later this year...tell the story of Gaia (a very strong heroine, a midwife), Leon, and others who live in a futurist world where Gaia takes continual stands for and against family, friends, and political situations of the time.

A message about bullying, the novel takes the reader into Gaia's struggles, as she learns that her facial disfigurement not only highlights her obvious difference physically  but also defines her mentally and emotionally.  In a world where the great are greater and the poor are poorer, Gaia's destiny seems to one of redeemer, leader as she leaves her world of advancing babies from Western Sector Three for the sake of the Enclave and travels through the Wasteland and Sylum (land of the dead).

Romance?  Yes.  In book two this intensifies, encouraging the reader to help her choose the man/boy right for her.  I chose the right one!  No spoilers here...you will have to read and take this journey with Gaia in Promised scheduled to be released October 2.

I enjoy series...especially ones in which I have waited and can read more than one novel at a time.  Love the immersion to these created worlds.

Enjoy!

#7-8: Frankenstein X 2

For the Classic Double Book Challenge...and because my students were reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, I also read Dean Koontz's first book in his Frankenstein series The Prodigal Son.

I read Frankenstein several years ago and enjoyed it very much.  Thus, last year, when I wrote and received a grant to purchase each of my students four novels throughout the year, I choose Frankenstein as one of the literary selections. 

Shelley's writing style appealed to me:  much plot in a relatively short span of pages.  As one of my male students told me a few days ago, "I really like how she used words."  Wow!  I compliment indeed!

As in the Twilight series and other such novels, I found myself liking one character more than the other.  That's right...I became a monster sort-of fan, as Frankenstein's motives, while as selfish as the monster, were just not as justified.  As I discussed the novel, I found myself singing Toby Keith's song, "I want to talk about me and me and me and me and me...!"

Then, I read The Prodigal Son.  Interesting, the connections to Shelley's Frankenstein.  Very.  Frankenstein and the monster are both characters within this series, as well. Yes, the monster, now  named Deucalion (after Prometheus' son) is still my favorite!  No spoilers here...please read this series if you enjoyed Frankenstein, though! (Excerpt here.)

I look forward to reading more of the doubles, as I enjoy making the connections to the classic and further understanding the original characters through the modern-day author's perspective.  Thanks, One Librarian's Book Reviews, for hosting this book challenge!

Now, to read book two in the above Frankenstein series City of Night...have to learn what happens to Frankenstein and the monster  and Detective Carson O'Connor and her partner Michael Maddison (yes, a bit of romance is sparking between these two!).