#39-51....?

I am very sorry to report that while I kept reading, I failed to, obviously, write my book reviews of books 39-51.

• Four of the novels were Christmas related...enjoyed them all, as they helped maintain my Christmas Spirit!  The Christmas Jars was inspiration for my Discipleship Training class collecting money for a single mom in our church.  :)
• Two were studies we completed in that above class.
• Completed two series by Charlaine Harris...good!
• Finished three online book challenges...participated in several others.
• Read more Christian reads than I previously challenged myself.
• I re-read Catching Fire...glad I did, for I had forgotten so much...in anticipation of seeing the movie.
• Bad news...I only read 51 books; I had hoped to read 62+.
• Good news...I read 51 books!

Resolving here and now to attempt to write more about books in 2014!  Located here is my list of books I am pledging to read in 2014.  The list will grow!

#38: Harvest of Rubies

I recently signed up with bookbub.com, a site that daily sends e-book selections at either reduced prices or even free ones.  Harvest of Rubies, by Tessa Afshar, is one I downloaded (for free) when I noticed that it loosely based on the story of Nehemiah...a Kelly Minter study I participated in last summer.

In this Christian fiction, we meet Sarah, a scribe, who, at the encouragement of her cousin Nehemiah, uses this talent that results in her working for the Queen, who later arranges a marriage for her with Darius.

This novel perfectly portrays the grace of God who always is there, waiting, when one drifts away from Him. Through her hardships and challenges, she again leans on Him and renews her relationship with the Lord.

Tessa Afshar, a writer of Christian historical fiction, converted to Christianity in her twenties, after having been born in Iran and raised as a Muslim.  Her desire to increase women's awareness they they are loved...please read more here from her in a letter she has written to her readers.

If you are a fan of Christian historical fiction, then please consider reading this one.  AND...good news!...only after finishing and continuing to read the author's notes at the end did I learn that this is a series which continues with Harvest of God...just released last month!  Yay!

Books 15-37...Behind!

Admission...guilty!  In writing book reviews, I simply got behind and that mole hill soon became a mountain!

Over summer break, I will say I did enjoy reading two series by Charlaine Harris:  Aurora Teagarden and Lily Bard...they are two of my favorite fictional ladies, and I highly recommend both series.

The only young adult novel I read was The Twelve-Fingered Boy...and was glad to learn this is the first in a trilogy!

Note:  both above authors are from Arkansas!  That did seem to be a theme for me this summer!

For our faculty book club, I read The Ender's Game and really look forward to seeing it on the big screen this November!  Note to self:  re-read  City of Bones (coming to the big screen this month!)...now have it sitting beside me.  One more thing about books going to the big screen....I did watch The Host by Stephanie Meyer.  Loved it!  I read the book a couple of years ago, and I appreciated how close the plot line it remained.

As always, anything by Richard Paul Evans is simply fantastic...as was his newest release in The Walk series:  A Step of Faith, which continues the journey of Alan as he continues to heal from his emotional wounds from the loss of his wife.

“We must all walk in faith, for to live without is to live frozen in circumstance. Even if the faith, or dreams of our past have been shattered, as they often are, we must gather up the shards and dream again– for achieving dreams is not a single act of will, but, like the felling of a tree, a process of small, steady blows. It is the short footfalls of a great walk.”

Have I quit reading?  No!  I currently have six books going...two for church, two for school,two on the Kindle, and one for our faculty book club...and now a re-read of City of Bones.  AND I promise to resume writing reviews!

I would recommend your reading this article "14 Books to Read Before They Hit the Big Screen," of which I have read six.

Please share...what have you  read good this summer?!

#14: Death Comes to Pemberley

 

An extension of Pride and Prejudice, P.D. James' novel Death Comes to Pemberley continues the plot line of the characters.  Almost like reading a series!

Chosen as the April read for our faculty book club, I began the novel, created a chart of characters, then stopped, and began to read Pride and Prejudice, for I just could not keep the characters all straight.  Thus, with this in mind, I do recommend reading P & P before reading Death Comes to Pemberley.

On the eve of the autumn ball, Elizabeth's sister arrives, all distressed, claiming that her husband Wickham has been murdered.  The plot continues as this conflict reaches its resolution.

James mastered the time period and and Austin's syntax and diction, which furthered the authenticity of this novel.

My favorite Pride and Prejudice character may be Jane, although I connect with Elizabeth more.  Now, I would enjoy reading a novel that "extends" the story of Jane and Bingley.  Yes, a good idea!

#13: Pride and Prejudice

Happy 200th birthday, Pride and Prejudice!  This makes me a nerd, but I even bought my copy on the weekend before its birthday.  A lovely copy it is.  Only, after our BHS Reads Book Club chose P.D. James' Death Comes to Pemberley did I read Pride and Prejudice, which I am embarrassed to say I have never read.  I have now, though, and can finally watch the movie!

I loved the novel. Yes, language is early 19th Century, but I so appreciate Austin's character development of the Bennett family. Resonating with me, Elizabeth was the character with whom I most bonded, maybe because my character echoes her own?

More to come...

#12: Unconditional

As I led the study on this Christian movie, I read the based-on-the movie novel Unconditional.  Inspiring.  One that affects the heart.

Sam, whose husband was killed in shooting, struggles to overcome her grief, resulting in the ultimate low moment from which she was saved when she is needed to help save a child involved in a hit-and-run.  While at the hospital, Sam is reunited with childhood friend Joe.

Based on the life of Papa Joe Bradford, this movie illustrates perfectly the redeeming love of God, Who, ever mindful, never forgets His children, again reminding the viewer that His timing is Perfect.

I encourage all of the above...the four-week Bible study, the novel, and the movie.  I experienced them all...and was truly blessed.

#11: Warm Bodies

Author Issac Marion takes us to a future world of zombies in his novel Warm Bodies, a first for me, for I normally just visit the land of vampires and other such common fantasy type characters.

This novel I purchased again at the recommendation of a student, a male this time, who asked if I had read the novel, which he thought was better than the movie.  Hummm, so, of course, I had to read the novel before watching the movie (that I will have to review later...still have to view it).

Absorbing, I found myself wanting to read...late into the night...to finish this novel...

More to come...

#10 Plain Promise

A local book store's book club of the month choice, I read this...and then was not able to attend the meeting (although I keep having high hopes of attending one sometime)...I read Beth Wiseman's Plain Promise, another series, of course...which I now own!

I enjoy relaxing reads about the Amish life....

More to come...

#9: Beautiful Creatures

Another series!  This one, recommended by my students, I began purchasing at our local high school book fairs and then did not read for some time.  When another student recommended it again...and mentioned that the series is coming the big screen, I knew now was the time

By authors Kami Garcia and Margeret Stohl, set in Louisana, and written for a young adult audience (and enjoyed by some not-so-young), this novel explores a world of realistic fantasy.

More to come!

#8: Get Out of the Pit

Loved this book!  A book that I needed to read for me.  Written by Beth Moore, Get Out of the Pit exudes her personality, almost as if she were in the room saying, "Now, Tammy, listen, girlfriend!"

More to come...

#7: Safe Haven

Now, I can see the movie!  (When all the ice leaves Arkansas, that is!)  Nicholas Sparks' Safe Haven reminded me of The Lucky One, except the roles were a bit reversed.  This time the lady is the transplant in need of nurturing and a loving touch.

More to come...

#6: Lockdown: Escape from Furnace

Recommended by a student, this novel definitely created a mood with me...uuuhhhggg. No!  Surely this is not happening anywhere nor foreshadows any world to be, except as the narrator says, "Hell."  Oh, my, what a read!

Alexander Gordon Smith's main character, Alex Sawyer, convicted of a murder he did not commit, is sentenced to Furnace Penitentiary, located a mile below ground, claimed as impossible to escape, built for young offenders, and full of inhumane situations.

Just as a seedling will take root and grow in the most of impossible places, so is the same with hope, for Alex longs to escape and plans for such an occurrence, even though such freedom lies just as small as that seedling of hope.  Along with a few friends, Alex clings to that small root of hope and plots and plans.

This novel, the first in a series of five books, is one that I would probably have never read without the encouragement of the above student, who loves the series.  Maybe it's the mom in me, the teacher in me...or maybe because this novel is just too realistic, I am not sure that I can finish the series.  While I realize evil exists in our world just for the sake of evil, I suppose I just prefer denial...?!

Well-written, fast-paced, definitely a topic of interest (for young adults know other young adults who are either offenders or have been accused)...but will I continue reading the series?  Maybe?  I have a hard time saying, "No" when a student, an avid reader continues to recommend a series.  So...maybe.

#5: The Core Six

As we continue to implement the Common Core, I continue reading what I can to assist in this endeavor, sometimes coming away with reminders and sometimes adopting new ideas, both of which I accomplished with this professional read.

#4: The Shunning

I read this in hopes of attending the local in-town book club hosted by The Paper Chase bookstore...

#3: The Time Keeper

Reading this novel will give you a new perspective of time, possibly even putting time in its place. Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie and Five People You Meet in Heaven and others, instantly captured my time, as I quickly became captivated with the tale of the man who created time, then was punished for the creating something that people worship more than for what time consists, who redeemed himself, only after learning the true value of time and the appreciation of those who fill all those hours, minutes, and seconds.

A gift to myself, this book I purchased upon winning a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart during my recent attendance to the state-level National Board Certified Teachers Conference. As I began reading, I quickly became immersed in the book, pulled into the setting, the plot, the characters by the author's writing style.  Simple. To the point.  Yes, had time allowed, I could have sat and read this book in one setting.

Albom's character choices were quite intriguing.  Father Time himself.  Interesting.  I have never read a book about this character nor one that put the value of time into its place.  Dor...aka Father Time...the creator of time does so at the expense of his family.  Then, via his punishment, the reader meets two characters:  one who does not have enough time; the other who wants to shorten time.  An avid reader, I pride myself on determining the plot, but this one kept me hooked.  Right down to the last page, the last second.  And, yes, those fantastical elements Albom included?  Yes, I liked those, also.

This read fell timely within my life as I attempt to become more "fit" (MyOneWord choice for 2013) and have been focusing on the Psalms 90:12:  So teach me to number my days that I might present to you a heart of wisdom. Yes, there's that focus on time.  One of revealed themes of this novel is stated by Dor as he comments about why God limits our days....so that we will make each one precious.  When I read this line, I literally stopped.  These words so clearly parallel the scripture above.  Such a powerful moment for me.

Just so you know, mixed reviews exist for this novel. I, though, give the book five stars...just for its timeliness.

#2: Kisses from Katie

PLEASE read this book.  Purchase it and place in your own library or, better yet, share it and spread the good news of the amazing power of God's Love.  

Katie, now a mother to 13 Ugandan girls...yes, 13...shares her experiences and her struggles as she traveled to Uganda, planning to just stay for a while and then return to the States to honor her parents request to obtain an education...as she struggles to honor her earthly parents and her Heavenly Father, ultimately making the decision to remain in the Lord's Perfect Will.

Easy to read, pure in emotions, filled with love for God's people, this autobiography demands that you not lay it down until the last page, only then to hit the Internet and explore to learn more.  Please do not do as I did...purchase and then not read.  Read it as soon as you can get your hands on it!

Wow!  This book will bless your heart and inspire you to love more than you ever have. 

• Katie's blog:  she posts on a regular basis here.
• Katie's ministry website for Amazima
• Amazima Ministry's Blog

1: Divergent

Imagine deciding your future at the age of sixteen. This is expected of Beatrice and her brother and all other sixteen-year-olds.  With Divergent, author Veronica Roth creates another almost-believable dystopic world, one that is set, this time, in Chicago.

According to the author, the setting chose her.  As she pondered on her setting, she realize it was her own setting of Chicago because of the trains that all run above ground in this city.  This setting dramatically impacts the actions performed by the characters, as this dystopic world affects the culture that each faction lives within.  For example, Abnegation, a selfless people, seek to make others happy, giving up seats on a bus, as Beatrice's brother Caleb does. The setting most affects the Dauntless, who love an adrenaline rush.  Imagine a zipline from a one hundred story building.  Imagine jumping from a moving train.  Fighting to stay alive.  Enduring extreme pain to win.

As you read be prepared for Roth's warning, yes, a theme, one of the lessons that she wants her readers to consider is imperfections always lie within what seemingly appears perfect.  Beatrice's world is divided into five factions that each depict a particular virtue.  So what could be better than being allowed to choose among several of these virtues? This Beatrice must do, realizing only later that this also makes her different:  a Divergent.  This begins her battle towards self-realization and and learning that some do not want her to be different; some have no appreciation for Divergents.

Even more so than Beatrice, my favorite character is Four, a leader in the Dauntless faction.  Maybe it is because he is the strong, silent type?  Maybe because he helps those help themselves?  Because he helps those when they can no longer help themselves? Because of these characteristics, Four appears older than his eighteen years, having learned much in this not-so-perfect world.  According to him, "selflessness and bravery aren't that different."  He lives both of this words, rarely putting himself before others (he could have been the main leader) and pushing himself and others, including Beatrice, to be more than they were so that they may enduring the Initiation phase.

Enjoy a book with one adventure after another?  Then, yes, Divergent is for you.  Hurry!  Book two Insurgent is already out, with book three's release planned for sometime this fall.

Additional Note:  I took the Faction Quiz at the end of the novel.  I tied for Abnegation and Dauntless.  Hummm...I suppose that means I am a selfless brave person.  Really?!  Give me minute to imagine that!

Reflecting on 2012's Reading Goals

Last year...as in yesterday, I completed 61 books, two more than in 2011.  I was actually surprised when I compared these numbers, for over the fall, I did not read as much as I had wanted.

Some statistics:

• Participated in 10 Book Challenges; completed one...and that was a challenge I set for myself.  I committed to read four christian reads, and that goal I met.
• Classic Double:  read one of three.
• Harry Potter Re-Read:  read four (am reading book five now)
• Mount To-Be Read: read 19 of 40
• Dana Huff's Obscure Book Challenege:  none
• Outlander Series:  read three of seven
• What's in a Name:  read three of six
• Why Buy the Cow:  read six of twelve
• RIP:  read one...and completed another that I selected in December
• Professional Development:  read three of ten

I read four of Dan Koontz's books in the spring, after my class read Frankenstein.  That was a very interesting experience, and I had hoped to complete my challenge by reading a parallel novel for Macbeth, and I purchased Juliet to read during the time my daughter was in the school's performance of Romeo and Juliet, but, alas, time and other obligations intervened... These I hope to complete in 2013.

My favorite read before going to see the movie novel was Abraham Lincoln:  Vampire Slayer.  I really enjoyed this book...much, much more than the novel.  For the first time, as I read, I thought if...if...I believed in vampires, this explanation might actually make sense!

Besides J.K. Rowling and Diana Gabaldon by whom I read multiple novels, I also read four books by both James Patterson and Charlaine Harris.  What this says about me is that I do, indeed, enjoy a good series.  Three of the four involve fantasy, which illustrates a change in my genre choice, for I used to rarely read anything but realistic fiction.

My greatest disappointment in my reading choices is my lack of professional reads, for as I discussed in a recent post, I purchased several this year.  I do read them...I just do not complete them; therefore, I did not list them here.  Next year,  another goal:  read and complete PD books.

Another disappointment is my lack of "classic" literature.  I read five; two of those were re-reads.  My concern?  As we continue to implement the Common Core and read more complex texts, I fear that my reading list for 2012 may reflect my students' reading choices also.  Yes, they will read some complex, but for the most part, we read for pleasure.  I digress..yes?!

My greatest reading achievement:  BHS Reads, our high school book club.  This is a book club I created a few years ago that focused on professional development reads.  For about a year, we did not meet; then a teacher asked for me to start a "fun" read club, so I reactivated the book club, resulting in our reading and discussing eight books, six of which I probably would not have read had I not been a part of this group.   Definitely, a good thing!  If you are not a part of such a group at your school, start one! Our group is not always large, we always have more reading than actually meet, so this is a win-win...more teachers reading and modeling great behaviors for their students.

All-in-all, a good year.  A grand reading year.

What was your favorite read or reading experience last year?