#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