30: Old Testament

What a journey...one I only completed part way, for my intention was to read, as part of Joanna Weaver's Chronological Bible Read Challenge, the entire Bible.  Then life happened in the form of additional Bible studies and the teaching of 2-3 classes per week at church.  Thus, I completed only the Old Testament:  just what I needed to read this year.

Over the months, this read revealed the stories, the characters, the passage of time from year to year.  In May, I purchased a chronological Bible that coincided with this plan and enjoyed the flow of the plots even more.

I learned so much, so very much.  This journey I encourage.  Very much.

Happy reading!

27-29: Christmas Reads

This season I read three of the four Christmas fiction reads that I had hoped to read.  I did enjoy all of them, though.

1. Christmas in Cedar Grove by Debbie Macomber:  This one I read for book club.  This group of ladies always choose a book about Christmas.  This one actually had two novels included, both of which I enjoyed.
2. The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans:  The second in a series of three (not a trilogy...as all can be read independently), this one told the story of a female romance writer (hint:  here it would be helpful if you had read book one!).  While at a writer's conference, she meets who will become of the love of her life.  I have always enjoyed everything I have read by Evans (his The Walk series remains my favorite!).
3. Home for Christmas, a collection of novellas by four authors, one of whom is Colleen Coble: these four short stories interwove the stories of for four siblings separated when young upon the death of their mother.  A grand collection of stories of hope, these entertained me during the evenings just before Christmas.

As much as I love books, I still remain amazed this Christmas that I never receive books for Christmas.  Is Santa not getting the message?!  Never fear!  I ordered three today!  :)

Happy reading!

26: Not I, But Christ

This book Not I, But Christ was the basis for a book study with my Sunday evening Discipleship Training class.  What should have been a four-week study turned into about a three-month study, as we paused and discussed and reflected and studied and dove into the topics within this book.

Part of Lifeway's Masterwork series, this one caused us to pause and focus on the centeredness of our faith:  Christ, further learning more about His Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification, a new word study for me, one I needed!

Written by Stephen Olson, this read was more difficult for me, due in part, I think, to the writer's style, as I would read...and stop...and re-read, always attempting to further understand what he was conveying.  Maybe it was the topic?

I no longer own this book.  One evening, three teachers from China visited with us. After their expressing much interest in the topic and then overhearing our pastor's wife say she wished we had a copy of the book for them, I passed my copy along.  This is a step in the right direction for me, for I am a book hoarder.  No doubt.  Very serious.  I love books.  Probably too much.  Fortunately for me...my husband says one cannot have too many books.  Bless him!

Happy reading!

25: Reading Nonfiction

Are you a teacher?  Of secondary level students?  Then, this is a must read for you.

This past week I shared this book...Reading Nonfiction by Kylene Beers and Robert Probst...at the Arkansas Reading Conference, where one third grade teacher said that, based on the overview, she, too, could use this book's content within her class.  Yes, a must read.

With such an emphasis now on nonfiction texts (even within our secondary English classes), close reading strategies remain a pertinent topic.  Authors Beers and Probst suggest teaching students the following:

• Three BIG Questions
• Five Signposts
• Seven Strategies for before, during and after reading

At Teachers Pay Teachers, several teachers have created resources for both this book and the authors' previous book Notice and Note.  Cute, colorful posters.  Bookmarks.  Yes, those items that make us happy!  AND some of the resources are free!  

The primary difference between the two books is that Reading Nonfiction focuses on informational texts, while Notice and Note zones in on literary texts.  Both good.  Both needed.  I hope to work with all the signposts, incorporating them, as I begin even more diligently readying my students to take the ACT Aspire next spring, on which they will be asked to analyze two texts, choose a common claim, and support with three pieces of evidence from the texts.  We have worked much practicing this with one text; must now incorporate multiple texts.

These books go nicely with the premise of Penny Kittle's Write Beside Them...a practice I am attempting to journey back (as our new current curriculum has eaten much of my time as I read and prepare and think...that I could have spent creating and writing beside my students...stay tuned for my next post at Treasure Chest of Thoughts).

I would love to host or participate in a book study of either book.  Should you know of such a book club or be interested in our creating one, please share!

Happy reading!

_______________________

Also posted at Treasure Chest of Thoughts.

23-24: The Magisterium Series

Some say The Magisterium Series might be the new Harry Potter series...I may agree!

Authors Holly Black (Spiderwick Chronicles) and Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments Series) teamed up to write this five-book series featuring Callum Hunt, who, at the age of 12, learns more of the world of magic, a world that explains some of the oddities in life, a world of which he has not desire of which to be a part, mainly due to his father's discouragement.

Much like Harry attends Hogwarts, Callum and other trainees attend the Magisterium to learn more about their powers and the Enemy they must conquer. These characters, some you love; some you don't.

These authors writing style I appreciate and plan to take into the classroom as models for my students to emulate.  When I began first reading book one The Iron Trial, I annotated for all types of phrases, clauses, and sentence structures.  That, of course, only lasted for a few pages as I became swept up into the whirlwind of conflicts and character developments.

As I read, I was so glad that I had already purchased book two The Copper Gauntlet, a book I have already promised to loan to two others, both of whom are involved in either our teacher or student book club, both of whom have chosen The Iron Trial as our first group read for this fall.

Please...if you loved Harry Potter, go ahead and dive into this series.  You will want to adopt Callum, also!

Happy reading!

22: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

This book I read in preparation for potentially teaching it to high school seniors.  The decision was made to not teach the book.

19-21: The Dark Witch Trilogy

Nora Robert's The Dark Witch Trilogy was interesting...I read all three in less than a week, during a time that I had a major project going and at times just needed that mental escape.  This was the perfect journey to take!

18: The Walk

This was my book of choice for one of book clubs for the month of July.  I began this series a few years ago and thought The Ladies would enjoy it...and they did.  One shared, when we met to eat (of course!) and share our thoughts, that she had already read the next two in the series.

Richard Paul Evans is an author I would recommend...much.  He also writes young adult and publishes a new Christmas novel each year.

17: I Am the Messenger

Markus Zusak has done it again...written a captivating novel on such a unique topic in book entitled I Am the Messenger.

This book, I selected for our faculty book club based on what I remembered about The Book Thief.  Thus, when I began to read, I was immediately check by his abundant word choice that could be offensive to some.  I pressed on...remembering Of Mice and Men, remembering that vocabulary is often an indicator of culture rather than author preference, as is true in the case of this novel.

Main character Ed, a taxi driver by trade, a player of cards, begins receiving a card from a deck with a message that he had to deliver...just as soon as he determines what that message is, for often all he receives are hints:  a name, an address, a reference.  As he delivers the messages, one-by-one, encountering and passing many rights of passages, Ed changes, growing more confident, in himself, his surroundings, in the hand that he has been dealt.

While discussing this novel with a fellow reader, she mentioned this would be a good book for boys.  I agree.  The narrator is male, as are two of his best friends.  I also disagree, for girls will appreciate this one, also, for Ed has heart.  Full of compassion and love, full of hurt and oppression, he exhibits many characteristics of the young today.

I am now looking forward to Book Club Meet and Greet in a week or so to discuss this one!

Happy Reading!

16: Explore the Bible - Minor Prophets

This past Sunday, our Sunday School completed the study of the minor prophets, a study organized by Lifeway for adults.  So interesting and informative.  May I admit that I had never studied this books?

Because I lead/teach one of our classes, I learn more.  Yes.  That's just how it is, isn't it?  I am always encouraging others to step up and lead a class, for there they will learn as they have never learned before.

Why are they called minor prophets?  The message they had was short, usually the books were one to three chapters.  This is the first lesson I need to learn from this study:  say what needs to be said and then hush.  Right!?

This study also reiterated that the books of the Bible are not in chronological order.  No, I don't know why.  That might be some interesting research, though.  In the meantime, I do encourage a chronological read of the Bible.  I am working on that now...all over I go, flipping back and forth.  Very interesting...also very interesting how much more I am learning!

Next, we study I, II, III John and Revelation.  Yes, I have whole lot of learning coming my way!

Happy reading...and studying.

15: Chasing Sunsets

This book, as in most series, I did not want to conclude, for questions need to be answered! Karen Kingsbury's Chasing Sunsets, the second in the Angels Walking trio, continues with characters introduced in book one.

Do you believe in angels?  Two of the characters are angels, and I appreciate her portrayal of them.  Working hard, they serve as guardians, interveners, and prayer-warriors.  Sent to the earth on missions, they strive to assist mortals Marcus and Mary Catherine and the conflicts they encounter.

The ending...not too happy with this ending.  Practically every conflict is left hanging, with few resolutions, with the next novel not due out until next April!  Just further proof of the author's engaging foreshadowing and cliff-hangers.

Kingsbury's books are just good clean, Christian reads.  Entertainingly real yet uplifting, at the same time.

Currently, Kingsbury is hosting an online Facebook book study of Chasing Sunsets on Thursday evenings.  She posts a question...and hundreds of women answer.  A very positive setting, one that I appreciate, this time allows the readers to opportunity to interact with the author.  Now, that just makes the nerd within me do the happy dance!

Happy reading!

14: Kisses from Katie

Here I wrote about Kisses from Katie in 2013...this morning...early this morning, as I stayed up very late...I finished this one again.  Such a joy!  Such reminders.

Blessed we are to live in America, in the land of abundance, where we have so little appreciation for the grandness of all we have.  Katie, who went as a missionary to Uganda in 2006 and stayed to become a "Mommy" to  14 young ladies, found her calling:  to love.  That should be my calling, your calling.  This calling of hers?  It stirred my soul as I realized the failure I am in this part of my life...and the accountability I must one day face.

What horrific circumstances witnessed...and witnesses...as she remains today in that country.  What amazing circumstances she witnesses, what rewards, as she fulfills the calling on her life, living where Jesus has placed her.  Please consider reading her blog here...especially this post, written for Mother's Day, about being a mom and pictured there with her 13 daughters.  Precious.  (Number 14...her story is related in the book.)

Really wish she would write another book.  Like she has the time in her oh-so-busy life!

Tonight, I go to my local book store's book club, where one of the ladies chose this book as our monthly read for June. So glad she did.  I have been blessed to re-read this book.

Interestingly enough, we have a guest scheduled to visit our church in a couple of weeks who himself will travel to Uganda in a month or so.  Reading this book has brought that county alive for me.

Happy reading!

13: Orphan Train

History I never knew?  How did that happen?  Christina Baker Kline intertwines historical elements into the narrative of Molly and Vivian; though decades apart in age, each is similar in experiences, one in foster care in current times, the other a child, an orphan who rode the Orphan Train.

Learning about the orphan trains was interesting, was sad, was a check with reality.  Two hundred thousand.  200,000.  Either way I type it, that's a large number of children who had lost parents, families, who were transported across this nation to families desiring children, to some only wanting field hands, free labor, or worse.  As a parent, as a Tam-Tam (my name to my grandgirls), I am just at a loss to comprehend such heart-wrenching separations.  How much these children endured.

Kline tells the story of these two through changing lenses, a few chapters of Molly's story, then back to Vivian's.  The echoes of pain, loss, survival, hope can be heard through both stories as they are told along side of each other.

The reader remains intrigued, especially in Vivian's story via the names, the personas others delegate to her as she leaves one experience for another.  Maybe it's my age...but I found myself attached more to Vivian's story.  I could see, though, where some readers might empathize with Molly...or even both equally...based on each reader's background knowledge.

A young adult read, this will capture the interests of this age group, while filling in a historical gap that many will not even know they were missing.  Written through the voices of the young, this novel will resonate with them, either through a clearer appreciation for what they have or through a drive to be better, to help those who live in such heart-wrenching situations.

Five stars.  Definitely.  Please read this book!

12: A Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer

This is one of three books that came along in my life at the same time...a theme or a message to me.  I used Cheri Fuller's A Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer, one of Women's Bible Cafe books of the month along with another of their recommendations The Prayer Box, along with the book on which our Discipleship Training class was study, Michael Catt's The Power of Persistence.  What an awesome focus.

The author of more than 30 books, Fuller brings this book alive, as it is filled with people's testimonies, some, of which, I take to class and share, word for word.

Known for how busy I am, this book spoke numerous times to me, reminding me that prayer can be a focus anytime, anywhere.

This would get a powerful study, taking time to look up scriptures and marinate on the messages in each, completing the questions at the end of each chapter, journaling the impact this book has, sharing the active involvement of God in your life through answered prayers.

I look forward to when this happens again...a thematic approach to a topic on which I need to immerse.

Enjoy!

11: The Power of Persistence

Last Sunday, my discipleship training class completed Masterwork's study of Michael Catt's The Power of Persistence, for which I purchased and read the book on which the study is based, all about prayer and prayer and prayer.

This book I enjoyed immensely.  Totally.  So much so, I purchased a copy and presented to our pastor who attends the Sunday evening class and seemed to enjoy the study much himself.  I know I did!  I have taught this class for nearly three years, and this was, by far, my favorite study.

Michael Catt is the pastor of the church that has produced such movies as Facing the Giants, Courageous, and Flywheel, whose next movie War Room will be released later this summer. The success of these movies he completely attributes to the power of prayer.

Lifeway's Masterwork series created a seven-week study based on this book and took the group through various topics, such as warfare praying, praying for the lost, breakthroughs.  Amazingly so, the topics were so fitting on the weeks on which they fell within this study.

Full of testimonies, both modern and from former great leaders, page after page, chapter after chapter was full of inspiration and, again, such timely examples. Based on a recommendation by this author, I also purchased They Found the Secret, another book full of powerful testimonies...more about that soon!

Please read...this study I would do again; this book I will read again.

10: Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman

For the past few months, a few ladies and I have met on a somewhat regular basis (usually weekly) for Bible study, this time focusing on Beth Moore's study of Esther.  What a time this has been!

Moore is simply gifted.  Her studies are so well researched; just a well of knowledge each member book is.  From being born for "such a time as this" to learning that God's name is never mentioned in this book of the Bible to coming to a deep understanding that He truly is all over every page, chapter, verse.

Designed as a five-day, individual study and followed by a video, this allows time for that in depth study.  Okay...yes...at times I got behind!

I simply loved the affirming that we are born for the moments God is preparing us for.  Esther, an orphan, a niece...and then a queen, had to have often felt overwhelmed yet still at such peace knowing that she was doing what she had been born to accomplish.

Tonight, we begin our next Beth Moore study...Breaking Free.  Our group is growing.  May they each be blessed as I have been.

9: The Prayer Box

I started this novel today...and read until I had finished it.  Just that good.

Lisa Wingate's The Prayer Box is about just that...80+ prayer boxes left behind by Iola Anne Poole and discovered by her tenant who has been asked to clean the house while legal issues are resolved concerning the house's ownership.  What a powerful idea:  prayer boxes.  More information here from the author about prayer boxes.

Main character Tandi and her children, running from a past and to a future, arrive in Rodanthe with little and gain a family, a background, a bond.  As Tandi works and reads the prayers, she grows into herself, finding grace, finding the desire, the strength to reveal yet save what meant so much to Iola Anne.

Wingate tells two tales via the genre of letter writing.  Via this letters, the reader takes Iola Anne's journey.  These are some of my favorite lines:

Yet amid all this, there is the water of grace...All in need of the water of grace from one another and from you...There is so much good.  So much grace.  So much pouring into the river.  A quiet water, this river of grace.  Its work done in ways that do not seek attention.  Yet it is there.  Always there.

Many lessons to learn from this novel; lessons that I want to experience, for I want to become a prayer box owner myself.

Upon completing the novel, I discovered the existence of a novella that goes back in time and sets the scene for this novel.  Now, I have to have it and the rest of the novellas and novels in this series!

8: Three Good Things

This past Monday, while on a trip to take our Student Council to their district meeting, we stopped at the mall, and I, of course, never left the bookstore.  While there, a lady asked if I were looking for anything specific.  When I replied that I was just looking, she picked up this book off the shelf and suggested I read Three Good Things.

Author Wendy Francis takes her readers into the lives of two sisters, a bakery, and challenged loves. Both missing their mother, sisters Ellen and Lanie, close and supportive of one another, share secrets...well, most of them.

While getting to know Ellen, the reader also learns about kringles, or, at least, I did.  This pastry sounds tasty...glad the recipe was included in the final pages of the novel.  This bakery, often a means of therapy for Ellen, provides the door through which several of the minor characters are introduced, as well as the man that just might hook Ellen's heart.

I enjoyed the storyline, quckly learning that character development is a strength of this writer, resulting in our visiting the lives of three of the main characters...both the sisters and Lanie's husband Rob, which was interesting rocking back and forth and seeing their marriage through the lenses of both spouses.   All of these characters I liked as I enjoyed getting to know them, happy when their lives began to reconcile as I had hoped.

Wendy Francis' next novel The Summer of Good Intentions releases this July.

Happy reading!

7: Angels Walking

Another winner by Karen Kingsbury!  The very interesting detail about his book?  The author herself has hosted an online Facebook book discussion on this book, which concluded just last evening.  How cool is that?

Angels Walking, the first of four in this new series, takes us to the world of baseball, broken relationships, and better futures as distances between God and these characters are shortened...all with a little help from two Heaven-sent angels.

Do you believe in angels?

I do.  Consider Hebrews 13:2 - "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."  Yes.

Tyler blows his shoulder in an almost perfect baseball game, which sends him on a journey where he will meet an Alzheimer patient, possibly rekindle a past romance, and face poor decisions on both his and his parents' faults.  Somewhere in all these plot lines, readers can make connections to something within their own lives.  I did.

Within Kingsbury's novels are absorbing stories, affirming God's presence in our lives.  They leave you feeling good, as renewal stirs within the soul of souls.

Please hurry and read this one...the next in the series Chasing Sunsets releases in April, whereupon the next online discussion will begin.

Happy reading!

6: The Selection

Kiera Cass, author of this series, takes the reader into the world of what it must be like on the The Bachelor (having never watched this show, I am stepping out on a limb a bit here, so, please, correct me if I a wrong). In this future dystopic world of castes, as it begins in The Selection, eligible girls may apply to become the Princess to Prince Maxom.

Main character America has no desire to enter the contest as she is in love with Aspen, who unfortunately is in a caste/class lower than herself, yet through the encouragement of both Aspen and her mother, she soon learns that her application was chosen; she is now one of the 34 girls who will compete for the attention of the Prince....and his attention she does receive.

With weekly televised segments highlighting the girls' week (similar to The Bachelor?),  the story line also highlights the varying states of the social classes as America begins to help enlighten Maxon on the true condition of his country.  Will he listen to her?  Yes. 

The story within the story maybe interests me more...America the country is no more, for once upon a time China demanded a check, and America was bankrupt.  This part of the story made me uncomfortable, for I have asked that question:  What will happen one day when China demands payment?  I do hope that America continues to promote her name in a positive way, that through her redemption and a change occurs, for that is my dream/prayer for our country now.

I read this novel for our student BHS Reads Book Club.  Inspired by Olaf and the bulletin board I created based on his character "So Many Series," I chose this series and two others and offered them as choices.  This one and Legend were chosen.  Another teacher friend wanted to read Legend, so I began The Selection (yes, I do love this cover more!).

Home on a snow day, I really wish I had book two The Elite, for the now America has made it to the Top Six, has become a spy for Maxom, and both have feelings for each other. Oh, my...

Happy reading!

P.S. Good news!  The Selection is available here for $1.99 on Kindle.

5: The County Fair

I checked this book out at the local library...so proud of myself!  I am probably addicted to books, so checking this out was good for multiple reasons!

Women's Bible Cafe Book Club's February selection, Katherine Valentine's (chosen for February because of her last name!) A County Fair was an enjoyable read, introducing me to characters from the previous novels in this series.  I enjoyed getting to know them, many reminding me of people I know, for I have lived in small towns similar to the one described, one where everyone knows everyone and the business of each, also. :)

I especially appreciated two quotes:

He took up the matter with the Lord, and as the Father is wont to do by way of the Holy Spirit, He sent the answer through a simple thought....this I have experienced.  Sometimes you just know you know...and you know why you know.  Love that confirmation.

The poor Lord, Father James thought.  He was always the fall guy for people's crumbled dreams.  Why did people insist on interpreting unanswered requests as God's show of indifference, when they were really His way of preventing us from settling for second best?  It had always been Father James' experience that when God closed a door it was because there was something infinitely better a little further down our spiritual path.  Few of God's children, however, had the patience or the faith to wait it out...now this excites me, for I, too, have had a few doors shut.  Something "infinitely" better is still ahead.  Yes, that excites me just a bit!

This novel has something for everyone...romance, mystery, loss, renewal.  A bonus for those who enjoying cooking, as the blue ribbon winner's recipes' are included at the end of the novel.  Sweet!

Happy reading!

4: Swimming

Nicola Keegan's Swimming was a different read.  Told in first person, this may have been the most detailed book I have ever read.  To the point that I felt tired.  Yes, this one felt a bit like work.

A first for me, the narrator is an infant in the first chapter.  Interesting.  Almost believable!

The narrator loves to swim, and the reader journeys with her from her first swim as a baby through her experiences at the Olympics.  We experience the loss of a sibling, a parent.  We experience puberty, her insecurities, her successes. In great detail.

I look forward to our discussion of this selection for our book club, to hearing the other ladies' comments.  I am a bit curious to know if this is the book she meant to choose (for there are other books by this title).  Maybe knowing who selected this one contributed to my concerns with the content, for I would never have thought she would have chosen this one due to content and language.

Happy reading!

3: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

Alfred Kropp is a character my students will love, especially boys, especially those somewhat reluctant readers, especially an English teacher who love finding a series to recommend to her students.

I chose to read this book because I currently do have a group of very reluctant readers starting this very novel. Just wanting to inspire and encourage them, I began reading, hoping to have just enough read that I could engage them in a conversation revolving around characters.  Then, in less than a day, I read until I had completed the novel!  So good!

Only after I had finished did I make the connection...author Rick Yancy also wrote The Fifth Wave, a book we read for a book club last year, one we all enjoyed very much, wrote this series several years ago.  My regret?  That I didn't read this one years ago, so I could have been recommending this one to interested readers.

As I read, I just kept thinking...boys will this this action-filled, kick-booty, can't-keep-Alfred-down young adult read, for Alfred goes from a orphaned, ill-at-ease teenager to a pursuer of Excalibur, fighting alongside and against knights of the Round Table.  So many allusions, so many teachable moments.

Then, when I checked out the author's page, I learned there are three books in this series.  This excites me, for I just found a recommendation (or three) for some male, avid readers.  That is just very cool!

Happy reading!

2: Big Little Lies

Liane Moriarty, an author from Australia whose books I had not read until this one, takes the reader into lives of kindergarten parents where a little lie has huge consequences.

In Big Little Lies, Moriarty weaves a narrative of motherhood, mayhem, and murder, with characterization so captivating that the pages turn before you know it.  From plain Jane, to talkative Madeline, to beautiful Celeste, characters are introduced that become our friends as we experience their problems, loss, and abuse.

Author's voice...I would be so interested to know if the voice in this novel reflects the author's "real" voice.  If so?  She and I would definitely be friends!  Reading this novel had the feel of sitting and talking with a friend.  I enjoyed that.

I will read more by this author...soon! This was a selection for this month's faculty book club...wonder if I might convince them to choose another book by this author?!

Happy reading!

A 2014 Completer...

I began Fannie Flagg's The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion last year for a book club read, got behind, did not complete...until today.  Therefore, I will not be counting it towards my 2015 goal, as it was listed in the 2014 list.

With a dual setting in Alabama and Wisconsin, this novel also spanned several decades as main character Sookie's ancestry is revealed through two stories told that merge at the end.

I learned much about the WASPs, the lady pilots during WWII, who receive some of the recognition they deserve through the words of Fannie Flagg.  What an impact they had...as did the fictional characters portrayed here within these pages.

Love Flagg's writing style and tone...just a touch of sarcasm adds much to the humor contained within the plotlines as the reader views Sookie's mother (or is she?) through the dialogue and narratives Sookie shares.

I agree with Sookie's psychiatrist...one does develop a "crush" on this character, for watching a character grow is a powerful turn.  I appreciate your comment about watching one's children grow...until they become your friends...  Yes.  Powerful.

As always, why to I put off such good reads?

Enjoy!

1: Adios, Nirvana

My first read is completed!  Yay!

Our first read for the local bookstore's book club, this one was chosen my member Suzy for ahw knows this author Conrad Wesselhoeft.  When she introduced Adios, Nirvana during last time's book club, she explained she nearly changed her mind due to the language and some of the book's content.  Glad she didn't.

Main character and narrator Jonathan still grieves for the loss of his twin brother.  This journey we take with him, often wondering if he will make it.

The story is centered around guitars and the playing of this beloved instrument.  With little background in guitars, I was often at a bit of a loss when Jonathan would strum for several pages, yet, at the same time, I appreciated that Jonathan had this outlet, for he was choosing some that were not so positive, some choices that are not quite resolved as I would like, some I hope that, as a reader, I resolved for him in my mind upon completing the novel.  Unfortunately, life is real, I am somewhat of a Realist, and I may be wrong.

I have students who would love this book.  I hesitate to recommend to some due to the addictions mentioned above to high-energy drinks and No-Doze.  NOT a good combination.  The teacher in me, the mom in me wanted that addiction acknowledged more...he had good friends, for they did opening acknowledge their concerns, voicing them a time or two.  YET...I has students to whom I would recommend this novel for the very issues addressed within the tale of the twins, for although one has passed, he still impacts the characters (and the reader) very much.

I appreciated the writer's style, allowing my easy access to the narrator's thoughts, pain, awakening.  An awakening that led to his appreciation of others in very dire medical circumstances as Jonathan takes on the writing of the life story of one resident at Delphi House, the final home for terminally-ill residents.  Yes, Jonathan grew, matured, overcame.

A good read.  A real read.  Thanks for selecting this one, Mrs. Suzy!

2104...In Review

This has just been a different year in our household...all contributing to my only having read 33 books.  Wait...stop...to my having read 33 books:  need to take out that only.

With the passing of my father-in-law came some changes in our lifestyle and in my reading habits.  Our goal became to assist in helping pass the time with my mother-in-law, helping fill those long, lonely evening hours.  Out of that time time came a love of quilting and many hours shared with that lovely lady.  With her help, I made ten quilts this past year!  :)

As I began this post, I felt a bit guilty admitting to my low number of completed books (my lowest number since I began this blog), for I did not come close to meeting any of my reading goals.  Then, as I reassessed, reading what I did was enough of an accomplishment for me, for sometimes, our worlds just shift, don't they?  My love of reading remains in full-force; I just love other hobbies, as well.

In reflection, I have selected a few books to note: My Favorites (yes, like choosing your favorite child!)...

1. Series:  The Passage - Apocalyptic, full of vampires, slow to start (had to set up a whole new world).  Looking forward to the next in the series The Twelve, found it one day in a bargain box at Wal-Mart.  :)
2. New Release:  The Goldfinch - long, richly written, just one of those books that stay with you.
3. Young Adult:  The Fifth Wave and The Impossible Knife of Memory - both good, both I would recommend to any adult.  The first one begins another series; the second a  realistic fiction.
4. Christian:  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World - yes, I a  Mary-wanna-be; just too much like Martha, though!  I am learning!  This is such a good read for females.

In reflection, I noted so many of my reads were for book club selections; the beauty, of which, remains that many of these I would never have selected.  While being in too many book clubs can be overwhelming (often several books going at a time that I would not have chosen for myself, resulting in my not reading them as quickly as I might have), the conversations that come of these reads AND the growth in my reading diversity contributes much to my satisfaction in what I did accomplish this past year.

• Women's Bible Study:  we are on our second Beth Moore study; love, just as much, the fellowship with these ladies.
• PaperChase Bookstore:  again, have enjoyed getting to know this group of, mostly, elderly ladies.  While some of their selections I would expect, I am always surprised at some that make the list.

In reflection, I just have to note that my 2014 Book Reads do not reflect nearly what I did read...read much for school, for church (teach two class weekly there), and then all my online blog reading (love Feedly!).

While a time of adjustment, in reflection, I am okay with my accomplishments.  Now, to project about 2015 (to be posted later today).

Happy New Year!  Happy reading!