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!

21-22: Two E-Books

Free!  Also easy reads during the time I sat in ICU waiting rooms...waiting for my sister to recover.

Rekindled by Tamera Alexander and The Most Unsuitable Wife by Caroline Clemmons, both ebooks, (downloaded at Amazon and iBooks, respectively), are both part of a series and were easy reads.

20: Crossroads

Author Wm. Paul Young's Cross Roads, a Christian fiction novel. introduces the readers to self-absorbed Anthony Spencer who soon learns what "in-between" means, as he also rediscovers what he missed out in life....love, companionship, and philanthropy

A read selected for our local bookstore's book club (a meeting I missed; later read the book), this novel echoes some of the themes in his previous novel The Shack.  Within both books, God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus are what we each need within our lives.  I find that so interesting, comforting, and hopeful, for that's what these three-in-one are to me.

This book I was reading during a difficult time in my life (my sister...like the main character...lay in ICU); I appreciated the gentle, spiritual reminders that this book brought.  The setting is the only thing Janet and main character Anthony have in common, though!   Giving she is; he is not.  Sacrificing she is; he is not.  Loving she is; he is not.  Full of faith she is; he is not...at least not in the beginning.

My concern with book? I have a strong Biblical background.  How would someone who does not read this novel?  What might he/she take from it differently than I did?  Do read the novel...no matter how much Bible learning you have.  Should you have little, then this would be an excellent time to pick up the Bible and read it also!

Happy reading!

19: A Heart of Devotion

Women Bible Cafe's March's fiction recommendation, A Heart of Devotion by Tia McCollors, shares the the hearts of two women Anisha and Sheir seeking to be closer to God as they make career and mate choices.

McCollors' characters come alive through dialogue and plot development, both moving the story line along at a rapid pace.  Girlfriends for years, Anisha and Sheri help hold each other accountable to a higher standard.  Challenged by jobs, family, and mistakes made with each, both women face trials, overcoming them as they each return to their Faith.

I appreciated how McCollors printed the Holy Spirit speaking to Anisha in bold italics.  Especially important for new or non-Christians, this illustrates how God does speak to His children.

If you enjoy Christian romance with a few roadblocks along the way, then this novel is one you will enjoy.

18: Up a Road Slowly

Recommended by Gretchen Rubin at The Happiness Project (she recommends three books per month...here are July's choices), this novel Up a Road Slowly, a young adult classic, explores the life of main character Julie who upon the death of her mother, goes to live with her aunt Cordelia.

A book that explores several rites of passages, including death, broken and distant relationships, life's choices, this was a quick and enjoyable read, one that I will place within my own classroom and book talk (have faces of last year's students that would enjoy this one).

Several years of Julie's life is encompassed within these pages, as we watch her grow from a little girl into one choosing which college to attend, along the way deciding to remain living with her seemingly stern aunt.

Again, the joy of a book club is reading books that might not have been my first...or even second...choice.  Up a Road Slowly was Rubin's February young adult recommendation, one that I completed in May...and am just now reviewing.  Something is wrong with this completion schedule!  Isn't life just too real at times?!

Enjoy!