To the Rescue...

To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi S. Swinton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I just happened to finish it on the day of his wife's funeral.

I was amazed at all he has accomplished in his life. Even though I have been a life long member of the church, there were so many details in the book that were new and unfamiliar to me. I loved getting the "behind the scenes" peek at interactions among church leaders, his family's role in his service, his experiences in Germany and with the government, and so much more.

You can truly see how his life has been devoted to serving the Lord and others. What an example of leadership, faithfulness, and service.

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Wonder...

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is one you easily pick up. I liked seeing the story told from various points of view. In life, rarely do you get to see the whole picture.

Of course, this book was a bit personal for me since I have a son with a chromosome anomaly. I believe the character in the book had a deletion (maybe I'm wrong) where in our family, we deal with duplications.

I found it a little unrealistic that this individual would have such a huge physical disability and almost no cognitive impairment. While I'm sure it is possible for this to occur, and it probably happens frequently, my experience has been that deletions tend to be more impairing due to missing DNA. In contrast, duplications may not be as severe because extra DNA is present rather than key strands missing completely. So... to see such a neuro typical child was a bit unrealistic for me.

This is certainly  young adult fiction - super easy read.

I thought the message of the story was so important. Every teen and adult should read this book. Disabilities whether visible or not shouldn't impact the way we treat our fellow beings. We each have value, worth, and a mission in life to fulfill. All of us, regardless of circumstance can be successful in our own realms. However, sometimes we need to watch a little more closely for those who need our help.

I hope there is a Jack and a Summer out there for my son.


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Between Shades of Gray...

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. I love when the human spirit is more powerful than the body and pushes someone beyond their normal limits.

View all my reviews ps: Read the title closely. That's between... NOT 50 shades. :) :)

The Rent Collector...

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. While the setting and conditions for the characters are heart breaking, their tenacity and spirit prevail. I once read that, "Hope doesn't abandon us. We abandon hope." In this story, that is certainly true. These types environments exist throughout the world. And every day, people wake up in the morning and carry one despite their challenges.

I also loved the focus of education and how it, more than anything else, can change your life and lift you from circumstance. There were so many great themes in this book. These are only two.

Pick this one up. You'll enjoy it.

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The Dirty Life...

The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't going to read this one. It was a book club assignment and I wasn't sure I had the time for a book that didn't call to me. After all... I'm not much of a farmer. I come from a great farming lineage, but that is about the extent of it.

But... it was sitting there and I decided it was worth an attempt. I was glad I turned those first few pages because it ended up being an enjoyable read.

I know I could NEVER do what she did - leave my life, buy a farm, eat liver and heart out of freshly butchered animal! But, I was proud of her for doing it. Even though her passion will never be my passion I loved the sense of pride, joy, and completeness she received from her life on the farm. She was ALL in! Some of her experiences took me back to my childhood and the years my dad raised goats in our backyard in Farmington. When she described her first attempt at milking a cow, I could relate.

Thanks Kristin, for a peek into your life. While it isn't for everyone, it sounds like a back breaking as yet magical experience.

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A Fault in Our Stars....

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. It was funny, sad, and insightful. A few language issues and such, but these days... what books don't have those. :)

I had a tight timeline to read this and get it returned. That task was easy to accomplish. This is one of those books that will keep you up way too late, reading "one more chapter".

I don't want to give away any spoilers so I won't delve too deep into my thoughts on the read. The gist of the book is about Hazel, a teen with terminal cancer. It sounds depressing, but the author had a great way of approaching the subject and helping you to see what her life and the lives of those around her were like.

While my child isn't terminal, I also related a bit with the mom and how much of her life is tied up in the care of her child. My life doesn't revolve as much around therapy, appts, and meds, however on some level, I related.

When you have a chance, pick this one up. It was enjoyable.

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Jacob of Avondale

(This book is now at our local library.  Go pick it up!)

Jacob of Avondale by P. Craig Packer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It's geared towards a younger audience and really hits the mark. My kids would love it. As I approached the end of the book, I thought it was going to leave me hanging because of a planned sequel. However, all the loose ends were tied up rather quickly and neatly. I almost thought it could have gone a few more chapters with more twists and turns during the final battle. Even though some aspects were predictable reading it as an adult, that has to be overlooked because it is geared for a younger audience. Overall, well done, Mr. Packer! :)

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When Crickets Cry...

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't quite as good as The Help. But... it is up there among my favorites. I know I'm enjoying a book when I repeatedly get to the end of the chapter and say to myself, "just one more chapter". I think I also identified with the book because of family heart issues. This is a great book about dedication and overcoming challenges.

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Mount Vernon...

Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was my first Mary Higgins Clark read. In the forward of the book, Clark indicated her efforts with this biographical novel were to depict the softer side of George Washington. He was far more than the pedantic and humorless first president that history often describes. Clark indicates that all the events, dates, scenes and people characterized in the book are based on verified historical research.

I may not have loved the simplicity of the read, but I did enjoy learning a bit more about Washington's life. His childhood, his wicked mother, his acquisition of Mt. Vernon, meeting his future wife and how he became a beloved father to his step children were all very interesting. He seemed to handle himself with such grace and integrity.

I would have liked to have the author intertwine a bit more of our country's history with the personal narrative of his life. It would have made for a much more interesting read. Despite the flaws of the book, George Washington sounded like he was unforgettable man who was loved by not only his family but by his country as well.

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Okay For Now....

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this one. I liked the writing style and how the main character was the voice telling the story. I could just picture him describing all these life experiences. I loved how powerful the character was despite the adversity he faced in his life. This is a fast read and worth the time.

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The Heretics Daughter

The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen Kent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this one. First of all, it only solidified the fact in my mind that I wasn't cut out to live in the physically demanding world of the 1600's. Not only was day to day life immensely demanding, but at every turn families were challenged with fighting off hunger, planning life around the harvest, raiding attacks, and physical illness.

The Salem witch trials are a heart wrenching piece of history. This story broke down the time period and allowed the reader to understand what that travesty must have been like for families and individuals.

I also liked the way the family relationships were explored. At some point in time a daughter will clash with her mother, a child will not fully understand the motives of their parents, and siblings can get caught up in day to day mires without fully appreciating relationships until faced with extreme challenge and trial.

I think the only reason why I didn't give this one a five was because some portions of the story moved more slowly than others. I reserve 5 stars for those that I just can't put down until the last page is read.

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Heaven Is Here...

Heaven Is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy by Stephanie Nielson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An amazing story. It is unimaginable all this little family has had to endure. I liked how real she was in the 2nd half of the book. She seemed very honest about how difficult it was for her to pick up the pieces of her life. I love her view on motherhood, family, her relationship to God and her purpose here on earth. Because I read her blog, it was also interesting to hear the whole story rather than just the bits and pieces she shares in blogland. Even if you aren't a blog reader, this story has life lessons all of us can use in our life (family relationships, judgements, letting go of meaningless priorities, etc).

Oh... one other take away. She talked about how she was pregnant with her 2nd child and trying to care for her 1st born. She spoke of motherhood being a progression and that you learn as you go. You slowly learn to adapt to a new idea of perfection, etc. I loved that. That is certainly how motherhood has been for me. I feel like I get better at motherhood day by day. My poor first born! She was my "test" child. :)

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The Horse Boy...

The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son by Rupert Isaacson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although our family life doesn't mirror the Isaacson's, I can relate with some of their frustrations and experiences in raising a son who is not neuro typical. Although our son's diagnosis is different, we are intimately familiar with the autism spectrum and a lot of the challenges autism can present to a family and to an individual.

My heart ached for the parents of little Rowan and for the challenges they faced in raising their son and helping him to succeed and progress through life. I applaud their efforts and can relate somewhat with how much energy, focus, dedication, and diligence it took to find the tools their son required for recovery and growth.

The family's journey through Mongolia sounded amazing. I'm not sure if I could have endured such a trip given all of the adventures they encountered with the Shamans combined with Rowan's challenges.

I can't say I read every word towards the last 1/4 of the book. However, I did stick with it so I could see the outcome. I wanted to see how the puzzle fit together for this family. Each of these unique children come with their own road map. It can be a challenge for parents to fit the pieces of the puzzle together in order to help their children. While not every reader will identify with the family's situation, every reader will be amazed at the journey.

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The Rising Generation...

This term in English, Alexis has been reading Tom Sawyer.  It has been a tough read for her.  Well, I shouldn't say just her.  It has really bogged down the whole class.  The vernacular in the story line has really thrown the class for a loop.  They've had a hard time understanding the story.

So.... we did what any parent would do.  We sat down with Lex and we.... showed her the movie. :)

Believe it or not, Disney and Jonathan Taylor Thomas' (Home Improvement) version at least layed the foundation for her.  We went through a few chapters together as well.  Needless to say, the whole class bombed the test and she was searching for extra credit.  Luckily her teacher let her make posters summarizing a chapter.  (She wanted me to be sure and say this wasn't her best art effort.  She was just trying to get it done.)

I've wondered about the text.  Is the text challenging or is today's generation just not exposed enough to various types of literature.  Tom Sawyer is a classic, right?

Should we be scared?

The Happiness Project...

I really enjoyed this book.  It took me a bit of time to get through it all because I found myself thinking about different aspects of happiness that were proposed.  I identified with the opening segment of the book where the author is riding on a bus and thinking about her life.  She has everything she's ever wanted and yet.... is she happy? 

I don't think of myself as unhappy.  But, am I as joyful in life as could be?  Are there aspects to my life that I would change in order to be more true to myself and more purposeful?  The book makes you think about your own life and encourages you to pinpoint values in your life.  Not just things like family, faith, and relationships, but deeper aspects of those values. 

For example, what type of traditions do I want to have with my family?  How will I show my spouse they are a priority in my life?  And, what can I do to make those around me happier?  These are just a few examples of topics that got me thinking. 

The Happiness Project is different for everyone because our lives, interests, and values are different.  However, even if this isn't a book you would normally pick up to read, you may find value from it.  Some parts I skipped but others I loved.  Because I gave this book so much thought, I thought it deserved a high rating.  Enjoy!  Let me know what you think and if you are going to develop any happiness goals.

(I liked this book so much that I took some notes.  I need to think about my own goals.  Maybe I'll post of few of those here.)

The Book of Mormon Girl...

The Book of Mormon Girl: Stories from an American Faith by Joanna Brooks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I didn't really care for this one. I think the issues the author discusses in the book are important.... to her. However I couldn't identify with her feelings. I haven't had the same struggles in my life and so I couldn't put myself in her shoes and relate with her experiences and opinions. I also disagree with her opinions and so it was hard to love this book.

I thought the section about Marie Osmond and a few others was over the top and I wondered about the need for this info to take up so much of the book. To be honest I skimmed that part so maybe I totally missed the whole point. Let me know if I did.

I know the author had traumatic events in her life that changed the way she viewed things, however I thought there were parts where she was over generalizing and reaching in order to make her point.

Although the author has major issues with the Mormon religion, I do commend her for her desire and efforts to participate. I can only imagine how hard that would be to disagree with so many aspects of the religion but still find yourself drawn to it and wanting to participate.

I am just grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows all of us individually. He knows of our experiences, our struggles, our personal testimonies, and the desires of our hearts. I know he is the perfect judge and through the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, all that was lost can be made whole and our weaknesses can be made into strengths. I know this gift is given to every man and woman who desires to receive it through their faithfulness.

I'm sure others would give this book a higher rating. However, because I found myself disagreeing with her opinions I didn't enjoy the read enough to give it a higher rating. Perhaps you'll disagree with me. I would love to know what you think.

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Divergent...

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one is a little Hunger Games-ish. I liked it. It has a different twist to it. Rather than the government choosing your fate, you get to choose the society in which you live and where your focus is going to be after age 16 (selfless, kind, truth, protector, or education). It was interesting to see how each virtue was perceived and revered by other members of humanity. If you are looking for another series read, this is worth the time.

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Belong to Me

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the sequel to Love Walked In. I do have to say I enjoyed this book more than the first. I liked the character development better in this book and the "take turns" format was also enjoyable. I think I also liked the depth that the new characters brought to the story. I especially liked the story lines of the new neighbors and how they had their own journey to learn from and live through in order to evolve. I know some really enjoy the writing style of the author. But for me, it is a bit labored. Overall, I enjoyed this book much more than the first in the series.

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Dreams of Joy...

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you've read Shanghai Girls, you must follow it up with Dreams of Joy. This book continues the story of sisters, May and Pearl, and their daughter, Joy.



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Shanghai Girls...

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this one. A sad tale at times, but also very telling. I realize this is historical fiction, however I'm sure portions of the story portray circumstances that were very real for some Chinese Americans. It is amazing that circumstances such as these were part of people's immigration experiences.

It is interesting how individuals adapt or fail to do so during various situations in life. Everyone handles challenges in their own way. The familial relationships of sisters and also mothers and their daughters was a theme throughout the book. I think most young people look at their parents and feel their parents don't truly understand where young people are coming from. But the truth is, they probably know all too well.

Perspective is another aspect in this book. Life experience and how it shapes our beliefs and actions is key for all of us. The question becomes do we take those experiences and free ourselves like May or do we become a prisoner to our past like Pearl?

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