SAHM SISTERS READ!
READ WITH US! READ CLASSICS, READ POETRY, READ LITERARY JUNK,READ INSTRUCTION MANUALS. WE JUST THINK EVERYONE SHOULD READ!
February 15
Okay, it’s just downright embarrassing that we haven’t updated this page, because we’re reading all the time! I have to rack my brain just to decide which book to recommend from all the ones I’ve read in the past few months!
I did happen to read one book that coincided perfectly with current events. Did you see the news last year about the death of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong II? Did you wonder what was behind the rather theatrical grieving of the Korean people? Did you wonder what is actually happening in that country?
You need to read “Nothing to Envy, Ordinary Lives in North Korea” by Barbara Demick. 
There is so little information about real life in North Korea available. For instance, did you know that North Korea is a blank spot on satellite images? The book opens with a satellite photo of North and South Korea, with North Korea in utter darkness because of their poverty. The author writes, “North Korea is not an undeveloped country. It is a country that has fallen out of the developed world.”
The book goes on to tell the story of six different people and their everyday lives under what is known as “the most repressive totalitarian regime in the world today.” Because of the severe restrictions on information about North Korea, the people interviewed are all defectors. Their stories tell of poverty, secrets, famine, and even love- the everyday struggles of difficult lives.
“Nothing to Envy” left me wondering why some people rebel and some don’t. Why does a leader want to retain power over something they have almost destroyed? Is power just for power’s sake worth it?
If you’re in the mood for something deeper, something dare I say, educational and informative, this is a great read.
September 1
I am dying to mention another author that my husband and I both love. Ever seen that cute little move, About A Boy? That’s Nick Hornsby‘s book. And it’s a good one. And the best part is, he’s got other good ones as well. I’ve read almost all of them. Last night I finished reading Slam.
I am seriously impressed at the way he handles the difficult issues in this book. He is lighthearted, yet insightful to the point of almost heartbreaking, and yet still manages to be humorous at the same time. Talk about a skilled author!
Here’s a link to his webpage if you’d like to check him out and then hurry to the library to check one of his books out!
http://www.nicksbooks.com/index.php/archives/category/news/
A small disclaimer: I have overheard in the bookstore that some of his short story anthologies can be quite racy. Beware. I haven’t checked this out for myself, but just want to warn those of you who want to avoid raciness in your books.
August 4
Jeffrey Deaver
http://www.jefferydeaver.com/Biography/biography.html
I have discovered a new author I really like. If you’re in the mood for a fun read- not a “learning” read, mind you, but a good, well written, crime/action/thriller/entertaining novel, you should check out Jeffery Deaver. Sometimes I do not like “crime” books because they are too graphically violent, but I would not consider his gratuitous or graphic at all. He includes enough details about what is happening to totally engross you, but not gross you out. I recently finished his book, The Blue Nowhere, and after I read it I sent my husband straight back to the library to get another book by him!
Now I am reading, The Devil’s Teardrop, and it is gripping, to say the least! The plot is terrible and fascinating and I cannot put it down. Last night when I was reading it before bed, I was staring at it so intently my face hurt and I couldn’t read fast enough.
Needless, to say that is a recommendation from me.
June 7
These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 Arizona Territories by Nancy E. Turner
http://www.amazon.com/These-My-Words-1881-1901-Territories/dp/0060987510
This book is absolutely remarkable. I love the main character Sarah. She is willing to face anything that comes her way, and she definitely deals with a lot. She is faced with the death of family members, neighbors burned out by Apaches, floods, and gunmen. Through it all, she is an example of bravery, strength, and womanhood. She never attends a formal school, but treasures learning and manages to educate herself about the world around her.
It is a fictional account, but based on the diary of the author’s great grandmother.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Jared Southwick has written a suspensful, interesting book called Marysvale. I met Jared while he was signing his book at the Costco near our home, and had a great chat with him. To be truthful, I thought I would hate the book, I’m not a fan of fantasy or otherworldly stuff and when he said the word, ‘monsters’ to me, I was hesitant. But, as a hopeful writer myself, I was compelled by his personal story and anxious to support a local author.
So, I opened the book. FOUR HOURS LATER, I emerged from this gripping story. It was fantastic, and you all should go right out and buy a copy. He is smart, funny, and turns out, a friend of Lymalu’s from college (which I didn’t know until I was telling her about the book and mentioned his name). Funny! Go buy the book. Seriously!
Tuesday, May 17
I know all of us are big readers and we are reading more than we post. But not everything read is of the quality to appear on the blog. You know, the whole debate about reading for entertainment and escapism, versus reading literature. That said, I’ve been reading lots of things on both sides of the spectrum.
I finished the Fablehaven series that I was co-reading with Miss 8. I would definitely recommend them for a fun, easy read.
For one bookclub I read a book called Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik. Now, that is a thinking book, so read it when you have some good pondering time.
For my other bookclub I just finished reading The Kitchen Boy : A Novel of the Last Tsar by Robert Alexander. This is an interesting story about Russia and what happened with the Romanovs in their last days.
I am in the middle of reading two other books. One is called Fever Crumb by Phillip Reeves. Phillip Reeves wrote a great set of books called the Hungry City Chronicles and Fever Crumb takes place before those.
And last, but not least, I just started rereading the ever beautiful Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Because sometimes you just need to read a good comforting childhood classic.
Ready, set, Happy Reading!
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011
The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery
My sister just read this one in her bookclub and I heard them talking about it and got so interested that I’m going to present it for my bookclub next week. It’s all about the life of this wonderful pig, Christopher Hogwood.
The woman’s husband gives her the pig as a sort of present when she is going through a difficult time – her father is dying. She absolutely loves and identifies with all animals, so this is the perfect thing for her to focus on. Then it goes on to tell the story of how the pig is loved by the whole community and how many people his life touches.
I am not an animal lover in any way, shape, or form. I’m almost the exact opposite of the author in some ways, but I found so much to think about. This is a really, really good read. 
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
I really enjoyed this book. You will definitely want to put this one on your hold list at the
library.
To sum up this wonderful book in one sentence, I will borrow the words of one reviewer
(Jessica Gribble) who wrote, “. . . you might say this, All sorts of horrible, depressing,
unjust things happen in Little Bee, but it’s the most hopeful book I’ve ever read.”
I loved this book, and could not put it down. Beautiful language, intriguing characters,
thought provoking plot. Excellent!
POSTED BY CARRIE AT 10:00 AM
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 23, 2011
Soda Springs by Terry Marshall
Our bookclub recently read Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. An interesting
account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Worth your time. But, the real reason I’m
here is to tell you about the book Soda Springs, by Terry Marshall. This author is
the father of one of my dear friends, and has also written a fantastic story about civil
rights. But not the usual story. This story, while taking place in the 60′s, is not your run
of the mill account of African-Americans protesting unfair treatment. Taking place in
Soda Springs Colorado, this story focuses on the struggle of Mexican-Americans who
want to be treated fairly. The main character, Rick, is a college student determined to
follow MLK, but he ends up back at home in Co running the family farm, falling in love
and smack in the middle of racial tensions. Love, love, love the story, the vivid descriptions
and how Rick grows up a bit:) Buy it! Read it! Love it!
POSTED BY MAREN AT 5:16 PM
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
I can’t believe I haven’t recommended a book in practically a year! I certainly haven’t
quit reading good ones. My bookclub just read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel
Pie Society and it was absolutely delightful.
It tells the story of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII. I usually
do not enjoy books that are written in letter form, but this one was wonderful. The Guernsey community comes alive and welcomes you right into the book and the main character
Juliet is like the friend you want and the friend you want to be.
I just absolutely loved this book. Do not let the odd name deter you! It is a rare and wonderfully
written literary treat.
POSTED BY CARRIE AT 8:13 AM
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
The Five People You Meet In Heaven
This last month, my neighborhood’s bookclub read The Five People You Meet In Heaven.
We loved it! It was a touching story about the power of your personal life and how no one’s
life stands alone. We all have a role to play and we never can tell who we are touching with
our actions or we affect. We listened to Mitch Albom (on his website) talk about some of the
questions people who discuss his book are interested in hearing. I served thechocolate ginger
cookies, and some other treats and we had a fun time.
POSTED BY MAREN AT 1:34 PM
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2009
The Glass Castle
This book is a memoir, written by Jeannette Walls. It is the incredibly interesting story of her
family and how she grew up. They are a strange mix of dysfunctional and amazing. She tells it
without any self pity or preaching, just very matter of fact. I absolutely loved it. It gave me a
lot to think about.
POSTED BY CARRIE AT 12:52 PM
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2009
I Heard the Owl Call My Name
This book was done by my neighborhood bookclub for August. It’s about a priest and his work in a remote Indian village in British Columbia. Margaret Craven is very descriptive, bringing the scenery
to life. The priest in the story is a wise humanitarian and a wonderful example of Christ-like attributes.
It was a very touching a human story, about love and unselfishness. I highly recommend it as a worthwhile use of your reading time. I know how I hate to waste my scant time on poorly written crap, but this was wonderful!
POSTED BY MAREN AT 7:00 PM
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MONDAY, JULY 20, 2009
Reunion at Mossy Creek
This book is so funny! Okay, so I was skeptical when I first saw this book. The Professor brought it home from the library for me and when I took a look at it, it’s actually written by several authors- sort of a collaboration. So I was afraid it would be really weird but turns out I liked it a lot. The characters and stories are very entertaining and well written.
POSTED BY CARRIE AT 8:25 AM
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