Read in 2013

It's time for my annual round-up of all the books I read in 2013.  Unintentionally, it was the year of the memoir (with a good bit of fiction and self-help sprinkled in too, of course).

The Rules of Inheritance by Claire Bidwell Smith

This is going to be made into a movie with Jennifer Lawrence producing and starring in it.  (I'm pretty sure that is the definition of "making it" in memoir writing world.)

Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle

I got to meet Melanie Shankle this fall at the Allume conference and she is just as adorable and down to earth in person as she is in her book.  Her second book, The Antelope in the Living Room - a memoir about marriage - is due out in 2014.  I can't wait.

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson

Sweet story of a beautiful family. I'd call this one a "feel good and stop making excuses for not living a full life" book.

Carry on Warrior by Glennon Melton 

Glennon and I have a love-hate relationship.  (Ok, actually, it is totally one-sided.  She doesn't even know I exist.)  I agree with and lover her about 75% of the time; but, this book is right on the money.  This is a book to mail to your mom, your sister, your best friend.  (Also going to be a movie I think?  I'm a little confused about how.)

*** Read my (more detailed) reviews of the first four books here. ***

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

My favorite of the year bar none!  Another one with a movie on the horizonYou can read my complete review here.

Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan 

A powerful memoir about psychosis and its effect on the brain, body, and soul.  Very good, but hard to read at times.

Love Anthony by Lisa Genova

On autism, motherhood, friendship, courage, and perseverance.  Good, but considering that I can hardly remember anything about it six months after I finished it, not life changing.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (audio)

An unexpected favorite.  It covers the scientific, neurological, and psychological basis behind how habits are created and how individuals, companies, and the advertising industries use them.  This isn't typical of my reading choices at all, but it reads more like a story and is SO interesting that I found myself looking forward to the next chapter and being sad when it was over.

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton (audio)

I can't remember which one, but a blogger I follow recommended this one and I immediately downloaded it.  It is one part mystery about a horrible case of arson in an elementary school and one part love story about a mother and her child at the crossroads between life and death.  It is beautifully written and full of surprising twists.  This would be a great book club choice!

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sarah Corbett (audio)

This is the memoir of Amanda Lindhout - a Canadian reporter who was held captive for more than 400 days in Muslim Somali in 2008.  The story is powerful and intense at times, but also one of hope and courage.  I especially recommend the audio book because it is read by Lindhout herself which gives it a very personal feel.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene

Another one due to be turned in to a movie this year (although my expectation is low - think what Hollywood did to My Sister's Keeper), I read this one at the request of several of my female students who could not stop talking about it this fall.  It is a sweet love story and the characters are well-developed; but, don't read it if you are looking for a happy ending.

On my list for 2014...

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
... and maybe the Divergent series


What about you? What was the best book you read in 2013?  What's in the queue for 2014?

Best Parenting Books for Toddlers?

First, before I get into the meat & potatoes of today's post, I just want to thank you all for your response to yesterday's post.  It felt SO good to just write and share a little of where I am right now - that is always the first step in the right direction for me!  I love that I didn't fool most of you - you all know me too well! It is probably also worth noting that last night I actually made a healthy dinner for my family (with spinach) AND went to yoga at the gym.  Then, just when I was starting to swell a little with pride and think I'd turned the corner, my mom commented that someone stunk during the class, and we concluded that it was MY mildewy shirt that had probably been left in the washing machine for one too many days. Oops!  #youwinsomeyoulosesome

Also, I just want to go on the record as saying that I DON'T hate that first mom from yesterday.  I envy her and I hate the insecurities that I allow her to bring out in me; BUT, I don't hate her.  While I agree with most of your comments that 'she' is unrealistic and probably has plenty of her own imperfections and hardships, I can honestly say that I DO know a couple of moms who really can (and do) seem to do it all like that.  That post wasn't about those moms being fake or insane or anything like that... It was just about embracing the fact that I CAN'T and that is OK.  That's all.

Now, let's talk about books...

When I was pregnant with Sam, I became the proud owner of just about every new-parent book on the market. (In fact, I wrote this post and had it scheduled to go live on the DAY Sam was born.  So ironic given my love-hate relationship with parenting books from that point forward.)

Right after Sam was born, I literally devoured "how to" books.  I mean, truly, when I think back to my earliest days of being a mama I am taken immediately back to the rocker in Sam's bedroom and the PILE of books and dog-eared pages on sleep training, breast-feeding, scheduling, etc. etc. etc. etc.

And, then, I sort-of had a breakdown because of all the books (or at least I blamed them for making me feel so inadequate), so I swore off parenting books for a while...

But now, here we are two years later, and the "instructions" in those books seem easy compared to  language development, sharing, and discipline.  (Oh discipline.)

I'm thankful that I feel a lot more confident as a mom now, and that I definitely know Sam a lot better now.  I can take "advice" on potty training and sleep and even talking and still have enough peace to know that things will likely turn out OK regardless of how much I mess it up.  BUT, the teaching kindness and compassion and the discipline stuff?  That stuff STICKS.  That stuff feels like really big stuff that will affect everything about the person that Sam will grow up to be.  I kind-of need some guidance with that stuff.  (Not to mention, that stuff is also a lot harder to see eye-to-eye with Jeff on.  It's one thing to agree that you both are exhausted and OK with letting your baby get in your bed after 15 minutes of crying; it is a whole other ball game to determine which behaviors warrant reprimand and punishment and which ones are "just part of being a two-year old boy" together... Especially since we seem to need to make a decision like that just about every five minutes these days!)

So... That's where you come in, of course!

I think I'm ready for my come-back in the parenting book club...  Can you help a mama out?!?!

What are your favorite books for parenting toddlers, specifically wild little boys? 

THANK YOU and Happy Friday!

Books By Bloggers: My Reviews

I've mentioned before that I've been on a reading kick lately, and it seems my main "genre of choice" has been blogger memoirs and the like (go figure).  It is quite a blogging trend these days to make the move into the printed word; and, since I am nothing if not addicted to blogging - it is an obvious choice for me. (Yes, I read three of these during my "blog break."  Some may consider that cheating.  I call it creative.)

Below are my thoughts on the four I've read in the last couple of months.  I listed them in order of my preference; but, I genuinely enjoyed each one.  I thought all four were great, and I think each of their writer's are incredibly talented with words and storytelling. Their stories made me inspired to write my own book (one day), made me laugh, and - at times - made me cry.  I would (honestly) recommend any of them without a single bit of hesitancy.

*Also, just in case you care... No one paid me (or even asked me, for that matter) to read these books or write about them.  These are all my own opinions.  I did, however, recently sign up to be an Amazon Affiliate, so if you happen to buy something from one of these links (or the links in my sidebar) I get a teeny tiny portion of that sale.  Just keeping it real.

Here we go...

1. Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed by Glennon Melton of Momastery

I'll be honest and say that this was the last book I read, and I read it more because there was so much hype than because I really thought it would be good.  Glennon can be a bit much for me at times, but her book surprised me (in a good way).  She is a superstar when it comes to "keeping it real," and - although it took me a while to get used to the essay format (as opposed to a story really), it ended up being my favorite of the blogger-genre so far.  It is the kind of book that made me laugh out loud and, as a result, end up reading big passages aloud to my husband.  She did a great job of moving seamlessly between hilarious stories and real, deep thoughts about major issues (like marriage, faith, homosexuality, parenting, and body image).  I like a book that makes me think while simultaneously making me relax a bit and be comfortable with me.   This is a book I would order twenty of and mail to all my best friends (if I was rich).

2. Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson of Nie Nie Dialogues

I've been following Stephanie's blog for a while now, but I admit that it isn't really one of my "regular reads."  Her book changed that.  I love Stephanie and her adorable family (especially Mr. Nielson) and found myself Googling everything I could about her incredible story and recovery. (She and her husband were in a terrible plane crash in 2008 that left her in a coma for four months and with more than 80% of her body burned. This book, which chronicles her immediately before and in the year following the accident, is an honest and vulnerable account of her experience overcoming hardship, accepting change, and remaining faithful.

I do have to say that she almost lost me at the very beginning --- She paints a picture of her life before the crash that seemed a little bit too full of "butterflies and rainbows," and it was hard for me to trust her.  BUT, once I got over that, I found that the book was a great reminder to look for the good in even the mundane things of motherhood like giving Sam a bath or simply being able to pick him up when he cries.  Stephanie has a powerful story and a unique perspective on life that I found very encouraging and inspiring.

3. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle of Big Mama

Melanie is hilarious!  I love her storytelling voice and her ability to relate to her readers that is evident on her blog and in her book. This story, mostly about her personal journey into motherhood, is a quick & easy, light read - perfect for a new mom during those sleep-deprived first months.  I giggled my way through the whole thing in only a couple of days.  She doesn't sugar-coat things; but, she doesn't take anything too seriously either... This was a great "we are all in this together" book about being a first-time mother. (My only complaint?  I kept saying - "She stole my story!"  Seriously, it was like she took the words right out of my mouth... If I was every going to write a book, it would probably be almost plagiarism of this one. Consider yourself warned.)

4. Rules of Inheritance by Claire Bidwell Smith

Although I was not familiar with Claire's blog before, her memoir came very highly recommended to me by several of my blog-friends.  It is the VERY well written story of her life facing cancer diagnoses of both parents as a teenager, losing her mom is college, her father as a young adult, and the very hard road in between. She is one of the most honest and authentic writers I have ever read, and the story was actually suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages long past my bedtime.  

The only reason I didn't rank this one higher is because I couldn't really relate to most of it (which, obviously, doesn't make it bad).  I also tend to be one who wants things wrapped up neatly with a "happy ending" and that wasn't developed quite as much as I would have liked... However, since beginning to follow she and her precious daughters via her blog & Instagram,  - I see that the true happy ending is in the life full of hope and happiness and healing she is living today despite - and even because of - her hardship.

** I just realized that this list is also in reverse order of the way I read the books.  Maybe it isn't so much my preference, as much as just my memory?  Take the "rank" with a grain of salt please. :)

Have you read any of these? What did you think?  What's your favorite "blogger book"?

Up next... I'm going to take a break from blog-books and revisit Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity.  I started it when Sam was itty-bitty, and I've been thinking about some of her words a lot lately.  What are you reading?

P.S. Another Midweek Confessions linky tomorrow! Get your posts ready!

Gone Girl

Have you read it?

Source

I don't mess around with claims like this, but this (seriously) is one of the best books I've read ever.  If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and get thee to a book store NOW.

Warning: This book will cause you to become a terrible wife, mother, homemaker, and otherwise functional member of society.  (Just ask Jeff - I read this thing like my life depended on it from cover to cover.)  Also, I should probably say that it isn't exactly a "light" read or a "feel good" kind-of story; but that Gillian Flynn - she is GOOD.

Oh geez Louise, I just saw (when Googling an image for this post) that a movie based on the book starring Reese Witherspoon is already in the works.  Somebody get me some water, I'll never survive until its release date.

That is all.

Confessions tomorrow!

 P.S. I also read memoirs from 3.5 (I'm still working on Carry On, Warrior!) bloggers last month.  Look for a round-up/review of those soon!

Books Written by Bloggers

Is it just me, or is every blogger and their mother publishing a book lately? If you are like me, this makes you a strong combination of jealous (of them), excited (for all the good reading), and overwhelmed (about all the reading I have to do now).

Since I am a list maker at my core, I thought I'd put together a little round-up today, and then - hopefully - we can all offer up reviews, etc.  Sound fun?

In alphabetical order:

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond/ The Pioneer Woman (Isn't it about time for this movie to come out?!)

Blog, Inc. by Joy Cho of Oh Joy!

Bloom by Kelle Hampton of Enjoying the Small Things

Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Melton of Momastery

Dear Daughter by Heather Armstrong of Dooce

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson of Nie Nie Dialogues

Inspired You by Marian Parsons (aka Miss Mustard Seed)

Let's Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson, The Bloggess

Motherhood Comes Naturally (and Other Vicious Lies) by Jill Smokler of Scary Mommy (also, Confessions of a Scary Mommy)

Sparkly Green Earring by Melanie Shankle of Big Mama

Two Kisses for Maddy by Matthew Longelin of Matt, Liz, & Madeline

Young House Love by John and Sherry Petersik of YHL

That's a lot of writing going on! And these are just the ones from my blog reader that have come out in the last year or so, not to mention the ones that are being written/published now (like hers and theirs). What did I forget? 

So far, I have read Black Heels, Bloom and YHL.  I loved all three for (obvious) different reasons.  Pretty much all the other ones are on my "list."  (You know, the one that keeps growing and never gets check marks.)

If you've read any of these, I'd love for you to leave some feedback in the comments here.  Is it worth a read?  Is it a must-buy or a library kinda book?  Go ahead, be honest.  I can pretty much guarantee none of those big-time bloggers are going to find us here. :)

P.S. Have I mentioned that I really want to write a book?  I do.  Looking at that list makes me feel both inspired/motivated by their success and discouraged/stressed that I "don't have a story to tell" or "all my stories have already been written."  I gotta get over that.  Any tips? How about ideas for what to write about?

Books I Read in 2011

The Nester posted a little linky for this on her blog yesterday, and I love thoughtless blog material a good link-up, so...

Books I Read in 2011:

(Books read to my students and/or Sam are excluded; list is in no particular order.)

The Hunger Games

Silver Girl

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

Sarah's Key *Favorite

Sing You Home *Favorite

What to Expect When You're Expecting

On Becoming Babywise

The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer

Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay *Favorite

Operating Instructions *Favorite

The Moms on Call Guide to Basic Baby Care

So Long Insecurity, You've Been a Bad Friend to Us *Favorite

Currently Reading...

One Day

One Thousand Gifts


What were your favorite 2011 reads?  What should I put on my list for 2012?  Do tell!

Three Bible Studies That Have Changed My Life

Today's "Show Us Your Life" at Kelly's Korner is about favorite Bible Studies or Devotionals.  I admit that I haven't been nearly as committed to Bible study as I'd like to be since Sam was born (or even before that, really), but I wanted to jump in and share three books that have particularly influenced me during three very different seasons of my life:

First, Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall & Debbie Jones.

This book is probably super out-dated now, but I read it my Junior year in high school after my first heartbreak. It really spoke to me a lot about guarding my heart and making sure it belonged to the Lord FIRST.  I have given this book/ recommended it to more young woman than I can list.  If you are in a season of waiting for the Lord to provide a husband (or even a boyfriend - which sounds ridiculous to me now, but it was my reality when I first read this), it is a great study.  

Next, Captivating by Jon and Stasi Eldredge

I'm guessing that this one is going to show up on lots of lists today... It is a BEAUTIFUL book about the heart and soul of a woman.  I first read this in college when Jeff and I were dating and talking about/ I-was-waiting-anxiously-for marriage.  I'm not sure any book has ever spoken so directly to my spirit.  I still think about this book ALL the time when it comes to understanding how I am made and how that influences my relationships, etc.  I've read it more than once and recommended it to me many girlfriends.

And, So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore.

I am actually reading this book right now (also one that I'm sure will pop up a lot today) and really loving it for this season of my life as a new mom etc.  Motherhood, like most other big milestones in life, has really revealed some of my biggest insecurities and the lies I believe about myself.  Beth Moore has an incredible way of being wise and powerful in her words, but also ordinary and gentle.  For me, now is the perfect time to read this book; but, it would speak to women in many different stages of life. 

That does it for me - although there are LOTS more books I could recommend if I wanted to keep going.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what other women have shared at Kelly's Korner today.

Happy Friday!

Recommended Reading

Ok moms, what books do you recommend I stock up on for AFTER the baby is born?  The internet is a wealth of information for pregnancy; but, I know some people just swear by certain books on actually raising a baby into a healthy and happy little person.

I've already read Babywise and intend to put at least some of the major principals into practice.

We also have The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD and will, definitely, try out those ideas.

And, I am currently reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby. It has been strongly recommended by a couple of friends.

What else should I add to my Kindle wish-list (we don't have cable, so I intend to do a lot of late night reading & feeding)?  What was your "Baby Bible" that first year?  Please share!!

Spring Break Reading List

Today's Show Us Your Life topic at Kelly's Korner - My Book List - couldn't have been any more perfect for me... One week from today will be the official start to my SPRING BREAK 2011!  Woo hoo!  I plan to be in nursery/home organization, clean, and decorate mode all week --- a far cry from the college days spent in Florida or NYC!

But, even the most productive week requires a good bit of downtime, and I plan to fill that time with lots of reading - both for fun and education.  Of course, I will never get through all of these in one week, but I'm hoping to get a good start and be able to finish before our little man makes his debut.

So, here it is. My Book List: (in no particular order)

Laughter and Tears: The Emotional Life of New Mothers by Elisabeth Bing and Libby Coleman

A blog friend recommended this to me shortly after I announced I was pregnant.  She said it was a big help to her in the weeks and months right after delivery; and, based on what I know about myself, I thought it would be really good for me too.  I've read the first three chapters or so and am really liking it so far. (Thanks Katie!)

On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

I pretty much hear about this book/ parenting philosophy every where I go now! I've been very excited to read it and learn more for myself.  So far, I'm about halfway through and taking a LOT of good information to heart.  I can really see this being something I apply to my life in July.

Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

I admit that this one is a little out of my comfort zone. (The cover illustration alone makes me giggle.) But, it came highly recommended from my girlfriend Lea (who is expecting a baby of her own in early June), and I've been wanting to read something to prepare me for labor and delivery.  From what I understand, parts of this book are a little non-conventional, but the authors do a good job of discussing both sides of the birthing coin.  I'll let you know what I think once I get going on this one!

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This one really should be at the top of the list, because I HAVE to read it.  I read it once in tenth grade myself (although, I don't know how much of it I actually read), and  I've been procrastinating reading it again ALL school year. BUT, the time has come...  Wewill start this as our final book unit the day we return from Spring Break.  Hence, I need to read it and do some planning.  What's spring break without a little Russian Revolutionary reading anyway?  Who knows, maybe I'll like it this time around!

And, for some light and fun reading (because I'll definitely need it after all of the above)...

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels --- A Love Story by Ree Drummond

Do you read her blog?  If you don't, you should.  She's amazing.  Enough said. I can't wait for this one! (Although, I'll be honest... I don't really like the cover.  It looks old and lame.  Let's not judge, ok?)

Have you read any of these?  Thoughts? Comments?  Check out more reading lists (I'm sure I'll add twenty titles to this) on Kelly's blog here.

P.S. My tooth is feeling MUCH better these days!  There is still a little pain, but a root canal is looking less and less likely.  THANK YOU for your prayers and sweet comments - I know it is small in the grand scheme of things, but it has been a big deal to me this week. AND... My first big shower is tomorrow! I'm SO excited!  (Look for pictures and an update on Sunday.)

Book Club: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Calling all readers!!!  Today, we're talking about Garth Stein's novel The Art of Racing in the Rain.

(Want more information about the book and/or my club?  Just click here.)

Tonight, I'm having a real live book club at my house... It's going to be full of girls, dogs (maybe), wine, cheese, talking, crying (in a good way), and giggling.  I can't wait!

Here's what we'll be discussing tonight: (These questions mostly came from the author & publisher with some of my own adaptation.)

1.) On a scale of 1 - 10, how would you rate this book?  Why?

2.) Some early readers of the novel have observed that viewing the world through a dog's eyes make for a greater appreciation of being human.  Do you agree with this?  Why do you think this is?

3.) In one of the books darkest moments, one of Zoe's stuffed animals -- the zebra -- comes to life and threatens Enzo.  Why do you think the author included this scene?  What does the zebra symbolize?

4.) How would this story be different if a human character (like Denny) had told it?

5.) In the first chapter, Enzo says: "It's what's inside that's important.  The soul.  And my soul is very human."  How does Enzo's situation -- a human trapped in a dog's body -- influence his opinions about what he sees around him?  How do you feel about the ideas of reincarnation and karma as Enzo defines them?

6.) Do you find yourself looking at your own dog differently after reading this novel?  How?

7.) In the book, we get glimpses into the mindset and mentality of a race car driver.  What parallels can you think of between the art of racing and the art of living?

8.) Do you think this book is strictly for animal/dog lovers?  Would you recommend this to someone who doesn't have a pet?

SO... If you read, and you can't get to Roanoke tonight, you can still be a part of our discussion! 

To join my Blog Book Club, simply copy & paste these questions into your own blog post, answer them, & then link up below.  OR... Just leave your thoughts on the book in today's comment section! 

I'll be back with my responses tomorrow!  (I don't want to spoil it for my real-life friends that will be here tonight!)

Can't wait to see what you thought...

Neither can Addy... 

How much does she look like the dog on the cover?  That had NOTHING to do with my book selection, I assure you... ;)

Zedonk, Book Club, and New Blog Hop

Sunday morning, as I got dressed in the hotel room with Jeff and my parents (what can I say? I'm cheap!), a very important news story came on the TV.  It seems that a ZeDonk (zebra & donkey hybrid), has been born on a farm in Georgia. 

Credit

Have you ever seen anything cuter (or trendier - zebra leggings anyone?) than this?!? I was fascinated,  especially with the host's question "Now, did this happen randomly or have the donkey and zebra been dating for a while?" I LOVE it!

Then, as I called to Jeff to come see this, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  And... What do you know?  I was DRESSED LIKE A ZEDONK!  Made.my.day.

I see this quickly becoming a top trend for Fall 2010 Fashion!

.....

... In other animal-related news... I finished the book The Art of Racing in the Rain for book club on August 20th.  It was excellent!!  (Made me cry, of course, but I enjoyed every second of it.  It TOTALLY confirmed many of my suspicions about the way Addy thinks and sees life - I love her even more now!!)  If you haven't started yet and want to join in, it's not too late!  It is a quick and easy read so... just do it!

.....

Finally... I am REALLY excited to announce my new blog hop: Mid-Week Laughs!!!

Button courtesy of TriciaNae Designs... Grab code coming tomorrow!

Are you tired and grouchy by Wednesday afternoon?  Does the weekend seem ALL too far away?  Could you use a GOOD LAUGH?  That's what Mid-Week Laughs is all about... Take a minute, sit back, and enjoy a good, hearty, brings-tears-to-your-eyes, belly laugh.  It's good for the soul!

Come back tomorrow and link up YOUR post telling...

__________________ makes me laugh about WEDDINGS!

I can't wait!!!

Don't forget to enter yesterday's $50 CSN Stores Giveaway HERE. Open until Sunday!