You Know a Book is Good When....

right after you finish you want to turn right back to page one and reread it just so it doesn't have to be over.

I just got around to reading The Help (Kathryn Stockett). I loved it. I have this problem with books that the characters suck me in and in some crazy fiction realm they become my friends. This book was no exception. The author describes such detail that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book.

Not only did I find it enjoyable in that I-can't-put-it-down kind of way, but it inspired me to do a better job of just loving people. I think I'm ok at it but I think that is part of my personality that I don't give a lot of effort to. I feel inspired to love people, if this makes any sense at all, in a sturdier, quieter, deep in my character kind of way. That's what Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter taught me.

Read it and meet my friends. And if you have read it, read it again just to spend time with some inspiring friends.

The Year of Living Biblically

The Year of Living Biblically is on my "to be read" list.  However, I thought I'd post it because it seems incredibly interesting and enjoyable.  A.J. Jacobs does his best to live according to the Old Testament law for an entire year.  A great concept, and what I'm sure is a fabulous read.  If your into non-fiction, documentary type books this is a one to pick up.  Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Outliers

My dad recommended Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell to me a year or so ago.  I was familiar with Gladwell because my husband, Justin, had read another one of his books, Blink, for a class.  This is a great non-fiction book.  It's all about why people who are successful, are successful.  What makes someone find success over someone else.  What makes these people different.  Hence the title, Outliers.  It's really interesting, and a pretty easy read.  I admittedly haven't read it completely, but what I have read is great.  If you want an informative, non-fiction book, this is a great choice.  Enjoy!

The Mysterious Benedict Society

This is a great fiction book.  It's technically young adult literature, and you'll find it in the kids section of any bookstore.  However, don't let that fool you!  It's actually a really fabulous book.  And it's the first book of a trilogy!  So if you love it, you get two more books to read.  This really is a great book, and an easy read.  If you are bogged down and need a stress free book, this is a great choice.

Pledged

I read Pledged by Alexandra Robbins awhile ago. It is a great book. Robbins pledges a sorority somewhere in the South, and basically writes about what she sees and hears from her sorority sisters. It's really insightful, though sometimes tough to read because of some of the activities that the girls partake in. It's definitely a real world perspective on sororities- so be prepared. However, if you enjoy documentary type books this is a good one to pick up.

Girl Meets God

I read this book for the first time in college. I absolutely loved it. This is my type of book. It's a memoir, and it's very personal. Lauren F. Winner is an orthodox Jew who converts to Christianity. This book is all about her spiritual journey. It is brilliant. It's funny, insightful, personal, and thoughtful.

I am re-reading it right now for my church book club that I'm in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys memoirs, especially religious and/or cultural ones. Enjoy!

Columbine

Columbine, by Dave Cullen

Very detailed inside facts that the author spent 10 years researching. It so eye opening and really reveals a lot of things the media made wrong and gives a very close picture of both boys lives/minds/ and plans. Its over 300 pages, but I read it in a day and half. Obviously non-fiction, but ready easily.