Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Did you ever have to read Mythology in high school?  I had to, and I didn't love it.  I thought it was interesting, but I just couldn't get into the stories like I could other books.

However, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is fantastic!  Obviously this book isn't intended for a 26 year old woman to read, but it is wonderful.  It's fast-paced, page turning adventure that everyone loves.  I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would.  I read it because a lot of my students are reading it, but it turned out so much better than I ever imagined.

If you want a fantasy, easy to read, entertaining book this is a great one!  And it's a series of 5, plus Rick Riordan just came out with the first book in a new series that is a spin-off of this series.

Happy reading!

There is No Me Without You

This is another book I have not read yet, but plan on reading in the very near future.  This is a book about an Ethiopian woman who loses her husband and daughter, and then reluctantly decides to take in two AIDS orphans.  This sparks other orphans to start appearing at her door, and before long, an orphanage has started.  Written by a journalist, it is a non-fiction book with a story like appeal.  This book was recommended to me by someone who is in the process of adoption, and told me that I should read it since my husband (Justin) and I are hoping to adopt in the near future.

I think this is going to end up being one of my all-time favorite books, so go pick it up and read it!  I'll let you know once I've read it if it lives up to the hype I have created for it in my mind.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria

I finished this book today.  First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria is the author, Eve Brown-Waite's, personal journey through Ecuador and Uganda.  She begins as a Peace Corps volunteer, falling in love with her recruiter.  She leaves for her two- year commitment in Ecuador, but leaves early due to unexpected circumstances.  However, she gets a second chance at third-world living when her husband gets a job offer in Uganda.

The book is funny and interesting, but at times drags.  I enjoyed it and finished it, but I didn't love it.  It's not a book that I would re-read, or that I would consider one of my favorite books.  If you like to travel, or enjoy reading about others travels, you'll enjoy it.  Be warned, there is some cussing.  Not a ton, but the occasional word seeps in.  So if you're looking for a personal account of life in a third-world country that's funny, yet whiney, pick it up.

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.