The Giver by Lois Lowry

I just read this book last week. I'm wondering if any of the rest of you have read it. It's good but has some sad things in it, too. I'm wondering of those of you who have read it, what you took away from the ending. Hope or doom?

Shopaholic Ties the Knot

When I started reading this one I was pleasantly surprised at its cleverness and cuteness but honestly, I can't finish it. The main character is way too deceiving of herself and others. She doesn't seem like a real person at all. It was funny the first couple of times, but then I just wanted to slap her. I would never be friends with someone like this, much less ever identify with this character.

August Rush

In a world of movies that make me think that all men are lustful pigs and that life is full of violence and coldness (Beowulf), I'm glad that there are movies that make me think that life will turn out okay and that love will conquer and that the power of music can bring about miracles (August Rush). Now, I understand that someone could make fun of the whole movie for its fairy tale properties, but as for me, it gave me a much needed lift and I loved it! Not to mention that everyone loves Keri Russell.

This is what happens when my hubby goes out of town

Hey gals! I've finished 4 books in the last week. One I had already half-read and the others I started and finished. No, I don't have time to read, believe me-- I don't go around looking for things to do or books to read. (Would it be such a crime to be living a life like that???....sounds nice) But while Kyle is out of town, I have my evenings to myself and choose to devour books instead of laundry, painting the bathroom, doing geneology, or baking my bread. (I'll let you decide which of those things I really do. :-) As it turns out, I sacrifice my sleep for reading-- it's my official escape from the world. I really do need to stop.

Book #1: Finding Noel-- already posted about it

Book #2 The Red Tent. Maybe you find it abominable that I read this-- I didn't know what it was about, but heard mention it was an interesting read. I just love historical fiction. If anything, it got me excited about reading the Bible. In a nut shell, it's the authors fictional take of the story of Dinah and her mothers and aunties (leah, rachel, zilpha, Bilhah). Dinah was Jacob's only daughter and it is really a fascinating read.

Book #3: Specials (third book in the Uglies series)-- good read. Still liked the first one the best. It was the most realistic for me. I was disappointed there wasn't more romance, but that's me.

Book 4: Christmas Box-- another Evans book. Quick read. I could have read it the last time I was waiting at the doctor's office. Touching. Not as good as Finding Noel. Sent me the message that I should worry less about housework, the stresses of my church calling, and just enjoy my little ones while I can.

On deck:

The Sisterhood: Inside the Lives of Mormon Women by Dorothy Allred Solomon-- you can imagine my surprise to see this book in a special spot on the shelf at my library showcased, "New Book This Week!" -- Never expected a book like this to come to my little library. In any case, I glanced through it just to make sure I wasn't being taken by an Anti author, and checked it out. I'll let you know.

The Letter and The Locket by Richard Paul Evans --hopefully I'll like them as much as Finding Noel.

Does watching a great tv series also count like reading a good book? I just finished Smallville season 6 that Liz bought me for my birthday. And MMMMmmmmm, Tom Welling is dee-lish! I still think he would look like John if he was bald. Season 6 was great! Lex turns even more evil, Lana can't make up her stupid mind who she loves and Chloe is more adorable than ever. The Green Arrow makes his appearance and Lois falls in love with him. The overall plot was awesome and very "Smallville-ish". I was told that it was dark and more violent, but in my personal opinion it was one of the better seasons and didn't strike me as dark really. I'm not saying you should rush out and buy it, but it is a great season to add to my other ones. Clark Kent was kind of a wuss in the beginning, but he turned out to save the day in the end. He is still very cute but doesn't really pass for a twenty year old. Isn't he around my age? Anyway, LOVED this season and I give it five stars!

Finding Noel

I've not read any of Richard Paul Evan's books. Now I wonder why it took me so long to find him! This book was such an easy, pleasant, and uplifting read!!! I don't want to say what it's about-- just get it and expect to finish it in a sitting or two. It's not a self-help, so please, help yourself and get it! Okay-- I'll give you a little something to go on-- it's written mostly in the perspective of a young man from Huntsville, AL who is out in Utah. After a series of unfortunate events he hits rock bottom, but meets a woman who changes (and saves) his life. It's the sweetest story.

Evans is also the author of the Christmas Box and several other novels. I checked my library out of every single one I could cram in my purse. I'll let you know about the rest!

Also, if any of you want the next books in the "Uglies" series, I have Pretties and am almost done with Specials. I'm happy to mail them to anyone that wants them. They still aren't as good as Uglies. That one so far is my favorite.

The Enchanted April

I first saw The Enchanted April as a play. It was not the most exciting play; Adam fell asleep beside me. I thought it was interesting, though, and now getting around to reading the book after Michelle recommended it, I really liked it! It's about some suppressed British wives who go on a holiday in Italy without their husbands and discover new life within themselves. They blossom. Parts of it felt so genuine to me. Like how our relationships with our spouses just build on every little encounter--either uniting our hearts or driving them apart. The wives end up asking their husbands to join them and the medieval castle works some magic on them....

Now is anyone else going to post about what they're reading????