Book Haul

 

At my last trip to Frames and More Used Book Store these are the books I bought:

The Complete Idiots Guide to The Reformation and Protestantism: I am about half way through this book, and have found it to be quite interesting. I’m highlighting, and taking notes as I go. 

I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel: I’ve stared this little book and have found it to be delightful reading, especially if you are a book lover. 

Ronald Reagan The Notes: After visiting the Reagan Presidential library I was intrigued when I found this book. It is a collection of quotes and ideas that influenced Ronald Reagan. I haven’t had a chance to read this one yet. 

Once Upon a Wardrobe

 

I’ve never actually read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, but I have seen the movie. I remember leaving the theater feeling quite moved.

Recently I picked up a copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan (At Ollie’s, which I have recommended as a source for affordable books before.)

I must say I haven’t enjoyed a book so much as this one in quite a while. Once again its unique story line is what helped make it so enjoyable. If you’ve read enough books you begin to notice that many of them are pretty formulaic, and you begin to lose interest right away. 

Not so with this book. Along with the unique plot is the quality of the writing. Callahan is a gifted writer, and this talent made the book hard to put down. 

I don’t want to give too much away, but you will learn more about C.S. Lewis’ life along with falling in love with a cast of fictional characters as well. 

After reading this I knew I needed to actually read Lewis’ tale of the mystical land of Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which was published initially six years before my birth. 

I was also intrigued by Patti Callahan book Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Although, in researching it I learned that it is a fictional account of Lewis and his wife’s relationship. I’m not quite sure how I feel about that, but I do know that Callahan’s  writing style would probably not disappoint. 

I’m curious if anyone has read any of the books mentioned in this posting, and what your thoughts are?

Couldn’t Finish It

 I’ve been plowing through The Engineer’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood for quite a while now. I started it several months ago,and ended up putting it back on the shelf. 

After finishing my last book, I thought I’d give it another try. Now don’t get me wrong, it actually is an interesting book, and I have learned a lot about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as the state of women’s rights during the suffrage movement.

That being said I just couldn’t really get into the story. I ended up checking Wikipedia to see how the story played out. I wish I could have finished it, but I’m ready to move on. 

I’m pretty sure I’m going to read The Women by Kristen Hannah next. She has been one of my new favorite authors, and my daughter gave me a copy of the book for my birthday this summer. 

(Update: I ended up finishing it, and did enjoy it.)

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel

 

I recently finished a very interesting book by Douglas Brunt ( the husband of Megyn Kelly). It is the story behind the man who invented the Diesel engine, and is entitled The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel.

It takes place at the turn of the 20th century, and aligns itself with other famous inventors like Edison and Ford. However, prior to reading this book I had no idea that diesel, which I thought of as fuel and semi trucks, was named after an actual person. 

What is the mystery of Diesel was what actually happened to him? I don’t want to say too much as to spoil the content of the book, but if you are a lover of history you will find this book interesting. 

Book Village

Can you imagine a small village of 400 people having seven bookstores!  Why it would be a bibliophile’s dream. Apparently there really is a place like this- Hobart, New York!

https://www.facebook.com/CBSSundayMorning/videos/525866409973162/

Home Library

 “A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.”

Henry Ward Beecher

The Book of Cold Cases

 

This is the second book by Simone St. James that I have read. She definitely writes a good ghost story if that’s your cup of tea.

This story follows the lives of crime blog writer Shea Collins and former accused murder subject Beth Greer. As their paths intertwine the truth comes to light about who the true culprit is of a series of crimes committed in the seventies. 

Who is actually the Lady Killer? The answer might be a little unbelievable! 

Demon Copperhead

With a name like Demon Copperhead what would you expect? I actually chose this book because I had heard good things about it. It was an Oprah pick and had even won a Pulitzer Prize. 

Now I’m not saying this isn’t an excellent book, and that at an earlier time in my life I might have actually finished it. What I will say is this …I think I’ve been on an Appalachian streak, and I’m ready to get off the train. This book was just not for me. 

First I watched Hillbilly Elegy, then I read All the Pretty Things, a memoir by Edie Wadsworth, and now Demon Copperhead. The common theme of all three being Appalachia, poverty, addiction, and horrible childhoods. 

I read 150 pages into it until I said no more. I’m hoping poor little Damon finally gets a break like JD Vance and Edie, but I don’t have it in me to find out. 

I think I need to stick with mysteries which actually have endings, and I’ll save the Pulitzer Prizes for a younger audience who can pay attention longer than thirty minutes. (And that’s only with the help of a timer, and a strong dose of self-discipline.)

I’ll tell you one thing, though, I’ve learned, is if I ever think back on my childhood and come up with a grievance I need to repent on the spot. My childhood was a dream compared to those three young children. (Two real, and one fictional.)

Have you read it, and if you have maybe you could let me know how it turned out. 

(My first clue should have been that it was modern day remake of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I must admit after fifty-one years that I never actually read The Adventures of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens my junior year of high school. However, I did write an entire research paper as if I did. In fact, I’m pretty sure I made an A on that said paper. It was actually out of character for me, but I was bored to tears. Although, I loved to read, literature was never my go to. I made sure to study history in college vs English.)

All The Pretty Things

 I just finished reading a memoir by Edie Wadsworth called All the Pretty Things.

Edie is a medical doctor by trade who left the profession to homeschool her children, and began her own business as a Christian life coach.

I began reading her blog over ten years ago, but then stopped for many years. Recently I started listening to her podcast House of Joy. I’ve learned a lot from her teachings, and highly recommend checking her out. 

I remember when she was writing her memoir, but had never read it. I ordered it through my new favorite book site, Thrift Books. I’ve ordered several books at rock bottom prices from this site, and one of the books I received was even a signed copy!

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Edie had an early upbringing similar to the one JD Vance had in Hillbilly Elegy. It’s remarkable all that she has achieved, and the impact she has made in the lives of those she touches. 

Edie’s writing style is quite good, and although her life was not easy her story is a story of redemption. Her journey in her Christian faith has been has played a pivotal role in her life, and her insight is helpful to many. 

I’ve decided that my curious, dare I say nosy, nature makes the genre of memoir right up my alley. I’m going to make a point to read more.

Have you read any good memoirs?

Another Non-ending Book

 

Well I’ve come to the conclusion that there must be a new genre of books-the non-ending book. 

Last week I began reading a book by author Shari Lapena. I must say I was somewhat attracted to it because the author spells her first name like mine. 

The book, Everyone Here is Lying is a mystery book, and it definitely was a page turner that kept me coming back for more. I’ve decided that mystery might just be the phase I’m in right now. Twists and turns and very little filler seem to hold my attention. 

Except when you get to the end, and the book basically has no real ending. I’m not even talking potential sequel- you know “Same bat time, same bat channel” like ending. 

About ten pages from the end of the book I was all ready to hop in the car and get another one of her books from the library. Now I’m in no rush. 

The other book that had a non-ending was All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers. At the time after reading her book I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt for ending it the way she did. 

Now I’m thinking ending a book without a real ending is just an easy way out. If a reader is going to invest dollars and time into a book the author should pony up with a decent ending. I’m curious why editors are allowing this to happen?

Have you read any books like this lately? 

One Italian Summer

 I just finished reading One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. This is the second book of hers that I have read. The first one, In Five Years actually made my disappointed list. However, unlike the first book I felt like this one stayed on point, and was an intriguing concept. 

To be honest I think I picked it mainly because of its size. I’ve been using name 30 minute/ two week rule and have been pleased to have read faithfully so much fiction this year. 

The story is about a young woman who loses her mother to cancer. They had planned a trip to Italy, and Katie decides to take the trip on her own. 

While there she meets a younger version of her mother, and learns not only more about her mother’s life, but her own. It is a sweet read about the love of a mother and a daughter. 

A quote that resonated with me was,

“The difference between being good and bad at something is just interest.”

The Sundown Motel

 

I’m giving The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James two thumbs up. I’m beginning to realize that I really enjoy a good mystery. Throw in a ghost or two, and this story was quite compelling. It follows the lives of two women whose lives are intertwined in more ways than one.  With its twists and turns you’ll find it to be quite a page turner. I highly recommend this one. This is an author I’ll definitely check out further. 

The Courage Tree

 

Well I’ve started a new reading routine, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I’m setting a timer on my phone, and reading for thirty minutes every day. I’ve found that I can easily finish an average-sized fiction book in the two week period I have it checked out from the library. 

Last week I finished up Diane Chamberlain’s, The Courage Tree. This is the third book of hers that I have read, and I’ve enjoyed all three. The other two were Big Lies in a Small Town and The Last House on the Street in case you are interested. 

The Courage Tree is a story of a young girl suffering from late stage kidney disease. Her mother has enrolled her in an unproven clinical trial using natural herbs. Although, her daughter seems to be making progress no other family members are in agreement with the treatment. 

The story begins when Sophie, the young girl, does not return from a weekend Girl Scout outing. It’s a race against the clock to locate Sophie before she needs her next treatment and dialysis. Of course, know one even knows if she is actually alive. 

Another twist between another mother and daughter is also intertwined into the story, along with a budding romance. One of the things I really like about Chamberlain’s writing style is the ease in which she tells a story. You are not bogged down by things that don’t really matter. I call that filler, and it never holds my attention for long. She definitely writes a story you want to return to. 

I highly recommend The Courage Tree for an enjoyable read. 

Books, Books, Books

 If you are a bibliophile like me, a person who collects or has a great love of books, then you know that you can never have too many books. 

However, if you are a penny pincher like me you might look for more affordable options to obtaining books. 

I’ve created a list of possible places to find books:

Library

Library book sales, and free book give aways

Thrift and antique stores

Book swaps

Little Free Libraries- often found in community neighborhoods or parks

Friends- other book lovers

Ollie’s-Stephenville 

5 Below

Walmart

Target

Barnes and Noble

Half Price Books

Independent Bookstores (I’ve reviewed several of these in prior posts)

Walmart Preowned Books-online

Online Discover Books

No excuse bibliophiles fir not adding to your collection. You know what they say- so many books, so few shelves!

The Creativity Cure

 

“I am creative. I am an artist. I am creating my life.”  Jacob Nordby

You may not know this about me, but I’m basically obsessed with any kind of book about creativity. My bookshelves are overflowing with this genre, and I am always on the hunt for another creativity tome. 

Recently I read, The Creativity Cure by Jacob Norby. His premise is that as we grew up we left behind that innate creativity that was part of our childhood. We “traded” it as he says for predictability and responsibility. 

He places a lot of the blame on our educational system which initially was  formed to create good little factory workers. The need for factory workers today may not be as great, but our allegiance to standardized testing pretty much ends with the same result. 

Perhaps it was some adult in your past that pointed out your failings in things like music, art or dance? For me it was the B in art class in Jr. High which kept me off the A honor roll. Sadly, I never took another art class in my public school career again. 

It wasn’t until I reached college when I was required to take art for my elementary education degree, that I remembered how much I loved it. Between Art Appreciation, Design, an art methods class, and then a class that included cartooning I was in my element. 

Being an elementary school teacher always gave me the opportunity to be creative, and to encourage my students to do the same. I really miss having that impact on those budding young creatives. 

Norby states that the three enemies of creativity are “socialization, traumatic experience, and rejection.” Definitely for me the fear of criticism, aka rejection, often held me back from really stretching my creativity wings. What if my art work, singing voice, or writing were not up to par? What would others think?

Luckily, according to Norby this innate creativity is never really lost. It’s just buried below years of denial. He even states that creativity is actually your birthright.

He emphasizes joy as the route to recapture this long forgotten birthright. “Joy and creativity go together. Joy is your guide and creativity is the method by which you travel.”

Norby encourages pursuing joy to help determine what really matters to you. Just like that well known geometrical principle of the shortest distance between two lines, joy takes you from where you are to where you want to go.

The Creativity Cure includes several exercise to spark creativity. From setting limits to welcoming randomness each idea allows your imagination to roam free. 

He includes Julia Cameron’s Artist Dates (I have included a whole list of ideas in the prior blog post.), not allowing should and shouldn’ts to get in the way, and encourages you to become the ‘author of your own life.” 

Norby’s cure is full of all kinds of creative activities that will allow you to unearth your true creative self. 

“Joy arises from the expression of our true nature.” Jacob Norby

The Mother of All Libraries

 Last Friday my husband and I made a trip back to Frisco. We had moved to the Frisco area in 1985 and to Frisco proper in 1993. I remember finding it unusual that the small town did not actually have a library of its own. I would travel to Plano, the next town over, to check out books for the week for both me and my classroom. 

As more people moved to the area there was a push from some of the newcomers to start a public library. The initial library was a small storefront on Main Street. I remember helping kick off the summer reading program by reading to the kids at the inaugural event. 

From there the library moved to a larger building near Bicentennial Park. The collection of books grew, and I once had the opportunity to speak before The Friends of the Library about my lifelong love of libraries. My daughter participated many summers in the great programming provided by the library. 

After city hall was built on the Frisco Square the library was housed in one half of the building. This was a beautiful multi-floored space with a wonderful collection of books. I was asked to come read once again to a group of children when the library celebrated its 25 year old anniversary.  I spent many a day pursuing books and hanging out in this inviting space. 

After I left Frisco in 2017 brand new library opened. I knew when we were returning to Frisco for a visit that we would have to check out the new library. I was completely taken aback when I walked through the front door and entered the library for the first time. 

I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Along with a full-sized replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex right in the middle, the library boasted lighted shelves, collaborative work areas, a 3D printing area, a Book Shop for the sale of preowned books, and a separate play area similar to a Play Street Museum or the children. Rows and rows of shelves held a large collection of books. 

As I walked around I could actually imagine all the hours I would have spent there if I still lived in Frisco. I’m hoping the people of Frisco realize what a crown jewel they have right at their fingertips. Believe me, not every community is so fortunate. I know live in a rural community where are libraries are much more modest. 

I must say that the library visit was one of the highlights of my day. That and the BBQ from Rudy’s!

The Library is Always Greener

(This was actually written on March 4, 2023, but was accidentally held in draft form for almost a year. I did want to share it, though.)

Every time I move to a new community one of the first things I do is check out the library. My love affair with libraries has been life-long, and I anxiously look forward to getting my new library card. 

When I moved to De Leon I checked out our local library. Predictably it was more on the smaller side, but it appeared

to have a really good collection of fiction. Our local librarian was quite helpful in suggesting a few authors I had never read before. 

My only real complaint was that the non-fiction section of the library was underwhelming. Over the last ten years or so I have been drawn more to non-fiction and generally depend on the library for current best sellers, rather than spend my own money on these titles. 

About a month or so ago I met the head librarian of the Comanche Public Library at a community event. I shared with her my disappointment about the nonfiction at my local library, and she encouraged me to visit the Comanche Library. Apparently since I live in the county I’m eligible to use their library as well. 

I was happy to find that their nonfiction section was indeed larger. However, compared to the city libraries I was used to it still wasn’t quite up to par. 

So somehow in my mind I decided that the Dublin Library that I passed each week on the way to church each Sunday must be the best library around. This was based mostly on the fact that the building itself looked relatively new, so obviously it must be better. 

Well I had the opportunity to visit the library, and found it pretty much on par with my town’s library. As I walked away I reflected on how easy it is to just assume something that may have no basis at all. Because I wanted the Dublin Library to be better I held onto that belief with no real evidence of it being true. 

So right now I’m reading a really good fiction book from my local library. This new to me author has written many books, and my library seems to have them all. If I’m interested in non-fiction I can always drop by the Comanche Library or invest in the book of interest. 

I probably could put in a request for a book or even take advantage of an on-line service provided by my library. What I want to come away with here is that wishing something is so doesn’t actually make it so. 

Appreciating what you have, and looking for real solutions is probably the better way. 

All Good People Here

 

As you probably know I’ve been having a love/hate relationship with fiction the last several year. I’m not sure if it’s because I can’t seem to stay focused for any length of time anymore, or if I’ve just read so many books in my life I find myself easily bored with a predictable plot. 

Occasionally I do come across one that peaks my interest. I have given myself permission, though, to stop reading if I don’t really like it after a few chapters. 

A couple of weeks ago I checked out All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers. I did find it quite compelling from the start, and ended up finishing it in a week. That rarely happens anymore. 

I’m including a synopsis of the story from the New York Times below:

 “In the propulsive debut novel from the host of the #1 true crime podcast Crime Junkie, a journalist uncovers her hometown’s dark secrets when she becomes obsessed with the unsolved murder of her childhood neighbor-and the disappearance of another girl twenty years later.”

I found the similarity to the Jon Bennet Ramsey case to be intriguing. There were definitely a lot of twists and turns along the way. I had no trouble staying interested, and returned to the book often throughout the week. 

That being said, the ending was quite different than what you would expect. I can’t say I liked it particularly, but you may feel differently. However, I still think the book holds merit to be read, and I did enjoy reading it.