Bookworm 4.0

So it has been since January of 2014 since I have posted about books!! With school starting in the summer of 2014, I didn't really get that much time to read for fun. Plus, I began reading the Outlander series, so that consumed my free reading time for about 2 years! So here we go. . . 

1. The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

It has been so long since I read the first and second book in this trilogy, that I honestly can't remember too terribly much about the plot. What I do recall is that the main character is a witch, there is travel through time (with her vampire boyfriend), and I loved the books! I recently purchased the third and final book in the series and plan to reread books one and two so that I can refresh on the story line and finish the series.

2-9. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

This series is amazing! It is so well written and you are very easily able to fall in love with the main characters. It is the story of a woman who accidentally time travels to Scotland in the 1700's (her time is approximately 1946 ish). There is so much to this story throughout the eight books that I don't feel I can really sum it up in a short paragraph, so I'm not going to try. I highly recommend this series. It is quite the undertaking because each book is quite lengthy, but it is well worth the time. It took me two years to finish the series, but I could have finished sooner had I not been in school at the time. It is also now a series on Stars, I think, so you can check that out as well!

10. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This book was okay. The main character, Louisa Clark, is likable and you grow to love Will Traynor, the quadriplegic man she takes care of for 6 months. It is a fairy predictable book, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.  I chose to rad this one because they recently released a movie based on the book. I will likely rent the movie when it comes out, and I generally like to have read the book before seeing the movie. 

11. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

I decided to read this because there had been a significant amount of hype over it. I had heard that if you liked Gone Girl, you would enjoy this book.  Well, I thought Gone Girl was okay, so I read this one. I was never really into this book.  I kept reading just so that I could figure out the twist of the book, but I didn't ever feel invested in the story. 

12-14. Fifty Shades Trilogy by E. L. James

I put off reading these for quite some time. I always said I would never read them because they were trashy and not worth my time. After talking with a friend who had read them 3x through, I decided to read the first couple chapters of the first book to see what the hype was about. Well. . . I was hooked. As everyone has said who has tried to convince me to read these, the story line is actually really good! I was intrigued by Christian Grey's story and wanted to learn more about what happened to him in his childhood. I became interested in the love story between him and Anastasia. I couldn't put these down! The down side of these books are that the writing is not great. In the couple of books, the main character says "Jeez" so many times I could just punch her. There is also a lot that could be discussed about her whole world seeming to revolve around a man, but why think so much about higher end trashy novels? 

Up next I plan to read Escape by Carolyn Jessup and Laura Palmer that talks about leaving a polygamist lifestyle. One of my guilty pleasures is watching Sister Wives once in a while and so I was intrigued by this book. I also plan to read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg since it came highly recommended by my soon to be SIL. And the book One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First year at Harvard Law School by Scott Turow. I've seen it on multiple reading lists for different law schools, so I'll give it a whorl. 

Happy reading!

This week at the CR Jackson household . . . 2.0

This has been a fairly productive week for us.  We filed our taxes, I finished my FAFSA, we cleaned, spent much needed time with friends, and I gave the dog a bath. It seems a bit more impressive in my head than written out. . . 

Last Sunday I was getting a bit of cabin fever and was able to convince Ben to do a mini-date of browsing at the used book store and grabbing a coffee.  We found a book on growing a small garden that we purchased because we plan to do a raised garden of sorts in our backyard (and hopefully lots of canning!!!! With the help of my mother-in-law hopefully!).  Ben also found a book of ideas on how to integrate technology in the elementary music classroom which is something he is very interested in.  I struggled to find something that I found interesting, so as we on our way up to the register to pay, I grabbed the book Half the Sky: How to Change the World, and it has turned out to be AWESOME.  It is truly heartbreaking, but also inspiring.  I highly recommend picking it up!  Not pictured is my oober awesome Sound of Music record that I picked up! 

^^ This little tooty has been enjoying the spring weather.  He knocks on the door alllllll the time so he can go out and tree squirrels, bask in the sunlight, and do whatever it is that doggies do.  He has also enjoyed more frequent walks since it is not below zero and grody out.  

Since it is changing seasons and we are emerging from hibernation, Ben and I are putting our heads together on how to decorate our home/clean it up/improve it.  We are going to paint our living room/dining nook/entry way (all one area) and have narrowed it down to our paint choices.  We are also going to paint our bedroom so it no longer looks like a tampon box.  We also are going to remove the bajillion cans of paint we inherited with the house, along with the crappy, smelly, broken furniture the previous owner left behind.  We want to get our garage cleaned out and made into a nice and organized space.  We are going to organize our downstairs pantry (once all the paint cans are removed).  We are going to go through the spare bedroom closet and get rid of things we no longer need.  We are having a yard sale at some point in Hamilton with Ma.  So excited to continue de-fluffing our junk.

I often find myself daydreaming about where we were a year ago.  Mostly because I miss the people we met in Dubai and the bond we shared with them.  On our way home from Dubai, I was sobbing in the airport and when Ben asked why, I told him it was because I was really going to miss my dear friend, Soha.  I still shed a tear every once in a while for those I miss.  Naomi, Casey, and David -- Ben and I both want you to move in next door to us, please.  We miss our nights of conversation and cards!  :)  

Anyway, in looking back at pictures on Facebook from this time of year in 2013, these are a few of my favorite pictures:

Naomi and I showed up to work wearing the same outfit.
We did not plan it. :)

Wonderful people

<3

I miss sharing shisha. . . 

SKY DIVING! Most awesome experience EVER!

I don't think he is having any fun.

I would love a pet camel!

I think one day Ben and I will again be abroad.  It may be Dubai again, it may be somewhere completely different.  Until then, we have wonderful memories with amazing people from our time in the desert.

Bookworm 3.0

It has been some time since I have documented my latest reads, so I think I shall use today to do that.  If I can remember what, exactly, I have read. . . 

1. The Fever Series by Karen Moning

I have previously mentioned this series and am doing so yet again.  If you want to dive into a world of Fae and other sort of mysterious beings, read this!  It has made my all time favorite series list and nothing can ever seem to top it.  Once you start reading this series it will be hard to put it down.  Moning is excellent at keeping you on your toes which can lead to 2 a.m. reading benders that make the 6 a.m. alarm an unwelcome nuisance.  

2.  The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman by Margot Mifflin

I have always been interested in the history and stories of Native Americans.  This books tells the story of Olive Oatman (obviously), who was taken by a tribe of Native Americans who eventually traded to the Mohaves whom she lived with for four or five years before being introduced back into white society.  During her time with the Mohaves, they tattooed Olive's face and it is speculated they accepted her into their tribe as one of their own.  Reading about her life was incredibly interesting.  I believe there is some show or movie regarding her story.  Could be interesting!

3.  The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This book was suggested to me by my sister-in-law.  She said it was the scariest book she had ever read, so of course I was intrigued.  This book is about a father and son who are trying to survive in post-apocalyptic world.  I don't believe we ever learn what really happened, but fires burned much of what once was and people have turned into homicidal cannibals.  This father and son duo are working their way to the coast where the father has hopes that life will be better there.  The have multiple encounters with other people in which the son reminds his father how to be compassionate and, well, human.  This is a dark book and a haunting read, but was definitely worth my time.  Thank you, SIL, for the suggestion!

4.  I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb

This was an okay book about a set of identical twins and their trials in dealing with one-another.  Thomas is a paranoid schizophrenic and Dominick struggles to come to terms with his brother's changing mental condition.  Many reviews said it was a book you couldn't put down, but I wasn't overly impressed.  It was just alright.

5.  The Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver

This was an interesting series.  It wasn't as gripping as The Fever Series, but I still struggled to go to bed at a decent hour after picking it up.  In this dystopian society, it is believed that there is one cause of all irrational behavior, violence, etc. - love.  Lucky for them, they found a cure.  Essentially, a lobotomy.  One you reach a certain age you are to undergo the procedure.  Sometimes, people are 'infected' before they get the procedure and have to have the procedure early which often leads to insanity or death.  Then there are the people who escape to the Wilds.  Lena, the leading lady, has much to learn from those she encounters and has to decide for herself what her path will be.  I questioned whether this series would be worth my time at first, thinking it sounded cheesy, but it was quite good.

6.  The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

I have written about Divergent and Insurgent before, and in October of 2013, Allegiant was released, which is the third and final novel of the series.  I was very into Divergent and Insurgent, but found Allegiant to drag on a bit.  I'm glad that I read it so that I could have closure on the series, but was not a fan of some of the happenings.  This series is definitely worth your time.  It is set in a dystopian society whose structure begins to crumble.  It has many strong female characters, which I enjoyed, and offers many characters that you can love or love to hate.  

7.  World War Z by Max Brooks

Meh.  I liked the movie better.  The book jumped around to many peoples' experiences and I generally like to be able to follow a certain character throughout a book.  Wasn't bad, but not my favorite.

8.  Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Great book.  If children have that certain something, they are sent to training at a young age.  At training, they learn how to fight.  Ender was one of those special kids and proved to be the best, moving up in the ranks quickly.  There is a twist in the book that everyone said I wouldn't see coming, but I figured it out.  Still worth your time though.  

I know I have read more, but I can't remember them all. . . 

St. George's Day

As previously mentioned here, Ben and I added St. George's Day to our growing list of traditions we want to keep and follow.  We learned of St. George's Day from a Spanish friend.  He said that on said day you give the person you love a book and a single flower.  How wonderful! Since Ben and I both think that Valentine's Day is crap (you should show love to your spouse/significant other every day), and because we both LOVE to read, we penciled it in on the calendar.

Our sweet new reads and loverly flowers!

We decided to go to the book store together instead of purchasing a book beforehand.  We took about an hour looking through the books at Borders (for lack of a better option), and when we had made our decision on what to get the other we met at the cash register and showed each other our selections.  Ben chose When She Woke by Hillary Jordan, for me and I chose The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor by Mark Seal, for him. Ben also grabbed a copy of Hamlet since we will be going to the American Players Theater this fall to see it.

After we selected our books we walked to Lime Tree which is one of our favorites here in Dubai.  They have delicious desserts, interesting eats and tasty smoothies and coffee.  I love, love, love going there for breakfast! We talked about our book selections and started to mentally prepare for our big move coming up.  

After finishing breakfast, we walked to the flower shop where we picked out two flowers to take home.  The guy working wrapped them up for us and we started quoting Love Actually between us and giggling because he was taking so long.  We didn't mind, though.

Our first St. George's Day was wonderful.  It isn't actually until the 23rd, so we celebrated a bit early.  We loved searching for a book for the other and taking time to slow down.  We are already looking forward to doing this again but will go to a used book store, if possible, to search for hidden treasures.  Pearl S. Buck is one of my favorite authors and I love finding old, old copies of her books.  Bonus if they still have a dust cover! Plus, older, used books have more character.  I blame our love for used book stores on our high school teacher, Mrs. Fahey.  :)   

Happy reading!

Bookworm 2.0

True statement.

Since I read 5 1/2 books over spring break, I thought it would be a good time to do another book list! I tend to vary in what genre I choose to read, so hopefully my list is diverse enough that no matter your preference, you can find something enjoyable to you.

 

 

  1.  Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth

 

  This was an excellent, fast read suggested to me by my sister-in-law.  It takes place in London during the 1950's.  Twenty-two year old Jenny leaves her home to move into a covenant to learn to be a midwife.  She meets some very interesting women whose stories draw you in and amaze you. 

 

I quite enjoyed reading this book, which is now a mini-series on PBS, I believe.  It is well worth the time of reading!

 

 

2.  Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

 

In this book you enter a world full of demons, witches and other supernatural creatures.  Much like The Hunger Games, Carnival of Souls is a fighting match to become part of the ruling elite. Aya is already a part of the high class, but wants to write her own fate instead of having it decided for her.  Then there is Mallory who lives in the human world.  She is always on the run with her father and is soon to discover many secrets and truths about who she really is. 

This book definitely drew me in and I was highly disappointed when it ended with NO sequel currently published. . . Impatiently awaiting the 2nd book!

3.  The House of Night Series (Books 1-10) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

I really enjoy the young adult paranormal/supernatural books that have strong female characters and twists to what is typically 'believed' of vampires, werewolves, witches, etc.  This series focuses on vampires.  Instead of being purely evil or sparkly, the vampires worship their goddess, Nyx.  You are not made a vampire by a bite, but you are marked by Nyx.  After being marked you go to the House of Night which is a special school for vampires.  Not everyone is able to make the change to a vampire.  Some die before the process is complete.  Some vampires have special gifts and affinities that their goddess blessed them with.  One such vampire is Zoey Redbird.  She faces anything from boy issues to evil and darkness coming at her full-fledged.  She is 16 years old, and the writers did an excellent job of writing her character.  It is truly like you are in the mind of a 16 year old with her random thoughts and expressions. I am currently at the end of the 8th book and am still hooked!

4.  Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill, Lisa Pulitzer

I chose to read this book because I am always interested in learning about different beliefs in the world and Scientology is mentioned quite often.  More often than not I hear it brought up jokingly in reference to some kind of crazy displayed by Tom Cruise and I was interested in learning more about it instead of remaining ignorant.  This title specifically caught my attention because this girl had a 'harrowing escape' from Scientology.  Why would you need to escape?

It was hard for me to get into, and took a book or two in between to actual finish it, but it was worth my time. 

5.  The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

I absolutely heart Jennifer Lawrence!

This was an interesting and quick read. It is about a man, Pat, who was in a mental facility for quite some time due to a violent act against his wife's lover.  He is completely clueless as to how long he was in treatment and what happened with his wife.  His mom takes him out of the mental facility and he moves in with his parents.  He is a bit socially awkward and struggles with getting back in the flow of things.  Pat meets Tiffany at a supper with his best friend.  Her husband recently passed away and she, too, is living with her parents.  She begins and awkward friendship with Pat, and that friendship ultimately helps to 'fix' them. 

I really enjoyed this book, but they could have layed off the constant chant of the Eagles.  It got to the point where I would completely skip over that portion of reading because I didn't want to hear about them flapping their wings and yelling and singing the fight song. Ugh. Otherwise, it was really good!  I watched the movie after finish the book and it was quite good as well.  It didn't follow the book completely, so if you have already watched the movie you can still read the book and find new things to keep you interested.

6.  Damaged by Cathy Glass

This is a heartbreaking story about a little girl named Jodie who comes to live with Cathy and her family.  Cathy is a foster mom and has taken in troubled children many times before, but none that were quite as damaged as Jodie.  In her time with Cathy, Jodie slowly reveals the horrors that she has lived through and what has become her norm.  If you liked A Child Called It, you will likely 'enjoy' this book as well.  I say enjoy in quotations, because there is so much about this book that is NOT enjoyable.  Knowing this is based on truth just disgusts and horrifies you. 

7.  Reason to Breathe & Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan

This is a story of Emma Thomas.  Her father died in a car accident and her mother was too drugged up to take care of her, so she went to live with her aunt and uncle.  Her aunt is abusive and makes her life completely miserable.  When Evan moves into town and takes notice of Emma, things start to change. She begins to enjoy her life and to open herself up to friendships.  At home, things only get worse.  Emma eventually decides to move in with her mother after her aunt almost kills her, which ends up being another kind of disaster.  The books are definitely geared for high school kids and so I found it rather juvenile at times, but enjoyed it nonetheless.  A third book should be coming out soon and I look forward to reading more about Emma!

8.  Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

I am always intrigued to read about other people's crazy, so this book instantly caught my attention.  This is a memoir of a young reporter's struggle with a 'rare and terrifying disease,  opening a new window into the fascinating world of brain science.'  I often found the medical talk to be a bit of a snooze (and admittedly skimmed over most of it), but really enjoyed the more 'real' things revealed.

 

 

Bookworm

True statement.

I notice that quite often on Facebook people ask their 'friends' for suggestions on good books to read.  I am guilty of such a post myself, so I thought that I would put together a list of some of the books I have read recently and share some of my thoughts.  I tend to vary in what genre I choose to read, so hopefully my list is diverse enough that no matter your preference, you can find something enjoyable to you.  My current guilty pleasure are young adult series based around supernatural creatures (vampires, faeries, witches, etc.). 

So here we go!

1.  The Fever Series (Darkfever, Bloodfever, Faefever, Dreamfever, Shadowfever) by Karen Marie Moning

This is probably one of the best series that I have read since Harry Potter.  (If you don't like Harry Potter, then what the heck is wrong with you? AND forget that reference.)  It is a five book series that is told through the eyes of a strong, female character named Mac.  Her sister was killed in Dublin and she goes abroad to investigate the murder herself.  She learns that she is a sidh-seer (SHE seer) and can see/kill fae, which are taking over Dublin and murdering tons of people in the process.  I don't want to dive into details too deeply because you seriously need to read this series and find them out yourself.  The books were well written (WAY better than that Twilight crap) and hard to put down. 

2.  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A classic that never gets old. 

3.  The Vampire Academy Series (Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound, Last Sacrifice) by Richelle Mead

So these were good, and I would recommend them, but I don't see myself re-reading this like I do Harry Potter, or WILL with The Fever Series.  First off, the main character, Rose, has a thing with one of her instructors.  Rose is 17.  Dimitri, her instructor, is 25.  Uh, ewe?! Find a chick your own age, buddy!!  BUT if you look past that and pretend that Rose is in college and not high school you are able to read the series and feel a little less dirty.  I enjoyed this series because it had more to it than another vampire books I have read.  There are two different kinds of vampires: (1) Moroi - vampires who are born vampires.  No humans can become moroi. Good vampires - peaceful; (2) Strigoi - Humans and moroi can become strigoi by either force or choice.  Bad vampires - deadly.  Then there are those that are half moroi/half human that are guardians of the moroi.  They go to school to learn to kick ass and the moroi go to school to enhance their strengths.  Strigoi just kill people and each other.  All-in-all a good series, slows down around the 4th and 5th book, but picks up in the 6th. 

4.  The Immoral Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This was a very interesting read.  If you didn't know (I sure didn't. . . ), Henrietta Lacks' cells are responsible for many, many medical discoveries and breakthroughs.  Doctors took cells from a tumor on Henrietta's cervix to do tests and junk and found that her cells continued to multiply instead of die like all the other cells they had collected.  This books discusses her life and her family as well as her contribution to the medical field. 

5.  The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling

I was hoping for another brilliant book by JK and was disappointed.  I am embarrassed to admit I didn't finish this one.  I got a ways into it and still wasn't interested in the characters or what was going on.  It appears that other people have had the same troubles with the book.  There are mixed reviews and it seems people either love it or hate it.  You can give it a go and see which side you're on, but I know where I stand - at Disappointment Station!

6.  Why Me? by Sarah Burleton

This is her story of growing up with an abusive mother.  I don't remember much from reading this, but I do know I was never completely sucked in.  Many of the reviews said it was like she was fishing for sympathy, and I guess I can see that.  (Although in my opinion, if you had to suffer abuse of any kind you deserve a bit of sympathy and hopefully support!).  This book comes no where close to being as heart-wrenching and awful as A Child Called It, but was worth the quick read, I suppose.

7.  AUTHOR:  Jean Sasson 

Books I have read by Jean include: The Princess Series (Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia, Princess Sultana's Sisters, Princess Sultana's Circle) and Growing Up bin Laden: Osama's Wife and Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World

This woman writes beautifully and has had some amazing experiences in her life.  The books I have read by her have been eye opening and inspirational.  The Princess Series is about a Saudi princess and the different parts of her life.  It gives you an inside look into the lives of some Middle Eastern women.  Growing Up bin Laden was excellent as well and probably one of the closet looks we can get into his life.  I know that there are mixed feelings in the world regarding bin Laden so that book might not be for everyone.  It doesn't glorify him, it simply tells the story of one of his wives and sons. 

8. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Letters written from a wife to her husband after their son committed mass murder at his high school.  I have to admit that I watched the movie first and then read the book.  Both are excellent, but the book obviously gives more detail and helps to explain some of the things that happen in the movie that I had questions about.  A very dark book, especially with recent events, that was hard to put down once I got into it.  I initially thought I wasn't interested, started to read something else, and had to go back to it because I couldn't get it out of my head.  The movie was excellent as well.  The boys they casted for Kevin portrayed him perfectly, and it was nice to see John C. Reilly in a different role.

9.  Divergent AND Insurgent by Veronica Roth

A strong female character in a dystopian society trying to figure out who she is and what she is supposed to do with her life.  At 16, Tris must choose which faction she will be a part of for the rest of her life.  She must choose from Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).  After her decision is made, she must make it through initiation to be accepted into the faction.  There is corruption all around her and as everything falls apart, she is faced with tough choices.  Ben and I both read these two books this summer and couldn't put them down.  There will be a third book in the series and Divergent will come to theaters in 2014.  I highly recommend reading the books prior to the moving being released.  You never know what they will change/leave out!

10.  Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony by Jeff Ashton

I don't think anyone will be forgetting this case in the near future.  When this case went to trial, I had it up every day at work and followed the news reports.  The story of Caylee Anthony captured America's attention.  This book was written by the prosecuting attorney, Jeff Ashton.  There is quite a bit of "look at me, I'm so awesome" that happens in the book, but there are also 'facts' from the case and an in depth look at the prosecution's side of the story.  Since I stalked CNN daily for any updates on the case, I was fascinated with the book. 

11.  Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account by Miklos Nyiszli

A chilling story of a forensic pathologist that worked with Dr. Mengele at Auschwitz/Birkneau.  There are things in this book that make your stomach flip.  If you have any interested in the Holocaust or concentration camps, this book is one of the best.  (or worst?). 

12.  Night by Elie Weisel

A chilling account of a teenagers survival in the Nazi concentration camps.  This book has become ranked among the classics and for good reason.  I couldn't put it down.

13.  Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This was a fun read.  I enjoyed the twists and turns of the two different worlds you get to experience.  The book has pictures of the peculiars that are fun to look at and picture the children as you read.  I believe they are making this book into a movie and Tim Burton will be directing!!  SCORE!






14.  My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems

A kids book, but a super-dee-duper cute kids book!!  WITH AN ELEPHANT! :)   I came across this while working in the library and instantly loved it!  It reminded me of my seester, Lyssa.  I immediately got online and ordered a copy to be sent to her.  'Tis our new favorite book of all books EVER!  

That is all I've got for now!