Princess Academy

Love love LOVED this book!  Since finishing it, I am hooked to Shannon Hale and I just started my third book by her.

I love Miri.  Her character is developed so well.  She's lovable, sincere, true to herself, and exactly what you hope her to be.  The story kind of reminds me of "How to Train Your Dragon."  She doesn't fit in and isn't a quarry worker like everyone else.  Yet she uses her unique gifts to bring hope and prosperity to her village.  I seriously reread parts because I was so enthralled!  Thanks for recommending it!

Everything

So I really have been reading all of the books, but I never really feel like I have anything profound to say. I've really enjoyed this book club a TON! It introduces me to books I've never heard of and ones I would never think to read, like Anna Karenina - which was really my favorite so far. It was long and worth it in my opinion, so thank-you Mandy for suggesting it.

I've really enjoyed Uglies, Matched was okay but I was hooked, and I really liked the Princess academy. I'm so embarrassed to admit it because they're like targeted for teenage girls and the silly little romances in it, but they keep you reading.

One idea that I have is maybe having a question(s) to answer for each book. That way I have something to write about and we can get different opinions from everyone. What do we think about that? Maybe when we pick a book we write a question...I don't know what, but I've seen book club question lists.

Oh, and I can't wait to have an actually book club get together, it'll be way fun.

Matched

It will be interesting to see where the second book of the series goes, because this book was definitely non-conclusive.

Ally Condie takes Satan's plan and forms a society.  All the choices are made for you, so you'll never make the wrong choice.  And it's clear that individuals never experience true joy or success, because their lives are not their own.  This book reminded me a bit of The Giver.  Cassia is seeking to find a way to live the way she wants to, but by doing so will bring about a new life for everyone, in which they will now be prone to mistakes and suffering.  Interesting...

What do you Think?

I think it would be fun to meet in person and discuss the books. I know that this is not possible for everyone all of the time, and we would of course still blog about the books too...but I want more opinions...so comment PLEASE!

Also, if we meet in person maybe I could host the first meeting say the end of November or first part of December. We could have someone in charge of hosting and assign someone to maybe take notes and post on the blog so that we could get everyone involved. Let me know what you think!

I'm loving it!

Hey ladies!

I just want to say that I'm so happy that we've been able to keep this going.  At Kimberly's wedding Hannah and I talked about all the fun books that we've read. I just love it.  With that being said, I've been a huge slacker.  I started the Hiding Place, but didn't finish it.  And I haven't started the book for September.  So I promise I come on here and read everyone's posts and thoughts about the books.  I've already placed a hold on October's book, thanks Lori! I'll try and get that read ASAP

Do we want to invite some other ladies to join the goodness?  Comment, or just invited them.  We just need their email address to add them as a person who can post.

For November's book I've chosen Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, she's one of my favorite authors.  I've heard it's a good book.  She has a blog you can read too.  http://oinks.squeetus.com/

Much love and happy reading.

Anna Karenina

The thing that struck me most in this book was the contrasts between all of the characters. My favorite character in the book is Levin because of the things that he chooses to pursue in his life.  While Anna is pursuing pleasures and passions throughout the story, Levin chooses to strive for a life of work, family and things that are both honorable and good. I think the story has a good lesson, becuase in the end, Levin is happy and contented with the simple life he has made for himself, while Anna is totally consumed with jealousy and depression. All in all, I enjoyed the story. I wish that I had read an abridged version (if one even exists). And I again apologize for choosing such a lengthy book. I will be nicer to you all next time!

Matched by Ally Condie

I know I'm late choosing a book, but a friend just recommended this one to me.  My new goal in life is to actually post when I finish it.  :)

The Hiding Place

I have finished the Hiding Place and am so glad that I chose it as our August book of the month. I was amazed at how a story could be so awful and miserable, and yet so inspiring and uplifting at the same time. What wonderful people the ten Booms were! I am sure that they were valiant servants in the pre-existence and were pre-ordained to come to earth to complete their special missions of sharing the gospel of repentance and love and forgiveness. What a blessing they were to the lives of those whom they came in contact with.

I agree with Mandy in the fact that the prevailing theme of the book was faith. I wish my faith were anything close to being as strong as theirs was. I loved the fact that Corrie's and especially Betsie's hearts were continually in prayer. That is what we're told to do, is to always have a prayer in our hearts. Last night I gave a little Family Home Evening lesson on prayer and expressed my wishes to become more like the ten Booms. I issued a challenge to both Tom and I to pray more often and give thanks in all things.

I read this book during my lunch break at work each day. (It was hard to eat lunch and read about fleas, lice, gangrene, etc. let me tell you.) But each day I would also marvel at the story and have to go home and tell Tom all about it. My favorite part was the miracle described when Corrie got into the prison camp with her bible. It testifies of the fact that God does perform miracles in our day and that he is aware of our individual needs.

I hope you were all able to enjoy this truly amazing story!!

The Hiding Place

I love reading this book! This was the secomd time for me, and I think I gleaned some things from it the second time that I didn't before.

 I realize that forgiveness and love are themes of the wonderful story of Corrie Ten Boom, but FAITH really jumped out of the pages at me as I read this time. Her entire family had such unshakable faith. What tremendous examples they are to modern day Christians! And what wonderful miracles they became benefactors of (Nollie's daughter telling the truth to the soldiers about their hiding place and nobody being found; Corrie being able to carry the bible with her into the camps; The vitamin drops not running out and so many others that I haven't listed...)! All because of faith!

I think that the Ten Booms must be very happy in heaven together. They've done such commendable things for others in their life times. These are the kind of people that I hope to meet in heaven some day! 

August's Book

Sorry I was a slacker and forgot to choose a book for August. (Thanks Bekah for reminding me.) I also missed the memo on reading the Ensign for July. (I will blame that on the fact that July was a very busy month and that I got married. That's good cause for justification right?)

I have not had a book to read for about a month now and feel totally lost. What do I do during my lunch break at work? I just haven't known what to read, and am still on the waiting list at the library for the book I want.

Anyways, I have chosen for August to read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. I have heard good things about it and have wanted to read it for quite some time now. I hope we all enjoy it!

Did anyone ever read the Uglies? If not, I guess I won't post on it because I don't want to be writing to myself.

July Ensign

Great idea for July reading Hannah...especially since July is such a busy month for everyone! I just want you all to know though, that if you would like more time to read...have a baby! I get to sit and read every time she's hungry, and babies are hungry a lot! Although, I'm sure that will eventually change and I'll be chasing her around instead of holding her and reading.

Anyway, the July Ensign...I think I read practically the entire thing in one day. My favorite article in it though, was the first presidency message by President Monson entitled, 'Love at Home'. I felt like it was taylored just for my needs since Wes and I have just added to our family. There is some wonderful counsel in this article, but my favorite part was this: "What is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know."

It is true; the most important people in our lives are those in our families and those closest to us. We need to let them know how much we love them. I think we need to show them and tell them. We can't just do one or the other. It needs to be both. So, I challenge each of us to think of someone close to us that we haven't been serving or that has been a little harder to love lately and show them or tell them how much we care. Good Luck, and I hope you all are having a fun summer!

The Wednesday Letters

Ok, after having a conversation with Mandy about this last night, I have finally found the motivation to post about this book! It's funny because it's like we're all waiting for someone else to be the first to write about it before the rest of us will decide to. Well, let me be the one to take the plunge and then I hope other posts will follow from all of you!

It has been so long since I read this book (ok, only like a month) that I hope I can remember what I wanted to say about it. Don't judge if I have already forgotten some of the characters' names.

I really did enjoy this book. It was one of those pleasant, easy reads that you can just curl up with and relax to. I love the idea of the husband (forgot his name) writing to his wife every Wednesday. That is a lot of letters! And a lot of love and dedication too. I don't expect something exactly like that from Tom, but I am hoping that we can create our own little ways and traditions of sharing our love with each other.

I really found myself pulled into the story and the moments of drama that came with it. As a typical girl, I just love a good story about boy + girl coming together. There was a time when I was convinced that I wasn't going to get my happy ending and that Rain was going to end up with stupid what's his name. Yay for the truth being revealed at the end and Malcolm winning over his true love! (and also good job for not going to bed with the attractive young Brazilian girl in the beginning of the story too). I really appreciated the fact that this book was clean, and clearly written with Christian views and ideals in mind.

I believe that there is a sequel to this book now which should be a good read if it's anything like The Wednesday Letters. Good book choice Bekah! I hope you were all able to enjoy it, and if not, you should read it some time in the future.

P.S. I have read Uglies and will hopefully post about it soon. Has anyone else read it? It's very interesting. Different, but intriguing.

June's Book!

So I'm scheduled to choose the book for June, but as most of you know, I'm in the MTC right now! (Don't worry, I wrote this ahead of time and set it to post today)

So for this month and from this time forward you're welcome to remove me from the calendar OR read my suggested books and write me a letter about it!

I prefer the second option, but that is most likely because it means I'll get mail. I'm supposed to be in Nashville on the 13th, so from then until next November my address is:

Sister Elle Jane McCall
Tennessee Nashville Mission
105 Westpark Drive Ste 190
Brentwood, TN 37027-5010


Happy Reading!

Wednesday Wednesday

So I started Wednesday Wars but did not finish before I had to return it to the library.  I was fun what I did read of it.  It reminded me of my middle school days.  Somethings were so dramatic.  It was fun to way of writing.

Now to Wednesday Letters....I finished in in like 2 days.  I don't want to write about it now because I don't want to give away the ending.  I really hope you all get a chance to read it.  I LOVED it and I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.  Till then---happy reading!

A Little Behind

Well girls,

I finally finished Jane Eyre about a week ago. It was a bit of a challenge for me to get through it because I lost motivation and interest a few times. I recognize that it is good literature, just as I recognize Jane Austen's literature (I don't like Pride & Prejudice, shocker?), but the romantics just aren't my cup of tea.  Wuthering Heights is the only book I've liked in the genre. 

So I'm glad I read Jane Eyre, but I'm also thrilled that it's finished. I understand that Jane's bleak and reasonable outlook on life were very well written and an accurate depiction of reality. There were a few quotes that I underlined to go back to later. Jane's devotion to God and her responsible nature were upstanding characteristics. But I did not enjoy reading the book. When I finished it I was not thrilled from what I had read and left begging for more. And no, I don't think that Mr. Rochester is some fantastic man that I'd fall in love with.

I feel like Anne in this comic.

♥

Since the new movie just came out I'm glad I finished the book up before I've seen it so that the end wouldn't be spoiled. I have a feeling that the film may be a little more enjoyable to me.

And on to March: children's books!
My absolute go-to favorite picture books are:

Skippyjon Jones

and

The Paperbag Princess

The Wednesday Wars

I just finished this book last night, so I thought I would write about it while it's still fresh in my mind. . .

I'll admit that I was skeptical about reading a book about the seventh grade, and honestly sometimes children and public schools just gross me out (aka the coat closet, the rats, the lunch surprises, etc.) but as I got into the book, I realized that there was much more to it than that.

I enjoyed the author's writing style as well. I found him quite funny at times and found myself laughing out loud. He did a great job at portraying believable characters who had real depth to them. I loved watching the characters grow and develop and change throughout the story. I especially grew to love Mrs. Baker. She truly displayed the power of teaching and what an impact teachers can have on the lives of their students.

I was impressed by the fact that not only was Holling understanding Shakespeare and pulling out deeper morals and meanings, but that he was also memorizing it. I look back on my own middle school days and can assure you that I would not have grasped Shakespeare. I was also impressed that while going through such an insecure and vulnerable time in his life, Holling was a really good kid. He tried to do what was right, he respected other people, and he loved his family despite their dysfunctionality.

Great book overall! I may have enjoyed it more at a younger age, but I am glad that I could still appreciate it at 23. I like the fact that through this book club I get to read books that are good, that I normally wouldn't have given a chance.

Little Miss Sunshine

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

My husband and I really enjoy the Little Miss and Mr. Men books. When we were travelling back from Nauvoo, IL together we found a lot of these books at a random truck stop and each of us purchased some for the other person as a surprise. So we have a small collection of Little Miss and Mr. Men books.

Little Miss Sunshine is one of my favorites that we own. I like it because she's so cheerful and makes everyone in 'Miseryland' happy. These are rather funny little stories and I recommend that you read some if you never have.

What I have been reading

I have not read a children's book yet, but I do like the idea and think it would be fun to re-visit one of my many childhood favorites . . . I do, however, want to tell you about an excellent trilogy that I just finished in case anyone is interested. The books are called Sisters of Cain, Brothers of Cain, and Children of Cain by Miriam Grace Monfredo. They are historical novels based on the early years of the Civil War. I love historical novels (especially about the Civil War) because you learn some facts while other fictional characters are woven in to make the books more exciting! These books are based on two sisters, one who is a nurse and one who is an intelligence spy for the U.S. Treasury. This trilogy is full of non-stop action, mystery, suspense, romance, war, travel, deception, death, pretty much everything you could hope for in a book! I would highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone!! (I own copies of all three if you are interested in borrowing them.)

Children's Book

Mandy great idea with the childrens book.  Especially since you and Lori and with child right now. Hannah, any news from you? :)

One childrens book that I like right now is "The Napping House" by Don and Audrey Wood.  These are the same authors who wrote "King Biggoods in the Bathtub". It is simply delightful and I really enjoy the illistrations.

Jane Eyre . . . almost

I should have posted this a long time ago. . . I did read most of Jane Eyre, but I didn't get to finish it before it was due back at the library. I tried to renew it, but couldn't because someone had requested it - maybe one of you lovely ladies?? Anyways, I got to the intense part when they were about to get married and everything blew up into smoke when it was discovered that Mr. Rochester was already married to another woman aka crazy lady! What bad timing to have to give the book up!

I had seen the movie already, so I knew what was going to happen and I already know how the story will end, but I am still planning to finish it one of these days. While the movie is excellent, I would not recommend watching it before you read the book. I normally don't do that, and now I am reminded as to why. It takes some of the fun out of reading the book if you already know what the outcome will be.

It took me awhile to get into the book. I would probably have been ok if the first 1/3 of it didn't exist. To me, it was just slow. But it did offer important insights into Jane's life and who she is and why she acted the way she did. It was very sad to see the way she was treated as a child and hard to read about how she never really expected to be loved, even by Mr. Rochester. In the end, she got more than what she had ever hoped for, and what I think she deserved - true love.

I am glad to know that our book club is still alive and that you're out there reading the books! Sometimes I wonder if I am the only one . . . and then somebody posts a comment and I get all excited. I look forward to many more good books to come!

Jane Eyre

Did anyone else read it? After reading this book I just want to read Jane Austen.

I really liked this book. At first I couldn't really understand Jane's character. She didn't seem to like people or need affection, but she really did - she just buried that. Oh and when her and Mr. Rochester were going to get married and he wanted to get her everything pretty and called her beautiful she spat in his face. It made me so angry. What girl doesn't like being called beautiful and being adored? Why couldn't she receive the beautiful gifts?

I think it was good for her to run away. She grew up and really understood human interaction and relationships so much more. I really liked this quote:

"there is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow-creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort".

Its such a true statement.

I loved this book. It was very unique and taught a lot about love.

Children's Book Review...

I've been somewhat absent from the book blog lately. I apologize, and plan to get back on track. Since March is practically over and I never chose a book for us all to read I thought we could each choose a children's book to read this month!

Tell us the title of the book and why you like it, why you recommend it ect. I hope this is okay with everyone for this month. I'll do better next time! I look forward to hearing back from you all.

Can you say EXCITING?

I am a big fan of Dan Brown, even if his stories all seem to be the same. They are so exciting and action-packed! Plus, I like learning all the little tid-bits about our country's history, its secrets, and also about new technology (even if it isn't all true). The fact that the story took place in my beloved Washington, D.C. didn't hurt either.

I was super excited for this book to come out, and my dad bought it for me as a graduation gift over a year ago. I immediately devoured it! While I didn't re-read the book last month, I would like to read it again in the near future just to refresh my memory.

I agree with what Hannah said about using technology to prove that we have literal souls inside our bodies that have mass/weight. How cool is that?! The church is true!

Oh Dan Brown

First off, I'm sorry I waited so long to decide which book to read for this month!!

It took me a little while to get into this book because the first half I just kept thinking this is just a typical Dan Brown book. But I really liked some of the religious avenues that were explored. I liked that they were "proving" that we have souls and he also talked about each of us being gods...maybe someday.

I absolutely loved the ending, so I don't want to spoil it for anyone. So overall, I really liked it!

looking for The Lost Symbol??

If anyone in the area needs a copy of The Lost Symbol, I own it and would be more than happy to loan it out (for free). :) Just let me know. Hope you all enjoy it!

Infidel, if you haven't read it you really should!

Oh my goodness, what a book. I was on the waiting list for forever for this book and I finally came up for it right before my Christmas break. I figured I would have plenty of time to read it while traveling, but not necessarily the book you want to read during holiday season.

This book was so educational and super depressing. Shane would have me update him on my 'sad book'. And it was incredibly sad in many different ways, but I've been thinking and discussing with Shane how best to describe the way I feel about the book and I hope I convey what I'm feeling, because it really touched me.

Shane has done a lot of studying about the relationships of the different countries in the middle east and I have also done some studying about Islam. I remember learning in Social Studies when I was what 14 and I have always been interested in learning more. It completely appalls me, the way that different cultures treat women. I just, I just can't understand how people can be so cruel. Shane told me about the female excision, which I knew a little about, and I'm glad that I learned more...no... glad isn't the right word; its just so so cruel. It just makes me so mad that women can be treated this way!!!! What I liked best was when Ayaan was talking to her friend - I don't remember the name, but she was a dutch christian. They were talking about excision (is that the right word) and her friend said, but why would you want to mutilate god's creation. He created you what authority do we have to change god's creation. (it was something to that effect and really this concept can be applied in different facets).

Reading about Ayaans childhood is so painful! I just want to swoop in and save everyone from this lifestyle. What impressed me most was Ayaans pursuit of understanding. There were some things she didn't understand, and a lot of things that frustrated her, but she continually sought to gain greater understanding and immerse herself into spirituality. She finally escaped her life of submission and I was so proud of her strength, and courage, and persevering attitude. She knew she could not be an ignorant meek woman to survive and hopefully make a difference for her country women.

What really saddened me was that she lost her faith all together. That she gave up her beliefs to live the ways of the world. She would justify all of her actions starting with the simplest thing as not wearing her headdress. Since she wasn't struck by a lightening bolt and the world continued to function she justified that it wasn't a big deal. This led to greater things like sleeping around and drinking wine. She wasn't ever struck down, so therefore god could not exist. She pulled a complete 180. She had held firm to her beliefs but was led down a slippery slope until she denied the existence of god. Out of all the horrible and sad things in the book, this really effected me.

Shane and I were discussing this and he understood me, so hopefully I can explain how I feel. Have you heard the analogy that when Christ was on the earth the gospel was whole like a glass dish. When he left the earth, the dish shattered to a million pieces. Different religions gathered up some of the pieces, meaning, that different religions have some truth to them. They just don't have the whole truth. I have always felt that there are many religions on the earth that teach true practices and people are better for them. I also believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold the whole truth. Considering the church of Islam, Muslim beliefs, I think that as it started out, it possessed a lot of truth. It taught faith, abstinence (from alcohol, tea, coffee, drugs, sex..), the commandments. It began with a lot of true teachings, but it fell into hands that interpreted things differently. They don't have living inspired prophets and globally organized religion with only one interpretation. They were free to interpret what they will. Ayaan talked about it all the time, how the underlying themes of Islam was teachings of peace and mercy, but practices were corrupted. What was also hard was how it was essentially the mosaic law that is still being applied i.e. women are stoned for committing adultery. They don't have the constant enlightenment and inspiration that we are so blessed to have. Ayaan stressed how all the behaviors were backed by the Quran, that everything was in there. Like how it was okay for a woman to be beat by her husband because it said so in the Quran. But I feel that the true message was misinterpreted. There are passages that can be found in the old testament that convey pretty similar messages. This is so hard for me to explain! Basically, it saddened me to experience someone loosing their testimony. I realize that you know not all beliefs were good, but there are good teachings in Islam and its the people who practice them that have become corrupt. Her father didn't follow a majority of the loathsome practices that so many were guilty of - excision, beatings...I just think that the process of loosing your testimony is so accurately described in this book. We can look at the ways of the world for comfort rather than searching spiritually.

Okay, now that I have probably thoroughly confused anyone who reads this. I hope you try to understand. All of the hardships Ayaan endured through, but she couldn't fight the temptation of living the way of the world - and this hurt me more. It was so sad that she lost her entire testimony.

I hope this makes some kind of sense and someone gets something out of it. I do not feel that the practices she described in her childhood are in any way correct. But I believe that our father in heaven loves us and he wants us to live by his teachings. I am so thankful for my testimony in the true church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I'm so Behind!!! Last Lecture

So I've read so many books and I always forget to blog about it because what insights can I provide.

I really liked this book, it just makes me so sad! And I must admit, at times I felt kind of awkward learning all about him and his wife's relationship and his personal details and arguments. I kind of felt like I was prying into his life...

It definitely made me take a look at my life and appreciate everything that I have. I'm so thankful for all of the blessings Shane and I have.

I was also really impressed at his drive to attain his childhood dreams. It made me want to be more diligent in seeking after my dreams. At times, I'll admit it, I was kind of jealous. How horrible is that!?!?! This man is dying and I was kind of jealous about the life that he lived. He had these amazing dreams that he worked SO hard at to reach.

Then I looked at my life. I tried to think back about the dreams that I had and if I have accomplished any of them. Granted, I still have plenty more life to live. I had very different goals than he did, and I've reached so many. I remember when I was little I made myself promise I would never wear a bikini, I can definitely say I've held true to that. But more importantly, I told myself that I would never loose sight of my savior. That I would be sealed in the temple to a man that I found worthy to be my eternal companion and me him. That I would graduate from college. That I would have a beautiful home. And have kids...hopefully some time pretty soon we will. I looked at my life and realized how blessed I have been and how thankful I am to the Lord.

I thoroughly enjoyed his positive attitude and I tried to apply this to my own life.