What to Read

This is the stack of books on my nightstand (circa a month ago). Obviously I was not reading all of these books at the same time, so why are they on my nightstand you ask? Well it’s simple…part of the reason is that I like the majority of the books I read and I like to look at them occasionally to remind me how much happiness they brought me. The other reason is that I’m lazy. Its way easier to stack them vs. finding a spot in our over flowing bookcase. I do think the time has come to put them away though, because the stack is now two books higher and it has become a huge obstacle when I have to turn off my lamp. I can just see me having a dream where I’ve just crossed the finish line winning the Olympic 50 meter dash and knocking the books all over the place.

Just in case you were wondering about these books, I’ve written up mini descriptions for you. Hopefully some of you are in the market for a new book, and one of these will catch your eye.

Veil of Roses - Laura Fitzgerald
The first book on the stack was my most recent book club selection, and let me tell you it was SO good! It was about an Iranian girl who is sent to America for three months to find and marry a man so she can stay in the states. The main character is so likable and seeing America through her eyes is priceless.

Strawberry Cheesecake Murder – by Joanne Fluke
I bought this book in Kauai when we had some time we needed to kill before our flight, (and John needed a new book). When I was younger I loved reading the mystery stories by Christopher Pike and realized that I should start looking into reading more. Why deny myself? Once I saw this bright pink cover and found out that recipes were included in the story I was sold! Ok, not really, but the synopsis on the back did sound pretty good…a baker/detective? How could it be bad? It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once the murder happened I was hooked! I was able to relate to the main character and could see myself doing the same detective work, (minus the dead bodies of course). Apparently she has a TON of other books and I can’t wait to read some more. If you are looking for an easy light hearted read, then this is the series for you.

Loving Frank – Nancy Horan
This book was one of my book club selections and I really enjoyed it. I was a little hesitant when I started to read it since it was somewhat of a historical book, but it turned out to be very captivating. The story is about Franklin Lloyd Wright’s love affair with Mamha. It is amazing to know that the story is true as it has many ups and downs and a crazy ending. The only thing I knew about FLW was that he was an architect…and now I probably know too much.

Notes from the Backseat - Jody Gehrman
This book was given to me by Rebekkah after she read it and enjoyed it. I must say that I enjoyed it as much as she did! I would categorize this book along with The Shopoholic series. It’s an easy read about a girl, Gwen, who is on a road trip with her boyfriend and his ex-girlfriend/best friend. The story is told by Gwen as she is writing in a journal, (in the backseat), to give to her best friend. Gwen’s character is very likable and the situations she gets herself in are quite humorous. The end destination is in Mendocino, which is also where the author is from, so if you are familiar with that area it makes it even more fun to read. The author is actually a friend of a friend of Rebekkah’s and when I was at her house a few weeks ago I stole her other book off of Rebekkah’s nightstand. I have yet to start it, but it is now at the top of my book pile. It’s called ‘Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty’ and the main characters are named Amber and John! How could this book be bad?

Love, Medicine & Miracles - Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
This book was given to me by one of my mom’s friends who has had quite a few bouts with skin cancer. The premise of this book is all about having a positive outlook when diagnosed with a serious health issue. Some of the facts about the benefits were really amazing, but what was better were the personal stories. For instance, most patients who believed they were going to die usually did vs. patients who believed they were going to live. I know some people may not believe in it, and even if you don’t, what harm can it do to think positively? It helps in all aspects of your life regardless if you are ill. I used to try very hard to be a positive thinker, (I haven’t been doing the best at it lately), and even found myself steering away from people who were negative. Negativity and complaints can really bring a person down. Regardless of your beliefs there are some really uplifting stories in the book, and if you know someone dealing with a medical issue I highly recommend you buy it for them.

It Sucked and then I Cried – Heather Armstrong
The book second from the bottom has been there since the beginning of April when Jen and I went to meet Heather in the Bay Area. I still can’t recommend this book enough…even if you don’t have kids. Her way of writing is humorous in itself despite the subject matter. She could write about paint drying and still make it entertaining…trust me.

The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
I got this book from my dad at Christmas time after he and my mom both read it. As you can see it wasn’t really on the top of my priority list as it is on the bottom of the stack! However since this photo was taken it has been moved up to the top. I do remember getting about half way through it, but now I can’t remember if I finished it! That is not a good sign. Just because this wasn’t the book for me, doesn’t mean it might not be the book for you. It’s about this little boy’s life and how things just aren’t going his way. It’s a really quick read…or not read if you are like me.

As you can see I was on quiet the book reading roll last month and it was great! It’s rare for me to read so many good books in a row. It kept making me want to read more and more. However now I’ve been reading the same book for about a month and I still have about a 100 pages to go. The current book I am reading is for my book club and is called ‘The Spirit Catches you and you Fall Down.’ I think the tag line on the book sums up the story best: A Hmong child, her American doctors, and the collision of two cultures. The story about the Hmong family is really interesting…however over half of the book reads like a report on the Hmong culture and history. Most of it is very informative and important, but when I read I want to read a story. I don’t want to feel like I’m reading a history book…for fun. No thanks. I’m sure it will be a great book to discuss, I’m just having a hard time getting through it. My motivation is that I’m going to read the Triple Shot Betty book after I’m done. Is that bad?

Also next month my book club is meeting to pick our next round of books. So if any of you have any suggestions please leave a comment and let me know!