Thursday, February 04, 2010

So Many Books, So Little Time!


As anyone who has read me very long knows, I love to read. I rarely buy a book - the library and I have a very close relationship!

Mostly these days I read while I'm on the elliptical, the recumbent bike, and the treadmill at the gym. It's a great way to multitask. I decided to share a few of the books I've read lately.

I read a slew of Christmas books this year - really fun. They were by Debbie Macomber, Jennifer Chiaverini, and Donna Van Liere. I've caught up with the latest books from my favorite authors - Sue Grafton, Faye Kellerman, J.A. Jance.






The above book,
Where Hope Begins, was disturbing, but good. I can't say enjoyable, but worth reading. I saw the family on Dr. Phil and wanted to know more about their story. I hadn't heard of the situation before the show - it is about the Wesson family - Marcus Wesson, the cultish leader of his very large family, the murders he committed against them, and the long journey to hope by the survivors as chronicled by the television journalist who invited them to live with her.



Beautiful Boy
was equally difficult to read, but well written and important. David Sheff wrote about his son, Nick's, struggle with meth addiction. It is a subject near to my heart, and I always hope to read a success story. This one doesn't really qualify. But it is a good book.






Lynn Austin is a new favorite - she has written so many books that it'll take me a long time to get through them all. Though Waters Roar is her latest, and it is wonderful. She weaves a fantastic tale in each book, and this one begs for a sequel! It follows 3 generations of women who involve themselves in important social issues, with the 4th generation finally beginning to figure out what her life should be all about. I loved it, and hated to come to the last page.





I saw Josie's Story reviewed, probably in
People Magazine, and it intrigued me. Sorrel King has made a huge contribution which came out of an incredibly sad family disaster. She took on the medical industry and its lack of communication, which led to the loss of Josie. Again, it is a sad, but very worthwhile, redemptive read.




If you've read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, you know that anything he writes is worth your time. Have a Little Faith will not disappoint. Mitch had left his faith back in his childhood, but came face to face with both a rabbi and an evangelical in a book that will lift you and challenge you.



As promised, this is my 500th post and I want to offer another book - this is one of the five I bought at Women of Faith last fall. This one is written by Marilyn Meberg, a psychologist who has been a widow for a long time, and delights WOF crowds every year. What to Do When the Roof Caves In covers such subjects as "Money Cave-in," Infidelity Cave-in," "Pleasure, Addiction, and Our Roofs," "Death, the Ultimate Cave-in," "Heaven, No More Cave-ins," and several others.

Just leave a comment, indicating your interest, and I will draw the winner on Friday, the 12th.





22 comments:

Mary said...

Dawn,

The books look like terrific reading. I love Lynn Austin's books.

Glad to catch up with you again.
Blessings,
Mary

nancygrayce said...

Wow, you have been reading! And working out! I need to get to reading, but I hardly seem to get anything done these days. I've got to pick it up!

Amy said...

Thank you so very much for letting me know you posted. 500 posts~ what an unbelievable accomplishment!

I hope you get to go public again some time soon.

I love to read and am definitely interested in books.

Again ~ I am so happy for you!

Linds said...

Great to see the books you have been reading, Dawn, and yes, enter me please! I think I really need to read this book.

Susan said...

I'm in and SOOOO hope for the day you can go public. Happy 500th!!!

Robin in New Jersey said...

Hi Dawn! Thank you for the book suggestions. I am always looking for a good book to read.

Congrats on 500 posts!

This book looks like it would be good for me where I am at right now. I just told someone yesterday I feel like I am drowning. We have many family issues going on right now. I trust God in all of them.

Maine Mom said...

I am just about finished with my Twilight series for the second time and I am vampired out and ready for some other great reads. Thanks for sharing these books with us! I would love to get the book you are giving away. :-)

groovyoldlady said...

Hmm, It seems like most of my reading these days includes the Bible, school books for the girls and FEMA instructional materials. I need some variety - so count me in!

BTW, Congrats on 500 wonderful posts!

SentimentsbyDenise said...

Just like you, I wish I had more time to read! I have a HUGE stack from the library right now waiting for my attention (my husband doesn't understand how I can have such a big pile - he says I can only read one at a time!)
Congratulations on your 500th post!
You've listed several books that I would be interested in reading...will have to check them out! :)

Nadine said...

Well congratulations on your 500th post. That's a real landmark. I have enjoyed getting to know you through your blog journey. Many more blessings and posts.

Carole Burant said...

Good morning Dawn:-)

Congratulations on your 500th post! Please add me to your drawing:-) xoxo

Hootin Anni said...

My dear sweet Dawn!! I'm so happy to hear that I will be able to know just when you posted a new entry in your blog again....I'll be able to 'see' you in my reader! You don't know how pleased this makes me [and I'm sure others who would love to follow you publicly!]

Oh happy Day.

Congrats on your 500th post too. A feat well worth it for all of us who have become more than just blog friends.

nannykim said...

I would love to read Lynn Austin--haven't read any of hers. I have just been reading Debbie M.'s books and have been really enjoying them. Congrats on your 500th!!

Ms. Kathleen said...

Dawn, So nice to catch up. Last year I read 50 books and I have to beat that this year. I am not sure how good I really keep track but I try. I'll have to check some of these out. I hope you can go public. That is a shame. People are missing a great blog when you stay private. I changed mine a bit, same blog but new name and look. Hugs to you!
http://www.mskathleen.org

Linda said...

As soon as I finish this I'm going to "reestablish" you in my bloglines. Yeah!!! It will make it so much easier.
I haven't read any Lynn Austin, so will have to try one of her books. I tend to buy books. Our library is so tiny and they don't have a lot to offer. I could order through them, but I usually end up at the Half-Price book store.
Have a great weekend Dawn.

Sharon Lynne said...

Your new blog looks quite perky!

Please add me to the drawing.

You are amazing. I need to squeeze in more time to read!

kpjara said...

500 Posts! Way to go! I love to read, I'll definitely check out some of the books you've listed...very intrigued!

A Hint of Home said...

I'm glad things are looking up for you and Kristen.
Congrats, on your 500th post. Books look very interesting.

grammy said...

Fun too read about all those books. I use to read tons... but I confess that the computer has taken up some of that time. I would love to win that book.
Congrats on your 500th post (o:
We had a beautiful snow up in Allenspark today. Fun weekend and now back to reality (o:

Gigi said...

LOVE book recs - so thanks!!! Not sure how I'd do reading while moving, though...you are a brave woman and waaaay more coordinated than me!!

Anonymous said...

Totally love Marilyn!!!!

Love your book reviews. I love to read and always enjoy hearing a good review to know whether or not a book is worth picking up. A good review from a friend is worth it's weight in gold!

Woohoo, I'm excited about your give away!

Midlife Mom said...

I love a good book even though sometimes they are hard to read. I just put in a good book to read in my latest post that I know you would love. Check it out plus it's my first post since getting back from Florida. Needled Mom and I got some time together but not as much as we would have liked as I got that terrible stomach bug! I was sooooooooooo disappointed!!! At least we talked on the phone once and set together at one function and talked a bit at another one. SIGH....now I have to wait till next year......Wish you could have been there with us, some day we ARE going to have a bloggers reunion!