March Reads

First let me say it was definitely March Madness around here (in the reading sense) A bunch of books that I had put on hold came in at the same time. Good thing I am a fast reader.

1. In the company of Cheerful Ladies (#4) by Alexander McCall Smith Has anyone not read the #1 Ladies Detective Agency Series? It is soooo good. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Wonderful woman in Africa that is a detective...I just don't want to say very much because it is a series and I don't want to give away all the fun of the next books. Pick up the first one and continue on.



2. Blind Side by Michael Lewis Although blind side is a football term signifying the side that must be blocked so that the quarterback will be safe and successful, the book is hardly about football. It is about a young man, due to life's experiences, who finds himself in need of help. The book is about the family, especially the mom, that loves him and helps him on his way. Extraordinary! I can't wait to see the movie now.



3. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This is about this woman who is happy but wonders if there is way to bring more happiness into her life. The book is divided by subjects to think about one month at a time. I enjoyed the ideas and it inspired me in the way I think about my husband, children, friends, extended family, and fun.



4. Colors of the Garden by JP Allen Does anyone just want it to be sunny so they can go out and weed? Of course weed and then plant a bunch of colorful flowers. I daydream about what could be and then laugh about what is really gong on in my garden.
5. Why? John Hilton III & Anthony Sweat. This book is good for jumpstarting a conversation of whys that teenagers might ask. The quotes were good. The illustrations and photographs reminded me of those no smoking commercials (too much drama)
6. Worldwide Ward Cookbook Mom's best by Deanna Buxton This cookbook was pretty good. I have the first one and I like that one better. I don't know why this author didn't call me. I have all kinds of mom's who are great cooks. I would submit my mom's lasagna. I know it is not in the recipe section yet but it will be along with the cupcake recipes. Look for those in April.



7. You Being Beautiful by Dr Oz & Dr Roizen This book has lots of good information. It got me thinking about nails, teeth, sleep, attitude, friendships, and eating well. Don't look my way for any drastic changes in beauty. I don't do what they say I just read about it :)



8. The Book Thief and Sarah's Key With all the books on the Holocaust just skip these two and read something like The Hiding Place by Carrie Ten Boom or The Devil's Arithmatic by Jane Yolan.



9. Fablehaven 4 leading up the party of course. Now Trevor and I are reading Fablehaven 5.

Well, happy reading. Don't count on too much in April with Spring Break and baseball.

February Reads

1. Smart Organizing by Sandra Felton Well, even though it made me feel "unsmart" for a season I am determined to get better at this. The reason I didn't read more this month becuase I was trying to get smart. Ummmm,...didn't happen. I really thought the book gave wonderful tips for each room in your home.
2. Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack I thought it was okay. I liked English Trifle better. Light & fluffy mystery. Oh yeah the recipes are a fun addition.
3. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer This book was recommended by Neil and I would have never discovered this book otherwise. It was just fascinating and crazy and sad to me all at the same time. It is about this young man, recently graduated from college, who decides to leave his home, $, and most of his belongings and head across the US with hopes to take a trek in Alaska. He makes tons of friends along the way. He has his ups and downs with trying to make money to get what he know realizes he will need in Alaska. Despite his efforts and positive attitude about the adventure...he is unsuccessful in returning from Alaska to share the story with his new found friends. His body was later found by a hunter. That is the sad part. True story. I appreciate the recommendation.
4. What the scriptures teach us about raising a child by Michael S. Wilcox Excellent My second time around reading this one.
5. Weight Watchers Magazine. This is my fun new discovery. I can't just eat cupcakes all the time now can I? How many points would that be anyway? I think if I sent in the recipe to make it over they would just email me back and say "absolutely do not eat those cupcakes" I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading it. I picked up a couple issues at the library (where else?)

Well, not as much reading as in January, but I was trying to organize and I watched a bunch of the Olympics. Go USA! Happy Reading to you!