May and June reads

I decided to do this thing called pick up whatever new or interesting books were out on the main floor library shelves.  Note to self: Never do that again.  I've decided that life is busy enough not to waste time reading lame books...which unfortunately I did.  Fortunately, I was clever enough to stop the madness and not complete some of the books.  Does anyone really want to read a book that people give one or two stars to.  No, they do not.  I love to read.  I love to read books that are well written.  Seriously, I am paying more attention now. If the book gets 4 or 5 stars...I will try to get my hands on it.  If it gets a 3...I am going to have to think about it.  2 or 1...Why?  So with that idea in mind I am giving you my yes list of late and my don't even think about it list.

YES

1. Heaven is here by Stephanie Nielson  I know I mentioned it before but it really is such a good read so read it.
2. Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman.  I loved this book.  It compares child rearing in America to child rearing in France.  Super interesting.  Well written.  It had me laughing about how "American " I am.  Great food for thought on parenting.
3. Falling to heaven by James Ferrell.   This book will take you awhile. Phew.  I feel a little exhausted thinking back on reading this.  It is great.  It is deep.  The book is about your progression throught the Atonement of the Savior.
4. Janitors by Tyler Whitesides.  This was one of our read alouds.  The boys loved it and are excited for #2 to come out in Sept.  There are creatures in the school that feed on childrens brain waves making them unable to learn, feel sleepy or forgetful during class.  The janitors have special mops and brooms to rid the school of the creatures.  Super fun read.
5. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.   I really enjoyed this book.  It is about a book a 12 year old genius who uses his brilliance to mastermind evil plots which he then carries out.  He has enemies in the business world and is about to make enemies in the fairy underground world.  It was so captivating I just read these on my own instead of with the boys like originally planned.  I finished #1 and 2 and am starting #3.  Plus the author is coming for a visit and I am planning on getting tickets to the event.
6. Beyonders #2 by Brandon Mull.  This is definitely for the older elementary school. Jason finds himself in the land beyond and cannot return until his adventure is complete. It has crazy creatures, great magic, good friendships, and of course an adventure to defeat Maldor.  Trev and I finished this one and will have to wait until next spring to find out what happens to all the characters.
7. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan.  This is the read aloud we are finishing right now.  My voice usually goes out way before they want me to stop.  This book is about a brother and a sister whose bloodline is from the Pharoahs.  Since the royal blood comes from both parents they could be quite a threat to those who want to rule now.  Unfortunately, their mother has passed away and when that occurred the children were seperated.  Their father didn't take the opportunity to tell them anything about their heritage so when he disappears they don't understand all the strange happenings that begin to occur.  Super fun fantasy.  I just hope my voice comes back. This is book one of the Kane Chronicles.

No

1. Defending Jacob by William Landay  The plot itself is interesting and draws you in.  It about the DA investigating a murder at the local school and after weeks of interviews they have no leads.  The very next week however the prime suspect is the District Attorneys son.  A super dark book with lots of language and that is what draws you away.  Hope the son didn't do it...wouldn't know...didn't finish it.
2. Wake up in Dixie by Haywood Smith.   Affair, brain tumor, changed man, changed marriage, weird family, and tons of language. Why?
3. It's all about the bike by Robert Penn.   If you are super into biking this might be your book.  Bikes Through the Ages could be another title.  This book is nonfiction and has lots of information.  They discuss what bikes are made of, the different frame designs, seats, manufacturers, etc.  For me (I really tried) it was like being on a stationary bike with no music and nothing to look at and that's why I never succeeded in being fit from riding a bike at the gym.  The book was kind of boring.
4. The End of Normal by Stephanie Madoff Mack.  This book covers how they met, their wedding, their success, the scandal of Bernie, the loss of friends, assets, relationships, and finally Mark took his own life.  This is tragic story.  There is language towards the last of the book which I took into account since it was nonfiction other than the other books with way too much language.  I never got into the story when it was all over the news.  With all the other books to read, maybe you could find another.
5. The particular sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender.  WOW.  The particular wackiness of a book that should not be opened.  The plot seems interesting enough...a girl can taste the emotions of the person who made the food.  Yup, reading the back synopsis is the best part. DO NOT READ THIS.  I don't recall language becasue I was too upset about how messed up the story is.

See what happens when you just pick up random books.  Ugh, horrible mess.  I am just giving my opinion so that no one has to endure the same pain.  Remember I started off with the positive so just pick one of those titles and then let me know what other great books are out there.

Oh yeah, to those who know our family has been watching different church movies, let me give you my opinion on those also.

• Scout Camp  Funny for someone like Trevor.  It is about a bunch of boys who go to camp(obvious from title) There are lots of little lessons of friendship, loyalty, and honesty.
• Forever Strong   Movie for the older children.  Trevor and Tyler really like this one.  Pretty good conversation will happen naturally after the movie about peer pressure, drinking, driving, consequences, modesty, and not giving up.
• Liken the Scriptures   This is like a musical scripture telling.  It is not horrible and yet it isn't that good either.  Maybe like a church straight to video type of movie.
• Scripture Bugs  Little bugs and a boy tell scripture stories.  Tyler enjoyed it and Trey really liked it.
• Family Home Evening with John Bytheway.   Excellent!  Really great lessons and good things to talk about.  I believe there are about 15 short videos according to topics for FHE.  Trevor,Tyler, Eric and I really enjoyed it. 

Well there you have it...too many of my opinions.