love & hate

Missionary: Possible: Preparation Tips from New Testament Heroes

2015-07-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

When my cousin's husband announced his book was being published and he needed people to review it, of course I jumped at the chance. Now please know, I am not an automatic lover of all things done by friends and family. When friends/family invite me to their performances, they know they are going to get my honest opinion - good or bad. Same goes for reading their books. So...

If you follow our blog much, you know I'm not a big fan of Church books. Not that I don't believe in my Church, but my testimony is my own - based upon my studies and my experience. I don't need to strengthen my testimony by reading others opinions of the gospel.

That being said, I enjoyed this book. I really did. I found myself, many times, thinking - I learned the same thing on my mission. Or, oh yes, missionaries so need to know that. Or, I want the Young Women I serve with to read this. I highlighted parts of the book. WHAT??? True story. Each chapter has a section for taking notes. Eric asks questions and you have the opportunity to answer them. I answered questions. I took notes. WHO AM I???

What did I like about the book?

There's no beating around the bush with his message. He gives an intro of what he wants you to do while reading. He reminds you as you read. He has a summary at the end of what to do now. There's no softening up the message. Eric speaks the truth. He gives his real life experiences (good and bad.) He says things the way they are.
I really like how he chose Paul and the book of Acts as his example of missionary work. There are many other prophets, apostles, and individuals in the scriptures who are dominantly used as examples of missionary work. I liked this change. I like learning more for myself about Paul and others in the book of Acts.
This book was written for youth. Throughout the book, there are footnotes - some marking references for quotes, some giving additional commentary, some giving snide commentary. There may be times, if an adult reading the book, where you might think, come on, move past the snideness, this is the gospel... but this is written for youth. I currently serve with the youth. This book speaks their language, which I think is so important. You need to speak on the level of the youth if you want their attention and you want them to learn, all the while presenting the truth of your message, the importance of your message, the seriousness of your message, and the proof that you ARE still an adult and that you ARE teaching them.

If I hadn't marked it up with personal notes, I'd start passing this around to the Young Women right now. I'm just going to have to get another copy for them to pass around. This is a Church book I will actually recommend. Good on ya' Eric.

And of course, I made him sign my copy at our recent family reunion.

Enjoy!

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

2015-07-05T16:28:00.001-07:00

We read so much about all these groups popping up - religious groups, political groups, cults (and no, I'm not saying any of them have one thing to do with another, so don't go thinking that...) But I don't hear much about North Korea. And I wonder why we don't. A while back I read "The Orphan Master's Son". It is a fictitious story of happenings in North Korea. Nothing to Envy is a true story. It is accounts of people who grew up in North Korea. How they got out. What happened after they left.

I find it amazing how people fall victim, as they do, to a powerful leader. How, in the case of North Korea, they could believe in their leaders as a god, I find it fascinating that people can have sooo much control. Yes, you are starving, and, well, I'm putting on weight as I eat what I want. Oh, and hate the Americans - they are evil and never help. Ignore all the black market US goods being sold. We didn't receive them as free aid and now are making a profit even though we know you can't afford it. And, yes, keep working at your job, even though you have not been paid in over a year. I am in awe of their ability to survive. And then to want to return after escaping to a better place. Just, wow.

I definitely recommend this one. You'll appreciate what you have, if nothing else, after reading.

Enjoy!

The Snow child

2015-07-05T14:36:00.002-07:00

This book was just "meh" for me. It was an obvious storyline. It sort of dragged. I did listen to the story, reading would have gone much faster and may have helped. But I found myself wanting to stop part way through and start listening to another book on CD in my car. I held out hope that I'd be surprised by the outcome of the story, but I wasn't.

So I didn't dislike it for being a bad story, a poorly written story, an inappropriate story - anything like that. I just didn't care for the story. I just have so many books I'd like to read right now; it is disappointing to finish a story unsatisfied, and wishing I'd read something else instead.

As You Wish: Inconveivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

2015-05-31T14:48:00.002-07:00

PLEASE read this book. No, sorry. PLEASE listen to this book. Oh my goodness! I laughed my socks off. The story is full of narrations by most of the cast of the film, The Princess Bride, led by Cary Elwes, aka: Wesley. I went out and purchased the Princess Bride book and am reading it now. Did you know it isn't an original story? But an abridgement of the history of a real place? And the characters are said to be real people - there's a historical museum full of items from the original, historical, people. Pretty cool!
This book is full of so many fun experiences from the making of the movie. You really get to know the actors who played the different characters.
I will be honest, having not had a great experience with Mandy Patinkin, I sort of cringed at somethings he'd said (or the actor reading his letters said, since he is one of the few to not read his own contributions) because having seen one side of him, I just couldn't imagine the side he was professing to display. But the rest, just awesome sauce!
I'm really excited to finish the "abridged" Princess Bride and then rewatch the movie after listening to this book. Oh, please listen to it. You are sure to love it too.

Enjoy!

Yes Please

2015-05-31T14:35:00.001-07:00

I'm not going to read every book written by a celebrity. But I've decided that when I do, it is best to listen instead of read, when they rad it themselves. I loved all but the last chapter (only because the last chapter is read to a live audience and I felt that laughter was forced sometimes, and there's always that one person in the audience who wants to have the last audible clap or laugh.) She's a funny one, Miss Amy Poehler. I've not seen her series Parks and Recreation, but I am adding it to my list of must sees. Guest commentary is great throughout the book as well. Funny, funny!

Enjoy!

The Abraham Enigma

2015-05-31T14:24:00.002-07:00

The sequel to The Moroni Code, this was our "extra credit reading for May's book club. I liked the "adventure" angle to this book. It was fun to learn about Egypt and the pyramids. The discussion we had was fun because some friends in book club shared their own experience with Egypt. If I can hire a full protection entourage to accompany me, I'd love the opportunity to explore Egypt myself. I'd be OK without the adventure the couple has in this book, but their exploring I'd enjoy. Honestly, I finished the book in less than two hours, so another quick read- so this would probably be perfect to read on an airplane flight.

Enjoy.

The Moroni Code

2015-05-31T14:16:00.003-07:00

This was our book club for May. The author also attended our meeting to discuss his writing. This was definitely a quick read. The book isn't too long. As much of the storyline relates to employees of the LDS Church (FYI: I'm an employee of the LDS Church), it was a little weird for me to read. I'd cringe every once in a while when something was mentioned that was implied about employees of the Church, some stereotype.
The author, while working as an editor at Deseret Book was challenged by a coworker to write a book (she, the challenger, was supposed to write one too, but didn't.) He'd played around with writing his own book for a while (he's published a number of collections of the writings of others.) This is his first published piece.
It's a quick read, a book like DaVinci Code (a comparison the author himself makes in the story) where a mystery it to be solved.
The author also disclosed his interest in the translation of the Book of Mormon, which he talks about in the book. That's much of the theme of the book. Translation, code breaking (as mentioned in the title), blackmail.

Enjoy

Reconstructing Amelia

2015-05-31T13:57:00.001-07:00

This is the book I really wanted to have us read for book club. I definitely recommend this one. But the reason I didn't was because of the gay storyline. I hope that isn't too much of a spoiler to reveal. I don't think it is though. It is brought into the story pretty early.
I'm currently working with a group of teenage girls, none of which are gay, but many of which are experiencing bullying in some fashion. Bullying can be a difficult thing to identify. When trying to discuss with other leaders, a comment was made that if you look for it, you'll find it. Another was made to the effect that they are teenagers, and don't necessarily know better. I don't agree with those comments though.

This book is about a mother searching for the reason behind her daughter's death. She wasn't looking for bullying, but she found it. She learned more of her daughter, and learned of more bullying. Using the excuse that they were just teenagers and didn't know any better? Isn't that why teenagers have parents? To teach them how to behave? How to treat others? Teenagers can be a reflection of their parents. Just as we learn political beliefs from our parents. Religious beliefs. We also learn behavior. As you read the story, and read about the parents behaviors, you can't doubt the behavior of the youth. You can't help but feel sorry for many, feel encouragement for the characters trying to break from the ill example of their parents, feel sorry for the ones who are too pressured by their friends even when they know they are doing wrong.
I'm learning how I can help in these situations, situations where youth cannot use the excuse of age for their behavior (remember how young kids are the most caring and friendly? how sad to think it can completely go away in a few years.) I'm learning how to truly teach unconditional love and acceptance and friendship.
If you read this book, I'd love to know your thoughts. The situations are definitely different, but what a great discussion could be had per this book.

Enjoy!

The Nightingale

2015-05-31T13:23:00.001-07:00

I've read a couple Kristin Hannah books, so GoodReads recommended this one to me. I think I need to set about reading her other books this summer. I definitely enjoyed The Nightingale. A story of courage, of standing up when no one around you supports your ideals. When your country is at war, when your mother is gone and your father doesn't support you and sends you away... a few times - sometimes it is those with the most difficult struggles who become the strongest, the courageous. Being underestimated, for sure, can be an advantage for women, and this story shows. This is one I spent too many late nights finishing, but I'm glad I did.

Enjoy!

The Kitchen House

2015-05-31T13:16:00.001-07:00

This is another story I considered for my book club month. An eye opener book. It is fictitious, but the author shares much of her research, the true accounts she bases the book's characters and story lines off of. Such a different time. Such a different attitude. Such a different (and wrong) way to view people.
It is a story of slavery. Unlike many, I can't blame all former slave owners for their actions. Honestly, many didn't know better. Think of things you grew up with. A simple thing - politics. How many people have based their political beliefs based on what their parents believe. I remember having an argument when I was 11 or 12 with my friend about politics. I don't think either of us really knew what we were arguing. I'd heard my parents talk about their side, she'd heard her parents talk about their side. And we both belong today to the political parties of our parents. I can't speak for her as we aren't as close as were as kids, but mine have evolved a little as I've had my own experiences and developed my own opinions. But the base remains the same. People in the south, they were raised with slaves, with people doing the work for them. I think it is important to recognize that, while the majority of slaves were black, yes, not all were. It was a society of the wealthy thinking they were better than anyone else, regardless of skin color. No money, no equality. Also, for those serving as slaves. Some wanted freedom, and tried for it. Some wanted freedom, but were to scared to do anything about it. Some found happiness in their lives as they were, and they lived a happy life as they could.
As my friend and I grew up, we started to form our own opinions. In the story, as people grew, as they experienced, depending on that experience, their opinions may have changed. Some for the worse, some for the better, some wanting to make changes, some to scared to make the changes. Again, it is fictitious, but I think it is a powerful story. A story of our history. A story to learn from, and perhaps gain courage from for ourselves and things we may want to overcome or change.

Enjoy

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

2015-05-31T12:52:00.002-07:00

Oh you guys. Forget the craziness I went through in being diagnosed with celiac disease. This book. Wow! I can't believe what the author went through. Just, wow!

So many people are misdiagnosed with illnesses, or not diagnosed, just told to sleep it off or take an antibiotic and you should start feeling better in the morning. What about being told you are crazy? Though you know that isn't the case. I've read that people in comas, they can hear people talking to them. Sometimes they are aware of what's going on around them. The author as she got sicker and sicker and people just weren't listening, she knew she wasn't feeling well, that she was sick, that she wasn't crazy.

Again, wow!

Enjoy!

The Silent Wife

2015-05-31T12:42:00.002-07:00

Now that I've read the book, I've seen many reviews while searching for the image to use here, comparing this book to Gone Girl. I'm not sure about comparing it to Gone Girl though. It is much cleaner, yes, which was kind of nice. But it isn't as much of a page turner as Gone Girl was. I couldn't put that one down. I think I read this one in one sitting, but more because it is much shorter and a quick read. But don't let any of that sway you.
It is a good book. It tells you right away she's going to kill her husband, so that isn't a spoiler. A good summer read. As I think now about the different storylines in the book, yes, I can see similarities to Gone Girl. But I don't think anyone wants the pressure of being compared to a hit book because the readers will go in expecting a similar book. I've probably totally spoiled the book by mentioning the GG connection. How about you forget about it now. In fact... you are getting sleepy, very sleepy. Sooooo sleepy, good now, I want you to forget any comparison between The Silent Wife and Gone Girl. Good, now when I snap your fingers, you'll wake up and not remember anything but it's a good idea to read The Silent Wife. OK, 3, 2, 1, snap.....

I recently read The Silent Wife. It isn't so much a mystery because the first thing you learn in the book is that our main character kills her husband. But we spend the story learning why she wants to kill this man and how she goes about putting her plan into action.

Enjoy

The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances

2015-05-31T12:07:00.004-07:00

This book reminded me a bit of Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant. A comic book/comedic approach to talking about something that some make think is tough. I got this for a friend who was going to run a race with me last month. Hoping to give her some funny encouragement. It was funny. Any runner would related to something in the book. I'll be honest, I've been a fortunate runner. No lost toenails. No restroom issues on the course (unless you count drinking too much waiting for a race to start, and then waiting in a too long of porta potty because I'm not a fan of peeing in the bushes...) I haven't had the usual injuries runners get. There is a lot of humor for runners who are looking for a fun read.

Enjoy.

How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers

2015-05-31T11:55:00.001-07:00

I'm not a Buddhist. I won't be converting. I found this book on a recommended reading list for people with celiac disease. And I couldn't have read this at a better time. Having struggled especially over the last 4 months, missing so much work, missing out on events with friends and family and at Church, you just get tired of missing things. I just wish I had control over my health. But oh well. It's not in the cards right now.

This was a great book that gives a number a great ideas of how to handle different situations you experience when sick, all the time. I'm fortunate to not have the illness of the author, though some days it feels as though I do. But I am tired of being defined by my disease. For years, I was tired of being defined by my job, then by my car accident, then again by my job and now by celiac disease. Running gets thrown in there too. But right now, running isn't really possible with my health. It's probably part of what has drawn me into myself and not wanting to talk when around others - there isn't really anything to talk about, at least nothing that seems to interest anyone. And I don't like talking about being sick, I don't want to be identified as the sickee. I prefer to talk about other people, so I just ask questions, instead of answering them. This book didn't necessarily how to address that issue, but many others. So, I'm working on how to compliment what she recommends. Unfortunately just last night I had bad night, as in pain level = 10. So fun. And today I missed a huge family event because of it. But earlier today, as I was thinking about how I wasn't going to be able to attend, I was able to think of the book, and the author, and though I am sad to miss out on seeing so many family members, I knew that it would be OK, that it didn't mean I was a bad person, and I wasn't slacking in not attending a family event, that I'm not offending the family members today's event is for. I need to take care of myself. Pushing myself too far may be part of why I am going through these troubles right now. I'm not one to do stuff for myself, to focus on me. But maybe I need to sometimes. My body just needs more rest. The author helps you understand that it is OK.

I sort of skipped sections when she got too much into the Buddhist philosophy because I either didn't understand or it didn't interest me. But if you have a chronic illness, you know someone with a chronic illness, or maybe you just have chronic struggles, this is a great book to read.

Enjoy.

Not Becoming My Mother: & Other Things She Taught Me Along The Way

2015-05-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

This book was also written by Ruth Reichl (the food critic). Before you think she's writing a book to rip her mother apart, I think she does a good job with the book. Not having a good relationship with my own mother, I seem to do the same thing she does, find the positive things. Sometimes that's all you can do. So I appreciated this book as I do the same as the author, you find the positive in hopes to forget the negative. No one has a perfect life, but you do what you can to make the best of the situation you have. Rose colored glasses.

I also listened to this one, and it's read by the author which I liked.

Enjoy.

The Calorie Myth: How to Eat More, Exercise Less, Lose Weight, and Live Better

2015-05-24T21:19:00.002-07:00

An unusual choice for April book club. But I enjoyed this book. I'm not a dieter. Never have been. Just stuck to a healthy lifestyle. This book did have some good suggestions though. As I've had way more health struggles that I'd like this last year, mostly stemming from celiac disease, but also from just not knowing how to get enough to eat, of what I can eat, of what can give me the energy I need, this book contained a lot of great suggestions I've already started to adopt. While I'm not willing to give up my running (the book contains a 20 minutes routine you should do once, at the most twice a week) - the food recommendations are worth the read.

There is a lot of science in the book. A lot of explaining why the author makes the recommendations he does. I recommend reading it all so that you can figure out what would work best for your body (since no diet is meant for every person.)

Enjoy

Wonder

2015-05-24T21:05:00.001-07:00

Oh boy! This was our March book club story. And it was a tearjerker. It was a beautiful story. I just enjoyed so much about this story.
A warning to a future reader. Someone at book club mentioned that their copy had an added chapter, a new ending or something? Don't read it! Just stick to the original story. It is perfect as is.
Forget Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Read this children's story, and your attitude will get a swift kick in the pants. Fiction can be powerful. If I had children, this would be on the top of the list of stories I'd want them to read. Yup, that means I'll be getting it for my nieces and my godkids.

Please, enjoy!

Funny Girl

2015-05-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

In the end, while I liked this book, I felt like I wanted more our of the story. It read as though it were a biography, and I'm sure much of it was based on true stories of many different actors. It was fun how the author brought in real people of stage and screen so that readers had a sense of real time with the events of the story. And it isn't that I wanted the story to end differently (I enjoyed the ending.) I'd mentioned in the previous post that someone had recommended Hornby's books to me. I think it was because I enjoyed the films versions of his "About a Boy" and "High Fidelity". This is the first book I read of his. I'll have to try another book to see if it is just his writing? Maybe, while I like his stories, I may not like his writing... like Jane Austin. I'm not actually a fan of her writing, but I like her stories.

Enjoy

Things I’ve Learned from Women Who’ve Dumped Me

2015-05-24T20:43:00.002-07:00

Nick Hornby's books were recommended to me so I have added them to my library queue. This one I listened to. It isn't actually a book by him. It's a collection of stories by another of comedians. I didn't listed to all of them. Some of them went too far for my taste. Some were funny. Some were stupid. Not my favorite, but I prefer to have comedians read their own materials so that helped.

Enjoy

The Last Anniversary

2015-05-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Moriarty is another author I really enjoy. This is a fun story of how a little white lie grows and grows. I enjoyed trying to figure out the truth behind the story. No surprise I enjoyed Moriarty's storytelling. It makes me sad when I finish all the books currently published by an author I'm enjoying. I of course don't want her to rush a story just to publish more quickly. Take your time Liane. I have no problem waiting for another enjoyable story.

In the meantime, I discovered two teenage tales she's written, but my library doesn't have them. I'll try to hunt them down and give them a shot.

Enjoy!

Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters

2015-05-24T20:23:00.001-07:00

Another sequel, this time finishing the series. I make no secret of being a fan of Shannon's books. It's great supporting a local author, especially such a talented one. I really liked the original Princess Academy (which, by the way, if you are a local in Utah, BYU is performing a stage version of the book. Get your tickets here: http://arts.byu.edu/events/princess-academy-2/) . The first sequel, Palace of Stone, I thought was written more for an adult audience than a kid or young teen. The Forgotten Sisters returns to that perfect for the young teen audience that the original tale was written for.

As an adult reading, yes, I figured the story out before the book reveals some of the secrets, but the young reader may not. I figure Princess Academy found it's following of young girls, who then read Palace of Stone 10 years, written for their current age group, and now they can read The Forgotten Sisters to their younger sisters or nieces... I don't imagine they have children old enough to read it to. It hasn't been another 10 years.

I've enjoyed all three. I recommend them for a teenage audience, not the preteen.

Enjoy

Fairest: Levana’s Story

2015-05-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

This is book 3 1/2 in the Lunar Chronicles. I love this series: Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress. And while we wait for Winter to be released this, well, winter... (I just preordered), this full prequel story was released. When finishing (and freaking out that I wasn't done with the story) Cress, I learned that there'd be a prequel release before Winter, but I research enough to who it was going to be about.

This was the prequel about the story's antagonist. A story explaining how we got to where Cinder began. I enjoyed learning a little more of the background of our characters. Just a few months to go to learn how Meyer finishes this fun tale.

Enjoy

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise

2015-05-24T19:48:00.001-07:00

Warning fellow book clubbers, this is what I'm going to have you read in July. There have been a number of books I've read lately that I'd love to have us read and discuss, but I worry that they may not be clean enough or include subject matter the whole group would be tolerant of... so as I review them, I'll point out that I'd recommend reading them. In the end, this is the one I'm choosing. A great story, a true story. I enjoyed the author's account, and it has to do with food, so make for easy planning of book club =)

Ruth Reichl, while working as the food critic for the New York Times, had a lot of fun in the position. It would be really tough having everyone watching out for you knowing that your review can make or break a restaurant. It was interesting to read of the different personalities that she adopted with each disguise and how that influenced her experience at a restaurant. I think it would be really fun to do. Maybe it should go on my bucket list of things to do while I'm 40 this year next year?

I enjoyed the read. I hope my book club will as well in a few months.

Enjoy

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff – and It’s All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things From Taking Over Your Life

2015-05-24T19:35:00.003-07:00

A friend of mine quoted something from this book on Facebook and since she's one I trust the opinion of, I grabbed a copy from the library. It's just a book of things we all know - the attitude we should have in different situations. How to not overreact, how to let stress slide off your shoulders. Stuff we all know, but that it doesn't hurt to have a reminder of once in a while.

It's like a daily affirmations book. Positive stuff.

Enjoy

Us

2015-03-12T17:38:00.002-07:00

I'm not 100% on this one. I loved One Day (hated the movie). I was excited for a second book. But I think this is one of those, did you really have to write that into the story...? kinds of books for me. This was another of those books where I was frustrated, but not a good frustrated (How can there be a good frustrated? I know.) A good frustrated I want to keep reading because I'm still liking the story. This bad frustrated, I don't want to read on. But because I like the author, I kept reading. And I don't like to stop mid-book in case it gets better. I might have been OK stopping on this one. Oh well.

Not my favorite. I'm going to have to give it a disliked (which I so rarely do...)

If you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy more than I.