Holly's Blog – April 2009 Archive (9)

Follow Me

Follow Me is a beautifully written book. It is slow starting and difficult to get into, but at times the writing is almost lyrical and vivid. I've had a difficult time putting my finger on why I didn't love it, when I know that so many people did.

In 1947, 16-year old Sally Werner runs away from home, leaving her newborn son in a basket on her parent's kitchen table. Running away is what Sally does best. She runs away, lands on her feet and when… Continue

Added by Holly on April 30, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

The Noticer

A book that everyone, everywhere should read. Andy Andrews is a talented storyteller, and The Noticer is a terrific blend of fact, fiction and allegory. Much of the wisdom gained from reading is very familiar to the reader. But, when presented in a simple story about a kind old man and his ability to influence a community of people, that wisdom becomes new and inspiring.

"I am a noticer. I notice things that other people overlook. And you know,… Continue

Added by Holly on April 27, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Life is Tough--I Doubt I'll Make it Out Alive

This was, quite simply, a delightful book about finding the joy in life. Stacy Gooch-Anderson, author of The Santa Letters, has written a book of humorous vignettes about the ups and downs of motherhood and life in general.

Stacy shares 28 lessons that she has learned over the course of her life, and with each lesson we see how she, not only, grew from the experience, but changed her perspective.

With lessons like, "Life is like a… Continue

Added by Holly on April 25, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

So Not Happening

I don't read many teen books, but this one was a lot of fun.

Bella Kirkwood is a mini little New York socialite. Daddy is a rich, famous plastic surgeon and Bella is spoiled beyond belief. When her father has a mid-life crisis and decides to trade her mother in for new and different models, Bella has her own crisis. To make matters worse, her mother meets a man on the Internet and travels to Oklahoma to marry him. Bella not only gains a… Continue

Added by Holly on April 21, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Jantsen's Gift

A deeply moving, true story. Pam Cope seemed to have the perfect life, or rather, she was obsessed with creating the perfect life. That life revolved around her husband and two children and all their activities. But, with her 15 year old son Jantsen's sudden death in 1999, her life changed forever. Pam is very open about how her grief drove her into depression and how she struggled to find meaning in her life. Her candor is refreshing as she recounts… Continue

Added by Holly on April 19, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

What to Do on The Worst Day of Your Life

I absolutely loved this book. Truly a gem.

Brian Zahnd tells David's story from the bible and makes it relevant for us today. Before David became king he had, what could be called, the worst day of his life. After having been away from home a few days, David and his men returned to Ziklag to find it ransacked, burned and their families and riches taken by the Amalekites. Brian not only retells David's story, but he relates the actions that David… Continue

Added by Holly on April 15, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Never Say Diet

I'd like to tell you that after reading this book I lost 60 lbs. I haven't. It's my fault, no one else's.

While not offering a great deal of new health/diet information, Chantel does offer an inspiring story. She lost 200 lbs and has kept it off, now becoming a personal trainer. How she did it is chronicled in the book. Diets aren't the key, changing yourself and how you view food and exercise is.

Chantel's core is the power of what… Continue

Added by Holly on April 10, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Real Solutions for Busy Moms

After her modeling career, Kathy Ireland focused on her family and building a business. Here she shares some simple ideas for balancing your life. Based on Christian principles she offers up a casual, easy to read book about being the best wife and mom you can.

For the most part, there is nothing new or groundbreaking here. But, as I read, I found myself being reminded of those obvious things we sometimes forget: better ways to manage money,… Continue

Added by Holly on April 9, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Lemon Tart

A lot of fun. I'm not normally a big fan of mysteries, but I'm a big fan of Josi Kilpack. Lemon Tart is simply a fun book to read.

Sadie Hoffmiller is one of those neighbors you wish you had living next door. A widow whose children are raised, Sadie loves to cook and bake and look out for her neighbors. When Anne Lemmon, a young, single mother moves into the neighborhood, Sadie becomes her friend and mentor. When Anne is tragically murdered while… Continue

Added by Holly on April 5, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments