Summer Reading 2011.

Last year I followed Oprah's lead and created a summer reading list. If there is one thing I enjoy soooo much about this blog (besides my random rants and food talk) is recommending books! Making this list every year makes me look back at not only what I've read this year, but also at all the books I've read in my life. Since I like lists and categories so much, that is how they are organized.

Oprah's 2011 List and my list from 2010 and my book page that links to the book reviews I've done since Jan. 2010.


A book you probably cliff noted in high school:
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D Salinger
Because let's be honest, if you haven't read it you are going to miss a lot of questions on Jeopardy! But honestly it is a great book....


An edge of your seat mystery:
The Shadow of the Wind By Carlos Ruiz Zafon
I will use any excuse known to man to be able to recommend this book! One of my favorites of all time. It is dark, mysterious, and very captivating. The story is so unique and different from anything I've ever read before, I can't wait to read his other novel, Angels Game, that was released recently that I'm waiting not very patiently for my Dad to finish! The author pulls you into the story, which is my favorite type of book!


A book to steal from a teenager:
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Here is another young adult book series to ruin your life for a couple of weeks by getting you completely hooked! I'd say the first three books by Clare in the Mortal Instruments series are the closest I've found to rivaling Twilight.

If fantasy isn't your thing that read anything by Markus Zusak.... One of my author crushes!


Something old:
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset. Maugham
Written in the 1950's.... it is oldish enough to fit the category. I fell in love with this book. I don't even know how quite to describe it. It is about a selfish english woman who marries a man who is madly in love with her, just to get away from her mother.... I don't want to spoil the plot, but there are lessons learned and a harsh love story. Read the book then watch the movie (sigh... I love Edward Norton as the main character) Then in your head mesh the two into the perfect story.

Something true:
Born to Run by Christopher Mcdougall
Are you surprised by this choice? I don't tend to like too many non-fiction books, so I don't have a large stockpile to choose from when making my recommendation. What I do know is that when a non-fiction book captures me as much as this one did its a good one! I also want to mention that I think it would be interesting for non-runners as well as runners. There is a really engaging story here. I loved this book!


On the beach:
The Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts
Because no one does a beach read like Roberts. There are four books in this series and if you have more than two days to lay in the sun you could easily finish them all. The series is about four friends who open a wedding venue together. Each has her specialty (photographer, baker... etc.) Good, quick, fun!

On the plane:
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Everyone is reading it for a reason... it is really good. A few people have told me that they felt it was too dark, but I never felt that way. I couldn't put this book down. The premise of the book seems like something that I wouldn't be interested in, which is why it sat on my shelf for over a year, but everything about this book is wonderful.


Something to inspire you:
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
When I first read this book I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. It took me forever to read during a time when I was blowing through books. But looking back this is one of the books from that time that has really stuck with me. I find myself often thinking back to it. This book was also the inspiration for my Happiness Commandments. If nothing else it gets you actively thinking about how you can become a happier person... which might sound selfish, but when you are happy the people around you benefit the most.

And this year I've added a few categories....

A few weeks ago I was at my Mom's house and the news was on (shocking!) and they were doing a story about how well seniors in high school knew the fundamentals of American History. It turns out that only 13 percent of high school seniors have a clue about history. History was always one of my favorite classes in school. Granted I couldn't list all of the presidents in order.... but I could tell you who Abraham Lincoln was and what he was famous for, if you showed me a photo of him (which was apparently one of the questions). To get a sample of the type of questions click HERE. There are only three total, but it gives you an idea. I'm proud to say that I got them all right! Phew! I was a little bit nervous and willing to lie to you guys right there, but I didn't have to!

So here are, the newest categories for my Summer Reading List each of them has a little world history in there whether the characters are fictitious or not:

Something with a little history:
Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris
Theodore Roosevelt is my favorite president of all time, keeping in mind I haven't read a biography on each of them. But I did read this one. And I really liked it! This is the follow up to Morris' first book on Teddy. That book talks about his life leading up to the presidency. Theodore Rex is about his two terms in office. He was a man who had firm beliefs and fought with everything he had to get what he wanted done.
Some random things about him that I like:
He read a book a day almost his entire life (including his presidency). Making excuses about not having enough time seems silly now huh?
He created the National Parks system.... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
After reading Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, a book about the terrible conditions of the meat packing industry, Roosevelt worked with congress to create the Food and Drug Administration.
He was a trust buster (he worked to break monopolies).

I didn't list all of those just so you would know that I actually did read it, I listed them because I really liked the book and it made me more interested in our nations history. So go out and pick this book up and brush up on your American history!

A book that you should read before seeing the movie:
The Help by Katherin Stockett
This is another book that everyone is reading for a reason and again it sat on my shelf unread for far too long. Not only is this book full of amazing characters, but it also is filled with American history. Even though the characters are fictitious, the situations actually happened.

A book I can't go another year without recommending again!
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
This book is a time hoarder, but it is totally worth it. I've never read a book that was so well put together. Kingsolver effortlessly weaves the story of five women over the course of decades. Never is it confusing or overwhelming. This book is one that will reach your soul.


So there you have it folks! My 2011 Summer Reading list! What are you waiting for?! Get to the library or local book store stat!

Something Blue.

You know what I hate? Local news. Not only do the weather people lie to me, but all the news is so scary/depressing. Every time I'm over at my Mom's house or click it on at the gym it makes me feel horrible. If someone is getting killed then someone was robbed and stabbed... or a kid who is training for his first iron man was hit by a car. I seriously can't watch the stuff. The other day I heard a story about a toddler who held its baby sibling under water in the tub because it wouldn't stop crying. That topped the list of things I didn't need to hear about ever. When I watch this stuff it makes me nervous to be out in the world. I'm not naive, I know bad stuff happens, but I guess I don't see the use in watching all the bad stuff that happens. It just creeps into my sugar dreams and makes them sugar nightmares.

How about enough ramblings and I give ya some book updates?!

011. Dead Reckoning- Charlaine Harris

Do you watch 'True Blood,' on HBO? You should. It is like a grown up 'Twilight.' It is still silly, but oh so addictive. The next best thing would be to read the books that the show is based on. But I will warn you, after about book 6 things start to feel a little stale. The weird fantasy aspect gets a little too weird even for someone like me who read the first 6 in about a week. I guess I'm just kind of bored with this series, but I will probably keep on reading them because they are so easy to get through and I have to know who Sookie is meant to be with!

012. Something Blue- Emily Giffin

I really really enjoy Giffin's writing. 'Something Borrowed,' 'The Heart of the Matter,' and 'Love the One You're With" are near the top of my chick-flick-best-ever-book-list. They are the type of books that get you hooked, make you stay up way too late at night, then make you cry while your reading them during your lunch break. Giffin sometimes weaves characters from past books into other novels, 'Something Blue' is the only one that is a direct sequel. I have had this book on my shelf for years because when I finished reading 'Something Borrowed,' I couldn't fathom reading a book based on the character of Darcy. After a few years I finally took the plunge and I am oh so glad that I did. I like this book. Not as much as the first three of Giffin's novels that I've read, but definitely a page turner.

013. Baby Proof-Emily Giffin

After I finished 'Something Blue,' I knew there was one last Giffin book I had to check out. Sadly, 'Baby Proof,' just wasn't as good as her other books. I felt like it was rolling right along until the end when things get wrapped up in much too tidy of a bow. The major issues of the book seem to get swept under the rug to preserve a happy ending. I was disappointed with this one.

014. The Engine 2 Diet- Rip Esselstyn  

I picked up this book because I had the secret idea that after I read it (and it was good) I would maybe be able to sneak it into my Dad or Brother's book pile and turn them into vegetarians like the firemen of engine 2. But my Dad saw me reading it on our camping trip, asked what it was and immediately acted uninterested. I know I wouldn't be able to turn him into a plant only eater, but maybe make him see why I am. This book was really interesting, but totally preaching to the choir. Rip is basically an elite athlete (iron man triathlons) and found he performs better with a plant based diet. He gives advice on exercise and meal plans. He also goes into detail about medical evidence. It is a quick read with some interesting stories, but Rip is an athlete and fireman, not a writer so at times I felt like he was trying a bit hard with his stories. Still a good resource (especially for men) to get a jump start on a plant based diet.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to take a cycling class... I wanted to go today after work, but my body is seriously in pain from that interval workout class I did yesterday. I think I need to do it at least every week, those are some muscles that don't get a lot of attention. I still haven't ran. Sort of freaking out, but I have started to put together my newest 1/2 marathon training plan. I felt like I did a pretty good job of it last time but I want to be even smarter this time around. More meal planning, rest days, stretching, strength training, hill work, mental prep, and more listening to my body!

Since I don't do well with goals unless I've invested some money or have publicly announced it... I've done both...Oh! look what I just registered for:  

Just the Half-Marathon! September 25th! It will be sort of like going back to school in the Fall! Time to get serious again

Sugar dreams await me.... 

Help.

Well I think I've done it! I think I've fixed "The Books" page so all of the links work! You should now be able to click on a book title and my book review will pop up! Now I need your help, if you find that any of these links either don't work or bring you to the wrong place... PLEASE let me know!

When I went through all of the links it became obvious that I skipped around on some of the books that I have read! Now I wouldn't want you to go without knowing my thoughts now would I?! So here ya go! A wholelotta book reviews for one post!

69. Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francis Lelord
How could you not pick this book up? If the name doesn't get you, then surely the cute cover art will. I don't know exactly how to describe this book more than the title already does. Hector begins a journey all over the world to discover what makes people happy. He meets people in China, Africa and the USA and keeps a list of what he observes that make people happy. These observations include things like: "Happiness is a certain way of seeing things" and "Making comparisons can spoil your happiness."

This book is written in a very unique way. The writing is very matter of fact. I enjoyed this book, it was lighthearted but at the same time really makes you think, "What makes me happy," "Am I happy?" and "Could I be happier?" Very interesting stuff. Recommend!


70. Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors
Suzanne Selfors is a local writer! In fact she does most of her writing in the coffeeshop that I manage. So She always gives the girls her advance copies to read. She writes mostly young adult fiction. It was really neat to read a book and to know the author. She is a complete sweetheart. And I liked the book! It wasn't as captivating as some other YA fiction I've read, but it had a good underlying message (I will say that at times that message was a bit too dark for my taste). She also has a book called, "Coffeehouse Angel," that is based on Poulsbo and the coffeeshop I work at!

71. Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
Sigh... the last of the Bride Quartet. You know I love me some bad romance novels (especially Nora Roberts') but this series is actually really good! It could be because the girls are living my secret dream of living in a mansion with three of my besties and opening an event planning business together. I enjoyed each and every one of these books! I've read a lot of her books and I could tell that she had fun writing these ones. These would make for a great vacation book!

72. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
Did I just mention that I love bad romance novels? Well this one certainly falls under that category! Amazon recommended this book to me because of my love for the Outlander Series. I must say they are no where close to being in the same category! 'A Kingdom of Dreams' was entertaining in the way any romance novel is.... the predictable way. But isn't that why we read them? They are quick, easy reads that you don't have to think too much about to be entertained!

73. Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
I've read a few Mith Albom books in the past. My favorite is, "The Five People you Meet in Heaven." Read it and prepare to shed some tears. What I like about his writing is that he makes you want to be a better person. A person who gives more, who is there for other people, and in this book: a person who has faith. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I never felt a strong urge to keep reading past 10 pm. It was well written and interesting, but this time it felt a little preachy. That is one thing I don't like when people talk about issues of religion and higher powers. It is a fine line between talking about your faith and preaching your faith. In 'Have a little Faith, I felt Albom sometimes balanced nicely and sometimes was completely off the tightrope. I can see how this book would inspire many people but I wouldn't outright recommend it to a friend. That is not to say that there weren't parts of the book that I didn't enjoy, because there was. Albom is a gifted storyteller and he made some great points, I just didn't love the entire book.

02. Water for Elephants
I am completely at a loss for why I skipped reviewing this book!! The only reason I can think of would be that I wanted to wait when I had more time to really put my heart into a review. I loved this book. This is the book that got me back into reading after my slump! First I will say that there are some really dark parts in this book, but I hope that when you read it you wont let that affect your overall judgement of it. When I read it I became a part of the story (thats my favorite feeling while reading a book! And it so rarely happens!) The characters felt so real to me. I've read a lot of great books but this one is a definite favorite. It has everything I love about a book; love, mystery, murder, betrayal, and friendship. It also doesn't leave you hanging at the end. I read this on a beach in Hawaii and let me tell you, I sat out longer than I should have most days just so I could finish another chapter. Make this the next book you read! I haven't see the movie yet, but hear it is a pretty good, but promise me you'll read the book first! I want you to connect with it the way I did!

010. Help by Kathryn Stockett
This book has been on my shelf for ages. Seriously far too long. I kept hearing what a great book it was, but could never get excited about it. I had even attempted to read it before picking it up this time. I just couldn't get into it. Basically it wasn't the right time for me to read it until now. I will start with a bit of a warning, this book is written with a lot of slang. Once you get used to reading it, you wont be able to put it down. This is an amazing book. I loved it. Everyone should read it. The way Stockett writes is so.... Honest. That is the only word I can think of. There are several narrators throughout the book and each one is endearing in her own right. You will fall in love with the characters, you will cheer for them each step of the way. I think you owe it to yourself to read this book. Also, the movie comes out this summer... so get to reading!

Stop Teasing me Sunshine!

I upload a lot of pictures. I didn't realize how many until yesterday when I hit my free limit! So you better believe that from now on my posts will ALWAYS have photos because I'm paying $5 a year for more storage space! Although I think it is sort of ridiculous I have fun going back through and looking at photos and my journaling thoughts.... which is something else I did yesterday. 

My cousin Rebecca gave me the idea that I should link back to my book recommendations from my book list! Well it would have been really difficult to go back and do it on the main screen, so instead I created a new page up at the top where you can click on a book title and see what I thought about it in my original post. A found a few that aren't working right now, but I think most of them are (still a work in progress!).

It was really fun to go through almost all of my posts from last year. It made me really miss how into reading I was. It also made me realize that I haven't reviewed all the books that I've read yet! Somehow I just skipped the last few from 2010 and even a few from this year! I plan to go back and fix that! It is nice for me to be able to go back and see what I thought.

I had a great PT appointment today. I've been having a lot of pain in my arches the past few days. Almost like a charlie horse, but not quite. So he fitted me for a pair of insoles to test out. If they work then I may get the expensive orthotics (I'm on my parent's health insurance until February and they will pay for 90%). He also used an infrared light therapy on my leg. Tomorrow I run in the orthotics... wish me luck!

I'm trying to figure out ways to stay get full in the morning.
So I tried whisking in an egg into my oats this morning!
The eggy oats
1/4 C Rolled Oats
1/4 C H20
1/4 C Unsweetened Soy Milk
1 T Chia
1 Farmer's Market Egg added at the end!

My most royal linen... a week late.
 Topped with a half a sliced banana, homemade granola and peanuts.
This was a smaller portion than I usually make, but kept me pretty full.

Brew Master Bruce!
My Dad is brewing up some Hefeweizen for my nephew's first birthday in June!

I made the guys a lunch of ABBJ (Almond Butter, Banana and Jelly!)
And snacked on a half a sandwich for my lunch!

When I work in the afternoon my entire routine is a mishmash so I ate dinner really late!
Kind of a weird creation...
I whisked an egg and poured it into the pan and let it set like an omelet.
When it was almost set I placed a corn tortilla on top.
Then Flipped and cooked for a few more minutes.
Then filled it like a taco!
Turned out pretty good!

I walked to work today because the weather was so great!
I'm really missing summer right now.
I usually enjoy every season, but I am literally craving summer.
I'm sick of being teased!

Read, Remember, Recommend.

A few weeks ago my Mom gave me a journal called, "Read, Remember, Recommend: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers." The Journal contains over 150 pages of book lists. The lists include annual winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, National Book Award winners, New York Times Best Books of the year, Oprah's book Club, and many more. The first thought I had about these lists was that no two book lists are the same. In fact there are several best books of the century lists, all with differing opinions. My next thought was one of defeat. There are too many books in the world! Thousands of books contained on these lists and new books coming out every Tuesday. Even if I were to read over 100 books every year for the rest of my life, I will never even scrape the surface of the literary masterpieces, much less all the smutty vampire novels I intend to read! The good news is that I can check off "Olive Kitteridge" the 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction from the list.

Update Book 45: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

I didn't realize that this book was short stories until about a quarter of the way through. I kept waiting for the characters to come back in the next chapters. The title character Olive Kitteridge makes an appearance in each of the stories. We start off from the perspective on Olive's husband Henry. After that we move to the perspective of other inhabitants of the small town. Each chapter chronicles that person's story. Olive is a retired teacher, who appears to many as very harsh. The first topic for discussion in the back of the book is: "Do you like Olive as a person?" Halfway through my answer would have been a solid no. But Strout created a very complicated character in Olive, and by the end I think I liked her more because I understood her better.

In the past I've rarely enjoyed short story compilations. To be honest if I had known "Olive Kitteridge" was just that, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. But I'm glad I have broadened my horizons. I liked this book. This is one of those instances where I say something along the lines of, "If I were an older woman I think I would appreciate it more." Not in a condescending way, but I have not lived a long enough life to have been through any of issues that Olive had to deal with and never felt an emotional connection with her.

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