Books, Books, Books

We love books! I love books! I used to be an elementary school librarian before Abigale was born. Not the kind with the business suit, tight bun, grumpy face type but hopefully the nice, helpful, fun type. I think it was the best job ever, second to being a mom that is. One day I think I would enjoy doing that job again...
I love to read. I spend hours and hours late at night reading. It's MY time for myself. I love it when the house is quiet and everyone is sleeping and I can just indulge myself in a good book. Sometimes it is so hard to find books that are great as well as clean. There is so much smut in books these days, and I get frustrated. Recently I started 3 different books that I ended up putting down without finishing due to the content. I hate leaving things half-finished so this is hard for me to do. I have made a personal goal to be more careful what I read and what I allow into my home. As a mother raising daughters of God I have that responsibility, it is also important to me to be an example to my children. I have also decided to be more willing to stop reading something that is offensive to me.

I have read so many great books somewhat recently that I wanted to share.

I AM A MOTHER BY JANE CLAYSON

This book was so uplifting and made me feel like I can be a mother that makes a difference for my children. It's one to read over and over again.

REFINER'S FIRE SERIES BY LYNN AUSTIN

This is a 3 book series and I loved them. They are all about the civil war and are fascinating. Lynn Austin is my very favorite author of all time. She must be the smartest woman alive due the vastly different content of each of her books. They are historical fiction and I can say I have never been dissapointed and I have read every book she has written!

UNBROKEN BY LAURA HILLENBRAND

This book was a life-changing read. It's all about World War II and is a true story. The details and things I learned amazed me. It leaves you feeling inspired and amazed at the possibilities of the human spirit. Admittedly, there are some things in this book that were offensive but seeing as this was a real history of a man's life I chose to overlook them and continue reading. I am glad I kept reading this book, it left me in awe of this great man and others like him!

THE UNDAUNTED BY GERALD LUND

I thought this book was awesome! It's a historical fiction novel based on the hole-in-the-rock pioneers. This was somethings I had never learned about before and I loved seeing the faith these pioneers carried with them in horrible circumstances. It strenghtened my own faith reading this book and left me feeling grateful for what I have.

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN BY BETTY SMITH

This book takes place in the 1940's in Brooklyn. It's a wonderful but sad story of a young girl and her brother as they grow up with an alcoholic father and they always struggle to make ends meet. The thing I loved about this book was the powerful and inspirational theme that shows that people can rise above their circumstances and become better. It is possible to overcome adversity and thrive.

THESE IS MY WORDS BY NANCY TURNER

This book takes place in Arizona, the wild wild west back before it is settled. It's all about the strength and courage of a particular woman that will never cease to amaze you. It also has a wonderful love story. It is the first book in a 3 book series, they were all good but this book was the best.

HE FABLEHAVEN SERIES BY BRANDON MULL

Admittedly I thought these books would be good to entertain younger readers abut was surprised to find out that they were written to entertain anyone. They were extremely well written and very fun to read. What a talented writer for sure. I found myself intruiged and excited to start each new book.

CHRONICLES OF THE KINGS SERIES BY LYNN AUSTIN

These were some of my very favorite books I've ever read. They are historical fiction novels that follow the early books in the bible. I learned sooo much reading these books. I went back and read my scriptures as I would finish each book and I was amazed at how accurate they were. If you were ever confused by the prophet Isiah you should read these books and you will be amazed how much sense his words make when put into context of a story.

SAVING CEE CEE HONEYCUTT BY BETH HOFFMAN

This book was so funny! It kept me laughing the whole way through. It is about the strength of women, especially when they work together. It's a tale of a girl who is handed a lot of hardship and what becomes of her and the many "mothers" she comes to love.

SARAH: WOMEN OF GENESIS BY ORSON SCOTT CARD

This book is the first in a 3 book series and follows the life of Sarah from the book of Genesis in the bible. The core of this book is factual and strays very little from her story in the bible. I learned a ton from this book and I enjoyed the two others in this series just as much.

THE HELP BY KATHRYN STOCKETT

This was a wonderful book full of things to talk about with friends. It was funny while examining some very serious subject matter rooted deep in the south of the African-American maids that were employed by the southerners in that time. The main characters, 3 women that are about to do something extraordinary that will forever change their town. It exemplifies the strength of women helping eachother. There is some language in this book but is delightful otherwise. PS The movie was awesome too!

THE OTHER WES MOORE BY WES MOORE

This book was very interesting to me. It was about two boys from the same town with the exact same name. It's all about choices and where they lead you to. One boy's choices land him in lots of trouble while the other boy's choices lead him to a much better life than circumstance gave him. Thought provoking for sure.

LOVE AND LOGIC MAGIC FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD BY JIM FAY

I loved this book. It was recommended to me by many of my neighbors. He gives some amazing ideas on discipline and parenting. I would recommend it to anyone with kids!

LITTLE BRITCHES BY RALPH MOODY

We read this book at book club and to be honest I was a little apprehensive at first. I thought it would be boring. It's the first book in a series of 6 or 7 I think. I ended up loving it. It's a true story written by the guy that is the main character in the book as a little boy. It's about him and his father learning how to start a ranch and all the hardships they face. I love the parenting in this book. Both parents parent with love while the message intended is still very clear. I look forward to reading the rest of these books. There is a little bit of language in this book.

THE HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH BY HIS MOTHER

I loved this book!!! What a wonderful way to get to know Joseph Smith better, from his mother's point of view. I love to read anything I can get my hands on about Joseph Smith, this was one of the best I read, not neccesarily the most exciting read but the most informative for sure. It gave you lots to think about and gave you a deeper appreciation for the man and the prophet, Joseph Smith.

THE HIDING PLACE BY CORRIE TENBOOM

This was a fascinating book to me. Not for the faint-hearted as there is very heavy subject matter in this book. It is a true story all about a Jew during world war II and how she lived in the concentration camps. Her time was miserable there but she was always optimistic and looking for ways to better her life. It is an inspiring book that you won't ever forget.

THE GUERNSY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY BY ANNIE BARROWS

Don't let the name scare you away. I would have never picked up this book on my own. Our bookclub read it and I was so glad we did. This book was not a fast-read and took me a little while to get into but once I did I was hooked. It's a series of letters right after World War II ended that tell of people's personal hardships during the war. The collective group of people that make up this society is interesting and at times humorous. This book celebrates hope and human connections in the shadows of war.

THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE SERIES BY CHRIS STEWART

These books I couldn't put down. My husband read them all and loved them as well. They are a bit of historical fiction meeting the future. They are so interesting and leave you wanting to be prepared to take care of your family when destruction hits close to home. Some people say they were too dark for them but I felt that good always triumphed over evil and Heavenly Father was always there to bless his children amid the temptations of Satan. They were inspiring books that left you sure which side you wanted to be on.

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS BY JAMES BRADLEY

I came across this book after watching a show about it on TV. It was a true unbelievable story about the men seen in this famous statue. Who they were and how they came to be at that moment at that time. They all knew the importance of keeping that symbol of freedom in the air and ran to meet that moment to be the brave soldiers that held it high amidst war all around them. Prepare to be inspired by these brave, brave men and humbled by their war stories. Be aware-there is heavy subject matter and some very disturbing descriptions of war as well as some language.

FAMILY FIRST BY PHILLIP MCGRAW

What can I say? I like Dr. Phil. I loved this book. It really helps you get your family into perspective and has lots of great parenting advice too. It was a helpful uplifting book I would highly recommend.

THE CHRISTMAS LIST BY RICHARD PAUL EVANS

This book will change the way you think of others forever. It is such an awesome inspiring story, I was amazed how much I loved this book. Basically it's about righting your wrongs and asking for forgiveness in the most difficult circumstances. I loved reading this and found it extremely inspirational.