Reading Reading and more reading!!!!

I have set a goal this year to read 50 books.... That is about a book a week.  I think I should be able to accomplish that.  But I don't want it to be just any book.  I really want to read a variety of books and challenge myself to read things I wouldn't normally read. I am always looking for suggestions.... so if there is anything that you think I need to read please let me know.  You can track my progress on Good Reads.   I am currently reading my 9th book for the year.   I didn't really start until the end of January, so I have to make up for lost time.   Goodreads is a great app for readers.   It helps keep track of what you have read, what you want to read and what your friends are reading.

I read a couple of books last week  that I didn't write reviews on so here are two mini reviews:

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

Young Adult Lit... similar in story line to Fault in Our Stars.... I would put this at 14+ age group.  A quick read that is about a group of kids who are put in a boarding school after an untreatable case of TB breaks out.   Told from the point of view of the two main characters,  it is a romantic tragedy.

At The Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

Fiction... author of Water for Elephants..  this is essentially a story of mystery, adventure, scandal and love.   The love story kind of sneaks up on you which make it sweet and endearing.   Set in the highlands of Scotland, this story is centered around the search for the Loch Ness Monster.   But it is about so much more than that.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.   While I wouldn't put it in the category of the best literature I have ever read, it was entertaining and engaging.  If you are looking for a good "story" this is a book for you.  

I am on to my next book.... pushing myself to read some non-fiction which has historically been my least favorite genre.   I chose a book based on something that was suggested on Pintrest.  Apparently Pintrest knows me pretty well because although it is slow going, I am enjoying this book.  I am sure to write a review on it when I am done with it. 

After non-fiction, I will have to go back to fiction for awhile... but might try out some poetry or perhaps a biography and definitely some classics.   Please send me suggestions or become my friend on Good Reads so I can see what you are reading.  

If you don't read, you are really missing out.  It brings me great joy.  I ran a book club for 15 years, and recently  I have been missing it.   Everybody just got to busy to meet.  If you are ever looking for a good suggestion of what to read, let me know!

Seven

I have been without my mom for 7 years.  7 years seems like a magic number..... 7 years bad luck if you break a mirror.... the 7 year itch...........if you are friends with someone for 7 years you will be friends forever.   7 years seems like a magical time line, but for me it seems like forever ago and like yesterday all at the same time.

When I contemplate 7 years,  I realize that I have friends in my life that never knew my mom.   My youngest barely remembers her.   I think that is the hardest part for me.   That she never got to see my kids be amazing young adults. I know how proud she would be of all of them.

For those of you who were unfortunate enough to not know her... her personality was larger than life.   She loved big and had a kind heart.   But cross her, and she hated big as well.   If she liked you, she would do anything for you.   If she hated you, you best move to the other side of the street, leave town, etc.   When I look back on some of the stupidity I have had to deal with in the past year, I can think of a couple of people who should probably be thankful she wasn't here to witness (and react to) the crazy.  She forgave rarely.

I know what you are thinking.... yes, I see a lot of my mother in my own personality.  She was a lot like me...magnified by 100..... She was a crazy, fun mother... but super strict at the same time.   We got away with nothing.  Didn't help that our neighbor had a police scanner (had to love Grandma Wally.)  I don't think I am as strict as she was... but I think my kids are better than we were as kids.  She was passionate and competitive about her sports.   I  like to win as much as the next person, but I DO NOT share her court side manner (which is a good thing in this day and age.)  I think there is as much to learn from losing as there is winning.

She loved to go to the grocery store (which everyone knows I hate.)  But she did it because it was social.   I think going to Markettis was the equivalent of meeting a friend for coffee.   She was social and a planner... that is me through and through.  I love to be surrounded by fun people, and I love to plan events.  There is never too small of an excuse for a party/get together.   I think this is one thing about me that drives my husband nuts... as he is less social than I am.   Like my mother but probably to a lessor degree, I do like to cause a little harmless mischief.    I have never, however, been thrown out of any restaurant.

Like my mom, I have a lot of acquaintances and a few really close friends that I would do anything for.   My mom's friends are as crazy as she is.  My kids refer to them as "The Crazy Ladies"  They helped each other through everything, graduations, weddings, baby showers, etc.   They had other names for their group that probably shouldn't be mentioned in a public forum.  LOL  While I don't have a large family, I grew up with a spectacular group of "Aunts."

Like her, I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.   I believe that I get a lot of my strength from her.  As a child I was shy and awkward and wouldn't speak to anyone.  I clearly got past that.  I think my mom described me as "a drip"  That just cracks me up when I think about it.  My kids must have learned these lessons early.  None of them really have a problem speaking up or sticking up for themselves.   I have been thinking about mom a lot this past year with some of the people I have had to deal with, and I am thankful for these lessons that she has taught me.  I don't particularly like confrontation, but I am not afraid to stand up for what is right.  I know she would have stood by me and might have offered advice that would have been less than savory.   LOL  Her idea of revenge (which she firmly believed in) was to sit back and let karma do it's job. 

If you knew her, you either loved her or hated her... there was no halfway.   There are so many great stories about her... some of which should NEVER be repeated.   I think of all my kids, my middle daughter will probably carry on most of these personality traits.   But there is a little bit of Betha in both of my daughters.  So maybe you should take a little pity on my husband and son as they have to deal with three strong and slightly crazy women. 

Another Book Review..... The Hired Girl

This young adult novel is a Newberry Medal Winner.   I would highly recommend this book for any young reader but especially girls/women of all ages. 

I know my blogs have been dominated by book reviews, but when you find a good book it is hard to put it down long enough to write.   This was one of these books.   This is a story of a 14 year old Joan who longs for more than her rugged farm life can offer her.   Her mother who has passed away wanted more for her daughter than to wait on her father and brothers.  Joan is a smart girl who values education and religion.  Her father does not value these things.  

Joan takes matters into her own hands and runs away from the farm into the big city.  She gets work as a hired girl with a Jewish family.   Her adventures are just starting.   The plot moves along through a series of  journal entries.   Through these journal entries, we can tell that Joan is a strong, romantic,  intelligent yet naive girl.   Like any young lady, she questions herself regularly.... her religion, her position in life, her self worth.  

The Hired Girl is a heart warming story of perseverance and growth.    She finds an unlikely new family in her Jewish employer.  In the end she is also able to maintain her true character and religion.  They believe in her the way her mother did. In the end she is also able to maintain her true character and religion  The characters are well developed and realistic.   The plot moves along quickly keeping the reader drawn in and intrigued.  

If you are looking for a good read for your teen/preteen... this is a great read.  Read it with them.   It will open the door for some great conversations.   Happy Reading.

Book Review.... The House Girl

The House Girl

by

Tara Conklin

The House Girl was riveting.  I was intrigued by the subject matter.   Set in both the 1800's and modern time, this novel takes on the subject of slave reparations in a way that made sense to me  The author presented the subject in a way that brought light to a subject I might have otherwise dismissed.   To that very point, this book did what books are suppose to do... educate people.

Based on the story of a slave that was also an artist, we get a glimpse of slave owners who took credit for the work of their slaves.   While the book also talks about the gross hardships of being a slave, this was not the focus of the book .   Toggling between the life of Josephine the house slave and Lina the attorney who is the daughter of another famous author, this novel bridges the two stories perfectly.  Lina launches herself into proving that Josephine was the artist of a renowned collection of work that was credited to her owner.   Lina is also battling family demons herself in regards to her family and childhood.   Things are not exactly as she once thought.  

Sometimes novels that use this format are disjointed and confusing.  This novel blends the two story lines well making a flowing plot line that is easy to read.  The House Girl is a riveting read with language that is beautifully composed.  This novel allows you to see inside the lives of two very strong yet different female characters.  The plot line is brought along well and keeps you interested throughout.  

I would definitely recommend this novel.   Enjoy!