The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner

Good Read. The "behind the scenes" intricacies of how a weekly TV show really works, from the perspective of a writer who is trying to keep her story line and purpose intact. Unfortunately, what we see on the screen is not always what the writer intended. The bigger story was of the relationship between a young girl, orphaned at 9, and raised by a loving grandmother who directed her to rise above the circumstances of the accident and of the scars left on her face from it. In a world that elevates beauty as one of the highest goals, Ruthie never felt beautiful. So, as we often do, she turned to her other talents --writing, humor and courage. A good story, but I didn't necessarily enjoy the author's style nor the whole "hollywood" scene. Certainly the same elements --power/control, compromise -- come into play in many areas of our lives.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

This book was my choice for a quarterly book review at work, and it was a good encouragement in how to relate, motivate and "notice" other people rather than concentrate on "my stuff". Jones was an older gentleman who makes himself at home in a small community on the coast. He comes alongside the broken, the discouraged, the greedy, the lonely, the needy and appears to know each person's issues and background. One of the first questions he asks, in trying to help Andy mature and move ahead is " what is one thing that other people would change about you, if they could?" Tough question -- I think for me, it might be my controlling nature. I get carried away with plans & orders. The whole community comes together when Jones "disappears" -they share all the ways he touched them. Indeed he was Jesus in this place, and the author tries to make us think how we can help meet needs by being "Jesus" to those we meet.

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

Interesting read about three women involved in individual crises, landing together for a summer in Nantucket. Character development was good, felt like I understood each one by the end. Related most to Vicki as she was in chemo for lung cancer, facing all the "what if's"; believing that she would die; trying to imagine what her kids' lives would look like without her. The relationship between she and her sister changed as they swapped roles; putting behind them all the differences and realizing that they needed to embrace each other. Vicki accepted the weaknesses and loved her. This made me wish I had let go of the differences and fully loved both of my sisters better, saying out loud what I saw in their lives that I loved-- things I see so clearly now.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

Although I did not enjoy the fantasy genre, the message in this story resonated with me. Our culture is so consumed with time—the way we use it, the hurried life, the unending to-do lists, the workaholics. We do not appreciate the moments and the daily gifts from God. We do not smell the roses often enough. We do not cherish the conversations nor listen well to others—because we are so conscious of the things we “ought to” be doing or getting completed. Our priorities are out of whack. Some great quotes: Only God can write the end of your story. A heart weighs more when it splits in two: it crashes in the chest like a broken plane.

Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon

Fun read, got angry with Alice as she used modern day social media to start an "emotional affair" with another man online ~~ however, a fun twist at the end reveals the real truth and a great dialogue on marriage, its ups and downs, and the challenge and tenacity it takes to be faithful and creative.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

This was a book club read, my 3rd by this author. Love her stories, always a historical background and lots of twists. This crazy ending caught me off-guard, but it made perfect sense after the bouncing between 1941 and 2011. Told by Lauren, the daughter who is watching her mom die, the story delves back to her mom's younger years during the London Blitz during World War II --and uncovers the many secrets that Lauren always wondered about. When Lauren has her last conversation with her mom, with full revealing of all the mysteries; the Mom passes away. So Biblical -- the freedom that comes when the Truth is revealed.

South of Superior by Ellen Airgood

Enjoyable, light read! First time author writes about leaving Chicago to settle in a small town in the UP, on the coast of Lake Superior. Interesting characters in this small town, and the heroine "finds" herself as she delves into her history; and forgives her birth family for abandoning her.

A New Start

I am back at it! A little discouraging to not blog while in Israel, as my blog was "stolen"!! It was in Hebrew and I couldn't figure out how to change it. So my daughter reminded me that she hadn't read any of my book reviews, and I realized that I haven't written anything since Israel, by the way --the most incredible trip ever. So -- see you soon.

A New Adventure....

What an exciting trip we are about to embark on...one of our "bucket list" dreams has been to visit Israel on a study tour.  Although our first choice was Ray Vanderlaan, we know that God opened doors for us to be on this specific tour with John and Melanie DeKruyter, students of Ray's and of the Jewish rabbis in Jerusalem!  The amazing kids that God gave us (Mikkel & Teg/ Ben & Jenny/ Melody & Keith) have gifted us with this once in a lifetime trip for our 40th anniversary.
So - I am digressing from my book reviews to do nightly reviews of all that we will see, hear, smell and experience in the land of the Bible.  I am so ready for a fresh touch from Jesus...hang on & enjoy the ride!!

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen

It would be good to read a novel by Anna to see her general style.  This was a lot of reflective thoughts from her past 50+ years.  She muses about motherhood, friends, marriage, girlfriends, women in the workplace, culture, faith---some ideas I have voiced, some of her faith thoughts not at all as I see my life with God.  All interesting and good to hear though, always challenging to re-think.  She, just as my mom, mention that girlfriends are keepers and desperately needed in our lives --and as I think of my friends, it saddens me once again, to know that my 2 sisters are not in my life. Grateful for my long distance friends as well as my "locals".  I could thoroughly identify with thinking through what I have accomplished and looking forward to the next "phase" and weeding out what used to be so important, yet knowing better who I have become--and what it is that is important to me now.