Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

My friend Alyson recommend Hattie Big Sky to me. Set during WWI, it shares the story of a young orphaned girl who bravely goes to Montana to homestead. Sharing her experience through letters to her friend serving in the military, she learns more about family, friendship, and what truly matters as she works her tail off trying to do the work of a whole family all by herself. This was a fast and interesting read and great for all ages.

Favorite Quotes:

"We'd both signed on for something we'd envisioned as heroic and glamourous. The heroiusm and glamour might be there somewhere, btu you had to dig and scrape and scrabble through the dirt, pain and misery to find it. Assuming youc ould find it."

"It's the company, not the cooking, that makes the meal."

"Rather, the lessons this life has planted in my heart pertain more to caring than to crops, more to the Golden Rule than gold, more to the proper choice than to the popular choice."

A Shadow of Night

The sequel to a Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night was a great read! I neglected my laundry and house in general but gobbled it up in one day. The historical parts of this novel were fascinating (nothing like historical fiction to make you grateful!) although I did think their relationship a little different in this book. I loved the ending and really can't wait for the third book. I almost went to this book signing (before nasty early pregnancy nausea got in the way) but will make a point to go for the third book- I hear she is amazing in person and can't wait. 

See more about the All Souls Trilogy here.

Favorite quotes:

"All children need is love, a grown-up to take responsibility for them, and a soft place to land."

"We women own nothing absolutely, save what lies between our ears. Our virtues belongs first to our father and then to our husband. we dedicate our duty to our family. As soon as we share our thoughts with another, put pen to paper or thread a needle, all that we do and make belong to someone else. So long as she has words and ideas, Annie will always possess something that is hers alone."

"One should fine wholeness in marriage... but it should not be a prison for either party."

"Nightmares are like Master Harriot's star glass. They are a trick of the light, one that makes something distant seem closer and larger than it really is." "Oh." Jack considered Matthew's response. "So even if I see a monster in my dreams, it cannot reach me?" Matthew nodded. "But I will tell you a secret. A dream is a nightmare in reverse. If you dream of someone you love, that person will seem closer, even if far away."

Discovery of Witches

The first in the All Souls Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is another book recommended by the Phenomenally Decisive Book Club. Although I'd checked it out before and never made it past the first little bit, Jules' recommendations haven't let me down so I decided to forge ahead. I ended up LOVING this book and agreed with the comparison to a 'grown up Harry Potter and Twilight'. Similar in the 'lore', witches, vampires and daemons mingle with humans.

Diana Bishop comes from a long line of witches but tries to deny her power until the supernatural world ends up coming to her. Armed with a great vampire, she learns about her true history, family, and priorities in a fight for her life. This book was very smart and well written and researched (the author is a professor). The historical, cultural and scientific references were even entertaining to my husband and we both really liked this book. I always think the supernatural rules and worlds are fascinating. In this 'world', vampires can eat food (but have diets more like wolves), supernatural creatures aren't allowed to mingle or mix races (making a vampire-witch relationship tricky!), and witches have varying gifts that were really interesting. This was a really great read and I can't wait for the last one now (dang sequels!)

Favorite quote:
"Somewhere in the center of my soul, a rusty chain began to unwind. It freed itself, link by link, from where it had rested unobserved, waiting for him. My hands, which had been balled up and pressed against his chest, unfurled with it. The chain continued to drop, to an unfathomable depth where there was nothing but darkness and Matthew. At last it snapped to its full length, anchoring me to a vampire.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I'd heard a lot about the Book Thief but just barely read it. Narrated by Death itself, it tells the story of a young German girl during WWII and how she deals with losing her family, finding a foster family, and coming of age in such a difficult time. With the help of her sweet foster father (my favorite character in the book) she deals with her grief through learning and books. The humanity and sadness in this book was almost too much at times but I am so glad I read it (and glad to be me!)

Favorite quotes:
"It's much easier, she realized, to be on the verge of something that to actually be it." Wise insights for a little girl!

"A human doesn't have a heart like mine. The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consequences of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both. Still, they have thing I envy. Humans, if nothing else, have the food sense to die."

The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Of all the Lord John books, this is the one I was dying to read! When I first met Diana Gabaldon she was getting ready to tour for this book so I heard a lot about it then. Of course, I hadn't read any Outlander yet so I didn't know what a can of worms I'd just opened! But this book did not disappoint. Lord John is forced to put personal conflicts aside and work with Jamie to help a friend and prevent some serious political problems. Because the Lord John books take place during the 3rd Outlander book, I 'knew' how Jamie and Lord John would end up eventually but seeing the process was fascinating. There were some really great discussions in this book that left a big impression on me. Although I never agree with the morality of all the characters in these books, they always leave me searching and thinking, grateful for my life and my family and hoping to be and do better each day.

Favorite quotes from the Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon:

"He could feel the child's imagined weight on his shoulders, warm and heavy, smelling faintly of wee and strawberry jam. There were some chains you worse because you wanted to."

" 'No matter how much a man may try to do what is right, the outcome may not be the one that he either foresees or desires. And that's grounds for regret- sometimes verra great regret,' he added more softly, 'but not for everlasting guilt. For it is there we must throw ourselves on God's mercy and hope to receive it.' " So so true!

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon

The second Lord John book, I was grateful I had it right on hand to follow the first! I'm not sure why it took me so long to read these but I really liked them. This one opens with Lord John's mother remarrying and he and his brother's doubts about the new family and step brother. Lord John and Percy (who Outlander fans know to be a bad apple later on) develop a romantic relationship that's fraught with peril, as homosexuality in the mid 18th century military was exceedingly dangerous and frowned upon. In all honesty I didn't mind flipping pages a few times when things heated up but I couldn't stop thinking about the book and the moral conflicts. Jamie and Lord John have a big talk about sexuality and of course, the perspective of a traditional catholic and a progressive gay man are quite different although they both value family and honor above all else. Although I'm very conservative myself I couldn't help but appreciate both sides and feel for the characters and their seemingly impassable conflict. This was a fascinating read for the history and culture alone and as always made me appreciate my life and freedoms even more.

Favorite Quotes:
"Dead is dead, Major," he said quietly. "It is not a romantic notion. And whatever my own feelings in the matter, my family would not prefer my death to my dishonor. While there is anyone alive with claim upon my protection, my life is not my own." (Jamie knows about death and duty more than anyone, poor guy! Have to admire his convictions!)

"I have loved my wife beyond life itself, and know that love for a gift of God."

Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon

This is the first in the Lord John Series, a shoot off of Diana Gabaldon's amazing Outlander books. While I totally understand that it takes forever to write her amazing books, waiting is still rough! The Lord John books are a fun Outlander distraction and I loved catching a glimpse of Jamie that you don't see in the Outlander series. This book starts with a personal dilemma- Lord John realizes that his cousin's fiance might be 'poxed' and doesn't know what to do. In the course of the novel things get sticky personally and professionally but Lord John handles it with courage and grace that has slowly made him one of my favorite characters (and I never thought I would say that!) This is a stand alone novel but extra enjoyable if you're an Outlander fan... and you should be! The insights into London in the 18th Century and military life were also really great (especially since I typically read the Welsh/Scottish side and tend to forget about the 'feelings' of the English!)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I like to think my fascination with medical information is more than an interest in Grey's Anatomy. When I heard about this book from the Phenomenally Indecisive Book Club, I couldn't wait to read it. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is an in depth look into the lives of the family behind the HeLa cells. When Henrietta was treated for cervical cancer in the fifties, part of her tumor was saved to be studied and the resulting cells were called HeLa. Some of the first cells to survive studying, they played a huge roll in the development of Polio and other vaccines, cancer research, DNA mapping, even in vitro fertilization. But while all this progress was made using her involuntarily taken cells, her family struggled with misinformation, ignorance, and abuse by the medical community. The story is fascinating and really makes you think about ethics, where we've come from and how much room we have to improve as a society. A great read.

Magic Study by Maria Snyder

The sequel to Poison Study, Magic Study by Maria Snyder is every bit as fascinating. I knew things wouldn't be easy for Yelena but was cheering her along and hoping things would work out the whole time. Reading about a new 'country' and culture was fascinating and the ending left my satisfied but excited to read the final book in the trilogy (hurry up library hold list!)

Poison Study by Maria Snyder

I heard about this book on a blog and put it on hold a while back. Once I started reading it I finished the same day because I couldn't put it down! Poison Study is about a young woman named Yelena who is condemned to die but spared in return for becoming the food tester for the 'king'. With recent political unrest, varying factions, no family and no friends to call her own, Yelena struggles and grows as she learns to survive. I couldn't wait to see how the story would resolve and to solve the big mystery- why did Yelena kill someone in the first place and how is she going to come to terms with her life? Between the setting of the story, the relationships, the elements of her past, the food, the physical and mental growth she experiences, I was really entertained and impressed. I loved this book and would recommend it as a coming of age and growing up despite hard times story over the silly Hunger Games any day.

Juliet by Anne Fortier

I've been reading a ton of books lately and fallen behind! Here's a book club book I read over the summer- Juliet by Anne Fortier. The story focuses on a young woman named Julie who is floundering through life until the death of her Aunt (and mother figure) sends her to recover a mysterious inheritance in Italy. She learns that she may be related to Juliet (as in... Romeo and Juliet) and discovers more about herself and her history along the way. There's action, history, love, speculation, mystery, and even some intrigue. It was a good read although a little slow in parts. The author obviously loved Italy and did a great job sharing details that made me feel like I was there.

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson

I read Stephanie Nielson's new book "Heaven is Here" about a month ago. 'Nie Nie', a popular blogger, Mormon wife and mother, was in a terrible plane crash a few years ago. This book recounts her life before and her recovery. It was pretty heart wrenching to hear of her loss but triumphant to see your recover, grow stronger each day and share her hope and message of the love of our Savior and the importance of our families. It made me want to be a better mother, to be more patient and appreciative. And never to ride in a small plane! I know that's terrible but this book was really inspirational and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to change their perspective for the better.

Lord of the Rings- Fellowship of the Ring

For Christmas my husband asked that I read the Lord of the Rings books. It was free (minus 50 hours or whatever my mom pointed out) and he really wanted to so I said yes. The, a couple days after I cracked open the first book I dusted off a book I'd picked up at a book signing a few months ago. It was shiny and red and sounded interesting though I didn't know much about it. Three weeks and thousands and thousands of pages later I'd read the entire Outlander series and the Fellowship was gathering dust. I finally finished it last week (helped out a by the proximity of my new Kindle) and I have to say I did enjoy it. It was a little rough getting into but the story of good and evil is always relevant. Tolkien was obviously an incredible writer and it's not hard to get lost in his world, imaginative and vast yet strikingly similar to our own.

A few impressive quotes-

"Such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." -Elrond

I'm sure this could apply to a million things but to me of course motherhood comes to mind.

"'I wish it need not have happened in my time,' said Frodo.
'So do I,' said Gandalf, 'and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'"

I'm a little bit into the second book (seamless transitional on the Kindle, it's pretty great). Hopefully I'll finish before another Outlander book comes out, haha!)

These is my Words

Book club has started at Church again. I have a hard time with this because people are really unpredictable in their book choices and preferences. I hate to recommend a book and be told off that it was terrible and inappropriate and then feel that I must be too by extension. So I'm along for the Church book club ride for now. But I jumped on the wagon to reread this book because I loved it so much when I read it a few years (for the first time in 2008 I think). This time I read it, I couldn't help but think about Claire and Jamie and their relationship compared to Sarah's. These is my Words is a beautiful novel, inspired by a true story of Nancy Turner's ancestor. She lives in the Arizona Territory, overcomes loss, disaster, death, and the run of the mill stuff that would probably kill the rest of us (primitive standard of living, limited women's rights, etc). This book inspired me to be stronger, to suck it up and be grateful I have a washing machine and remember that I can do hard things. And to hold my babies close and enjoy them- life can change on a dime and while it's not helpful to stress over that, it is important to stop and be grateful every day.

The Time Traveler's Wife

I posted about The Time Traveler's Wife last year but since I intend this blog to be a sort of personal reading log I'm posting again. Last night I was stashing something in the hall book case and saw this book and thought I should reread it. So I started, put in two or three hours last night and then finished this morning. I didn't mean to have a marathon session (particularly since I knew the ending already and easily started to tear up at all the foreshadowing) but I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and this reading I really saw a lot of my husband in Henry. I know it's easy to project when reading but I normally feel that way. This was another book that reminded me to treasure my life and my husband, to appreciate the everyday and not stress over the little things. A beautiful book to treasure and read again and again.

See it on Amazon.

The Hunger Games Trilogy

I wasn't in a huge rush to read this book (having recently neglected laundry and more devouring the Outlander series) but figured I might as well put The Hunger Games on hold and read it eventually- I was number 300 in line so it would probably be next year or something. Apparently, though, people devour these books and the library has a million copies because it came up for me not two months later. After reading thick, historical, adult-oriented books, I flew through this YA novel in about four hours. The story of 17 year old Katniss Everdeen, struggling to survive and protect her family in post-apocalyptic North America was very interesting. I couldn't wait to see how the author would resolve some of the issues presented. Although some of the story was predictable, I still enjoyed watching it unfold. The underlying issues of hunger, desperation, growing up, corruption were difficult and made me think about my own life and how I would react. After I finished the first one I read the next two the next day (unlike Outlander, it actually only takes a couple hours to read one of these, so that was nice). Some of my predictions did come true as the story resolved itself but I was mostly pleased with the way the story wraps up, particularly the resolution of the love triangle between Katniss and Gail and Peeta. I liked the way Katniss explained her final decision and felt it was realistic. Reading the story from her perspective was entertaining, as well- lots of action and good insight into her thoughts.

Did these books change my life? No. They were engrossing but at times I felt like the pace was off- too fast at the end, making me wonder if I had missed things. I felt like the ending flew by. There is a ton of symbolism (often kind of blatant- like she wanted people to rip the books apart and find things barely hidden) and lots to think about. I'm not sure I would want my 12 year old to read them (though I did appreciate that there wasn't a blatant sex scene like I almost expected). I haven't seen the movie since I wanted to read them first but I'm not sure how disturbing the teens killing teens theme would be on screen. For now, I am grateful for my docile, uneventful life.

The Part-Time Vegan by Cherise Grifoni

I have been really interested in Flexitarian eating lately so I jumped on the chance to review a free e copy of this cookbook from Booksneeze. Cherise Grifoni's the Part-Time Vegan explains fun and simple ways to incorporate more Vegan eating into your life. She explains the benefits and reasons why a flexitarian diet might be right for you and how to go about starting. I didn't feel overwhelmed but encouraged- like I could do this even if it was only a few days a week. The breakfast quinoa sounded incredible and for less familiar options, she offered friendly explanations. This is going to be a good reference for me for years to come.

Design*Sponge at Home

This was the biggest design book of 2011 in my opinion. I can't tell you how many blog posts I saw with this book perched carefully on the coffee table. The book itself is striking in person with the gold picture (subtle but gorgeous). As for the actual book, lots of fun photos, some DIY, lots of flower arranging. The before and afters were fun and if you were a blogger whose project was featured I bet that would feel pretty amazing. A lot of the book felt pretty contrived- the same mid century modern stuff every where. A couple good ideas but nothing life changing. I spent about a hour flipping through this and returned it to the library. I bet it will be pretty funny to see what was hot ten years ago when this book is at the thrift store, akin to the decorating books of the nineties that are pretty laughable now.

Project: Happily Ever After

Project: Happily Ever After- Saving your Marriage when the Fairytale Falters was an accidental read for me. I was looking for a different book someone had recommended but it wasn't available at the library. This one popped up instead so I thought I would see what author Alisa Bowman had to say. No matter how happy your marriage is, you can always stand a little more information and ideas. The book starts off with a rundown of how she ended up marrying her husband (failed relationships, work, etc).

Things start out good but of course they end up 'falling out of love' and over each other. So much of this book was devoted to why her husband wasn't doing enough. Even when they start to fix things, most of the solutions involve her telling her husband what he should be doing and then maybe deciding it's alright that he isn't perfect. Well, I didn't feel much connection with the character. I'm sure her husband made her crazy and that he wasn't a perfect man but I don't know that she was either and didn't see a lot of compromise or connection besides making him align. I feel like I learned more about marriage, love and respect, hard work and determination from the fictitious marriage of Jamie and Claire in Outlander. It's always good to hear that people overcome and that things can get better even when they seem bad. But as for loving my man and being a better spouse and person, this isn't where I would turn (some funny anecdotes, though, to be fair!)

The Hand that First Held Mine

The Hand that First Held Mine is the story of two women, living 50 years apart in London. Elina, in the present, is a new mother, trying to figure out parenthood, her relationship, and herself. Lexie, in the 50's, is trying to stretch her wings and see where she will go and what she will become. I loved reading their two stories and was waiting to see how they would eventually connect but when they finally did, I was pretty sad. I guess I would say I liked this book because I enjoyed reading the whole thing but it was sad how it all worked out. I did leave with a feeling of hope- that things can work out, that we can grow and do better, that there is a plan and it will all be alright, even if the ending is nothing like we imagined.

An Echo in the Bone

The seventh and most current book in the Outlander series, An Echo in the Bone was a fast read at my house. There are several concurrent plots- the British army, Claire and Jamie, Roger and Brianna. Lots of heart break and shock, love, and cliff hangers. When I shut the book I wanted to yell 'but what about Jem? William? Claire and Jamie? Lord John? UGHHH!!" It's SO frustrating waiting for the next part of the series. I really love these characters and admire them. The way that they just keep on going, loving each other despite weakness, hardship, insurmountble odds. I can't believe how many times they have to pick up and start over. It's inspiring and makes my life feel a little vain. The 'hard thing' I deal with aren't that hard when I think about it.

A few things I loved remembering what I read so far (a few books blending together since I read the whole series in about 3 weeks)-

*Claire's approach to the 18th century- medicine, culture, etc. I loved seeing the comparisons and how she adapted.

*Jamie's unwavering loyalty. Wow. He is such a good man to the core- even when no one is looking. It makes me want to develop my character and to be a better spouse.

*The older perspective on new things and vice versa- Brianna explaining toilet paper, reconciling knowledge of the 'future' with the realities they are dealing with, trying to innovate. I love how Roger makes little toy cars for the kids but kind of ache when they can't explain what they are (I think that was the previous book).

*I loved in this book when they 'met' some real characters- Benedict Arnold, Nathan Hale, etc. I know so much of history is speculative and it's hard to say how it really went but I loved learning more about the way people lived and dealt with their challenges. I know so many of them were honestly terrible- lots of hardship. They must have thought the world was ending (just as people do now) but from where we sit, that is just a few chapters in a history book, come and gone. It's refreshing to gain a new perspective and appreciation.

I am kicking myself that when I met Diana Gabaldon, I hadn't read any of these books, didn't know who Claire and Jamie were, and didn't take the chance to pick her brain. I am so sad they are 'over' for now and can't wait for the next one. I'm sure when I meet her again at the next signing there will be hundreds or thousands of fans instead of the intimate setting where she was hosting Sharon Kay Penman. For now I will have to suffice my Outlander kick by starting over, reading Diana's blog and excerpts, and thinking about naming my next son James (would go with the William we have already!)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Book Six in the Outlander Series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is fast paced and exciting, lots of development in the characters and stories as war officially comes to the Colonies. With personal hardships, false accusations, kidnappings, and more, this book was one that I absolutely couldn't put down. Thank goodness the sequel was alright out when I read this one. There really was a lot of sad things happening to characters I loved but the lesson that the father teaches his daughter about forgiveness. Even in the face of serious betrayal and hurt, he teaches compassion, forgiveness, and what truly matters in a very poignant way. We would all be so lucky to have learned such a great lesson.

The Fiery Cross

The fifth book in the Outlander series, The Fiery Cross deals with Claire and Jamie, the rest of Fraser's ridge, and their daughter's family. Brianna and Roger have a lot of difficulties and issues to work out as do all of the characters with the coming of the Revolution. This book deals a lot with the community, working together, and seeing how outside events effect characters very dear to us. Loved it (and anxiously moved to the next one!)

Scarlet Lion

In this sequel to the Greatest Knight, William Marshall is now a powerful Earl. The writing and story are great and I love this book. I was so caught up in what would happen to him, balancing family, crazy English kings, French and Irish assets- I didn't dare look him up on Wikipedia to see how his life ended, I couldn't wait to find out. This was a fun and engaging read, another historical fiction to remind me how blessed I am. Although things may feel difficult at times I'm grateful to know I don't daily risk losing everything at the whim of a volatile king. The perspective is so refreshing and I loved this book and will surely read it again.

Greatest Knight

The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick was recommended by Sharon Kay Penman. It follows the amazing rise of William Marshall, who was nearly sacrificed as a hostage by his father and through his merits becomes one of the greatest knights and most politically powerful men in all of England. I loved learning about him (his is said to be the inspiration for Knight's Tale's William Thatcher, too) and Eleanor of Acquitaine of course. The characterization of the Angevin's was so interesting and makes me wonder how it really was (seems like they were all a little hot tempered and back stabbing if you ask me!) This book made me proud to have named my son William and hope he would be as brave, true, and chivalrous someday.

Drums of Autumn

Drums of Autumn, book 4 in the Outlander series, lived right up the previous novels. Set in Colonial America, Claire and Jamie have a world of opposition they happily face together. It's inspiring and a good reminder that we really are so blessed and need to give back. I loved the descriptions of medical knowledge and practice, cultural differences and the historical backdrop. Frank's letter of confession at the end literally haunted my dreams last night when I finished the book- thinking about it's implications and what the future will hold for the characters I have come to love. Can't wait for the next one (it's ready at the library tomorrow!)

Voyager

The third book in the Outlander series, I devoured Voyager in about 2 days (impressive considering I was still there for my kids!) When Claire learns Jamie might have survived the battle of Culloden, she goes back to search for him. The travel through Edinburgh and the Indies was fascinating, funny, and at time terrifying. Now a physician, Claire helps many but is faced with the reality that she often can't help those that are closet to her. This book was a joy and I loved it, even if it made me feel like my comfortable, 21st life was kind of vain. I need to find more ways to serve and help others.

Dragonfly in Amber

The second Outlander book, Dragonfly in Amber tells the tragic story of the Scotish rising in 1745. Knowing the disastrous results from the future, Claire and Jamie attempt to save their countrymen by preventing the rising. The time spent in France was interesting and reminiscent for me. Their relationship was lovely, of course, though real enough with the challenges and trials. I laughed and cried the whole time. Will read it again!

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Last October, I attended a book signing for Sharon Kay Penman. One of my favorite authors, I couldn't miss it. Diana Gabaldon 'hosted' and they answered questions, talked about the writing process, and their favorite characters. Diana was gracious and witty and I bought this special edition of her book that started it all- Outlander. With the holidays and everything I didn't get to reading it until the week of Christmas. Once I started, I COULD NOT put it down. The story follows Claire, a nurse in post WWII England as she is accidentally sent back in time to 18th century Scotland. With her medical knowledge and historical information, she seeks to help those around her and find her way back to her own time. Along the way, daring Jamie Fraser becomes her friend, forced husband, lover, and confidant. I loved their relationship and willingness to courageously help each other. The second I finished this I picked up the next.. and the next. All I can say is I have a lot of laundry to fold and my floors need to be mopped, but it was worth it!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I reread HP7 last summer, in time for the last movie to come out. It was so fun to read this time since I wasn't in a rush to find out what would happen to my favorite characters! The feel of the urgency and importance of their actions was really thrilling and I couldn't wait to see how it all went down again (if if I already, mostly, knew!) Can't wait to read them all again and relive the awesome journey.