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.

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.

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!)

Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage by Gottman

I've learned about Gottman and his research extensively in school, read his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, so I was excited to read this new book- Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage. It started like his other book and I felt kind of like I was getting a review of the last movie to enjoy the sequel. However, I felt like the book never really took off of it's own. Nothing felt especially new to me and even after I renewed it three times, I couldn't find the energy to finish this book. Have I learned from Gottman? Yes. Do I think about his four horsemen anytime I find the urge to criticize character or speak with contempt? Yes. But one of his books was enough! Sorry, I didn't even finish this one!