Recent Reads

I have not been reading very much this year. I still read every night before I go to bed, but I am  finding myself too tired to spend hours past my bedtime lost in a novel. Or maybe I just need to find a better book? Anyways, here are some of the books I have read recently, and my thoughts on them:

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This book kept me interested. It was one I wanted to read really quickly, so I could see how it all worked out in the end. It was really entertaining, but definitely one of those books where the ending just bums you out. I just wanted more from the ending. I  do think it is worth reading, the story makes you think, and is really entertaining.

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The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

I think this has been my favorite book of the year. Sometimes, I think your interest in a book depends on what is going on in your life. I read this book right around the time Spence and I became engaged. Marriage was on my mind, and therefore I think this book really 'spoke' to me. I found it to be just beautifully written. I was completely captivated by the story. After the book ended I wanted more, I spent the majority of my lunch periods googling Ernest Hemmingway and Hadley Hemmingway. Obsessed. Highly suggest!

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The Shack by William P. Young

I have read this book before, but again I think books can be different based on when in life you read them. I first read this book after college, for our post-college roommate book club (miss that!). I didn't really love it, and it didn't really 'speak' to me as I had hoped. At this time, I was still dealing with Abby's death, and was not fully open to a relationship with  God (sorry, TMI). Anyways, the past couple years I have found myself rebuilding this relationship, and finally feel like it is strong again. I think reading this a second time, allowed me to see what I was missing. I really found the book comforting, and I find myself thinking about it all the time--sign of a good book :)

BTW--another re-read this month...the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe...LOVE.


My recent Jodi Picoult favorites include:

Salem Falls & Second Glance. Both were a little spooky at times--although I just watched the Disney movie Brave, and had to fast forward because I got SO nervous...

Both books were definitely page turners, and have all the twists and turns you would expect. I am a sucker for Jodi Picoult--they always keep me interested!

Very open to any book suggestions! Summer break starts SO soon, and my library card is ready :)

Mothers Day

Wishing all the Mommas a happy Mothers Day! 

I wish I could be back in Minnesota today to spend time with my Mom. This is the first Mothers Day we have spent apart. I love this woman so much, and words cannot express how thankful I am for all she does! I have never met someone so selfless; I marvel at how she has always put e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e else in our family first. Being away from my family, and especially being away from my Mom is the hardest thing about living in Kansas. I miss them all so much, all the time. I hope my Mom was able to have a wonderful, relaxing, Mothers Day--and was able to take time for herself :)