I Capture the Castle

I liked this book, but it didn't end the way I wanted it to. The ending was good and in the end I guess it was right just not the way I had hoped. It took place after WWI and before WWII. It was not a war book. It was about an author who took his family to live in an abandoned castle. The story gets good about 4 chapters into it. I laughed very hard at the bear part!! I'm being vague because I don't want to give it away! It was a very easy read! The author I am told wrote Mary Poppins, but I can't say that is the absolute truth!

The Arthurian Omen by G. G. Vandagriff

This is a brand new LDS fiction suspense novel. It was a fast read with just enough happening to keep me interested. It takes place in Wales where a search is started to find a manuscript proving King Arthur was a real figure. King Arthur is still the subject of many fanciful legends in current day Wales. This book has a number of twists and turns, enough that the ending is a real surprise so don't peek.

The author gives a good feel for the countryside and mystery of the Welch countryside and language.
"A Celtic scholar is brutally murdered when she finds a clue to a priceless fifth-century manuscript that could prove the identity of King Arthur. Determined to find the ancient relic and avenge her sister’s death, Maren Southcott begins a quest that immediately puts her own life in danger.In the tradition of Mary Higgins Clark, The Arthurian Omen weaves a tale of mystery and suspense as pursuit of the manuscript winds through the medieval castles and monasteries of Wales. Stalked by a psychopath with delusions of a Welsh revolution, Maren is shaken to the core when a new crisis threatens to destroy the one person she loves most. Can she find the manuscript before the murderer strikes again? Or is the manuscript-and the legend-better left buried in the past?"

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

This book was a gift for Mother's Day. It was an interesting read, definitely a book for women. It is a story of a single mom raising a soon to be teenage daughter. It shares her journey, not ad nauseum, but with strength. It shares the friendships she has developed with other women who have helped her in her journey. They end up starting an informal club in her shop. It shows the support women can give each other through their life. If you don't knit, you will want to before you are done reading it.
It does have some language problems. I have edited my copy and would be glad to share it. I enjoyed reading it, although there are some heartwrenching moments in the book.
Sorry, no picture, I can't figure out how to make that work tonight.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

I feel somewhat embarrassed to admit that I bought The Host on the second day after it's release. I debated over it, but I knew I would never be able to get it at the library and Costco had it for a pretty good price and it was my birthday. So don't judge me.

Now, I was pleasantly surprised by it. It was really quite good. I didn't think Stephenie could pull off another story as good as Twilight. The Host really is every bit as good as Twilight. In some ways I liked it better. The romance was there, but a little less gooey. And, while it is sci-fi, you don't notice that so much.

There are some strong resemblances to Twilight in this book. The structure of the love story is similar. You'll notice if you read it. In the end though, I read the book in just a few days. Just like with Twilight, nothing got done and my children suffered. When you get the chance, read it. You'll like it. I almost think even my husband would like it, though I am sure he would never consent to read it.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles

This was a pretty good book. A young girl gets caught in the whirl wind of the Civil War. She is imprisoned for helping the enemy, escapes, and must somehow continue on with her life. She is essentially left with very little to live for. My complaint is the ending. I hated it. But, in defense of the book, I have read a lot of books that I don't like the ending of them. Overall, it was a very interesting book. The ending just stunk.

The Pleasure of My Company

Written by the comedian Steve Martin, this is a delightful, practically clean, quick, quirky read. I like to describe it as not so much as a rich dessert but as a yummy cupcake. With his clever writing style you'll find yourself rallying behind the odd protagonist despite his quirky habits. I laughed several times so that Sean was intriqued. We both give it a full four out of five stars. You can read almost three-quarters of it here (but if you read that much, you're really going to want to know how it ends... so you'll have to get your own copy.)

On Becoming Child Wise

I have been a long time fan of the 'On Becoming...' series by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. They took me through the new born stages and how to get little Ethan and Maille to sleep through the night and to awake smiling. I've read their second book 'On Becoming Toddler Wise' and felt like it had a lot of good information, but I was blown away by the Child Wise book. While reading the book I had a paper and pencil in hand, writing down key guidance and information in rearing all-around great kid! Some of the topics included, first and foremost...Instill good Morals. The Golden Rule, is a terrific tool. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Second: Labor, teach the child to work for the family and for themselves. Third: Respect for age. What we can do about our child screaming for our attention while we're trying to talk with another adult. And where did the titles Mr. and Mrs. disappear to. Fourth: Discipline and the 5 laws of correction. How to deal with temper tantrums. Praise and Respect. The list goes on as to how we can teach our children to become the virtuous, good willed, respectful, independent and happy children that they are and can continue to become. I recommend this book to every mother and father on the planet!

The Storm Testament

In desperation for something to read I picked up a much abused copy of The Storm Testament. I've never read any of these and Nathan loved at least the first one. While the story was pretty good I had a very difficult time connecting to the characters. Dan Storm is a teenager thrown into living off the land and becoming a hardened mountain man. This is a fantasy made for teenage boys. I mean, what teenage boy hasn't dreamed about living off the land and marrying a beautiful Indian girl. My other complaints include the lack of dialog and the amount of fighting. Dan Storm fought mormon haters, a bear, several Indians, and a couple of lousy trappers who tried to steal from him. This book just wasn't my cup of tea. . . maybe Nathan and I just don't have the same taste in books. Big surprise.

Trusting Jesus by Jeffrey R. Holland

I love Elder Holland. I think it stems back to the time he spoke to the missionaries when I was in the MTC. He said to let him know if any of us was thinking of going home because he would come tie us to our beds with the bed sheets. From then on I paid attention to him. He is so human. This book is filled with talks he has given, but its organized and still flows nicely. I enjoyed reading every talk and each one hit me with a different feeling of comfort or desire to improve. It seemed to me a good reminder of who we really can always count on. I really loved it.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

I read Pride and Prejudice this week with some hesitation, but I have to admit after just a few pages I was hooked. As much as I disliked Sense and Sensibility I loved Pride and Prejudice. Besides, what can one say about Darcy. To marry a rich, sensitive, handsome man. . . it is the perfect scenario. I guess it is really just another Cinderella story. Only the Cinderella in this story is her own woman. No need tell her how to live. She will do very well with or without a man in her life. I have seen the most recent movie but I would like to watch the BBC version. Anyway, I'm sure this will be a novel I will revisit on occasion, just for fun. I guess I will read something else by Jane Austin in a couple months. Might as well. Any suggestions.

Timeline by Micheal Crichton

Well, this was not a bad book. I enjoyed reading it, aside from the somewhat frequent bad language. It is a bit confusing to figure out how everything works. Something to do with quantum physics. Anyway, that just flew right over my head. What I can tell you is the basic plot. A group of archaeologists must go back in time to save a friend. They arrive there during the 100 year war between England and France so things are pretty hairy. It's a good easy read. But the crude language ruined the book a bit for me. So, there you have it. I would rate it a three star novel (out of 5).

The Peacegiver
How Christ Offers to Heal
Our Hearts and Homes

Ok, I give up on the picture. This book is amazing, one that should be read by all. Read it together as a couple as friends and/or enemies. When you put it down you will have drawn closer and have a greater understanding of the atonement. James Ferrell has a unique way of simplifying what we need to do to be at peace in our lives. It starts with us, how we feel, how we change the way we think. It isn't about changing the world and people around us. It is about changing ourselves from the inside out. It is a way to live a Christ centered life. It is an easy read, but I also got it on disc so it can be listened to while driving.

Check out this review at Deseret Book. DeseretBook.com - The Peacegiver: How Christ Offers to Heal Our Hearts and Homes

I just finished this book and absolutely loved it. I learned more about World War II than I ever knew before. What I like about the Thoene books is the ability to show what is happening in every relevant area of the world at the same time. This one takes several war correspondents through the areas of the world effected in the invasion of France. It was amazing to realize how fast a nation can be taken over. This is a book of fiction, but the history is spot on. After reading it I had to check out the actual history of the time. What an amazing time, just glad I wasn't there. This book lends a human side to what was happening, plus a small bit of insight into the politics between France and England. It wasn't so depressing, but more awe inspiring to see the courage people showed.

We were reading Alma 14 at the same time I was reading this and it felt like a synopsis of that time.

Breathe Lif into Your Life Story: How to Write a Story People Will Want to Read

This review was written by Tom Baxter.

Authors: Dawn and Morris Thurston

Publisher: Signature Books - Salt Lake City- 2007

For those of you who have thought about writing your life history, but don't know where or how to start or really don't see yourself as a writer, this book is designed to give you many helpful tips. The authors are a husband/wife team that have presented writing courses at several universities and at BYU Education Week. As noted in the subtitle, their goal is to help you produce something that your posterity will want to read. They cite a number of examples and excerpts from Pulitzer Prize writers that include autobiographical works as well as works of fiction. They clearly outline how professional writers go about the creative process of expressing themselves in print. They suggest ways of breathing life into the characters by using first person dialogue and descriptive adjectives to depict the scene or interaction. They argue that too many life histories are simply a compilation of facts lacking in personality and real life experiences that the reader can relate to. One of the things that I had never thought about before reading their book is that professional writers take a lot of license in getting inside the minds of their characters by assuming thoughts and verbal and nonverbal cues to describe what is going on. The Thurstons argue that your life story is yours to interpret and convey in a way that has meaning to you. They suggest linking your life events to the historical events of the times. One chapter entitled, The Hitchcock Factor, provides ideas on how to rivet your readers with conflict and suspense. When sharing difficult and even controversial times in ones life, the authors suggest the writer be honest, but balanced in what they say about themselves. I recall someone saying that funeral eulogies tend to be whitewashed idealized characterizations of a person's life that often fail to really depict who the person really was and what life was like for them. Accounts of ones life, includes what challenges they had, i.e. self doubts, bouts with depression, periods of insecurity and frustration, periods of rebellion, etc. and how the person overcame them to achieve some private victories in their lives brings authenticity to their story. I have always liked Spencer Kimball's biography that shared his real feelings of insecurity and inadequacy about his role as a leader and servant in the church. I think his openness endeared many people to him. The authors offer ideas on how to sort out what is essential and what is not when sharing one's life view.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is seriously contemplating putting their life story to print.

Merlin's Keep

This book starts out in Tibet. It is about a young woman who does not know her ancestry, and this is a search to find it. The main character is no milk toast English lady, but is full of spunk and brains and a sense of humor. My interest was caught in the first paragraph and it never let me down thoughtout the whole book. It's what I would label an intelligent romance, in other words, a great story line with a little romantic interest thrown in. It falls under the label 'Historical mystery fiction'.

Another reader reviews these books by saying this: " All her books [well, really, his -- the author is really Peter O-Donnell, author of the Modesty Blaise books] are historical romances. Virtually all of them involve a clash of foreign cultures with staid British 19th century customs and manners; her heroines, though all British by birth, have been raised in places like China, the Australian outback, or such exotic English backgrounds as a traveling circus. These women wouldn't know how to faint or simper. They're strong, intelligent, gutsy, compassionate women, as likely to rescue the heroes as be rescued by them, all without it ever occurring to them that there's anything unusual about them.

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

This was not a book for simple "pleasure reading". In fact, funny enough, I chose this book because I felt like I needed something to make me more intelligent. I didn't expect to actually want to read it. I thought it would be difficult to get through, but instead, I found that I enjoyed it. Really, I give it five starts, or a ten, or whatever. It is worth reading.
To quote Azar Nafisi
"Most great works of the imagination were meant to make you feel like a stranger in your own home. The best fiction always forced us to question what we took for granted. . . I told my students I wanted them in their readings to consider in what ways these works unsettled them, made them a little uneasy, made them look around and consider the world. . ."
"It is only through literature that one can put oneself in someone else's shoes and understand the other's different and contradictory sides. . ."
"If I turned towards books, it was because they were the only sanctuary I knew, one I needed in order to survive. . . "
This book gave me reason to think on so many tiers. Initially, I felt bad for these women in Iran. The way they were forced into living a life of self- repression. Being forced to portray a feeling of humility and acceptance, while inside feeling like they were bursting at the seams to find themselves.
I thought about these women, I thought about Iran and why things were the way they were, and I thought about myself. Articulating what I thought and felt while reading this book would be inadequate. I loved reading it. I felt like my mind expanded. It wasn't light reading, but it was involving and thought provoking. There is some frank discussion about sexual relations, mainly because the women portrayed in the book didn't know what to think of it. These are simply factual discussions. Nothing steamy or offensive. It is a wonderful book and gives its readers insight into life in another world, so to speak. Click on the picture for more about this wonderful read.

A Distant Prayer

While the World War II topic is rolling, here is another fabulous one. It is the true story of Joseph Banks. On his 49th bombing run over Germany, only one mission away from returning home, his plane is shot down and he is the only survivor. He is taken as a prisoner of war. His story is heartbreaking and miraculous. You won't believe how it all ends. His story is a testament of miracles. The book is well written and an easy read.

We Were Not Alone

Since we're on a bit of a WWII streak I thought I'd add this non-fiction to the pile. If you liked "The Hiding Place" you will also enjoy this short, uplifiting, true story. Not only did I appreciate that it really happened, but I'm always a little curious about how the LDS survived Germany during that era. It's inspiring.

Written by Patricia Reece Roper and Karola Hilbert Reece.

Anne Perry

I can't list an individual book, since I read by the author usually. Anne Perry has become a favorite of mine. The first book of hers that I read was 'Tathea'. It is written in almost a sci/fi genre, something I'd never read before. It is an interesting presentation of life and the afterlife. 'Come Armageddon' is the second half. I enjoyed reading both, and liked the way she tells a story.
Genealogy is a favorite hobby of mine, so I like books placed in the time frame I am researching. Anne Perry has two sets of Victorian detective series which have the best description of England--not at its best--I've read. Her books take you into the living conditions of the victorian era and describe the social attitudes of the time. I have a much greater understanding of the reasons so many immigrated to the United States.
Anne also writes a 5 book series about WWI, which is eye opening to read about. You feel what the characters are going through.
Just a side note, a friend happened to be reading 'Tathea' on a plane trip to England and her seat mate asked her how she liked the book. She told her, then found out it was Anne Perry, herself, on her way home to England from LDS General Conference.
Rosann

John Adams by David McCullough

This book is among my favorites. A New York Times Best Seller, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, and even now an HBO series is coming out about it. After several centuries of sitting passenger side to Washington, Franklyn and Jefferson, This book finally puts the spotlight where it belongs, on John Adams.

The greatest strength in this book is that the story teller is largely Adams himself. The book uses diary entries and letters to describe the events with only filler comments by McCullough to keep the story flowing. You really get an insight into Adams mind, his relationship with Abagail, and his dedication to God and America. You learn of his intricate part in the creation of this country from his famous speech turning the opinions for declaration of independence, to securing loans to fund the new nation. Did you know it was John Adams who created the US Navy and our common currency? The book also gives an intimate insight into the love John shared with his wife and the role she played in helping him through every major decision. You cannot read this book without gaining a new appreciation of our founding father and the tremendous sacrifice they made.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.

All Around The Town

Aside from the fact that the cover of this book is pink, giving it the look of a romance novel, on a one to ten scale I give it about a 7. That mark is good considering I usually go for the more historical books.

The novel is a who-done-it book about a girl who was kidnapped for two years at a young age. The experience was so traumatic for her, she develops a multi personality disorder to deal with the stress. After being released and returned back home she succeeds for a time in moving past the traumatic events, and life returns back to normal. Then, upon the death of her parents, her personalities return and, after a series of events, she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her professor. The book has several twists and turns including a surprise ending.

If you are not afraid of a book you have to read in the closet, or if the fact that the female author has the need to describe what every one is wearing regardless of if it is relevant or not does not get to you, you might enjoy this book.

Dante's Equation by Jane Jensen

I'm submitting this book because it is unlike anything I ever choose to read. At the risk of putting all potential readers off, it begins as a modern mystery, evolves into a science fiction and spirals into a sci-fi-fantasy. My dad suggested it to me after I had our twins and surprisingly I was able to read it easily. I've never read a sci-fi/fantasy. I don't even enjoy Star Trek. Therefore know: it might take a few chapters to get into, but when read with an open mind it is a fun, easy, modern read and refreshing in its originality (though quite possibly the most unbeliavable thing you'll read this year.) The following is a synopsis found on Amazon.com

The book supposes that there are multiple planets and universes, each with its own proportion of Good and Evil. Earth is a world where Good and Evil are 50/50, but in other worlds, the proportions might be 30/70 etc., and this affects both the physical surroundings and the beings that live on those worlds. (Hence the reference to Dante, whose "Inferno" described a multi-layered "Hell" with different types of "worlds" suited to different sins. In "Dante's Equation," there are various types of "heavens" as well.)

The alternate worlds can be accessed through a mini-wormhole that exists just outside the fence around Auschwitz. During the Holocaust, a rabbi vanished there in plain sight of credible witnesses. Now both the mystics and the scientists are trying to find that extrance again. But the problem with this wormhole is that "like attracts like" and you end up in the world that is most similar to your own vibrations (or level of consciousness or whatever.)

"Dante's Equation" is the formula that not only predicts these proportions of Good and Evil but, with the right (?) laboratory equipment, the formula can actually ALTER the tendencies toward Good or Evil in a given area right here on Earth. Physicist Jill Talcott discovers this formula and creates the effect on a limited basis in her laboratory. Powerful stuff -- but is this a good idea? What if the military turns it into a weapon?

Vienna Prelude

I Loved this whole series!! I first read them before I was married. My mom worked at a books store and gave me the whole series for Christmas on year. They are easy reads and very interesting. It is about the time period before WWII. Brian even likes them a lot! The author write about Jews who have christian ideas. Very action packed and a little bit of romance too.

The Glass Lake

I chose this last book because many years ago I read Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy. I remember little about the book, aside from that I enjoyed reading it. The Glass Lake is quite a tragedy. In fact, I almost quit reading it after the first hundred pages because it was so depressing. Don't worry, it got better. Kit, a 12 year old girl, loses her mother to an "accident" on the lake near her house. This day changes her life forever. As she grows into an adult she carries with her secrets, both from that day, and from years following. Secrets she can share with no one. One of the main themes that comes up repeatedly in the story is the choice between two types of love. A love filled with depth and fidelity or a love filled with passion and excitement. Which one is the greater source of true happiness? Overall, I enjoyed the book. I would categorize it as a drama. The content was for the most part PG. Although there was a couple swear words. It was well written and original in story content. To see a summary of the book click here. It's a good book to read laying by the pool. Will any of us be doing that any time soon? I could only dream. Happy reading.

Eat Pray Love

I saw the author Elizabeth Gilbert on Oprah one day and wanted to see what all of the fuss was about regarding her new book, "Eat Pray Love". I've never read or been into Oprah's book club, but it seemed that women around the nation thought this book to be "the answer". With caution from my husband about New York Bestsellers, I opened the first page and began my journey or I should say Elizabeth Gilbert's journey, through Italy, India, and Indonesia.
The beginning of the book was a preface to how and why she began this year long journey through three countries. At first I felt quite distanced from her. She talked of hating her marriage, keeping her dream career going and wanting everything but children. She was a New Yorker so wound up in success and prestige that it was backfiring on her and the confusion and depression was setting in. She needed to get away.
The book was more enjoyable for me when she started to travel. I would love to be able to lose myself in Italy and it's cuisine. The desire to learn another language is always enticing. And to live in and see world history down every street is a dream of mine.
The most interesting part of the book for me was her stay in a Yogi meditation university or an "Ashram". She writes about getting in tune with her inner self and her healing process. She gives beautiful accounts of her being swept up in the hand of God and how she combats her overpowering mind. It inspired me to continue with my Yoga classes and find ways to meditate and ground myself, so that life doesn't seem so overbearing. She shares teachings of her Guru to the reader about peace and joy are found inside onself, but that the key to finding God's peace and love, you must fight to keep them everyday.
She continues her journey to Indonesia, where service and love conclude her travels.
There were many things in the book that I could not relate to, but there were also many things that I could relate to. It was fun to read a Best Seller and see where a woman might find answers to her troubled life and say "Yeah, I feel like that too." She's a fun witty author, however, she does like to add in a few choice words and thoughts here and there. There's talk of sexual intimacy, but nothing explicit.
Overall I feel that even though we come from what seems like two separate worlds, Elizabeth does a marvelous job in encompassing the true and fundamental needs of every man, woman, and child in the book title...Eat Pray Love.

(Melissa C.B.)

Sense and Sensibility

Well, I finished Sense and Sensibility last night. To be honest, I did not in anyway love this book. I liked the movie much better. Jane Austin simply uses too many words and says too little. The relationships in the book are very shallow. The people all pretend to like one another, but truly detest each other. Although,it was good enough that I read it in just a couple days. I won't be reading it again. Ever.

Twilight Series

Twilight was an addictive story. I read all three books in a week. I abandoned all motherly responsibilities, thus leaving myself to feel constantly guilty. I started reading it again, so I thought perhaps a new book would help. It has. I am reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin. Probably inspired by Bella's addiction to such authors. At any rate, while the Twilight series did not increase the number of brain cells I have in any way I enjoyed it completely. I checked out the twilight website and read a first chapter of Midnight Sun. Twilight written from Edwards point of view. Surely, I would love it if she wrote the entire series again using Edward as the narrator. However, if you want thought provoking or awe inspiring this book series is not for you. It is quite simply and escape from reality. If you want to read the Edward Story click here