Monday, September 30, 2013

Songs of Willow Frost

I absolutely fell in love with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, and have checked several times since I read it to see if he had any books soon to be published.  I've been waiting for Songs of Willow Frost for a while now, and was excited to read Ford's sophomore novel.

Set in Depression era Seattle, Will is abandoned by his ah-ma, living in a convent orphanage.  He has never really known what  happened to  his mother, but dreams of finding her someday.  And one day, as he watches a movie, he sees her on the screen- a beautiful actress known as Willow Frost.  

Will begins to look for Willow Frost, wondering why she left him.  His friends Charlotte and Sunny, both living at the orphanage, encourage Will.  And so he begins searching.

Willow also has a story to tell, and her account that she shares moves from 1921 until she and Will are reunited.  Sorrow seems to follow Willow, despite her rare talent for singing, and the choices she must make to ensure that Will's future remains hopeful, are difficult.

Initially I wasn't as in love with Songs of Willow Frost as I was with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, but as I read, Will and Willow's stories  grew on me, and I became sucked in.  There were a few times  where I wanted to page ahead and see if Ford allowed Will and Willow a happily ever after, but I resisted, and was not disappointed by the way in  which Ford concluded his second novel.  

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sunday Salon

Today is an absolutely beautiful fall day.  For supper I am grilling  out - veggies, chicken, and also oven roasted potatoes and watermelon. It's the same menu as  last week, but I liked it then, and can't wait to eat it again. I've also made puppy chow for the girls to snack on, my Heritage Apple Cake, and goulash.  

My husband returned from Seattle late  Thursday night - just in time to get to be around for Little Sister missing school on Friday because she was sick.  This weekend he has changed our front door lock which wasn't always working when the code was punched in, and added a garage door opener with a code outside as well.  

Today he drove to Eau Claire to pick up a piano from his aunt and uncle's house.  They are moving and no longer want the family piano. Since we have three girls taking lessons they wondered if we wanted it. The girls have a nice keyboard, but it will be great to have a piano - at least after the trauma of moving it inside is over. 

I could use another day to stay at home and get things picked  up and organized, but have just a few hours left of the weekend. I am trying to finish up another book to review and also get some lesson plans done.  

I hope you are enjoying what's left of Sunday and finding a way to relax before the work week begins.


Saturday, September 28, 2013

Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child

I picked this book out mostly because of my own middle child, thinking she would enjoy it.  I didn't count on enjoying it myself or laughing out loud as I read.

Charlie is the middle child in her family, a bit of a bully, a fashionista, and in love with eating.  When she is kicked out of school for a mean prank she *almost* pulled and forced to start at a new school, it is her chance to turn over a new leaf.  And, when her "shrink" decides that Charlie should befriend the most bullied girl in school, she can't think of anything worse.

Lennon includes some pretty heavy stuff in this book - the death of a parent, bullying, sibling rivalry, the desire to fit in - yet, it is done in such a way that even though there is a message in Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child, tween readers will fall in love with Charlie and the funny way in which her story is presented.

I'm hoping this isn't the last we see of Charlie, and I can't wait to hear what my own middle child thinks of her.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Sea Creatures

Stiltsville, Susanna Daniels' first novel was one of my absolute favorites the year it was published. The Florida setting and watching one woman's life  - its ups and downs through the decades makes for wonderful women's fiction.

Sea Creatures is set again in Stiltsville, Georgia's hometown.  Georgia has brought her husband and young son, Frankie, home with her in an effort to make a fresh start. Georgia's husband has a severe sleep disorder, and despite attempts to control it, cannot. The family leaves Illinois in the midst of scandal, desperate for a new beginning.

On a whim, Georgia takes a job as an errand runner for a reclusive artist that her parents once knew.  Frankie can accompany her every day, which works well. Georgia is also concerned because at age three, Frankie does not speak.  This job opens up a new world for both Georgia and her son, and suddenly Georgia realizes she must choose between her husband and son.

Daniel's latest book is every bit as good as her first. The Florida setting is one Daniels knows and writes of easily.  Her characters feel real as Georgia's faults are revealed. I could feel myself identifying with her even though I didn't always agree with her decisions.

Sea Creatures is a well-written women's fiction novel; I'm looking forward to more work from Susanna Daniels.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Love, Aubrey

Love, Aubrey is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Upon finishing the book, I immediately handed it off to my oldest daughter in the hopes that she will love this book as much as I do.  

Aubrey is trying to recover from a devastating loss. Her mother, unable to cope with this loss herself, leaves Aubrey on her own. When Gram discovers her granddaughter has been trying to take care of herself for nearly a week, she packs Aubrey up and brings her home with her to Vermont.

There, Aubrey must face her loss, and try to begin living again - having an opportunity to make friends all the while grieving for her loss and learning how to choose to live each and every day.

I love stories like this, despite the fact that they certainly are not "fun" or "happy." Aubrey's story made me want to shed a tear or two, and I am anxious to see how my twelve year old reacts to this book.  

La Fleur's Eight Keys was enjoyable, but Love, Aubrey has blown me away.  I am amazed by this story.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick:  I Always Loved You by Robin Oliviera.
Due out: February 4, 2014


A novel of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas’s great romance from the New York Times bestselling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter

The young Mary Cassatt never thought moving to Paris after the Civil War to be an artist was going to be easy, but when, after a decade of work, her submission to the Paris Salon is rejected, Mary’s fierce determination wavers. Her father is begging her to return to Philadelphia to find a husband before it is too late, her sister Lydia is falling mysteriously ill, and worse, Mary is beginning to doubt herself. Then one evening a friend introduces her to Edgar Degas and her life changes forever. Years later she will learn that he had begged for the introduction, but in that moment their meeting seems a miracle. So begins the defining period of her life and the most tempestuous of relationships.

In I Always Loved You, Robin Oliveira brilliantly re-creates the irresistible world of Belle Époque Paris, writing with grace and uncommon insight into the passion and foibles of the human heart.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Gravity of Birds

Natalie and Alice Kessler were as close as any two sisters could be in childhood.  In adulthood the two continue to live with each other, yet are no longer connected as they once were.  What unfolds in Tracy Guzeman's The Gravity of Birds is a story full of secrets and deception.

Thomas Bayber, a reknowned artist is living next to Alice and Natalie one summer during their teen years.  Bayber uses both girls as subjects in his painting; Alice is taken with Bayber, while Natalie appears indifferent.  

Now, decades later, Bayber, a recluse, asks for help in locating some missing pieces of art that depict the Kessler sisters. Unfortunately, no one knows where Natalie and Alice are, having disappeared shortly after the summer they all spent together.

As the story unfolds in different time periods and with different narrators, secrets are revealed.  Natalie's control over her sister never seemed extreme to Alice, especially as she has been restricted because of her rheumatoid arthritis that surfaced in her early adulthood.  

The men Bayber has hired to find his lost paintings soon realize it isn't the artwork Bayber is after, but the location of the Kessler sisters, and information about the secret that Natalie managed to keep hidden from Alice for thirty-five years.

This started a bit slow for me, mostly because I wanted more narration from Natalie or Alice.  The stories of Dennis, an art history professor, and Stephen, a young art authenticator, were less intriguing, yet necessary for understanding the rest of the novel and how the stories intersected. As the stories came together I could hardly put this book down, wanting to know what evil Natalie exacted before her death.


Monday, September 23, 2013

Bedtime Reading

My memories of growing up have my mother reading to me at bedtime up until I could read to myself. After that, she left me to read what I chose before I went to bed.  My sister, who is two years younger, also followed in that same pattern.  My brother, ten years younger than me, was read aloud to for slightly longer.

My mom is a teacher, not disinterested in books and reading.  Yet, I don't think she ever thought twice about not reading to me for my entire childhood.  Reading aloud to my own girls is one of my very favorite things to do. Yes, it does cut in to my leisure reading time. But, I enjoy discussing books with them, giving them some background information that they might not have to better appreciate what we are reading.


Last week we finished Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, an absolute favorite of mine.  Both enjoyed it and were upset that I didn't immediately start in on Hattie Ever After.  Instead we have moved to Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko.  This is going quickly for us, and right now the girls are asking for me to continue reading each night. 


I doubt there will be a lack of read alouds any time soon.  My youngest daughter is just seven and missed out on some of the novels I read to her sisters a few years ago. My middle daughter has no recollection of some of the stories we read aloud. Here's what's coming up on my night-time read aloud list:

1.  Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2.  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (re-read)

3.  A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck

4.  Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (re-read)

5.  The Eye of the Storm by Kate Messner

What are my absolute must read aloud books?  Any suggestions?

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sunday Salon

Wow!  This day totally got away from me.  I have tucked all three girls into bed and feel somewhat organized for the upcoming week.  

My husband is off to Seattle for a conference, but is also enjoying the Space Needle and other tourist attractions along with attending various work-related things.



Whenever he travels alone, I feel compelled to perform heroic feats of housecleaning.  This weekend I cleaned and organized and threw a lot of stuff out in attempts to de-clutter. The house is still a work in progress, but I hope when he returns later this week he can tell that I made an effort. 

I always plan on watching a show on netflix, or a DVD I have had for way too long, but that just never seems to happen. I did finish up a few books and made a great supper - chicken and veggies on the grill, oven roasted red potatoes and watermelon - and invited my mom over to eat with us.  Now I have leftovers to eat this week for lunch.  

This week looks busy simply because I am the only person running kids to and from practices and getting everything else done around the house.  We'll see how much time I can squeeze in for reading - the stacks of books just keep getting bigger!

Hope you had a relaxing weekend and are ready for the work week.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Dear America: With the Might of Angels

It's been a few years since I read a Dear America book. These books weren't published when I was in school, so every single one I've read has been read in my adulthood. I was thrilled to see that there were new Dear America titles to add to my TBR stack, and yet this one has lingered there for a while.  Now, it is an Iowa Children's Choice Award book and I have resolved to read the books from this list before my students vote on them.  My oldest daughter was surprised at my reading choice because this is a series she is enjoying, too.



Set in 1954, Dawnie Ray Johnson is noticing the difference between how she is treated and how white people are treated. Dawnie has dreams of becoming a doctor, yet her textbooks are ripped and falling apart.  She knows she needs to go to Prettyman, the white school, if she wants to be a doctor someday.  And, Dawnie just happens to live in a time when integration becomes possible.  Dawnie records her thoughts and feelings in her "diary book" where she recounts her twelfth year - the way her friendships change after leaving her old school, Bethune.  The way her father loses his job because Dawn is integrating Prettyman.  The way some of the teachers look right through her at Prettyman as though she didn't exist.  The way her brother, Goober's, behavior is just a bit different than other kids'.  And, Dawn records her dreams - especially her dream of becoming a doctor.

With the Might of Angels is another great installment in the Dear America series, definitely worthy of its place on the Iowa Childrens Choice list.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Willpower Instinct

There are many times - mostly when I am eating something horrible for me- that I wish I had more willpower.  There have been time I have had great willpower- for many years I didn't drink pop or eat any desserts or chips.  And then, I started eating those things again, and again and again.  Once I started, I didn't stop. I wish I could get back to not eating all the junk.  There are other things I wish I had more willpower about, too. Like shopping.  


The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do To Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal is a book that I read in just a few days, but could use the advice in it for years.  There are suggestions in it for controlling your desires - breathing techniques, being one example.  And, there is a great deal of scientific information about willpower, meaning I don't feel quite as guilty since there is an actual biological reason that willpower may fail as McGonigal explains dopamine and its release.


While this won't eliminate my struggles to make good food choices, or to save money instead of spend it, the book was informative without being dry and boring.  There are plenty of suggestions for improving willpower and I have plenty of opportunities in my own life to test them out.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick:  The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott

Due out: February 25, 2014

Product Description taken from Amazon:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmaker comes a moving historical novel about a bold young woman drawn to the looms of Lowell, Massachusetts--and to the one man with whom she has no business falling in love.
 
Eager to escape life on her family’s farm, Alice Barrow moves to Lowell in 1832 and throws herself into the hard work demanded of “the mill girls.”  In spite of the long hours, she discovers a vibrant new life and a true friend—a saucy, strong-willed girl name Lovey Cornell.
 
But conditions at the factory become increasingly dangerous, and Alice finds the courage to represent the workers and their grievances.  Although mill owner, Hiram Fiske, pays no heed, Alice attracts the attention of his eldest son, the handsome and reserved Samuel Fiske. Their mutual attraction is intense, tempting Alice to dream of a different future for herself.
 
This dream is shattered when Lovey is found strangled to death. A sensational trial follows, bringing all the unrest that’s brewing to the surface. Alice finds herself torn between her commitment to the girls in the mill and her blossoming relationship with Samuel.  Based on the actual murder of a mill girl and the subsequent trial in 1833, The Daring Ladies of Lowell brilliantly captures a transitional moment in America’s history while also exploring the complex nature of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of friendship.



Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Fall Releases I'm Looking Forward to Reading

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.  While I don't always participate, I love this week's topic and have a TBR list of books I want to read coming out this fall all ready.

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford

Who Asked You? by Terry McMillan 

One Summer: America, 1927

Sycamore Row by John Grisham

The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Southern as a Second Language by Lisa Patton

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
Bitter River by Julia Keller


The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion



Monday, September 16, 2013

Shoes

I love shoes!  My closet is full of quite a variety. From my fur boots that make me feel like Chewbacca to my my Danskos that I wear to work, I have a wide range of casual style shoes.  I do not have heels in my possession anymore.  As a teacher librarian I crawl around on my knees and have been known to climb on various things to reach bulletin board items, books, or take pictures.  

Well, I feel like I should own one pair of heels - just in case.  But the ones I like are expensive. Like $175.  Sundance has lovely footware and clothes - if only I could be a bit wealthier.
Aren't they lovely? I would opt for brown, but there is really no point in worrying about it since I can't justify a purchase of such expensive shoes since I can't even come up with one place to wear them.

But then, a Crocs catalog showed up in the mail.  With a $10 off coupon.  And there are some lovely wedges for just $69.  With $10 off, and free shipping. They come in a light brown and a espresso. 
Crocs used to mean big, plastic shoes that were comfortable, but not all that attractive.  I stopped in a crocs store at The Mall of America this summer and was happily surprised with some of their new footware.  So, I still am debating buying a pair of heels.  

What do you think?  Comments on my choices?


Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sunday Salon


It has been rainy and cool today -a definite taste of fall-like weather.  Yesterday we enjoyed Middle Sister's first soccer game of the season.  The weather was perfect and the game was really fun to watch.  Little Sister has already had her first game, which was also fun to watch.

My in-laws helped me out yesterday by hosting a garage sale at their house with lots of clothes from my girls and other odds and ends.  She is quite organized and washes, prices, everything and sets up the whole thing. We eliminated a few more things we were trying to get rid of, but still could get rid of more. 

The Iowa/Iowa State football game was the big topic around here yesterday as I saw several posts on facebook about it. Our friends had us and three other couples over to watch it.  I admit, I enjoyed the good food more than I cared about the game, but it was fun to get together.

And here it is Sunday already.  I made banana bread and taco soup for us to eat today, two fall-like foods.  My husband leaves for Seattle this week for a work trip and I am quite jealous. I visited Seattle long ago before we were married, and loved it.  This will make soccer practices, games, and all the other running around a little trickier this week.  

I've just started The Gravity of Birds by Tracy Guzeman, and would love to curl up with it a while longer after I have my lesson plans written.

How about you? What are you up to this weekend?


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Sweet Potato Hash

My husband and I are the only two people in our house who like sweet potatoes, so for supper last Sunday I fed my girls some monkey bread, cheese, and apple slices.  For the two of us I tried out a recipe for sweet potato hash.  



My husband was a little suspicous of this recipe, but ended up eating some for his supper.  There are only 3 ingredients in this recipe (well, four if you count the salt) so for simplicity it is already a winner to me.

Sweet Potato Hash

2 red onions, diced
2 sweet potatoes, diced
3 eggs
salt

Peel and dice sweet potatoes.  Place them on a cookie sheet and cook in oven at 425 degrees for 30-45 minutes.  

While sweet potatoes are cooking, saute red onions in frying pan.  This will take 30 minutes, but is important to let the onions carmelize.  

Add sweet potatoes to onions and stir.  Break three eggs in small wells you have created in sweet potato/onion mixture.Add salt.  

Place frying pan in oven at 450 for 20 minutes.

I ended up cutting and mixing the eggs in to the mixture before I served it.  

This was a little different than what I expected, but a great way to serve sweet potatoes.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Hannah's Way

Hannah and her family move to Minnesota's Iron Range when her father loses his job during the Depression. Unfortunately, Hannah is the only Orthodox Jew in her school, something that becomes a problem when the class picnic is scheduled for a Saturday, the Jewish day of rest.  

Hannah is allowed to go to the picnic, but isn't allowed to ride in a car to get there.  Hannah begs her parents, but they are not willing to compromise their beliefs, and insist that Hannah can't ride in a car.  Thinking hard, Hannah thinks she has come up with a solution - walking to the picnic.  Yet, as the new girl in town, she isn't sure that anyone will want to do that to help her out.

With a bit of historical information in back, Hannah's Way is the perfect picture book for young readers.  The text isn't overwhelming in detail or length, yet it gives the perfect amount of information to tell this story with accurate historical facts and details.

I'm always looking for good historical fiction picture books and books that represent different religions and beliefs.  Hannah's Way will be coming to my school library soon, a perfect addition to the collection.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Dancing With the Enemy: My Family's Holocaust Secret

Paul Glaser never knew his family was Jewish.  Raised as a Catholic, despite the fact that others later revealed to him that his named "sounded Jewish" to them, Glaser did not know of his Jewish parentage until later in life.  

His father and his aunt Rosie were the only people remaining from their family. The siblings never spoke and Rosie lived in Sweden, so Paul did not know his aunt well, or her story.  What he discovers is a woman who endured a betrayal from two men she loved, and ended up in concentration camps.  Her story is revealed in letters and photos that Paul found,  and from conversations Glaser had with a distant cousin.  

Dancing With the Enemy is told from Glaser's point of view in the present, and also from Rosie's point of view during her lifetime.  The Rosie that Glaser met is an elderly woman, yet the Rosie readers come to know is a bit of a non-conformist, pushing the edges of what is socially acceptable, even moving in with her boyfriend despite her parents' protests.

Rosie's life story is a fascinating look at one woman's experiences during World War II.  Her ability to persevere and forge on are amazing.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine


This week's pick: Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
Due out: February 11, 2014



Product Description taken from Amazon:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Middle Place comes a new memoir that examines the bond—sometimes nourishing, sometimes exasperating, occasionally divine—between mothers and daughters.
 
When Kelly Corrigan was in high school, her mother neatly summarized the family dynamic as “Your father’s the glitter but I’m the glue.” This meant nothing to Kelly, who left childhood sure that her mom—with her inviolable commandments and proud stoicism—would be nothing more than background chatter for the rest of Kelly’s life, which she was carefully orienting toward adventure. After college, armed with a backpack, her personal mission statement, and a wad of traveler’s checks, she took off for Australia to see things and do things and Become Interesting.
 
But it didn’t turn out the way she pictured it. In a matter of months, her fanny pack full of savings had dwindled and she realized she needed a job. That’s how Kelly met John Tanner, a newly widowed father of two looking for a live-in nanny. They chatted for an hour, discussed timing and pay, and a week later, Kelly moved in. And there, in that house in a suburb north of Sydney, her mother’s voice was suddenly everywhere, nudging and advising, cautioning and directing, escorting her through a terrain as foreign as any she had ever trekked. Every day she spent with the Tanner kids was a day spent reconsidering her relationship with her mother, turning it over in her hands like a shell, straining to hear whatever messages might be trapped in its spiral.
 
This is a book about the difference between travel and life experience, stepping out and stepping up, fathers and mothers. But mostly it’s about who you admire and why, and how that changes over time.

.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Strings Attached

As an educator, I'm a sucker for a story about a teacher who makes a difference in the lives of his students. Mr. Holland's Opus is one of my favorite movies.  So, Strings Attached: One Tough Teacher and the Gift of Great Expectations by Joanne Lipman and Melanie Kupchynsky is a memoir-like book about Melanie's father, Mr. K., a man who taught many students how to play an instrument- and how to expect great things from themselves, was an instant must-read.

Mr. K's own life was anything but easy. Ukranian born, Mr. Kupchynsky spent part of his childhood as a refugee, and then came to America where he became a music teacher, married and had two daughters.  Heartache followed him, as his wife was diagnosed with MS, and his younger daughter Stephanie murdered.
Yet, Mr. K. continued to inspire his students.  His screaming and demands might not be considered acceptable by today's teaching standards, and I can almost hear students complaining to their parents about his brutal honesty and teaching techniques. Yet, many of his students continued their music education. Those who pursued other interests still credit Mr. K. with instilling such attributes as dedication and perseverance.

As Mr. K. aged, their teacher, who they at once viewed as larger than life- a big and intimidating presence- becomes smaller physically, yet still his students continue to look up to this man - a legend in their minds.

Joanne Lipman, one of Mr. K's former students, along with his daughter Melanie take turns telling Mr. K's story. From their experiences with him - as a teacher and father - to his childhood and relationship with his mother - they help reveal what made this man so successful and how he was able to mean so much to so many of his students.

As a teacher myself, I'm an easy target for a story about a teacher who has touched the lives of his students, yet there was more to this story than just some predictable feel good message.  Strings Attached is a wonderful story about the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

Monday, September 9, 2013

The Exercise Edition

Well, this week is the tenth week of my second session of NLXF (Next Level Xtreme Fitness) classes.  I love the classes, but I can't say that I've lost an amazing amount of weight or look much different than I did before. Part of me feels that it really does show tremendous results in people who are not used to exercising at all. I, on the other hand, have traded in many of my treadmill miles for NLXF classes.  The workout is more intense than what I would do on my own, but it is entirely different from running. And I can tell when I hop on the treadmill that I'm not in great running shape.  But.....more and more I have been wanting to run.  Outside.  Without the treadmill and being able to read.  I really think much of running long distances is mental.  And I am getting closer and closer to committing to really being an outdoor runner.

Last weekend I ran in a powder run 5 K. My time wasn't amazing- 28:30 for 3.1 miles, but not bad, either. This week I bought myself an arm band to hold my ipod.

Here's the other thing that is motivating me:
I am loving these new shoes!


This blog that my friend, Christy, introduced me to is another motivator:  And this magazine is giving me a bit to think about as well: 


I'm not letting myself go shopping for any new workout clothes just yet, but if I did, these pants would be on the top of my list:

I love Athleta, but my mom received a catalog from Sweaty Betty, a British company that I've fallen in love with, too.  There are lots of great looking workout clothes in their latest catalog, but I especially love this yoga bra:
So, we'll see how this outdoor running thing goes.  This week is my last week in the NLXF session. Then there is a three week break.  Maybe in that time, I'll find a few opportunities to get outside and run.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Sunday Salon

I've spent most of today working at school cataloguing books for our teacher book room.  In addition to church this morning, this has meant no relaxation for me yet.  I was excited to arrive home a while ago, hoping to sit and read for a while before supper, but instead have been trying to scour the house for a missing soccer shin guard.  No luck yet in finding it, but I am still taking a break.

Tomorrow is supposed to be another scorcher, followed by some cooler, more enjoyable weather.  I would appreciate rain at any point simply for the fact that Little Sister is quite the allergy sufferer.  She had a follow-up appointment this past Wednesday with an allergist and now is taking Claritin in addition to her flonase.  Even with this medication she is up in the night blowing her nose repeatedly, while I get to lay by her and hand her tissues.

We've got soccer practice this week, soccer games, piano lessons, and Big Sister is starting confirmation class on Wednesday night. This Friday/Saturday we are having a garage sale.  I have plenty to do, but am eager to begin reading the Rose Kennedy biography I have checked out.  There are a few book reviews I have waiting to post later this week, and maybe I'll get a few more books finished up since I have several that are in progress right now.

I'd also like to watch another episode of Orange is the New Black on Netflix or House of Cards. Sadly, television viewing rarely happens for me.  

What about you?  What's up for your week?

Friday, September 6, 2013

Bill Bryson's Latest



Bill Bryson's latest book, One Summer: America,  1927 was a bit intimidating at first. At just over 450 pages, it is a bit of a chunkster.  Yet, in typical Bryson fashion, this book is easily readable Although non-fiction and full of interesting tidbits about life in America in 1927, it reads as though it were a story.  

Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and Herbert Hoover are three famous Americans whose lives during that one amazing summer are recounted.  Other people, no less important, but without as much name recognition also have their stories told.  Bryon writes of the biggest school explosion ever that happened in 1927, the Mississippi's record breaking floods, and the murder trial of Ruth Snyder and Judd Gray who had killed Ruth's husband so the two could be together. 

This entire book is entertaining and informative and an amazing recounting of one special summer.  I have read several of Bryson's books in the past, but One Summer may be his best book to date.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

IKEA Update

Just before school started I made my second annual trip with my friend Robin to IKEA.  I love this store, but sadly, the closest one is 3 hours away.  I had a list and some measurements ready to go since Big Sister was ready - and patiently waiting- to have her room redone.  

I had the boxes sitting in our garage for a month now, but with school starting up, hadn't had any free time to work on it.  My brother offered to help me build it this weekend, and I happily took him and my sister-in-law up on this offer. Somehow my husband has never been involved in one of our furniture building parties, but this time he got in on the action, too.

Below are the pictures from the now completed bedroom:




The room looks great, although it still needs some things on the wall.  Sadly, this cut into my reading time this weekend :(

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.


This week's selection:  Fallen Women by Sandra Dallas
Due out October 22, 2013


Synopsis taken from Amazon:

From the ballrooms and mansions of Denver’s newly wealthy, to the seamy life of desperate women, Fallen Women illuminates the darkest places of the human heart.

It is the spring of 1885 and wealthy New York socialite Beret Osmundsen has been estranged from her younger sister, Lillie, for a year when she gets word from her aunt and uncle that Lillie has died suddenly in Denver.  What they do not tell her is that Lillie had become a prostitute and was brutally murdered in the brothel where she had been living.  When Beret discovers the sordid truth of Lillie’s death, she makes her way to Denver, determined to find her sister’s murderer.  Detective Mick McCauley may not want her involved in the case, but Beret is determined, and the investigation soon takes her from the dangerous, seedy underworld of Denver’s tenderloin to the highest levels of Denver society.  Along the way, Beret will not only learn the depths of Lillie’s depravity, but will also expose the darkest side of Gilded Age ambition in the process.   

Sandra Dallas once again delivers a page-turner filled with mystery, intrigue, and the kind of intricate detail that truly transports you to another time and place. 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Blue Plate Special

Kate Christensen's name is one that feels familiar to me, an author that I have heard of, certainly, and yet as I read her memoir, Blue Plate Special, I became aware of the fact that I had never actually read anything she had written.

My lack of experience with Christensen's writing didn't diminish my enjoyment of her memoir.  I love memoirs, and Christensen provides the story of her life and the way in which food has played an important part in her memories.  Recipes are included, of course.

Christensen traces her life from childhood - an abusive father who later disappears from her life, two younger sisters, a therapist mother who marries several times in her life, only to divorce. Christensen's adult years are spent with various boyfriends, travelling, and always writing.  

I was disappointed with her account of her experience at the Iowa Writers Workshop in Iowa City, a town she didn't find charming or interesting. Although I recognize me own partiality to Iowa City, I have never heard anyone complain about this quirky little college town.  Christensen's opinion of it were far from my own.

This is a well written memoir, providing a personal look at an author's life.  In some parts Christensen includes information I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing with a wide audience, yet it does give authenticity to Blue Plate Special, as it is obvious that there are not parts of her life she is withholding.  

Fans of Christensen's work, or any memoir lover will enjoy Blue Plate Special.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Blast From the Past

A decade ago, these five books were highlights from September.  There are some books that are more memorable than others for whatever reason, and sadly, the only two books I can recall with any detail is the Alice book by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Torey Hayden's book.  
How about you? What were you reading ten years ago? Last year?