The Secret Life of Bees

Oh my, oh my! What a wonderful, amazing story this was! I am still lingering in it, feeling like the characters are so real, they should all have social security numbers! I feel like if I move on to another book too soon, I will be betraying this one in some way. This book has become my favorite read of the summer. Well, that is hard to completely surrender to, considering all I have read. I really enjoyed the Sci-Fi books by Mary Doria Russell, and the Alexander McCall Smith series. It is just a beautiful book, though. It reminded me of how I felt after I had read To Kill a Mockingbird. I am anxious to find a used copy of The Mermaid Chair, her next book. Thank you, Sue Monk Kidd. Thank you so very much!

Tuesdays with Morrie

This is a fantastic memoir about relationships, love, death, and the true meaning of life. It is also about the change that can happen within the human heart when a person loves another unconditionally and is willing to really listen and learn. I loved this book, it is a very quick read, just a couple of wonderful hours worth. Or digest is slower for full absorption. HIGHLY recommend. Took me awhile to get around to reading this, it has been out awhile, but I am sure glad I did.

Current book not a real recommendation

The current book I am reading, She's Come Undone, by Wally Lamb is a bit disappointing. It is supposed to be humorous, but all I am encountering is depression. So far, I wouldn't recommend it. If you are looking for a good read, check out my favorite author choices on the side bar. There are some dandies there.

UPDATE 8-14-06: Okay, I read it, finished it, and it did get worse and then it got better. I feel like I know this woman, this Dolores Price. I also feel like she made so many stupid mistakes. But she was also victimized a lot as a child and young woman. She really suffered. So, yes, I think this was a worthwhile book, but it was not "funny", "hilarious" or other words that was used to describe it. It was sad. Heartwarming in spots, and very educational. You could learn a lot from Dolores. You can learn not to make the mistakes she did. I still would warn sensitive friends that it contains definite (in movie language) rated R material, including a same-sex scene. I kept worrying that one of my kids might pick it up out of curiosity and start reading...YIKES! Not a "feel good" book.

Chaim Potok

Okay, so you might be wondering who the author is with the funny name. Well, Chaim Potok was one of the most brilliant writers of our time! He was a Jewish man (Chaim means "life") and his books, which include: The Chosen, The Promise, My Name is Asher Lev, Davita's Harp, and others, are considered classics and true literature. His characters are amazing people. They are all struggling with their faith, identity, their view of the world around them and how they fit into this big wide world and wondering if what they do with their lives really matters. I discovered his writings in High School and I have recently finished two of his books that I had never read. I highly recommend this man's work. My friend, Tina, totally loves him, too. She just borrowed Davita's Harp and can't wait to dive in. Happy reading and Shalom!

Finished another good read

Well, I just finished "Tears of the Giraffe", the second book in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series by Alexander MacCall Smith. It was so sweet and so amazing. Just a simple summer read that catches you by surprise with heart touching moments and true glimpses into the human heart. Highly recommend this series to anyone with blood pumping through their veins. On to the third book. Hope to start and finish it while at Lake Chelan this week.