Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J.K. Rowling

Finished it this week with Reuben. Amazing. I sure wish my Christian friends could "get over" the magic stuff and see the amazing story written here. It is not about magic, that is just the vehicle or setting of the story. It is about relationships, laying your life down for those you love, choosing the hard road, doing the right thing even when it is painful, trust, discipline, faith, failing and then getting up again and becoming a better person, in a word, redemption. This book is about finding out your purpose and then fulfilling it, even when you don't have all the answers and allowing others to walk along side of you because none of us can do this thing called "life" alone. So many of the characters who had chosen a bad path saw the truth and turned back to the side of goodness. I loved how she wove this forgiveness and acceptance of those who came "home" to the truth. I loved how imperfect everyone was. No one was a superhero, they all fought together for freedom and justice and they won!

Some have said to me that they do not want to introduce magic to their children. If you have allowed Narnia or Lord of the Rings or even the Wizard of Oz into your children's lives, then please drop the "magic" protest and see what inspiration could be waiting for you and your children in these books. You won't regret it.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

This was a story about a lie. What would one lie really cost you? Cost your family? Even if no one found out. It was sad, realistic, and enlightening. There is a reason the 9th commandment exsists. It is to protect us and the ones we love.

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Finished The Reader today. It surprised me. It ended up being very meaningful, but it tripped me out at the beginning, with the relationship between a young man and an older woman. Lots of "intimate descriptions", too. Not a book I could recommend to most of the conservative women I know. So...another piece of literature to add to my imagination's collection. I don't think I will ever tire of reading good books. They so transport me into the minds and hearts of total strangers. I just love people...and fortunately of me, most books are about people.

The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

The Tenth Circle was an intriguing story of a family losing touch , each on an individual level as well as with each other. I loved how the story moved along at a quick pace, I never was bored or felt like the author was dawdling over one scene too much. I also loved the integration of the comic book. Very clever. There are some disturbing truths uncovered about what is going on in today's teen world. Icky party stuff. It is another look, in my opinion, into why I have chosen to home school my children. I don't want my daughter ever playing Rainbow.....I recommend this book. Warning: "Intimate moments described in detail", also some sensitive subjects (rape, adultery).

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

The Mermaid Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd was a fair read. The subject matter (infidelity) was not the best, and this book is not anywhere near the endearing story that her first novel, The Secret Life of Bees. The best part of the book is the character developement and the setting. I love the island setting and the nature and the way that the characters interact with one another. I would have loved to have her daughter more involved in the story. I also loved the way her art was used in the story to help her come to grips with what was going on in her life. I think it focused too much on what makes me feel good or "alive" is what I need and is worth leaving behind all that I have promised and committed myself to. It showcases the selfishness within us. So...I wouldn't recommend this book, really. There are many more worthy reads out there. My 2 cents. Glad I have a few readers....didn't mean to whine.

Jules