My Reading List

Although my reading has slowed down a bit since the fall.....I've still managed to read a book every 1-2 months.  I think I've made this comment before, I guess I'll make it again, I think reading makes me a better, more well rounded person.  Doing something I enjoy makes me a better mom and wife.  Reading books makes me think outside of my "little box" of suburbia life, taking care of kids with cancer, all while being a full time mommy and wife who cooks a home cooked meal 5 nights a week, does 95% of the laundry, hits the gym 3 times a week (and doesn't have a maid!).  It's a good way to open my mind and it gives me some much needed down time.    

Here are a few books I recommend reading!  When I did my last book post here I had just started reading The Secret Keeper.  I finished it around Christmas time.  I can't say enough how great this book was.    

The Secret Keeper-  This book had the sweetest ending!  The last 200 pages were so easy to read because I could hardly wait to see what was going to happen.  A unique love story with an important reminder to always be honest and kind to others.  You just never know what's going on behind closed doors.

The Glass Castle-  I read this one for a book club.  I doubt it would have ever been on my reading list otherwise.  Although some of it was hard for me to read (it's a memoir), I'm glad I did.  It amazes me how people can think so differently.  The best part of this book is the determination and dedication the siblings have.  The unconditional love in the family despite their many flaws is remarkable.  This book proves that just because you have nothing, are given nothing, are rarely supported, and are dirt poor....you can still succeed!!  If you think you have it rough just pick up this book.  I'm 90% sure you'll change your mind.

Looking For Alaska-  This one was a tear jerk-er.  Reading this book made me see through the eyes of a teenager again.  Makes me a little nervous to one day raise one!  I do love that one of the main characters of the book finally "found his place" when he moved off to boarding school.  Everyone deserves to feel loved and like their friendship is valuable.

Unbroken-  I just recently started this book and have really enjoyed it so far.  As you probably know, it is now a movie (released on Christmas).  I love that it's based on a true story.  I love that Louis Zamperini started off as a troubled young boy and ended up finding his passion, running.  It made him productive, happy and an Olympic athlete.  I love that he trained in Midland, Texas for the Army Air Corps flight school.  I love being excited about a new book. :)  I'll be really excited to finish reading it so we can watch it on the big screen.

Cheers to nap time.....when reading gets done!

My Reading List

Truth be told, I never ended up reading all the books from my Summer Reading List.  I got too distracted with Divergent and then The Maze Runner series!  I've read 4 of the 5 books posted below.  Here are a few of my thoughts......

~ The Maze Runner Series:  I loved these books!  I'll admit, I'm a hopeless romantic.  All the trilogy books I've read have had fabulous love stories.  But, not this one.  And guess what, I still LOVED them.  Each one of them kept me interested and wondering what in the world was going to happen next.  I read one a week.  They are good quick reads that must get put on your list.  I can't wait for William to read them one day.  Gordon and I went to see The Maze Runner movie a couple of weeks ago and it didn't disappoint either.  They had to change quite a bit....which can be disappointing....but I felt like a lot of the changes were probably necessary.  Read the book, watch the movies, and you'll understand.

~ Gone Girl:  OMG.  Such a messed up story line but after the first 100 pages you literally Can't. Put. The. Book. Down.  The author of Gone Girl also wrote the screen play for the movie.  From what I hear, the book and movie are pretty similar.  Obviously, the book will always be better.  That's why I love reading!  It makes you use all your senses.  You can imagine everything just the way your brain wants you to.  Eeekkkk......I can't wait to go see the movie!

~ The Secret Keeper:  One of my good friends has invited me to join her book club in November.  They are reading this.  I love a good mystery book and I'm excited to see what this book club thing is all about.  :)  I'm guessing it will be fabulous.  Yes, I'm a dork...and a book nerd.  

I have a whole list of books on my "To Read" list.  I'll share soon!

Summer Reading

Summer is around the corner and my pale body couldn't be happier!  There is no better way to sun bathe than to have a good book in your hand (and an adult beverage in the other!).  Since our annual beach trip is right around the corner I decided I needed to start thinking about what book I'm going to read.

Before I had baby boy I read a lot!  It really is one of my favorite things to do....has been since I was a little girl.  In elementary school I loved The American Girl books.  That was followed by Goose Bumps and then Nancy Drew, yes, I'm a dork at heart.  Hopefully, once I'm done studying for the CPHON exam I can make some more time for one of my favorite hobbies! 


So, here are a few books on my Summer Reading List! 


1. love. love. love Emily Giffin (she and Jodi Picoult are 2 of my favorites at the moment).  This will be my beach book.  Her books are easy reads, funny and usually very relatable.  Love The One Your With is probably one of my favorites by E. Giffin.  I can't wait to upload her newest book to my Kindle!  Actually, I may just buy the real book.  There's something about turning the pages of a book while laying on the beach listening to the ocean that's so peaceful.  Heaven on Earth!


2. My mom says that Heaven is For Real is a must read.  It's about a little boy's trip to Heaven and back.  This will be right up my pedi-oncology-nursing alley!  I'm sure I'll cry my eyes out. 


3.  Eat That Cookie by Liz Jazwiec.  This is a book I wouldn't typically read, but I recently heard Liz speak at TCH and she's hilarious.  Why she's a nurse and not a stand up comic I don't know?!?!  Her book talks about creating a positive workforce during negative times.  Let's be honest folks....who couldn't use a little extra positivity!  Doesn't matter if you're a nurse, stay at home mom, or attorney.  Everyone can use a little extra sunshine in their day. 


4. Mary Higgins Clark and I go way back.  When I'd read all the children's mystery books that had been published back in the 90s I moved up to MHC.  I'm always happy to see a new book with her name written across the front.  Again, easy read and a little mystery to them!  I love wanting to read a book faster and faster to see what's going to happen. 
  
5. Divergent.  I love reading a book and then seeing the movie.  It just doesn't work out the other way around.  When this hit theaters I did some googling.  Sounds like it has a bit of a love story and has been compared to The Hunger Games.  I'm sold.  The Hunger Games and The Twilight books are my favorites.  Again, yes, I'm a nerd.

The One And Only | Heaven Is For Real | Eat That Cookie | Daddy's Gone A Hunting | Divergent

As you can see I don't take my reading very seriously.  Reading is my me time, my "down time".  I don't want to be depressed or have to think too hard.  :)  I want to laugh and be taken into the story. 



What's on your summer reading list?  I'd love more book suggestions!