tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22044071670132200052024-03-12T22:14:14.428-04:00Lit Loving MomI read. I mother. I write. I pray. Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-22569834984920886052021-12-30T15:31:00.007-05:002021-12-30T15:46:38.781-05:00I read 100+ Books in 2021. Here are My Top 12.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhidtlxRWJjB28dxKssbFbBa24pMG7NQgAbKs0wC4GFQFF8avT1uuOS2bdn9A9IDTAv59e2e0kIoEat1YdsfkD7-ThE2MgpvcR9X-jdF3bo8hDVcmF5eqPqjVvZiLRempSBzDrjVZJQC5E-4MmjXn0dOxCb-ANByO86iMpItEGnTx4iu8PbiBYruaIZZQ=s3648" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby got books" border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhidtlxRWJjB28dxKssbFbBa24pMG7NQgAbKs0wC4GFQFF8avT1uuOS2bdn9A9IDTAv59e2e0kIoEat1YdsfkD7-ThE2MgpvcR9X-jdF3bo8hDVcmF5eqPqjVvZiLRempSBzDrjVZJQC5E-4MmjXn0dOxCb-ANByO86iMpItEGnTx4iu8PbiBYruaIZZQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br />Reading proved to be a much-needed escape in 2021, as we tried to go back to normal while realizing things may never be normal again.<p></p><p>I read as much as I watched TV, and just like what I watched on TV, my book choices varied dramatically from serious, smart works of art to pure escapism fluff.</p><p>But, I'll be honest, the vast majority of my book list this year landed on the fluff side.</p><p>I read as a hobby and to put myself to sleep every night. </p><p>For this reason, <b>it was more of a quantity book year rather than a quality book year</b>. </p><p>At the end of the year, I have read 105 books (plus the Bible in its entirety - thanks to the <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2nlpcWTLJnKGIoosz9B3on?si=0cb22022434d4b62" target="_blank">Dwell podcast on Spotify</a></b>).</p><p>I have narrowed that list down to the 12 books that really stood out. These books either captivated me with interesting plots and dynamic characters, made me feel warm and fuzzy when I needed to, or taught me something new.</p><p>Without further ado, here are one-sentence reasons why you should read each.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">My Top 12 Books of 2021</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/House-Cerulean-Sea-TJ-Klune-ebook/dp/B07QPHT8CB/" target="_blank">The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrC2K5aSA36XKls61_S6RFDJ5usmKudcGlim_2zUsgoUynzloPDg15cwGTwem0A6lB5qxRYy_Z1orUYtng9Y_56oV3y5bjsVw-kKunlVY8jR8iTKwa463S6ICCXRlbYiszfXnap74BwEuPrbMQeIxzY6Vavx0EfxY-ieo43RD7Dk9HupT-O8-OscCZoQ=s1360" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrC2K5aSA36XKls61_S6RFDJ5usmKudcGlim_2zUsgoUynzloPDg15cwGTwem0A6lB5qxRYy_Z1orUYtng9Y_56oV3y5bjsVw-kKunlVY8jR8iTKwa463S6ICCXRlbYiszfXnap74BwEuPrbMQeIxzY6Vavx0EfxY-ieo43RD7Dk9HupT-O8-OscCZoQ=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This book shocked and delighted me from start to finish, made me feel all the feels, and quickly found a place on my all-time favorite list.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Longings-Sue-Monk-Kidd-ebook/dp/B07YRTC6WV/" target="_blank">The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjelO8jWrUwsAsbXcrHadHWGZdOBFD0eY9sMahFG5EVzyHpwTyAwSKxXqFHpvDC9RSEqhZ7VGakZEs94BZ6wp371NrU71Fv3Fwx37HCv79yyU7CAWeeNq8YO7X28t-kVGyiECEwuSpuh25vg21rmWfPCrvNiwNcaCYilaeTF8y8LFSnBa5W9iW2-ilidA=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjelO8jWrUwsAsbXcrHadHWGZdOBFD0eY9sMahFG5EVzyHpwTyAwSKxXqFHpvDC9RSEqhZ7VGakZEs94BZ6wp371NrU71Fv3Fwx37HCv79yyU7CAWeeNq8YO7X28t-kVGyiECEwuSpuh25vg21rmWfPCrvNiwNcaCYilaeTF8y8LFSnBa5W9iW2-ilidA=s320" width="211" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This thought-provoking historical fiction novel tells the story of a woman who married Jesus Christ and what that would have looked like during the time.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Sister-Novel-Sally-Hepworth-ebook/dp/B08BYCWK6T/" target="_blank">The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoXaWf0FLNmN3qM-bbPpI1HPn9mFeGD8l7z2e8NH9S8PI_piyfbCHOunE96BhRU-rYkx3Ld2cBgrQbnviPqReWUc8N6lAvJajeQtoa_AfE22Bk25eFlXncXPM5GetzXOvqEAXb3M-J26iMTT_nHECKZASP2l3mYPMFkQnf_KVvoLOvN8Prejml8IBeUQ=s2475" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1613" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoXaWf0FLNmN3qM-bbPpI1HPn9mFeGD8l7z2e8NH9S8PI_piyfbCHOunE96BhRU-rYkx3Ld2cBgrQbnviPqReWUc8N6lAvJajeQtoa_AfE22Bk25eFlXncXPM5GetzXOvqEAXb3M-J26iMTT_nHECKZASP2l3mYPMFkQnf_KVvoLOvN8Prejml8IBeUQ=s320" width="209" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sally Hepworth writes psychological thrillers that aren't too scary, have multi-faceted characters, and intriguing plots, and shows, once again, why she is one of my go-to authors.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Days-June-Tia-Williams-ebook/dp/B08KQ3KS5Y/" target="_blank">Seven Days in June by Tia Williams</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkHuMObnhR973d-GUAY1yroAVrzJaqOfvcaz95UYXZnERb3mr33xLVCkqysKsF0k-Fw98qiI8zD7JwtQWqOG6wRtnYQmmMZ3R0gFppEe_MBbz1SR9gtZlHY9ALwQPssHMZCtCDlWV3Zcis6XqTZ75-6RkVNDQU0vUeNfGnLK8Ro34R4bbN-zDgcCLlaA=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1696" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkHuMObnhR973d-GUAY1yroAVrzJaqOfvcaz95UYXZnERb3mr33xLVCkqysKsF0k-Fw98qiI8zD7JwtQWqOG6wRtnYQmmMZ3R0gFppEe_MBbz1SR9gtZlHY9ALwQPssHMZCtCDlWV3Zcis6XqTZ75-6RkVNDQU0vUeNfGnLK8Ro34R4bbN-zDgcCLlaA=s320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is not your average romance, getting dark and heavy right away, but months later, I still find myself thinking about the characters.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/56-Days-Catherine-Ryan-Howard-ebook/dp/B08YRYN8XY/" target="_blank">56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihg6Rn1Ovgd6Zexv9K4z_JwVJZwLc_asYxzKqysrMx8pm1Cn9olsb7IibySFP4AmrifmI0AoS02JpxzO4Xmnd_FsPL7vnENA3Am7m2b5_qqUUVgbPpfy9rXgja-VCGeZ1G4RZrknOK5bWdpjCZhUUqoM_ReoNWUHpBuCnKj8BD4u_HEl2LDO8nPRquRw=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihg6Rn1Ovgd6Zexv9K4z_JwVJZwLc_asYxzKqysrMx8pm1Cn9olsb7IibySFP4AmrifmI0AoS02JpxzO4Xmnd_FsPL7vnENA3Am7m2b5_qqUUVgbPpfy9rXgja-VCGeZ1G4RZrknOK5bWdpjCZhUUqoM_ReoNWUHpBuCnKj8BD4u_HEl2LDO8nPRquRw=s320" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I avoided this one because it is set during quarantine; however, I am so glad friends pushed me to read it because it is the best thriller I read all year.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Season-Second-Chances-Jenny-Bayliss-ebook/dp/B08Y6FHQTC/" target="_blank">A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEdYDCRCQUmF3DC6OEtXhUMzVoZ9dxg7vsBNJrUpw9Hy8oN0EXjrgMvJ6BhIoB0qeRbyy80QghulQN_jjo3ac2yS2ngCimAQso4Wky80OuQgVmD5_6yOKRt4dqRs93QJgErSMN9SP4E2GwKYMM49swfFntN7aTE5dWXalq9SzHQGSuGMYByEPucTAGWQ=s2475" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEdYDCRCQUmF3DC6OEtXhUMzVoZ9dxg7vsBNJrUpw9Hy8oN0EXjrgMvJ6BhIoB0qeRbyy80QghulQN_jjo3ac2yS2ngCimAQso4Wky80OuQgVmD5_6yOKRt4dqRs93QJgErSMN9SP4E2GwKYMM49swfFntN7aTE5dWXalq9SzHQGSuGMYByEPucTAGWQ=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I read several holiday rom-coms; this is one was my favorite because it wasn't too Hallmark-y, had a fantastic cast of characters, and a charming setting.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Louding-Voice-Novel-ebook/dp/B07SCTZ4RQ/" target="_blank">The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGbGb9g3vNf28yRatGlBzGMOyFuGp_hztGxvFhv_fxGT8EvuAQC6IZjMhjmB8VcieZd7BEXbhmm70D_NC8VZNown_UBWMmx4j0FOpXH_PJy1l3q8hjIr6kAisug4q0oelIJedBOf4ZnsOj8ThKEpNZ8BdQ9TEI8N4uoGoR4v8sXuxEHTEncx2UQCJlug=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGbGb9g3vNf28yRatGlBzGMOyFuGp_hztGxvFhv_fxGT8EvuAQC6IZjMhjmB8VcieZd7BEXbhmm70D_NC8VZNown_UBWMmx4j0FOpXH_PJy1l3q8hjIr6kAisug4q0oelIJedBOf4ZnsOj8ThKEpNZ8BdQ9TEI8N4uoGoR4v8sXuxEHTEncx2UQCJlug=s320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was such a good book club choice, taking you to another country, forcing you to think about situations that we tend to pretend don't exist, and still managing to leave you hopeful. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dial-Aunties-Jesse-Q-Sutanto-ebook/dp/B08JKM7JCC/" target="_blank">Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto</a> </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiExXTdtacHqz58y6VzL08wjpgel8GB4mhgMO04tJOdAkXt83tAVwnzpztlfszZCBqFI8x6XegpQtX6CAlYX-wyTy7GeECTFFVWD5URZiJH6tal9103SfHPOVwmW2rXqP1_cLVGBTA11rVp2KCQZUZ-vtpYdKU6uwzVUM4WqkcLyN103u-w8lHg4y6aLw=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiExXTdtacHqz58y6VzL08wjpgel8GB4mhgMO04tJOdAkXt83tAVwnzpztlfszZCBqFI8x6XegpQtX6CAlYX-wyTy7GeECTFFVWD5URZiJH6tal9103SfHPOVwmW2rXqP1_cLVGBTA11rVp2KCQZUZ-vtpYdKU6uwzVUM4WqkcLyN103u-w8lHg4y6aLw=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This book is utterly ridiculous and silly, but it combines several of my favorite things: rom-coms, family drama, and cozy mysteries.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">9. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Razorblade-Tears-Novel-S-Cosby-ebook/dp/B08FGVMHNG/" target="_blank">Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnoc2DpHw_xHwshyp0lOpIABgZJor50qj2lZTJ6lazQS4JO1bBbeMBgwEX0zt2LbE6EMF97_O4XTNkDZJTtEWj4IoxEw7ToZeXSSk8TTKDdCcB7MvDzRVuXTArtR738pfJ_quC67whv_l04TPwiRvGA8FD3aJUgLJ3PIp9kcL_yqRBEOQ_116X44Aq_Q=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnoc2DpHw_xHwshyp0lOpIABgZJor50qj2lZTJ6lazQS4JO1bBbeMBgwEX0zt2LbE6EMF97_O4XTNkDZJTtEWj4IoxEw7ToZeXSSk8TTKDdCcB7MvDzRVuXTArtR738pfJ_quC67whv_l04TPwiRvGA8FD3aJUgLJ3PIp9kcL_yqRBEOQ_116X44Aq_Q=s320" width="211" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This novel is the heaviest on my list, but it deserves a spot on the list because it takes readers on a journey filled with lessons about prejudice and redemption.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">10. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anthropocene-Reviewed-John-Green-ebook/dp/B08GJVLGGX/" target="_blank">The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtJwJ9Ai11qlyYSWzypBojl9FtPbsKE3YLAyA_cGFs2sD4Y0fq13iTDa4X_nsywlBrNZS2d8x3fxZ3zd49zGrc9diLUghVwCM0itnCsVLxOJL6Qf1gWovp58e3Gk8WvwreFkFXeZixG0nhsj_57HrfzXjuG0RgBV7OQtUsDW2BC_WGHj1R73mKRldY0A=s2550" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtJwJ9Ai11qlyYSWzypBojl9FtPbsKE3YLAyA_cGFs2sD4Y0fq13iTDa4X_nsywlBrNZS2d8x3fxZ3zd49zGrc9diLUghVwCM0itnCsVLxOJL6Qf1gWovp58e3Gk8WvwreFkFXeZixG0nhsj_57HrfzXjuG0RgBV7OQtUsDW2BC_WGHj1R73mKRldY0A=s320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As a longtime Green fan, I found listening to him read this collection of essays was like taking a trip down memory lane.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">11. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Stars-Go-Dark-Novel-ebook/dp/B08F4FT48X/" target="_blank">When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1bx0Ek1mc2fVxvk_OTFcmxvlnYMEG532hZkrSboCpnajOhmLbHbkCzvqQzHbHw9oAq3szE50yVScuESrd-t7-DEYVAtOFVsMRxQl5cc7FADqTKtXgJut0BlUCJz2FsM04j0Cu7P6l7kCexMYZIh_6orviipb45rRs12HrAsmtjxNRe-XFX2j52YVzvA=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1bx0Ek1mc2fVxvk_OTFcmxvlnYMEG532hZkrSboCpnajOhmLbHbkCzvqQzHbHw9oAq3szE50yVScuESrd-t7-DEYVAtOFVsMRxQl5cc7FADqTKtXgJut0BlUCJz2FsM04j0Cu7P6l7kCexMYZIh_6orviipb45rRs12HrAsmtjxNRe-XFX2j52YVzvA=s320" width="211" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Paula McLain, known for historical fiction, has taken things in a different direction to write a suspenseful thriller using historical data from the Polly Klaas kidnapping case in the 1990s.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">12. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crying-Mart-Memoir-Michelle-Zauner/dp/0525657746/" target="_blank">Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNxz0PlkQ99zKrJZTONX26Tm_qiT_J4akFpl-Wy6cthRYBeVMGYiSCEx_lnpN2tVIzAQA8LktpudMM7mUNHdDWhUl1FcUsdScS1RLltiPQQdsZ-sotLM-NvzQbXwbBQf73aDTSnlCl7VzhPVKEeK2ozRCqueYJuw7dhsZffc548aEOQpZZwyTyz4z3Jg=s2550" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNxz0PlkQ99zKrJZTONX26Tm_qiT_J4akFpl-Wy6cthRYBeVMGYiSCEx_lnpN2tVIzAQA8LktpudMM7mUNHdDWhUl1FcUsdScS1RLltiPQQdsZ-sotLM-NvzQbXwbBQf73aDTSnlCl7VzhPVKEeK2ozRCqueYJuw7dhsZffc548aEOQpZZwyTyz4z3Jg=s320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After listening to this memoir, it is easy to see why it is showing up on so many "Best of 2021" lists - I had to force myself to stop listening to save some of the audiobook for the next day's drive. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Other Things I Loved in 2021</h2><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jen Deluca's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08725CBRB" target="_blank">Well Met Book Series</a></b>: Super cute rom-com series in Renaissance Faire settings with characters overlapping in each book</li><li><b><a href="https://youtu.be/3u7EIiohs6U" target="_blank">Ted Lasso</a></b>: It's popular for a reason, y'all</li><li><b><a href="https://youtu.be/JVYrr63k9vQ" target="_blank">Ghosts</a></b>: The original BBC sitcom and the new American version</li><li><b><a href="https://youtu.be/-V1rQdXXXyI" target="_blank">Only Murders in the Building</a></b>: Steve Martin, Martin Short, true crime podcast, need I say more?</li><li><b><a href="https://youtu.be/sj9J2ecsSpo" target="_blank">WandaVision</a></b>: Fun and gut-punching at the same time. Bravo!</li><li><b><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/04/1002491153/bo-burnhams-inside-is-a-musical-fantasy-about-terrible-realities" target="_blank">Bo Burnham's Inside</a></b>: Not the comedy special I was expecting, but definitely the special I needed</li><li><b><a href="https://youtu.be/Af77C4zUkjs" target="_blank">Come From Away</a></b>: The Broadway show about the small Canadian town that welcomed stranded passengers during 9/11 was recorded and premiered on Apple+ and totally justifies my subscription</li><li><b><a href="https://youtu.be/ut2Zu1zCMgo" target="_blank">Weddings and Funerals by Jake Wesley Rogers</a></b>: My family's favorite song in 2021 to sing at the top of our lungs </li></ul><div>So, tell me, what did you love in 2021?</div></div><p></p>Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-42286520094009592602021-07-01T10:54:00.002-04:002021-07-01T10:54:38.708-04:00 My Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far<p style="text-align: center;">It's July 1, 2021, which means we are halfway through the year! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I have read 49 books so far... it is really killing me that I didn't make it to an even 50.</p><p style="text-align: center;">While I haven't been blogging about books or posting my reading material to social media, rest assured I am still reading.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In 2021, I have gone back to thrillers (I can handle them again now that 2020 is over) but I am still shying away from WWI and WWII historical fiction.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have also enjoyed reading a ton of rom-coms. They may not make my "Best of" lists, but trust me when I say I have plenty of make-your-heart happy fun reads to recommend. Just ask! </p><p style="text-align: center;">6 months down, 6 months to go!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">My favorite 6 reads for the first 6 months of 2021</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href=" My Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far" target="_blank">The House of the Cerulean Sea</a> by T.J. Klune</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATHKz8DnSZOJPKPufVz24K2nsDtmuCGjwYYGdATG_lMiE6d5CfOaXGEVPSswMNfkp0JJLBlrmUG9_eLYrXE621cy6Vq8yFI_rRHRiTWn5cqxmj8fcv4RNERHMVf_3OkZA3pRUeu87yU7p/s1360/cerulean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATHKz8DnSZOJPKPufVz24K2nsDtmuCGjwYYGdATG_lMiE6d5CfOaXGEVPSswMNfkp0JJLBlrmUG9_eLYrXE621cy6Vq8yFI_rRHRiTWn5cqxmj8fcv4RNERHMVf_3OkZA3pRUeu87yU7p/s320/cerulean.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">I cannot find the words to explain how much I loved this sweet, strange fantasy. I went into it without knowing anything about it and it delighted me chapter after chapter. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I love it so much I spent a ridiculous amount of money on these <b><a href="https://longhandpencils.com/product/the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea/" target="_blank">corresponding pencils</a></b> (profits benefit The Trevor Project).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1V4PldYQCP2SVgufNXjB5dy1odPCFN6GB_zMXL_BSXZ0i1IG80ZXHhRTZOTfZ-gXIdGIhyae13JyCb-A7OrCYzYY1jvU1JdzokQojlrwbIs61zfqw2DNRbhAQKYXIOBgKy3kdPU-yjoi/s2048/pencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1V4PldYQCP2SVgufNXjB5dy1odPCFN6GB_zMXL_BSXZ0i1IG80ZXHhRTZOTfZ-gXIdGIhyae13JyCb-A7OrCYzYY1jvU1JdzokQojlrwbIs61zfqw2DNRbhAQKYXIOBgKy3kdPU-yjoi/s320/pencils.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Longings-Sue-Monk-Kidd/dp/052542976X/" target="_blank">The Book of Longings</a> by Sue Monk Kidd</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_v8J520MAVgbOt_2gwEiQZi0o_Ov6VEfTTb3fl-nywLs0Y0l_IXGJmUVmcB2ak58KAl6P9UGi43_7NdS5L3Xiach8ztUw-RzKmwgvE5-CpalNUx3-zTX_D1_hM3Wvmz934mEtAWOhRPO/s2048/longings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1347" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_v8J520MAVgbOt_2gwEiQZi0o_Ov6VEfTTb3fl-nywLs0Y0l_IXGJmUVmcB2ak58KAl6P9UGi43_7NdS5L3Xiach8ztUw-RzKmwgvE5-CpalNUx3-zTX_D1_hM3Wvmz934mEtAWOhRPO/s320/longings.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Sue Monk Kidd, author of The Secret Life of Bees, is a wonderful storyteller. This is a historical fiction set in biblical times. It tells the fictional story of a woman who married Jesus Christ and what that would have looked like during the time.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Sister-Novel-Sally-Hepworth/dp/1250120969/" target="_blank">The Good Sister</a> by Sally Hepworth</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy5g-HlPZVHLyef6kErsAuGnSY_3-c3wLsl8hZAr5Hy1U_BoU80WeyjNoUv1vomjbiRDr3aLkNZrNqmtemPq1e6DlJQlL7uZMBv-7p9GNt3zLXgg31xxAA0hveAy5olV-FMQVA4UHl_qH/s2048/good+sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1335" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy5g-HlPZVHLyef6kErsAuGnSY_3-c3wLsl8hZAr5Hy1U_BoU80WeyjNoUv1vomjbiRDr3aLkNZrNqmtemPq1e6DlJQlL7uZMBv-7p9GNt3zLXgg31xxAA0hveAy5olV-FMQVA4UHl_qH/s320/good+sister.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Sally Hepworth is quickly becoming one of my favorite domestic thriller writers. They aren't too scary, and they have multi-faceted characters. Her latest is another winner that focuses on a pair of sisters who are a little too co-dependent.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Gravel-Memoir-Ruth-Wariner/dp/1250077702/" target="_blank">The Sound of Gravel</a> by Ruth Wariner</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-uApzXAzwErIIzA6jt_zSzbmH4mlfCW9k_4GcBG08qJgaiuoUzel_mUpHz2IuanzA1vWfuTvDX0tkTD8XzrtYLSQTtshU6vjT32nnhgM3dk1riUy3YfSDpQCkjmMTTvW_0Lt7qib5DvY/s2048/gravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-uApzXAzwErIIzA6jt_zSzbmH4mlfCW9k_4GcBG08qJgaiuoUzel_mUpHz2IuanzA1vWfuTvDX0tkTD8XzrtYLSQTtshU6vjT32nnhgM3dk1riUy3YfSDpQCkjmMTTvW_0Lt7qib5DvY/s320/gravel.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">I read a lot of memoirs (actually, I love to listen to memoirs). This one stands out because it is one that left quite an impression. When you read as much as I do, sometimes books start to blur together. This one will never blur and won't be forgotten. It is about a survivor of the polygamist Mormon LeBaron cult. It is a very rough read, but it shows how much strength and resilience Ruth has.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Days-June-Tia-Williams-ebook/dp/B08KQ3KS5Y/" target="_blank">Seven Days in June</a> by Tia Williams</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdlqUbK65csm6OWl6tKiGSLhL26FlMm4xjr4f9O2HRgY6GksU1YwXK8A49voU0y2RVEo1EuZthUKS1SAC_6ug0xM_aVikqiEo46e5ctwurSlSGWI_QfrxxY-moy3_sKVhW0G4g-WrY_Ta/s2048/seven+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdlqUbK65csm6OWl6tKiGSLhL26FlMm4xjr4f9O2HRgY6GksU1YwXK8A49voU0y2RVEo1EuZthUKS1SAC_6ug0xM_aVikqiEo46e5ctwurSlSGWI_QfrxxY-moy3_sKVhW0G4g-WrY_Ta/s320/seven+days.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">There is a reason this one ended up in Reese's Book Club, but it is NOT for the faint of heart. The first few sentences will make some ladies clutch their pearls in shock and horror. With that being said, it is a romance, unlike any romance I have read (aka not a rom-com). It is a tough read, and it gets dark fast. Even so, I could not stop reading it. I also really appreciated how it featured a character with chronic illness (migraines) in a realistic light. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Making-Biblical-Womanhood-Subjugation-Became/dp/1587434709/" target="_blank">The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth</a> by Beth Allison Barr</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9As66xstNLJJ6a053JMSzz2l5UoLaEqsj6sQcwTDHZP23BU0h_0toKbn_YVNctZtrXdg8Gq19fo4J3aAvAo6p-Y6n2Ac3cg36O0DRcdWP4euHRNDSILTP51eQbzkBU7fjlTNizEBzoHxj/s1360/womanhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9As66xstNLJJ6a053JMSzz2l5UoLaEqsj6sQcwTDHZP23BU0h_0toKbn_YVNctZtrXdg8Gq19fo4J3aAvAo6p-Y6n2Ac3cg36O0DRcdWP4euHRNDSILTP51eQbzkBU7fjlTNizEBzoHxj/s320/womanhood.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">My last pick is nonfiction. If you grew up in church and were taught why women shouldn't preach or wear spaghetti strap tank tops, this book explains where those ideas came from. Hint: not the Bible. I learned a lot as I read it, and I am glad I read it while my kids are still young enough to use my new knowledge to teach them. </p>Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-62993987319161119752020-07-01T18:45:00.007-04:002020-07-01T19:24:08.277-04:00It's Halfway Through 2020. Here are 10 Books That Have Helped Me Survive.<p style="height: 0px;">2020 has been one wild, crappy ride. Between having major surgery, tornadoes, a pandemic, and a moment of racial reckoning, I have managed to read 44 books in the first half of the most tumultuous year my generation has ever born witness to.</p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;">That's why I chose books that wind up all over the place. I leaned heavy into fluff fiction and rom-coms, trashy memoirs, and ridiculous thrillers.</p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"> </p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;">And I am not ashamed! Actually, given what I've learned this year, I am proud to recommend all of these books because there is a time when we just need to read for fun or read to escape.</p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"> </p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><h2 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Here are 10 books that have helped me survive the first half of 2020</h2><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">(And because I don't think you need to read a full review to be enticed to read it yourself, these reviews are super short.)<br /></h4><div><br /></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlolE41pon3jkgi-egnQCer36jxIzEoF8a20fJCre84hq6PgYfZQQafYfBgYlmaB6q3NeFHEJumLy5Z9Lf8s4-YiUDZrAmjwpGqF5dMQnP1nPJhVkeXuGRe_qngsYWUDBvuvR163gtZy1d/s500/41pA8mIXOZL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlolE41pon3jkgi-egnQCer36jxIzEoF8a20fJCre84hq6PgYfZQQafYfBgYlmaB6q3NeFHEJumLy5Z9Lf8s4-YiUDZrAmjwpGqF5dMQnP1nPJhVkeXuGRe_qngsYWUDBvuvR163gtZy1d/s320/41pA8mIXOZL.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Hollywood Park</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Mikel Jollett</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want to feel very literary and hip, read this memoir by the lead of Airborne Toxic Event about his cult upbringing.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWCBfslfAdUNDDQxznhPDNfhXTFrSeYIG48KQ7ur3YgqS64acbpA6Vc1GEzGxBmkLC6OTZxF9ptCKJGSho97HE0v3fI-5vEXTNU92w_dTjqu2f6aZ59VCDgJDaYVD6HF61xl0qnI-S47i/s500/51HNh-eI7CL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWCBfslfAdUNDDQxznhPDNfhXTFrSeYIG48KQ7ur3YgqS64acbpA6Vc1GEzGxBmkLC6OTZxF9ptCKJGSho97HE0v3fI-5vEXTNU92w_dTjqu2f6aZ59VCDgJDaYVD6HF61xl0qnI-S47i/s320/51HNh-eI7CL.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">The Guest List</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Lucy Foley </p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want an Agatha Christie whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end, this is a fun one.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMzOT_vqigvskTwzwL7mghy3oWIHnRhnUM5ycBasjBU0M2glyZ4rLk4hGqRdVs8qQptysMLsNqiMKdHBNE4BozKQfbAiu86e8EBDKBm5TSWJ6u1rtcWG7-m96-dyYbYRe4-CyCNS2aA2Z/s500/51nyHHSxOLL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMzOT_vqigvskTwzwL7mghy3oWIHnRhnUM5ycBasjBU0M2glyZ4rLk4hGqRdVs8qQptysMLsNqiMKdHBNE4BozKQfbAiu86e8EBDKBm5TSWJ6u1rtcWG7-m96-dyYbYRe4-CyCNS2aA2Z/s320/51nyHHSxOLL.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Such a Fun Age</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Kiley Reid</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want to learn about racism through fiction, this is a quick read with a fab story that will leave you thinking.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAvUfZOGhf9qDIyanMqkHnUTR_VxhxSV6RnLTSgldec51eVYl9qeAYdTVPUPA503rP9mnPArJ_cvx7D4_Bw3JumAb0Wprqn7AHrIcGrZnRJflAfx_2erpBJx8UIo4_u1JJmL2N-VDjpdk/s500/61-SqSItaIL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAvUfZOGhf9qDIyanMqkHnUTR_VxhxSV6RnLTSgldec51eVYl9qeAYdTVPUPA503rP9mnPArJ_cvx7D4_Bw3JumAb0Wprqn7AHrIcGrZnRJflAfx_2erpBJx8UIo4_u1JJmL2N-VDjpdk/s320/61-SqSItaIL.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">A Witch in Time</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Constance Sayers</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you need a fantasy escape, this one you'll read like you did Twilight (in other words, super fast).</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq4df2PdBpp9WqATa3MMSNr2aTPjtCkuVEz6ubNbO8I12r2oaa_O71Xa56KmBCh7VPe4a6Jw5YXTgcX2Vvakb9DhcPDeNS1M5T5YujWjkFEaxVPCPzzUXRBUpRAODrvlvhUwW7Fv0ogcm/s500/5160VyClkEL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq4df2PdBpp9WqATa3MMSNr2aTPjtCkuVEz6ubNbO8I12r2oaa_O71Xa56KmBCh7VPe4a6Jw5YXTgcX2Vvakb9DhcPDeNS1M5T5YujWjkFEaxVPCPzzUXRBUpRAODrvlvhUwW7Fv0ogcm/s320/5160VyClkEL.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Station Eleven</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Emily St. John Mandel</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want a literary escape from this current pandemic by reading about a worse pandemic, this one is for you. Plus, read it before you watch the HBO miniseries.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4Rkx8iXTGTDnP4aZ59FWhfDKRYE2pvbLvuB6WB4q3gN98xO0EYEqwnHzV5L5yHaF5DqOqvkcQsGbk5os10rm0TERltz19kK3ZkB6GbVvyrtLj-zhd8S9TiPrzJG8uluCwUQXNWuuT54i/s499/41iS4UFq9OL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4Rkx8iXTGTDnP4aZ59FWhfDKRYE2pvbLvuB6WB4q3gN98xO0EYEqwnHzV5L5yHaF5DqOqvkcQsGbk5os10rm0TERltz19kK3ZkB6GbVvyrtLj-zhd8S9TiPrzJG8uluCwUQXNWuuT54i/s320/41iS4UFq9OL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Beach Read</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Emily Henry</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want a true rom-com beach read, then look no further than the aptly titled Beach Read.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEd1-y_0ZBreqvX9N3qe_6Dvb8RQYwOTUKVFvZENh-3OTR_WPXlMdW8Qr5CxW9Ku2QRKkHmREfOYYx-CxWwUFDBpyAul_CncvHegH7DIrelvko7N0lcu6MGnWDwppo26WwIUlntwrciUu/s500/41dPH95fYuL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEd1-y_0ZBreqvX9N3qe_6Dvb8RQYwOTUKVFvZENh-3OTR_WPXlMdW8Qr5CxW9Ku2QRKkHmREfOYYx-CxWwUFDBpyAul_CncvHegH7DIrelvko7N0lcu6MGnWDwppo26WwIUlntwrciUu/s320/41dPH95fYuL.jpg" /></a></div><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">The Wives</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Tarryn Fisher</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want a can't-put-down over-the-top thriller (with polygamy), then The Wives will have you gasping and laughing at its absurdity.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 1; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJloj-KssWZDPZ_kdJBEqbEX0VECb2svJBbyUwF5djbEJtLjUyyRd_ECiJPlnyNLYrQp5xa4ezitBdIgkl87QORgad7kwBH21JlLSSaSIvV-_YoL3x76jbkZwDEMZq61n438nCKgoRaTO/s500/41X3jeT5yAL.jpg" style="line-height: 1; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJloj-KssWZDPZ_kdJBEqbEX0VECb2svJBbyUwF5djbEJtLjUyyRd_ECiJPlnyNLYrQp5xa4ezitBdIgkl87QORgad7kwBH21JlLSSaSIvV-_YoL3x76jbkZwDEMZq61n438nCKgoRaTO/s320/41X3jeT5yAL.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Open Book</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Jessica Simpson</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want the complete opposite of a literary memoir like Hollywood Park, then dive into Jessica Simpson's fun and scandalous memoir.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHHvwQJrKUaYXk_WoWFcSYrBuU7Aj2dPvkB6uw_GL-Cm-dyj3SK2K7E1-FMCP6pM2TtYG7oz1WJw30vLdtVgPB3Rg7DGwJfJ0jQ5vB_NoD5q9qt11dQOlqvIQJPvmUShwdJNT0GhJNAJA/s500/513GtDJb21L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHHvwQJrKUaYXk_WoWFcSYrBuU7Aj2dPvkB6uw_GL-Cm-dyj3SK2K7E1-FMCP6pM2TtYG7oz1WJw30vLdtVgPB3Rg7DGwJfJ0jQ5vB_NoD5q9qt11dQOlqvIQJPvmUShwdJNT0GhJNAJA/s320/513GtDJb21L.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">The Wedding Party</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Jasmine Guillory</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you haven't started the terrific rom-com series by Jasmine Guillory, what is wrong with you?</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbD-rYWjOm5kxp1rjidln5CyKmzJZ5xztiMmUhLftI6ADhaMsf3hxl0EBLDsufz4mAGblyMvgRfDLXOM5HEj9V5cQWsIjMEX9yXFV5BvBNPM6cX3cCqcyFqJcxy9QbkUKpeND0NxfUEd/s406/9780525652885_p0_v2_s550x406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlbD-rYWjOm5kxp1rjidln5CyKmzJZ5xztiMmUhLftI6ADhaMsf3hxl0EBLDsufz4mAGblyMvgRfDLXOM5HEj9V5cQWsIjMEX9yXFV5BvBNPM6cX3cCqcyFqJcxy9QbkUKpeND0NxfUEd/s320/9780525652885_p0_v2_s550x406.jpg" /></a></div><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">Be the Bridge</h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">by Latasha Morrison</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;">If you want to learn more about why racial reconciliation is so important, then this Christian perspective is a great starting point.</p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="height: 0px; line-height: 1; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></h4><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"> </p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p>Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-46663996700752713542020-01-26T13:55:00.000-05:002020-01-26T14:04:06.002-05:00I am 36, Having a Double Mastectomy, and Throwing a Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqnLcPqWo_fSE_Q0O2GO0SspVmVb8VjJ3rHstB3QkXbgvF8yqFfb4CaUZJG8wmtLq_igsUzZf_d-wdIK3PBGVLpPKya-2Zv6y-Xx9AXKZGx0NN5IHC9b1gAoG9mWJS8ADOpS4mWwB8HJc/s1600/IMG_20200125_191355046_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqnLcPqWo_fSE_Q0O2GO0SspVmVb8VjJ3rHstB3QkXbgvF8yqFfb4CaUZJG8wmtLq_igsUzZf_d-wdIK3PBGVLpPKya-2Zv6y-Xx9AXKZGx0NN5IHC9b1gAoG9mWJS8ADOpS4mWwB8HJc/s320/IMG_20200125_191355046_2.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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I am 36 years old, and I am having a double mastectomy. In
2019, my young mom was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram.
There was no family history of breast cancer, so it was a shock. But she was
assured it was caught early and she would survive this unexpected battle.<b><i>
(FLASH FORWARD – She’s Cancer-Free!)</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn4ceKkCsMGGbd0Cns43w5m7HjE_krvWosxc6T08BA9NWNOsBirUuHRsooRgEY6hIQGyxsu06dVG2VfTcFzrVZYcF-C2uctexV_Grtax4gIFea1dWC9ltlqOkcxyJxvCj36mTOk1IC0Bd/s1600/69480457_10105277553672157_7766360542679138304_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn4ceKkCsMGGbd0Cns43w5m7HjE_krvWosxc6T08BA9NWNOsBirUuHRsooRgEY6hIQGyxsu06dVG2VfTcFzrVZYcF-C2uctexV_Grtax4gIFea1dWC9ltlqOkcxyJxvCj36mTOk1IC0Bd/s320/69480457_10105277553672157_7766360542679138304_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I met with my OBGYN to talk about my
potential breast cancer risk. Shocking to both of us, the basic risk assessment
she performed showed I was now labeled “high risk” for breast cancer. This new
label meant I needed to start mammograms earlier than typically requested (age
40). I had my first mammogram at age 36. It came back clear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ECOMRJD_IbZg5108_5CvLIQWWaoQqypkxSPBktHi9A3yMpUp6W5LH8db5SEl6vS7E5Jf2d18WgGISj_BTrNJmKSyZye4j9kKmSVKfS3PNNDccGOQbw_OsRZEv5rRszdftrskXcPZ5_Yk/s1600/60442051_626371561107931_4235509392251813888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ECOMRJD_IbZg5108_5CvLIQWWaoQqypkxSPBktHi9A3yMpUp6W5LH8db5SEl6vS7E5Jf2d18WgGISj_BTrNJmKSyZye4j9kKmSVKfS3PNNDccGOQbw_OsRZEv5rRszdftrskXcPZ5_Yk/s320/60442051_626371561107931_4235509392251813888_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My mom proceeded to have breast cancer surgery to remove the
cancerous area and was ready to begin her follow-up cancer treatment when her
oncologist pushed her to get genetic testing. There was no family history, so this
seemed like another unnecessary doctor’s appointment. But since my mom and I
have both had melanoma, the doctor just wanted to be sure there was nothing
else going on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWW0MuUvO-T2OU84YSG2vY9GqBFZd2KeLuyroJdx_MSCgxmnIX3kASY23jLLlKAiPwv48BPQdZYZapYchLSFLZ_oudOGlYBeSF0DVcAxUMLesMqewYaEzmzCVRO50fom3CxMZGv6giXM4/s1600/10365622_760518980646344_4164730208741401999_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="852" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWW0MuUvO-T2OU84YSG2vY9GqBFZd2KeLuyroJdx_MSCgxmnIX3kASY23jLLlKAiPwv48BPQdZYZapYchLSFLZ_oudOGlYBeSF0DVcAxUMLesMqewYaEzmzCVRO50fom3CxMZGv6giXM4/s320/10365622_760518980646344_4164730208741401999_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Suntan Years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There was something else going on. The genetic testing came
back to reveal my mom has a rare <b><a href="https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/abnormal-palb2-gene-increases-risk">breast cancer gene known as PALB2</a></b>. This breast
cancer gene is similar to the one you may have heard about in the news from
celebrities like Angelina Jolie called BRCA, which is linked to breast cancer
and ovarian cancer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unlike the BRCA gene, the PALB2 gene has not been linked to
ovarian cancer. Still, the risk for breast cancer recurring or occurring in her
other breast was significantly higher than the rest of the population.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her plan changed overnight. Instead of undergoing cancer
treatment following her lumpectomy, she would have a double mastectomy to even
more significantly reduce her chances of having breast cancer again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDhqz7K_jadDl-5MByz-cr0GQIMkrKucn7dhf-wyLwL6d9jIMJUNNtNarrVKUKCuUo0js1-lQbbjq6O4IPYUltC7piPMSv4Y7JHqnenRDjhx9T5kuqB48MOvd9sxrfjkxXtBgnDxzmRJd/s1600/78562007_10105514389695867_3382554970602602496_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDhqz7K_jadDl-5MByz-cr0GQIMkrKucn7dhf-wyLwL6d9jIMJUNNtNarrVKUKCuUo0js1-lQbbjq6O4IPYUltC7piPMSv4Y7JHqnenRDjhx9T5kuqB48MOvd9sxrfjkxXtBgnDxzmRJd/s320/78562007_10105514389695867_3382554970602602496_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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At this same time, the genetic counselor pushed for her
daughter (that would be me) to have <b><a href="https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/genetic">genetic testing</a></b> done as well. So I did. And
the test revealed I also have the PALB2 gene. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Suddenly, I had a breast cancer care team and appointments
with doctors. I had three options. Make healthy lifestyle choices and hope for
the best, have a mammogram once a year and a breast MRI once a year, or have a
double mastectomy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After watching all my mom went through in 2019 and believing
my body is done having babies, I have made the decision to have a preventative
double mastectomy. It is a highly personal decision, but it is one I find
empowering. I get to make this decision – my mom didn’t have that opportunity
before she found out she had breast cancer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkmxrz8QGY5qTPyRTGFy5M7l8NyK1cHu4hyBqnBTzEyatKzaKaGLJJEwfOXswNJNBv6XrPWmJysojFqExo8V7rfUZggTa7q1B_LRScVoxKABGjP7tM7TtOeTmIOzSiz9_-vKg7X0KScIx/s1600/19264555_10103630019608627_780340218399344146_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkmxrz8QGY5qTPyRTGFy5M7l8NyK1cHu4hyBqnBTzEyatKzaKaGLJJEwfOXswNJNBv6XrPWmJysojFqExo8V7rfUZggTa7q1B_LRScVoxKABGjP7tM7TtOeTmIOzSiz9_-vKg7X0KScIx/s320/19264555_10103630019608627_780340218399344146_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fortunately, due to the significant risk of developing
breast cancer because of this special gene, my insurance covers the cost of
surgery and reconstruction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While I know my life is ultimately in God’s hands and He
could call me home at any time, I am thankful for the advancements in medicine
that have provided me the opportunity to beat cancer before it's started.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF_6u7uYLTLu1nW2BX08_4O5ucfuRyOrY0qz6PT5glXAS8Er27mvH0sXUFL8GplsgLUubLRngtBB7RXYQqLsyGv5mpOKGJ33GTPH1czYJQcogXNxU8hhFEo72DlnlqKc46k96oXthE9v0/s1600/29983073_10104325751431477_6026660698177330186_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF_6u7uYLTLu1nW2BX08_4O5ucfuRyOrY0qz6PT5glXAS8Er27mvH0sXUFL8GplsgLUubLRngtBB7RXYQqLsyGv5mpOKGJ33GTPH1czYJQcogXNxU8hhFEo72DlnlqKc46k96oXthE9v0/s320/29983073_10104325751431477_6026660698177330186_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shauna Niequist (who I LOVE) writes in her book <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Savor-Living-Abundantly-Where-You/dp/0310344972">Savor</a></b>, <i>“When
you realize that the story of your life could be told a thousand different
ways, that you could tell it as a tragedy, but you choose to call it an epic,
that’s when you start to learn what celebration is. When what you see in front
of you is so far outside of what you dreamed, but you have the belief, the
boldness, the courage to call it beautiful instead of calling it wrong, that’s
celebration.”<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX-Yvc6H7pbxs7PG9DfQYaWf6PUra88X5dbAo4ZeWrXUAodajT29OjDVjIxqNIZMX2sgSJ6KJjZrLovw7aI0WwsOikPGVpH6nMT5rxm9M5M-NlzmkiXvsg-tcGa3bjFOvIoDfLonJ5M8k/s1600/83690532_155857642499810_8512059108277354496_n2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHX-Yvc6H7pbxs7PG9DfQYaWf6PUra88X5dbAo4ZeWrXUAodajT29OjDVjIxqNIZMX2sgSJ6KJjZrLovw7aI0WwsOikPGVpH6nMT5rxm9M5M-NlzmkiXvsg-tcGa3bjFOvIoDfLonJ5M8k/s320/83690532_155857642499810_8512059108277354496_n2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And so, the weekend before my big surgery, I had a <b>“Bye-Bye
Boobs Bash</b>” with all of the women who have supported me. There was food and
drinks (boob-shaped cakes and cookies and lots of pink wine) – and there was
celebration. Because, at the end of the day, I am choosing to see this as just
a small but powerful chapter in the story of my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EQvDHqiV_n8kdGBalIn2T1GkpmnhPIpL_zFOIbFUSEg_Dm14NBFqFaJlXk22EsL7efFyOSHaC50vLGT5EHHUxsT8iXyRdiMX6D-I671Aez5btpImDPj9ZpF9G2D_EYFxQVPFh_IG-_tE/s1600/IMG_20200125_191411584_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1600" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EQvDHqiV_n8kdGBalIn2T1GkpmnhPIpL_zFOIbFUSEg_Dm14NBFqFaJlXk22EsL7efFyOSHaC50vLGT5EHHUxsT8iXyRdiMX6D-I671Aez5btpImDPj9ZpF9G2D_EYFxQVPFh_IG-_tE/s320/IMG_20200125_191411584_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Plus, we collected more than 20 bras to donate to <b><a href="https://donateyourbras.com/donation-guidelines/">Donate Your Bras</a></b>, an organization that supports breast cancer survivors and women in distress.</div>
<br />Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-9535213459237996442020-01-01T10:56:00.000-05:002020-01-01T16:13:37.881-05:00My Favorite Reads/Listens of 20192019 kicked me in the rear. Life got hard, so my reading got easy. This may explain why I stopped reviewing books or writing on this blog. But, many of you have requested a list of my favorite books from the year, and I am happy to deliver.<br />
<br />
With the year I had, I pretty much avoided all wartime historical fiction and psychological thrillers. I pretty much read fluff from March through the end of the year. Somehow, I still managed to read (or listen to) 110 books.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the 10 books I read in 2019 that stood out (in no particular order):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZyGP-HK5SZ8MHKUSruA7l7TDZ_4Bfy2pMrTVXVZpF_Xm6VmX1QXGjH6Y-4RaUS1Mecy88nAhx83XPFGtsDNvfdT470yghzSCeyhuo4-cSbvg47ncwyqlF0wyPA7nqZcHrT_zQrUeA7fI/s1600/40514431._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZyGP-HK5SZ8MHKUSruA7l7TDZ_4Bfy2pMrTVXVZpF_Xm6VmX1QXGjH6Y-4RaUS1Mecy88nAhx83XPFGtsDNvfdT470yghzSCeyhuo4-cSbvg47ncwyqlF0wyPA7nqZcHrT_zQrUeA7fI/s320/40514431._SY475_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Evvie Drave Starts Over - Linda Holmes</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*NPR Pop Culture Writer's Debut Novel. Excellent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6GFGug4tC0LtiANadxtnI1mgg-AcMCa4dObaScJdLfF_C4o6salL9Y5ld_FBdnEx6uZCJ6AHOcbWuqr-nLgTxqY-P8pQTrRQhsB1LS2CEs7K60UjfCkNbwXsWCmvvOA5OovqzV3pppLz/s1600/39072210._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6GFGug4tC0LtiANadxtnI1mgg-AcMCa4dObaScJdLfF_C4o6salL9Y5ld_FBdnEx6uZCJ6AHOcbWuqr-nLgTxqY-P8pQTrRQhsB1LS2CEs7K60UjfCkNbwXsWCmvvOA5OovqzV3pppLz/s320/39072210._SY475_.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
A Spark of Light - Jodi Picoult</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Very timely. Another win for Picoult.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BiaXdd45UAvPT-hrzZ4Yvc9xPBTzg4PkCWo1zxpuVw_afqDZm9MRhwG3dP5MpKJZnD9LJh-UMK9MmeYlBtnGTJt21Wf89tHzRjFY_eIJE-18nVrxKRrtBAmrJykXFgluHHE6e2H5GuOr/s1600/39703569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BiaXdd45UAvPT-hrzZ4Yvc9xPBTzg4PkCWo1zxpuVw_afqDZm9MRhwG3dP5MpKJZnD9LJh-UMK9MmeYlBtnGTJt21Wf89tHzRjFY_eIJE-18nVrxKRrtBAmrJykXFgluHHE6e2H5GuOr/s320/39703569.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
I'll Be There for You: The One about Friends - Kelsey Miller (Audio)</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*If you love Friends and you love literary analysis, this audio is super fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06FW0PZ1_RLTffxbqbgUBlRwGMgtM_pdA8kksf_h2UjDzAx5lFRn6Rd8aX60hWtmy5F6WY6yCa_wKD3sRJ5e58vMZ-YOHPeMuSlLbXVhinkvH5iQJI4iFJoeUZztT-hEP0pVtDq1zn53G/s1600/36373463._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06FW0PZ1_RLTffxbqbgUBlRwGMgtM_pdA8kksf_h2UjDzAx5lFRn6Rd8aX60hWtmy5F6WY6yCa_wKD3sRJ5e58vMZ-YOHPeMuSlLbXVhinkvH5iQJI4iFJoeUZztT-hEP0pVtDq1zn53G/s320/36373463._SY475_.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Us Against You - Fredrik Backman (all the stars)</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*I could not love Beartown more. All the tears.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8CVw3G4GxO8CDRsUy2QIp8U-pVWj46zwjsJlOm89He4riBYfVWBkt4lvYvI5PrfIjMAbO4gmPcpgVYlN_Gn5nlAoKugV1l7kWKFeIXqfe3mX3dSfJ4VuqOjtinS6oLkvrtgm8r4gyBIK/s1600/40597810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8CVw3G4GxO8CDRsUy2QIp8U-pVWj46zwjsJlOm89He4riBYfVWBkt4lvYvI5PrfIjMAbO4gmPcpgVYlN_Gn5nlAoKugV1l7kWKFeIXqfe3mX3dSfJ4VuqOjtinS6oLkvrtgm8r4gyBIK/s320/40597810.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Daisy Jones and the Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid</h4>
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*Like reading a transcript of Behind the Music.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-KK8Yheeoet-tQ6A-tCWNhcfVzvd-xeqODNJ1DTWMJE-J0cnHmx-rcJBa44dUhQsCVqyPY9LoBGFsHtnHUsdaOG6MV8QwUmPpmDIm619favRhiBhdXCtfqEW7ZNdjpkBpzbyMhTFLHTu/s1600/34051011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-KK8Yheeoet-tQ6A-tCWNhcfVzvd-xeqODNJ1DTWMJE-J0cnHmx-rcJBa44dUhQsCVqyPY9LoBGFsHtnHUsdaOG6MV8QwUmPpmDIm619favRhiBhdXCtfqEW7ZNdjpkBpzbyMhTFLHTu/s320/34051011.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Pachinko - Min Jin Lee </h4>
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*Very long. Very depressing. Very well written.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKdUey_OWnrAoTqIHdhFlM3PFFlCilPx4MLKnVHA_2I3zjVxfir8d7dID2YsdFtNPiWbY9vPVdkb5ppIECVocFTWpw_9que1eDJgHTBSoVIoL5A33DTx_0Ts7odlA2t5FcfVihZ-Fd1vm/s1600/46251368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKdUey_OWnrAoTqIHdhFlM3PFFlCilPx4MLKnVHA_2I3zjVxfir8d7dID2YsdFtNPiWbY9vPVdkb5ppIECVocFTWpw_9que1eDJgHTBSoVIoL5A33DTx_0Ts7odlA2t5FcfVihZ-Fd1vm/s320/46251368.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
The Mother-in-Law - Sally Hepworth</h4>
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*A thriller that accurately presents two sides of the story.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoWNadAoVV1QP1BscOwtVJ_ej9Z6AqvhPV9gjCBjtd_XjbN96wxuKAMrawH9H_kDI1zbTBnmdB8QcEZ5hv7KJMPZFFsWpK2vrJ3rd0KIw-CbpBN-QrPbyGTgOdDzS0mZ77sqGPxTsXlEP/s1600/34409176._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoWNadAoVV1QP1BscOwtVJ_ej9Z6AqvhPV9gjCBjtd_XjbN96wxuKAMrawH9H_kDI1zbTBnmdB8QcEZ5hv7KJMPZFFsWpK2vrJ3rd0KIw-CbpBN-QrPbyGTgOdDzS0mZ77sqGPxTsXlEP/s320/34409176._SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
The Dreamers - Karen Thompson Walker </h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Unusual and lyrical.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj9zldq2urSIy2Ip9581N4y69ET0UaijmFw03Cq4JkhvRGNDFJRGl-xJv6IFifo1kOgqSqQ3kmBI-gBDnL1koyWleD9s7uHwRt-dH1InYJhf07GBYwBp2-oJ0Sm0ySocX9KQfb9dz80nf/s1600/43386063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj9zldq2urSIy2Ip9581N4y69ET0UaijmFw03Cq4JkhvRGNDFJRGl-xJv6IFifo1kOgqSqQ3kmBI-gBDnL1koyWleD9s7uHwRt-dH1InYJhf07GBYwBp2-oJ0Sm0ySocX9KQfb9dz80nf/s320/43386063.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Kindness and Wonder: Why Mister Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever - Gavin Edwards </h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*One of the best, short biographies about Mister Rogers I have read.</div>
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Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know - Malcolm Gladwell (Audio)</h4>
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*Podcast style audiobook that I could not stop listening to and discussing.</div>
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I have also fallen hard for the Rom-Com novels by Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang.</h4>
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Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-43114168004030254402019-04-18T11:21:00.001-04:002019-04-18T11:21:30.612-04:00Book Review: The Mother-in-Law<h3>
The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth</h3>
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Well, here's the first book you're going to want to put in your beach bag! Thanks to #netgalley I got to read this #soontobereleased novel by @sallyhepworth and you are going to want to read it, too.<br />
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Told from both the MILs and DILs perspective before and after the MIL had committed suicide (or did she?). This is not a spoiler because it takes place in the very beginning of the novel when Lucy finds out her mother-in-law is dead and the cops are investing the possibility that it was not suicide.<br />
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Lucy and her MIL, Diana, have a pretty typical relationship. They both want to be closer to one another but neither finds the right way to communicate this so they end up on opposite ends. In fact, Lucy has even imagined what life would be like without her MIL - and now she's dead.<br />
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Plot and character-driven, this novel kept me engaged the whole time - and up way past my bedtime! This book was a fun read because the author does a fantastic job of making it that way. For instance, Lucy has been without a mom for years and is desperate for a maternal relationship. Diana is viewed as this saintly perfect woman in their town, but she has plenty of secrets. Her past has made it difficult for her to open up to others, which makes Lucy feel unwelcomed. I wanted to keep reading as the secrets from both the past and present are revealed.<br />
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Plus, I appreciated that the author showed how often we form judgments without knowing the whole story and how often a simple misunderstanding leads to bad relationships by showing the good and bad in all the characters.<br />
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Overall, this is a book that makes for a great escape. You'll read it and be happy for the family you have when you finish it. Thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-2780063627919698952019-04-18T10:58:00.000-04:002019-04-18T10:58:13.307-04:00Book Review: The Library of Lost and Found<h3>
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick</h3>
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Recently I had the opportunity to read and review <i>The Library of Lost and Found</i>, the newest book from the author of <i>The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper</i>.<br />
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The Library of Lost and Found is part whimsical tale, part familial scandal, and part redemption story. It follows a woman named Martha who has devoted her entire self to serving others - to the point of losing herself.<br />
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Fortunately, in the course of the novel, Martha finds her gumption. She discovers who she is and takes steps to take her life back. Hoorah! How this happens is through a whimsical series of events. Martha is gifted a book with a dedication written to her from her dead grandmother. However, the date of the inscription is years after her grandmother died. On her hunt to discover the mystery of her grandmother's description in this magical fairy tale collection, Martha learns more about her family than anyone ever knew.<br />
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In addition to quirky characters and unique settings, The Library of Lost and Found also contains several portions of these beautifully crafted fairy tales from the special book. It makes the novel feel slightly like a children's book, but in a good way. The tales directly relate to the adult story being told.<br />
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All in all, people who love books and books about books will enjoy this steady moving novel featuring a woman who redeems her own story.<br />
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Thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this copy to read and review!Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-8374021117039713072019-04-18T10:43:00.001-04:002019-04-18T10:43:22.072-04:00Book Review: Cat and Nat's Mom Truths<h3>
<b>Cat and Nat's Mom Truths: Embarrassing Stories and Brutally Honest Advice on the Extremely Real Struggle of Motherhood </b></h3>
If there is any book I want to recommend to moms in the thick of the baby, toddler, preschool years, it is this one! I flew through this book because it is super relatable, funny, and entertaining.<br />
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You may be familiar with Cat and Nat from their hilarious viral social media videos they film in their minivan/SUV. Their take on the craziness that is motherhood has made them popular with moms. So, when I saw they had a book coming out and then I saw the hilarious cover, I knew it was a must read.<br />
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And, they didn't let me down! They cover everything from giving birth to sex to the loneliness of motherhood. And, they somehow managed to make me laugh even when they were discussing the tough stuff.<br />
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Plus, the format works really well. The write as if they are talking to friends. In some chapters, the whole content is written in a conversation format between the two women. I found this very refreshing. It made it feel even more personable.<br />
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This is a quick read - I read it in an afternoon. With summer coming up, this is a great pick for days at the pool or the beach. Thanks to the authors and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-26237948216508788912019-03-26T13:46:00.000-04:002019-03-26T13:46:05.944-04:00Book Review: Fraternity<h3>
Fraternity by Alexandra Robbins</h3>
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Fraternities have a bad rep - and often, for a good reason. The way fraternities are presented in movies pales in comparison to the true stories we hear about on the news of deaths due to hazing or date rape scandals occurring across college campuses.<br />
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Why then are the numbers of young men growing at an astonishing rate? That is the question that best-selling writer, Alexandra Robbins, attempts to answer in her latest investigative nonfiction novel, <i>Fraternity: An Inside Look at a Year of College Boys Becoming Men</i>.<br />
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In a behind the scenes take, Robbins follows different young men throughout one year of fraternity life. The results are vastly different.<br />
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One young man is an introverted nerd going through rush (recruitment) and his pledge period. He desperately wants connection and has a father who was in a fraternity in college. He enters the fraternity scene with hesitation and strong views against hazing, the negative treatment of women, and alcohol abuse. However, as he joins a traditional fraternity, his views change drastically. By the end of the novel, he has done almost everything he said he wouldn't. And he defends his new brothers and himself for the things they do. Many of which come straight out of the papers or movies.<br />
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However, Robbins also follows the new sophomore president of a more inclusive fraternity that is more focused on brotherhood than partying. While he encounters plenty of obstacles, this young man's experience within his fraternity is vastly different. His fraternity does set him up to be better prepared for leadership roles in his career and paves the way for genuine relationships.<br />
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Robbins argues that today's young men are drawn to fraternities because this generation is seriously lacking genuine social connections. As they interact primarily through technology and then leave home, these young men are desperate to find a new family. Unfortunately, the family they find can vary greatly depending on the school and chapter. No two fraternities (even of the same name) are alike.<br />
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Packed with statistics and insider information from the brothers themselves, the book was insightful. I also really appreciated that Robbins ended the novel with a section for parents or young men considering joining the Greek system. It includes tips on how to decipher the types of fraternities based on clues found during recruitment events and other tips for finding a fraternity that will empower rather than weaken young men.<br />
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Thank you to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a></b> for providing me with a copy to read and review.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-14760110530609098532019-03-18T14:25:00.002-04:002019-03-18T14:25:44.304-04:00The Beautiful Strangers<h3>
A Review of The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio </h3>
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Historical fiction that includes a beautiful setting, a ghost, and Marilyn Monroe? Yes, please!<br />
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<b>The Beautiful Strangers</b> is an easy-breezy read that is just what I needed while being bogged down by a bunch of nonfiction. This fictional take on Hotel del Coronado during the filming of Some Like It Hot is a nice escape read.<br />
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I followed a young woman breaking free from the family mold to try something for herself - also on her grandfather's orders. He wants her to find "the beautiful stranger" at this historic hotel. She lands a job at the hotel, impresses the right person quickly, and winds up being a waitress for the stars of the film.<br />
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However, along with the pop culturish setting and characters, you also meet the ghost of the hotel and hear her story as it is interwoven between the chapters. There is a reason that she is intertwined with our main character - and while you may guess it early on, it does not take away from the reading experience.<br />
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Add in some romance and you have a nice little read for spring break of summer vacation. Guess what else? This book is currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited or just $4.99 for regular Kindle subscribers.<br />
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Thanks to the author and <b>Netgalley</b> for providing me with this copy to read and review.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-53134902816426570192019-03-05T14:15:00.000-05:002019-03-05T14:15:13.969-05:00Book Review: Daisy Jones and the Six<h3>
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid</h3>
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If you have not heard of Daisy Jones and the Six, get ready because this book/band is about to be everywhere! For all of you who loved Almost Famous and Behind the Music, this is a book that you are going to devour.<br />
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Daisy Jones and the Six is a fictional rock documentary transcript (in novel form) about a famous 70s socialite singer who joins up with an on-the-rise rock band (The Six) and whose joint venture implodes just as it begins.<br />
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While there are things I didn't love about the novel (such as the chemistry between several of the characters), I could not stop reading this book once I started. It really does read just as if you are reading the transcript of a documentary like Behind the Music. I am still trying to figure out how the author was able to write in a way that seems just like an extended interview involving all the band members and those who interacted with them during their heyday.<br />
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Daisy Jones is a hot mess. It is clear she is hot - beautiful and talent wise. But, she is also a clear stereotype of the 70s drug and alcohol abuse in the rock/club scene. But, even while she is high as a kite, she manages to hold her own in the record studio and on stage. However, she does not know a thing about how to hold her own in relationships.<br />
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The Six is a mix of men and one woman who you get to know just as well. Some characters shine and others fizzle. But, you leave the book feeling like you got to know the inner gossip within a real rock band. And, then you remember, it is fiction.<br />
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All in all, it was a super fun read. I highly expect to see this one end up in people's spring break bags and summer beach bags for good reason. You know - sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It is an escape into music, pop culture, and romantic relationships - all in a format that works extremely well for beach reading.<br />
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Plus, Random House has a <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4iclGCMKCyBkg0KCGTY0tX">Daisy Jones and the Six Spotify playlist</a></b> that was so fun to listen to as I read. I highly recommend this free playlist as you read along.<br />
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Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy! Daisy and the Six was released today. Go ahead and pick it up or add it to your library hold list. This is one you're going to want to read.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-65735836782826441282019-03-05T14:00:00.000-05:002019-03-05T14:00:08.319-05:00Book Review: The Secrets of Paper and Ink<h3>
The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel</h3>
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Recently, I read the novel The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel. While it is not a book I would recommend to everyone, it is a book that stands well on its own.<br />
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This novel follows a woman named Sophia dealing with the feelings of relief and guilt she has after her fiance passes away. As a counselor herself, she beats herself up for falling for a man who manipulated her and abused her. Then, she struggles with all the feelings that are brought to the surface upon his death. So many feelings that she has to put her counseling career on pause. During her required vacation, she heads to England where she lives above a bookshop and works there in exchange for rent.<br />
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While there, she befriends the owner, a woman named Ginny who has also been hurt by the man she loves. The two women bond over their different, yet similar heartbreaks. Additionally, Sophia becomes enthralled with an old journal she finds.<br />
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The journal is what really makes this novel stand out. You get a story within a story - and you get to move across vastly different time periods. This is the kind of stuff I love. While the twist involving the journal was obvious from the very beginning, it was still a nice way to weave the stories together.<br />
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Here's my only negative. This is a work of Christian fiction. As a Christian, I grow tired of reading fiction that has to so explicitly spell out a salvation (finding Jesus) message. While I understand the point is to try to share this message with others who may not be Christians, I don't think that is the book's audience. So, it seems overdone to me.<br />
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Overall, it was a pleasant read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review! This book is currently on sale.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-70614271767527377912019-02-10T16:20:00.001-05:002019-02-10T16:20:36.622-05:00Book Roundup A Book to Thrill, A Book to Love, a Book for Tears, and a Book to HateHere's a big confession - I like to read books more than I like to write reviews about books. So, sometimes I get way behind on my book reviews. Like now. I am currently four books behind, but I have read them all and I am prepared to tell you why you should (or should not) read each one.<br />
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<b>An Anonymous Girl</b> by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen </div>
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I said I wouldn't read as many psychological thrillers in 2019, but this one is a holdover from last year. Thankfully, this is one of the better ones I have read, so I feel confident in recommending it. This novel focuses on a young woman who becomes involved in a clinical psychological study with the mysterious, Dr. Shields. As the novel unravels, it becomes evident that Dr. Shields is manipulating the main character. With villainous manipulations, you won't be able to look away. While I did pick up on the big twist before it happened, it was still a rush of a read. I was continually shocked by the wickedness and genius of the antagonist, and I could not put it down. Plus, it will make you question what you would do in similar situations.<br />
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<b>I Owe You One</b> by Sophie Kinsella</div>
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I love a good romantic comedy, and Sophie Kinsella is a master of this genre. But, I wasn't that happy with her last one, so I went into I Owe You One with some hesitation. There was no need! This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. It follows a woman named Fixie who is fixer by nature. Unfortunately, people take advantage of her need to fix (like her family). But, one day, she fixes something huge for a stranger, and he insists he owes her one. Fixie takes him up on it (to get her longtime crush a job) and love and comedy follow. I loved this novel because it combines my two favorite things - family drama and romantic comedy. There were several points in the novel when I wanted to yell at the people in Fixie's life - or yell at Fixie herself. But, in true genre form, lessons are learned, relationships are mended, and love is found.<br />
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<b>The Girls at 17 Swann Street</b> by Yara Zgheib </div>
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This debut novel is a beautifully written sad journey into a home for women struggling with eating disorders. It is a hard read that will shock you and sadden you, but it is also hopeful. As someone who has never dealt with eating disorders or homes of this sort, this was all new information for me. The author does a wonderful job of putting readers into the head of the main character - a former ballerina who has entered treatment as a last result to save herself and her marriage. It is all told through Anna's voice, but you get to know the other women living at 17 Swann Street throughout the novel. Since the book aims to be a realistic representation of these situations, there are traumatic scenes and scenes that will leave you in tears. However, the author does provide the reader with glimpses of hope. I appreciated how hard the author worked at explaining the mindset of individuals struggling with eating disorders, as well as showing the difficulty of overcoming. Overall, I recommend this book but feel the need to say it contains obvious triggers.<br />
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<b>Forget You Know Me</b> by Jessica Strawser</div>
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Okay, I read another book by Jessica Strawser and loved it. She is quickly developing a reputation for a writer of psychological thrillers for women. But, this is not the book for me - and I think others will feel the same. To put it simply, in this novel, Strawser jumped the shark. Forget You Know Me goes straight off the grid into the land of bonkers. The book opens with long distance best friends, Molly and Liza, having an online Facetime conversation when Molly goes to check on the kids and Liza sees a masked intruder enter Molly's home. The computer is closed. Now, that is a GOOD start. But, if goes off the rails right after. No intruder is found, Molly does not call Liza back to let her know she's okay, when Liza drives through the night to check on her, Molly closes the door on her face. Weird, right? I could stick with it at this point. But, then as you get to know Molly, it gets way weirder. Molly is dealing with chronic pain issues and has run up massive debt hidden from her husband and she is being targeted by a group of loansharks - who may or may not have been the intruder. They even show up and leave cryptic symbols on trees. Then, her husband is also facing some seedy stuff at work and is being threatened by someone who may or may not have been the intruder. Then, Molly thinks the intruder was the neighbor she has fallen in love with but hasn't acted on and convinces herself he snuck over to her home to fulfill some secret masked man fantasy. Again, this affair has not actually even begun...<br />
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<b><i>***Get ready because I am going to totally spoil it now***</i></b><br />
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Then, when it seems like this book could not be anymore unimaginable, you learn that Molly's husband was the masked intruder because he wanted her attention and to feel like her hero again. Wonk wonk wonk. Basically, choose this one if you are looking for a hate read.<br />
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Thanks to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a></b> for providing me with all these copies to read and review.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-90149611164108242332019-01-27T17:05:00.005-05:002019-01-27T17:05:59.567-05:00Book Review: Watching YouLisa Jewell is a hit or miss author for me. I loved <i>Then She was Gone</i>, but I hated <i>The Third Wife</i>. Her newest book was released right before the new year and is called <b><i>Watching You</i></b>.<br />
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I read <b><i>Watching You</i></b> over a month ago, but I am just now getting to the review. Fortunately, I still remember the basic plot lines. Like the rest of Jewell's novels, this is a suspenseful thriller with female protagonists. Also, like her other novels, this one has a few twists.<br />
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Unfortunately, I picked up on the big twist (or guess who did it) early into the book making the big reveal not so much as a reveal but a why-did-this-take-so-long feeling. Here's what you need to know:<br />
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This book is about a small upper-class community and its inhabitants. In particular, it focuses on a grown woman but doesn't act it named Joey who is married but doesn't act it. She is infatuated with one of the neighbors - the head teacher of a nearby school.<br />
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However, she is not the only person who is into the teacher. Some of his students seem to also find him attractive. Except for a student named Jenna and her mother who believes he is stalking her.<br />
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This teacher, Mr. Fitzwilliam also has a son who seems to be obsessed with the neighbors and takes pictures of them without their knowledge.<br />
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But, it wouldn't be a Lisa Jewell novel if someone didn't end up dead. And someone does. And it was easy to guess who did it.<br />
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Overall, it was not my favorite, but it may be that I am have been oversaturated my this genre. If you are new to Lisa Jewell, and especially if you are new to this genre, then you will probably think it is great.<br />
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Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review!Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-88147823729378674192019-01-03T16:48:00.000-05:002019-01-03T16:51:07.904-05:00My "We'll See If I Do Them" Resolutions for 2019I have a love/hate relationship with new year's resolutions like most people. There is something great about reflecting on the past year and thinking about what you can do better in the new year. However, there is something not so great about setting yourself up for failure.<br />
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That's why this year I am once again making resolutions that I may or may not do - but ones that I hope I do because each one was chosen because I believe it would make things better (my mind, my heart, my body).<br />
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In the past, I have made resolutions without a clear way of sticking to them. This year I have identified an area I struggle with and a possible way to address the issue in the new year. If you are like me in this regard, I am telling you what tool I am using to help me stick to my resolutions.<br />
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<i>(With the number one resolution being to give myself some grace when I do not do it.)</i><br />
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My Practical Resolutions for 2019</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This only relates because of resolutions. I just thought it was funny. </td></tr>
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Take Back the House.</h4>
By the end of 2019, we will have an almost 9-year-old and a 5-year-old. 9 years is a long time for my house to feel like a KidZone 24/7. Mom is taking back the house. My plan is to do away with the playroom and convert it into my office/library. We also plan to make our guest room, which is currently the room where everything goes to die, into an actual bonus room with a bed.<br />
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In the meantime, I am also going to try to do a better job of making my kids clean up after themselves. We'll see how that goes.<br />
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Get Rid of the Garbage.</h4>
Confession - My family has a major problem with getting rid of stuff when it needs to be gotten rid of. We are not hoarders (well my husband may be one, but I am not). I have just discovered if you don't stay on top of your stuff, it becomes overwhelming. For example, my kids grow out of clothing and I buy new clothes before I get rid of the old clothes. Then, the old clothes stay in a bag that needs to be donated for weeks (or months). And, don't start with me with the toys.<br />
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So, this year I am going to try to stay on top of the garbage. I have used my new label maker to label a clear donation bin. The plan is to keep the donation bin in an obvious spot so that anytime I fold a pair of pants my son has outgrown, I can toss it in the bin. Same with unused toys. As soon as the bin is full, I will make a trip to Goodwill (or a similar donation site).<br />
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Stop Sitting So Much.</h4>
It became very clear to me by the end of 2018 that I sit. all. day. long. I work from home on the computer, and there are days when I walk from my computer to my car for car pick up, then sit back in a chair for lunch, and I work some more. Then, my husband comes home and we sit on the couch until we go to bed.<br />
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So, I have enabled a break reminder app on my computer that sends me an alert when I have been sitting for an hour so I can stand up and move. Additionally, I purchased a cheap, small (pink) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009QXP5C0/"><b>stair/stepper machine</b></a> to use when I get these alerts.<br />
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Read Less Psychological Thrillers.</h4>
There is absolutely nothing wrong with psychological thrillers. But, after a year of reading more of them than I usually do, I have decided that they are just not my favorite things to read. I read well over 100 books this year, and there is only 1 thriller that I truly enjoyed and recommend. So, unless it is a book that someone I trust tells me is totally-incredible-and-you-have-read-it-right-away, I'm giving psychological thrillers a hard pass.<br />
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*To be fair, I still plan to read the few I have already been given for review purposes. But, after those, I'm done.<br />
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Unplug Regularly.</h4>
I have a phone problem. And, I know I'm not alone as <a href="https://www.dailyinfographic.com/15-terrifying-statistics-about-cell-phone-addiction"><b>the average person checks their cell phone over 100 times a day</b></a>. I don't like that about myself. I need to do better and I can do better. However, it is a habit I am going to have to work to break.<br />
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So, I have installed the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.agooday.screentime"><b>Screen Time</b></a> app to help me monitor my screen time. Just seeing the HOURS I wasted on my phone has been convicting enough. However, the app also allows you to schedule downtime and set app limits.<br />
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<h4>
Love God. Love Others.</h4>
I can always do better with this one, so it is always one of my resolutions. To get in the right head and heart space, I am going to be reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XF6KKXN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1"><b>Unshakeable</b></a> by Christine Caine. I also plan to read through the New Testament this year following the <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/232-discipleship-journals-5x5x5-reading-plan"><b>Discipleship Journal's 5x5x5 plan</b></a>. The plan is set up to read one chapter a day (5 minutes a day for 5 days a week).<br />
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I hope to love others beginning at home and spreading outward to my neighbors and community. I hope to find actual ways to serve those around me. So, this morning I spent time ordering books for the little free library when I realized there is a big chunk of the neighborhood my library is missing - mainly diverse books and books for teen boys. It's a small thing, but it is one small thing I can do to make a difference.<br />
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<b>What do you plan to do this year to try to make your resolutions stick? Let me know in the comments!</b>Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-40309384770901042502018-12-31T16:14:00.001-05:002018-12-31T16:31:30.294-05:00I read 127 Books in 2018. Here are the 18 I recommend.This was an absolutely fantastic reading year! I read all the time all year long. I read genres I usually don't and I stepped outside of my comfort zone.<br />
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Part of the reason for my big number is largely in part of my Book of the Month subscription and my discovery of the joys of listening to audiobooks when in public rather than dealing with the public.<br />
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I know you don't have all day, so I am sharing my 18 favorite reads this year using ten words or less for each. Let's get on with it.<br />
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My Favorite Books of 2018</h3>
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<b><br /></b> <b>Beartown </b>- Friday Night Lights for hockey. Favorite read of the year.<br />
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<b>The Chilbury Ladies Choir</b> - Historical fiction novel told through letters with sassy strong women.<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>An American Marriage</b> - False accusation, jail, marriage whoas. The book and audio = incredible.<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>The Woman in the Window</b> - Hitchcock throwback thriller set in modern times. Creepy page turner!<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>The Music Shop </b>- My heart swelled with this music shop love story.<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>How to Walk Away</b> - An accident + hospital stay + hot Scottish physical therapist<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DQuGPNbB0cm-KqYQYH97BRCupHWhkduyazX5jrQi9cK1Zt5u1tKkPG45JoIw5EqLDCvGPCaTKv9B6pV1dAPjRVMxZoaHAsLgShHIfAh1UCF3FiWxmadX1YZQdXj5IzwfXFkgosV-EkCX/s1600/49196485_274277446592804_30488890502545408_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="562" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DQuGPNbB0cm-KqYQYH97BRCupHWhkduyazX5jrQi9cK1Zt5u1tKkPG45JoIw5EqLDCvGPCaTKv9B6pV1dAPjRVMxZoaHAsLgShHIfAh1UCF3FiWxmadX1YZQdXj5IzwfXFkgosV-EkCX/s320/49196485_274277446592804_30488890502545408_n.png" width="222" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b>Inspired</b> - Inspired me to read the Bible in hopeful new ways<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglotJda0GIE_a8r67rTC1W3rKJ-CSHpdZs6jL2StVZo2Rf2Ph8YnRBVhREErPO58YdC7q1N6dAhfMX_6DAteudoZdJBDXcqxp73Bdl41QmofDTs62-iQrs77ZskDP-y5jnEYf2RkJ-m1AR/s1600/49091405_409746713096735_5644701536597573632_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglotJda0GIE_a8r67rTC1W3rKJ-CSHpdZs6jL2StVZo2Rf2Ph8YnRBVhREErPO58YdC7q1N6dAhfMX_6DAteudoZdJBDXcqxp73Bdl41QmofDTs62-iQrs77ZskDP-y5jnEYf2RkJ-m1AR/s320/49091405_409746713096735_5644701536597573632_n.png" width="239" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b>All We Ever Wanted</b> - "Me too" rich kid and rich parent drama<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrt8BgwMNdeMJKue7UT9cvCel8ikseSPiQo793HwGSoihmMAGg7SrNcd5w1m81vUS2qJUVurw5AQ2PWlxE8a-Wev4Y25dH4wflDPQK901lvq9lhrYL3Miv4uJcZ7goacfQJsV6EqHXJkT/s1600/49286299_291790361519880_2831278897205608448_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrt8BgwMNdeMJKue7UT9cvCel8ikseSPiQo793HwGSoihmMAGg7SrNcd5w1m81vUS2qJUVurw5AQ2PWlxE8a-Wev4Y25dH4wflDPQK901lvq9lhrYL3Miv4uJcZ7goacfQJsV6EqHXJkT/s320/49286299_291790361519880_2831278897205608448_n.png" width="241" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b>Whiskey & Ribbons</b> - About a fatally wounded cop, his wife, and his bff<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG63rvqsoB-mEDdfsqx7zQx7dMfCxznfqVBQPhl1ebPl-k3A2UeRFrVn7UnLFSll53X-1IazddWy5CRWsMBsexpVbOrhnhu8qy-RsTvXUThDxbeGco69-uC4Y4ZNTHojmE1FJrrfJj3PD/s1600/49058211_376642829760374_8164277859515367424_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG63rvqsoB-mEDdfsqx7zQx7dMfCxznfqVBQPhl1ebPl-k3A2UeRFrVn7UnLFSll53X-1IazddWy5CRWsMBsexpVbOrhnhu8qy-RsTvXUThDxbeGco69-uC4Y4ZNTHojmE1FJrrfJj3PD/s320/49058211_376642829760374_8164277859515367424_n.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b>Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win</b> - Female in politics drama with a very abrupt ending<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>Rush</b> - The Help meets Greek Like<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>The Wedding Date</b> - Romcom about a couple pretending to date for a wedding<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHRisxCNaUwnXRqracQkqigR4SYTWdy99HSIK2aTr7lpLyI-eadNa21YkmP3BjQ_WlWbyXuIthxJ4NwXZPcFLIbhhEWI0uxEZFX6CD5stqeL8k5zpxz3WmwLsQH5lOWfcXJ4N912QW7Tr/s1600/49422722_1286191854862096_7665372654525743104_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHRisxCNaUwnXRqracQkqigR4SYTWdy99HSIK2aTr7lpLyI-eadNa21YkmP3BjQ_WlWbyXuIthxJ4NwXZPcFLIbhhEWI0uxEZFX6CD5stqeL8k5zpxz3WmwLsQH5lOWfcXJ4N912QW7Tr/s320/49422722_1286191854862096_7665372654525743104_n.png" width="228" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b> <b>Calypso</b> - The latest work of satire by humorist David Sedaris<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>The Library Book</b> - Part nonfiction, part true crime about libraries and a fire<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>The Girl Who Drank the Moon </b>- Outstanding fantasy for middle grades - full of magic<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>Last Christmas in Paris</b> - Bawled my eyes through this love story told through letters<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>Almost Everything</b> - Latest by Anne Lamott - almost everything she knows for sure<br />
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<b><br /></b> <b>The Summer Wives</b> - Soapy historical fiction with dynamics of the rich and poor<br />
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<b>What books did you read and love in 2018? Tell me!</b><br />
<br />Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-8843229232025358412018-12-23T14:31:00.002-05:002018-12-23T14:31:47.788-05:00Book Review: A Christmas DateLooking for a light, fun, festive read over the holiday break? Pick up a copy of <i>A Christmas Date</i> by Camilla Isley. Not only is a quick, cute read, it is currently only on $2.99 on Amazon (for Kindle)!<br />
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The plot is taken straight from rom-com movies and Hallmark with an independent woman hiring a fake boyfriend to take back home with her for the holidays. Yes, you've seen it/read it before, but it is still fun!<br />
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In this short novel, the main character Nikki is likable and realistic. She is independent, but she is also envious of her little sister winding up engaged to the man of her (Nikki's) dreams. When she hears that her little sister and her dream guy/BFF will both be at her parents for Christmas, she takes matters into her own hands. And hires a guy right out of her sister's dreams.<br />
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Alas, family drama, comedy, and love occur during the Christmas visit. Nikki and her sister air out their grievances. Nikki realizes she can love again - possibly with the hunky actor she hired. But, like all good rom-coms, nothing is easy. Mistakes are made. Words are said. Hearts are broken.<br />
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But, again, because this is like a good rom-com, the ending is happy! So, if you need an escape from all the togetherness over the next few days, give this short little read a chance. If anything, it is guaranteed to make you laugh and roll your eyes.<br />
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Thanks to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a></b> for providing me with this copy of the book to read and review.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-38061749630108134232018-12-23T14:10:00.001-05:002018-12-23T14:11:08.191-05:00Book Review: Good NeighborsSome days you can't turn your eyes away from a car crash. And some days you need to read books that keep your eyes glued to the wreck. This was the case with <i>Good Neighbors </i>by Joanna Serling.<br />
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Good Neighbors is about a group of upper middle class neighbors who form what looks like tight bonds from the outside. However, from the inside, it is clear they aren't really as close as they want people to believe they are. For example, these families have dinner together, party together, and even travel together. But, they are quick to gossip about one another and turn on one another.<br />
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The underlying issue in this book is that one of the families adopts a little girl from another country. The adoption goes through and then the family seems to be dissatisfied. So much so that it makes others in the group uncomfortable. The former friends begin to gossip about the family and believe the girl is in an abusive situation.<br />
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From the beginning, reading this book was like reading a train wreck because these people are obnoxious. The kind of obnoxious people that wind up on reality shows. So, when the adoption takes place, the story moves away from what could be a great conversation about cross-cultural adoption and the potential issues families face, this book goes off the rails. It is extreme and maddening at points. But, once again, I just reminded myself I am reading car wreck fiction and not sophisticated literature.<br />
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Overall, I think there will be many people who enjoy the gossipy dramatic nature of this book. However, there will also be many others who will put off by the author's handling of adoption.<br />
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Thank you to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a></b> for providing me with this copy to read and review!Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-54242147485343443412018-12-23T13:57:00.000-05:002018-12-23T13:57:07.407-05:00Book Review: The Rain WatcherSo, have you ever read a book just because you have heard so many people rave about the author? And, then, you read something by the author only to find it was not your cup of tea? Well, that's what happened to me with Tatiana de Rosnay.<br />
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I heard such positive things about Sarah's Key that I was very excited to have the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of her latest book, <i>The Rain Watcher</i>. But, then I read the book, and I just don't get it.<br />
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The Rain Watcher is about a family reuniting after several years for the father's 70th birthday. They all gather in Paris. Unfortunately, when they gather, Paris is dealing with a historic flood. During the duration of the visit, the family deals with family secrets and family drama.<br />
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I'd like to say that from that short blurb about the book that it is exciting and interesting, but sadly, not much else happens in the book at all. The book was depressing. While I like my fair share of realistic, depressing fiction novels, I like there to be some hope. In this book, I found none.<br />
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Overall, the book was a downer. I can admit that this may be partly due to having such high expectations based on reviews of the author's previous works (which I have not read). Unfortunately, since this was my first by her, I doubt I will read another.<br />
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Thanks to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley </a></b>for providing me with this copy to read and review.<br />
<br />Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-23977941880113833972018-10-28T18:34:00.001-04:002018-10-30T10:27:47.193-04:00I Went to the Evolving Faith Conference. Here's Why.<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent Friday and Saturday at the Evolving Faith conference. And, now that I've had time to process it, I'm ready to explain why I went to what my family jokingly referred to as a hippie liberal conference and what I learned.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I met Jesus as a middle schooler through reading the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn and watching Charles Stanley on TV. Within a matter of months, I was literally running to the mercy seat at a Pentecostal Assembly of God revival. Jesus has had a hold of me ever since.</span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Church, however, has not. My pastor recently preached a fantastic series called “Disappointed with God.” While the series was great, I kept wanting to ask him if he would ever talk to those of us who were not disappointed in God but have been disappointed by church. </span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see, I have been honest about having spiritual baggage. But, I'm learning that I need to examine some of the “truths” I learned and give them up. For instance, I learned:</span></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My bare shoulders in spaghetti strap tank tops or my curves in yoga pants cause men to sin.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those in my denomination were more spiritual because we were spirit-filled. Likewise, my husband was told to make sure I was “really saved” since I was Assembly of God and not Baptist. Along those same lines, Catholics were not Christians, and other Christians from other denominations may not truly be Christians (heard this from both the AG and the Baptists).</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christians vote Republican. Period.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other words, our Christianity is defined by how we dress, where and how we worship, and how we vote.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, I have church leadership issues probably because:</span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Someone has told on me to a pastor when I suggested something in the Bible seemed contradictory to something else in the Bible. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a senior in high school, I was pulled into a pastor's office and got in trouble with my other innocent girlfriends for skipping youth group and going on a date night for dinner and to see Christmas lights. We were expected to be at every service and we had hurt the youth leader’s feelings.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Been prayed over because I watched PG-13 movies. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heard church leaders encourage women to stay with abusive husbands. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Went to a church where the youth leader murdered his wife.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Was told by church leaders to not talk about that scandal when I spoke publically</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Been told churches we were visiting in a new city were too Calvinist/not Calvinistic enough (I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then, after deciding on a new church in a new city, abruptly cut off for making the wrong choice.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(NOTE - These things did not all happen at one church. These experiences occurred at the churches I attended throughout my life.)</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, it should not come as a surprise that I hid my true thoughts for many years or why I ended up at a conference for people who struggle with church or with God. However, I also recognize that some of you may find that unsettling as I have always been involved in church - even serving as a women’s ministry leader and writing for Christian organizations. Therefore, I felt like it was important to explain myself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I needed a chance to be around others who felt similarly. And, I was. The vast majority of those at the conference (about 1500 people in attendance) were not there because they no longer believed in Jesus but because they have been hurt by the church. The conference had a diverse group of speakers and we had the opportunity to hear each person speak/preach.</span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is what I discovered in at a conference that was VERY different from my usual Beth Moore/Women of Faith/youth camp events:</span></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one denomination can claim Jesus alone. Denominations are different, but I do not get to claim Jesus more than someone who worships differently than I do. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Same goes with politics. The Republicans do not get to hold claim to Jesus. Neither do the Democrats. As I have now witnessed, this is a problem on both sides. Be careful how you use Jesus with your politics because I have news for you - just like many evangelical Christians will claim to vote Republican is the Christian thing to do, the Democrats use the same exact argument.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additionally, do not pick and choose Bible verses to boost your agenda. Be aware that the Bible has been used on either side forever. The abolitionists and the slave owners both used the Bible to advance their agendas. Choose to make decisions based on the Bible as a whole rather than a simple cut and paste document to meet your needs.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were several people attending the conference who were scared to tell people where they were because their church, friends, or family would not approve of the speakers. I used to be that person. Thankfully, I am now secure enough in my faith to not only go but to tell you about it.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, we should be careful about who we listen to. We must think critically about what we read and who we listen to. Thankfully, I have parents who enforced this my whole life with my mom constantly reminding me to never just take a preacher at his word but to look it up in The Word. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With that being said, while most of the speakers had something I could glean knowledge from, there were others who said things that I am not on board with. We should never listen to anyone hook, line, and sinker. Plus, no one says the right thing all the time. We miss the mark.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is okay to have doubts and ask big questions. God is big enough to handle it. Your church friends may squirm (it’s happened to me), but questions do not make you a bad person or a bad Christian.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Sarah Bessey said, <i>“Grief, doubt, anger, and cynicism do not make you a liability to Jesus.”</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, there you have it. I am not running aw</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ay from </span>church<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Y</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">es, churches are faulty. Yes, there are some church leaders who abuse their power. Like there are no perfect people - there are no perfect churches.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With all of its problems, church is good, and it is necessary. We need community, and we are privileged to have places to worship without fear in the US. Churches do more for our neighbors and our cities than we give them credit for. </span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, I am especially not running away from Jesus. I am not the same middle schooler running to the altar, but my faith is still of utmost importance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those of you who find themselves surrounded by people who look, worship, and vote the same way as you, I encourage you to make friends with some people outside your circle. I have learned more about my faith and myself from doing this very thing. </span></span></div>
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Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-11584892163728483282018-10-22T09:51:00.000-04:002018-10-22T09:51:01.034-04:00Book Review: The Library Book<h3>
The Library Book by Susan Orlean</h3>
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I love narrative nonfiction, and Susan Orlean's <b>The Library Book</b> is nonfiction at its best!<br />
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I realize that I am super biased because this book is about books and libraries - two of my ultimate favorite things. I am smart enough to realize that while I will be raving about this book, there will be some that just don't get it. But, if you are someone who loves libraries, then you absolutely need to read this book.<br />
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<b>The Library Book</b> is Orlean's retelling of the tragic Los Angeles Public Library burning in 1986. Reading as part true crime and part historical nonfiction, she unfolds the story of the possible arson that destroyed a library and countless books and artifacts by providing readers with the full history of the public library system in California, the librarians who worked there through the years, as well as providing an expose of the arsonist.<br />
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Some people may hear this and immediately dismiss it as boring nonfiction - and these people would be wrong. It was entertaining from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every single page, and I found myself constantly highlighted passages.<br />
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The combination of the crime, plus the gossipy details about who was fired and hired at the library through the ages made for a very interesting read - especially for fans of libraries. There were lines that made me gasp. Lines that made me cheer. And lines that made me feel known as a library lover. I highlighted tons of lines in the book, but here are a few of my favorites:<br />
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<i>"In times of trouble, libraries are sanctuaries. They become town squares and community centers - even blood-draw locations."</i><br />
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<i>"Burning books is an inefficient way to conduct a war, since books and libraries have no military value, but it is a devastating act. Destroying a library is a kind of terrorism. People think of libraries as the safest and most open places in society. Setting them on fire is like announcing that nothing, and nowhere, is safe. The deepest effect of burning books is emotional. When libraries burn, the books are sometimes described as being 'wounded' or as 'casualties,' just as human beings would be."</i><br />
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The book is far more than an arson investigation - Orlean discusses how libraries have evolved over time. She describes how famous writers have found their words in libraries - such a Ray Bradbury who wrote his most famous novel on a library typewriter. The book is filled with stories that will make any book lover's heart happy.<br />
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This is the first book I have read by the famed author, Susan Orlean, but it certainly will not be my last. If you have someone in your life who adores libraries and books, then this is the gift they need this Christmas.<br />
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Thank you, Netgalley, for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review! This book was recently published, so hurry out and get it today!<br />
<br />Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-74179722436016760242018-10-07T18:29:00.002-04:002018-10-07T18:29:59.242-04:00Book Review: The Royal Runaway<h3>
The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory</h3>
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Let's talk about books that are fun. I love books that are fun, silly romps even though they may not always be what is on my shelf. For instance, I am a die-hard Princess Diaries fan. I have read all of the Princess Diaries books and, even as an adult, I still love them.<br />
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Now, those who know me know that I am also a hardcore royal fan. I gush over the royal family - and even set up a 5 AM mimosa bar for the latest royal wedding. Royals are fun - let's stop pretending they aren't.<br />
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So with that being said, I had the pleasure of reading <b>The Royal Runaway</b> last week. It truly was a pleasure. This novel follows a royal princess who runs away (in a sense). This story takes on the fun of royalty and adds in a spy mystery and some romance. In other words, it is a fun, frothy read.<br />
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In the novel, Princess Thea is stood up at the altar. Can you imagine? A princess stood up at the altar? I. Can't. Even. That alone captured my attention.<br />
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Once she reenters the world, she decides it will be her mission to find out why her fiance did it since she has not spoken to him since the night before the wedding. But, when she meets a man who is also looking for her missing fiance, she begins to do things princesses should never do. Kiss strangers, run away from their own bodyguards, undercover national security breaches, and fall for unacceptable men.<br />
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It is not high-brow literature, but it sure is a fun escape read. If you are a fan of royalty, you will love escaping into this royal world.<br />
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Thanks to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a></b> for providing me with this copy to read and review. It will be released on Tuesday!<br />
<br />Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-8604555270461126512018-10-01T10:02:00.004-04:002018-10-01T10:02:57.407-04:00Book Review: The Little Shop of Found Things<h3>
The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston</h3>
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Once upon a time, I claimed I would never read another book involving time travel, but Paula Brackston's <b>The Little Shop of Found Things</b> has changed my mind.<br />
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This book first caught my attention because it is focused on an object called a chatelaine. When I was in high school, I was a member of a dance/drill team called The Chatelaines. A really silly reason to be drawn to a book, but I am so glad that this little detail found me!<br />
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<b>The Little Shop of Found Things</b> is set in England modern times and the 17th century. In the novel, readers are introduced to Xanthe and her mother who have recently moved and opened an antique shop in a historic town. Readers also quickly learn that the main character, Xanthe, has a unique gift where she can "read" objects - she can hear the stories of those who used objects in the past. Perfect gift for someone who spends her life living amongst antiques.<br />
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Xanthe is instantly drawn to a 17th-century chatelaine; however, what she doesn't know when they purchase the item is that it is also tied to ghost fighting to save the life of her daughter in the past. A time portal is located in Xanthe's backyard and the ghost forces her to go back in time to prove her daughter's innocence - or else.<br />
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Okay - I know this sounds a little hooky. But, I promise, it is such an enjoyable escapist read. You can trust me! I am not big on time travel and seldom read anything with ghosts!<br />
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Brackston lets the story unfold slowly. This is not a page-turner. However, the way she describes even the smallest details allows readers to also be transported back in time. And, I desperately needed an escape this month.<br />
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And, I can't go without letting you know that the novel does have a bit of romance - time travel romance. But, don't expect Outlander. This is tamer.<br />
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<b>The Little Shop of Found Things</b> is the first in what is going to be a series, and the author already has me looking forward to the next novel.<br />
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<i>Thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this review copy. You can pre-order your copy now - or buy it when it is released on October 16, 2018.</i>Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-51657119190168790902018-10-01T09:43:00.001-04:002018-10-01T09:43:43.814-04:00Book Review: What Luck, This Life<h3>
What Luck, This Life by Kathryn Schwille</h3>
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My readers know I am often a fan of depressing books. However, I do like my depressing books to come with a bit of hopefulness. Unfortunately, <b>What Luck, This Life</b> is just bleak and hopeless.<br />
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The novel is a collection of vignettes about the lives of those in the small, economically ravished town of Kiser, Texas in the days surrounding when the pieces of the Columbia Space Shuttle made their way from outer space to the grounds of Kiser.<br />
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Generally, I like novels that are composed of a wide cast of characters tied together by one commonality. In <b>What Luck, This Life</b>, the author does an excellent job of developing the characters within just a few pages before moving on to describe a new character in the next chapter. There were characters that disgusted me and characters I felt drawn to. Overall, character development was the highlight of the novel for me.<br />
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There is not a linear plot in this novel. Instead, each chapter tells the story of the space shuttle's break-up and how it affected the life of the character whose life is the focus in that particular chapter. In this case, the reader gets to meet several different people in this town and experience the tragedy from various viewpoints.<br />
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Ultimately, this novel is depressing. There is little hope - or any at all - for the town and its inhabitants. While the writing was strong, it was not a book that was easy to read.<br />
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<i>Thanks to the author and Hub City Press for providing me with this review copy. </i>Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204407167013220005.post-56138907083150955892018-09-25T08:52:00.001-04:002018-09-25T08:52:31.047-04:00Book Review: Lies<h3>
Lies by T.M. Logan</h3>
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This book is bonkers! The book cover says "What if your whole life was based on lies," so the bonkers level should be obvious. But, even after finishing it, I still feel like everything that happened was nuts.<br />
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Don't get me wrong - it is fun to read things that are crazy every once in a while. In this novel, a man is continually trying to unravel what appears to begin with one little lie from his wife. But the lies grow and grow until it is difficult to tell what is real and what is not.<br />
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Joe is a good father and a good husband, but he also appears to be incredible trusting and super naive. When he sees his wife meeting with her best friend's husband at a hotel, some red flags are raised. But, when he learns from her they were just meeting for business, he accepts it.<br />
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However, when he sees his wife meeting this man at the hotel, Joe also confronts the man. An altercation happens. And everything begins to fall apart. For example, he learns his wife and this man were having an affair. Then, the best friend discovers the illicit relationship.<br />
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Throughout the book, Joe is convinced that the other man is trying to ruin his family and get him sent to jail for a crime he didn't commit. What crime? His murder. Joe is convinced the other husband is framing him and will stop at nothing.<br />
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But, as Joe learns, nothing is what it seems.<br />
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It is a fast read that will leave you turning pages to discover what is true and what is false. With that being said, when I reached the conclusion, I was disappointed because the truth seemed so insane to me. If you read this one, I would love know your thoughts too!<br />
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Thank you to <b><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a></b> for providing me with this copy for review purposes! It was just released in the US. Happy reading.Lit Loving Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773604448973244019noreply@blogger.com0