Summer Reading

If you're from Westpark, like I am, you remember Book Club at the Westpark Library. Maybe Book Club was everywhere, but we did these mini book reports to the same librarian for years in order to get Indians tickets! I wish there was adult book club rewards...

This summer is the first summer since I graduated from high school over six years a go that I have been able to read for fun. I forgot how hopelessly I become a part of the stories. Depending on how good the book is, it takes me a few days to process that the book is over and it didn't really happen. That is really sad. I probably shouldn't admit that.

The three books that have consumed me and kept me up til 2am turning pages are: The Help, Water for Elephants, and Redeeming Love. These books all captivated my heart and had me cheering aloud.

The Help: If you've been paying attention to previews, magazines, and talk shows you've probably heard of this one. The movie stars Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, and Viola Davis. It is a look at the unspoken behavior and civil rights issues regarding black women working as maids for white women in southern Mississippi. One women tries to help tell the stories of the maids and begins an unlikely sisterhood that initiates "changing times" in their city. There is drama, there is scandal, and everything else that makes a good book. I literally was cheering out loud and had to explain my to my husband the story because I was so excited. The book and the movie (which is due to come out this Wednesday) have had rave reviews. I read some articles that angry black women had written complaining that a the women who wrote the book, who are white, still can't comprehend the truths about the matter. All while that might be true, she did a commendable job and wrote a beautiful story that I think if any race was angry with the book they might have issues all together. Some people complained that black women didn't need the white women's help at all with telling their story. They said it would have happened with or without them. Maybe, but maybe those white people deserve a pat on the back for being brave and standing up. For standing alongside their friends because they believed the right things no matter what society deemed appropriate. Anyway, it was a great book and I recommend it to everyone and I am very excited to see the film.

Water for Elephants: I know this was a movie.  I never saw it. I thought it looked overly girly and I'd have to do some sucking up to my hubby to make him take me to it. Otherwise, it just seemed like a solid redbox rental. Turns out this awesome love story had me intertwined in the pages. Its a love story about a veterinarian who loses everything only to actually run away with the circus only to fall in love with a married women and develop a loving relationship with an elephant that no one else can understand. I kept picturing Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon in my mind in the roles because I knew they starred in the movie. I think that added to the greatness. So now I must wait for the dvd out, which I can't find a release date for....so if anyone knows anything about that let me know!

Redeeming Love: This book is over 450 pages and I read it in three days. My mom and friend had been telling me for years to read this book. I now know why. It is an amazing story about a girl that was sold in to sex slavery and grew to become a renown prostitute only to be rescued by a man who wants to marry her because God told him to and pursues her heart with unconditional love. Its a story of redemption that can be compared to Christ's love for us. It is incredible and I could not put it down.

I encourage book club to all!! I'll try to update soon with my next three books!

lemons and sunshine: Hocking Hills Mini Getaway

lemons and sunshine: Hocking Hills Mini Getaway: "This past week my husband and I spent two days in Hocking Hills, Ohio. What a glorious time! I totally underestimated Ohio. My mother had be..."

Hocking Hills Mini Getaway

This past week my husband and I spent two days in Hocking Hills, Ohio. What a glorious time! I totally underestimated Ohio. My mother had been there last year and kinda gave me the rundown, but what I saw for myself surpassed any words of promise. I could not wrap my head around the vastness of God's creation. I felt so small next to these gigantic caves and cliffs. It reminded me of these Robert Duncanson paintings I studied over the summer. We went with my husbands parents and two brothers, and stayed in this charming cabin that had the most fabulous bed I've ever slept on. Although, I could have been in love with it just because it was so different from the rock I sleep on now. My husband's poor hard laboring back requires firmness.(Save me sleep number bed! ) The hiking in the muggy woods was actually quite nice. I enjoyed burning all that energy only to end up in some sort of corner of heaven. My mom bought me these cute hiking boots for Christmas and I boldly wore them accepting all blistering consequences just to feel like a real hiker. I crack myself up. I would have loved to stay there longer. I would love to return in the fall. I guess it is just something to put on my to do list then :)

Those little white specs in the caves are people...that is how big this is!