I'm admitting that I'm a rotten blogger. I don't really post very often and I awful at taking pictures in the first place not to mention actually putting them up on my blog to share. (I think it's funny that the word "blog" shows up as a spelling error) So, I have decided that instead of trying to share what the family does, I'll just use this blog to do something that I've always kind of wanted to do and that is keep a log of what books I read. For anyone who doesn't know, I really like to read. A good book is one of my greatest weaknesses and if I find one, I will oftentimes stay up late into the night reading even though I know that the next day will be especially difficult. I just can't put it down. There are worse things to be addicted to but good books are definitely my vice. So this blog will be for my to post what books I have read and what I think about them. Since I can't remember all the books I've already read this year, I'll just start with a couple that I do remember and also the one I just finished reading.
1) The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: Probably one of the sorry-est life stories you will ever read. Here is a girl who grew up with literally nothing. Think of the worst life possible for a little kid and here it is. Having said that, there are a few things we could learn from them. Things like dirt won't kill little kids. I don't buy purell or any other of that kind of stuff. I don't wipe down the shopping carts before I stick my kids in them. (and, yes, they have on occasion decided to lick the carts--yuck!) My kids don't get baths every day--just once a week--and they wash their hands before dinner most of the time. I'm fine with dirt and germs to a certain point and although I wouldn't go as far as the family in this book, I think it says a lot about how overly protective we have become and how unnecessary that all is. Another interesting insight from the book was about why homeless people are homeless. It's probably not the way or reason all homeless people are but it certainly gave me a new perspective on why some people decide to live that way (because it is a decision.) At the end the son says "You know, it's really not that hard to put food on the table if that's what you decide to do." From a family that grew up digging for food in trash cans and going without meals on a regular basis, three out of four kids grew up to be well-adjusted working adults. So I truly believe that there are a good number of homeless people that live on the streets not because they have to but because they choose to do so. Wow. Interesting to see not only HOW the other half live but WHY they live that way. Good read. (Overall, I don't think I expressed myself very well here but oh well)
2) The Return by Victoria Hislop: I sobbed when I read this book. I served a mission for my church in southern Spain for a year and a half and I wish I would have read the book before I went. I really love the people of Spain and I can honestly say that part of my heart I left there so this book really touched me. It is about the Spanish civil war which I didn't know a lot about before I read the book. Such a moving and beautiful book. Such a sad history. I would highly recommend the book!
3) Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt: So interesting! Very fast-moving and easy to read. I really loved this book. We are reading this for a book club right now and I can't wait to discuss it. The book talks about some real-life mysteries (like why teachers cheat and why drug dealers live with their mothers.) This book gives you a different way of looking at the world and I think it helps me understand why people (including my kids) act the way they do. Good read!
4)Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner: I'm guessing this is not the same as the play but I've never seen the play so I can't be totally sure. Fun little book. I'd be okay with my kids reading this one. (I'll occasionally read a fluff book for kids just so when my kids start asking me for ideas on books to read, I'll have some titles ready) I don't know that I'd pick this one out specially for my kids but if they picked it up themselves, I would okay it, no problem.
That's all for now. If you have read any of these books, feel free to comment--I'd love to hear your opinion about any or all of them! :)
Friday, March 19, 2010
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