Ash of All Trades

         Having visited Pennsylvania Dutch Country recently I have been on a big Amish novel kick.  While this infatuation of mine definitely stemmed from visiting the area I really do believe my continued love for these novels is the simplicity of life.  Now don't get me wrong, no one's life is simple, however there are so many endearing qualities of Amish life.  Lot's of family, nature, and quiet time.  Tons of home cooked food and fresh grown produce.  No wondering what to wear or how much gas will cost this week.  Yes they deal with having to hand wash everything, hand make everything, and the physical labor of growing their own crops - it's not candy land but it is just really gratifying to sink into that world of theirs and know that my heart yearns for many of their tightly held principles (obviously technology is not one of them).  Without further ado here are my reviews for the second and third books in t...

We started off the week on the right foot and then ended up with head colds for a few days..while we all rested this mama read a few books I have been dying to get to! Ape House by Sarah Gruen    This book far exceeded my expectations and is a wonderful addition to Sarah Gruen's collection (she is the author of Water for Elephants).  An excellent story about one person's devotion to a group of Bonobo Apes this fantastic story had just enough twists and turns to keep me turning page after page as well as enough emotion to draw me in to each of the characters.  While the relationship between the Isabelle and the reporter is a bit awkward at times (it probably could have been left out) I enjoy how the reporter is able to put the story aside to actually care for the topic (apes) and the subjects (bonobos and their "mom").  This story tore at my heart as a mother which Isabelle definitely is to this troop of Bonobos.  While truly a novel this story also gav...

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larrson After reading the first two books in the trilogy I must say I was dissapointed in this book.  It was very slow in the beginning and it wasn't until halfway through that I finally became genuinely intrigued.  Once I got through the first half which was a lot of historical points, government explanations, and character backgrounds I was hooked and read the second half in about a day!  The story continues from the cliff hanger at the end of the second book and continues to complete the tale of Mickael and Lisbeth as well as many other characters.  There are some weird plots twisted into this novel that don't necessarily need to be included but are interesting on their own.  I definitely left many scenes wondering if Mickael had really lost his mind and also second guessing the truth of the matter's at hand.  While the death of Deg and Mia was quite shocking to me it really does tie the story together qui...

In Praise of Stay at Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger This book came highly recommended by a friend (in fact she let me borrow it -thanks a million)!  Let me preface this by saying that I am familiar with Dr. Laura as my dad listened to her when I was growing up and also during the years I worked with him.  This book was a great (and quick read) - it is definitely for anyone having trouble with being a stay at home mom.  Whether you are the one staying home and just need a little reminder or if you are the person bashing stay at home moms.  There is so much we do and she is quick to point it all out and have you feeling very much proud of your decision.  My favorite part are her comebacks for people's rude comments about us stay at home moms not being successful or "important" - this book definitely reaffirms most of my feelings about stay at home moms.  Another key factor is her opinion (which I also happen to hold) of:  Let's not get into a de...

For the first time in ages I have a TON of books lined up to read - and not just books that appeared but books I absolutely positively am dying to read.  Now some of you have been asking: How in the world do you find time to read?  My answer is three fold 1. I read fast.  As in 75+ pages per hour (ok a boring book might be 45 pages per hour but only because I keep falling asleep).  Seriously I can read three books per one my husband reads.  I can tell you what happened in the book - he can tell you what page that happened on the book and recite quotes from it. 2. We *try* to have quiet reading time each day (or at least a couple of times a week) where we all read books together.  I want to be a great role model and showing them how much I love to read is the best method I could think of.  If I only read at night after they are in bed how are they ever going to know I love to read.  (Plus it is adorable that Big C now laughs while "reading" and...

This book has come highly recommended not only by the media but also by many dear friends and family who enjoy reading as much as I do..Their recommendation was not lost on me - I read through the whole book in two days (yes I had a 9 hour airport/plane trip) it kept me extremely captivated.  I will say this book is not for the light of heart as there are some extremely disturbing sections - which I tried to skim through and read as fast as possible).  Calling this novel a mystery would be an understatement as there are multiple mysterious situation all at once and had my heart racing during many chapters.  The assignment the main characters partake upon brings an old traditional feeling into the novel yet the technology used to solve their dilemma surely brings you back to reality.  I enjoyed the plethora of characters whose histories were all very much different and yet suddenly wrapped together.  Stieg Larrson did a fabulous job on this one and I cannot wait ...

July was a slow reading month for me as I have been pretty busy organizing a neighborhood 4th of July part (which rocked), getting ready for Vacation Bible School, working in the garden (a lot would be an understatement), working with the girls, vacationing with kids, and well just enjoying life! I did however read the above book and it was a excellent learning experience - my friend gave me this book eons ago and I have to admit the size is what held me back.  I have been enjoying getting through three or four books a month and had a feeling this one would take me longer.  The story itself is especially intriguing as it follows one man's journey to discovering the meaning of Medjugorje and it's message.  This story is based upon a true story: some teens in Bosnia began seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary some 30 years ago and she is giving them messages which are supposed to help people live a life closer to God and Christ.  This particular book is the story of ...

Another Friday Freebie for my Nook this book was a humorous yet slightly serious book about an older teen going on a modern day scavenger hunt overseas.  This was a quick read taking only three days to get through partly because it was light comical reading and partly because it kept me intrigued enough to not put it down!  While I couldn't relate much to the character's actual experiences I could imagine myself doing many of the "touristy" things she did had I been in a foreign country at the same age (okay I would probably still do them today).  Definitely a keeper and I am looking forward to reading the sequel: The Last Little Blue Envelope .  Boy am I loving the Friday freebies right now!  Let me preface this one by saying I didn't think I would use my Nook that often - uh yea right!  This novel is a big intense with some graphic imagery and some not so pleasant to think about topics - but these same topics are experienced by many around us....

Sorry for the delay folks things have been busy and since I have been reading a TON I haven't been keeping up with my book reviews.  Below are two from May and once I am caught up (should be next week) I will start writing a review before I start a new book!  There are probably going to be lots of reviews coming up as I have some pretty long lay overs and long nights ahead of me - get ready! This is one of those controversial books that some people are huffed up about and others are ecstatic to relate to someone else.  In my opinion this book was a wonderful portrayal of motherhood - an honest and even frightful insight into another mom's life.  Another mom who has wept, laughed, guilted, and loved who has done things we have done, things we haven't, and things we say we never will.  Motherhood isn't about being a robot it's about figuring out what works for us and raising children we will be happy with.  Many aspects of this author's life seem l...

This book was given to me as a gift and let's just say the title and cover both scream "Ashlee Book" - very loudly.  Add in the fact that this story is about a Japanese American shortly after the pearl harbor attacks but told by the male in the love story and I was completely sold.  Honestly I read this one in three days and it only took me that long because well I have two kids and a husband that take up my time!  The masculine narration was very well written and maybe a bit too mushy for what a guy would really say but I enjoyed it because it's what I often imagine guys would be like if they didn't try to act all MACHO.  The formatting of the book was especially well written going from present day to past history in a well transitioned method.  While I think Lisa See 's books are still my favorites this is one book I will give two thumbs up!  (PS Lisa See has a new book coming out soon)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What good reads have you been enj...

A gift from my mom I didn't even know this book was a current movie I had just seen a synopsis on someone else's blog and wanted to read it - well boy am I glad I saw that synopsis.  This is a fantastic read keeping my attention entirely too much - my kids are very thankful I finished so now I can pay attention to them!  The plot moves along quickly and succinctly and the details are so precise I find myself picturing the story as if I had been there myself.  While some parts were a bit more risque than I normally read it is a circus book and they really weren't too bad.  My grandmother cannot wait to discuss the book with me as she has some questions after seeing the movie - I am sure I can answer some but as with all books turned movie it will be interesting to see what is the same and what is not.  Highly recommend this book to anyone interested and eagerly await the time to read another Sarah Gruen book. Happy Reading, Ash Of All Trades 

An excellent book recommended by a friend with two kids similar in age to mine.  I really enjoyed the prayers offered in this book and picked up some little tips and tidbits to help in the nuances of every day life.  This book has a very mellow tone and is more theologically based than focused on real life events.  A book I would recommend for those of us struggling with thoughts of raising great kids strong in their faith.   A book borrowed from the same friend as above - this is an inspiring book helping ground your roots into why and how your home can make or break you family.  It brings it all back to the basics and I found myself nodding my head yes probably far too often.  Otto does a great job connecting to women through the retelling of situations she went through and that other mom's will go through too.  Some excellent ides on how planning ahead and being prepared can help you enjoy Today more than you wo...

So while I am definitely not an expert - I am a parent - and I feel being a parent gives *some* authority on what the best things are for MY kids.  Big C is an avid reader - since the age of oh birth - she has LOVED books we have tons and tons laying around (okay they are neatly on a book shelf) so I thought I would pass along what have become some of her favorites from about last year through now (she is 4) and that I think will continue on for the next few years. Our favorites series, authors, or books: 1. I Can Read Series: These delightful stories come in single story version or complete series sets (above).  They include classics like Rainbow Fish and Amelia Bedelia and new stories such as Biscuit.  Both Big and Little C love these stories and they progress from pre-reader through chapter books.  A must have for kids this age! 2. John Muth : Detailed water color painting inspire conversation and artistic endeavors, couple this with wise stories and what...

We are book fanatics - anyone who knows us or who has been to our home would be able to tell you this! Shelves upon shelves fill our home and we have tons of kids books but I really wanted to point out our five favorite authors for kids from birth through oh I don't know my husband's age!  But seriously these are books that are good for the younger ones (infant, toddler, preschool) but also keep my four year olds attention (I will do a post later for preschool aged books). 1. Eric Carle  - We love Eric Carle Books for their simple illustrations with vivid colors.  Their text invites even the smallest children to learn the soothing sounds of mom or dad's voice.  I don't think my girls will outgrow these books as I certainly have not. All of his books are classic! 2. Olivier Dunrea - Follow Dunrea's goslings through simple plots involving all things toddler.  My girls adore these books for their simplicity and pure innocent even messy fun.  Th...

As many of you know I LOVE BOOKS! - that is actually an understatement.  But really I cannot get enough books (although I do take breaks from reading sometimes).  Recently I have been reading some parenting, mothering, and faith inducing books.  These I find often give me catalytic concepts upon which I can try to establish a more peaceful and meaningful life (for me and my family). In this quest (which I think will be lifelong - instead of going to school I plan to just research all of the information I can from books) I have found two very helpful resources: Steady Days by Jamie Martin and A Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot. Both books really spoke to me - like made me cry and laugh and just plain talk to the author (in my head) - I could relate and feel normal while reading these books.  Originally I had thought they would be very similar but alas I couldn't pick between the two and decided to just read both - Boy am I glad I did. A Mother's Rul...