Reading List

I LOVE to read! Since Macy was born I have enjoyed stealing moments to myself to read good books-- and I have read some really great ones lately!

My mom bought me The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright (The Christmas Jars) when Macy was born. I loved it. It made me want to be better than I am, and it made me cry. Also it made me want to write a novel. This book reminded me of growing up in a small town where everyone knows everyone and news travels fast. It reminded me that there are some people who are just good and generous. It reminded me of losing a parent, and getting to know them better after they are gone. It was not just sad, it was sweet, romantic, funny, and tragic. This is a great book.


I picked up The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice on the "staff picks" table at our library. It took me back in time to 1950s England. It reminded me of one of my best friends. It made me want to go back to England and it made me want to talk to my Grandma about Johnny Ray. This book took me back to the time when I had to figure out the difference between loving rock stars, loving unattainable older men, and being in love for real. Mostly though, it made me want to dress up and go to fancy parties!


Gerald read The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly for work. As soon as he finished it he said I had to read it. This book was not what I thought it would be. It is a story about teaching people how to dream again-- because reality has usually squashed that out of us by adulthood. It teaches that in order to get what you need from people you must help them to fulfill their dreams. And in order to get what you want from your own life you have to identify your dreams. Because of this book I am dreaming again-- in real, concrete, make-a-plan kinds of ways. If you manage people, or teach them, or interact with people at all, you must read this book. It will change your perspective on motivation!



My Book Club is reading Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray for their October meeting. I won't make it to the party, but I loved the book. It is not what I expected, it was not fluffy. It was a great read, and it made me want to bake, and eat.

Best Quote:

"Cakes have gotten a bad rap. People equate virtue with turning down dessert. There is always one person at the table who holds up her hand when I serve the cake. No, really, I couldn't, she says, and then gives her flat stomach a conspiratorial pat. Everyone who is pressing a fork into that first tender layer looks at the person who declined the plate, and they all think, 'That person is better than I am. That person has discipline.' But that isn't a person with discipline, that is a person who has completely lost touch with joy. A slice of cake never made anybody fat. You don't eat the whole cake. You don't eat a cake every day of your life. You take the cake when it is offered because the cake is delicious. You have a slice of cake and what it reminds you of is someplace that's safe, uncomplicated, without stress. A cake is a party, a birthday, a wedding. A cake is what is served on the happiest day of your life.

"This is a story of how my life was saved by cake, so, of course, if sides are to be taken, I will always take the side of cake."

I am going to post about the books I read now because every time I read a good book I want to tell people about it. Good books are best when shared with friends; when they are picked apart and related to. I hope you get a chance to read these ones, they are worth every word. And let me know what you are reading, I am looking for recommendations!