The Help

So the workshop I went to with Becky Koesel this past week was amazing! She taught me amazing things about read aloud, finding "just right" books for kids and inspired my love for reading again! First she had us make a super cute Reader's Notebook...she provided the composition books and scrapbook paper. Then, so we could understand the power of the read aloud, she read this book to us. I cannot tell you how much I looked forward to going and hearing The book each day. When I was running late, I thought, "Oh, no! I hope I don't miss the read aloud!" So of course since she could only read us 3 chapters, I had to go out and get the book for myself. Amazing! It tells the story of 3 ladies: Skeeter, Minny, and Aibileen. It's based in Jackson, Mississippi during Civil Rights time - 1962.It is a powerful story of love, forgiveness, judgment, trust, and standing up for beliefs. It is a MUST READ! I have already passed it on to my sister, she loves stories like this and I thought of her. Check it out! It is so worth the read and I know I will read this one again!

The Wolves of Mercy Falls: A Stop Motion trailer for Linger

So Linger officially came out today! :) I know Heather and I read it, but not sure if Monica ever made it through or Stacy got the copy. It's in all bookstores now! And the other great news is that the author, Maggie Stiefvater, is coming to Houston! She will be here next Wednesday, July 28th!

http://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/event/maggie-stiefvater

Maggie really likes to support indie book stores, so the book has to come from Blue Willow in order to be autographed. I figure she might talk about writing too, so who would like to go? It is super close to my house, so I was thinking I could have everyone over for dessert after the signing so we could chat. :) Let me know if you're interested!

Mr. Lincoln's TMails

I was in Indiana last week visiting Rich's brother and nephew and found this great book on his brother's bookshelf! I love history, but don't always read books about it. This was a GREAT read. It explains how Abe Lincoln used the telegraph to communicate instantly with generals to strategize during the Civil War. It's like old-fashioned email and he used it to his advantage. Brilliant writing and a totally new look at Lincoln! I truly enjoyed it.

So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore

I've been working through this book with a bible study group from 2nd Baptist, and I know that, Brandee, you have read this or a part of it. I hate the title. It sounds so needy, and as I read, I felt a little like, "Beth, you are coming across a little needy," but I guess in that same way, it's very transparent, very real. The book is interesting in that I think Moore intends that it would be applicable for anyone, whether you are a Christian or not, but it fails quickly in that, in my opinion, because she is so at home when she is connecting our entire being to Christ. When she picks and chooses her personal stories to relate to points she wants to extend, it feels a little selective, but when she ties our strength and dignity inherent through Christ to God's word and to the bible, now that feels like Beth Moore, and I really loved that part of the book. The verses that she references were great reminders to hide in my heart; the prayers that she speaks along with the reader feel real, feel personal, and I loved those. I really loved those. Would I recommend this book? Yes! And I'll tell you that often throughout this read, I thought of you all, of our team, and knew that I was blessed to be surrounded by genuine, secure, and blessed women... and that, ladies, is an amazing, irreplaceable gift!!!

2 more books (at least) that I HAVE to get through for summer. Vacation this week, so wish me luck!

~ monica

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Well, I did finish Shiver. I'm almost finished with my Beth Moore book, but I had to pick this one up at the bookstore with Kayla (she grabbed Lord of the Flies for our trip). Have you read this? It's not new, published in 1999, but the format of the book is very interesting. It is written as a screen play, a movie of his experience with journal entries here and there to give us his perspective from "the inside." I really liked the style; really I can't think of anything I've read quite like it. I enjoyed how it gives little bits of film and camera detail. I liked how it told the story in stage directions to emphasize maybe how different characters had different perspectives throughout, and it is a crime drama, so Stacy, you might like it if you haven't already read it. Anyway, I finished it in about 4-5 hours today, so I LOVED that, especially after my Shiver epic fail!!!

~ monica

The Off Season

This is the sequel to the book, Dairy Queen, by Catherine Murdock. DJ Schwenk proves to be just as lovable in this book as the first. Her awkwardness, family trials, and teenage angst create a great story! There are amazing twists and turns as her family faces a whole new future. Her strength and determination are tested as she has goes through personal and family struggles. There is a third book, Front and Center, which I started last night. I would highly recommend this series! The characters are flawed, but prove to be genuine. A great book for a rainy day, which we've had a lot of these days!!!

Is it already July????

I cant believe it...July is here already...and I know it is going to fly by! I hope everyone had a fabulous fourth of July! I went to my aunt and uncle's house. They let me sit in their pool and read a book...best 4th ever! :)

Also, thanks for going to "Eclipse!" I had so much fun that I couldnt sleep when I tried to sleep at 3 am...so I picked up a book and read until 5 am. :)

Free Audiobook Downloads

I found this website on Dr. Lesene's twitter account: http://www.audiobooksync.com/. She was my YA literature professor and reads like crazy! She knows a lot of great books and writes her own blog each day. Anyways, this site has FREE audiobook downloads. It looks like they give a "new" release and classic each week. Fun!