The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend: Book Review

Last year I set a goal of reading 100 books in 2015. Unfortunately, I fell short of my goal. I ended up reading 73 books out of 100.

Even though I didn't reach my goal last year, I think that setting the goal benefited me because it encouraged me to set aside time to read more, and it helped to remind me that I had other things to do than constantly stream movies and tv shows.

This year I've set a goal of reading 90 books in 2016. It's a bit lower than last year's goal, but still more than I actually managed to read last year.

One of the books that I've enjoyed so far has been Katarina Bivald's The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend. I was first attracted to the book by the beautiful cover and by the comparison of the book to The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.

 
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend lived up to my expectations. It's a satisfying story about both love and books. A woman from Sweden travels to a small town in the US to meet her penpal who has unfortunately died shortly before her arrival. Instead of leaving, she decides to stay, and the townspeople take care of her and put up with her idea to open a bookstore dedicated to her friend. The plot itself seems improbable, but that won't in any way stop the reader from enjoying the story.

If you're a fan of romantic comedies and of books, chances are you would enjoy this book! You can find out more about The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend on Goodreads or on Amazon.

Disclosure: I received a e-copy of this book from Netgalley in order to review it. All opinions are my own, and I received no compensation other than the text itself.

Book Review: The Hard Times

The book that I'm reviewing today is a little bit different from those that I would normally read and review. It's a book called The Hard Times by Russell Scott. This book has a lot going on in it - hunting in Africa, diamond smuggling, life and death situations, and very convoluted relationship issues among the characters.

It's not the kind of book I would usually pick up. However, the author is from Mississippi and portions of the book take place in two towns that I am very familiar with, Meridian and Oxford.

I feel like I need to make an effort to read outside of my book "comfort zone" more often. Being able to do that while also reading the work of a Southern author were what initially made in interested in reading this book (I received a copy from Netgalley to review).

I enjoyed that the book was set in partially in Mississippi, and I found that to be an interesting juxtaposition with the portions that took place in Africa. Writing and style-wise I have few complaints to make about this book.

Although I found it hard to feel attached to the main characters, I think that is probably simply because I felt that I had little in common with them. One is a man who is a doctor and having problems with his marriage and the other is a man living in Africa who is wanted because he has been involved in smuggling and gun running. Very interesting characters, but not the kind I can particularly identify with. Unsurprisingly, I don't think that I was the target audience for the book.

Overall, I can say that the book had a lot of both action and introspection. Even though it's not the type of book that I generally read, I was able to appreciate it.

If you're interested in reading The Hard Times, you can find out more about it on Goodreads or Amazon.

Disclosure: I received a e-copy of this book from Netgalley in order to review it. All opinions are my own, and I received no compensation other than the text itself.

2015 Reading Challenge: March Update

Still progressing well with my goal of reading 100 books in 2015. I read a total of 10 books in March which puts me on track.

I am very much enjoying my reading challenge because it reminds me to read when I have free time. It is too easy to get distracted by the internet and not even think about picking up a book. I do absolutely love to read. So, for me, the goal gives me that little bit of encouragement that I need to choose a book over other distractions.

Here's what I read in March.

The Together Teacher - Maia Heyck-Merlin
Since my time in France is ending, I've started to prepare for teaching in the US again. I had seen reviews of this book before, and I have to say that I was not disappointed. It is an excellent resource for teachers who need to get organized. Yes, there are plenty of books on organization and time management, but a teacher's day is so different from other professionals. This book has strategies that work for teachers. I will be using the techniques in this book. If you are a teacher, or you know a teacher, this book is very much recommended.

My Week with Marilyn - Colin Clark
This book has been on my to-read list since I saw the movie. How could anyone not enjoy a book with a personal account of time spend with the movie star Marilyn Monroe? While not quite as charming as the movie, the book is an interesting read.

Shades of Milk and Honey - Mary Robinette Kowal
I've accidentally started a new series. This book is a fantasy novel (points since I enjoy fantasy.) As I was reading it, I kept feeling that it resembled a Jane Austen novel. So, I was pleased in the acknowledgements to read that the author was inspired by Jane Austen (more points because of Jane Austen.) Also, since I caught the Pride and Prejudice theme, I thought I knew which character the main character would end up with, but it turns out I picked the wrong one as being Darcy. So it's a fantasy novel with Jane Austen elements that is cleverly written. Basically, everything that I want in a light read.

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
This book was on my reading list because I've heard it described as a new "classic." The story of adventure and personal discovery is interesting. The writing style is enjoyable. But. It didn't have a profound influence on me. It is good, but for me not as amazing as I had been led to believe. Which is fine.

The Perks of Being  a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
A friend recommended that I read this book. Quite frankly, I still don't know how I feel about the book. It deals with a difficult subject. Emotionally, it was difficult for me to read. I know that lots of people love this book, but for me, it was too much at once.

Beauty and the Werewolf - Mercedes Lackey
I'm still reading the Five Hundred Kingdom series. This is the 6th book in the series, and as the title implies, it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (with a little bit of Little Red Riding Hood and plenty of other fairy tales mixed in.)

Prince - Kiera Cass
Prince is a novella in the Selection series. The story is told from Prince Maxon's point of view as he deals with the idea of meeting and choosing a girl to marry during the selection. Since I like Maxon's character, I liked having his point of view on the proceedings. While it isn't necessary to understanding the plot of the series, it is a good read while waiting for the rest of the series to be released.

Gathering Blue - Lois Lowry
This is the second book in The Giver Quartet. I liked reading The Giver in high school, and it is interesting to read the rest of the series now. I still haven't figured out yet how this book is related to the first one, but I think that the two collide somewhere later in the series. It is an intelligent dystopian novel. There is less drama than in some of the current popular dystopian novels aimed at young adults. I'd definitely advise adding this book to your to-read list.

Harry Potter et le Prince de Sang-Mêlé - J.K. Rowling
If you've been following these updates, you'll know that I've been trying to finish all of the Harry Potter books in French before I leave France. I know that I've said it before, but these books are so good. I remember very little from the first time that I read them (it's been a while), but I am so impressed by the quality of the plot and the writing.

Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher's First Year - Esmé Raji Codell
I finished off the month with some more non-fiction. In this work, the author recounts some of her experience during her first year of teaching in a difficult school. For me, it was good to read and relate to some of her struggles during her first year. Her story was inspirational to me as well. I certainly did not handle my first year teaching in the same way that she did. She has an unconventional approach, and while my approach to teaching differs some, I will definitely be trying to keep the same spirit that Esmé has while teaching.

Those are the books that I read in March. I have quite the mix of styles of fiction and nonfiction, but I think that it's more fun to read as many different types of writing as I can. In the upcoming months, I'll be reading more books about teaching and books aimed at teens since I will hopefully be teaching high school or middle school English in August (not that I will complain if I manage to find a high school French job.) My goal in April is to read as many books as possible because I know that things will get extremely busy once I start my summer job in May and my teaching job in August.

All of these books are available on Amazon. It's an affiliate link, so a portion of the price of anything that you buy after clicking on the link will go to support this blog and allow me to buy more books to read!

What did you read in March? Do you have any suggestions for my reading list?

2015 Reading Challenge: February Update

My goal of reading 100 books in 2015 seems to be going well. I read 9 books in February. According to my challenge tracker on goodreads, I am near where I need to be in order to read all 100 by the end of the year.

I've recently gotten a subscription to Scribd which lets me read as many books from its catalog as I want each month. So far, I've been happy with the service. Plus, since I'm currently living abroad, I don't have as much access as normal to books in English. I do try to read in French as much as possible, but it is more difficult for me.

Here's what I read this month.

Harry Potter et l'Ordre du Phenix - J.K. Rowling
Still reading Harry Potter in French. I finished the 5th book early in the month, but I haven't been able to move on to the 6th one yet because who ever borrowed it hasn't returned it yet even though it was due two weeks ago.

The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli
My book club decided that we should read this. I have to admit that it isn't my type of reading. While I do find political science interesting, I'd have to know more about it to understand why this book is important and how the thoughts in it have shaped different leaders. 

Hyperbole and a Half - Allie Brosh
This book was written by Allie Brosh. You might have seen her blog with the same name. Chances are that you've seen some of the memes based on what she's created there. I enjoyed her mix of writing and web comic on her site, and for that reason, I wanted to read her book when it came out. Her sense of humor is quite particular. While I did like reading parts of the book, she deals with some heavy topics like her struggles with depression. Lots of people find her writing on this subject to be very relatable, so I'd definitely recommend this book for some people. However, for me, it was interesting, but difficult to read at points.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Benjamin Franklin
As the title of the book implies, this is an autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. I remember reading an excerpt of it in high school and wanting to read more. It was a slow read for me, but I learned some things about an important figure in American history.

Wishful Drinking - Carrie Fisher
This memoir is by Carrie Fisher who is best know for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars. Since she was the daughter of two incredibly well known celebrities, her childhood and life was extremely different from most people's.

The Dress Doctor - Edith Head
Edith Head is a costume designer who won 8 Academy Awards for her costume designs. The list of stars and films that she designed for it too long to list, but you'd recognize names like Audrey Hepburn and Ginger Rogers on it. This book was adapted from her autobiography and includes her advice about how to dress for different occasions as well as tales about stars from the golden age of Hollywood. While the specific instructions about what to wear might not work as well today, I found this book to be an entertaining, easy read.

Fortune's Fool - Mercedes Lackey
I've talked before about how much I enjoy the Five Hundred Kingdoms series. It's a type of fairy tale re-telling, and I like the way the the author handles mixing the different tales together while still keeping the reader unsure of exactly how the story will end.

The Sleeping Beauty - Mercedes Lackey
Another book in the Five Hundred Kingdoms series. I'd definitely recommend these if you enjoy reading fantasy or fairy tales.

Lettre du Mon Moulin - Alfred Daudet
The teachers at one of the elementary schools where I work recommended this book when I told them I wanted to read more in French. It's a collection of short stories that describes life and culture in the south of France during the 1800s. I found it easy to read because I could stop between stories and because the subject changes frequently from day to day happenings to folk-tales to observations. If you're looking for a mid-range level French book to read that the French public will be familiar while, this is a good choice.

So, those are the books that I read in February. I don't have quite as many French books as I'd like on the list. I'll have to make more of an effort to read more in French during March. Now that I have Scribd it's much easier for me to read in English while I'm here. Actually, in order to stay on track with my challenge, I probably need to read as much as possible during March and April because I think things will become much busier once I return home, and I won't have as much time available for reading.

All of these books are available on Amazon. It's an affiliate link, so a portion of the price of anything that you buy after clicking on the link will go to support this blog and allow me to buy more books to read!

What did you read in February? Do you have any suggestions for my reading list?

2015 Reading Challenge: January Update

At the beginning of January, I announced my goal of reading 100 books in 2015. January went by quickly, and when looking over my total for books for the first month of 2015, it turns out that I have read 5 book. Which does put me a little behind on my goal. Not too much though, and since I have a two week holiday coming up in February, I will definitely have more time to read over the next few weeks.

Here's what I read this month.

Harry Potter et le prisonnier d'Azkaban - J.K. Rowling
To help improve my French, I've been reading Harry Potter in French. It does take longer for me to read in French (which is part of why my book number is low this month), but I've reached the point where I sometimes forget that I am reading in a different language which seems like a success for me.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid
My book club read this book recently (and by book club, I mean a group of English assistants who decided to get together sporadically to talk about books). It's a love story mixed in with the events that occur to Pakistani man after September 11. The form of narration is interesting, and although I would not have picked up the novel on my own, I found it thought-provoking.

Harry Potter et la Coupe de Feu - J.K. Rowling
More Harry Potter in French. This fourth book is so long. I wasn't sure for a while how I was ever going to finish it especially because I borrowed it from the library and I couldn't renew it because someone else was on the list to borrow it next. Reading back through the books, I remember why I like them so much. These books are good.

The Life of St. Francis of Assisi - Paul Sabatier
As the title suggests, this book is about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. I enjoyed learning more about St. Francis and the time period in which he lived. I felt sometimes as if I should have done a bit more research on my own first before trying to read this book, but overall, I think it was a good introduction to St. Francis.

Neuf Contes - Charles Perrault
Charles Perrault is a French author who is best known for rewriting folk tales into the fairy tales that many of us know today including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood. I actually found these slightly more difficult to read in French than Harry Potter just because the some of the words used in the story are older and used less frequently today. However, I would definitely advise reading these in French if you can. The French elementary teachers that I worked with suggested these to me when I asked what I should read that was traditionally French but not too difficult for someone who speaks French as a second language.

So that's what I read in January. I am proud of the amount of French that I read even if it means that it is slowing down my reading. While I am here in France and have access to all the French books I want (libraries are amazing), I am trying to read as much in French as possible. I'm currently about halfway through the 5th Harry Potter book so I will definitely finish that in February. I've also got another book of fairy tales and a book of poetry from the French teachers as well. And, my book club has picked another book for our next meeting. I will try to read a few more books in February, and I'll update you on my progress at the end of the month.

Also, if you're looking to read Harry Potter in French too and you have Amazon Prime, the French versions of Harry Potter are available to borrow for your kindle. If you don't have Amazon Prime, and you're interested in getting it, the link above will take you to sign up for a free 30 day trial. It's an affiliate link, so it's a win for both of us. I have used Amazon Prime in the past, and the only reason I didn't renew for this year is that I'm not in the US right now.

What did you read in January? Which books would you recommend?

Your Introduction to Classic Alice

Book lovers, you are about to be introduced to your newest favorite youtube creation.

Classic Alice is a series written by Kate Hackett. In the story, a college girl named Alice decides that she will begin living her life according to classic novels after she receives an unwanted grade in a lit class. She and a friend Andrew make a vlog documentary about the project which results in Classic Alice.

You will love seeing the way that the story plays out as Alice tries to live according to books like Crime and Punishment and MacBeth. It's the perfect video series to curl up with during a winter night like the ones we're having now.

In addition to the actual episodes, the project also includes extras like confessionals from the characters and twitter conversations.

So far 7 books have been produced, but the team is working on producing more. In order to fund more episodes, there is a campaign on Indiegogo called #SaveAlice which you can check out for more information.

Hope you enjoy this web series!

Favorite Fairy Tales Revisited

Have you seen the previews for Disney's Into The Woods yet? 

I'm excited about this movie for several reasons.

1. It's based on a Broadway musical.
2. It's Disney.
3. It features an amazing cast - including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp.
4. And, it's a retelling of traditional fairy tales.

I absolutely love fairy tales and reading modern/new versions of those tales. It's so interesting to see what ideas and themes come up when we mix familiar ideas with new ones. The best part of retelling is that moment when you think you know where the story is going because you've heard the tale so many times only to find that the author has somehow managed to shake up the plot and throw in a twist that you never imagined.

I thought that I would make a list of my favorite revisited fairy tales, but when I tried to make the list, I came up short. I know that there are so many good fairy tale books out there. So, I have no idea why I could only think of two.

My absolute favorite retelling is Beauty by Robin McKinley. As you might have guessed from the title, it's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I cannot recommend this book enough. Robin McKinley is one of my favorite authors, and when she writes a good book, it really is a good book.

The second I like that I was able to think of is The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey. It takes place in a setting called the Five Hundred Kingdoms. In this world, the different fairy tales collide. At first it seems as if the story is going to resemble Cinderella, but then it twists into the story of the fairy godmother instead (not a spoiler given that the title should indicate that to you.) Also, it turns out that this book is the first in a series which I didn't realize when I read it. So, I've now added the next 5 to my to-read list on Goodreads. The 100 books challenge is turning into the read-everything-on-my-to-read-list-challenge.

Since I only have two fairy tales books to recommend, I'll need some help from readers here. What are your favorite retellings? Are there any that you'd like to read?

100 Books in 2015: Reading Challenge

Hi, everyone! Welcome to our first book themed Tuesday post of 2015.

Have any of you ever made a resolution related to books or reading? I absolutely love reading, but until this year, I had never thought to include it in my resolutions for the new year.

This year I have decided to intentionally do more of the things that I like. Which I think is a good type of resolution for anyone. You should do more of the things that you like. In fact, that is the kind of resolution you actually might be able to keep all year long.

One of my favorite activities is reading, but I don't do it nearly as much as I'd like to. It would be easy to say that it is because I have less time to read now than I did when I was younger, but, at the moment at least, that excuse isn't true. I have realized that I am spending too much time distracted by my computer. I would be much happier spending that time with a book instead.

My resolution is to read 100 books in 2015.

Have you heard of the site Goodreads? I've recently been using it to keep track of what I read and what I want to read. On the site, you can set a challenge for yourself in 2015. Even though it is my first time to do the challenge, I set mine for 100 books.

Isn't that a little bit ambitious?

Maybe. I have no idea how many books I read per year because I have never tracked it before. At the rate that I read, I think that it is definitely doable. I already have about 75 books on my to-read list (Hopefully, I can get my hands on all the ones that I want to read. Libraries are my favorite, but they can't always have everything.)

Thirteen days in, I have finished 3 books. Two of which were quite long. So, I think that I am on track.

Even if I don't manage to read all 100 books this year, I can already tell the difference that the resolution is making. Now I purposely turn to a book rather than immediately getting online when I get home from work. On days that I have off, I keep a book by my bed and pick it up first thing in the morning to read. My mind works more creatively when I read more, so I am enjoying that effect.

If you want to set your own challenge for 2015, go to Goodreads. For some ideas on what to read, check out our latest posts 10 Free Classic Books for Kindle, Books to Read After The Hunger Games, or read any of our book reviews.

Do you have any book related goals for 2015? Also, any book recommendations for me?

10 Free Classic Books for Kindle

You can never have too many books to read. As much as I love paper books, I also like e-books. Did you know that you don't have to have a kindle to read e-books from amazon? You can download a free Kindle Reading App to read those books. You can also download free classic books to read.

Here are a few great classics that I've found on amazon.(Although I've linked to the free versions check the price before downloading just to be sure.)

Add a few of these to your reading list!

Les Misérables 

Dracula

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Little Women

Frankenstein

Pride and Prejudice

The Scarlet Letter

The Odyssey

Wuthering Heights

Treasure Island
 

Happy reading!

Do you read e-books? What are some of your favorite classics?

Books to Read After The Hunger Games

Have you seen Mockingjay: Part 1 yet? This movie is the latest one adapted from the best-selling Hunger Games trilogy. I read the first book in the series because Jennifer made me which turned out to be a good thing. There is still one more movie left to come out in theaters, but if you have been reading ahead of the movies, you are most likely in search of new reading material. Here are my suggestions for what to read next if you like The Hunger Games.

• Divergent - This book is the most obvious recommendation because it is a YA dystopia with a strong female protagonist. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, chances are that you will like this one as well. I've only read the first two books, so I cannot comment on how well the series ends. I do know that I'm currently hooked. Just a warning, there are several violent scenes in this series. Be aware of that as you decide whether or not to read this one.
• Uglies - This book is another YA dystopia. However, it came out several years earlier. At first the society in the book appears to have created a utopia, but, of course, the reader soon finds out that everything is not as perfect as it seems. Each book in the four book series focuses on a different aspect of the society, and for the most part, the plot follows the story of one central girl. 
• The Selection - YA dystopia again. This one asks what would happen if the US became a monarchy? The prince chooses a princess from the people in a bachelor-style televised production. The main character didn't want to become part of those selected to participate, but once she is there, she does not want to leave. The concepts and characters in this book make it a must-read. I've only finished the first two books, but I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next one. 
• The Giver - Most people have probably heard of The Giver. Not only has it recently been made into a movie, but it's a common read in high school English classes. The world in the story seems to be a utopia. The main character Jonah is chosen for the role of the Giver's apprentice when he turns twelve. There he begins to receive memories that the rest of the society has chosen to keep apart. This book has less physical action that the other ones I have mentioned, but it will probably make you think the most.
• 1984 - This is a classic dystopia novel. Chances are that you've heard references from the book many times even if you've never actually read it. Orwell imagines where society might be headed in the future, and what he imagines is not a place that anyone would like to live in. 
• The Road- This book explores what happens to a father and son as they wander around a post-apocalyptic America. It has very dark tones, but I think that it is an important book to read. 
• Harry Potter - Yes, I know that you've heard of this one before, and you're probably questioning why it's on this list because everyone's already read it. That is not true though. I know plenty of people who are only now reading it for the first time. Those who are drawn to The Hunger Games for a complex plot, a wide cast of characters, and a fully developed alternate world will like Harry Potter.
• A Wrinkle in Time - This is another older book. Two siblings and a friend go searching for the siblings' father across different planets. While the book isn't quite as flashy as The Hunger Games, it is a widely loved book for a reason. The main characters are all deeply relate-able, and the story is remarkably complex yet clear at the same time. Even though it's labeled as children's literature, it is truly a book for everyone.

How many of these books have you read? Would you suggest them to others?

Book Review: The Best Yes

Chances are that a lot of you like being busy, you like helping people, and you like having many things going on at once in your life. It's so tempting to want to be the girl who can pull off a million different things perfectly at the same time.

And it would be great if we were actually capable of doing these things. After all, so many of the things that we want to do are good, but I am sure that you know that the more you try to do at once, the less anything gets done.

In order to be effective, you have to say no to some things. But, how do you know which areas need a no and which need a yes?

Before I left for France, some friends of mine gifted me with a book by Lysa Terkeurst called The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands.

Lysa Terkeurst shares practical strategies and personal stories that help you discover the Best Yes answers in your life. The advice that she offers makes sense, but I wouldn't have thought of it by myself. Of course, throughout the book is the theme that we need to rely on God to show us the best decision. However, it is so hard to always know what relying on God looks like, and it's too easy to think that we can just rely on ourselves instead. It takes effort and intention to trust God, but the more that we do it, the more likely we are to continue to do it.

If you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed by busyness, or if you feel as if you don't know what path to choose amidst the millions of choices that you make every day, The Best Yes is a must read.

Have you read The Best Yes? What books have you been reading lately?

Book Review: An Everlasting Meal

 

When I first picked up Tamar Adler's An Everlasting Meal, I was not sure what to expect. It has a foreword by Alice Waters which is obviously a strong endorsement, but flipping through the pages, I found little that looks like a traditional cookbook.

However, this is exactly what the book is--a cookbook, meaning that it is a book that actually teaches the reader how to cook rather than just giving recipes to be followed.

Here are the reasons why I enjoyed An Everlasting Meal.

- This cookbook is meant to be read rather than simply flipped through.

- Adler's cooking philosophy is that nothing in the kitchen should be wasted.

- Every chapter stresses that ingredients used in each meal should build part of the next meal.

- You are encouraged to understand the cooking process and make it your own.

- The sections present the basics of cooking in a way that shows how they all relate to each other.


If I were to sum the book up into one statement, it would be - no fuss, just delicious meals.

If you were only going to buy one cookbook, this would be the one that I would suggest. An Everlasting Meal is highly practical for everyday cooks, but at the same time, the writing style elevates the book to something more than ordinary.

Book Review: Zero Waste Home

A few years ago, through the media I heard about a family who threw away only a quart of garbage per year. I had forgotten all about the story until I saw Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home at the bookstore. I thought I might find a few tips on how to live a more environmentally friendly or green lifestyle, but the book turned out to be even better than I had expected.

Johnson reminds readers that having stuff does not equal happiness. She stresses that simplicity creates a "fuller and more meaningful life." She refutes the notion that the zero waste lifestyle is expensive by stating that her family spent 40% less on annual household costs during the first year that they made changes. In addition to the personal benefits of reducing consumption and waste, Johnson points out that the actions each person takes every day affect the world. In places like the United States, we may not see firsthand the effect that our junk has, but that doesn't mean someone else isn't having to deal with the problems.

I recommend this book specifically for the following reasons:

• Johnson focuses on the 5 Rs - Refusing, Reducing, Reusing, Recycling, and Rotting (composting) as a way to prevent waste from reaching landfills.
• She gives specific examples of changes to make rather than general tips. For example, instead of simply telling readers to use reusable bags at the grocery store, Johnson describes specifically what she takes and how she limits waste when grocery shopping.
• The resources mentioned throughout the book and at the end are more than enough for anyone who is interested in finding ways to reduce their impact on the environment. Instead of spending hours looking for these resources, you can find them in one place.
• Johnson categorizes areas and specific items that most people can eliminate from their lives. While individual needs may differ, her suggestions help the readers think about what they truly need rather than racing to fill their homes with stuff just because everyone else has it.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who is interested in making a change to a simpler lifestyle. While you may not be able to throw away only a quart of garbage per year, even smaller changes can be beneficial.  There are plenty of ideas for simple changes that save money, reduce stress, and improve your health. 

Book Review: The Brontes: Wild Genius on the Moors

 Most recently, I've just finished reading a book called The Brontës: Wild Genius on the Moors: The Story of a Literary Family by Juliet Barker.  I didn't know too much about the Brontës before I started reading.  Of course, I knew there were three sisters, and I've read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.  That hardly makes me a scholar in this area though.

According to Barker, most of the traditional accounts of the Brontë sisters make many misrepresentations about their lives.  One of the purposes of this book is to look at accounts not studied before in order to dispel what she calls the Brontë myths.  The book covers the entire family, not just Charlotte, Emily, and Anne.  Like I said, this isn't an area I've studied, so I have no idea about the history, but this didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book.

The book was more interesting than I had imagined it would be before I started reading (a good thing because it's over a thousand pages long.)  Barker is good at writing and transitioning from one subject to another.  After finishing the book, I now want to reread the two books I've already read and add more of the Brontës' books to my reading list.  If you've enjoyed any of the Brontës' books, Barker's The Brontës will be an interesting read.  I certainly enjoyed it!

Book Review: Ella Minnow Pea

It might seem odd to review a successful novel that was published in 2002, but I enjoyed reading Mark Dunn's Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters too much not to share it with you.  I had never heard of the book until a professor assigned it in one of my English classes.  As much as I like English, sometimes reading for class turns into making it through a book rather than enjoying a book but with Ella Minnow Pea this was not the case at all.  I couldn't put it down once I started it.

The plot focuses around a small community on a fictional island off the coast of North Carolina.  This community has a strong culture of exceptional writing and expression.  Through a series of events, the freedom of expression is taken away from the community.  The main character Ella is a girl who works to regain this freedom.  Not only did the plot draw me in, but the author's style made the book even more enjoyable to read.  The story is told through letters and as each restriction is added to the characters' world, the mode of communication becomes increasingly more creative.

This book has the perfect combination of intriguing plot, writing style, and thought-provoking theme.  A book can be good if it has two of these three things, but Dunn's book is exceptional to me because it has all three.  If you haven't read Ella Minnow Pea yet, this is a read I would advise to anyone who loves books.

Book Review - Sweat Shop Paris

I'd never heard of the Sweat Shop in Paris when I saw this book available for review on Netgalley, but it seemed so interesting that I decided to take a look at it anyway.

The book Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons in Couture from the Sewing Cafe by authors Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis begins with the story of how the sewing workshop/coffee shop first came into being.  The Sweat Shop is a place where crafters can gather to exchange ideas and rent machines by the hour to do their crafting.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this book is not like any other craft or sewing book that I've seen.  Since my taste runs more to the simple and classic, I probably wouldn't be interested in any of the projects in the book.    However, the book intrigued me because in addition to a sewing section, there was also a section on knitting, a section on customizing pre-made pieces, one on decorating, one on how to use different techniques like weaving leather, another with recipes, and a final one with a guide to sewing, crafting, food, clothing and general useful yet cool places in Paris.

In order to be able to use this book, you'll need to have at least the basic of sewing covered.  I'd say that it might be frustrating for someone who is just starting out.  As far as knitting, I can't judge the difficulty of those projects since I don't knit.

I would say this book is definitely for someone who's interested in the more in and edgy side of DIY and crafting.  All of the projects are unconventional and feature techniques that aren't commonly used. If it just isn't quite your style, that's perfectly ok.  As much as I love Paris, it isn't quite for me either.  I'd suggest clicking through a few of the preview pages on Amazon.  If you like what you see there, then you'll love this book.

Book Review - Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders

When I saw that Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects Using Cottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Home Dec, Oilcloth, Wool, and Beyond was available for review on Netgalley, I couldn't help but want to review this book.  


This book by authors Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins features patterns from multiple contributors many of whom have blogs and websites where you can find more of their creations.  The book is organized by type of fabric so all that you have to do is look where you keep your fabrics, decide which one you want to use, then flip to the appropriate section to find a fun project to make.  


Since I received an electronic version of the book for review, I can't comment on the quality of the pattern pieces themselves.  However, I found many of the ideas in the book to be ones that I hadn't seen before.  My favorites included an apron with hot pads sewn in (very useful!), an umbrella, and a manatee (Yes, a toy one. I know, but it's cute.  And I kind of want one.)


After looking through the projects, it seems that the book is best for those with children or those who have family or friends with children.  Since one-yard really is a small amount of fabric, most of the clothing patterns in the book are aimed for small children.  As I mentioned with the manatee, there are also some adorable patterns for stuffed animals.  

Overall, the skill level for the projects included does not seem to be too high.  If you're interested in the book, I'd suggest taking a look at the table of contents to see how many of the projects sound like ones you would want to make.  Probably, if you don't plan to sew for children, there are other books that would be better for you.

Hope you're all having a good week!

Book Review - A Jane Austen Education

Like most female English majors, I absolutely love Jane Austen.  So when I saw the title of William Deresiewicz's new work A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter , I couldn't not read this book.

While there are many books related to Jane Austen and her characters, what makes this book stand out is that William Deresiewicz has not always been an Austen fan.  As he explains in his book, he first found himself unwilling to read Austen, thinking that her books had nothing to offer him.  However, once he realized that her books are not simply chick lit, he found that Austen speaks to a much wider audience than he had imagined.

Since I am an Austen fan and have read all of her novels, I completely enjoyed reading about the lessons that Deresiewicz finds in her novels.  I have my favorite Austen novels, but Deresiewicz offered perspectives that made me think more about some of the novels I didn't enjoy so much.  After having read this book, I now want to go back and read Austen's novels again.

I would definitely recommend this book for any Jane Austen fan, but I wouldn't limit this recommendation simply to those who have read all of her novels.  I think that most people would enjoy the style of the book and the way that Deresiewicz places his own narrative in with Austen's plots.

Of course, if you've never read any Jane Austen, I'd encourage you to read some first.  I'd suggest starting with Pride and Prejudice or Emma since those are often regarded as her best works.

I'd like to know - do you have a favorite Jane Austen novel?

Book Review - The Help



The summer is almost over, and I’ve only managed to read one of the books that I put on my list at the beginning of the summer.  If you're looking for suggestions for reading, you can still look at my summer reading list.  Of course, I read plenty of books that weren’t on the list, but the only one that I read from the list was The Help by Kathryn Stockett.    

I’d heard good things about the book for about a year before I read it.  Since it’s set in Jackson, Mississippi, and Kathryn Stockett is originally from there as well, I knew that I would have to read it eventually. 

I wasn’t certain what to expect when I first started reading the novel.  It’s a story told through the voices of three different women.  Two of them are black women who are working as help in homes of wealthier people, and the other is a white woman who is a part of this upper society. 

I think that the best parts of the book are the characters and the different voices that tell the story.  I can see why the book has become a bestseller, and I would definitely recommend reading it. 

There’s also a movie based on the book coming out on August 10th which I will be interested in watching.  I’m hoping this will be a case where the movie is as good as the book.  I do know that they filmed the movie in Mississippi, so I will be looking forward to seeing that part.

Enjoy your weekend!

Book Review - Swiss Watching: Inside Europe's Landlocked Island

I found a new book to review from Netgalley that I thought all of you might be interested in.

Swiss Watching: Inside Europe's Landlocked Island by Diccon Bewes offers a look into Switzerland that goes past the clichéd ideas that we have of the country.  Bewes looks at things like the history of Switzerland and how it has played a part in the way that the country is today.  The British writer has lived in Switzerland for several years so his perspective of that of a person who is familiar with the country and the people, yet can recognize the things that those outside the country would find remarkable.  

One of my favorite parts of the book was the inclusion of cultural points and customs after each chapter.  I didn’t know too much about Switzerland before I read this, but now I know more beyond the mountains, cheese, and cuckoo clocks.  There are still many things about the country that weren’t covered in this book, I’m sure, but it gave me enough to enjoy the book without being overwhelmed.  I was interested in reading this book because I am fascinated by Switzerland as I think lots of other people are.  If you are one of those people and you haven’t read too many other books about the country, I would recommend this book to you.

Now, I want to start planning my next trip to Switzerland!