Could this book cover photo be any smaller? Sorry if you have to squint to read it. I just finished this book this last week and I really enjoyed it. It won the 1984 Newbery Award. I love the fact that the "Hero" was a girl. I thought it would be a fun read for a young women. She is determined to serve her country, to prove herself. She works hard to learn and improve herself. She is brave. She is courageous. She is a warrior.All these fantasy books that I have been reading have given me a sense of why people love these types of books. I think that these types of books that are written well show us a world that is full of magic, dragons, immortality, etc. but the characters, the things that they are dealing with, the trials they have to go through, all apply to life. We get lost in the fun of the story, the fantasy aspect of it, but what we really love is the real life lessons that are taught through these stories. … [Read more...]

Love. That is what I took away from this book. Laurie said that her mother use to read this to her and her siblings when they were younger. I thought of that as I was reading, thinking of why she would choose to read this to her children. I quickly learned why. There are so many lessons to be learned in this book. It teaches real self worth, it teaches family, it teaches courage, it teaches trust, it teaches faith, and most of all it teaches love. When I finished reading I realized that when I love, when I'm feeling love, I can handle anything. Happiness with Steve, patience with the kids, kindness and compassion to others, hope with myself, forgiveness, faith, all of these come so easily when I feel love. This book made me want to learn to love better, practice feeling love always. This will be a must read with the kids.The next book I'm reading is Keaton's favorite, The Hero and the Crown by Robert McKinley. … [Read more...]

I finally finished it!! Funny story. I checked out this book from the library. When I got home I opened it and noticed that it was written in comic book format. I thought it was interesting, but Melissa told me it was very different then any book she has read, so I figured I was just seeing the differences. When I finally started reading the introduction I noticed that it was the comic book version of the actually book. I headed back to the library and finally got the actually book. It sat for a little bit before I started reading it.It is a very interesting story. I'm not a huge reader of fantasy, but it looks like many of my family members really like them. This story is easy to get into, lots going on, lots to entertain. Throughout the book I was often wondering if this man had truly entered a different world or if he had somehow lost his sanity. The ending left me with the same question. What did you think Melissa? A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle is next on my … [Read more...]

I finished this book this last week. I was surprised at how quickly it drew me in and how interested I was to find out what happened. Since I had seen the movie associated with the book, I already knew the ending, but I was still intrigued by the story. I liked how the writing changed throughout the book. It was so jarring at the beginning! I liked how the author transitioned from present day 1971 to 1896 through different writing styles.This next week I'm starting Neverwhere by Neil Gaimon. I checked it out from the library a couple weeks ago and it is sitting on my nightstand just waiting for me to begin.You can see my original booklist here. … [Read more...]

I think I'll go with Andrew's favorite for my next book. I little science fiction never hurt anyone, right??Bid Time Return by Richard MathesonI read a little write up on it and it looks like it has some time travel in it. Would you consider it a science fiction Andrew?? I hope it isn't too dark or creepy. I'm not into dark or creepy stories. BUT, Andrew does have amazing taste. He has introduced me to Lost, The Office, Wicker Park, etc. I'll just trust that he knows what he is talking about.Go HERE if you want to check out my original family book list. … [Read more...]

I just finished To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and was reminded again why it is one of my favorite books. I didn't know that it was my mom's favorite until I compiled this list. It was so wonderful to read at this stage in my life. I was single when I read it before.This time I thought a lot about how I treat my children and what I'm focusing on teaching them. I thought about life through their eyes, how they view me, and what is really important to them. I thought of the world around us and how it is teaching them what it views as moral and right. I need to make sure they know what is really moral and right, what God says is moral and right. It made me want to rededicate myself to teaching them and working with them.I truly loved it. I cried at the end."Daylight . . . in my mind, the night faded. It was daytime and the neighborhood was busy. Miss Stephanic Crawford crossed the streeet to tell the latest to Miss Rachel. Miss Maudie bent over her azaleas. It was summertime, and two … [Read more...]

This year I decided to make a list of books to read. I thought it would be fun to compile this list from favorites books of my family members. I'm starting with the Huish side of the family first. It took me awhile to put this list together, but here it is. What a variety!! There are some that I have wanted to read for years and some I would never have chosen on my own. I'm so excited to get started reading all these books!! I'll keep you posted on what I'm reading and I would love for anyone to join me. I'm starting this next week with To Kill a Mockingbird. It sitting on the nightstand ready for me to dive in!Dad Huish- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyMom Huish- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeAaron - The First 2000 Years by W. Cleon SkousenMelissa - Neverwhere by Neil GaimonAndrew - Bid Time Return by Richard MathesonErin - The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisMichael - The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisLaurie - A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine … [Read more...]

My wonderful neighbor let me borrow her book The Host by Stephanie Meyer. I am really enjoying it. A couple people told me they had a hard time getting into it, but I didn't have any trouble. I have really enjoyed it!! I think I like it better than the Twilight Series. … [Read more...]