Linking up to my online book club: From Left to Write
*Here is my Top Ten List of Best Books of 2012*
In no order...
1. Elin Hilderbrand books (OK, so it's not just one...) I am not a big fan of chick lit, I think I overdosed on it in the 90's...but her books are not frothy reads, though I do consider them beach books-books to get lost in. Storylines sometimes deal with heavier topics. I enjoyed a few-The Island, The Blue Bistro, The Castaways-all take place on Nantucket area
2. Gone Girl-Gillian Flynn: great suspense novel with a twist! This was a much talked about book, one that I passed around to many friends!
3. Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected-Kelle Hampton: sweet memoir about a mom who has a baby with Down Syndrome and how she reacted to her new daughter. Very honest, beautiful photographs, worth a read!
4. The Baker's Daughter-Sarah McCoy: another one I passed around quite a bit. Part historical fiction, part contemporary about the bonds of love and family
5. The Bloodletter's Daughter-Linda Lafferty: this is one that cemented my love of historical fiction. Could not put down, thank goodness it was so thick! (I really want that tote bag that says I Love Big Books and I Cannot Lie-that's exactly how I feel). Interesting time period in Eastern Europe about members of the Hapsburg Family
6. January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and her Father's Struggle to Save Her-M. Schofield: VERY hard to read memoir, but worthwhile. It's about a young girl who is diagnosed schiphrenia and her father's fight to save/help her. Timely, especially now that mental health issues are a hot topic. Not a fun read at all, but I am glad I stuck with it. Makes you think about what we need to do to help people.
7. Hemingway's Girl-Erika Robuck: historical fiction account of Hemingway's time in the Florida Keys and what life was like there. The main character is a fictional maid of Hemingway. LOVED this! Loved the writing style!
8. Blackberry Winter-Sarah Jio: sweet and sad story, another beach read-easy to read, but the story sticks with you after you're done.
9. Igniting a Passion for Reading-Steven Layne: one of my biggest goals as a teacher is to help my students become lifelong readers and love reading-so fun to read this and get many more ideas to help cultivate the love of books
10. Daring Greatly:How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead-Brene Brown: OK, technically, I am not done with this book, but I am really into it and will be done before Jan. 1! Eye opening!! A must read for all! Inspires us to embrace our vulnerability and dare to live whole heartedly-know that we could fail, but we wouldn't succeed for sure if we don't try and go for it. Be honest with yourself and who you are...
So there you go...my list for 2012. Looking forward to making a dent in my goodreads list for 2013 and finding new MUST reads! What are YOUR must reads???
Friday, December 28, 2012
*Mindful*
Do any of you do a "word for the year" a la Ali Edwards?
I start the year out with a word...but within a few weeks, don't think about it much. However, this year, I'd like to stick with it. I know most people don't follow their resolutions, but I am going to make a BIG effort to follow my word-MINDFUL.
I chose that word that because I think in this technology driven world, we aren't being very mindful. I know I am guilty of playing with my iphone, half listening to my children tell me a story. That makes me feel sick to my stomach. I want to be there-all there-for my kiddos. It's proven that if you don't listen to them now as young children-fully-they won't be willing to share with you when they are teenagers. I am reading Brene Brown's new book-Daring Greatly. It's fabulous! It's hitting me right where I need a kick in the pants. After finishing a chapter last night, that's when I lay in bed and thought about my word for 2013. Highly recommend it!
I know my thoughts are all scattered, but I am going to make this year the year that I really *think about gratefulness*be thankful*listen*eat healthy*get healthy*be more creative*write more letters*share*be the best me* AND I think all of that falls under mindfulness.
I will be back later today or tomorrow to share my fav books of 2012 (linking up to From Left to Write).
I start the year out with a word...but within a few weeks, don't think about it much. However, this year, I'd like to stick with it. I know most people don't follow their resolutions, but I am going to make a BIG effort to follow my word-MINDFUL.
I chose that word that because I think in this technology driven world, we aren't being very mindful. I know I am guilty of playing with my iphone, half listening to my children tell me a story. That makes me feel sick to my stomach. I want to be there-all there-for my kiddos. It's proven that if you don't listen to them now as young children-fully-they won't be willing to share with you when they are teenagers. I am reading Brene Brown's new book-Daring Greatly. It's fabulous! It's hitting me right where I need a kick in the pants. After finishing a chapter last night, that's when I lay in bed and thought about my word for 2013. Highly recommend it!
I know my thoughts are all scattered, but I am going to make this year the year that I really *think about gratefulness*be thankful*listen*eat healthy*get healthy*be more creative*write more letters*share*be the best me* AND I think all of that falls under mindfulness.
I will be back later today or tomorrow to share my fav books of 2012 (linking up to From Left to Write).
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