The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1939, the ripple effects of Hitler take root in South Africa with the seeds of apartheid. There, a boy called Peekay is born. His childhood is marked by humiliation and abandonment, yet he vows to survive and conceives heroic dreams–which are nothing compared to what life actually has in store for him. He embarks on an epic journey through a land of tribal superstition and modern prejudice where he will learn the power of words, the power to transform lives, and the power of one.

Last time I read the abridged version and really enjoyed that. This full-length book felt long but, it was very enjoyable due to the fabulous narration but definitely too long. Also, my book club pointed out how EVERYTHING went Peekay's way and, this gets old pretty quickly. Still, a well told story but I would recommend the abridged version.

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the perfect antidote to your by brain being on overload, a light fluffy read that is entertaining. I will be reading the 3rd one at some point.

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Watch his video to get an understanding of the book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXy__k...

What I got from the book was:
- Your mind is a computer and will believe what you put in to it
- Positive thinking will generate happiness and success (not the other way around)

His recommendations to practice happiness are:
1. Identify 3 NEW things each day you are grateful for
2. Journal about something you are grateful for
3. Mediate
4. Practice random acts of kindness

Nook vs Kindle

I have both the Nook and the Kindle.  I like the Kindle better.  Why?  Several reasons, it is smaller.  I have it in my purse all the time and can pull it out any time.  It is light and doesn't weigh down my purse a lot.  Finally, library books do not expire from it the way they do off of the Nook.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  The Nook has a 'time bomb' that makes the book expire at the end of the 2 week library loan period.  With the Kindle, if you do not turn on your wireless, the book stays on your Kindle and is available to read indefinitely.  Shhhhh!  Don't tell.

Run by Ann Patchett

Run by Ann Patchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable read. Ann Patchett is an amazing author. How does she weave so much depth into her characters, their lives, their histories and it all takes place in a scant 48 hour period. She does an amazing job of making this feel light and enjoyable and yet thought provoking.

The Patron Saints of Liars by Ann Patchett

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This book is about Rose who is very apathetic to those around her. Rose goes from California to Kentucky to a home for unwed mothers.

This book has 3 narrators and for me, the sign of a good book is when it switches narrators and you are upset as you enjoyed the voice of the previous character so much....only to read a few more pages to realize that you love this narrator even more.

Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe

Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this a lot (more than I thought I would). He had an incredible life starting from when he was 8 and knew that he wanted to be an actor. What amazed me is not so much the # of people he knew but, how down to earth he became and grounded in his priorities. Very enjoyable read.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
4 of 5 stars

Yes I had to see what the hype is about. Don't analyze this too much.  It isn't Hemingway.  Take it for what it is and it is a fun light fluffy "Harlequin" type of read".  I prefer literary fiction with more substance but, this was an easy enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading books #2 and #3.

Defending Jacob by William Landay

Defending Jacob by William Landay
My rating: 4.3 of 5 stars

This book is about so much more than a father defending his son who is accused of murder. It is about the impacts it has on someone; as a person, as a family, financially, your career, your friendships, your life, to defend yourself of a crime. Very well done.

On Intimacy by Harrier Lerner

On Intimacy: How to Create a Remarkable Relationship by Harriet Lerner
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Another excellent book by Harriet Lerner. This one talks about how when we are least able to step back and think out of the box, is probably the time when we need it most. She talks about the patterns that happen and why and how we can change those patterns. She talks about the fact that you can't make intimacy happen by pursuing it, just like you can't make friends with a squirrel by chasing after it.

This audiobook is like having a wonderful conversation with a dear friend.

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a quirky original Western story of two brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters. The Sisters Brothers are employed as hired guns by the Commodore. They are hired to go to California to kill a prospector who has wronged the Commodore. I loved the way this dark comedy unfolded and I particularly loved the soft teddy-bear character of Eli.

The Weird Sisters by Elanor Brown

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story of three sisters raised by a loving mother and a renowned Shakespeare professor father who quotes verse and has named his three daughters after Shakespearean women. All three sisters return home due to their mother's heal issues but, also for various individual reasons. While this is an entertaining read that captures family quirks and small town America it was a light read that I enjoyed more in the beginning than the latter portion. I did enjoy the first person plural narrative style and thought the author pulled that off beautifully.

Another Baby Afghan

I absolutely love this yarn and this pattern!!!  I did it from Red Heart Soft Baby Color 7958 Frolic.

Don't you just love how colorful it is and the way the colors worked in the pattern?
As with most crochet patterns and many things in life, it is easier to explain with a picture than words.  Each blue line represents a dc. Chain 2 for the 2dc that you skip.  Cast on as many stitches as you like in a multiple of 6 (I think I did 108)

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don't confuse this book with the other "Shades of Grey" book.

It is 1941 and fifteen year old Lina, her young brother and mother get separated from her father when Soviet officers barge into their house and force them into a crowded dirty train car to begin a horrid journey to a work camp. This book is reminiscent of The Book Thief. It does an amazing job or capturing this horrific period in history

The Dance of Connection by Harriet Lerner

The Dance of Connection: How to Talk to Someone When You're Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed, or Desperate by Harriet Goldhor Lerner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As with all of her books, Harriet calmly and clearly helps you to understand how to handle things in a simple clear concise fashion to communicate your goal in a time of criss. Now if only I could have Harriet there holding my hand during those moments! Of course, this is where practice comes in. Thanks Harriet for another fabulous book.