C.S. Lewis

I just finished reading, Becoming Mrs. Lewis


It was an interesting read. It didn't keep me up at night, and some parts were a little slow.
I read it over a couple of weeks. I did enjoy the book.
Then, I had to watch the movie Shadowlands
which tells the same story about C.S. Lewis and Joy,
starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger.

Now, I really want to read some C.S. Lewis books.
I've read some of the Chronicles of Narnia with my kids.
Our church leaders love to quote C.S. Lewis in their General Conference talks.
He has so many great quotes, and he understands Christianity.
But, I've never read any of his books before. I wasn't sure which book to start with.

Here is a great resource and list, to help me learn where to start.
I can't wait to begin. Especially after learning a little more about his life.

Happy Reading!

I tried listening to Audio Books in 2017 . . .

I tried using Audible this past year.
Honestly, I didn't like it that much.
I'm mostly home during the day, by myself, since my youngest is in 1st grade.
I would put on an audible book to listen to, while I did interesting things like the laundry.
But, I would move from room to room too much.
I would miss important parts as I left the room.
I never quite knew what was going on in the story.
I'm not a big fan of using headphones while having an iphone in my pocket.
In the end, I discovered I still just like reading in a book.

Here's what I tried listening to on Audible:

I recommend both of these!

Amy Snow is a fun mystery set in England in the 1800's. Great if you love all the Jane Austen stuff.

How to Win Friends, is just a good read for learning to get along with people.
I find I need this skill most with my own children and family.

Here's what I read in 2017 the old fashioned way -
Out of a Book:

Wonder was a great book that I read to my 9 year old. We both loved it.
The whole family saw the movie and it was great movie we all enjoyed together.

Rebecca is a classic I really enjoyed. My mom is named Rebecca,
and she showed me the Alfred Hitchcock movie when I was a kid. I remembered enjoying
the movie and I had always wanted to read the classic. I'm so glad I did.
This is a love story mystery.

Mr. Rochester is a must read if you love Jane Eyre.
It tells his story from when he was a young boy, to meeting Jane.

Jane Eyre I have loved the movie versions for years. Why did I wait 30+ years to read this classic?
I LOVED, LOVED it. She is probably my favorite heroine and character of all time.

The Lost City of Z I saw the recent movie about this, and was so intrigued and curious as to what happened to this famous explorer. When I was at the library, and found this non-fiction book that tells more of the story and details I had to read it. I loved it too. It was a nice change from the other novels that can be more popular to read. It was a fairly quick read. It read easily and moved the true story along as the author went back in modern time to retrace Percy Fawcett's last steps before he disappeared with his son and son's friend.

The Magnolia Story I honestly enjoyed reading about the early years of Chip and Jo, the balance they give each other, and their humble beginnings. I thought is was a quick, inspirational read. I always get good marriage advice from them.

My Story Elizabeth Smart This was a great read too, that I highly recommend. The tender mercies that were given her at crucial times during her ordeal were inspiring. It was good for me to hear more of her story to have a better understanding for her and others that have been through similar ordeals.

Women of the Book of Mormon This is a short, fast read that gives amazing insights into the few women named and mentioned in the Book of Mormon. I loved it!! Especially as we have been challenged to read and study the Book of Mormon more, I think this is a great book to give us a fun incentive  to read it more and give us new stories to understand from the Book of Mormon. Excellent!

Here's some of the books I'm hoping to read in 2018:

Candle in the Darkness
The House Girl
An Unseen Angel
Where the Light Falls
Nothing to Envy
Man's Search for Meaning
Uncle Tom's Cabin
The Story of My Life and Helen Keller: A Life
Hope Heals
Murder on the Orient Express
How Will You Measure Your Life
The Great Bridge
Code Girls

I also get good book recommendations from these blogs,
Modern Mrs. Darcy and Emily A Clark

Jane Eyre and Summer Survivial

I just finished reading Jane Eyre for the 1st time!

Why did I take so long to read this great book?

I love Jane Eyre's character.

Exemplary!

I have loved this 2011 movie version of Jane Eyre.

I have watched older movie versions too.

So, I knew the story well.

Reading the story, of course, was much more detailed,

with great quotes!

There is some language in the book from

Charlotte Bronte's time period 

that can get a little long

in some parts of the book,

but it was still a

very pleasurable read.

I read Jane Eyre so I could enjoy this book:

Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker

**UPDATE: I finished reading this book!**:

Nothing can compare to Bronte's writing,

but I did enjoy this book.

It did help answer a lot of questions I had about him

from reading Jane Eyre.

If you love Jane Eyre, then I think this book is a must read.

(Just a head's up, there is some strong language in this book from

Bertha, Mr. Rochester's wife.)

I've started reading Rebecca another classic by Daphne Du Maurier

My mother's name is named Rebecca,

and she showed me this movie

when I was younger and I've always wanted

to read the book.

I'm excited to read this one too.

I also just finished reading

Elizabeth Smart My Story

It is a true story.

Elizabeth was kidnapped at age 15,

taken from her home in the middle of the night,

and held captive for 9 months.

I read this book for the book club I'm a part of.

I was nervous to read it,

but felt like I should.

I'm so glad I read it.

It was good to understand more of the truth

of the circumstances surrounding her kidnapping.

Her character is also Exemplary.

When I got to the part towards the end of the book,

when her mother offered her words of wisdom

after she was back at home again,

I understood why it was good I read the book.

I love inspiring words from Mothers.

Happy Summer Reading!

Reading is my NEW survival method

for surviving this summer with my 5 kids underfoot.

I usually just buy fancy popsicles,

and try to hide from the kids while

I try to enjoy the fancy popsicle.

This summer I will escape by READING!

It's working great so far.

Katie Reads

I've never been much of a reader. But, I've always wanted to be one.
I tend toward movies instead.

A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to join a woman's book club.
I was hesitant to join, since I don't read much, and wasn't sure if I would be a good participant.
Thankfully, we were still invited if we hadn't read the book.

Over time the book club has gotten me reading! (Insert Clap Emojis here.)

Being around other women who were reading, got me to find books that interested me.
The women share my same values and morals,
so it was easy to get some good, clean books to read.

Here are some books that I have read and enjoyed this past year:

When Breath Becomes Air: An interesting read about a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with cancer, and his words as he knows he is dying. An interesting perspective of a dr. who becomes the patient.
Not a long read, not super depressing - just interesting.
Non-fiction

The Boys in the Boat: I loved this book about some college boys who were on the rowing club in the Seattle area during WW II times, and how they miraculously managed to get make the US Olympic team, and won the Gold in Germany, during Hitler's time in history. A great underdog story. They were on the same US olympic team from the main character from the book Unbroken.
Non-fiction

Counting by 7's: This is a pre-teen book for even older elementary students. But, I loved it!
The adult characters are interesting, and in some ways not really going anywhere in their lives, but a young orphan girl turns things around for all of them. Great story of the human spirit, serving others, and becoming better ourselves. Fabulous story with uplifting message.
Fiction

The Lifeboat: This is kinda like a Titanic story. It's the story of when strangers are put on a lifeboat together, after their large ship is sinking. They are on the lifeboat for days together, and it's their moral, and ethical survival story as they are out in the middle of the ocean, with no way of knowing how long they will live or if they will be saved.  Great character development.
Fiction

Women and the Priesthood: Sherri Dew a life-long, female member of the LDS church has never married, and has served in high leadership positions within the church. She has had many questions from women about the priesthood, and being a single sister has had to understand how the priesthood is part of her life. She has studied this topic prayerfully, and scripturally for years, and shares her insights and answers in this book. A great read for all of women to understand the priesthood better. Non-fiction

Unbroken: the Young Adult version: I chose to read the young adult version of this book, to avoid some of the intense scenes that are part of this character's life. I also wanted my kids to be able to read this book as well. I did enjoy this book and the story. Louis Zamperini is a fascinating individual. It was well worth reading about his courage, choices, and utter will to survive.
Non-fiction

The Light Between the Oceans: I loved this story. Great characters again. This story makes you really think about what you would do if you were in a similar situation. One of the smaller characters in the book ends of being one of the strongest characters in the book, that teaches us all an important lesson when asked how he can be so happy when others treat him so badly. The movie was good too! Non-fiction

Martha Washington: This is a young adult, smaller biography, but a good read about Martha.
It tells more of her story before she was married to George Washington. It shares her love of family, her children, and grandchildren, and the interesting trials she endured throughout her life. A good reminder that women have the same fears and worries no matter the time of life your are living.
Non-fiction