What I Read in February

I'm not sure why, but this was a great reading month for me.  My strategy is to always keep reading.  Sometimes I have to read something light or "fluffy" just to give my brain a break, but I always make sure there is a book in my purse, on my nightstand, and by the couch.  That way it is close if I feel like I have a few extra minutes.  

Anyway, here is what I read:

#1 The Life Intended

This one seemed a little weird when I read the back.  A woman starts to see her late husband in her dreams with a "what would have been" life.  But I really enjoyed it, as those dreams led the main character Kate into a different part of her life.  4 stars. 

#2 Landline 

This one was a bummer.  I usually really like this author, but this was slow, long and just not that exciting.  A pass and 2 stars.  

#3 This is Where I Leave You 

I loved this one!  A dysfunctional family all get back together for their father's funeral.  I laughed out loud and cried.  Read this! 4 stars! 

#4 The Girl on the Train 

This was another great book.  Suspenseful "who did it" book with a Gone Girl vibe.  I was surprised by the ending! 4 stars

#5 I'll Drink to That: A Life in Style, with a Twist 

I loved this too.  It really solidified the importance of an outfit and the importance of feeling comfortable in your skin.  I want Betty to come give me some tough love in the dressing room.  4 stars. 

#6 I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You 

This was a quick easy read too that takes in Paris and about a marriage in trouble.  3 stars. 

#7 We Are Not Ourselves 

This was excellent.  It is about early onset Alzheimer's, which obviously is awful and then makes you feel like you can't remember anything but I loved this book.  I loved the family dynamic and especially the son in the book who is in college when his father is diagnosed and his pure selfishness about the situation, not because he is truly selfish, but because he is 20 years old.  Read this!! 4 stars! 

Weekend Wrap Up

Oh why does the weekend go so fast???  We did a few things around the house, a few errands, and a lot of lounging.  

Thursday I had to go in to the doctor to get a little procedure to basically cut some skin cancer out of my left temple.  They found some basal cells a few years ago, but it grew back in the same place so we had to be a little more aggressive.  I have some stitches and have to wear a bandage for SIX weeks, but at least they were to get all the bad stuff out!

Both boys were concerned about my bandage.  Paul wanted to know if I told all my friends about my "broken head" and Charlie just keeps pointing to it and saying, "Owie?  Eye?"  But now they are over it.  I expect the same reaction from my students.  I know I will spend Tuesday talking about it and everyone will be good to go.  But I predict in four weeks some knucklehead will ask, "What happened to your head?"

I took Friday off work and I caught up on my DVR and read this book! 

Friday night was dedicated to me, Ryan, wine and House of Cards.  I just love that show.  

Saturday I taught the boys swim team at my high school yoga.  Boys are funny and there was a lot of cursing and complaining but it was very entertaining.  

I came home and convinced the WHOLE family to go to Home Goods and we picked up this cute sign for our newly painted bathroom!  Side note, boys do not appreciate the magic that is Home Goods.  

Ryan spent hours hanging up new towel racks and pictures and shelves.  The bathroom looks so much better.  We just need new light fixtures and I am going to try and paint the cabinets.  Home improvement never stops!  

Saturday night we went to our friend's house with 2 other boys and ALL four dudes played so nicely together it was a Saturday night miracle.   There was minimum intervention from us and we were even able to eat pizza in peace.  So fun! 

Sunday morning I headed to the gym and Paul suggested I do a few push-ups, so he dropped down and showed me his questionable form.  

I came home and we all went to the grocery store and fulfilled our Sunday donut tradition.  The boys cuddle on the couch and watched Robin Hood! 

Then it was laundry, baths, and all the other fun Sunday night chores  

Happy Monday Blog Friends! 

What I Read in November

November was a great reading month for me.  I can already tell December is not going to be as good. Ebbs and flows like everything else!

Here is What I Read: 

The Winter Street 

A cute easy read about a family and Christmas.  Nothing heavy or life changing, but a good story about the holidays! 

The Last Letter from your Lover 

Another easy read, a love story from the 1960s but gets intertwined to the present day!  The older love story is WAY more interesting than the present day love story, but still worth the read! 

Love Minus Eighty 

I usually don't love science fiction, but this was a really interesting futuristic love story.  And make you think about our obsession with technology and where it could go.  

 I'll Give you The Sun 

This is young adult, but it is SO GOOD!! It is about twins, Noah and Jude.  Some of the story is from Jude's point of view and the other from Noah's.  I thought about this book for weeks after I finished!   

Shopaholic to the Stars 

Read this over Thanksgiving break, easy and entertaining and you can finish in just a few hours.  Not my favorite of hers, but still worth my time! 

One Plus One 

This was not my favorite by Moyes, but perhaps reading two books by the same author in a month is a bad idea.  Just a bit predictable!   

The Furies 

A suspense, mystery novel that took place in a school so hit close to home! :) It was hard to put down! 

Some Luck

I read A Thousand Acres in college and LOVED it but I am not sure I have read anything of Smiley's since.  I didn't know if I was going to like this, it is a family story taking place on a farm but I really enjoyed it!  

Wonder

 If you read any book this year, let it be this one.  I cried the entire time.  It is heart breaking, optimistic, beautiful and I haven't stopped talking or thinking about this book since I finished.  When I was pregnant with Paul I remember going to bed each night wishing and hoping that my baby would be healthy.  Please don't have down syndrome or autism or any other crazy disorder, disease, etc.  I remember being nervous with Charlie too, but a little less so since I had Paul to distract me.  But after reading this book, I think I was praying for the wrong thing.  I really just hope my children are kind.  This book does such a great job of portraying the social structures of middle school and making you think about why some kids are mean, why some kids feel like they have to be mean to fit in, and why some kids go against the grain and are just kind. Please let my boys be kind.  READ THIS!! 

Any great books you have read lately?