Turns out, I have been reading.

I mentioned the other day my book list was looking sad this year.  However, I went to add a finished book to my book list and realized that I have been reading a bit this year, though it feels like I haven't for whatever reason.

 Also, I mentioned at the beginning of the year that I had no reading goals besides to read what I already had in my collection.

BIG FAIL.

I should have known better.

Books are my thing.

Since we're almost halfway through the year, I thought I'd share what I've been reading so far this year.

 

I know a ton of people who enjoy reading the same things I do, who raved about the Outlander series, but I didn't get it.  It was long, wordy, and mostly boring to me.  Its about 700 pages and I didn't get a lot out of it for how much reading you have to put into it.  Needless to say, I didn't pick up the next one in the series. I don't want to deter others from the series, because I'm in the few for not liking them, but these you have to decide for yourself.

 

Half-marathon: You Can Do It is an interesting running method, but a pretty dull book compared to all the running books on the market today.

 

I liked the Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running much better than the last.  It had a lot of helpful information that was directed specifically towards women runners and I found some motivation in it.

 

Sarah's Key was a book club pick and I hate to say it, but I didn't love it as much as other people did.  I was excited about this one since it had such great reviews, but it was just a sad story to me.  Maybe its because we have already read four other WWII books in book club and I am just over WWII books for the moment.  I wouldn't say its not worth anyone's time, I just had higher expectations for it I guess.

The Weird Sisters was another book club pick and overall, I enjoyed it.  It does kind of just end at the end, but I enjoyed the story and the relationship between the sisters.  It also lead to some interesting conversations about our childhoods and our siblings at that months book club meeting.  I think I like any book that gives us great conversation at book club. I will warn you that its written in a different style, but if you can get past that, its a great story. 

I found sTori Telling at the Goodwill for a $1.  I'm not even really a Tori Spelling fan, but I've heard a lot of people talk about her books, so I decided to give it a shot.  After reading it, I'm still not a Tori Spelling fan.

Mr. Sparks is a hit or miss for me.  I can take some of his books, but some are way too cheesy and just like every other book he wrote.  The Lucky One so far goes down as one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books.  Its your typical Sparks book, but worth it if your looking for a light and easy read.  I finished it in less than eight hours so that tells you how it ranks.

 

Train like a Mother is hands down one of the best running books out there.  This was seriously one of the most entertaining books I've read all year.  I was laughing out loud during some parts.   Plus, it was way motivational.  I was seriously talking about doing a marathon after reading it.....but then I came down from my high and realized I should get through the half marathon first.   If your a total novice, I would start with their first book Run Like A Mother.  I have not read it yet since I needed more guidance on my training than actual running, but it got better reviews than Train Like A Mother, so I'm sure it would not disappoint.  Also, you can listen to free pod cast from the authors on itunes which are entertaining....if your into running.

 Dumbing Us Down is an eye opener.  It was written by a man who spent over 25 years as a teacher in a public school and once named New York States Teacher of the Year.  This is a must read by any parent whether your child is in public school, homeschool, or private school.  I read in a education book once (not a homeschooling book), that the problem with parents today is that they do not realize they are the authority on their child's education.  We can choose to give up the responsibility of who educates our children, but we are to never give up the authority.  Today parents have given up the authority over their child's education.  That has stuck with me for years now and while reading this book, that statement continuously came back to my mind. I haven't read this actual revised copy, because I had an old copy.  So if you read it, I cannot vouch for what the revised parts talk about. 

 There are very few books I'll run out and pay over $20 for, this was one of them.  I could not wait to get my hands on this one and it was painful to read everyone's love for it while I was waiting to get my hands on a copy.  I've been reading Kelle's blog for some time now and its always one of my favorites.  Bloom did not disappoint.  It is a beautiful story and the pictures make the book even more beautiful.  Her honesty throughout is breathe taking.  I seriously wept through certain parts of it.  If your going to read one book this year, this would be my recommendation. 

This month we start a new cycle with book club.  Last cycle, we decided to jazz things up a bit and we actually voted on what we read each month.  It was suggested this go round we read classics. Most of us were excited about the idea and we decided to roll with it.  I'll be the first to admit that I don't read very many of the classics, which is sad especially since I'm obsessed with trying Classical Education with Olivia in a few years.  Our first classic to tackle is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  I'm about half way through and so far, I'm enjoying it.

What are you reading these days?