It's been awhile....

So I've been bogged down by graduation planning, hosting, and guest entertaining...but I did manage to get some reading in. Unfortunately, it wasn't for the book club which is now on My Sister's Keeper and Wicked!!!

However, I did start the Chronicles of Narnia series. I never read the books growing up but love the movies and I can't wait every couple years for the story to finish. So I went and got the books. I finished The Magician's Nephew and am now starting The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

For those of you not familiar with the Narnia series, Lewis didn't think he'd write anymore books about Narnia after his first published book The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe; however, he ended up writing LOTS more books. So to get the full effect you read them in chronological order - not publishing order. What is the chrono order?

1. The magicians nephew
2. The lion, witch, and wardrobe
3. The horse and his boy
4. Prince caspian
5. The voygage of the dawn treader
6. The silver chair
7. The last battle

They are VERY easy reads but entertaining nonetheless.

Upcoming posts:
-grad ceremony and party pics

The Shack by William P. Young

The Shack by W. Young is a work of FICTION. The end of the book may confuse you but don't be alarmed...it's simply fiction. I think its supposed to be like the Da Vinci Code where the media might be able to hype it up and gain audience interest (in the event a movie is ever made).

Anyway, this novel is about a man who after a horrible family tragedy is summoned to the very place of the 'accident' through a letter from God. So Mack (short for Mackenzie) will travel to this place of his nightmare to reconcile the darkness in his heart and his relationship with God. Yes at the shack Mack will meet God in real life.

The book was really interesting and different. The descriptions are very vivid in both your senses and emotions. If you're deeply religious then some of the ideas in this book will be very touching. If you're not I think the ideas behind it can be applied in other aspects. It's not a long read; however, at some points the conversations with "Papa" can be quite confusing - when He explains some of the concepts of living completely in God, etc. But if you stick with it then you might find something that touches you.

The Alchemist by P. Coelho

The Alchemist is the 2nd book I've read by Paul Coelho. This book takes place in Andalusia/Egypt as Santiago - a sheep herder attempts to discover his 'personal legend'. After having the same recurring dream twice, Santiago is persuaded to follow his personal legend into the great desert of Egypt. As the book progresses Santiago meets many new people along his path while you wonder, will he ever make it to Egypt and find his treasure?

When I went to pick up the book I was surprised to see how small it was. I figured an award winning novel would have to be some big fat book. Well once I started this book I wasn't able to put it down. The story of Santiago offers some lessons of life that we too often forget while we slave away to our bills and job. The Alchemist reminds us to follow our dreams and those that do will find that life rewards them. It speaks about how hard it is to give up what you know and do in order to pursue you life's goal - which will cost you a lot in the beggining but reward you greatly in the end. We're also shown how most of us will never aspire to our 'personal legend'. I think everyone will find this book thoughtful and inspirational. A lot is packed into this short read.

While My Sister Sleeps

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky is a fictional novel that centers around the Snow family. Robin Snow is a world class runner and suffers a massive heart attack while training for an upcoming marathon. While in a comatose state her sister - Molly Snow uncovers family secrets that may destroy the entire family. Throughout the novel you watch the family come to terms with Robin's condition and cope with their secrets head on.

This was a fast and easy read. I enjoyed the book becuase as an avid runner I was able to connect to the comradarie mentioned throughout the book. As a sister I was left to ponder - how would I feel in Molly's situation. What would I want for myself if I were Robin? So the book isn't for everyone but its definitely something you can pick up and finish in a couple days and feel it was time worth spending.

Next post - The Alchemist...

The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

The online book club that I started in Facebook has finished or nearly finished our 1st book - The Red Tent.

The book is set in biblical times and covers the story of Dinah (daughter of Jacob) from her own perspective. Through Dinah we learn the way of women during birth, their time of the month, and their relationships with members of their family. The book is set in 3 parts which cover various phases in Dinah's life - from her life as a young girl to an old woman and mother.

So what did I think? I enjoyed the book. It was a work of fiction but definitely worth the read. Part 1 was the worst to get through because there are so many mothers and brothers - you're mostly sorting through the family tree trying to figure out who is who; Jacob is married to 4 women so go figure. Parts 2 and 3 really pick up the pace and once it unravels - it comes undone pretty fast. I didn't mind the ending of the book but I think I had hoped something different for Dinah in two aspects - when she returns to her family's camp during the death of her father, and in the relationship she has with her son. Despite the fact the book may not end how you'd prefer - doesn't take away from the story. I think it is a gender based novel - most men won't be able to connect with the story or characters.

Unfortunately this book is not available on Harper Collins....happy reading :)

The Winner Stands Alone - Paul Coehlo

So I read this book which is all about Hollywood glintz and glammer. The story revolves around the Cannes film festival, the Hollywood superclass - those in it, those who arent, and those who want to be. So what is the Hollywood superclass?? It's an elite member of the cinema society that have tons of money and power. They basically run everything about the film business either because: they're a famous director, mega superstar, or huge movie distributor/studio.
So you're told the story from various perspectives - a newly 'signed' actress, a fresh faced model, Ewa the Russian wife of a major fashion designer, and Ewa's ex husband Igor. Because in this story Cannes and cinema is just the backdrop for the main story - Igor's plot to win back his ex Ewa.

My opinion - the book is readable. I wasn't highly impressed by the author's work though I hear Coehlo is an excellent author. The story here isn't deep or thought inducing. I guess what really struck home is the things you don't think about in Hollywood. For instance, you learn that the new up and coming actress staring next to some A list star is probably getting about 60k for the year to star in the movie and her 'star' lifestyle will be thoroughly funded by the studio. So we see pictures of her riding around town in some limo, partying the night away...well the studio is footing the bill because in reality its all smoke and mirrors. You also hear about actors 'being caught kissing' to spark rumors of a romance when in reality thats set up too - for publicity (ahem LeAnn Rimes ring a bell).

Though this is a work of fiction every author does extensive research to write a book and Coehlo even has acknowledgments for famous friends who wish to remain unnamed that helped in his research. So it sounds pretty legit....Would I recommend it - maybe...if you like Hollywood gossip then give it a try.

Harper Collins has almost the ENTIRE book online...so if you're wondering whether its worth your time - start there.
On to the next book while I wait for the bookclub's vote - While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky.