Many years ago I was desperate for a book to read so I reluctantly raided my then teenage son’s personal library. Knowing absolutely nothing about football, I surprised myselfchoosing Jerry Kramer’s book, “Instant Replay” and I loved it! So much so that I recommend it. So I decided to go to the library and get a baseball fella’s book, “Foul Ball,” which was lousy…no more than a glorified gossip manual. I’ve noticed that the writer of the baseball book never gets invited back to be seen with a group of old timers on special occasions.

Another book I didn’t think I would like but I really enjoyed was “Travels With Charlie,” by John Steinbeck…or is it Steinback? Anyway he and his standard poodle traveled all over the united states together and it was a great book. Of course, in my opinion, Mr. Steinbeck could write about someone going to the mailbox and make it interesting.

I tried The Shack after several students recommended it. Blech. Just didn’t work for me and seemed too far-fetched. I only got about 1/2 way through and had to give it a rest.

I love a John Grisham novel once in a while. Just not too many in a row or they get predictable.

I also re-read To Kill a Mockingbird! If you haven’t read this one in a while – do it! It is amazing as a second/third/fourth read. I loved it more now than as a teen!

I am currently reading a great book. It is interesting and sad. It is called Little Bee by Chris Cleaver (yikes, hope I got that name right. I am not running upstairs to check!) It was on the ‘staff favorites’ shelf at the library, so I took a risk. It is about a Nigerian refugee and also a English woman who met in Nigeria one fateful day and are not reconnected. I just got to the good part yesterday as they haven’t quite said what actually happened in Nigeria yet.

Just finished Clint Hill’s “Mrs. Kennedy and Me” (he was the secret service agent assigned to Mrs. Kennedy when her husband became President.)

Before that “On Hallowed Ground” by Robert Poole – all about Arlington Cemetery.

And before that “Killing Lincoln” by Bill O’Reilly – about the kidnapping plot and eventual assassination. All excellent books – not very “cheery-O”.

Once I’m done guiding for the season I’ll jump into something fun!

Auntie – “The Testament” by John Grisham is one of my all-time favorites. I read it every couple of years even though I know all the twists and turns. It really gets you in the the first couple of pages and you might as well do nothing else until you’re done! I get nervous every time at the part where he’s crossing the stream/river and trying to hold his legs out of the water so the alligators don’t get him! it’s one of his best.

itsvikki2u – “When I Lay My Isaac Down” was very good. I heard Carol Kent at Praise Gathering several years ago telling the story of her son. It was quite wrenching at the time. She’s since written a follow-up book called “Between a Rock and a Grace Place”.

I’ve never read “The Shack” but I know a multitude of people who absolutely loved it. I’ll get to it someday.

Never heard of Ian Cron but I will definitely get to him one of these days! Isn’t Gloria a hoot – these amazing people she brings and they just WOW you! I always think, “Now, where have I been all this time reading fluff?”

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For better or worse, my life the last month, and more, has involved getting one of my band’s songs ready to be fully released on the public at large next week !! Starting with recording it, I have little to no experience with this sort of thing, but have been the one carrying the ball to make sure we end up with a final version of the song the whole band is more than happy with. Fortunately, God seems to favor the song, so it’s been a wonderful, at times beautifully humbling, experience. If anyone is interested, here’s a two minute little preview of the song I put together and put up on YouTube the other night. Hope it works for some of you = )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL2v5rAWWXY

Tori,
I have a book suggestion if you have not read it. “GI Joe and Lillie” by Joe Bonsal of the Oak Ridge Boys. This is a real heart warming story of his parents love, devotion and struggles…It is a must read!
Thanks for sharing this, you probably made several of us a new friend in the literary realm.

Reading books on tape has introduced me to several books I would not have chosen; but they are sent to my home through the mail. So I have thoroughly enjoyed a few books like, “The Majesty of Law,” the life story of our first woman supreme court justice, Sandra Day O’Conner.

I will call the library and see if his book(s) are on tape. And, thank you, because I just love recommended books….most of the time they are great.Now, about some of those books they send to me, I don’t even take them out of their case….even their titles are not inviting.

I sure wish I had been where this fella was speaking. I love the way he enjoys his own humor.