Time out from reading!

While reading a book called The Big Short, that talks a lot about finances and litigation, I was looking at the Travel page of the New York Times. It was amazing to read about exciting places like Fiji, Honduras, and Africa. But then I stumbled across this amazing slide show of Barcelona Spain. The architecture and design are so beautiful. So unreal, I can't wait to go there.. One can always dream right?

Enjoy.

Week Five

Few and far between are the books that make me cry while reading them. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini just happens to be one of those books. The reality of life in all its beauty and disaster is uniquely portrayed in this story of two young boys growing up in political and war torn Afghanistan. While ripping through the pages, I wanted so badly that this book end my way. The Cliché "Happily ever after way." But through its' twists, turns, and heartaches, I discovered that things don't always end the way we expect or want them too... and that's ok.

Rarely does life turn out the way we expect, and all things considered that is what makes life meaningful. What we do with the good and the unexpected, and who we become because of it all.

Loved this book! Thanks to Benjamin Corbett for suggesting it.

Week Two . Three . Four.

Men of Valor . . The Miracle of Forgiveness . . In the Name of Honor

So it has been a busy few weeks. Never a dull moment :) But I have been reading! And so far it has been amazing.

Men of Valor by Robert L. Millet was a book I enjoyed reading. It teaches a lot about what a man of God really is, and how we can all reach our full potential.

The Miracle of Forgiveness is a HEFTY read, but it is worth the journey. It talks about the real power of forgiveness and who it comes from.

In the Name of Honor is a book that I found while browsing the many book selfs at my parents house. I was nervous to read it because of the nature of its content. The authors explore a story deep in the heart of Pakistani culture. It's story of a woman who stood up for true honor even when everything was against her. It is a powerful story of how one woman is trying to get rights for Pakistani women. "Every hour in Pakistan, a woman is assaulted, beaten, burned with acid, or killed in the 'accidental' explosion...The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has recorded 150 cases of rape during the last six months in Punjab alone." Although hard to read at times, this book opened my eyes not only to the importance of womans rights, but also to how grateful I am to live where I live.

SOO...Four weeks down and four amazing books read! With my new Madison county library card hot off the press, the sky is the limit for summer 2011.

Week One - - Book One

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas...

Publish weekly wrote, "Sure to take readers' breath away." An understatement, in my opinion, for the heart-aching story about two small boys from two worlds so different. This classic tale of worlds colliding left me wondering what the consequences of hate and dislike truly can be.

I have always been interested in books and stories about the Holocaust and this short 215 page story is one that will be hard to forget. I recommend this quick read to all readers. It will help us all take a new look at just how far anger and judgement can go, and yet how close to home they can hit.

Reading...

The National Council on Teachers of English claim,

"To participate fully in society and the workplace in 2020, citizens will need powerful literacy abilities that until now have been achieved by only a small percentage of the population."

Now that school is out for the summer! I am going to read a book a week. Can't wait! If anyone has suggestions of good books they are much appreciated.