Where Have I Been?

Wow, it's been way too long since I've posted. My apologies! I'm sure that very few of you even both to check this humble blog anymore. Let me catch you up - briefly - on what I've been reading.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (Barbara Kingsolver) - I'm nearly finished re-reading this one, as I've ventured into a bit of gardening this summer. See my post from last June for a full summary. And visit your local farmer's market.

The Bountiful Container (Rosemary Nichols McGee and Maggie Stuckey) - A Christmas gift from my father-in-law, this has been an indispensable resource in starting my very own garden. Despite having no farmable land, I am managing to grow tomatoes, zucchini, sugar snap peas, hot peppers, bell peppers, and some spices. My only criticism: building your own container (as they suggest for the more ## among readers) is not easy and takes too much time to make it worth it. I should've bought already-made containers back in May!

Three Cups of Tea (Greg Mortenson) - This details Mortenson's efforts to bring education to some of the most remote regions of Pakistan. This is the book I will be giving to everyone I know. If we are serious as a country about waging a war on terror, this book contains the real weapons we should be using. Resources. Education. Literacy. Equality. Dignity. This is a must-read. Right now. Go.

A Northern Light (Jennifer Donnelly) - Donnelly became one of my favorite new authors after reading this wonderful story of a young girl coming of age. It features a strong female character - always appealing to me** - navigating her way through young adulthood. HIGHLY recommend this one.

The Tea Rose (Jennifer Donnelly) - I enjoyed A Northern Light so much that I sought out other novels by Donnelly. The clerk at my local used book store recommended this one, and although it's a bit long, I enjoyed it immensely.

The Glass Castle (Jeanette Walls) - This is a memoir. Much of it is unbelievable, and yet, I think it's all true. An excellent read, full of contradictions. It will leave you wondering what really does make a healthy family.

The Blood of Flower (Anita Amirrezvani) - A fictional account of a girl growing up in 17th century Persia, this tale manages to weave feminist themes into a culture that did not typically value the whole range of contributions that women can bring. A fascinating and satisfying story.

My Sister's Keeper (Jodi Picoult) - As always, Picoult delivers a gripping story in a fast-moving, interesting, and often unpredictable plot. This one tugs at your heartstrings, keeps you guessing, and makes you laugh aloud. A quick read. I haven't seen the movie yet, but recommend this book for good beach or travel reading.


**Writing this entry has given me an opportunity to take a look at what I've been reading lately, and I notice a pattern emerging. Strong female characters. Beautifully written prose. Powerful stories. The next time someone asks me what kind of books I enjoy reading, I suppose I'll now have something to say (usually I just stammer and stutter)!