Magazines

I admit I have a problem. I love magazines. I love reading them. I love collecting them. I have a hard time throwing them away. I don't want to think about how many I would subscribe to if I had unlimited money and no library access.

If I had to narrow it down to a top 5 today, my favorites would be:
LDS Living
Creating Keepsakes
Simple Scrapbooks
Real Simple
Parents

I'm glad I don't have to narrow it to 5. I read way more than these. What are your favorites?

When Times Are Tough

When Times Are Tough: 5 Scriptures That Will Help You Get Through Almost Anything
John Bytheway
5 stars

This book was originally sent to my husband for Father's Day from my parents. It's been on my lists since then and I finally had a chance to pick it up for the past few days. It's a fast read and very inspirational. I could have spent one day reading it - or a week. I actually might re-read it now with a notebook in hand, taking notes.

Not only is John Bytheway such a great story teller and motivational writer, but he keeps doctrine interesting to read.

The book is comprised of 5 chapters, each a part of one's life and each chapter has 5 scriptures that will help you through that part of your life.

1. Five scriptures that will get you through almost anything
2. Five scriptures that will strengthen you marriage
3. Five scriptures that will improve your family relationships
4. Five scriptures that will strengthen your faith
5. Five scriptures that will motivate you to action

One suggestion from the book that I can't wait to start is to create a Hope Page. This is a page of all your favorite quotes, scriptures, hymns or whatnot that give you hope. After you create this store it someplace that can be easily accessed and read it often. It is such an easy suggestion and such a good idea.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
JK Rowling
5 Stars

Where do I begin!!?? I have been skeptical on how this series would end. Could JK Rowling make it as good as the series. Could this last book live up to all the hype?

I am not going to write a spoiler, but I'll just say it did live up to everything that I expected it too. I laughed at parts, I couldn't put it down at parts, and at parts I would have cried (if my husband would not have made fun of me for the rest of my life!). Did some of the characters have predicable outcomes? Yes, but let's remember that is this a children's series.

As I finished it last night I couldn't go to sleep. I laid in bed so excited for the characters. I usually experience a let down after finishing such a good series, but with Harry Potter I was so excited I wanted to start all over and read them again!

To those of you readers of this blog out there that haven't read these books, or only watch the movies, I beg you to read the books. They will give you SO much more satisfaction! (Besides you will get to know the outcome 2 years in advance!)

I give the entire HP series 5 stars. It was worth the time I spent reading and I will be re-reading them over and over to my kids and throughout my life.

Harry Potter

So I cannot believe that I'm taking time out of my kids nap to post about this book - but I am. I am so excited to be reading the last book of Harry Potter. I am so sad that it will be over. Half of me wants to skim read as fast as I can so I can know what happens. The other half of me wants to read as slow as possible and drag the book on and on so it never ends.

I tend to get attached to characters in book. Just like many avid readers the characters become real to me. I start to think of them as real people and I actually spend time thinking and worrying for them and their scenarios they must face. Of course I know Harry Potter, Ron and Hermonie aren't real, but for an hour and half each afternoon and each night after 8pm they become real to me as I read.

I am about 200 pages into the book. I am not going to spoil anything and I hope that no one else does the same. All I will say is that as I get to the ending pages of a chapter and tell myself I will fall asleep after I finish it, JK Rowlings finds a way to not let that happen. I have a very hard time putting this book down. But I'm a mother and a wife, so at times I must, and then the battle rages on inside me - finish it fast, or take my time.


I think for now I will take my time and savor each page of my friendship with HP.

Rebel Angels

Rebel Angels
Libba Bray
5 Stars

This book is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. I admit, it took me a few weeks to read this book - but only because of visitors and a vacation, because each time I sat down to read it I had such a hard time putting it down. I actually enjoyed this one much more than the first one.

If you loved the Twilight series, and Harry Potter then give this author a try. It's got other worlds, magic and romance too. Gemma's character is so fun to watch develop and grow.

I still can't get over how witty Libba Bray is. I love it. I wish I were that smart and witty - but if I were that fun I would probably have a couple novels written and not have just a book blog about them!