#1: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
This book combines two great loves of mine: History and the elderly. I seriously couldn't believe when I started reading that a book could so creatively combine past and present by bouncing back and forth between the life of an old man, present day, and the Great Depression of the 1930's. The short version of what this book is all about: A retired veterinarian in his 90's recalls his life on a Circus during the '30's when the circus comes to town near his own nursing home. FABULOUS book. Highly recommended.
Now, some of you may be asking me, isn't there a movie about this book that just came out? To which I would answer... Yes, yes there is. Well? Is it worth seeing? And to that question, I would say... Sure. On a weeknight, when it's cheap at the theater. And if you haven't read the book (WHICH YOU SHOULD). However, if you are like me, then you will most certainly feel that the movie does not do the book justice. No matter how hot Robert Pattinson is, or how beautiful Reese Witherspoon plays her role. Just read the book. WAY better than the movie.#2: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
You will notice a trend in the books I have read lately in that most of them (well, all but one really) have movie versions. Now... The Notebook is different for a variety of reasons. I read the book after I saw the movie. I also read the book in a span of about eight hours- it's a quick read. But it is so great! I'm really not big into the romance genre, but this book is an exception. Now here's the kicker: I actually like the movie version better. But the book is still really good! It tells the simple story of two people who fell in love, lost one another for a variety of reasons, and become reunited by chance later in life. Spoiler: The ending of the movie and the ending of the book= COMPLETELY different. Book ending is a little bit of a shocker. I highly recommend The Notebook, either for a quick read on a night when you have nothing to do, or for a classic romantic movie night with your girlfriends, pet, or boyfriend (Dusty loves this movie, sorry Dust.) Very good.
#3: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
I am NOT a Sci-Fi fan. Never have been, and probably never will be. Which is why I was so shocked when I literally could not put down this novel that happens to be adapted into one of my FAVORITE movies. I didn't know until about two years ago that Jurassic Park was even a BOOK, that is until my mom and I were on a classic thrift store run and I saw it priced at 80 cents on the bookshelf of the store. Along those same lines, I was at Savers in Arizona over Spring Break with my grandma and I made her buy it for me for a dollar (should've gotten it two years prior!). Seriously though, the book? MUCH BETTER than the movie! It includes major differences and additional scenes that you don't see in the movie version. I will always love this classic film- HELLO?! The raptor scene in the kitchen? But the book... you are reading about genetically engineered dinosaurs created under the shady radar of a cocky old billionaire... and suddenly... things go wrong... very fast... Fast like the speed at which I devoured this novel... much like a T-Rex devours human beings at the dinosaur park. Okay, done with the cheesy, crude humor. Just read the book if you are looking to feel the rush of a good read.
I lived out the JP experience last December at Universal Studios... RAWR! (I am so lame....)#4: "Second verse same as the first..." The Lost World by Michael Crichton.
The dinos are back! So... fast forward to my last AZ trip at the end of April for Easter... I rapidly finished Jurassic Park and I was eager for more.. So on Easter Sunday, Dusty and I drove to the local Barnes and Noble with our earnings from the Easter "Egg" hunt (read my friend Danny's blog for an explanation on that one) and I bought the sequel to the first novel. The Lost World is another very quick, VERY good read, that far exceeds the movie version in terms of superiority. Also, nothing like the movie version. The movie just kind of lacks in every area in terms of quality. Much like movie sequels do. However, the book? Thrilling and very nerve-wracking. Another shocking Sci-Fi surprise that I liked.
#5: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
This could be my most favorite book that I have read out of all six. My absolute favorite time period of study is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. So much about that time in our nation's history fascinates me, disgusts me, moves me, and makes me think. That's why I could not put down this book. Kathryn Stockett is a native of Mississippi who beautifully tells the tale of three very different women: One, a 22 year old white woman named Skeeter, fresh out of college. Two, a 50-something African American maid named Aibileen who has served as a maid to white families for over 20 years. Three, a 30-something African American maid named Minny who has grown tired of letting white women boss her around. Their three stories are so interesting, sad, and thought-provoking. The book is divided into separate sections as told by the three different characters. You find yourself coming to the end of a section and not wanting it to end... however, you immediately dive right into the next section that hooks you right in.
Again, there is a movie version coming out in August, one that I am very excited for because it does look promising. I really hope they do this book justice. It has the potential to become one of those movies concerning the Civil Rights Movement that you DON'T want to end. I have become fascinated with 1960's-Mississippi since reading this book. Love, love, love this one.
#6: Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo.
Alright confession: I read this book today. The whole thing. It's a quick, 150 pages that tells the story of a four year old named Colton who becomes sick, needs emergency surgery, and during the operation, takes a three minute trip to Heaven. Did I mention, this story is TRUE? It's told from the perspective of Colton's father, Todd, a pastor from rural Nebraska who experiences a range of emotions upon hearing the revelations of his little son's trip up to see Jesus. I cried, I laughed, and at times I sat there upon reading certain confessions of Colton, just going, "Huh." It makes you think, and it really makes you wonder... Is this how Heaven is going to be? I recommend it to ANYONE. It is really quite interesting, very fascinating, and very real. It encouraged me in my own faith, as I hope it would encourage you in yours.
There you have it. A list which, in my opinion, gives you plenty of options for GREAT reads that you will not be able to put down. I guarantee it. Now some of you may be asking... what's next Case?! I'm dying to know! Well, I will tell you!
Now depending on which one catches my attention first, I have two options for future reads... both have been recommended to me by others.
First, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld... a fictional book explaining the life of a modern first lady... sounds very interesting....
I purchased this hardcover for 4 DOLLARS at Borders recently... got it for cheap because I'm a Border's member!!!
My other option is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins... don't know much about this one other than it's a teen novel, highly popular, and all my friends and family have read it. There are also two sequels which means if I like it, I can continue to read more. And... there is a movie version being adapted for 2012. So I'll have to read this one before I see the movie.
And there you have it. My summer reading list that I hope you indulge in.
Looking for a delicious snack to eat while reading? I have to give my friend Callie Wahl a shout out for introducing me to Edy's Lime Fruit Bars.... DELICIOUS. I took a break from Heaven is For Real to walk over to Cub and pick them up. Worth every penny. Thanks Callie!
True confession: I had two while I finished the book. Oops.
And just because I am having so much fun uploading the pictures.....
TA-DAAAAA! You can thank me later. Or thank Callie because like I said, she showed me.
The dinos are back! So... fast forward to my last AZ trip at the end of April for Easter... I rapidly finished Jurassic Park and I was eager for more.. So on Easter Sunday, Dusty and I drove to the local Barnes and Noble with our earnings from the Easter "Egg" hunt (read my friend Danny's blog for an explanation on that one) and I bought the sequel to the first novel. The Lost World is another very quick, VERY good read, that far exceeds the movie version in terms of superiority. Also, nothing like the movie version. The movie just kind of lacks in every area in terms of quality. Much like movie sequels do. However, the book? Thrilling and very nerve-wracking. Another shocking Sci-Fi surprise that I liked.
#5: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
This could be my most favorite book that I have read out of all six. My absolute favorite time period of study is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. So much about that time in our nation's history fascinates me, disgusts me, moves me, and makes me think. That's why I could not put down this book. Kathryn Stockett is a native of Mississippi who beautifully tells the tale of three very different women: One, a 22 year old white woman named Skeeter, fresh out of college. Two, a 50-something African American maid named Aibileen who has served as a maid to white families for over 20 years. Three, a 30-something African American maid named Minny who has grown tired of letting white women boss her around. Their three stories are so interesting, sad, and thought-provoking. The book is divided into separate sections as told by the three different characters. You find yourself coming to the end of a section and not wanting it to end... however, you immediately dive right into the next section that hooks you right in.
Again, there is a movie version coming out in August, one that I am very excited for because it does look promising. I really hope they do this book justice. It has the potential to become one of those movies concerning the Civil Rights Movement that you DON'T want to end. I have become fascinated with 1960's-Mississippi since reading this book. Love, love, love this one.
#6: Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo.
Alright confession: I read this book today. The whole thing. It's a quick, 150 pages that tells the story of a four year old named Colton who becomes sick, needs emergency surgery, and during the operation, takes a three minute trip to Heaven. Did I mention, this story is TRUE? It's told from the perspective of Colton's father, Todd, a pastor from rural Nebraska who experiences a range of emotions upon hearing the revelations of his little son's trip up to see Jesus. I cried, I laughed, and at times I sat there upon reading certain confessions of Colton, just going, "Huh." It makes you think, and it really makes you wonder... Is this how Heaven is going to be? I recommend it to ANYONE. It is really quite interesting, very fascinating, and very real. It encouraged me in my own faith, as I hope it would encourage you in yours.
There you have it. A list which, in my opinion, gives you plenty of options for GREAT reads that you will not be able to put down. I guarantee it. Now some of you may be asking... what's next Case?! I'm dying to know! Well, I will tell you!
Now depending on which one catches my attention first, I have two options for future reads... both have been recommended to me by others.
First, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld... a fictional book explaining the life of a modern first lady... sounds very interesting....
I purchased this hardcover for 4 DOLLARS at Borders recently... got it for cheap because I'm a Border's member!!!My other option is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins... don't know much about this one other than it's a teen novel, highly popular, and all my friends and family have read it. There are also two sequels which means if I like it, I can continue to read more. And... there is a movie version being adapted for 2012. So I'll have to read this one before I see the movie.
And there you have it. My summer reading list that I hope you indulge in.Looking for a delicious snack to eat while reading? I have to give my friend Callie Wahl a shout out for introducing me to Edy's Lime Fruit Bars.... DELICIOUS. I took a break from Heaven is For Real to walk over to Cub and pick them up. Worth every penny. Thanks Callie!
True confession: I had two while I finished the book. Oops.
And just because I am having so much fun uploading the pictures.....
TA-DAAAAA! You can thank me later. Or thank Callie because like I said, she showed me.
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