Turn The Page ... Tuesday

From the Shelf TBR ~ and ~ On the Kindle TBR

 

Letters of a Woman Homesteader was a book that I had bought on my kindle app on my phone before I even had a kindle. As you can imagine it was quite difficult trying to read in that itty bitty screen. So I bought the book. And there it sat on the shelf for a few years ... even though I was enjoying the book in 2 inch increments ;-) by the time the book arrived I had moved on. Thanks to my challenge I finally finished it (I had to start from the beginning again) and moved right through ... on a much larger screen - ha! 

 

If you like to read how things were and stories of survival that have a bit of humor in them then definitely ad this to your list. Mrs. Stewart's letters (that is how the book is presented - copies of her letters) show grit, determination and a sense of self that was a must if one was going to survive the untamed country of the west.

 

From Amazon:

 

"After deciding that city life as a laundress wasn't for her, Elinore Pruitt, a young widowed mother, accepted an offer to assist with a ranch in Wyoming, work that she found exceedingly more rewarding. In this delightful collection of letters, she describes these experiences to her former employer, Mrs. Coney. Pruitt's charming descriptions of work, travels, neighbors, animals, land and sky have an authentic feel. The West comes alive, and everyday life becomes captivating. Her writing is clear, witty, and entertaining. The 26 letters are brief and tell about her life on the ranch in the early 1900s. The author frequently and unnecessarily apologizes for being too wordy; she begs forgiveness for many "faults," like being forgetful, ungrateful, inconsistent and indifferent, all without apparent cause. On occasion, language reflects the racial prejudice of the time. Many times, Pruitt attempts to portray the culturally diverse characters she meets by writing their various dialects as they sound. Kate Fleming's narration is as smooth as the writing, perfectly transitioning from one accent to the next. She reads with a calm, down-to-earth tone, which suits the writing well."

 

There is another free kindle book that I have on that ever growing list of TBR - Letters on an Elk Hunt by a Woman Homesteader which if it's anything like Letters of a Woman Homesteader I think I'll be in for a good read.

 

Book vs Movie

 

 

I had great difficulty tracking down Heartland (the movie version of Letters of a Woman Homesteader) to watch. I actually had to buy it used. Just to get a decent price. This isn't  best clip from the movie but it will give you a good idea of the beautiful scenery that is throughout.  As many times is the case, the book was better than the movie; however, with that said, I did enjoy the glorious mountains and picture of farm life.

 

Bonus Books

 

Oh boy oh boy. I really liked The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. There are quite a few twists and turns and you are not really sure where you are going to end up. Just the way I like it. I had no idea where this book was headed. Some parts seem a bit - well - you scratch your head and say 'really?' but then you are pulled right back in and off you go ... lots to discuss for a book club I'd say!

 

From Amazon:

 

"In 1977, pregnant Genevieve Russell disappeared. Twenty years later, her remains are discovered and Timothy Gleason is charged with murder. But there is no sign of the unborn child.

CeeCee Wilkes knows how Genevieve Russell died, because she was there. And she also knows what happened to the missing infant, because two decades ago she made the devastating choice to raise the baby as her own. Now Timothy Gleason is facing the death penalty, and she has another choice to make. Tell the truth, and destroy her family. Or let an innocent man die in order to protect a lifetime of lies…"

 

I read Out of My Mind and immediately had my 3rd grader read it. Don't let the "age 10 and up" deter you. This is an excellent read for all. Henry and I had quite a discussion. He's such a good hearted kid and couldn't understand why some of the characters behaved the way they did. I have this book sitting on my shelf waiting for John to be old enough to read it. It's that good.

 

From Amazon:

 

"Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow. In this breakthrough story—reminiscent of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly—from multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winner Sharon Draper, readers will come to know a brilliant mind and a brave spirit who will change forever how they look at anyone with a disability."

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For The Kiddos

 

 

The boys and I both have really enjoyed reading through The Imagination Station. This has been a great read aloud set for the different level of comprehension my boys are (K and 3rd grade). Drama and mystery abound - think Magic Tree House but faith based. The stories are based on actual events or people in history and two cousins are transported back in time and see God's hand at work. Win-Win if you ask me. The books are available on Amazon as well as the link provided. There is actually a 12th book due to come out in October ... and yes, I've pre-ordered it ;-)

 

 

 

And lastly, books I have not read yet but recently purchased (99 cents each as an ebook). The Trailblazer series is something that I think Henry will enjoy in a year or two and I will enjoy now ;-) They love reading on their kindle fires so I thought this was a good investment because you can load the books onto your computer and then transfer them to any electronic device. They even have specific files for printing/kindle/nook/iPad. Well worth the money if you ask me.

 

From their website:

 

"The award-winning TRAILBLAZERS are action-packed historical fiction novels introducing great Christian heroes. Each page-turning book portrays a significant period in a hero or heroine's life and ministry as seen through the eyes of a young protagonist. A page in the front of each book explains exactly what is fiction and which events and characters are historical, and a “More About” chapter at the end provides a brief biographical overview of the hero's life. We want kids to learn about pioneer missionaries and other important Christians . . . and have fun doing it."

 

So - what have you been reading? Don't be shy - I want to add to my TBR list! Leave me a comment and I'll add your link. (I'm so frustrated with Mister Linky - it won't work - again!)

 

 

Paula



Stacey

Sara

Turn The Page ... Tuesday

From the Shelf TBR

 

Sometimes books that have been on your self for a bit ... well, they should have just stayed there. I wanted to like The Amateur Marriage but I just couldn't fall for any of the characters. Or the plot. I finished the book (it wasn't that bad) but it had so much potential in my mind. Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe it's because I'm in a happy marriage so reading about a not so happy and self centered married couple just don't thrill me. I couldn't sympathize with any of the characters. There lies the problem - not the context of the book but I just couldn't  root for anyone in particular.

Enough said. Here's what Amazon's got:

"Anne Tyler's The Amateur Marriage is not so much a novel as a really long argument. Michael is a good boy from a Polish neighborhood in Baltimore; Pauline is a harum-scarum, bright-cheeked girl who blows into Michael's family's grocery store at the outset of World War II. She appears with a bloodied brow, supported by a gaggle of girlfriends. Michael patches her up, and neither of them are ever the same. Well, not the same as they were before, but pretty much the same as everyone else. After the war, they live over the shop with Michael's mother till they've saved enough to move to the suburbs. There they remain with their three children, until the onset of the sixties, when their eldest daughter runs away to San Francisco. Their marriage survives for a while, finally crumbling in the seventies. If this all sounds a tad generic, Tyler's case isn't helped by the characteristics she's given the two spouses. Him: repressed, censorious, quiet. Her: voluble, emotional, romantic. Mars, meet Venus. What marks this couple, though, and what makes them come alive, is their bitter, unproductive, tooth-and-nail fighting. Tyler is exploring the way that ordinary-seeming, prosperous people can survive in emotional poverty for years on end. She gets just right the tricks Michael and Pauline play on themselves in order to stay together: "How many times," Pauline asks herself, "when she was weary of dealing with Michael, had she forced herself to recall the way he'd looked that first day? The slant of his fine cheekbones, the firming of his lips as he pressed the adhesive tape in place on her forehead." Only in antagonism do Michael and Pauline find a way to express themselves. --Claire Dederer --"

On the Kindle TBR

I snagged Bernice Bobs Her Hair shortly after I got my kindle and then let it take up memory for a few years. I really was tickled by this book. I loved how the characters were just that - characters! There's the manipulative pretty party girl, the attractive but dull girl, and the many boys who fawn over them as the book progresses. If you are looking for a fast and light read (and maybe a bit of revenge ... no spoiler here) add this to your list. It is a classic after all.

Book vs Movie

 

 

I was surprised at how much the book followed the movie. It was delightful to see the period clothing while watching the characters from the book come to life. I think this little bit was only 45 minutes long - well worth it!

 

Bonus Book

 

 

I am not sure how I stumbled upon Jack Rabbit Moon but I am sure glad I did. Everyone is so loveable ... or despicable. Right from the start you are rooting for 11 year old Marnie. She is a spit fire and not afraid of adventure. Actually, her adventures are what keep her away from harms way and the people she falls in love with (and vice versa) is definitely worth the read. This has been one of my favorite books this year.

 

Here's what Amazon says:

 

"Everyone longs to be precious. Eleven-year-old Marnie Evans is no different. She wishes on stars for parents who adore her, even though her family is dysfunctional. She also believes that jack rabbits and a boot-wearing Texas angel show her mysterious signs of things to come. To escape her mother's neglect over summer break, Marnie finds a short cut through the woods to Garner State Park. There she discovers yodeling cowboy ranger Rick Carpenter and his wife, Claire, who live on site. From buried boxes to colorful characters such as Bible-thumper, Shelby Love, and peacock feather man, Vaughn Conner, Marnie eventually finds what she's looking for along the banks of the Frio River. Don't miss the boat on this environmentally lush ride that explores the mystery of connection and power of forgiveness."

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After I had read Me Before You by Jo Jo Moyes I had to immediately scoop up a few more of her books (because I don't have enough to read already. right.) The Last Letter From Your Lover is totally different from MBY - which was pleasant - Moyes is an author that can deliver a good story with out feeling like you've already heard/read it before. This is another book that is high on my recommend list and I'm going to let Amazon do the description - I'm afraid I might give something away if I babble on ... just add it to your list - k?

Amazon:

"It is 1960. When Jennifer Stirling wakes up in the hospital, she can remember nothing-not the tragic car accident that put her there, not her husband, not even who she is. She feels like a stranger in her own life until she stumbles upon an impassioned letter, signed simply "B", asking her to leave her husband. Years later, in 2003, a journalist named Ellie discovers the same enigmatic letter in a forgotten file in her newspaper's archives. She becomes obsessed by the story and hopeful that it can resurrect her faltering career. Perhaps if these lovers had a happy ending she will find one to her own complicated love life, too. Ellie's search will rewrite history and help her see the truth about her own modern romance. A spellbinding, intoxicating love story with a knockout ending, The Last Letter from Your Lover will appeal to the readers who have made One Day and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society bestsellers."

So tell me folks - whatcha got that I can add to my never ending list of good reads ...

March Photo Scavenger Hunt

It's that time again! I got a late start this month for my hunt but I managed to squeak it out - not has creative as I wanted to be but ...

Eggs



 

Joy



We had a late March snow storm.

 

Grand

 

I struggled with this one ... and then I looked out my window and saw the snow which looked so beautiful on the tree. Quite grand.

Mad



I must have been mad in the head to feed the boys more sugar. Recipe here.

Eight



That's how old he is now ... not for much longer though!

Matching



Another stretch of imagination but they sorta match ;-)

Wind



One of those spinny thing a ma bobs that I put in the boys Easter basket.

Material



Really stretching it here for this one.

Yellow



 The view from our back porch.

 

Balance 

 

Still trying to convince the 6 year old to take the training wheels off. Maybe this is the year.

Time



Where has it gone? 2007 wee ones to 2013 handsome (I'm biased) boys. Blink and they will be off to college.

I missed a few shots this month. Hopefully for April I will be able to get them all. Make sure you hop over to Sophie's to see what everyone else has captured. Thanks Sophie for hosting!

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Hope you will be back for Turn the page ... Tuesday tomorrow! I'm optimistic that my link thing a ma jig is working this go round :-)

Simmering

Found this article today that might be of help to many of you out there who just discovered their romance with Google Reader is about to end.

Hoping that one of these will light my fire like Reader did ;-)

In the meantime I am over here simmering ...

Burned

So I hop over to Google Reader only to find a message that they are shutting down this summer!!!!

What?!?!?!

How am I going to get my feeds?

I'm in a panic.

Ok - so I have 3 months to figure this out but I am so not techy savy.

How you do follow your favorite blogs? What feed burner do you use?

I feel oh so bummed ... and burned.

Turn The Page ... Tuesday

From the Shelf TBR

 

 

 

I went through a phase after I read my first Persephone book that basically had me scouring their web site trying to track down as many of their books as I could afford (and was interested in - which proved to be many - the interested part - one can only shell out so much money on books before their husband begins to raise some questions). Anywhoooo - I began collecting. That's right. Collecting. Not reading. Life got busy and most just got shelved. Another reason for the TBR challenge!

 

Little Boy Lost is a book that has you on the edge of your seat with a lump in your throat. Set in France after WWII an Englishman is in search of his little boy - lost during the war. His wife was French and involved in the resistance and did her best to secure the safety of their toddler son but leaving little to go on. Hillary Wainwright, the father, is lead to an orphanage by an old friend who is aiding him on his search. Ultimately, Mr. Wainwright has to decide whether little Jean is his son (of which he only met as an infant because of the war. You will be biting your nails in the end all the while holding your breath.

 

I thought Hillary Wainwright's character was a bit stiff but yet all things considered I felt sorry for him. He has lost his wife - his child - and suffered through a war; I guess I should cut him some slack. If you like reading WWII books, pick this one up. There is lots of details about France before and after the war - fascinating.

 

From Amazon:

 

"'Hilary Wainwright, poet and intellectual, returns after the war to a blasted and impoverished France in order to trace a child lost five years before. The novel asks: is the child really his? And does he want him? These are questions you can take to be as metaphorical as you wish: the novel works perfectly well as straight narrative. It's extraordinarily gripping: it has the page-turning compulsion of a thriller while at the same time being written with perfect clarity and precision. 'Had it not got so nerve-wracking towards the end, I would have read it in one go. But Laski's understated assurance and grip is almost astonishing. She has got a certain kind of British intellectual down to a tee: part of the book's nail-biting tension comes from our fear that Hilary won't do something stupid. The rest of Little Boy Lost's power comes from the depiction of post-war France herself. This is haunting stuff.' 'When I picked up this 1949 reprint I offered it the tenderly indulgent regard I would any period piece,' wrote Nicholas Lezard in the Guardian. 'As it turned out, the book survives perfectly well on its own merits - although it nearly finished me. If you like a novel that expertly puts you through the wringer, this is the one."

 

On the Kindle TBR

 

 

This was a 99 cent book I picked up back in November of 2011 ... time to read it and have it stop taking up megabites or gigabites or whatever it takes!  The Silence of Trees was an interesting read. So much folklore and legends added to the storyline. Some times it was difficult to follow because of the names but again, if you like a WWII book that has a different perspective this would be another must read. There is much of the work camps for those who were rounded up from the Ukraine who were not Jews but not "Anglican" enough.

 

From Amazon:

 

"In Chicago's Ukrainian Village, Nadya Lysenko has built her life on a foundation of secrets. When she was sixteen, Nadya snuck out of her house in Western Ukraine to meet a fortuneteller in the woods. She never expected it to be the last time she would see her family. Decades later, Nadya continues to be haunted by the death of her parents and sisters. The myths and magic of her childhood are still a part of her reality: dreams unite friends across time and space, house spirits misplace keys and glasses, and a fortuneteller's cards predict the future. Nadya's beloved dead insist on being heard through dreams and whispers in the night. They want the truth to come out. Nadya needs to face her past and confront the secrets she buried--in The Silence of Trees."

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Book vs Movie

 

 

 In the back of Little Boy Lost there is a blurb about the movie (I didn't know there was a movie until I had finished the book - score! Two challenges met!). Apparently the author wasn't to keen on how it turned out ... and after seeing the movie I have to agree. I liked the book soooo much better. With that said, if I had seen the movie with out reading the book and not knowing the full weight of the subject I probably would have enjoyed the movie. It just seems wrong though having read the book. So - ok movie - much better book. Sorry Bing - nothing personal.

 

Bonus Book

 

 

Well. I put my name on the waiting list for a digital copy from my library and proceeded to wait. And wait. And  - it was worth it. Mr. Albom has done it again with The Time Keeper.

 

How many times have we just wished for a few more minutes, hours, days - to turn back time - we don't have enough time - time time time. It's so elusive. But what if we could control it? What would that mean?

 

Read The Time Keeper and meet Father Time. The man who created the first "clock". The man who tested God by trying to mange time. The man who suffered the consequences of his actions. Does God give second chances? Can we reverse time? 

 

From Amazon:

 

"The man who became Father Time.

In Mitch Albom's newest work of fiction, the inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.

He returns to our world--now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began--and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.

Told in Albom's signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it and how precious it truly is."

That's all I've got for this month - what do you have to share? Remember - these challenges are not mandatory - I want to hear what you've been reading whether it's been languishing on your shelf for 16 years or you bought it two days ago and could not put it down until you finished despite the laundry and dinner!

Paula

Stacey
Sara
Debi

I have been having trouble with my link ups since we got a new computer. Seems some of my info didn't make it to the other side. Just leave me a comment and I'll add your link. Thanks!





February Photo Scavenger Hunt

Another great list of subjects from Sophie at Country Girl Does Norfolk.

 

Art

 

An awesome tile mosaic that is the length of a whole block downtown! I only snipped a bit of it. I couldn't do it justice but it is so cool.

Dark

 



 The view from my back porch one evening.

 

Mix

Darn photo is sideways - no idea why (I did take this with my phone - maybe it got switched in translation). My son loves camo ... this was his get up one night. I can't completely blame him - I'm the one who obviously encourages his habit by purchasing it!

 

Chilled

 

 I'd say this goldfish in the bottom of this mostly frozen pond is a bit chilled indeed!

 

Flat

 

 I just love this stone bench.

 

 Rough

 



 A rock not too far from the bench.

 

Heart/Special

 

Double duty here - my boys found this in our backyard some years ago. I've kept it up on a bulletin board in my kitchen ever since. This is very special to me ... I ~heart~ it ;-)

 

Round

 

  An old railway sign.

 

Water

 

White

 

From a large fountain downtown. No cameras were sprayed in shooting of this film.

Shoot

 

 Drats!!!!! Another sideways picture. On my computer it is upright. We just got a new computer and it has Windows 8. I am not a big fan. Grrr. Ok - enough grumbling .... just turn your head to the right a bit and take a peek at my Henry playing his new favorite sport.

Thanks for dropping by (and for tilting to the right). Make sure you take a peek at Sophie's blog where we all link up with some great pics!

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Don't forget Turn the page ... Tuesday is this Tuesday! Don't be shy - stop by and let me know what you have been reading. I always love to add to my never.ending.list.of.books.to.one.day.read!