SUMMER BINGE READING 2014

Ok technically, summer is almost over but between finishing clinical hours and last minute thesis writing/defending, I am just now starting my summer book binge.

Here is what has gone down so far in the the binge:

Since I read the first two, I had to find out the end. And I wish I hadn't. I really couldn't place my finger on what I did not like about it, besides how confusing the dual narrative was, but thankfully a dear friend linked me up with this review that summed up how I felt. 

Wow. I am a fast reader (brag-much?) but I had to go slow with this one. It was challenging, frustrating, redeeming, liberating and necessary. I love it when people make me think. This guys had my mind turning until about 2 am every night. You might not agree with everything, but I dare you to read it and at least consider the truth that it does contain. And then if you add some of these lectures here from a dude named Jamie Winship. Upside Down world. LOVE IT.

A splendid and exceptionally well written memoir of a young lady growing up in the church. The first chapter connected me immediately and had me laughing out loud.  Being "on fire" in your youth can sometime leave you burned and she takes you through her personal story of getting burned by her own (and other's) misplaced zeal with such grace and humor. If your grew up in the middle of an evangelical subculture:  had a WWJD bracelet, went to youth group or summer camp, and longed to be a Jesus Freak; you will most likely connect too and find hope in the idea that our faith can be made whole and new again. 

What I am currently devouring:

Guys. God is working on me. ok. God is working on both Hubs and me. And he is getting ready to turn our world UPside down….. AGAIN.  I found this book because the same way I am obsessed with Fire Truck PJ's, I am also obsessed with IF:Equip and the founder Jennie Allen.

What I am hoping to have room for later:

The same incredible couple that let us borrow Speaking of Jesus, lent the Hubs this grizzly beast. He has had to take a couple breaks in some chapters where some sh#* got real. An amazing story of a man whose faith was tested through some really dark places and times. Not for the faint of heart, but maybe it is the faint of heart who would benefit most.

Any other Suggestion? 

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

What are you guys reading this summer?


And as with previous book posts, I will leave you with some inspirational music:

On the nightstand

I was recommended this book by another nurse who knew I accidentally enjoyed The Hunger Games. It is a fantasy adventure  following a sixteen year old boy name Jacob as his tries to discover the legacy of his grandfather's stories about a mysterious island with an orphanage for peculiar children.  There are times when the situations were more creepy than peculiar. Unique and imaginative with very original characters, yet I still did not feel compelled to stay up late to see what happens next.  It is also not intended for a  Kindle or Nook. There are photographs and letters that help create the atmosphere that was lost on my nook.

I catch myself acting like I know everything about child development and emotional/behavior needs. When did I become an expert on the troubled child? Well, after reading Dr. Purvis' The Connected Child. 

FAVORITE! Quite embarrassing confession: I did not even know about this President. I will now drive down Garfield St in Midland, TX with new passion and intensity. Candice Millard is excellent at historical biographies because she does immense research to create the scene and truly help the reader understand the events and atmosphere of the time.  I also loved the medical history laced in the story and the resulting impact it played in this man's life. Read it so we can talk about how awesome it is and pretend that we are Garfield experts.

2011 Christmas Break Reading list

image via LibraryThings.com

Whether Christmas Break is the perfect time to catch up on some reading or you need to give that nerdy book lover a gift, here is what I recommending this year:

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
When it comes to reading I will admit I can sometimes be snobby about it. Twilight, for example, I judge it harshly. I can watch the movie and enjoy myself because I love movies, almost all movies, but reading Twilight was hard for me. Maybe it is because the story is not new for me. Buffy loved Angel long before Bella fell in love with Edward. One of my besties, who just happens to be a huge Twilight fan, recommended The Hunger Games. "UUGHH- not another Twilighty book that everyone will be wildly crazed about," I judgmentally pondered. But I gave it a chance and....
I am on board the Crazy Hunger Games Train! TOOT TOOT!
Sooo. The whole premise of these books is quite HARSH and morbid when you think about it. The government forcing Kids to fight to the death for sport on t.v. in an effort to prevent rebellion. EEK. I wanted to hate it. I wanted to judge the literary fun out of it! I read it in two days. The second one in one day. When I had to stop for dinner plans in the middle of the second book I was thinking about that silly Katniss girl the whole evening and wondering how in the world she would survive.


Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling
She is a fave on the Office and it is not surprising she has written a funny and smart book that has stories and memories that will resonate with most women.


BossyPants- Tina Fey
Finally find out how she got that scar!


Shanghai Girls- Lisa See
Historical Fiction delight. Sometimes my love for historical fiction keeps me in a Jewish WWII or a pre-Civil War slavery world and it was nice to have a new adventure following two sisters in China and L.A. during the 1930's.

Take a look, it's in a book!

image via deviantart

Completed so far:

Body Surfing- Anita Shreve

I was as virgin Shrevian and I must say it was not too bad. Fast easy read. Perfect if you are looking for a "lighter" summer beach book.

The Midwife's Confession- Diane Chamberlain

Picked it because my interest in Labor and Delivery. Disappointingly it did not include much about the actual midwife profession or stories, but it did have some intriguing characters and surprising curve-balls in the plot. Started off slow but at the end I had to stay up till 2 am to finish reading to find out what happened so I guess I ended up pretty involved.

Love wins-Rob Bell

I know, how controversial! Just Scandalous :)! If you have questions, doubts, insecurities, even anger about this book; it might be a good idea to quit assuming you already know what it says and actually read it. You may still have the same feelings but at least you will no longer be acting like you can read Bell's mind. (Apology to those who indeed are telepathic. If you have read his mind by all means, pass on the book)

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake- Aimee Bender

Enjoyable. Creative. Do it.

In the works:

Love is a Wild Assault- Elithe Kirkland

Good ole Historical Fiction came with high praises from the Scott family. Pretty heavy reading though and might take the rest of the summer.

And I leave you with some Reading Inspiration as you too enjoy your summer reading. Let me know if you come across a keeper.....