October Book List

Hawksong and Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Even my fantasy-loving husband was skeptical when I told him how much I enjoyed these books. But here goes. Danica is the young queen of the avians (a race of people who can shapeshift into birds). Zane is the young king of the serpiente (same deal, with snakes). The two races have been at war for generations. Danica and Zane decide that the only way to end the war and unify their people is for them to put aside their own prejudices and marry. Roll your eyes if you must, but it's great stuff. There are more books in the series, too. Yay!

Persuasion by Jane Austen
I actually read this in e-book format - a first for me. Jane Austen. Need I say more? Loved it. I think it's my second-favorite behind P&P.

Evening by Susan Minot
I got this at a book sale for 50 cents. I'm passing it on to the Goodwill. It's about a woman dying of cancer who keeps flashing back to the weekend when she met the True Love of her life. I liked the characters, but everything about the story was soooooooo depressing. Plus, although the writing was good, it felt gimmicky, like the author was trying way too hard. Maybe it's only me. Anyway, didn't a movie just come out based on this book? I'd be interested in seeing it.

Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst
This is a novel about contestants on The Amazing Race (the name is changed, obviously, but it's the same deal). Among the teams: two brothers who are unlucky in love; two former child stars; a mother and teenage daughter with a lot of secrets; a newlywed couple consisting of a "reformed" lesbian and gay man. Interesting stuff. I tore through it in a day.

The Covenant by Naomi Ragen
A novel about an American Jewish couple living in Israel. When the husband and daughter are kidnapped by terrorists, the wife's grandmother calls upon the Covenant - her group of friends who survived Auschwitz with her. They use their now-impressive influence to rescue the husband and daughter. There are a lot of storylines in this book, and they're all fascinating. As great as it was, I had a hard time getting through it because of the upsetting subject matter. I know this kind of stuff actually happens. :|

Living Fearlessly and The Heartache No One Sees by Sheila Walsh
I had never heard of Sheila Walsh before reading these books. For anyone else who hasn't, she was the co-host of The 700 Club in the 80's before sinking into a deep depression and checking herself into a mental hospital. Today she's part of the Women of Faith team. These books are about her story and things she's learned along the way. She is so honest and encouraging. I recommend her books for anyone who's going through a hard time, or even anyone who's not.

Books for October: 8
2007 year to date: 83. Since I'm so close, I'd really like to hit 100 for the year. We'll see. I could make it easily if I didn't read so many magazines. :)

October Book List

Hawksong and Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Even my fantasy-loving husband was skeptical when I told him how much I enjoyed these books. But here goes. Danica is the young queen of the avians (a race of people who can shapeshift into birds). Zane is the young king of the serpiente (same deal, with snakes). The two races have been at war for generations. Danica and Zane decide that the only way to end the war and unify their people is for them to put aside their own prejudices and marry. Roll your eyes if you must, but it's great stuff. There are more books in the series, too. Yay!

Persuasion by Jane Austen
I actually read this in e-book format - a first for me. Jane Austen. Need I say more? Loved it. I think it's my second-favorite behind P&P.

Evening by Susan Minot
I got this at a book sale for 50 cents. I'm passing it on to the Goodwill. It's about a woman dying of cancer who keeps flashing back to the weekend when she met the True Love of her life. I liked the characters, but everything about the story was soooooooo depressing. Plus, although the writing was good, it felt gimmicky, like the author was trying way too hard. Maybe it's only me. Anyway, didn't a movie just come out based on this book? I'd be interested in seeing it.

Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst
This is a novel about contestants on The Amazing Race (the name is changed, obviously, but it's the same deal). Among the teams: two brothers who are unlucky in love; two former child stars; a mother and teenage daughter with a lot of secrets; a newlywed couple consisting of a "reformed" lesbian and gay man. Interesting stuff. I tore through it in a day.

The Covenant by Naomi Ragen
A novel about an American Jewish couple living in Israel. When the husband and daughter are kidnapped by terrorists, the wife's grandmother calls upon the Covenant - her group of friends who survived Auschwitz with her. They use their now-impressive influence to rescue the husband and daughter. There are a lot of storylines in this book, and they're all fascinating. As great as it was, I had a hard time getting through it because of the upsetting subject matter. I know this kind of stuff actually happens. :|

Living Fearlessly and The Heartache No One Sees by Sheila Walsh
I had never heard of Sheila Walsh before reading these books. For anyone else who hasn't, she was the co-host of The 700 Club in the 80's before sinking into a deep depression and checking herself into a mental hospital. Today she's part of the Women of Faith team. These books are about her story and things she's learned along the way. She is so honest and encouraging. I recommend her books for anyone who's going through a hard time, or even anyone who's not.

Books for October: 8
2007 year to date: 83. Since I'm so close, I'd really like to hit 100 for the year. We'll see. I could make it easily if I didn't read so many magazines. :)