I had no idea how long it has taken for civil rights to reach Mississippi.  This book put history into perspective for me.  While reading about the characters, you’d learn that Martin Luther King, Jr. just gave his “I have a dream” speech, or that a man walked on the moon.  You’d hear about Vietnam, and then I would think, “Wow, black people weren’t even getting minimum wage in Mississippi yet.  So much for progress.”  I’ve only lived in a couple of places and I have not experienced the South first hand.  This book gave me a good taste of what it must have been like and how hard some people had to work to get it to progress as much as it has.  I recommend this book.

I really enjoyed Right Click.  It is LDS fiction.  It is about a young woman who has a broken heart.  Her sister convinces her to use an online dating service to find Mr. Right.  When she finally figures herself out, she is ready to meet someone special.  It is a light, funny and thoroughly enjoyable book.As a disclaimer, I must admit that I know the author.  She is fantastic!  However, I would tell you if I didn’t like the book despite knowing her.  I almost didn’t read it for fear that I wouldn’t like the book and then have to tell everyone.  I was so happy to find that it is a great book.

I’m sorry to have gone for so long without a post.  While I continue to read constantly, arrival of baby #4 has hindered my consistency in posting.
Most recently, I’ve been reading the Outlanders series by Diana Gabaldon. I’m now starting book four, Drums of Autumn. So far, the first one is my favorite.
I’ve heard people say that they just can’t get into Outlanders. It’s true that there is a hump to get over in the beginning, but the rest of the story is very good. And really, throughout the books there always seems to be a bit of drudgery - but it’s the price you pay to really know these characters and understand the settings.
The main heroine is Claire Randall, a woman who accidentally goes back in time and meets her true love, Jaime Fraser. Jaime is an 18th century Scot. Their adventures are filled with romance and history. They are a very compelling couple.
WARNING: There is quite a bit of graphic love making and strong language in these books. These are not for the faint of heart.
Overall, I would recommend these books to avid readers. They are each around 1,000 pages and take some time to get through. I’m happy with that though, as I’m a bit tired of quick books that I get through in a day or two. Happy reading!  

Well, I feel all warm and happy inside as I have just finished this book.  It’s fantastic!  I almost read it a couple of years ago with my daughter.  My daughter was not ready for me to read this book to her, so we stopped.  I picked it up again tonight and read it all the way through.  I just love it!  I have a couple of favorite lines:”Miri wondered if worry could actually kill a person.”and”Esa’s smile seemed big enough to break loose.”Aren’t those lines just perfectly descriptive and short at the same time.  I can’t handle sentences that go on and on about the weather or beauty of something - get to it!!  These lines described the situation perfectly and succinctly.  Wonderful.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go to the library!  

The Tales of Beedle the Bard was my first book for 2009.  I’m not sure what I was expecting, something better I guess.  It’s a fun little book with, well, lame stories in it.  They are supposed to be folklore for the magical community.  The stories themselves would have been okay, but Rowling had to add commentary by Albus Dumbledore and herself for some reason.  Dumbledore rambles on for pages and pages about these stories.  Why?  The guy rarely gives half a thought in the actual Potter series.  I’m always wanting him to say more there - but he wouldn’t be quiet about anything in these tales.  Bleck.  Don’t read it.