~THE BOOKSTOP~
Stories of a lifetime
As new books are reviewed, previous suggestions are sent here into the archives. But don't let them gather dust! The love of books is a wonderful legacy to pass on to your children. Here are some of my favorites. Let me know what YOUR favorites are!
PREVIOUS BOOKS REVIEWED.....in order by author, not date of reading.
LITTLE WOMEN (by Louisa May Alcott) is the story of four sisters and their relationship to others. I first read this story when I was about 8. I was an only child, and my family life was falling apart. This story helped me feel "part" of another special family. I wanted to be like Jo, strong and resilient.
Sacred Trust (by Hannah Alexander): is the first of a trilogy based in a small community hospital. It has the fast-paced tension of the television show, ER, with shades of faith promoting inspiration. The main character, Dr. Lukas Bower, is a doctor who practices the healing arts with integrity. He finds himself clashing with the hospital ER chief who makes life very difficult for him.
INCARNATIONS OF IMMORTALITY (by Piers Anthony) is a seven-part science fiction series about the mythological beings controlling time, death, life, fate & war. Good and evil play supporting roles in this story. Each book is told from its main character's viewpoint, but the plot extends with each book.
LEADERSHIP AND SELF DECEPTION (by the Arbinger Institute): is a quick read...if you are only reading it at face value. Dig deeper and discover the muti-faceted layers of this gem, which provokes a paradigm shift in perspective.
THE HANDMAID'S TALE (by Margaret Atwood) is a futuristic tale about a society in which women are identified by their childbearing roles. It is a great story with an interesting concept.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (by Jane Austen) tells the story of two sisters. If you saw the movie with Emma Thompson & Kate Winslet, you will love the classic that spawned the film! Elinor, the older sister, is in love with a man who is promised to someone else. Marianne, the younger sister, loves someone who is unworthy of her affection, while an older man gazes at her from afar. It is a beautiful story.
THE SPIRIT OF LOVELINESS (by Emilie Barnes): With beauty, grace and elegance, Emilie Barnes educates women on the finer points of homemaking. It isn�t a how-to book of skills, but focuses on the womanly art of expression. I read this book and then went out and bought a bunch more! She has a definite talent for painting a picture with words.
TARA ROAD (by Maeve Binchy) is a book that Oprah and I finally agree on! The story has so many subplots and subtle nuances....and is set both in Ireland and America. Two troubled women come to terms with death and divorce and learn that they do have inner strength.
The Newpointe 911 series (by Terri Blackstock): is a close-up look at a small town in Louisiana and the police and firemen who serve the people. In the first book, "Private Justice", someone is murdering the wives of the firemen. While the series sounds macabre, it really isn't. Each book focuses on relationships - to each other, to God and to the community.
THE BOY NEXT DOOR (by Meg Cabot): is a light, breezy read by the author of the "Princess Diaries". This humorous story is told entirely through emails, giving it a unique voice.
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL series (by various authors) is a series of books which use anecdotes, quote and thoughts to inspire the reader. I have all the books (except the golf one!) in this series and use them as a resource.
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE (by Stephen R Covey). The title pretty well explains it. This book is another life changer. It guides the reader through the 7 important principles which help improve performance and relationships. While not preachy, there are many valuable spiritual undertones.
SPIRITUAL ROOTS OF HUMAN RELATIONS (by Stephen R. Covey): The premise of this book greatly intrigued me: all the causes of joy and strife in our lives and in the world can be traced to a spiritual root. This book is a two-part marvel. The first section gives the theory and the second part gives the application. It will alter your perspective.
KATE series (by Cheri L. Crane): There are five books in this series about a girl reaching adulthood who struggles against the gospel standards she was taught. As she deals with her situation, she finds greater faith and blessings. The books look like they are meant for a �teeny bopper� audience, but like Rachel Nunes� series, this is a storyline for each of us! I still hope to see a book 6!
PREY (by Michael Crichton): concerns the new, emerging world of nanotechnology (micromachines) and the technological horrors it can bring. Like "Jurassic Park", the book (which will be undoubtedly better than the future movie) makes you think that the impossible may not be so far-fetched after all.
TIMELINE (by Michael Crichton) is yet another winner from Crichton. I read his book about dinosaurs (Jurassic Park) and actually began thinking "what if" concerning his DNA hypothesis. The movie was rotten, but the book was incredible. And TIMELINE is another excellent journey into the workings of quantum physics and 14th century feudal France. It sounds bizarre and maybe it is, but the man can tell a story!
THE GIFT OF FEAR (by Gavin De Becker) is a MUST READ. It contains practical information and insights on how to prevent becoming a victim. The principles are understandable and the examples are informative. I cannot say enough about this book. Read it! Write notes in it. Prevent you, or your family, from becoming a target.
The Trial (by Lindsey P. Dew): is the tale of a Mormon lawyer who represents someone who might be guilty of the crime with which he is charged. How the lawyer reconciles his faith, integrity and obligation to his client is what makes this story so compelling. It isn't an easy book to find, so check eBay for copies! It is worth the effort.
The Book of Nurturing (by Richard & Linda Eyre): tells the importance of family and nurturing each other -- with a twist. Each of the nine characteristics (or laws) of nurturing is told through a metaphor. For example, the law of the geese refers to the characteristic of commitment: to oneself and one's family. The tortoise represents consistency and so forth and so on. I love the analogies and you will, too .
TRULY GRIM TALES (by Priscilla Galloway) is a remarkable re-telling of some favorite fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.
Twelve Sisters (by Leslie Beaton Hedley): takes place in a ward during Sacrament meeting, using the individual stories of 12 sisters within the Relief Society. Their stories, which at times overlap one another, are told as a new Relief Society presidency is announced. It is a tender tale which takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of each sister - what she sees, how she feels and ultimately, what she learns.
HIND'S FEET IN HIGH PLACES (by Hannah Hurnard) is the story of a deer called Much Afraid. She wants to go to the High Places but is afraid to trust the Good Shepherd...or even herself. The story is an allegory of our relationship to Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd...Take her journey and learn lessons of life.
GIRL, INTERRUPTED (by Susanna Kaysen) is the incredible journey of a woman in the 19602 who spends nearly 2 years in a mental institution suffering from depression. The story would seem bleak, but it isn't. Her writing is poetic and descriptive. She includes actual reports and documents from her medical record during her hospitalization. The story makes us question what "crazy" really means.
A TIME TO DANCE and its companion book, A TIME TO EMBRACE(by Karen Kingsbury): are heartwarming tales of a couple, John and Abby, who first weather marital distance leading to a near divorce and then later, struggle after John is paralyzed in an auto accident. While the subjects are somber, the renewal and deepening of their commitments to each other and to God make these books inspirational and rewarding.
"Gideon's Gift" and "Maggie's Miracle" (by Karen Kingsbury): are sweet, short stories about the power of love and faith to turn any obstacle into a blessing. The first story is about a man who loses his wife and daughter and learns to have hope once more. The second story is about a woman who has forgotten how to love but finds the meaning in love through a rekindled childhood relationship.
THE REDEMPTION series (by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley): only has two books thus far: "Redemption" and "Remember", both of which are highly recommended readings. The whole series focuses on one family but each book highlights one particular adult child. The first book is about surviving an affair and the second is about reconciling the past. I've read all of Karen Kingsbury's book to date and would recommend any one of them!
SUNSHINE (by Norma Klein) is the story of a young mother who has cancer. She writes letters to her baby so that she will be remembered. *Tissue alert* This book helped motivate me to write in a journal for my children, to be given to them in the future.
THE TWO PRINCESSES OF BAMARRE (by Gail Carson Levine): While primarily a young adult author, her books are a delight for adults, too. Her creative and sparkling wit shine through each of her fairy tales with a twist. Once you've read this book, you're going to want to go back and read all of her other books. Do it.
THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS (by C S Lewis) really gives the "other side" of spiritual warfare as it details letters from an uncle demon to his nephew. The older demon describes to his nephew HOW to make Christians lukewarm in their fervor for the gospel.
THE WORK AND THE GLORY series (by Gerald Lund) is a nine-part series...and counting...about the early Mormon church. It brings a fictional family (the Steeds) into the real-life story of the founding of the church. If ever you wanted a "eyewitness" account, this is the book for you. There are also chapter notes, to better explain information. This is historical fiction/nonfiction blended at its finest!
LETTERS FROM THE INSIDE (by John Marsden): A haunting tale about the correspondance between two Australian teenagers, one of whom is incarcerated and the other who deals with an abusive brother. Their friendship blossoms as they chronicle their hurts and hopes. A story that will leave you stunned.
DEERSKIN (by Robin McKinley): McKinley is known for her young adult fiction, and this is her foray into adult fiction. At times it is dark and disturbing. The main character, Princess Lissla, adopts the name "Deerskin" as she runs away from the castle after her mother's death - and her father's descent into mental illness, believing her to be his dead wife. This happens towards the beginning of the book, but the rest of it evolves into her story of survival and triumph.
Where I Belong (by Rachel Nunes): is the story of two characters: dependable Tanner Wolfe and creative Heather Samis. Friends for several years, Tanner begins to see Heather in a new light, but Heather, who dreams of a career as an artist, is afraid to pursue a relationship. As the oldest child, she has seen her mother raise nine other children while sacrificing her own artistic dreams and, as a result, Heather doesn't believe that she be both a wife and mother and a successful artist. I've read most of Rachel Nunes' books, and while each of them is wonderful in its own way, I really think this is one of her best works.
CANADIAN WEST series (by Janette Oke): A four book series about the adventures of Elizabeth and her beloved Wynn, a Canadian "mountie". It covers their courtship and trials as they forge a life in the far northwest corners of Canada in the late 19th century.
THE MEASURE OF A HEART (by Janette Oke): This was the book that began my interest in Janette Oke's writing. The main character, Anna, has a sweet and gentle nature, but doesn't see herself that way. She is very self-conscious and feels inadequate. She fails to see the beauty within her, but slowly and shyly, she blossoms into a woman of self confidence with the love of Austin, the substitute pastor of her church.
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS (by James Patterson): The master of suspense weaves a different tale -- of love found, lost and found again. It is a guaranteed tear jerker that stays with you long after the final page ends. You will not soon forget ANY of the characters!
A CHILD CALLED "IT" (by Dave Pelzer) is the real life account of a child who survived years of physical abuse by his mother. He eventually went into foster care and wrote a book about his experiences. It is not for the squeamish, but it will make you appreciate your children. This book continued to be in my thoughts long after I had put it down.
THE PACT (by Jodi Picoult): Two families share the closest of friendships, so it is only natural that their children (a boy and a girl) would become best friends. What happens when one of them dies and the other is accused of murder? How will the families cope with their grief and can their friendship survive a murder trial and the loss of a child? I read this book and then went through each of Jodi Picoult's other novels.
ATONEMENT CHILD (by Francine Rivers): Dynah had her whole life figured out. Her marriage, her career as a �behind the scenes� wife to a man destined for the ministry. A devout Christian, Dynah became pregnant as a result of a rape. How she responds to the challenge is the focus of this tale. Not preachy....but very much a message of hope and faith.
LEOTA'S GARDEN (by Francine Rivers): The title refers to the grandmother�s garden, which begins to blossom as it receives loving care. A self-centered college student, a distant daughter and a loving granddaughter attempting to establish a connection --- each revolve around Leota, the grandmother. A novel which tells a tale of determination, faith and the need to build strong ties to one another.
THE GIRL IN THE BOX (by Ouida Sebestyen): A girl is kidnapped and has a typewriter and some sheets of paper. She begins a journal to pass the time....and hopefully to save herself by sending a message out. The book leaves you wondering -- did she make it...or not? Another story I can�t forget.
IN HIS STEPS (by Charles Sheldon) is a story about a group of Christians who decide to take a leap of faith and REALLY live as if Jesus were next to them as they make decisions. The important question is "What would Jesus do?" and their answer shows in their behavior.
THE CHRISTMAS WISH (by Richard Siddoway) is one of the best stories I have ever read. The tale is about a grandson who, acting on his grandmother's wishes, searches for a name in his recently deceased grandfather's journal. Along the way, he learns many lessons about his grandfather's integrity and noble character.
FIRST LOVE AND FOREVER series (By Anita Stansfield). These books follow the story of a woman and her first love as they navigate the stormy waters of romance. This is one of the few authors I've read who can intertwine realism and romance in a way that provides emotional fulfillment. Her stories are powerful reminders of the resiliancy of spirit in times of suffering.
THE PROMISE (by Danielle Steel) is not your typical love story. A woman and man are about to be married and she is disfigured in an accident. She makes a deal with her fiance's mother that she will leave him and never look for him in exchange for plastic surgery. She fully believes he will keep his promise to find her and never let her go. A very sweet story and not the usual fare.
FEELINGS BURIED ALIVE NEVER DIE (by Karol Truman) is a "how-to" book that helps you identify and change negative feelings. It has changed my life and can change yours. The ideas presented make sense, and there are practical applications as well.
OUT OF DARKNESS and INTO THE LIGHT (by Keith Terry): are two fascinating tales about the Book of Mormon and its authenticity. The main character is not a Latter-day Saint and, as such, was specifically chosen to participate in a scholarly study. The books are fast-paced and well thought out.
BEING THE MOM: 10 Coping Strategies I Learned By Accident Because I Had Children On Purpose (by Emily Watts): This book is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud - and often! An amusing first time work by this author, she blends humor with practicality and focuses on the blessings (and trials) of motherhood.
EMILY (by Jack Weyland): Alternating between tragic and inspiring, this is the story about a girl who suffers through a horrible tragedy but overcomes all obstacles. Emily learns the definitions of true beauty and inner peace.
Pretense (by Lori Wick): follows the lives of two sisters, Mackenzie and Delancey, from childhood through adulthood. This is a compelling read that fleshes out each character wonderfully and draws the reader into their worlds. As they face both joys and sorrows, each sister ultimately learns the meaning of faith, repetance and peace. A few sentences is incapable of describing this delicious read!
The Princess (by Lori Wick): is perhaps my favorite of Wick's books, which means a lot, since I love all of them so much! I long to be like the title character, Shelby, whose every action is led by faith. She is given to the Prince (a widower) through an arranged marriage, and soon begins her royal duties. Shelby is loved by all who get to know her. She is very generous of spirit and kind, loving and a woman of integrity. But the Prince knows nothing of this, because he is locked in his private prison of memories. As their tender courtship progresses, the story unfolds into one of faith and love and the beauty of marriage as God intends it. I've read this several times and will read it again and again!
BRIAR ROSE (by Jane Yolen): is a modern day retelling of the fairy tale classic of Sleeping Beauty, but set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. It is a haunting symbolic story that makes you think long after you've put the book down.
CHARLIE'S MONUMENT (by Blaine M Yorgason) is the story of a little boy with physical handicaps who learned that the only true handicap is a life without God. This is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read...and reminded me that our struggles can be stepping stones towards a bright future and not just stumbling blocks along the path.
Keep checking back for more reviews. You never know what you might find!
This site updated 4 JANUARY 2005