5 Most Memorable Reads of 2014

Yesterday, I issued myself a reading challenge for 2015. I know the first thought in all of your minds was "But Liesl, what were some of your favorite things that you read this past year?!"

Just roll with me, ok? You thought it, even if you didn't, alright?

These are 5 books that I read in 2014 that really stuck with me, both while I was reading them and long after. Just in case you want to join me on my reading challenge, you can add these beauties to your list.*

Something Other than God by Jennifer Fulwiler - I'm pretty sure that every person in the Catholic world has at least heard of this book, if not read it, by now, but in case you haven't, this highly anticipated memoir lives up to the hype! Her memoir is very readable and will have you laughing and turning the pages quickly to see what's next. I highly recommend this for Catholics and non-Catholics. Of course, the highlight of reading this beauty was getting to hear Jen speak and meet her in person!

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson - I have a slight obsession healthy fascination with 1900s England and WWII fiction, so I was excited to pick up this book. What I didn't expect was that I would be constantly thinking about when I could continue reading this book when I had to sit it down to do - you know, real life things - and how much it would make me think. Not only is the writing beautiful, but it really makes you ponder how events in our lives are linked together... and what could happen if you had the opportunity to go back and do it again.

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett - I wrote here that Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors and that I've never read something from her that didn't completely suck me in... and she did it again with Liars! I love how she develops the relationships of all of her characters, and I especially enjoyed the nuns in this novel.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton - I've enjoyed all of Kate Morton's novels, each of them set in historical England, but this one is my favorite by far. She weaves English culture, history, and an engrossing mystery into each of her novels, and I loved the mystery that took me deep into WWII England in this one. While I did figure out the ending a little bit before the ending, her writing and characters kept me just as engrossed in the book as ever.

The Likeness by Tana French - I wasn't the biggest fan of French's first novel in this series - In the Woods - so I picked up this next one in the Dublin Murder Squad series with hesitation. I'm glad that I did though, because this one was so much better than the first, probably because I actually liked the main character, Cassie. The mystery kept me intrigued and the vivid characterization of each of the players kept me enthralled even after I figured out the whodunit. Unfortunately, I think it helps to read the first book in the series to have an understanding of Cassie's mindset, but good comes out of suffering, right?

What are some of your favorite books that you read in 2014?

*Just realized that all of these books are authored by women. Totally not on purpose, but girl power, ladies!

2015 Reading Challenge

I've always been an avid reader - I was that kid who easily read 50 books over summer vacation. Now that I'm a big girl, unfortunately I do not have time to read 50 books over the summer, let alone in a year!

This past year, I read a large number of books, partly thanks to spending many hours on planes and trains, but I also spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to read, instead of just reading!

So, for 2015, I'm going to give myself a little challenge. My goal is to read at least 20 books this year, from classic literature to spiritual reads to fiction books that are hot, hot, hot right now.

I've made a list of some books that I'd like to read to get myself started, and I'd love to hear your suggestions too! Tell me what needs to make my list in the comments!

So, self, do you accept this reading challenge?!

Classics

The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkein
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Kid Lit

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (re-read) (listening to the audiobook now!)
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews (re-read)
Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Dune by Frank Herbert (I've tried before and failed... I shall try again!)
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Non-Fiction

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Spiritual Reads

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Walking with Mary by Edward Sri (re-read)

Mystery/Thriller

The Expats by Chris Pavone
The Accident by Chris Pavone
Human Croquet by Kate Atkinson

Top Pick Fiction

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (reading now!)
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

Links are Amazon Smile links - please select your favorite charity when you shop!

Vacation Reads - What's in Your Stack?

Next week, my sister and I take off for our vacation - literally taking off as we fly across the pond to England!

I studied abroad in London more years ago than I would like to admit, and I am so excited to be going back and sharing that experience with my sister.

We've been spending the last few months planning and buying plane tickets and rail passes and booking hotels and picking what sites we have to see, and now that we have everything in order, the most important part of preparing for our vacation can take place... finding some great vacation reads!

Because a picture of books must look sort of vintage-y, right?

I spent lots of time trying to find some good reads for our long plane trips and hours spent on the train. I found all of these books at the thrift store or used book stores, so I didn't spend too much money on this little stack!

Help a girl out... which one should I start reading first?

...from top to bottom*

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn - I enjoyed the thrill of reading Gone Girl (even though I wasn't a fan of the ending), so I am looking forward to another fast paced psychological mystery.

Between Heaven and Mirth by James Martin, SJ - I've read a few of Fr. Jim's books, and I love his approachable faith and writing style, so I am looking forward to some laughs while soaking up some spiritual reading.

Gertrude and Claudius by John Updike - I found this on the bookshelf at the used book store and knew I had to get it. A prequel to Hamlet?! This has to be interesting, and will help immerse me in my favorite English town - Stratford!

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett - Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors (hello - read Bel Canto... just read it. Now.) and I've never read something from her that didn't completely suck me in... so I'm hoping this one continues the trend and presents an engrossing read!

Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin - This book has been on my reading list for awhile, so when I saw it at the used book store, I snatched it right up! Hopefully it doesn't disappoint!

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton - This is the latest from another one of my favorite authors. I love the mystery and history of each of her tales.

What's in your stack of vacation reads? Share, share, share! Inquiring minds want to know!

*Links are through Amazon Smile. Please pick your favorite charity and use Amazon Smile when you shop!

What to Read in 2014: Link-Up

We've all been there. That moment when you suddenly find yourself with 5 minutes free, and you think, "Oh, I shall be intellectual and read a book!" ... and then you realize, you have no idea what to read.

When did I last read something other than a magazine?

When was the last time I even read the title of a book?

Do I even remember how to read?!

If you have found yourself asking yourself any of the above questions recently, then this post is for you.

The ladies of #CathSorority were talking about what to read in 2014 recently, and we collectively decided that it would be fun to do a link-up to post our recommendations for all to see.*

So let's list 'em. What are five (5) books that should definitely be on all of our reading lists for 2014?

These books can be fiction or non-fiction, Catholic or not-Catholic, written for adults or written for kids... whatever should be on our personal reading lists, we want to know!

Really. I do not care what makes your list - it can consist of anything from Theology of the Body to Everybody Poops - whatever you deem as worthy of our precious time to read next year needs to be shared with us all. (Well, wait, I lied. If anyone lists 50 Shades of Gray... you are hereby booted from the link-up. We already took a vote.)

And now, without further ado, here are 5 books that I think you should read in 2014...

Thou shalt read the book with this cover.

(1) Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - I may or may not have mentioned this book once or twice  before, but hopefully this gives you the last final hint that you should read this book right now. It is my all-time, ultimate, favoritest book ever ever ever in the world, and I do not say this lightly.

This book takes the fairy tale of Cinderella and gives it a whole new spin and adds a lot of adventure. Ella is spunky and spirited, and you'll find yourself laughing and cheering and probably tearing up all at the same time. You also might find yourself having the sudden urge to slide down stair rails. You just never know! This book is written for ages 8 and up, but it really doesn't matter how old (or young!) you are. I can't wait to read this book to my little girls someday, and if I never have little girls, then I will borrow someone else's... in a totally not creepy way.

Just don't steal this book.

(2) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - I've always really enjoyed reading novels that are set during the Holocaust, and this book is so well written and weaves such a compelling story that it is hard to put down.

The novel is narrated by Death himself, which is fitting since Death was everywhere in WWII. He tells the story of a girl living in Nazi Germany who falls in love with the written word after stealing her first book as a young girl. I saw a lot of myself in the young protagonist... and not just because her name is Liesel! (I mean, the author should've spell-checked her name, but whatever, I'm over it.) Death continues to tell Liesel's story, as well as the story of those around her, as he paints a picture of what Nazi Germany was like, whether or not you were Jewish. The book looks long, but the chapters are so short and easy to read... trust me when I say that you will finish the book quicker than you expect and be sad that it's over.

Can you imagine taking a stroll with Mary?!

(3) Walking with Mary by Edward Sri - I have a confession to make. I am cheating a bit by including this book on my list because I have not yet finished reading it. But! I have read up through the Wedding Feast at Cana (favorite Jesus miracle!), and I am enthralled by this book and decided it had to be on my list.

I've written recently about Mary, and this book has helped me even more in understanding Mary's role not only in Jesus' life but also in my life. The chapters each detail a significant moment in time for Mary (such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, etc.) in both a historical and Scriptural context, while also relating each of these pivotal moments to what it means for our own personal faith journey. Sri helps relate Mary's relationship with Christ to how we can better our own relationship with Christ, while also explaining why Mary is just so gosh darn special! Already, reading this book has helped me to meditate more deeply on the mysteries of the Rosary and to see Mary in a whole new light.

When in Rome...

(4) Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn - I often get asked "Can you recommend a book to read for someone who ...wants to learn more about Catholicism..." or "...is interested in converting..." or "...who wants to read about the Catholic faith without getting too bogged down...?" and this is always my go-to recommendation. I first read this book when I started to dive deeper into my faith several years ago, and it completely opened my eyes to the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith. As the Hahns, former evangelical Protestants, fell in love with the Catholic Church, I too found myself falling in love the the Church.  Their struggles with certain teachings were some of my struggles (even though I was raised Catholic), and they tell their story in a personal and beautiful way as they detail their journey to Rome.

High five if you read it!

(5) The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel - I first picked up this book because Jennifer Fulwiler of Conversion Diary said it was instrumental in her conversion from atheism to Catholicism, and I trusted her, so I thought, "Eh, I need something to read, why not?!" So I promptly got a copy from my local library and set out on an investigative journey with the author. 

Here is what I concluded when I finished reading: Everyone needs to read this book. I don't care what religion or lack of religion you are, this book outlines the evidence for Christ being the Son of God in a way that is readable and understandable for all. The book is broken up into three sections ("Examining the Record", "Analyzing Jesus", and "Researching the Resurrection"), and looks at the historical, psychological, scriptural, archaeological, medical, etc. evidence surrounding Christ. I would have to say that my favorite chapter was on the medical evidence of Jesus' crucifixion, but I learned something from all of the chapters. If you are a Christian, you need to read this book so you can talk about Jesus from more than just a Scripture standpoint. If you are not a Christian, you need to read this book because I told you to read it. That should be enough, right?

*Please note that the "we" was a bunch of ladies saying "Let's do a link-up!" followed by "Liesl, when are you posting the link-up?!?!"**

**I'm totally happy to do it though... link away!

**Edited**

Since so many people are also posting a list of what they would like to read in 2014, I'm encouraging you all to also list what you would like to read this year! After all, this gives us recommendations as well, right?

Here is a very crafty image of a few of the books I plan to read in 2014!

1. Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler - I just pre-ordered my copy, and was probably more excited than I should have been to get a tweet from the author herself!

2. Pope Awesome and Other Stories by Cari Donaldson - Because stories are fun and the Pope is awesome.

3. Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan - Anything by Ian McEwan is a must-read on my list.

4. Dune by Frank Herbert - I started this in 2013 but the holidays distracted me... I hope to tackle it again.

5. Allegiant by Veronica Roth - Because the Hunger Games made me hungry for more dystopian literature (heh, get it, hungry?!).

6. No One Sees God: The Dark Night of Atheists and Believers by Michael Novak - This book was listed on Strange Notions... and the author also happens to have the same name as my organic chemistry lab professor from college (not the same person) so it must be a good one.

~*~

And now, for the link-up!

Here are the very strict rules and regulations:

(1) Your post should include five (5) books. If you post more than five (5) or less than five (5), I will seek you out on the interwebs and beat you with an e-stick.

(2) Please include a link and/or picture of the books so we can judge the book by it's cover. Very important.

(3) Include a link on your post back to this here mother post so all the other people in the world can find it and post their own recommendations. Go ahead and steal the graphic above for your post, too.

(4) Be sure to visit the other posts in the link-up and read all the books they tell you to read.

(5) If you tweet this post and/or your post, you can use the hashtag #WhattoReadin2014... or make up one that is better. #Becausemyhashtagsareusuallylongerthanthetweet

(5b) Also, if you tweet your post to me, @LieslChirps, I will retweet you! This is a very coveted honor.

Excuse Me While I Swoon

Check out the other great posts on "Literary Crushes and How They Shaped Our Hearts"!

Looking back on my literary crushes, I don't think I really knew why I fell for these fictional lads at the time. I just did.

It was when I started learning more about the Catholic faith, chastity, and the dignity of women that I could look back on my childhood - er, well, continuing past childhood - crushes and see that what I saw in them was what I did and still do long for in a real man. 

I don't mean what society tells us is a real man - the macho, beer-drinking, sports-watching, money-making, crude joke-cracking, sometimes jerk player kind of "man". 

I'm talking about a real, real man. All you ladies know what I'm talking about. He is masculine. He is respectful. He is patient. He is humble. He appreciates women. He is in control of his desires. He doesn't pressure women to be who they aren't. He loves his mama and looks up to his papa. He knows how to make money, but doesn't let that rule his world. He doesn't boast. He has a hilarious sense of humor, and loves the sound of your laugh. He knows how to make sacrifices... and makes them willingly. He knows who Love is, and strives to emulate Him by loving you.

That looks like me on the right, right?

Oh, and he's a handsome prince.

Kidding.


(Not really.)

I think one of the things I have learned most from my literary crushes is not that they have shaped my heart, but that they show me what is already imprinted on my heart.

Mr. Darcy

Excuse me. *Leaves the computer to swoon.* Thank you.

Is it really any surprise that Mr. Darcy makes the list? I know I'm not the only one to have fallen victim to Mr. Darcy's love spell. Actually, I think it has almost been scientifically proven that any woman who reads (or sees!) Pride and Prejudice falls in love with the brooding and mysterious male lead.

I find Mr. Darcy rather handsome. (Image credit)

It's certainly not because of that famous opening line: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." Sure, his $10,000 pounds a year is exciting to Mrs. Bennet, but it sure doesn't get my heart thumping.


I think a line from the movie really emulates why we all find Mr. Darcy... desirable:

You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you ... you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on. 

Mr. Darcy sacrificed so much out of love for Lizzy, yet he never sought to make it known to her. What woman doesn't long to hear the words that a man has done everything he has for love of her, and her alone? What woman doesn't want to feel that kind of sacrificial love? We all seek this - even if we don't realize it. We seek this in a man, and we seek this with God - to be forever be bonded to him.


Prince Char


... *cricket cricket* ...

If Ella says no, I'll say yes!

Oh, sorry, I had to leave to go swoon again.


Sure, Ella Enchanted might be written for girls ages 8 and up, and yes, I may have read it for the millionth time in the past few months, but there is something that touched my 8 year old heart that still touches my 25 year old heart when I read about the friendship between Prince Char and Ella that eventually blossoms into love.


Plus, Prince Char is just a cute patootie. Sliding down stair rails in the castle? Sign me up! Learning to speak crazy Gnomic language? Hot! Rescuing the damsel in distress from hungry ogres? My hero!


I think what I have always loved most about Prince Char is how he views Ella. Others see Ella as odd, clumsy, awkward, spunky, quirky... the list goes on. I know that all of these words and many more have been used to describe me in the past. Yet, Prince Char sees all of these qualities not as setting Ella as an untouchable outsider, but for making her the unique woman that she is. He matches her quirky sense of humor, rescues her when she needs it, has the humility to need her too, exhibits patience in waiting for her to be ready for their relationship, and then doesn't give up when he knows that it's time for their life together to begin. Many children's book lads are portrayed as either following lasses around in a lovey dovey daze or pushing the ladies to their "awakening." Prince Char doesn't do either of these, but instead walks alongside Ella, seeing her as his equal and loving her for exactly who she is. I don't think I've ever met a woman who doesn't recognize that a man like that is a catch.


Shakespeare

My boyfriend.

I know what you're thinking. Shakespeare isn't a literary character! You would be correct. I do, however, have a major crush on The Bard. Why, you ask? The man had a way with words, and he managed to create some of the most timeless, intricate, and swoon-worthy characters of all time.


Our love story began my freshmen year of high school. I can't explain to you why I first loved Shakespeare, but I can tell you that it was love at first sight. I became enticed by his words, and I felt a deep emotional connection to his works. Maybe it’s because he was secretly Catholic, but the man knew how to write the poetry of love.


I could go on and on with examples, so I'll try to only throw a few your way. How about this classic line from Romeo and Juliet?

But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Sure, their love affair happened in a matter of a week, but that Romeo did it right. Juliet became the only light he needed. As my high school English teacher would say, he wooed her, wed her, and bed her. All while speaking in pretty poetry. Romance!


Romeo and Juliet is soooo over-rated, I hear you say. Fine then. I bet you've never read The Tempest. There we encounter Ferdinand, who has been stranded on an island with the eccentric Prospero and his daughter Miranda. Ferdinand admits that he has "known" many women, yet when he first sees Miranda, he recognizes the purity and beauty in her. To win her hand, Prospero sets menial tasks for Ferdinand to complete. A man who was just hoping to use Miranda for his own pleasure might mumble and grumble, but love has clearly changed Ferdinand:

Ferdinand. 

I am, in my condition,
A prince, Miranda; I do think, a king, -
I would not so! - and would no more endure
This wooden slavery than to suffer
The flesh-fly blow by mouth. Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service; there resides
To make me slave to it; and for your sake
Am I this patient log-man. 

Miranda. 

Do you love me? 

Ferdinand. 

O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound,
And crown what I profess with kind event,
If I speak true! if hollowly, invert
What best is boded me to mischief! I,
Beyond all limit of what else i' the world,
Do love, prize, honour you. (Act III, Scene i)

By becoming enslaved to her soul, he has been set free by love. He prizes and honors her for the true treasure that she is. What woman wouldn't swoon at these words?


This idea of having to work hard, make sacrifices, and yes, even suffer to find true love is echoed throughout Shakespeare's works. While none of us really desire suffering, we seek it in the sense that out of suffering emerges true love. Shakespeare said it well in A Midsummer Night's Dream:

The course of true love never did run smooth.

What wise words. Love always involves suffering, and requires willing sacrifices from those involved. Our hearts seek another who is willing to do anything and give anything to show his love for you, and my heart has always recognized this in the writings of The Bard.

~

Why do these literary crushes make me go weak in the knees? Because in my heart - in all of our hearts - our definition of true love doesn't change. What we seek in a man doesn't change, even if society tries to teach us otherwise.


While falling head over heels in love with an imaginary man isn’t encouraged, reflecting on just what it is that takes our breath away can teach us a thing or two about the desires of our heart. These literary crushes may not have shaped my heart, but they can reflect how my heart has been molded by God for Love.

7 Quick Takes Friday (#30)

 Head on over to Conversion Diary!

1.

I don't have enough political knowledge to understand everything that is going on with Obama's new mandate for insurance coverage of contraceptives, but there is a lively discussion happening over at Leila's blog. Be sure to check it out. The whole thing just frustrates me from both a religious and financial standpoint.

2.

Along those lines, we can all contact our representatives and senators to urge them to support the bill that protects our religious freedoms and restores our conscience rights. You can find the information at Catholic Vote.

3.

On a less serious note, I'm considering getting Twitter just so I can tweet about my new favorite show, Suits. OK, not really.

But seriously, I don't usually like lawyer shows, but I am already in love with this one. It is quirky and fast-paced, with my kind of humor. My only qualm with it so far? They like to use the not-so-nice version of "gosh darn-it." In a perfect world, television shows wouldn't see the need to use such offensive language to make their characters seem rough and tough, but I'm still holding out hope for the world of secular television!

4.

Did you read about all the great book recommendations that the Bright Maidens had for the summer? If you didn't, check them out. Here is my list of summer reads! I think I might do a little tab on my blog of a collection of book recommendations, because I really love giving them (and sometimes people actually ask for them!)

5.

I finished The House at Riverton, a book that I mentioned in my last post. It was such a great read! I really enjoy historical fiction that really gives you an idea of what life was like during that time period. This novel takes place around the time of WWI, which reminded me of Downton Abbey the whole time I was reading it, so now I am watching the miniseries again! It's just so weird to think that life was like that less than 100 years ago! I highly recommend both of these if you're looking for a good read or a great show to watch (and this show is fairly wholesome, so far).

6.

So after I finished The House at Riverton, I had to decide what to read next. I got a lot of great recommendations but wasn't ready to make a trip to the library just yet, so I decided to read Ella Enchanted for the umpteenth time.

For those of you have been following me for a bit, you might remember that this is my all-time favorite book. So good. Yes, it's a book written for 8 year olds. Yes, I still get a little choked up at certain parts. Yes, it's still amazing every time I read it.

If you haven't read this book, please do. It doesn't matter how old (or young!) you are. If you feel you are too cool for school to read a book way below your reading comprehension, then read it to your kids or those kids you baby-sit. I promise you that you will enjoy it as much as they do.

7.

I haven't heard back yet about that job that I really wanted (and thought I might get)... so I am pretty much giving up hope, sadly. This means that I am back at square one, which is a bad place to be when you've been living off of no paycheck for three months. At this point, I am looking for ANY kind of job that will hire an intelligent human being with two college degrees. I never imagined it would be this difficult to find a job after getting a master's degree in chemistry, but it is. 

For those of you who have been praying for me through this whole process, thank you. I have been trying to enact the prayer army over the past month or so while I continue my search, so please keep praying for me! I think this is teaching me that there is only so much control I can have over my own situation in life, and with everything else, I have to really learn to depend on God.

Hope you all have a great weekend! A special shout-out to my sister, who celebrates her 19th birthday today!

Summer Reading List

I am joining the Bright Maidens once again, because I love to talk about books!

Surprisingly, for the amount of free time I've had recently, I haven't been doing a lot of reading. I have managed to make it through a few books, though, and I have a few more on my list for the summer, too. I've tried to mix it up by tackling both spiritual and non-fiction reads with some lighter fiction in between.

Also, be sure to check out my all-time favorite books that I wrote about before! I look forward to reading about what you all have been reading, and I welcome any recommendations you have for me.

Fiction


State of Wonder by Ann Patchett - I just finished this novel a couple of weeks ago, and I gobbled it up. Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors, and this is her latest gem. It documents a journey through the Amazon jungles and the development of a pharmaceutical drug that would extend a woman's ability to have children indefinitely (an interesting moral dilemma as well!). The characterization especially is excellent, and so I would really recommend picking up this book. Also check out Bel Canto, one of my all-time favorite books, by Ann Patchett.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton - I first discovered Kate Morton earlier this year when I found The Forgotten Garden at a used book store. I bought it on a whim, because I enjoy fiction that delves into the history of an era. I loved it, and immediately started searching out her other novels. The one I'm reading now, The House at Riverton, reminds me of the miniseries Downton Abbey, and I am fascinated by the WWI and WWII eras and what life was like. I would really recommend reading a novel by Kate Morton, who is newer on the writing scene but looks like she will have a great career!

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - I finally read this while I was on retreat. My hope is to check out the rest of the series eventually!

Lying Awake by Mark Salzman - I found this book on the shelf at the retreat house I stayed at this summer. I really found it interesting because it detailed life in a cloistered convent, which may or may not be accurate, but I still found it interesting. It was also insightful for me because this (along with my retreat) was definite confirmation for me that I could never be a cloistered nun (not that I was ever really thinking about it!).

I really would like to read some more fiction this summer - do you have any recommendations for me?


Non-Fiction


I don't normally read non-fiction, but it's something I've been absorbing a lot lately.

Unplanned by Abby Johnson - I finally was able to read this book when Leila offered to send it to me! I gave a brief mention about my thoughts on it before, but I do recommend that everyone read it!

How to Find Your Soulmate without Losing Your Soul by Jason and Crystalina Evert - Elizabeth gave a great and thorough review of this book and so instead of me echoing all her sentiments, just read her review and then read the book! I will say that I found the later chapters more helpful to me, as a young adult living single while trying to remain open to dating or another vocation, but I did think the earlier chapters provided a lot of good material that I can use in discussions with friends, family, and peers.

Modern Saints by Ann Ball and My Life with the Saints by James Martin, S.J. - I have been really interested in reading about different saints recently, and I recommend both of these collections for reading informative but still interesting biographies about different saints. I also have The Catholic Martyrs of the 20th Century on reserve to read next. Do you recommend any other saint biographies or compilations?

Enjoy your summer reading!

7 Quick Takes Friday (#26)

Jen had a baby! So go visit Conversion Diary... maybe there will be some cute baby pictures up!

1. Long time, no talk! I don't really have a valid excuse for my long absence, as I still have been unable to find any kind of job, so I do spend a lot of time sitting around looking for jobs (and watching TV) and trying to not spend money (and watching TV). It seems whenever my schedule is so incredibly flexible that I put things like catching up on everything happening in blog world to the side. But fear not! I have a couple of posts in the making, one talking a little bit about my retreat and one is that Scripture meme going around (I was tagged by Trista too long ago... good thing they don't have an expiration date!). I also am working on a new blog layout... I am a bit of a perfectionist so I hope to have it just the way I like it soon!
2. Just a quick mention about my retreat since my actual post is so delayed - my silent retreat went well, although it was a lot more difficult that I imagined, but more on that later! Thanks to everyone who remembered to pray for me - I prayed for your intentions every day at Mass!
3. The job search is chugging along. I haven't been able to find anything really temporary even yet, and full time work just hasn't finished getting through the application process. I have had a few interviews for temporary work, so hopefully that will come rolling in soon! Pray for my job search? My sanity (and my bank account) would be very grateful!
4. Speaking of job searching, I am looking for a job in chemistry, and I've found (so far) that they best way to get my name in is through connections. So, a request. Do any of you or anyone you know work in the field of chemistry? If you do, could I send you my resume? Also feel free to check out my profile on Linked In and pass it on to anyone you know!



I find scruffiness handsome. Keep that in mind, future suitors!

5. Check out this great post that I found through Why I'm Catholic, which talks about how Christians become atheists. Simple answer - they start to think about objective truth, and in their search, they end up in the opposite direction of Truth. 
6. I've been watching a lot of TV shows on DVD lately, because they're free from the library! I have long been a fan of the TV show Merlin from the BBC, so now I picked up another BBC show from a few years back called Robin Hood. It's really quirky, and quite cheesy, but I enjoy it (okay, I also admit that I find the actor who plays Robin very handsome). I think British humor just really resonates with my sense of humor (my British friend back home would definitely agree with this - she finds my dry sense of humor ha-larious!). Maybe I should just move to England where I can be immersed in British humor all day. I do sometimes miss living in London!
7. Finally, I have to give a shout out to Leila, because not only does she have some great posts this week, but she also is mailing me a copy of the book Unplanned by Abby Johnson. It's been on my reading list for awhile, and I do have a lot of free time to spend reading by the pool, so I can't wait to get it. You rock, Leila!

Repeat as desired

I've been reading through Startling the Day's old posts and came across this one with her all time favorite book and movie recommendations. I always have people asking me for book and movie ideas (I own a lot of books and movies...), and I often become a library lending them out.

Because there are so many good books I've read out there, I'm going to limit my list to books I've read waaaay more than once... but if you want more recommendations, trust me, I have a HUGE list.

So without further ado, here's what I think is worth your time over and over again. If you need to borrow any... well, this library hasn't been hit by the harsh library tax cuts yet, so we're still open 7 days a week.* So get ready to lather in the shampoo, rinse, and repeat as desired.

Books

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - If you've heard of this title, it's most likely from the movie with Anne Hathaway. Well, hate to break it to you, but the movie was like the Shrek version of this book... as in there are ogres, which have layers, like onions. Long story short, the movie is the cheese-tastic layer of the onion (although I do like some of the music and Hugh Dancy), but the book is FANTASTIC. It's probably one of my all-time favorite books, and I've read it so often that the poor paperback is worn and torn. Yes, it's a book written for 12 year olds. I don't really care. I can't wait to read it to my little girls someday, if and when I get married and if I have girls. If I don't, then I'll have to borrow other people's little girls so I can read it to them. Totally not in a creepy way, in a "I'm teaching you to love books" kind of way. It might be better if I just have my own kids... 

You're only allowed to read the version with this cover. Any other cover is lame. Yes, I judge a book by it's cover.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - If you are a woman and you haven't read this book, shame on you. If you are a man and haven't learned how to be Mr. Darcy so I can fall in love with you, shame on you.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - This is a beautiful story about the power of music bringing people together. Go. Read. It. Now.

The Bible by God - I've always wanted to read the Bible the whole way through, even though I've heard most of it many times. I recently found this site to read the Bible in a year, and I think I'm going to give it a try! I'm sure I'll update how it's going... once I get started... if that happens.

Me in front of the Globe Theatre, where I saw 2 plays!

Anything by Shakespeare - I first met Shakespeare in Honors English my freshman year of high school and it's been a wonderful love affair ever since. My goal is to read all the plays and see them all performed. I've read and critically studied at least 14 of his plays (many of them more than once) and I've seen 9 of his plays performed (again, many of them multiple times)... so it's a life goal. I try to take my time and enjoy our love.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - Anyone who knows me for a span of longer than 5 minutes will not be surprised to see this on the list. I've actually lost count of how many times I've read the books... I'm also a fan of listening to the audio books - Jim Dale just has an amazing voice and he acts out each character. If you haven't listened to him read them yet - be sure to check it out - he makes the HP experience a million times better than it already is.

Atonement - by Ian McEwan - I'm actually reading this again now. It's a beautifully written novel that makes more and more sense each time you read it. Even if you don't understand what's always going on, the words just flow like poetry through your eyes into your brain.

Movies

Noting says romance like the gift of a kidnapped, injured woman!

Stardust - To be honest, I'm not sure if I can explain why I love this movie. I just do. I seriously notice something new every time I watch it. I like to think of it as a less cheesy (but still plenty of cheese!) version of The Princess Bride (Mawwiage!), but really, I just think the acting is amazing. The score is amazing. The characterization is amazing. I just love watching it over and over again.

Pride and Prejudice - Unlike the rest of the female population, I have only seen the BBC version once and couldn't get past the hairstyles... however, I am in love with the Keira Knightley/Matthew MacFayden version from 2005. When I say "in love", I really mean it. I can always watch that movie and never be bored. The score is also amazing. The gazebo scene in the rain? *Ahhhhh*-mazing.

National Treasure - This movie just holds so many memories for me... being on one of the four channels I had while living in London, every single night (no joke)... quoting the lines with my sisters... fighting over whose boyfriend Riley was going to be with the sisters (I usually won, I played the "oldest" card)... watching it with my Grandma the summer I lived with my Poppy and Grandma... running around DC acting out all the scenes (OK, I haven't quite completed this yet...). I just love American history brought to life, and I think this movie makes it fun and adventurous... and Riley is really witty and cute.

The Holiday - This is one of those "chick flicks" that I've actually heard guys admit that they like. I also think it's just a wonderfully weaved story about love and the different ways that people deal with and learn about and fall in love. The characters are all really great to watch, and Jack Black's character would totally be a guy I would fall for with his geeky cheesiness, while Jude Law's character is also a guy I would fall for with the literature loving and cute glasses. Hopefully the real life version will be a perfect mesh of the two! 

That's me in the green, singing the harmony.

The Sound of Music - I am 16, going on 17!... Do I really need to explain more than this? OK, good, I can continue singing. Edelwiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me...

She's the Man - I only list this because I can probably quote the entire movie... because the lines are hilarious. My youngest sister and I used to watch it together all the time - she knows it better than I do. It's also based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which is quite possibly my favorite comedy. So it's a win-win.

Hope you find some things you like! Maybe next time I will feature my favorite music and TV shows.

*So, I went to the library today (Thursday) to return some DVDs and pick up a book and some more movies... and they were totally CLOSED. What library is closed on a THURSDAY!?!?!? That's so random. I hate cutting library budgets. They feed the minds of America! Let's increase taxes on video games instead...

7 Quick Takes Friday (#14)

Check out Conversion Diary for more!

I thought I would give a shout out to some great blogs and links that I have found for my 7 Quick Takes this week. Without further ado...

1. I have become... for lack of a better word... addicted to Catholic Answers Live in the past couple of months. I've listened and learned about saints, Church doctrine, Marian apparitions, the early Church fathers, abortion, contraception, Protestantism, Scripture... the list could go on and on. I enjoy listening to the podcast on my morning commute or during long car rides. Be sure to check it out.
2. I just recently discovered Startling the Day by Elizabeth, a young Catholic woman living up the faith, and I just can't get enough of her entries. From her entries on finding spirituality in a secular song to teaching Theology of the Body to teens, to marriage and dealing with the lads, she has a fresh way of relating Catholicism and faith to the world in which we live. I completely relate to a lot of what she writes, and I secretly wish that we could be friends... well, I guess it's not a secret anymore. Whoops!
3. Over break, I read this amazing book recommended to me by a friend about Marian apparitions and the end times. Pierced by a Sword scared the crap out of me, but it was also beautiful. I highly recommend it... you can order free copies through Catholicity, along with the other two novels and a wealth of free CDs. What can I say, I love free things.
4. If you're looking for interesting discussion and great entries on Church teachings, check out Little Catholic Bubble. While I try to stay away from the heated discussions on some of the posts, I find the entries refreshing, informative, and sometimes even fun. Yes, Catholics can be fun, who would've thought!
5. I stumbled on this blog by stumbling onto another blog, etc. and well, it's been a nice stumbling. Modestia is written by Rebecca, a young Catholic woman who highlights how to be... well... a young modest Catholic woman! I find her links interesting and helpful, the fashion pictures are much more pleasing to the eyes than those in my Glamour magazine, and her entries are very honest and real. She's also got some great links for... take a guess... FREE STUFF! I love free stuff.
6. I couldn't post a list of links without sending everyone to the GW Catholic blog. He posts homilies, links to cool Catholic videos and sites, and interesting topics relevant to young adults and all Catholics. Be sure to look at the recent posts on exorcisms. 
7. Probably most people reading this are familiar with Conversion Diary. I am kind of in love with this Saint Generator she made, and I've been having fun "generating" saints and reading about them. I think in an effort to learn more about the saints, I am going to "generate" a saint each month and make him or her the patron saint of my month! So, this month's saint is (drumroll, please)... St. Michael, the Archangel! (Trumpet fanfare!) His feast day is September 29, and he has been honored as patron and protector by the Church! I liked this comic strip, that had the prayer to St. Michael written by Pope Leo XIII.

Yes, I like to picture the saints as kicking butt and taking names.