Book #25

So I did it! 25 books in a year! Not 50 but still an improvement from not reading anything, minus scriptures. 

Daughters of God

S. Michael Wilcox

This book was a perfect cap stone for this goal. It's all about the righteous and unrighteousness women in the scriptures. 

It taught me about the women of the Old Testament, which I definitely needed. 

I learned so much about Eve and Mary. Which is why I bought the book. I wanted to know more about those women. 

I learned a greater appreciation for motherhood and the daily sometimes mundane tasks that are associated with my job. It also helped put in perspective the importance of not judging others and their actions. How we can add to someone's burden that might already be too much to bare by our actions and words. 

Fabulous book! Beyond 5 stars. Highly enjoyed. 

Some highlights. 

"Women sacrifice much physically, emotionally, and spiritually to bear children. The sacrifice, love, devotion,and labor of righteously reading children to The Lord helps to mold and refine a women's character. It amplifies all that is Godlike and noble within her."

"When a women lives in such a way that the Lord's Spirit and influence are with her and she can be called to further the Lord's work, then she is truly highly favored and blessed." 

"Every act of immorality is inherently selfish and therefore not an act of love but of folly." 

"A man courts of woman for a short time to win her for time, but he must court her for a lifetime to win her for eternity."

"'Oh my mother! And Joseph, 'how often have your prayers been the means if assisting us when the shadows of death encompassed us.'

"A spiritual experience is like a living thing: the more we nourish it by reflection, meditation, and pondering, the more it can give back to us. As we cherish these moments and ponder them, the Spirit will teach ever increasing truths." 

Book #24

Remeber that goal of reading 50 books in a year...yeah well I changed it to 25 about half way through the year. I now have 15 days left to read my last one. 

This book was free and was provided by my RS presidency. It made missionary work seem realistic and possible. It answered all of my concerns and I laughed through most of it because I thought the exact way he explained about people's apprehensiveness of sharing the gospel. 

Learning how to just talk about religion in general can help lead people into inquiring about the gospel. Also not being afraid of the chance that people will say no to our invitation helped to put things in perspective. 

Matt and I have adjusted our family misson plan and now hope we will find some success. 

Great easy read. Five stars for sure. Well worth the money and time. 

Book #23

The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger. 

I loved this movie. I loved everything about it. I saw it with Matt while we were engaged and I made sure to own it the moment it came out. I have this false idea of how New York is this magical dream world. Probably because I only see it through movies/shows like this one. 

The book just gives more detail behind the story and is actually a little different but same basic idea. I thought Andy was more obnoxious and winey than Ann Hawthaway's character but probably was more realistic. 

The book drops the F bomb constantly and uses other colorful language but I'm starting to realize that is how people generally speak who are not Mormon. Sad because they sound like idiots. 

I liked it because it described in detail more of why I loved movie, the clothes and the glamour of that world. But it again showed that people in this life style aren't happy,but neurotic, and lack direction. 

But it was fun and passed the time I have, since being on stricter form  of bed rest. Less than a week and I will be recovering not anxiously waiting for this baby!!!! Hallelujah!!!!! 

Book #22 The False Prince

I was incredibly skeptical about this book. The description of it on the back was more than lame. Somebody should rewrite it. But I saw on amazon that the reviewers said the same thing. One person described it as a Hunger games/Harry Potter book. Again, skeptical but I bought it because my sister said it was REALLY good. 

Everyone was right! Original concept and it did keep me guessing at each turn. I didn't see most of the things coming, which I really appreciated. I want Matt to read it to my boys because it is a great adventure book and an easy read. 

5 stars for sure! Apparently it is a trilogy and I am very eager to get the second book. Really and truly this is an amazing find!!!! Great book! Could not put it down.

Much better than Hunger Games, because let's be honest who really wants to think about kids killing kids. And I've never been a fan of HP but have given Rowling props for her efforts. I'd say if you did like those books then you will like this one too. 

The False Prince, Jennifer A. Nielsen

Book #21

Annals of The Mind Legion, by Craig Woll

I had tried to read this book earlier but I couldn't get into it. I had just read The Kite Runner and I was so emotionally drained from that book. That book was like watching a Law & Order SVU marathon. 

But this book is a great read. An original idea for a story and great writing. I think I was really drawn back to it because I knew it talked about mountain biking a bit and since I am completely immobile it might be nice to read about someone getting some exercise. 

What I liked about the book.

-it was entertaining

-it was a quick read that didn't leave me emotionally drained or disturbed

-it advocated traits about how maintaining self control is valuable in any situation, no matter your age

-it was clean and emphasized the importance of developing ones character

I would give the book 4.5 stars out of five. Definitely worth picking up. 

Book #20

This is the second volume in The Children of the Promise series. I liked it but at the same time It drove me crazy. Hughes created too many story threads for me to follow in this book. My pregnant brain can only handle so much these days. It wasn't that the story wasn't good I just don't have the patience to keep jumping threads. I probably will finish the series someday but I think I need a breather. 

There were some really intense moments and I loved that but it wore me out. I liked thinking about the books issues and how I would of acted in that time. 

I liked seeing how most Germans could get wrapped up in Hitler's promises but then see how sorry they were for believing such lies. And then Realizing that most people could not fathom what he actually did to the Jews. And how they did not support the actions. It helped me understand better how a whole nation could let these things happens. And how important it is to not be blinded by government leaders but to reason and think for ourselves. 

A really good book over all, I am just wanting something not so intense right now. 

Book #19

I know it has been more than a while since I read a full book for fun (excluding the BOM). But since being on bedrest I decided to pick up my goal, at least for the last few weeks I have left. I started The Children of the Promise series. I wanted light reading and something that would entertain me. When I saw it had 4.5 stars on GoodReads I decided it was worth the $4.50 on amazon to buy (price of shipping $3.99).



I think like Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites you can read more into these books than is actually there. Which is why I so enjoyed the Tennis Shoes series, I let it apply to me.

Children of the Promise, Rumors of War, made me think about what kind of parent I would truly make? Would I be controlling? Would I be preachy about the gospel? Would I let my children be independent when I can see they could be making a mistake?

It also made me furious at times because it brought up a subject close to my heart, Gender Disparities. And how these are viewed by some men in the church, NOT THE CHURCH to be clear, but just how men can view women. And wondering if I would of been as independent minded as I am if I had lived then? Or would I have conformed? And if I conformed would I have been happy?

Was it entertaining...YES! Did it help pass my bedrest time...YES! Did it help me strengthen my own testimony and made me ponder ideas that I hadn't thought about or love thinking about...YES! So I think I would have to agree with GoodReads and give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

I am a little worried though, because there are five books in the series and it hasn't been a week since I received the first two...better order the rest.

Book 18

This book was incredible. I adore C.S. Lewis! I have always marveled at how insightful he is, especially for someone who was not LDS. President Monson & President Hinckley have often quoted Lewis before. His colloquialism is fabulous! I think that is why I like him so much. David McCullough write in a similar style and that is probably why I enjoy all of his writing.

I loved his explanation of how Christiniaty just makes sense. His explanation of the word, begotten, was enlightening and made it much easier for me to understand and explain to my children. He has some incredible deep thoughts, but realizes that they were deep, and simplifies his reasoning in an easy to understand scenario. Basically, I continue to be impressed with the brain of C.S. Lewis. A great book. One of my favorites!

Yeah, 50 books is slowly back on track. Next, I promised myself I will finish my brother-in-law's book. He's amazing and it was intriguing but sometimes I just can't wait for a story to develop and lose interest. But it was entertaining and I do appreciate good, clean literature.

Book 17

I remember having a copy of this book on my window seal in Junior high. It was wrapped in a clear plastic cover my mother had sewn for it. I never picked it up because reading religious books seemed beyond boring. I already went to seminary, church, and YW. Honestly, how or why would I need more religion?

If my attitude had been better as a youth I think I really would have been changed and gained some much needed insight to help me cope with life.

Probably one of my most favorite books. A quick read, always a plus, written in a John Bytheway/Brad Wilcox way, super plus, and insightful. All in all a much needed book for anyone.

Here are some of my favorite parts.

"Yet the "good news" of the gospel is good news to me not because it promises that other people who are better than I am can be saved, but because it promises that I can be saved--wretched, inadequate, and imperfect me..."

"So until we accept the REAL possibility of our own exaltation in the kingdom of God, we do not yet have faith in Christ; we not yet believe."

"Weakness can be saved; rebellion cannot."

"No the gospel sometimes isn't fair, but that is actually part of the good news. IT isn't fair--it's merciful...The threat of hell is the threat of getting justice, of getting what we deserve and of paying what we owe without any interference from mercy."

"One purpose of the Church is to perfect the Saints. Since we make the most progress by working at the limits of our abilities, then no matter how much we do or how well we doit, the Lord--like the spotter in the gym--will always ask for more, will always seek improvement, will always push us towards salvation...We need to remember that our salvation is not hanging in the balance...we shouldn't get embarrassed when we reach our limits or take offense when we can't do all that is asked of us. Rather, we must learn to take satisfaction in performing at the limits of our ability."

"Human being are inevitably the arsonists of their own happiness."

I know I've been MIA on the book goal lately but we went on vacation, I finished my huge 30X40 painting and haven't decided if I like it, and now Joshua is out of school, so I think my book reading will continue to slow. But I'm doing all that I can, and that is good news!

Book 16

Conference talks.

Priesthood usually trumps as my favorite session. But I think this time the YW broadcast was pretty awesome. Maybe because I'm a women?

But here are some snippets from talks I loved.

Elder Holland, "Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those."
-Everyone needs to be reminded of this. Probably me more than anyone else.

Elder Hales, "With His love and the love of His Son in my heart, I challenge each of us to follow our spiritual desires and come to ourselves. Let’s have a talk with ourselves in the mirror and ask, “Where do I stand on living my covenants?” We are on the right path when we can say, “I worthily partake of the sacrament each week, I am worthy to hold a temple recommend and go to the temple, and I sacrifice to serve and bless others.”

Elder Bednar, "My dad continued, “David, your church teaches that the priesthood was taken from the earth anciently and has been restored by heavenly messengers to the Prophet Joseph Smith, right?” I replied that his statement was correct. Then he said, “Here is my question. Each week in priesthood meeting I listen to the bishop and the other priesthood leaders remind, beg, and plead with the men to do their home teaching and to perform their priesthood duties. If your church truly has the restored priesthood of God, why are so many of the men in your church no different about doing their religious duty than the men in my church?” My young mind immediately went completely blank. I had no adequate answer for my dad."

President Julie B. Beck, "Relief Society is not a program. It is an official part of the Lord’s Church that is “divinely ordained of God” to teach, strengthen, and inspire sisters in their purpose regarding faith, family, and relief. Relief Society is a way of life for Latter-day Saint women, and its influence extends far beyond a Sunday class or a social gathering. It follows the pattern of female disciples who served with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles in His ancient Church.14 We have been taught that “it is as obligatory upon a woman to draw into her life the virtues that are fostered by the Relief Society as it is an obligation for the men to build into their lives the patterns of character fostered by the priesthood.”15

Elder Scott, "When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures."

President Monson, "Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal voyage without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him guidance to ensure our safe return. I speak of prayer. I speak too of the whisperings from that still, small voice; and I do not overlook the holy scriptures, which contain the word of the Lord and the words of the prophets—provided to us to help us successfully cross the finish line."

Elder Anderson, "Miracles are not always so immediate. At times we thoughtfully wonder why the miracle we have so earnestly prayed for does not happen here and now. But as we trust in the Savior, promised miracles will occur. Whether in this life or the next, all will be made right. The Savior declares: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”31 “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”3

President Monson (YW broadcast), "There will be times when you will face challenges which might jeopardize your testimony, or you may neglect it as you pursue other interests. I plead with you to keep it strong. It is your responsibility, and yours alone, to keep its flame burning brightly. Effort is required, but it is effort you will never, ever regret."

Isn't conference fabulous!

I'm having a really hard time getting through the book thief. I'm not even half way done. Maybe I should switch over to my Brother-in-Laws book now?

Book 15

Hunger Games.

Well it was good. A fast read. But I'm not sure why I'm not crazy about it?

I probably will read the others towards the end of this goal but I'm in no rush.

Has adventure. A strong female role, always a plus for me.

And love triangles, who doesn't love a love triangle? Seriously?

But after watching trailers for the movie I think I'm going to be disappointed in the movies. Maybe just keep to the books.

I've been working on doing a painting for my house and reading all the conference talks. Yes, I'm counting all the conference talks, including YW broadcast as a book. Matt said, "do you think they will let you count that?" I thought for a minute then said, who? It's my goal and I'm not sure anyone really cares.

Wish I could count my painting as one book. I need some of my great art friends to fly to Nashville and help me. Any takers? Hillaree why don't you just come so we can play!!

Over all a good read but my life probably wouldn't of been better or worse had I not read it. Sorry, that's just me.

Books 13 & 14

I was surprised how these two books were so similar. I had not planned it that way but, I think both have an underlying message.

It is SO important to speak.


A favorite line from Kingdom of Heaven (not a great movie but this line was electrifying),

...but remember that even when those who move you be Kings, or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, "But I was told by others to do thus." Or that, "Virtue was not convenient at the time." This will not suffice. Remember that.

I think when we come face to face with an incredibly difficult situation we tend to fear it. Try to cover and protect ourselves. But at what price?

Is protecting ourselves from physical danger, peer pressure, or disappointment of other, worth not speaking up?

In these two books it shows the pain that comes from not speaking up.

Are we providing an environment that others feel safe to speak in? How can we become parents who their children trust implicitly, that they are willing to come to us about their problems? What habits do we need to change in order for our children to always know that they can talk to us about anything?

Are we raising children who will speak up for others and what is right? Are we teaching them that they ALWAYS have choice in EVERY situation?

These books made me want to cry. I was tortured. Because I have children.

I want so desperately to be there for them and to always remind them that they do have a choice. Always.

Motivating books.

Speak, by Laurie Anderson is probably PG but The Kite Runner, PG-13, for brief swearing and harmful material that may be damaging for those under 13.

Both good books. Book amazing reads.

Book 12

I love C.S Lewis! Matt started reading Chronicles of Narnia when Joshua was born. We read it out loud to him and stopped one book short of the whole series.

I love them because they are great stories. They teach values. And I love them most of all because Aslan represents Christ. If you read the books like that, and ponder the metaphors it makes you understand so many complicated issues.

Can't get enough of my friend Lewis!

Favorite part.

"You see," said Azlan "they will not let us help them. They have chosen cunning instead of belief. Their prison is only in their own minds, yet they are in that prison and so afraid of being taken in that they cannot be taken out (pg.169)."

Is this not one of the biggest reasons people don't believe in Christ? That all of us must be playing at something, that we must want to trick them into believing something so they can be controlled.

After scrolling through the goodreads list of "books everyone should read at least once" I was excited to see the Book of Mormon on it. It had a 4.6 stars out of 5 and lots of reviews. It didn't beat the bible in rankings by did beat the Quran.

I wanted to read the reviews and some were a typical testimony of how the book changed their life. While others were completely ridiculous fault finding argumentative reviews. Seriously people before you review a book on a website like that, take the time to do some research. It reminded me about random comments on yahoo news articles. Really, did they just say that?

But it's true. These people cannot see what is in front of them because they are so concerned that they will be taken advantage of. They try to understand the spiritual nature of things with their carnal minds.

But there is no need in arguing with them. Just like in this book. All you can do is continue on. No amount of arguments, research, or miracles will convince them because they have already decided not to see.

Great book! Fast read and a classic series everyone should own.

Book #11

Was not a page turner. Adventure filled but I struggled until about 3/4 the way through it. The latter part was good.

Jane's character is weak. But I have to remind myself again at what time this was written and what social norms made up the society. If I take that into account her character is fine.

Tarzan's character is more complex. And I really enjoyed reading the way he thought and developed. That was intriguing. His humor and genuine likability made him a great protagonist.

Wanted to read the next book but I could not immerse myself into it. So I cheated. I read the Wikipedia plot summary. I'm glad I did.

How much longer I would of had to wait to see how the story ended.

Glad I read it but glad I only had an e-copy of it.

Happy Conference Weekend!

Book 10

There are two issues that irk me like nothing else. Swearing and immodesty on people who are endowed members of the Church.

This book violated my irk list number 1!

I was surprised how much they swore but I realized that was/is part of the Southern Culture...now that I'm living in the south.

If you can get past the swearing then this book was great! Better than the movie, as usual.

Would I recommend this book? Yes and no. I think though the movie will probably suffice. I love Emma Stone!

But I'm glad I did read it.

Book 9

I saw an interview with this author on the TODAY SHOW and it sparked my interest. My best friend growing up was from a Chinese home. His mother had her MD from Harvard. Everyone attended a private school and the boy my age was a genius! I always envied how much he read, how he could play the piano, and how spelling looked like it came so natural to him. I think I know why now...


This book inspired me on parenting techniques. The end of the book talks about how Amy's daughters think that it's the Chinese way to raise hard-working children and how "Westerners" are just lazy. I think they are generalizing. Because my parents pushed me and I pushed myself. It is the American Dream...work hard enough and you can have anything you want.

My favorite teacher Mr. Mitchel told me once, "Ritz it doesn't matter if you are not smart, you work hard, so you will be able to accomplish anything." A back-handed compliment from him always left me wondering. But if it wasn't for him I would never of thought about applying to become our high school's Sterling Scholar.

Children need boundaries but they also need liberty to choose. Some exist well with such strict structure but others will crumble. And I think that is what the author tried to convey. You need to be consistent and it does pay off.

Parenting is not fun. Parenting is work. Parents gets frustrated. Parents bribe. Parents fight with their kids and that doesn't make them a bad parent.

It was fun to realize all those through this book.

I'm no means a Tiger mother, but I will be pushing my children to excel. I too view their adolescent years as a time to prepare to become an adult. I know now what avenues there are and what kind of extra-curriculars need to be on their resume.

I think parents are dooming their children if they don't push them. Because if they don't believe from an early age they aren't smart, they let public school categorize them as such, they will grow up to believe it (don't get me started on the folly's of public school).

I'm glad I read this book and probably will keep it on a regular rotation to help remind me about how much work being parent is, but also how rewarding it can be for you and the children you raise.

Book #8

I forgot why people love to read. They read to escape. Today I needed an escape from ear infections, sleep deprivied children, and from my sick self (yes, I'm getting sick again...I think it's due to the lack of sleep around here).

I finished another book while I was waiting for my books to come in the mail. Man, I wonder where they are.

The Little Princess is a fun cute book. I love the movie made my 20th Century Fox and it is probably one of the only movies I have really cried in. I have cried in more while pregnant but that doesn't count right? Since I'm all emotionally discombobulated.

This books reminds me how I need to always be kind. Kind to others because it always seems to come back to me if I am. And it does.

It was a good book to just pick up and read when you are having a rough day.

I've been reading so much that I'm not bogged down at night with problems at hand but dreaming about the characters I have become so involved with. As you can imagine after finishing my books by Edgar R. Burroughs they have been a little crazy. I hope my next few days are filled with princess dreams. That would be nice.

Book # 7

My earliest memories of family activities was watching movies together in my basement. These movies were not the normal family-friendly movies, but a were probably ones a small young child should not see until they are at least 16.

But because of that I LOVE action/adventure movies. This was a great series to read and I did appreciate the recommendation from Matt for it! Thanks Matt!

Read the whole series on my phone.

Overall a fast read, action packed, sometimes a little frustrating, but I did like it.

I decided to work on this book while my other books were being shipped and I finished it before they could get here. It also helped that I read it while comforting my sick child who would only sleep if I held him. Poor guy.

Book #6

Adventure. James Bond, Avatar, and star wars source of inspiration.

I did enjoy this book. The adventures are intriguing.

But I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. He wins too much and his happiness is always just out of reach. It's driving me crazy!

Another ebook.

The sequel to princess of mars and don't worry there is another one in this set. Can't decide if I will save it for later and start another book.

I think we need a break mr. Burroughs but I will be back...it's not you it's me.

Book # 5

I only have a picture of this good read because I read it on my phone. My first ebook. I was skeptical about doing it on my little phone screen but it wasn't so bad after a while. I can see the lure of a kindle or iPad now for bookish people. But I personally prefer hard copies.

My dream for my hard copies of books, when someday we buy a home that we will live in for longer than 3 years, is to have a study that adjoins to a small room with French doors that leads to my baby grand piano. The room would overlook an awesome view of course.

The study is where I would have 4 huge recliners, lots of natural light from large windows and skylights, and huge built in cherry wood bookshelves on all sides of the room.

A girl can dream right?

Anyways this book was fun. It started off slow but picked up. I enjoyed the plot and characters but the I did have a problem with some items.

And maybe because I had just read a book about slavery that I picked on one of John carters friend with the initials of KKK...and then the reference to his "pup" as an absolute dedicated slave...to serve him for his whole life.

And that his one true princess was of "red" skin...Native American. A wild untamable frontiersmen falling for a beautiful chief's daughter...

I think I'm just overly Sensitive but it still irked me. Mr. Burroughs writes like any good writer does, he draws on the things he knows and having lived when he did, it all makes sense.

Predictable but enjoyable. I did like this book and will most likely be purchasing a hard copy of the trilogy.