Unleash! by Perry Noble

Perry Noble, senior pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina, challenges readers to Unleash! the life that God has in store for them and to put their past to rest. 

Within his book, he explains how God's desire is to have us live our best life now by walking in His path and by letting go of a past that enslaves us.  He compares all of our challenges with the story of David from the Bible.  Now, most of us would dare say we have absolutely nothing in common with the same David that found favor with God.  The same David that was anointed as a child, brought down a giant and became one of the most revered kings in history.  But Perry specifically outlines how his struggles and ours are not so different. 

Just as God chose David to be anointed, God chooses us to be His children.  Just as David had to fight Goliath, the giant, so we have to fight metaphorical "giants" in our lives.  God is not looking for someone who is perfect… David was far from perfect.  David was a poor shepherd boy who no one ever suspected would become king.  And then once king, he became an adulterer and a murderer.  And yet… God found favor with him.  

In his book, Perry offers hilarious and gritty stories about his life and how he's learned these lessons.  He speaks about how coming to know the Lord and Jesus has changed him and in doing so he offers hope to everyone who reads his book.  Perry does not beat around the bush… he is dead set on Biblical teachings and does not care if he makes people uncomfortable about it.  He wants everyone to know that the ONLY truth is Jesus.  But he also wants everyone to know that God is not sitting on His throne in Heaven waiting to smite all of the sinners… He wants people to know that God is loving, compassionate and fatherly.  "God is not after or begrudging submission.  He is after our joy" (pg.9)  

I highly recommend this book for anyone who just can't seem to let go of their past.  To anyone who thinks that God can't possibly forgive them for what they've done.  To anyone who thinks that their problems are too big.  To anyone who feels hopeless.  Within these pages you'll learn about a Savior who's love knows no limits and who can't wait to call you His own.  

I had the privilege of being a member of NewSpring church for the 3 years that I lived in South Carolina and I have never seen a pastor more captivatingly true, real and passionate about his call to ministry and Jesus.  He is doing some truly incredible things across the state of South Carolina and reaching throughout the world to impact churches and people in need.  You can listen to his sermons by downloading the FREE NewSpring App or by visiting www.NewSpring.cc

And don't forget to pick up a copy of his book.  You'll be so glad you did!

Book Club Friday

This week I read devoured 2 books.  They were beautiful... amazing... moving... lovely.  I loved every minute of it.  I didn't want them to end. 

I knew these characters.

I could see them.

I could hear them. 

I fell in love with them. 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

17 year old Mia is in the car with her mom, dad and kid brother one snowy morning, when her life changes forever.  The car crash killed her family and she is now in a coma.  She gets to choose whether she stays or goes.  She has to make the choice between living in a world without her loved ones, or joining them on the other side.

The story moves between what is actually happening and her memories.  She has amazing parents.  They're loving, caring, funny and hip.  I fell in love with them from the start.  She has an amazing boyfriend, Adam, who's the lead singer of a new up and coming emocore band, Shooting Star.  Music has been what links them.  Mia is an advanced cello player, on the brink of getting accepted to study at Julliard.  

This book.  I sobbed my way through it.  It was beautifully written.  Like I said before, I loved these characters... every single one of them.  It was funny and raw and heartbreaking all at once.  I didn't want it to end but I couldn't put it down... I read it in 3 sittings! 

5 Stars

Best book I've read ALL year! 

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

This is the sequel to If I Stay.  It's told from Adam's perspective, 3 years after the fatal crash.  Adam's band, Shooting Star has hit major success, won a grammy even, but Adam has been in a deep depression.  He can't get over losing Mia and it haunts him. 

This is a story of reunited love and forgiveness.  It's also heartbreakingly lovely.  Some of the phrases Adam would say, I'd read over and over to try to really engrave it, because it was stunning.  This story also moves between the present and the past. 

I didn't love this book as much as the first, mostly because a lot of my favorite characters were not in it... they had all died in the crash... but it was such an amazing way to tie up the story.  I really appreciate that Forman didn't try to milk another book from this story and leave us with another cliffhanger.  There's a neat ending that leaves you with a sigh of relief.

5 Stars

Get these books!  You wont regret it. 

Book Club Friday

Today I'm linking up with The Nerdy Katie (who is hi-larious) for her weekly Book Club Friday post. Here's what I've been reading/listening to lately!

The Informationist by Taylor Stevens 

I'm listening to this one through my Audible account and it is soooooo good.  Like, bite-off-all-my-nails-even-though-I-just-had-a-manicure good.  This is Stevens' first book... and the writing is top notch!
I always think it's funny when books have trailers, but here's the one for this book.  Seriously, pick it up.

Echoes from the Academy by Jeffrey Mann

This one is written by one of my good friend's brothers.  He recently was published and asked me to read and review it.  So far, so good.  It is a Christian book, but not obviously so.  I think it would be ideal for YA boys.

What are YOU reading this Friday?  Link up and tell us all!

Mom Connection & Giveaway!

Being a mom to a young child can be so hard.  I know, I go through it every day.  When your day in and day out consists of a rigorous schedule that you must keep in order to maintain your sanity, life can become monotonous.  Daily tasks include feeding- sometimes force feeding, changing diapers, making potty runs, changing clothes- sometimes 3 times a day, wiping noses, wiping hands, filling sippy cups, cleaning spills, buckling car seats, singing the ABC's- again and again and again, forcing nap time, giving baths, making dinner, watching Mickey Mouse Club House- again and again and again... ok, you get the picture.  Here's where some of you scoff and say, "that's not so bad".  Yeah, you're right, it's pretty great!

BUT!!! It's easy to become disconnected, isolated and depressed.  How does this happen with so much activity and responsibilities every day?  It's easy when the only person you talk to ALL day EVERY day is a 2 year old.  When all your friends are working or not yet moms and when your husband comes home from a long day at work and doesn't want to hear about the latest diaper dilema, your life becomes very lonely.

That's what Mom Connection by Tracey Bianchi is all about.  How to get our groove back... our rhythm. How to see the need to connect with other people and take it!  How to step out of our comfort zones and remember that we CAN'T walk this path alone!  By nature we are relational... women especially!

Tracey splits her book into 3 sections that each focus on a different area of our life as a mom in order to help us get that rhythm back on track.  The first section teaches us to let go of the Mom-petition and realize that we need one another for connection.  We learn that our weaknesses and our strengths don't have to divide us, but can uplift us and bring us closer together.  In the second section, she discusses all the people around us that move to our groove... our families, our extended families, our friends, our spouses and even our communities.  And in the final section, she really challenges us to reach out and help others to find their rhythms too.

I LOVED this book!  I laughed out loud, I cried unashamedly, I sometimes looked over my shoulder to see where the hidden camera was... because seriously, some of this could have been written by ME!  It just really goes to show what an amazing connector Tracey is!  She's a mom just like us... she knows what we struggle with daily... she knows what our greatest fears and failures are... and she's not afraid to call us out on it!  She uplifted me more than once and I would say, "HECK YES!" to her words of affirmation.

If you're a mom to a preschooler and you're feeling disconnected, you NEED to pick up this book and reclaim your rhythm!  And I'm here to help you get started!

GIVEAWAY TIME

MOPS International sent me this book to review and also an additional copy to give away to one of my beautiful readers!  How lucky are you?!

Here's how to enter:
Leave me a comment saying what YOU do to maintain the rhythm in your daily life.  (Please leave your email address so I may contact you in case you're the winner!)

The giveaway will close on Sunday at noon and the winner will be announced later that evening.  It'll be a Happy Mother's Day indeed!

Sharing Your Rhythm

This is the final segment of the book I've been reviewing, Mom Connection.  This last segment focused on moving beyond our inner circles and learning to find time to serve others.  Here is my homework from this section.

**If you've been enjoying this series, come back TOMORROW for a GIVEAWAY!!!  Trust me, Mama's... you don't want to miss out on this book!**

Hot Potato

Helping others find their groove

1. How have you experienced the great joy and value of your efforts as a mom?

Everyday!  Well, not really... if you've been reading my blog for a while, you know what a joy and frustration being a mom can be.  But I know, without a doubt, that we have made the right decision in sacrificing to have me stay home with the boys.  I feel joy and value when people compliment me on how smart or well behaved they are.  Since they've never set foot in a school, I can confidently say that it's my doing! I feel joy and value when my husband tells me I'm doing a good job and that he appreciates me.  I feel joy when Jonas says "thank you" and when Marco hugs me tightly and says he loves me.  

2.  Where have you felt undervalued or overlooked because of your role as a mother?

When people, people without kids, ask me what I do all day.  Seriously?  Yes, my house is a disaster... no, laundry isn't done daily... and yet at the end of the day I'm utterly exhausted.  It's easy for an outsider to look in and ask me what I've done all day... because it looks like I could have been sitting on my behind all day long.  But really, all of us moms know that is not the case!  Sometimes I feel diminished or unimportant because I'm "just a stay-at-home-mom"... but not because I truly feel that way, but because that's the way society makes me feel.

Triple Dog Dare

Can we really live this out?

1.  What is one way I see myself able to help others in this life stage?

For the first 2 years of motherhood, I felt incapable of lifting a finger for another person outside of my children.  Having 2 boys just 15 months apart is unthinkable... basically I remember it and I want to cry.  But once Marco turned 2, things began to get a bit easier.  And now that they're even older, I am able to devote more time to other people!  I have been blessed to be able to open a Miami chapter of MOPS and although I never thought I'd find the time to be committed to a huge endeavor such as this, God made a way!  Through this I'm able to create a support system for moms in the trenches (with kids 5 and under) and make a way to serve them, friend them and uplift them.  I think I've been more blessed by this than anyone else!

2.  What is one way I can barely imagine helping another person at this time?

Financially.  Being a stay-at-home mom is horrible on your finances... hence, the sacrifice.  Unless of course you married a doctor... which I didn't!  We are saving every unaccounted for penny in order to purchase a house.  I can't imagine helping out another person in a financial need.  Of course, I can make a meal for someone... but I can't buy them a week's worth of groceries.  Anything is possible with God though, so we'll see! 

Flannelgraph

The rhythm of faith

1.  What is one conversation/question about faith and God that I am excited to explore?

Where is God calling me to next?!  I trust Him and His plan and I just pray that He is crystal clear so that I may stay in line with where He want's me to be.  He has blessed me beyond measure and I know I'm secure in Him.  I'm so excited to see what He has in store for me next!

2.  What is one conversation/question about faith and God that I am nervous to ask?

Not necessarily about faith, but I never want to ask God for patience.  I'm afraid of that.  Because I know He wont GIVE me patience... He'll TEACH me patience.  Eeeeek.  It's an important lesson for moms, but geez, does it have to be SO hard?!

Creating Rhythm for Relationships

As I previously mentioned, I'm reading a fab book all about mom's and the connections we make.  So far it's really making me analyze my life and dream about our future.

Along with each chapter are two questions that you are to answer as a "homework assignment".  I decided to throw them on here, in case you wanted to read the book and follow along with the homework.  Also a way for me to really lay it all out there.

This is homework for part 2: Creating a Rhythm for Relationships.




Game Night
What is your family famous for?

1.  What is your most celebrated family tradition or routine?
Since Mauricio and I have only been a "family" for 5 short years, and have had children even less than that, we haven't really developed any traditions yet.  We hope to develop our own traditions when the boys get a little older, but we're not into "forcing things".  
I guess a routine we enjoy is that we spend Sundays all together... from sun up to sun down.  We go to church, have lunch, take naps and enjoy the afternoon.  Sunday is family day... our Sabbath.  I would like to keep that day "sacred" for as long as possible.  Relaxing and getting ready for a new week!

2.  What is one part of your family routine you wish you could discontinue or adjust?
Waking up early! haha... seriously.  I wish the boys would just sleep until  9... that's all I ask.  But here's the kicker... I know that once they're teens, they'll be sleeping till 1 and I'll be begging for them to wake up earlier.  We're never happy, are we?

Pinochle and Bingo
Aunts, uncles and extended family

1.  Why is extended family life-giving for me?  What do I cherish most about this group of people?
In this chapter, it discusses how extended family is now our very own parents.  It's a hard concept to grasp... now that we've built our own family, our own parents and siblings move into an outer ring.  My extended family is life-giving for me because they are so supportive.  My in-laws have graciously opened the doors of their home to us for nearly a year now.  My mother drives 2 hours to come help me with the boys.  My parents continue to help us financially when needed.  But not only do I love what they DO for me... I love spending time with them... hearing their stories, talking, joking, seeking advise, praying.  They enrich my life.

2.  Why is extended family exhausting to me? Where do I struggle with this group?
Holidays.  I dread them.  We feel like we're being pulled and guilted in a hundred ways.  We hear a lot of "you spent 3 hours with them and only 2.5 with us!" and we try to make everyone else happy, except for ourselves.  Someone is always last on the list, has the shortest amount of time and gets their feelings hurt.  Because, while we've created a new family, we are STILL their family... so where do you draw the line?  We're still working on this balance... and unfortunately it just gets more complicated with kids. 

Ring Toss
Balancing our marriages

1.  What is the best memory/moment from your marriage?
Oh my, there are so many wonderful moments from my marriage, but one particularly comes to mind.  It was about 7 months after Jonas was born and Marco was on the brink of turning 2.  We lived up in Greenville, so finding alone time was sparse as babysitting was much more complicated.  My MOPS group won a challenge and our prize was a night of free babysitting!  Best.Prize.EVER.  It just so happened that it was on the same night as Mauricio's company picnic... each summer his company would buy out part of the Greenville Drive's game and we would all eat free food and watch the game. Although this was typically a kid friendly event where most people brought their kiddos along, we decided to make it an adults evening.  And it was awesome.  My bestie was there with her 3 kids, but we didn't even hang with them because I wanted to be around grown ups for ONE evening... she understood.  We had a few adult beverages and hung out with some of the young people in his job... either newly married or just dating... made me feel young and fun again!  No "mom-responsibilities".  Mauricio and I really connected again and it dawned on me... Of course I LOVE my husband... but I also really LIKE him too.  We have so much fun together.  It was so refreshing to put aside our parent hats for the night and just be together.  Needless to say, we were the LAST ones picking up our kids from babysitting... 15 minutes late!

2.  When have you felt the least connected to one another?
Probably about 3 months after having Jonas.  It was the winter months in Greenville... a lot of time spent indoors.  I was lonely.  I was frustrated and tired.  I was blaming him for anything and everything.  I now know that I must have been going through some minor post partum depression.  It lasted about 5 months.  I finally came out of it when I realized that I was asking, begging, demanding my husband to "complete me" when only Jesus can do that.  I stopped doing things to gain his attention and began doing it for Him instead.  My heart was more fulfilled and it took a whole lot of pressure off of Mauricio.  Things started getting better after that. 

Telephone
BFF's and other anxious acronyms

1.  Which women do you find it most easy to connect with in your daily routine?
It's easiest for me to connect with other women during the day.  I try not to be on the phone when Mauricio is home because I want our family time to be sacred and intentional.  I don't talk to anyone on weekends.  My friend Carol is also a SAHM, so we chat almost daily, during the daytime.  I also talk with my mom throughout the day, since she is retired and home as well.  I'm finding that I'm connecting more and more with the ladies from my MOPS group and trying to be intentional about getting together with them by dropping them a text or FB message.  

2.  Which women offer companionship that you would prefer to avoid?
Women who are always doing "Girls Nights".  Now, I have nothing wrong with the occasional "girls night", but no, I wont be going on a "girl's weekend" with you and no, I wont be doing a monthly "girls night" either.  I would be beyond pissed if Mauricio went on "boys nights/weekends", so I hold myself to that as well.  Besides, I WANT to be with my husband... no offense ladies, but he's WAY more attractive then all of you!  And any free time I have, I want to be with him.  So, basically girls that are always pressuring me into this becomes exhausting.  

Hopscotch 
Connecting with your community

1. Which ideas within this chapter are within my comfort zone to incorporate?
I think I'm being more invitational lately.  I am trying to get together with different people on a weekly basis to build relationships and make new friends.  I felt very lonely upon moving to Miami... a city I grew up in!  And I know that a lot of SAHM's in Miami feel lonely too because there are so few of us! One thing I'd like to work on is inviting people to my home without feeling embarrassed.  Right now, we live with my in-laws... that alone is embarrassing in itself!  But when we have our own home, I know it wont be clean (you've been warned)... I know we'll be missing furniture or some of it will have stains on it and scratches deep into the wood.  I want to not care about these things!  My new friend, Nicole (don't you love her already), invited me to her house the DAY I met her!  I asked her if she was sure that she wanted me with my two crazy boys to come over her house?  She said, (and I'll never forget), "there is nothing in my house, that if broken, I will be upset over".  What an attitude!  And she has let me and my clan come over several times and make a stinkin' mess of her house, eat her food and leave... and she STILL invites us back for more.  She's a keeper, I tell ya!  

2.  Which ideas in this chapter would unsettle me too deeply to incorporate at this time?
I'm not unsettled by it, but I think I'd be nervous because it seems unnatural.  To go outside and meet my neighbors and forge a relationship with them.  Sure, I've thought about it, but it feels soooooo forced.  "Howdy neighbor!"  There's a lady on our cul-de-sac that just had a baby a few weeks ago.  They had a huge "It's a Boy" banner hanging over their door.  I had the desire to bake her something and bring her a magazine, a MOPS invite and go by for a quick "hello", but I just COULDN'T.  I was too nervous.  But who knows... maybe she needs a friend?  Maybe she's a new SAHM and lonely like I was?  I should have!  I regret that... but now, maybe I'm too late.  It would be weird now, right?  See... I'm STILL nervous about if!  ARG! 

Rhythm In Our Lives

I've just begun reading a book for a review given to me by MOPS. At the end of each chapter there are reflective questions to answer. I thought its be fun to answer them here and get a dialogue going... Then if you'd like, you can get the book and be inspired to be a better mom too!


The book is split into 3 sections, so this is one of three posts I'll do, aside from the review itself.






Hula Hoops:
Your Life Has a Rhythm

1. How does the idea of living into a better rhythm excite and motivate me?
It inspires me to know that while I'm trying this or that, I am learning and growing. I am molding myself into a better mom... The mom my children need me to be. I know in my head that the hard days will all offer a payout in the end... Breakthrough. But that doesn't make it any less painless. I know that if I have confidence in my parenting and mothering, my children will also be more confident and secure. My groove is the pace I set for us.

How does this idea of living into a rhythm make me feel nervous or uncertain?
Mostly in it's consistency. If we develop a schedule or routine, it's up to ME to maintain it. If I dont, then our groove is thrown off. That is extremely evident in temper tantrums, crankiness and disobedience. I know we need to have wiggle room and we can't have every minute predetermined, but overall, kids need structure, discipline and consistency. And its exhausting.


Teeter Totter:
Moving Beyond the Competition to Connection


1. What idea do you hope to put into practice for your family?
Something I was talking about with a friend today, actually.  We were talking about how scared we are that when our boys are teenagers, they will shut us out and not want to talk to us anymore.  A way to possibly curve this is to encourage open communication starting NOW.  Yes, my eldest is only (almost) 3, but if we start now maybe it'll be habitual, normal and natural.  We can start at the dinner table, "how was your day", "what did you learn in school".  Of course we need to alter these questions and conversations as they get older in order to keep it flowing.  Always open ended questions!  This is something I'd like to incorporate into our daily routine.  


2.  What does not work for your rhythm and why?
Mostly we're really "go-with-the-flow" kind of people and my children have adapted to that method.  Jonas is a little less relaxed, but he's getting the hang of it.  Like I said before, we need to have wiggle room... plans changes.  We try to keep a schedule with no strict times... things just happen in an order, but not according to any particular time. So lunch can be at noon or at 1 on any given day... and it's ok, as long as if right after lunch comes a nap.  More like a check list than a timed schedule.  It works for us... keeping strict times would probably stress me out too much. 

Two or More Players:
We All Need Help

1. Where can you find connection in your chaos?
I definitely find time to connect on a daily basis.  I do not feel alone in this mothering journey... any more.  There was a short time when I did.  But now I actively seek out people to become friends with.  Since moving to Miami, I have made numerous "mom friends" that I can call up, meet at a park, go to their house or just have lunch.  It has made this move and my life so much more enjoyable!  
Believe it or not, another reason I don't feel so lonely is because of my blog.  I have "met" so many wonderful moms who are just like me... struggling, learning and loving.  We encourage each other through sweet comments and chat on twitter.  I don't even know where most of them live, have never heard their voices, but I'm glad to have them to connect with!
I also have a best friend that is a mom and we chat almost every day.  We vent, joke, cry, encourage and uplift each other.  Even though we live hundreds of miles apart, she helps me find my way through the chaos of motherhood on a daily basis... and I'm so grateful to have that. 

2.  Where do you find this idea impossible?
In the book, she makes note that basically if dinner isn't served because you needed a time to chat with a friend, that's ok.  While I can see that at moments of near break-down it's ok, it shouldn't be habitual.  If that were the case, it'd be happening on a weekly basis.  I'd much rather be chatting it up with a gal pal than slaving over a stove with screaming children at my feet!  But I don't think my husband would appreciate that very much.  There is a time for these connections to take place, but not if it means neglecting basic responsibilities. 

Hide-and-Seek:
Discovering Your Gifts and Talents

1.  What is one gift/skill I know I've received?
I know that I am a gifted leader and communicator.  I think I lost sight of that for a little while, but it's becoming more clear in my life.  I remember that in high school, I was in student council for all four years.  I was the school's soloist on many occasions.  I gave speeches and sang in front roomfuls of people!  I was not afraid.  This is a gift... definitely.  
I have recently put this gift to good use by developing a local chapter of MOPS here in Miami.  I initially had no intentions of being the coordinator, but as time passed, I kinda walked into the role rather easily.  I feel both proud and humbled to be able to lead a MOPS group and I know that God has developed me for this role.  I pray that our little group continues to grow and begins to make an impact on moms across Miami. 

2.  What is one gift/skill I definitely do not have?
I do not have the skill of being hospitable.  I would like to... really, I would, but it just doesn't come easily to me.  And it's not really something I enjoy doing (how bad does that sound).  When I try to do something sweet for someone else, I feel like it's a chore... and I always feel like it's not good enough or pretty enough.
Which leads me to the second skill I suck at... crafting.  I know it sounds stupid!  But seriously, they go hand-in-hand.  If I give someone something, I want it to be cute... but it never is.  I have the craft skills of a 3rd grader... a flunky 3rd grader.  Pinterest is killing me by the way... just flaunting all of my inadequacies all over the place!  But I still try in these two areas... I want to grow and learn.

2011 Reading Challenge Complete

Last year I set a reading goal for myself of 50 books.  And I failed.  I only made it to 30 books.  I underestimated my ability... big time.  So this year I decided to be more realistic in my goal setting.  35 books in 2011. 

And I did it!

Here are some of my stats via GoodReads:

I read 9,544 pages... although I'm not sure how accurate that is, considering I read a lot on my kindle.

Of the books I've read, here's a nifty pie chart for the way that I categorized them. 

Now I will share with you, out of those 35 books, which are my TOP 5 picks for the year!  (In decending order... let's save the best for last, eh?)

5.  1984 by George Orwell

Can you believe I hadn't read this book until this year?!  Well, I made it a point to fit a few classics into my 35 and this was one of them.  I loved this book.  It was terrifyingly real.  There was a part in the middle where Orwell goes into specifics about the political aspect, causing the story to lag, but it was necessary.  

If you haven't yet read this, you must.  And if the last time you read this you were in 8th grade, you need to pick it up again.  You'll have a new appreciation for it as an adult... I promise.  

4. Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand

This book was so impacting and powerful.  It really helped me put things into perspective.  It is the story of how Wurmbrand evangelized in occupied Romania during the 40's.  He was imprisoned for over 14 years for spreading the gospel of Jesus.  But his imprisonment and torture did not stop him from preaching to everyone who had ears.  

This was so inspiring for me.  As I read what these men, women and children had experienced for the sake of Jesus, I was completely humbled and humiliated.  I realized that the most "persecution" I'll face is losing a friend... not too big a price to pay for Jesus, who paid it all.

See my full review HERE.

3. Room by Emma Donoghue

This is one that will stay with you.  I read it at the beginning of the year and still think of it often.  There's been some buzz about this book this year and it's pretty popular.  

It's narrated by a 5 year old boy who lives in a room with his mom.  He's never been outside of the room and doesn't know anything that exists beyond it's walls.    His mom had been kidnapped 7 years prior and was being held captive in the room that he had been born in.  This is a story with a lot of heartbreak and hope. It's beautiful.  

Read my full review HERE.

2. Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson

A suspenseful thrill ride where you have no idea what's going to happen.  This book made me feel paranoid.  It got deep down and messed with my instincts.  Good writing!  

There was an accident that caused Christine to lose her memory.  She has short term memory loss and can not create new memories.  Every day when she wakes up, she believes she's either a child or a young woman, only to find out that she doesn't recognize the older lady in the mirror or the man in her bed.  Every day she has to learn about who she is all over again.  And she has a feeling that she can't trust what she's told by her husband, Ben.  

Think 50 First Dates and Momento... but with a whole lot of fear and suspense!  

See my full review HERE.

And... without further adeu, my TOP PICK is...

1. I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

I can not explain to you what Zusak's writing does to me.  It wraps around my heart.  It is absolutely breathtakingly lovely.  He weaves sentences into a beautiful tapestry of a story.  Anything he touches is gold.

This book follows Ed, a 19 year old nobody.  He doesn't have a bright future ahead of himself... and he hangs out with people just like him... losers.  One day he gets a card in the mail... an Ace of Clubs with 3 addresses and times on them.  As he visits each location, he realizes that he has to take action and change these people's lives.  But, while working to change the lives of others, he is changed the most.  

This is a BEAUTIFUL story.  When I finished... I wiped my tears, and hugged the book.  

Read my full review HERE.

So there you have it... my top 5 out of 35.  Pick them up... you wont be sorry!  Also, follow me on GoodReads to find some of my other faves and follow me on The Book Nook Blog to read other reviews by some great reviewers.

So what's your goal for 2012?!  I think I'm gonna go for 40.  Read along with me! 

my read shelf:

Twilight Love

Last night, my BFF Carol and two other friends joined all the other teenage crazies in Miami to watch Breaking Dawn.  This was actually the first time I didn't go to a midnight showing on opening night... but that's ok.

Yeah, I love Twilight... and I'm not even a little bit embarrassed about it.  In fact, I'm proud... yeah, so what?!  I am team Edward ALLLLLLL the way.  In my mind, there was never ever a comparison between Jacob and Edward.  There was never any competition.  It's always been Edward.

Let me be clear though, I'm talking about Edward... not Robert Patterson.  Although I think Patterson does a good job as Edward, he still pales in comparison to the literary Edward.  The literary Edward is a dream.

So, the movie... it wasn't my favorite.  It was rather slow and "girly", if you will.  It had a lot of internalizing moments... where the camera stays still on a character who is pensive and there's some indi music playing in the background.  Now if you've read the books, you know that at these moments the character is having an internal monologue... like thinking to themselves, but on the big screen, it loses it's effect.  There was also a lot of cheese.  Like a whole scene where the wolves are talking to each other... which wouldn't be so bad, but they also growl at each other.  But it's not a wolf sound effect growl, it's like as if you or I imitated a growl.  LAME.  And there was also a part that showed the inside of Bella's body that reminded me too much of one of those bad 80's movies where the machine is shrunk and travels through someone's blood and organs and vessels.  Just cheesy, ya know?

But that said, it's still Twilight.  The books make it all worth it.  I'll take all the cheese, because I know that the books are fantastic and I'm a BOOK fan, not movie fan.  I think that if you did not read the books, you'll be confused and miss out on so much underlying information, layers and details.  Like since I've read them, I know what a certain look means or what the characters are thinking during those pensive moments.  If you didn't, then you'd be a little lost.  My 2 other friends that joined us did not read the books prior, and we were explaining the subtleties to them.

I know that some people will refuse to read Twilight just because it's too popular or too much of a craze.  I think that's CRAZY!  It's popular for a reason!  It's dang good stuff!  That's like saying you wont eat pizza because too many people like it... think of what you'll be missing!  Even if you've watched all the movies, you can still pick up the books and be surprised.  You know, there's only so much detail they can put into a movie!

But, if you've decided that you're just too over it... can't imagine picking up Twilight and reading from the beginning, then I urge you to go for another book.  The Hunger Games.  The Hunger Games is going to be the next huge sensation.  It's already huge in the literary world, but with the movie coming out in March, it's about to get nuts!  What I love about The Hunger Games is that it's not a love story.  The love story is secondary.  Secondary to the plot that's filled with action.  Katniss is the main character and she is BAD ASS!  She is one tough girl... pretty much opposite of Bella.  She's confident and strong and bold and beautiful.  In the Hunger Games, I am team Katniss ALLLLLL the way!  Check out the trailer below and GO READ THE BOOKS!

An Excited Book Worm

Guys, did you know you could check out books from the library for your e-reader?!  Hello... this is awesome news!  In the past, it hasn't been available for Kindle, but now... now it is!

And it's oh, so easy!  You log into your public library database, find the e-book page, and request the book of your choice.  When it becomes available you receive an email informing you to log back on and "check it out".  Then, you go back to the site and simply check out the book, the way you would if you were buying something online.  It then forwards you to the Amazon page and Amazon will electronically send the book to your Kindle, wirelessly.  And you have 21 days before it "expires" and disappears from your Kindle library.

The reason you sometimes have to wait for a title is because each library buys a certain amount of licences per book.  So perhaps a popular book would have 10 licences.  If all those licences are checked out, they form a wait list until one becomes available.

This is TOO COOL!  Best part... you do it all from your home.  You don't have to step foot into a library!  I think I'm in love.

I checked out Before I Go To Sleep, which has been on my TBR pile for quite some time.  I can't wait to e-peel through it. 

You know how I know I'm a total nerd?  This has just made my day... possibly my week.  

Go check out your library and see if they offer this amazing service.  Free e-books?  YES PLEASE!!!

Recruiting Readers

Aside from being an avid blogger, I am also an avid reader. I have always loved to read, but became committed to it once I became a SAHM. Last year I gave myself the ambitious goal of reading 50 books in the year. I failed... Miserably. I only made it to 33. I mean, 33 isn't anything to be ashamed of. That's pretty dang impressive in itself... But never-the-less, i didn't meet my goal.

This year I decided to be more realistic about my goal and read 35 books. And so far I'm doing great. Right on track with about 28 books down.

So last year when my personal challenge began to take shape, I decided to blend my two hobbies... Blogging about books! I joined the team at The Book Nook and became one of their book bloggers! (find the link on the left bar).

The Book Nook is a collaborative blog with several contributors. We blog about books we read for fun, but more than that, it's an avenue for new books to become noticed. Publishers and authors contact us and provide us with a free copy of their work in return for an honest review. Free books!

Now The Book Nook is in need of more reviewers. We've had a few people leave, and we've also been overwhelmed with the amount of incoming work. Too many books and not enough people to read them! I myself am a little overwhelmed at the moment. I have 4 books in my "to be read" stack that need reviews before the years end. And sometimes publishers ask that you post on a specific date for their blog tour... I've got two of those coming up!

So, if you have a book addiction and would like to join our little club, please leave me a comment with your email address. We're recruiting readers! Come on, you can feed your habit for free! That's good news! Help keep The Book Nook alive!

Book It!

Tell me you remember just how AWESOME Book It was?!  You would get pretty shiny stars on the chart and then one magical day, your teacher would give you the Pizza Hut pass.  One FREE personal pan pizza... and a prize.  I'll always remember getting the coolest Back To The Future sunglasses.  They looked something like this:  Pure Awesomeness. 

Anyway, let me get to the point.  I love reading.  No surprise there.  People always ask me how I find the time to read, having 2 under 2 and all.  Well, since I love it, I make time for it.  I especially have a lot of time for it when it's NBA season (GO HEAT!), when Mau gets a new video game, or during late night feedings.
Last year I made a goal to read 50 books in 2010... I failed that goal, but still managed to read more books in one year than I ever had before.  I read 33 books in 2010, so my NEW goal for 2011 is to read just 2 more books than I did in 2010... 35 total.  If I surpass that, I'll be thrilled!  These are just small steps in my self improvement process...

So, without further adieu, here are the last 6 books I've read (3 from 2010, 3 from 2011).

 If you love the Showtime series "Dexter", then you'll enjoy the Dexter book series by Jeff Lindsay.  After all, he started it.  Dexter Is Delicious is the 5th book in the series.  The show DOES NOT follow the book series.  In fact, only the first season is like the first book, with some changes.  The characters are mostly the same, but the show and book differ in some things as well... for example, in the show Dexter's baby is a boy, but in the book it's a girl.  No biggie.
The series as a whole has it's ups and downs.  The first 2 books were amazing... sick and twisted stuff you can expect from Dexter.  Unfortunately, the 3rd and 4th segments were lackluster.  It was way too far fetched and unmoving.  Luckily for Lindsay, he got his groove back with this one.  It's strange, crazy, disgustingly gross and hilarious.
The good thing about this series is that if you watch the show and know the characters, you can skip the 3rd and 4th books and not really miss much.

This is also another book that's in a series.  I wrote about the first segment, Hush Hush, in my previous book post.  Unfortunately this book did not do it for me.  It was so typical of a Young Adult second book.  We've seen it before... it's the "break up book".  Just conflict after conflict with whining and more whining.  Ugh.  
Of course, I will be reading the final segment of this series, because I like resolutions.
If you're a teen, you'll like it.  The rest of us can skip it and wont really miss a thing.

I was asked to review this book for a book blog I am currently writing for:  The Book Nook Club.  I am one of a bunch of writers... it's fun.  Well, I was assigned to review this book for the book blog tour that was to promote the author's new release.  I did not like this book and did not leave a very positive review.
It's a black Christian book.  On the back cover it says something about "uplifting the soul of the black woman".  That said, it is filled with cliche' talk such as "fine man", "you go, girl" and lots of baby-mama-drama.  Way to be original!
The main character wants to get closer to God so that she can "step into the good life".  As a Christian, this doesn't sit well with me... She's selling a "prosperity gospel" which is FALSE!  When you become a Christian, your problems don't magically disappear... in fact, you'll probably be faced with more adversity than ever before.  That's the cold harsh truth.
This book almost made me cringe with just how misleading it was.  Sad that people fall for this kind of stuff.

Can you believe I had NEVER read this book before?!  I was stunned to find out that Mauricio had read it in the 7th grade!  There's the great private school edumacation for ya!
I really enjoyed this quick read.  I'm not familiar with the history behind the USSR and what quite went down (thanks again, private school).  For me, it spoke more about how a corrupt leader can manipulate their audience and cause major destruction.  It speaks true for Hitler and even Castro.
I'm sure that it's beneficial for 7th grade minds, but even more so for adults who have a broader view of world politics today.  A great read for the first time, or the first time in a long time.

I really loved this book.  It captures you from the first chapter and moves well throughout.
It starts off with 5 toddlers that are found abandoned in the cabin of a luxury boat, parked in a dock off the coast of Puerto Rico.  No one knows who these children are, or where the parents are.  The children become known as the "Starfish children" because of a starfish drawing they each have on their hand.  The children are each adopted into different homes and live in various parts of the States and Puerto Rico, but they remain close as they consider each other to be siblings.  It isn't until one of the brothers is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor that they decide to find out their origins.
It's a beautiful story about family, love, compromise and trust.  It has a lovely hispanic flare that I just adored.
Pick this one up... it was my favorite of the group I'm writing about today.

I just finished this one yesterday.  It's another YA fiction that's in a series.  This series has 5 segments and I'm not sure if it's done yet.
Everyone ranted and raved about how awesome this book was.  I didn't really think so.  The writing is great... moves fast, it's funny and has good breaks.  However, I felt like I just wasn't in the right place for the story.
It's written in the year 2000, and the main character, Jessica, is a Junior in high school.  She's 1 year younger than me.  That said, I think I would have devoured this book if I had read it back in 2000.  But now, I'm just over teen drama.
The book talks PLENTY about sex, sexual desires and even orgasms.  TOO MUCH for me.  Now some may say that I'm being naive... I'm not though.  I was once a teen too and I remember that teens thought about sex, talked about sex and even did "it", but that doesn't mean I want to read page after page about it.  It honestly makes me sick.  And even more honestly, I think it's a little irresponsible of the author to make teen sex such a natural and casual thing (even though Jessica doesn't have any in this book).
I'm undecided as to whether or not I'll read more from this series, but since I liked McCafferty's writing, I may read something else by her in the future.

So there you have it.  I've got 3 out of 35 down... woohoo!  If you like my reviews, become my friend on Good Reads to see more!

Book Worm

As you probably know, I love to read.  Lately, I've been able to do it a little more than normal... don't ask me how.  Sometimes I read in the middle of the night when I'm feeding Jonas, but mostly I've been reading because Mau got a new video game.  So, here's a list of the last 5 books I've read:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

I LOVE Young Adult Fiction.  It's always fun, easy to read, fast moving and a little too dramatic.  This book was somewhat predictable, but still a lot of fun.  If you liked Twilight, you might enjoy it.  The main beau is "the bad boy Edward wishes he was".  It's the first in a series, and I'll be reading the second, "Crescendo", soon.

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

This book took me WAY. TOO. LONG to finish.  I started it in May and kept picking it up and putting it back down until I finally finished it in October.  This book was recommended to me by my dad, so I definitely wanted to read it and see what he saw in it.  He truly enjoyed it... but he didn't "read" it... he listened to it and enjoyed it much more than I did.  That said, I thought that the main idea and conclusion of the book were amazing... truly brilliant.  However, it just took forever to get to the point.  There was a lot of fluff... you know, information that doesn't truly add to the plot but is only there to take up space.  I felt like Irving could have accomplished the same goal in HALF the pages.  His writing style is extreemely descriptive with minimal dialogue, which I find to be exhausting to read.  After 10 pages I was physically tired of reading.  Needless to say, it's not a real page turner.   

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

This is the same author that wrote the famous, "Time Traveler's Wife".  I picked this one up because I loved that one.  However, this one did not live up to Niffenegger's reputation.  The story was strange and he conclusion was completely disappointing.  I wouldn't recommend it.

Carpe Demon- Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner

I read this book after reading a review off of This Blog, and I LOVED it!  This book was so fun, light and silly.  Think, Buffy the Vampire Slayer all grown up with kids, a husband and a house.  It's great!  This book truly is laugh-out-loud funny.  I could totally relate to her... well, the having a toddler part, not the kicking demon @ss part.  Still, great fun!

The Understudy by David Nicholls

I actually won this book from a GoodReads Giveaway.  Yay for winning!  But unfortunately I didn't like this book.  The only redeeming quality was that the writing was really good.  I wasn't interested in the characters... thought they were all shallow and people I would not want to know.  I will be giving this author another shot, though... maybe this story was just off.  

Booked

I've always been an avid reader, but have gone through phases.  If I'm very busy with work or school, I don't have much time to leisurely read.  I would usually wait till the summers and then read non-stop.  When I became a stay-at-home mom, I realized I had more time to read than ever before.  At first, I would read while feeding Marco... mostly in the middle of the night because I didn't want to make noise with other forms of entertainment.  If I would turn on the TV, the bright lights and noise would stimulate him too much and then it took me even longer to get back to bed.

 

Since I was on a reading high, I decided to be motivated and give myself a 2010 goal.  I declared that I would read 50 books during the course of 2010, so roughly one book per week.  I'm sad to say, I'm going to fail.  I did not foresee the fact that once Marco stopped feeding at night and dropped down to one nap a day, I just wouldn't have the time to read the way I used to.  But, I haven't given up.  I'm just going to try and read as many books as possible... even though I wont make my 50, it'll still be more than I've ever done in the past.  

I'm on book 26 right now, and to commemorate my half-way mark, I thought I'd write a little book review. Here are my TOP 5 picks of 2010.  

#5:  Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

Usually it's safe to say that the book will always be better than the movie, but in this case, I felt that they were both pretty equal.  The movie was incredibly true to the book.  So, if you haven't seen the movie, pick up the book first.  And, if you're not a reader, then just watch the movie... it's really great!

#4:  The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I really loved this story.  It's told from three different women's points of view, and each one is written so dynamically that it's easy to visualize their circumstances.  This book made me laugh out loud, and cry.  It is a real page turner and gives you a good insight into the lives of black maids in the South during a segregated time.  

#3:  Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Another great story, about a traveling circus in the 1930's.   There's suspense, violence, love and loss.  I was crying from the very first chapter, but it's not a sappy story.  The story is told by the perspective of the circus' veterinarian, who is recalling from where he is in present day; a 90 year old nursing home patient.  Beautiful story.  And, the movie should be coming out sometime next year, starring none other than hottie, Robert Pattinson.  Looks like a winner to me. 

#2:  The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

This is the first Young Adult (YA) fiction I write about.  I love YA and often read it, but usually it comes across as slightly shallow, although fun.  YA just isn't always something that hangs with you... that you remember weeks, months and years later.  But this story does!  The Book Thief takes place in Nazi Germany, and singles out the life of a girl who lives with an anti-Nazi family.  It helps us to remember that not ALL Germans were sucked into the propaganda, and sheds light on the danger they faced on a daily basis.  Because, what's worse than a Jew?... a German loving Jew.  The story is most interestingly told by the perspective of Death, (not the Grim-Reaper), who takes a harmless interest in this girls life and keeps a watchful eye on her.  This story is funny, heavy, beautiful an heart-breaking at once.  

#1:  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The truth is, this is a trilogy.  You WILL NOT be able to just read the first installment.  But, lucky for you, all 3 have already been released, so you wont have to wait.  I think all 3 parts of this trilogy are worthy to be on my TOP 5, however, I didn't want to leave out my other choices.  

This is another YA Fiction, but it's simply brilliant!  It's set in the future of America... where the USA no longer exists, but another country has taken it's place, Panem.  It's a dictatorship, where the Capitol exercises their control by keeping the people under their thumb.  Most of the population lives in poverty and are governed under strict authority.  Each year, the Capitol selects one boy and one girl from each district to take part in a "fight-to-the-death", called The Hunger Games.  These books will shock you.  This is definitely a story that will be admired and read for years to come.    

So, there you have it... my TOP 5 of 2010... so far.  I intend on updating my blog with 5 book reviews at a time.  If you're interested in reading any more of my reviews of the other 20 books I've read this year... the good, the bad and the horrific... become my friend on GoodReads.