Great Summer Reads

I think it's time for me to STOP reading the childbirth books and delve into a good summer read.  Something that keeps my attention, but nothing too serious.  After finishing "Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett (a thousand page World War I novel), I think I need something a little lighter.  Here are some of my past favorites that I would recommend to those of you who love a good, summer read.

This is an incredible book filled with history, suspense, and mystery.  Kate Morton is a beautiful writer who really knows how to bring the printed word to life.  With every turn of the page, the plot continues to surprise and excite the reader.  I have also read Morton's novel, "The House at Riverton", but much preferred this book.

I have to say that when I first started reading this book, I thought, "Can I really read an entire book from a dog's perspective?".  Well, I did...and I liked it!  Being a dog lover, there were parts that I couldn't get through without shedding tears, but all in all everything ends well.  The author presents dogs' lives through an interesting perspective and by the end of the book I was looking at my dogs in a whole new light, imagining what they REALLY were thinking.

Oh, Wally Lamb...how I love thee!  I have read all of his books, including the compilations of stories from women imprisoned in the York Correctional Institution.  Everything this man writes is AMAZING!  I first came to know of him when I read "She's Come Undone" in 1999.  Since then, all of his books have kept me vying for the next one to come.  This book, "I Know This Much is True", is a long one, but Lamb does an incredible job of allowing the reader to keep track and make sense of the story, despite all its twists and turns.  Honestly, you can't go wrong with ANYTHING written by Wally Lamb.

This was the first novel that I read by Jennifer Weiner, and I enjoyed it so much that I have read every other novel she has written.  "Good in Bed" was one of my favorites, which at times had me laughing out loud.  I wouldn't classify her work as anything deep or overly intense, but rather the perfect "light", summer read.  Her newest novel, "The Next Best Thing" is being released this week, which makes me think that may be my first book of the summer!

And last but not least, "Room".  This book is a quick read and a REAL page turner, with a ton of suspense.  It is quite disturbing, since it is about a 5 year old boy and his mother who have been kept in a room by their abductor.  The boy, was born in the room and has never left...like I said...disturbing.  The author does a great job keeping the reader in suspense, but still keeping the story line moving...especially when it is being written from the perspective of a 5 year old who has never been exposed to the world.

I hope those of you that read these books enjoy them as much as I did!  Happy Summer Reading!

Jean

Making Memories

As my due date is closely approaching, I am constantly thinking about what makes a great mom.  Although the everyday "little" things that moms do truly contribute to a great childhood, I have realized that the memories I have still make a smile come to my face at 33 years old.  These memories are locked in my brain, but there is nothing like pictures, books, videos, cards and letters to really bring the good old days back to life.  One of the things that I am doing to create new memories is writing in a pregnancy journal.  I have included pictures, cards, and lots of memories about the past 8 months.  I can't wait until my daughter is old enough for me to share it with her.

I have already started planning some of the memory making activities I want to do with her once she is here.  These are some great ideas that I have found:  (Click on the photos to go to the website where you can find more details about each activity.)

    I was just telling my husband the other day that starting next year, we should start a family vacation tradition.  What better way to remember each year's vacation than taking a picture like this?

This is such a great idea!!  I used to have my students write in a journal to me every day when I was a teacher.  Some of the sweetest and most sentimental things came out when they would write them down.  Not only does this help with writing skills, but it is an amazing memory keepsake that you can look at for years to come.

One thing I have become obsessed with (for some odd reason) is baby SHOES!  I cannot get enough of them...even though the practical side of me knows it is somewhat ridiculous to buy a baby a million pairs of shoes when they can't even walk!  With this idea, I can put them to good use...making a wonderful memory and an adorable decorative item for the nursery!  It's a win/win!

This is a tradition that I would love to start.  Throughout the year, write down memories that are special and bring a smile to your face.  On New Year's Eve, read them all together as a family.  I would have LOVED this as a kid!

And last but not least...who needs those expensive photography sessions each and every time you want to document a memory.  We got an awesome camera for our wedding and I plan on putting it to good use once our little lady is born.  Using wrapping paper or fabric to create a backdrop is such a fabulous idea to bring some creativity to your photos.

I hope some of these ideas will inspire you.  Happy Memory Making!

Jean