Book Review: Iacocca: An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca

My Rating: I really enjoyed reading this book (again) and would highly recommend it!
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
Lee Iacocca was President of both Ford and Chrysler companies.  Some of the book is about his life growing up and how he learned some important life lessons.  Other parts are about his work in the auto industry.  All in all, it's one of those books that makes you want to get off your butt and go to work.

Reading catch-up

During the past month and a half, I have not stopped reading.  I have just stopped posting about what I've been reading.  I will attempt to catch-up now (abbreviated version).

1. Leadership and Self-deception by The Arbinger Institute - Great

 
2. A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille- So great I bought it

3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - Enlightening

4. For One More Day by Mitch Albom - Also enlightening

5. Key Lime Pie by Josi Kilpack- Great

6. On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo - I've read it before and I'm glad I read it again.  I really do believe and practice many of the principles outlined in this book with amazing success!  This time around I actually bought the book. :)

7. The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D. - Good

8. Surviving Your Blessings by Lynn C. Jaynes - Good, not what I was expecting, but good

9. Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans - Great, as always

 

10. Tranquil Light by Anita Stansfield - Great, as always

The anatomy of peace : resolving the heart of conflict by The Arbinger Institute (Non-fiction)

My Rating: I really, really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it!
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
My very favorite parts of this book are in the 2nd and 23rd chapters where it talks about "helping things go right!"  I realized as I first read that, that that is innate in me.  I don't want to just fix problems, I want to make every effort to help things go right.  I thought this book was very well written, well explained, and good advice for everyone.

Book Review: Tower of Strength by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: Great!  Loved the plot, fairly revolutionary for the time period.
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the back cover: Weaving themes of loss and renewal, this poignant tale explores a vital choice each of us must make: to seek safety in isolation or to embrace the painful yet beautiful complexities of life and love.  I enjoyed this book because of the strength of character each of the people displayed in the face of great affliction and trials.  It was inspiring to me to read of their hope and faith.

Book Review: Have a little faith: a true story by Mitch Albom

My Rating: Very well thought-out and inspiring to read

Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the book jacket: Have a Little Faith is a book about life's purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all.  It is one man's journey, but it is everyone's story.  From the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom brings us yet another opportunity to look inside ourselves and feel the desire to be a little better and do a little more.  I enjoyed this book for just that reason.

Book Review: Women of the Book of Mormon by Heather B. Moore (LDS Non fiction)

My Rating: Very good, insightful, would recommend it.
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
Heather Moore describes in detail the history and culture surrounding many of the Book of Mormon scenes featuring women.  She also expresses appreciation and empathy for their difficult lives.  I enjoyed learning more and gaining additional insight while reading this book.  I absolutely loved the artwork!

Book Review: Divinely Designed by Rachael Renee Anderson (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: I LOVED this book!  I loved the characters!  I couldn't put it down!

Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the back cover: This delightful tale by Rachael Renee Anderson combines wit and romance with the reality that change is difficult, but it can bring about some of life's greatest adventures.  Divinely Designed is a sure antidote for gloom and a light-hearted reminder that even the darkest forks in the road can lead somewhere brilliant.  I enjoyed this book because it was so well-written and I felt like I was part of the story.  I seriously couldn't put it down and didn't get much sleep last night finishing it.

Book Review: Turning Hearts by Deanne Blackhurst (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: Uplifting, intriguing, true to life story

Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the back cover: Amanda knows there's a certain family out there that needs the gospel--and she also knows she's the one who's supposed to bring it to them.  I enjoyed this book because of Amanda's struggles and what she learns in the process.  We're all in different stages of the process.

Book Review: How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez (Fiction)

My Rating: I read someone else's review and thought this book might be a good fit for me, but sadly, I was very disappointed.  I did not think it was very well-written, very entertaining, and it was somewhat vulgar.

Appropriate for: Adults
From the back cover: When their father's part in a plot against a cruel dictator forces them to flee the Dominican Republic, the Garcia sisters--Carla, Sandra, Yolanda, and Sofia--come to America.  In America, the Garcia girls try to assimilate into the mainstream.  Through it all, they remain caught between the old world and the new.  Julia Alvarez is also an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, so I wondered if some of this was biographical.  She says that it is fiction.  What I did enjoy about this book was that it started in the present and went backward.  I thought that was an interesting way to write and gave more understanding as time went back.

Book Review: Take Four by Karen Kingsbury (Christian Fiction) - Part 4 of 4

My Rating: Amazing!  Karen is one of my very favorite authors and has never disappointed me yet!

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
Wrapping up the "Above the Line" series, Take Four is another fabulous novel about how everyone has an opportunity to change their life.  I enjoyed this book because of the amazing people in the story.  I feel like they are part of my family because I have come to know them so well.  If you have never read a book by Karen Kingsbury, I highly recommend doing so!

Book Review: Spires of Stone by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction) - Part 3 of 4

My Rating: A little slower than House on the Hill and At the Journey's End...or maybe I was just way more tired.  Also, this book did not have the same characters as the previous two...I was expecting more connections.  All in all, still a very good book.
Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: When Ben and his two brothers come home after more than two years of serving a mission to the Eastern states, Bethany's feelings of heartache and anger also return--fiercer than ever.  And so do Ben's feelings for her.  What follows is a charming historical romance complete with wonderful characters and witty dialogue that explores the redemption and power of finding--and rediscovering--true love.  I enjoyed this book because it had a more complex plot and I felt like I came to know the characters.

Book Review: At the Water's Edge by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: A heart-warming, not-so-predictable novel.

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: At the Water's Edge is the story of a young woman who desperately wants to put her past behind her, and through the power of prayer finds the strength to move forward.  I enjoyed this book because of the emotions involved.  It was very compelling to read and I couldn't put it down.  Annette Lyon is one of my new favorite authors!

Book Review: Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes (Fiction) - Part 2 of 2

My Rating: This book will exercise power over you.  You will be unable to put it down!

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
Autumn can "see" images that are imprinted on objects.  Her desire to help others leads her to risk her own life in order to find a couple of missing people.  Author Rachel Ann Nunes calls this genre, "Paranormal."  It isn't sci-fi or weird, in fact while reading it seems like something that could really happen.  I enjoyed this book because I couldn't put it down.

Book Review: At the Journey's End by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction) - Part 2 of 4

My Rating: A fabulous next in the series
Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
The saga continues with Abe and we get to find out what happens with him.  Again, history, love, faith, struggle, and a temple are intertwined to provide a compelling story.  I enjoyed this book because of all of the above and am anxiously awaiting the next volume in the saga, Spires of Stone.

Book Review: House on the Hill by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction) - Part 1 of 4

My Rating: If you pick it up, you won't put it down
Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
A great mix of history, faith, romance, struggle, and temple-building, this book draws readers in and invites them to live the life of a pioneer young woman trying to find her way.  I enjoyed this book because of all of these elements carefully presented in a very well-written manner.

Book Review: Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: Great read!  Suspenseful roller-coaster ride.

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: Having just finished a tour of duty in Iraq, Dr. Tyler Winthrop is ready to join his father, Craig, for a little downtime in Paris.  But when Craig disappears, Tyler is yanked back into the brutal realm of danger and the unknown, and his fate quickly becomes entwined with French counterintelligence agent Isabella Floret as he looks for his missing father.  I enjoyed this book because of the thorough character development and the interesting twists and turns it takes.

Book Review: The Walk by Richard Paul Evans (Fiction)

My Rating: Thought-provoking and well-written

Appropriate for:  Young adults, Adults
I am in love with the way this man writes!  I love that his books are deep, yet I am able to read them in a day or two.  I love that they make you laugh and cry all on the same page.  I love that he adds the touch of his character's journaling.  I highly recommend this book!

Book Review: Between the Lines by Erin Klingler (LDS fiction)

My Rating: Excellent!  A must-read!

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
I'm not even sure how to sufficiently describe this book.  It's about two journalists who meet each other while trying to crack a case that ends up being huge.  I enjoyed this book because it kept my heart racing wondering what would happen next with adventure around every corner.

Book Review: Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon (LDS fiction)

Rating: Good, worth reading

Appropriate for: Adults
From the back cover: When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their own.  I enjoyed this book because of its compelling plot, unique characterization, and emotional impact.

Book Review: Devil's Food Cake by Josi S. Kilpack (Fiction) - Part 3 of 3

Rating: Very good read

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: With her son, Shawn, at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of characters Sadie Hoffmiller is once again on the case.  It is written by an LDS author, but not LDS themed.  I enjoyed this book because it kept me up all night reading.  I just couldn't get enough, especially after Lemon Tart and English Trifle...and I can't wait to try some of the recipes!