The Christmas Shoes

The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere is an inspiring story that can be read during the holidays or any day of the year. The story tells of the family life of two separate families that intersect one Christmas Eve. The stories of a well to do Layton family and the Andrews family from the other side of the tracks shows us that life brings us unexpected happenings that will change our lives forever. Robert Layton is about to lose his family due to his long hours at the office has given his family all the material things of life but not family unity. Nathan Andrews an eight year old boy who is struggling with the fact that his mother is dying and desperately wants to give her a gift before she leaves this earth. Fate brings Robert and Nathan together on Christmas Eve as both are looking for just the right gifts. This chance meeting makes Robert realize that even the smallest things in life are what really matter and he realizes he needs to make some changes in his family life. Nathan is able to give his Mother a wonderful gift of beautiful shoes before she passes away. The Christmas Shoes reminds us all that we should be grateful for all the joys and shared memories that we have in everyday life. It is a story of hope, faith and love. It has been made into a movie as well. A great read.

Mommies behaving badly by Roz Bailey

A quick and entertaining read. Raised on the East Coast, Jack and Ruby Dixon move to Portland Oregon for his job. Ruby wasn't sure she wanted to go until she went to get her car and found that it had been stolen - again! The city suddenly lost its appeal and she was all for moving the family out West. Leaving her in-laws behind was also appealing. Anyone who has moved to a new place will empathize with Ruby as she tries to find new friends while missing her old ones. Her marriage also hits some rough times.
I would rate this book pg - no bad language or sexy scenes. You won't be any smarter after you read this book but you will have been entertained!

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Jacob, now a 90 or 93-year old man (he can't rightly remember) recounts his life in the circus as a vet. He talks about life on the train, stopping and starting unexpectedly, and the elephant they acquire that requires the working men to go without their wages. The politics and attitudes of each of the circus riff-raff Jacob comes into contact with are vividly portrayed on every page. There is drama, a love story, adventure, and danger at every turn.

Water For Elephants is a well-researched fictional piece of work. Gruen has pulled events which actually happened in circuses around the country, especially during the 20s and 30s. The pictures included at the beginning of each chapter help illustrate the story being told, and the chapters that alternate between Jacob's present and past are great opposites. A fascinating read.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

This book is a follow-up to The Kite Runner, the author's first novel. It is the story of two women, whose lives become intertwined in Afghanistan. With life in Afghanistan as the backdrop, this novel shows how the lives of Mariam and Laila, neighbors who become friends and allies, are affected.

I enjoyed the book for the insight it gave me into a current topic. Sometimes it was difficult reading but worth it in the end.

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Dashti is a mucker who has had a hard life. Her father gone, her brothers abandoned her and her mother, shortly before her own mother passed away. Dashti must now learn how to fend for herself. As she heads into town, she sells her possessions to gain employment, and learns how to be a lady's maid.

But on the day she is to enter Lady Saren's service, something awful happens. Lady Saren's father is very displeased at Saren's refusal to marry Lord Khasar, and locks her in a tower for seven years--Dashti along with her. As three of those years pass, Dashti decides no one will save them, and they must do it themselves. With her determination, she is sure they will survive.

This story is based on Maid Maleen, a fairy tale recorded by the Grimm brothers. There are elements of fantasy at play, but the majority of the story is about a girl's determination to overcome circumstances out of her control. The beginning is slow and not well developed, but the rest of the story is worth the beginning.

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Jean, who hates her name, has moved from Iowa to New York to live with her aunt, uncle and 3 cousins. We later find out that she was basically running away from "problems" she was having back home in Iowa...

This story was slow at first, but as I continued listening to it (audio books are wonderful) I found that I couldn't stop until I knew how it ended (a good ending by the way). The story is about a girl finding her true self and accepting it completely. A good listen (or read for those that like paper books).