A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Ok, so the book a month goal was not exactly met this year but the goal did spur  more reading than previous years.  If any time the getting hit be a Taco Truck Card can be pulled I think it is now.  After all, almost dying should constitute for a do over, right?  The last book of the year was finished just in time to make the 2010 deadline (aka the morning of Dec 31st).

This girl is one who loves nature, water, climbing, anything really that encompasses the outdoors.  Well, everything but snakes and mosquitoes. I wouldn’t go as far as calling them an arch nemesis but they rank pretty high.  Anyone who has spent anytime outside with those tiny blood sucking disease spreading vermin would concur! Anyway, knowing how much I enjoy the outdoors a friend of mine gave me this book to encourage my 2010 goal of reading.

The beginning is a bit fuzzing seeing that it was read back in July but the just finished end redeemed the lack of desire to finish the never ending pages.  Bryson has a great sense of humor which brought a refreshing lightness when needed.  Such as describing a moose as a 3 year old drawing of a cow. (I almost laughed out loud!)  He often would go off on tangents though, talking about the history of the trees in the forest and then all breeds of trees. ..  longing to skip ahead during those tangents I pushed on like Bryson and, his senseless companion, Katz.  Over-informing as his tangents were most of them helped set a backdrop(most).  As Bryson recanted his time on the Appalachian Trail I often felt as though I was with them on the trail myself.  Not walking along side them,  maybe 20 yards behind, just far enough never to be detected.  He brought me back outside, if only mentally, while the scorching Texas summer held its inhabitants captive indoors.

The awakening feel of a shower after going without for several days.  The smell of warm, home cooked food after eating noddles and canned meats.  The smell of untainted air which ironically almost takes your breath away.  The aches that come only from pushing beyond what thought possible.  The sense of accomplishment when a destination is reached.  The sounds of running springs and animals busily moving about.  The brisk air on a cool morning.  The night sky unfought by city lights.   The paths free of adds leaving you to your own thoughts.  Bryson reminded me why I have such a love for the outdoors and flooded my mind with unmatchable memories as he rehashed his own.  His banter with Katz (who honestly makes the story and left me a bit lost when not walking with Bryson) reminded me of friends who act before thinking but tend to bring laughs from their stupidity.  Bryson and Katz definitely had their ups and downs on this trail and they may not have made it as far as intended but the journey was not a loss!  The end reminded me of the bit I wrote about there being no such thing as a minor victories for a victory is just that… a VICTORY.

Inspiration was found in these pages (in between the tangents) and now I want to go for a hike.  Thanks for sharing your story with us Bill.

Where is God When it Hurts? Philip Yancy

Yancey’s writing is brilliant and there is no question why he has so many best sellers.  A friend encouraged me to read What’s so Amazing About Grace which just happened to be sold together with Where is God When it Hurts.  Back in March when the book was purchased there was no way of knowing how much it would apply come August.   Throughout my life pain has been no stranger but August this year brought an understanding never known of those so riddled with pain they can not leave a bed.  This energetic independent lady went from active to ICU in the blink on an eye.  The final count was 13 broken bones with other injuries including a collapsed lung.  True, honest, so bad you need drugs or you will pass out type of pain was no longer averted.  Needless to say I have a much greater understanding of pain.  This book was around at just the right time.

Where is God when it Hurts? is the book everyone with a loved one in pain should read! It also comes in pretty handy for those of us dealing with pain.  Yancey brings perspective in a way never before understood.  He shares stories of what real people have been through  and the application of understanding their pain.  This book helped pull  me out of the egocentric hole in which many people find themselves when waking from a near fatal accident.  It is easy getting used to people checking on you constantly with nothing in mind but you.  It is an entirely different story when trying to move past the coddling and function in a world outside a hospital.  Yancey gives amazing examples yet keeps pain in reality.  His book is loaded with spot-on quotes, this one by Joe Bayly was my favorite “Don’t forget in the Darkness what you have learned in the light.“  The way he presents two sides of each story leaves one to see how they want to react to the pain in their own life.  He sugar coats nothing nor does he offer empty quick-fix solutions.  What he does offer is insight, truth and hope.

Thank You Yancey for reminding me that pain comes with life and life is not all about me!  It is how we react to the pain which shows our character.

Define “Normal” by Julie Anne Peters

It’s been a while since my last review, but I have been reading, just a little unmotivated in writing.  Thanks to my current Texas roommate, who can’t help but motivate me, here I am back with more reviews.  Enough about me and on to more things “normal”.  This book was discovered at a thrift store and laughing out loud I quickly placed it in my basket.  As a Psychology major the question “What is normal?” often is heard coming from my lips.  Naturally a book titled Define “Normal” could not be left at the store, so much for not judging a book by its cover.  Having no idea what to expect I found a cozy place and started reading and reading and reading.  Getting up only once to relieve my bladder, the whole book was finished in an afternoon.  Never before have I read a book so fast! It may have been do to the fact it was written for around junior high/high school age or there was absolutely nothing requiring my attention that day.  Whatever the reason, the character development was unexpected and intriguing. Social boundaries and stereo types where shattered as the two main girls developed an unpredicted friendship.  In the midst of family breakdown the most unlikely bond was formed to restore hope.  Living in a society where people tend to tern their head from chaos and hurt, Define “Normal” dares to show how just two people’s actions can create a snowball effect of love and success.

“He’s Just Not That Into You” Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

What do I say about a book that has so many true and valid points but continually condones a behavior that brings so much destruction and pain? Each story retold by Greg brought a feeling of sadness which made me ask “Is this really what women are like?” If the answer is yes, there is much understanding to why Greg is so adamant to have women understand HE IS JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU! It has all been said and needs no repeating but I can’t help scream right along side of Greg, “LADIES, stop allowing yourselves so much unnecessary pain!” Greg does a great job at boosting a women’s self-esteem while telling her she is being a fool. The standards he starts us out with on page 153 are definitely standards every women should put into play today but entirely ignores the fact that not everyone is sleeping around. Sure this book is full of humor and helps bring a bit of light to the fact that YES, men do mean exactly what they are saying. On the other hand it is full of foul language and highly promotes sex before marriage. What I found to be the truest statement of the whole book is found very near the end when Greg says “The only story that has ever helped me, Greg Behrendt, live my life successfully is the story of faith”. I am not sure what Greg has his faith in other than simply believing “life will turn out well”. It will be agreed that faith is the most important factor in any and all relationships.  There are what seem to be a few valid points in this book but for the most part is just another peace of media selling sex.
If you are thinking about reading this book consider picking up “Stinky Cheese Man” instead.

“Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Jim Cymbala

I’ll review this as soon as my eyes go straight again.

"The Shack" by W.M. Paul Young

(Small spoiler alert)
Holy Cow!!! Of all the books I have read about who God is and how much He loves us never, never have I come across anything like “The Shack”. All the hype about this story put me off, but after finally picking it up I couldn’t put it down. The beginning was emotional, to say the least, when Mack lost his little girl. The story then goes on to describe the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit captivating you in such a way you can’t imagine it to be anything less. Young is able to send convictions through your whole body while wrapping you with God’s love all at the same time. He addresses the life long question of why does a good God allow bad things to happen. Still not sure if his take is true, but it makes some sense. After discovering that Mack and the story were not actually real cheated is the word that came to mind, then realized what an amazing job Young did to make his story come alive. If his story tugged at the heart so much and gets one thinking about reality was it really just a story?
I recommend.

http://theshackbook.com/

“Through Painted Deserts” by Donald Miller

January 2010

This book takes you, as a fly on the wall, into a journey of discovering friendships and all the beauty that can be discovered on a road trip. Miller has a way or writing that make one want to put down the book and go do something. He has a contagious can-do-attitude. This book is an easy, fun read and introduces you to the young Donald. If you are going to choose between the two I would reach for “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years”, but don’t get me wrong after reading this book I want to go hike the Grand Canyon. (Also check out “Blue Like Jazz” yes, I love how this guy writes!!)
A fun read.

“Stuff My Dad Never Told Me About Relationships” by Patrick Dodson

“Stuff My Dad Never Told Me About Relationships” by Patrick Dodson
If you have been in a relationship, are in a relationship, or are thinking about ever being in a relationship you will find this book insightful. You may find yourself shifting a few of your paradigms at times and other times trying to figure out how it relates to your current situation. Patrick has this ability to explain issues in a whole new light. This book also contains some great questions you should be asking before you say “I do”.
I was a fan!

“A million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Donald Miller

December 2009

If you are looking for a book to inspire you and show that you are more capable than you think read this!! Donald is a prime example of how the most unlikely person can accomplish big things by simply starting. He takes you on his journey of discovering how to write his own story and inspires his readers to do the same. Experiences are shared of how families where brought back together by being intentional and start asking the right questions. Do you find your life to be an adventure? If not, pick up this book and discover how to start living.

Easily one of my top ten favorites!

2010 Goal

In the last year it has been discovered that this adrenaline seeker is also quite fond of reading. While one can not always bring along a dirt bike, motorcycle, rollerblades, or a slip-and-slide, a book can easily tuck into any bag. So if you find yourself comfortably in your bed at home or on a beach in some foreign land, a book can always be close at hand. Ok so that was really cheesy but lets be honest i’ve said much cheesier things but we digress….back to the matter at hand.

My goal for 2010 is to read at least one book a month and post a short review of each. Why should you care? If you desire to join me in my endeavor the book for each month will be posted here and we can discus along the way if you want to add comments or ask questions.

Or if you would like to make a suggestion on what should be read or even mail me a book

I look forward to our discussions