.:Book Club:.

logo

2011-01-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

layout 3

2011-01-07T23:13:00.001-08:00

layout 2

2011-01-07T23:11:00.000-08:00

layout

2011-01-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Sundays at Tiffany's

2009-07-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

I ventured out from my normal James Patterson books and dove into this book.

What if your imaginary friend from childhood was your one true love?

This is a love story. And a fantastic one, at that. It's not a large book, and is a quick read. But it's really a great story when you get down to it. I would love to see it made into a TV movie.....I don't think it's long enough to be an actual full version film.

But it was a nice change from my normal genres and I do recommend it for those who want a quick read and a great story.

Book Review: Cemetery Dance

2009-06-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

I was expecting soooo much more out of this book, and found myself quite disappointed. These two authors usually produced page-turners like no other. And their last book was sort of a dud to me, so I was expecting this one to be their normal thriller. It was not. The last 50 pages were great, but everything leading up to it? Not worth it. I am used to much better from these two authors.....they better pick it up in the next book or they may lose a reader.

Official sypnosis for book:

William Smithback, a New York Times reporter, and his wife Nora Kelly, a Museum of Natural History archaeologist, are brutally attacked in their apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Eyewitnesses claim, and the security camera confirms, that the assailant was their strange, sinister neighbor-a man who, by all reports, was already dead and buried weeks earlier. While Captain Laura Hayward leads the official investigation, Pendergast and Lieutenant Vincent D'Agosta undertake their own private-and decidedly unorthodox-quest for the truth. Their serpentine journey takes them to an enclave of Manhattan they never imagined could exist: a secretive, reclusive cult of Obeah and vodou which no outsiders have ever survived.

Book Review: Breaking Dawn

2009-04-30T07:17:00.001-07:00

I finished this book a couple weeks ago, and actually forgot to do my review. Shame on me!! Having said that, I LOVED this book. It started off a little wierd and I was definitely a little uneasy with some of the things that were going on (it's so hard to write a review and NOT give away any details!!!). But once you let go and dive into the story (which isn't hard with Edward involved), it really is an amazing last book to the series. There is another intense battle, like in Eclipse, and I won't give anything away as far as deaths (if any) and/or happy endings (if any). But it was an amazing book, and an amazing series. I am so pleased that I was talked into reading these books. I'm sure I will be reading them again and again as each movie comes out.

.:Book Follow-Up, Part II:.

2009-04-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

This book took a while to get to where it needed to go, but can I say, It was FABULOUS!! A definite MUST read!!

.:Book Follow-Up:.

2009-04-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Jenn read this, and so thus, I guess I'll read it too, why not? I need something to read, and this seems to be pretty darn popular right now. I redeemed my Thank You points for this wonderful book. It was on sale from 2500 points to 1700 points, and I had plenty. I just got it yesterday! I'm already on the 3rd chapter [not too bad considering I started it at 1am] and I heart the fact that Bella's birthday is on the 13 of September! That just makes my day! Anyway. So far, So Good. We'll see what I think when I'm done....

Book Review: Eclipse

2009-04-06T09:06:00.001-07:00

This book was amazing. My favorite of the series so far......even though there were times where I was completely frustrated with Bella. And some of the stories told within the book were a little long and drawn out...but I understand the need to tell history. Regardless, this book was just awesome. I was on the edge of my seat the entire last half of the book. And what a cliffhanger at the end....I must find out what happens!!!

Book Review: Twilight

2009-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I read these out of order. No, it didn't change anything. Twilight was great....just like the movie, only sooooo sooooo much more detail. Details that you NEED to know if you are going to watch the movie. However, the book was still fantastic. And even better was reading Midnight Sun, which is Twilight told from Edward's point of view. Which is only available online. And it's fantastic as well. I totally love Edward....he is truly a gentleman and I love reading his thoughts and his fierce protectiveness over Bella.

Book Review: New Moon

2009-03-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

I got sucked (ha ha) into this book by peer pressure. Actually, the entire series. I started out just watching the Twilight movie. I had zero intention of ever watching it because I am devoted to Harry Potter and felt as though this series was trying to copy the same idea.....several books, movies, etc.

I will admit, however, that I was wrong. This series has taken on a life of its own and I'm quite pleased with it. I have heard mixed review of the author's writing style, but I find it just as refreshing as Harry Potter, with a similar amount of detail. And detail is important. Especially if you are going to dive into a series that will become blockbuster movies.

Having said all that, I am thoroughly enjoying the books. New Moon was fantastic. For all the Twilight lovers out there, I highly recommend finding Midnight Sun online and reading it as well. It's Twilight, but told from Edward's point-of-view. And it's not complete, though I have heard the author will finish it up. It was more for character development and I don't think it was actually meant to be a published work.

So, if you can't tell, I do highly recommend these books.

Book Review: Plum Spooky

2009-03-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy Janet Evanovich's books. And Plum Spooky is one of her "between the numbers" books. They still feature all the same characters as the main series, but the adventures are a little different and put the focus on some of the background characters. This book was highly entertaining (as her books usually are). A good read. A funny read. Nothing serious that will bring you down - doesn't require a whole lot of thought, but does inspire a whole lot of laughter. Which was good for me since I was knee-deep in moving.

.:Book Exchange:.

2009-03-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

I would like to start a book exchange, which will allow everyone to have a chance to read something new. The idea behind this is to save on resources. This is how it would work:

For every book exchange that you do, it will be a swap. The person that you're swapping with will provide you a book, and you would also would provide that person a book. When you've completed the book from the swap, you'd then return the book to it's rightful owner, and then you can start the process all over again. There may be minimal costs involved (shipping), but well worth the share. If this is something that you're not quite interested in, you do have the option of purchasing the book by clicking on the book picture, which is linked to the Barnes & Noble website.

Swapping books with your friends is a great way to always have something to read without spending the money on buying a new book. Additionally, like going to the library and checking out a book, you save paper when you read a used book. For the price of mailing a package, you can constantly be supplied with new reading material without ever having to purchase a new book. Of course, there is still the energy involved in transportation, shipping, etc., but in general, this is a very eco-friendly way to read.

Final Book Review: The Lucky One

2009-02-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

The last 1/3 of this book was amazing. Of course, Sparks has to throw in some conflict and mystery right up to the last page, so you are wondering if there is a happily-ever-after. And I won't give it away. But the ending was just how it was supposed to be.

I highly recommend this book - or any book by Sparks for that matter. They are genuine stories, with deep characters and I always hate to reach the end of the story.

Book Review: The Lucky One

2009-02-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

I don't think it's any secret that I LOVE Nicholas Sparks and his books. I love his writing. He knows how to tell a story and get a person invested in the characters. He takes the time to go into detail; not only about character, but the feelings, descriptions, smells, thoughts, etc.

So, I am halfway through this book and I LOVE it. Surprise? Not much. I love the characters, I love how Sparks develops the story as if these people were your next door neighbors. I am disappointed every time I have to put this book down because I want to keep reading! It's like I KNOW these people and I MUST find out what happens next! That's how you know you are reading a good book.

I'll be back for a final review.

Next Up: The Lucky One, by Nicholas Sparks

2009-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Official synopsis from Sparks' website:

When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead, he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet.

Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is Nicholas Sparks at his best—an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

Book vs Mini series or movies

2009-02-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Vs

If you are the type of person who loves loves loves great characters, awesome magical skills, scary monsters, extremely evil villains and of course true love. You will definitely love this series. Here's the thing though, the creative writers decided to make a mini series. They completely messed up the entire mini series. First, the main hunky character Richard looks like a twinky fag I fucked last week. The book describes Richard as a 6 ft hunky man who can look at you and and make you cum. Kaylan who is also a main character is described in the book as a person with long long hair to represent her authority and so beautiful that it hurts. However, the stupid mini series made her in to a helpless little slut. Just goes to show that books are much better than the movie/mini series.

.:The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work:.

2009-02-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not a religious girl, so I tried to find something that wasn't so religion oriented. A friend of mine watched the movie, Fireproof, and decided to purchase the activity book also. However, it is a religious viewed way to do things. That is fine. Just not for me. So, I'm going to go through this book and see if it is truly scientific and if there is hope for us after all. More on this later. Promise...

Final Review: Cross Country

2009-02-08T19:51:00.001-08:00

I was blown away by this book. Patterson totally redeemed himself to this reader. The second half of the book was an exceptional read! Detective Cross headed off to Africa to chase "The Tiger", who is the leader of the child gangs. Africa was a far cry from America. Cross ventured through Nigeria and Darfur.....witnessing first hand the brutal tragedies that have struck Africa. The horrendous slaughters of entire families continues while Cross is in Africa. And there is quite the confusion as to who is CIA, who is pretending, and what ultimate agenda everyone is supporting. Up until the very last page, the last half of the book was a thrill ride.

Review: Cross Country

2009-02-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

So I am only half way through this book. Not due to boredom, I just can't find the time to read!

This book is definitely better than some of Patterson's recent attempts. This book focuses on a gang of kids (literally) who are killing full families. The gang of kids originates from Africa, which, if you watch Blood Diamond, or documentaries, you know these gangs ARE real. It breaks my heart to see little children taught to kill. No 9 year old child should be walking around, brandishing an assault rifle. Anyway - that's what this book is based on. And Cross has now left America to track the leader of these kid gangs, The Tiger, to his native land of Nigeria. Not a smart move - life in Africa is a far cry from domesticated America.

Up Next: Cross Country

2009-01-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

There's no doubt about it, James Patterson is one of my all-time favorite authors. His Alex Cross series is one of my favorites. He also has a women's murder club series that is equally as good. However, Patterson is deep into the Alex Cross series - and with as quickly as he turns out these books, he's definitely losing some style points. His first novels were gripping thrillers - absolute page turners that I could read in one sitting if allowed. But the last 5 or so novels have been ho-hum, the same thing over and over. I don't know if he's just cranking the books out so fast he can't think of something original....or if he just needs to retire good old Alex Cross. A couple of the Alex Cross books have been made into movies, and for the most part, they follow the books very well. Although, from book #1, I have pictured Denzel Washington playing Alex Cross, not Morgan Freeman. But oh well - I guess this is why I don't cast movies. (wouldn't that be fun?!) So, I have mixed feelings about this book.....I guess we'll find out if Patterson can redeem himself to this faithful reader.

Blasphemy - Final Review

2009-01-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well I finished the book. The end had some great plot twists!! I was sucked in and didn't want anyone to bug me so I could finish. This was a pretty good book - despite my feelings on religion. Definitely worth the read! And I think it would make an excellent movie if done right. I highly recommend this book.

Blasphemy - Review

2009-01-26T07:30:00.001-08:00

So I am about 3/4 done with this book. I have to say, it has both bored me and keep me turning pages at the same time. The basic plot of the book is this supermachine in the middle of the Arizona desert, that is trying to prove the Big Bang Theory. Of course, politics run wild in this book, with people in full support and people also trying to shut down the entire process. Test runs of the machine reveal some glitches.......what appears to be a hacker. However, the hacker isn't exactly who they thought it was.......

Science vs. religion at its best - that's for sure!!

I will post a final review once I finish. So far, I would recommend this book.

.:The Ex-Wife's Survival Guide:.

2009-01-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

I found this steal for $2 at the Boise State Bookstore. I'm always adding to my collection, so why not, right? Well, I gave up David Baldacci (again) so that I can read what all the hooplah was all about. Well, I'm still on the first chapter, so far, so good. I own this book, so if you're interested in reading it, it's available for loan.

Taken from back of book:

Synopsis

Right before Sarah Stagg's teenage sons leave the nest, her husband, Andrew, the star of their local dramatic club, leaves her for his twentysomething leading lady, Hyacinth. Sarah, a freelance artist, quickly discovers that the path of a discarded wife is strewn with hazards and humiliations. Her neighbors and friends treat her like she has the plague. And her soon-to-be-ex wants to sell the house she's spent years turning into her dream home.

Her best friend Miriam offers one concrete piece of advice: Sarah should keep busy—and with Andrew and Hyacinth on a sabbatical from their acting group, what better distraction than the theater? To Sarah's horror, she is promptly given the starring role intended for Hyacinth. She wonders if she should write a survival guide for ex-wives. Her first chapter could be titled "How to Invite Utter Humiliation to Your Life in Front of an Entire Town and Watch Your Heartbreak Magically Melt Away." Then Sarah runs into the biggest crush of her youth. Now Sarah has more—better—advice to add to the list: Confront your past. Revel in the present. Be open to romance. But despite her new love interest, Sarah wonders if she's actually dealing or just having fun dreaming up sage words for women scorned. Will she ever truly understand what it means to live wisely and independently?

Blasphemy by Dougles Preston

2009-01-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to read this book!

Douglas Preston is one of my favorite authors and this book is a story of science v. religion. Should make for an excellent read!!

Book synopsis from Preston's website:

The world's biggest supercollider, locked in an Arizona mountain, was built to reveal the secrets of the very moment of creation: the Big Bang itself.
The Torus is the most expensive machine ever created by humankind, run by the world’s most powerful supercomputer. It is the brainchild of Nobel Laureate Gregory North Hazelius. Will the Torus divulge the mysteries of the creation of the universe? Or will it, as some predict, suck the earth into a mini black hole? Or is the Torus a Satanic attempt, as a powerful televangelist decries, to challenge God Almighty on the very throne of Heaven?
Twelve scientists under the leadership of Hazelius are sent to the remote mountain to turn it on, and what they discover must be hidden from the world at all costs. Wyman Ford, ex-monk and CIA operative, is tapped to wrest their secret, a secret that will either destroy the world…or save it.

.:Last Man Standing:.

2008-12-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

After reading the last book, it kind of got me up and rearing to go with a new suspense novel. So, I've decided to suck it up and read the book that I bought by David Baldacci. I'll keep you updated with how that endeavor goes.

Final Review: Goodnight Nobody

2008-12-29T01:24:00.000-08:00

This book was hard to put down. If I had the time to sit for 2 days to read it from front to back, I would have done it! There was suspense, mystery, comedy, etc. There was just about everything, almost including the kitchen sink. This book is available for loan, so if anyone would like to borrow it, by all means, let me know.

Kate Klein comes across a murder in her home town of Upchurch. She decides to put her journalism skills to work and hunt down the killer, even causing herself to be caught up with her past. Well, try doing it all with 3 kids, play dates, music lessons, nursery school, and more, all on a time limit of 3 days a week! There are plenty of twists and turns, and up and downs. You can't figure out who's coming and who's going, but it keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Final Synopsis: The Choice

2008-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

I reached the middle of this book and could not put it down after that. What an amazing story! Nicholas Sparks sure knows how to tell a good tear jerker! I cried through the last half of this book - sad and happy tears. It sure made me think about what I want for my family. This book was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Book Synopsis: The Choice

2008-12-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. I love his books. They are always full of details and the stories are amazing.

This book doesn't seem to vary much from his usual books. It's about two neighbors, a single guy, and a gal who is involved, who start off on rocky terms, but eventually form a friendship. They share a love of animals and helping (he's a vet, she's a physician assistant). They are both drawn to each other - though she faces the inner battle of staying loyal and faithful to her boyfriend of many years, who lives in another town.

So far, I am pleased with the book. It's sure to be a quick read.

.:Goodnight Nobody:.

2008-12-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

Synopsis

Taken from back of book:

For Kate Klein, a semi-accidental mother of three, suburbia's been full of unpleasant surprises. Her once-loving husband is hardly ever home. The super-mommies on the playground routinely snub her. Her days are spent carpooling and enduring endless games of Candy Land, and at night, most of her orgasms are of the do-it-yourself variety. When a fellow mother is murdered, Kate finds that the unsolved mystery is one of the most interesting things to happen in Upchurch since her neighbors broke ground for a guesthouse and cracked their septic tank. Even though Kate's husband and the police chief warn her that crime-fighting's a job best left to professionals, she can't let it go. So Kate launches an unofficial investigation -- from 8:45 to 11:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, when her kids are in nursery school -- with the help of her hilarious best friend, carpet heiress Janie Segal, and Evan McKenna, a former flame she thought she'd left behind in New York City. As the search for the killer progresses, Kate is drawn deeper into the murdered woman's double life. She discovers the secrets and lies behind Upchurch's placid picket-fence facade -- and the choices and compromises all modern women make as they navigate between independence and obligation, small towns and big cities, being a mother and having a life of one's own. Engrossing, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny, Goodnight Nobody is another unputdownable, timely tale; an insightful mystery with a great hear.

Four and Twenty Blackbirds: Final Synopsis

2008-12-17T23:39:00.000-08:00

What Eden Moore digs up in the roots of her diseased family tree takes her across the South, from the ruins of the Pine Breeze sanitarium in Tennessee to a corpse-filled swamp in Florida, and back in time to the Civil War, when the taint in her family bloodline sets in motion events building only now to a supernatural crescendo. Priest adds little new to the gothic canon, but makes neo-goth chick Eden spunky enough to deal with a variety of cliche menaces a scheming family matriarch, a brooding Poe-esque mansion and a genealogy greatly confused with inbreeding that would have sent the genre's traditional wilting violets into hysterics. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information

Four and Twenty Blackbirds

2008-12-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

This is one of the books I came across at the Library last Thursday. This book kind of reminds me of a movie based out in the swamps of Georgia, where there's a family with a really long lineage, with a dark nasty secret. Well, this is one of those kind of stories. Just when you're on track with what's going on, something else pops up. I'm only halfway done with this book, and I just started it Friday night, so, I'll be sure to give a final update when I'm done. Should be by tomorrow.

Synopsis

A stunning debut novel from a rising master of supernatural horror and the Southern Gothic.

.:New Books:.

2008-12-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

I know, I can't seem to commit myself to just one book. Well, my problem is I want to find THE book that will just leave me swept away. So, I'm doing a little searching around, spent about an hour at the library this afternoon just before hitting traffic to get to work. So, when I find it, I'll be sure to give an update of what it is...

Waiting.....

2008-12-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have not stopped reading. I am just waiting on several books that are on hold at the library. Sure wish they would hurry up!! I need some good reading material! Should be any day now.....then the book reviews shall resume. :)

.:The Quest:.

2008-11-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

Jenn had the guts to finish the previous book, so I decided to move on to my next one.

Synopsis

A stunning, heart-pounding new addition to Wilbur Smith's blockbuster novels of Ancient Egypt.

Publishers Weekly

Fans of bestseller Smith's ancient Egyptian series will welcome the fourth book in the saga, which picks up where Warlock(2001) left off. The powerful magus Taita and his loyal ally, Col. Meren Cambyses, have returned to Egypt after a journey of many years only to find the country beset by a series of plagues that include giant flesh-eating toads and river water turned to blood. Pharaoh Nefer Seti asks the pair to find—and eliminate—the source of his country's torment, a mission that sends Taita and Meren on a perilous quest in which they must contend with fierce creatures both natural and supernatural. Once again Smith deftly blends history, fantasy and mythology, but newcomers should be prepared for grisly deaths and mutilations. 225,000 printing.(May)

Under the Banner of Heaven: Final Synopsis

2008-11-21T12:03:00.001-08:00

I was finally able to finish this book. It took me much longer than it usually takes me to read a book simply because the subject matter had a way of making me slam the book shut in disgust, anger, and frustration. But I have now finished the book and would like to offer my thoughts on the final half of this book.

And I would like to state, for the record, that I didn't read this book with the intention of slamming the LDS and FLDS folk. Truth be told, people who were or are in the LDS religion are very close in my life. My father was raised LDS, as was my husband. I am related to countless LDS members here in Idaho, Utah, Missouri, and who knows how many other states. My husband has members of his family who are still LDS members. I have a good understanding of this religion based on what has been shared with me throughout my life - so I would like to think that my opinions are fair. And they are MY opinions. And this is my blog. If you don't like it, don't read it.

Polygamy is the next subject tackled in the book. Joseph Smith committed to the D&C that polygamy (plural marriage to those who want to sugar coat it) was the new up and coming trend in the Mormon religion. However, trickles of the concept were not well-received, much to Smith's shock. He thought the idea would go over well with his followers. A select few were in full support of the idea. But the majority of people were repulsed. So the issue was swept under the rug - or so the general population thought. Smith secretly practiced plural marriage, much to his original wife's dismay, and a few select followers also partook in the trend. It seems, later on in the book, that Smith was conspiring with another follower to make up revelations, wherein god was speaking directly to Smith's wife, telling her that plural marriage was ok. At that point, even though I already felt that all of these "revelations" were just made up, it was a done deal for me. And Smith's wife didn't buy a word of it either.

Plural marriage continued on in the religion - long after Smith's death. Another LDS leader, Brigham Young, was also a supporter of plural marriage - justifying it by saying it was actually an antidote to immorality, because men with a multitude of wives wouldn't be tempted to engage in adulterous liaisons or visit prostitutes.

Um - how about just keep it in your pants and have some self control?!?

But whatever - they lied through their teeth in order to seek justification. And lying was something they were/are clearly proud of. "Lying for the Lord" as they call it. Young himself even bragged "We have the greatest and smoothest liars in the world." Gee, what a nice trait to brag about.

It seems throughout the entire history, to date, that the Mormons are somehow trying to take over the country, and the world. In 1857, the Saints announced that they would ignore any and all federal statutes they determined to be unjust and would expel from their midst any federal officers who didn't meet the rigorous moral standards of the Mormon Church. So now they feel they are above the law of the United States, as they were back then.

The book jumps to modern days - 1996 to be exact - and a devout FLDS follower named Kenyon Blackmore, who dragged his many young wives and children all over Central America, and claimed to be the last prophet before the return of Jesus. The author was able to interview the eldest of Kenyon's daughters, Evangeline, who was forced to marry Kenyon (yes, her FATHER) at the age of 12, at which time, he began raping her. The age of twelve, according to Kenyon, was the age when Mary was impregnated with Jesus. Kenyon was attempting to carry on this "tradition" with his own daughter. When Evangeline tried to fight off her father, he told her that she would forever be damned to hell for not being submissive. Evangeline's father finally succeeded in getting her pregnant after almost a year of trying. Evangeline lost the baby, however, and was cast out by her father into the wild.

The book later turns back to the story of the Lafferty brothers, who were the men who killed their own sister-in-law and baby niece by brutally stabbing then with a ten inch boning knife. All under guidance from god, who revealed to them that the woman and her child must be eliminated. God told them. They better do it. Because god commands that people be slaughtered, right? Who knows - I stay out of religion. The Lafferty brothers were eventually caught after trying to stay on the run. When they were finally caught and had guns held to their head, they laughed and smiled and said "it was kind of fun." They had received revelations from god instructing them to go on this killing spree to rid the world of evil people. This is what FLDS people believe.

Later, we jump back to modern day Colorado City. To a little girl who wants to show the author what she has come up with for her life. The little girl pulls out a child's version of blueprints for her future house. The house is sort of like a small community - with a common area for all the children, a master bedroom for the husband, and individual rooms for each wife. A CHILD thought of this. It makes me sick to think that the FLDS people are brainwashing their children to believe that this is ok. That taking multiple wives is ok. Marrying family members - whether it's nieces, step-daughters, daughters, sisters - is OK to them. And forcing them to have sex at the age of 12 or 14 is ok. Making them mothers at that age is ok. And you know what, they DO think it's ok. Those little girls think it's ok because that is what their own mothers have TAUGHT them. They are taught to be submissive and obedient to their husbands. They are taught that their sole purpose on this earth is to pop out as many kids as physically possible, and then teach those kids the same beliefs that were pounded into their brains.

The author then interviews several people that were raised in the FLDS religion, but who have decided to leave because they "saw the light". They challenged what has been taught. And they admit that the leaders, when asked about the contradictions between what the religion taught and scientific truth, advised that "the way to handle that was to just avoid asking certain kinds of questions." They were to just believe whatever was told to them by the leaders and never ask questions. Never think for themselves. They were trained to ignore contradictions. One former member said "it staggers me to look back on the things I used to believe. For example, ever since I was a child, we were taught that negroes were terrible, that they weren't even human." And since negroes weren't allowed to live in their towns or be members of their church, they never learned any different until they left the religion.

"It's amazing how gullible people are. But you have to remember what a huge comfort the religion is. It providers all the answers. It makes life simple. Nothing makes you feel better than doing what the prophet commands you to do. ... You can refuse to pay the guy, or even kill somebody, or whatever, and feel completely good about it" Because the prophet tells them it's ok. "And that's a real big part of what holds this religion together: it's not having to make those critical decisions that many of us have to make, and be responsible for your decisions."

"If you want to know the truth, I think people within the religion - people who live here in Colorado City - are probably happier, on a whole, than people on the outside. But some things in life are more important than being happy.

Like being free to think for yourself."

Under the Banner of Heaven: UPDATE

2008-11-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, well, it's taking me a lot longer to read this book. I never thought reading a book would be so hard to do. I usually finish a book in as little as 2 days. This book is very disturbing to me and I have to read it in strides. If I read that book from start to finish, I'm sure I'd be ready to explode like a volcano. That really wouldn't be good. So, as soon as I can muster up enough "strength" to read this, I will post more about my opinions and what my views are of this book. It's nice to finally see someone write about it in such thorough detail.

I do know this for sure, I now know why I always shun away door to door religion or anyone that pushes it on me.

My Opinion...

2008-11-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is not meant to disrespect anyone, but this is my opinion and reflection of what I'm reading. I'm only on Chapter 6 and I'm already confused. We've got sisters marrying fathers, then going to their uncles, and end up being their own sister and niece?? Being a step mother's step mother??? Ok, what the heck is going on here? They say that everyone else is Satan's* work and that they're the divine, but who's to say that it isn't the other way around? Who's to say that "Satan" isn't doing this to them? Too many questions and not enough answers. Our freedom of Religion is to believe in what we want to believe in, normally within REASON. There should be no special favors to anyone. So far, I've read that a lot of them got off free and clear because everyone in town belonged to their church, so thus, no where to turn to.

Well, I do know this, Colorado City is not your Spa resort destination if you want to go on vacation.

*Me saying this does not mean that I believe in Satan

Stumped...

2008-11-14T11:53:00.001-08:00

Ok. I have a slight dilemma. I bought those two new books last night and now, I don't have the hankering to read them. I'm not sure if I should go exchange them or deal with it. Just maybe, I made a rash decision due to being pushed out their doors so they could close up. I'm pondering the thought, but is it worth it?? Well, I'll visit the library today and see if anything jumps out at me. If you happen to have any suggestions on what I should pick up, by all means, please let me know!

Last Man Standing

2008-11-13T21:41:00.000-08:00

I've never had an opportunity to read one of David Baldacci's books before, but I saw this show on TruTv where he gave insight on a murder. As I was running out of time at B&N tonight, I got this book along with the other one. Hmmm, I wonder which one I'll read first...

Synopsis

Taken from Back of Book:

Web London roars into a dark alley one night with his FBI Hostage Rescue Team. Seconds later, the team is ambushed and every man is dead--except Web. As the FBI conducts their investigation, the suspicion surrounding Web deepens.

I Married My Mother-In-Law

2008-11-13T21:37:00.001-08:00

As I was rudely being ushered to the checkout line at Barnes and Nobles this evening, I came across this bargain. It looked like something I could possibly relate to, so why the heck not?

Synopsis

Taken from Back of Book:

In the tradition of The Bitch in the House, a provocative anthology of original essays about one of life's most complicated relationships.

In-laws are the family members you inherit when you choose your spouse. They're the unavoidable human baggage attached to the person you love. It's a relationship that can be traumatic, harrowing, maddening, and hilarious-sometimes all at once.

Ilena Silverman brings together seventeen writers who plumb their individual in-law experiences for extraordinary and unexpected wisdom about this uninvited and intense relationship. We hear from a variety of writers, including Michael Chabon, who writes movingly about what he learned from his ex-wife's father; Kathryn Harrison, whose relationship with her father-in-law was more rewarding and less complicated than the one she had with her own father; Martha McPhee, who explores the role that money plays in the in-law dynamic; Susan Straight, who recounts her experience as the first white woman who married into her husband's African-American family; and Ayelet Waldman, who ponders the competition between wives and mothers for the attention of their husbands/sons.

By turns blunt and poignant, horrifying and touching, these essays are small mirrors that reflect some of the myriad aspects of this bewildering and complex relationship. Remarkable for both the quality of its prose and the scope of its emotional insight, I Married My Mother-in-law is an unforgettable anthology about an inescapable family relationship.

Garden Spells Review

2008-11-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

This book was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I finished it in 2 days!!

To sum it up, the story is about 2 sisters that lived 2 completely different lives and with a change of events, brought them closer. Friends from their past, men of their future, and living happily ever after were not the first thing these 2 sisters envisioned.

If you like fantasy, light humor, and the possibility of a happy ending, this is the book for you. I won't ruin it (I have a bad tendency to ruin it for others),if you're interested this book is available for loan.

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith - Synopsis, Part II

2008-11-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

I have ventured further into this book. Though I'm not surprised. The first several chapters got me right off the bat and my curiosity got the best of me.

The next hundred or so pages of this book deal with some history to the LDS religion - dating back to the founder, Joseph Smith. The author gives a brief history of how Smith was contacted by an angel, and directed to a location where some gold tablets were buried. Smith unearthed the gold tablets, which were written upon in a different language. Smith was provided with some glasses, which enabled the reader to translate the ancient text. Somehow, the translations were lost and Smith had to come up with a new way to write The Book of Mormon. Smith's new method to writing The Book of Mormon was to put some magical stones, which Smith dug up himself, into a straw hat, bury his face in the hat, receive revelations, and dictate these revelations to someone who was writing it all down. And from that, we have The Book of Mormon. And I don't mean to offend anyone, because I'm just telling it like it is as I'm reading this book, but it's just comical to me how this book was written. I find it very hard to give credit where credit is due in this case.

The author then goes on to explain the travelings of Smith and his followers - venturing from one place to another, being cast out by other American citizens along the way. The brawls that ensued. The wars. The killings. Smith, at one point, even ran for president!

And of course, the author dives into the state of Utah, and the extreme population of Mormons. The religion is taken very seriously in Utah - regulating when and where alcohol can be sold, what can be open for business on Sundays, etc. The LDS church strictly forbids abortion (and gays, as can be currently seen by the $20+ million pumped into California to stop gay marriage rights) frowns on contraception, and teaches that Mormon couples have a sacred duty to give birth to as many children as they can support.

And then, in 1843, Smith had another divine revelation which was canonized in D&C as Section 132, and nearly shattered the church, brought about Smith's death, and has caused friction in American society ever since: the "new and everlasting covenant" of plural marriage - or polygamy.

I will address that subject in my next synopsis.

Garden Spells

2008-11-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, So I changed my mind. I'm allowed to do that right? Well, I went to B&N tonight and found this book. Sounded interesting, plan on giving it a shot.

Synopsis

Taken from back of book:

In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small, quiet house in an even smaller town, is an apple tree that is rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary people who tend it.…

The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders even in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers. Generations of Waverleys tended this garden. Their history was in the soil. But so were their futures.

A successful caterer, Claire Waverley prepares dishes made with her mystical plants—from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets and the pansies that make children thoughtful, to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor. Meanwhile, her elderly cousin, Evanelle, is known for distributing unexpected gifts whose uses become uncannily clear. They are the last of the Waverleys—except for Claire’s rebellious sister, Sydney, who fled Bascom the moment she could, abandoning Claire, as their own mother had years before.

When Sydney suddenly returns home with a young daughter of her own, Claire’s quiet life is turned upside down—along with the protective boundary she has so carefully constructed around her heart. Together again in the house they grew up in, Sydney takes stock of all she left behind, as Claire struggles to heal the wounds of the past. And soon the sisters realize they mustdeal with their common legacy—if they are ever to feel at home in Bascom—or with each other.

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

2008-11-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

I have started a book that is nowhere near my usual pick of genres. I am usually found with my nose in a good crime drama/suspense. However, this book came highly recommended by two of my co-workers. And since the topic of religion is one that really gets me fired up, I decided to give it a shot.

This book is a true story. It is based on many, many disturbing events that occur within the LDS and F (fundamental) LDS religions. While I am of the opinion that the LDS religion takes its beliefs a tad far, the FLDS followers push it to the extreme - and then some.

I am only 77 pages into this book, but I have already tagged numerous pages to dissect here in my first analysis of this book.

Here are some excerpts from the book that run a chill up my spine.

"I want to tell you that the greatest freedom you can enjoy is in obedience. Perfect obedience produces perfect faith."

Polygamy is illegal in both Utah and Arizona. To avoid prosecution, typically men in Colorado City will legally marry only the first of their wives; subsequent wives, although "spirtually married" to their husband...remain single mothers in the eyes of the state. This has the added benefit of allowing the enormous families...to qualify for welfare and other forms of public assistance. ...their polygamous community receives more than $6 million a year in public funds."

"We're taught that it's the Lord's way of manipulating the system to take care of his chosen people. FLDS call defrauding the government "bleeding the beast" and regard it as a virtuous act."

"According to UEP dogma, wives do not belong to their husbands, nor do children belong to their parents; all are property of the priesthood and may be claimed at any time."

Women thinking for themselves and asking questions are not considered attributes to the community.

Only prophets may receive reveltations that determine how the faithful are to conduct their lives, right down to the design of the sacred undergarments individuals are supposed to wear at all times.

The primary responsiblity of women in FLDS communities is to serve their husbands, conceive as many babies as possible, and raise those children to become obedient members of the religion.

Sexual education consists of teaching children that the human body is a shameful vessel that should be veiled from the eyes of others at all times.

According to the Law of Chastity, sexual intercourse is officially forbidden even between husband and wife unless the woman is ovulating.

The book goes on and on about the arranged marriages, most often between girls as young as 13, to men twice or three times their age. And at age 13 or 14, the girls begin having babies. They are often subjected to rape by other members of the religion, even members of their own family. And "family" is a term I use loosely, since most daughters are eventually married off to their own fathers, uncles, stepfathers, etc.

The facts in this book disgust me. Because they are real. These communities are real. This brainwashing is real. The horrible things being done to these children and women are real. And for some reason, the government continues, as it has done for decades, to look the other way.

What's the Skivvy?

2008-11-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

Already in the middle of a book? Be sure to post your review!
Would you recommend it? What were your likes? Dislikes?
The list goes on and on...

.:A Warm Welcome:.

2008-11-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome and Thanks for stopping by. The purpose of this blog was to create a place for those who are avid readers and that like to share their views on what they read. Later on a little down the line, titles will be selected for those to read and then later reflect on. I'm truly looking forward to doing this and working with everyone. So, if you're interested, please feel free to leave a comment with your name and email address, and you too can be added as an Author to post whatever you feel about whatever you read. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but it is requested that any comments or posts left are respectful to others.