What I Have Been Reading

While I was off line coping with life, I managed to keep up with my reading.  Here are a few of the books I read in July.
First, Tru Stories, the book you asked me about is The Happiness Journal.  As soon as you mail your completed course work, I will give you the book.
I read three books by Nancy Thayer.  I gave them all 4's.  I think I have not read a super great book in awhile and I am giving 4's away too easily.  The three books I read were, Moon Shell Beach, Summer House, and Beachcombers.  These are quick, relaxing books to read.  No thinking involved. 
I also read, Smokin Seventeen by Janet Evanovich.  I used to be madly in love with these books.  Now the stories are same old, same old.  I still enjoy reading them.  I just know where they are going.
I read a book by Anita Shreve called Sea Glass.  I rated this a 4 too.  It was an interesting story.  Set during the times of the depression.  Times when factory workers were trying to get unions.  It was a unique story.  I read a very predictable story by Debbie McComber called Turn in The Road.  I gave it a rating of a 3.  It was a story of 3 generations of women making a trip across the country.  All of them dealing with past relationships and how they work into their futures.  Nice story.
One of the deep stories I read was, A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard.  I watched her interview on Primetime.  I had to buy the book if for no other reason than to put my money towards her future.  It was a much better book than I expected.  I liked the way it was written.  She would write a memory of something that happened when she was kidnapped, then she would write her reflection of that time now.  It is difficult to read about child abuse and a stolen life.  It is uplifting to read how Jaycee has overcome such a terrible tragedy in her life.  It is a story that will make you want to hug your children and lock your doors.  How can so many creeps live in the same world as someone that shines like Jaycee.  So tragic.
I also read a true story called, 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper.  Great story.  Don Piper is in a terrible car accident and is declared dead.  Don goes to heaven.  They check Don's vital signs 3 times and he shows no sign of life for 45 minutes.  A pastor comes along and prays over him and Don comes back to life.  This story was so good.  Interesting that Don was angry he came back to life.  He wanted to stay in Heaven.  Don was hurt so bad in the accident.  He had so many surgeries and years of rehabilitation.  Very good story of Don searching for his reason for being back on Earth.
My Page Turner friend, Kirby, sent me off on my mini vacation with a book to read.  It was Summer Island by Kristin Hannah.  Nice story about a family torn apart by their mother walking out on them.  They are brought back together when their mother is in a bad accident.  The family goes back to their family home to work on their differences.  Old friends are reunited.  The real reason their mother left comes to light.  Nice beach read.  I did not read it on a beach, but still it is a beach read.  Thanks Kirby.
My time away from blogging was used wisely.  Thanks to those of you that lied and told me you missed my blog.  I will try to put something out here once in awhile.  One more day until I go back to work.  That gives me time to finish at least one more book.