National Book Lovers Day sounds like a made up holiday if I've ever heard one. But as a major book lover, I'll take it! In honor of the big day, my friend Kayla, a big-time blogger/babble writer, put together a slide show of favorite book character inspired outfits and she asked me to participate! I used Orleanna Price from one of my very favorite books, the Poisonwood Bible, as my inspiration. It was so fun. You can see the whole thing here.
Also, I couldn't let this special day pass without sharing some book reviews, could I? Here are some books I've enjoyed lately:
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats - Julia is on a quest to find her missing father in Burma. What she finds instead is an unbelievable story about a father she realizes she hardly knew. I really liked this one. 4 out of 5 stars.
The Orchardist - I frequently find myself drawn to stories set in the early American west. This one drew me in immediately. It follows a lonely and unassuming orchardist as he navigates love and loss and his relationship with the women who become his family. Heartbreaking and quiet, this novel was a winner. 5 out of 5 stars.
22 Britannia Road - Like stories from the wild west, I am equally drawn to books that take place during WWII. This powerful novel follows a husband and wife and the separate lives they led during the war, the choices they made to survive, and the difficult task of coming back together in peacetime. 4 out of 5 stars.
In Sunlight and in Shadow - I am a big fan of Mark Helprin, and I thought this book was wonderful. It was not a quick read, but there are passages that are stunning, especially the chapters that deal with WWII. His descriptions of New York City are beautiful. 4 out of 5 stars, with some mild language.
The Light Between Oceans - This book follows a stalwart lighthouse keeper and his young bride and the choices they make while living on their remote island off the coast of Australia after WWI. Oh, it is painful! But so beautiful, too. 5 out of 5 stars.
I'm in the middle of May the Road Rise Up to Meet You and I am loving it so far. What are you reading?
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Steph I love this picture of you. It is a keeper. I know it is for a book but that doesn't matter. Right now I am re-reading Diana Galbadon''s books. In the first book she ends up in Iverness, Scotland and Killvarock castle is mentioned. Then she goes to Paris and London. Right now in the 4th book she is in NC at Cape Fear where Heather and Cashel were in a community theater group and then the blue ridge mountains where we went on a trip. So it is fun to read about these places and she has researched and the history is interesting. They are novels but the history is all accurate. Of course I love historical novels.
ReplyDeleteaw, steph! i read the post on babble - you're so sweet. yes totes i would wear that - it's gorgeous. and that book is one of the best ever. so dang good.
ReplyDeleteoh stephanie, how i LOVE this photo of you. it is how i picture you in my mind's eye, graciously and beautifully enduring your arizona heat. i also so appreciate your book reviews -- my amazon cart is packed full of your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThank yo for sharing your book reviews! I am reading "The Book Thief" right now and really like it so far. It takes place during WW II, so you might like it as well.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor by Rosina Harrison. I really liked it - it was an authentic Downton Abbey/Upstairs Downstairs account of Lady Astor.
ReplyDeleteThank "you"
ReplyDeleteI loved the book you are reading now...and you gave me quite a few to add to my list...thank you! Beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteI've recently read Follow the River and attempted to get through Washington:A Life--only made it a third of the way. Up next is Wuthering Heights and hopefully Unbroken.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing what you've read!
Love this! I am currently reading the poison wood bible right now and love it. Yes. You and elliot come over next week so we can discuss.
ReplyDeleteVery cute ensemble. And yes, sandals with dresses is totally a Jooj thing. I loved that book and The Orchardist and The Light Between Oceans. Good stuff! I love summer because I have so much more time to read.
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