Anyone who knows me at all knows that I love to read. Reading is one of my very favorite things to do. I have loved books for as long as I can remember. Since my stroke, my love of books has been transferred to my Kindle. Reading an actual book is difficult for me to do. I have a hard time holding the book, turning pages, and not dropping it all on the floor. a candle. Or, on the other hand, is perfect for me. I can hold it easily in just one hand and use only in my thumb to turn the page. I spend hours reading every day, Averaging at least one book per day, something that has been standard for me for many years. I read quickly and when I get lost in a book, I read even more quickly.
It is not uncommon for people to ask me what it is that I am reading on any given day.
My original Kindle asked me to rate each title as I finished it, and then posted an update to twitter. My new Kindle fire does not and I do not always take the time to post an update when I finish a book, so I thought that today I would do a quick general update on what I have been reading over the past week or so.
I read for entertainment and to escape, so I do not often read books about people whose lives are similar to my own.
I' much prefer to escape into a life unlike my own where I can do things that are out of the realm of my everyday life. I love action/ adventure/ spy thriller kinds of books where I can travel the globe, fast rope from a helicopter, jump out of an airplane, or in live an undercover and dangerous life filled with adrenaline and excitement
In the past few days I have discovered a series of books by Stephen Frey about a black ops group called Red Cell 7. I am on the second book in the series and expect I will read the rest of the series over the weekend.
I have also always enjoyed young adult fiction, making a point to read most of the Newbery Award winners. In the past few weeks I read all of Rick Riordan's Percey Jackson books as well as his Heros' of Olympus series. Again, it's fun to escape and live in a world of Greek mythologie.
Another great young adult series is the I Am Number 4 books by Pittacus Lore.
Years ago I read The Giver and Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. This week I discovered two more books in the series and quicly read them. These are books I plan to recommend to Emma who has suggested I read Scott Westerfeld's The Uglies series--books she was assigned to read for school and thoroughy loved. After reading the first book she told me "Mom, I really like distopian literature." Lois Lowry's The GIve Quartet would definitely fit that catagory.
For now I plan to finish the Red Cell 7 series books before finding something knew (I do have an e-copy of THe Book Theif on hold at the library and am waiting for it to become avaialable.
I am always lookign for great books to read. Have you read anything wonderful lately. If so please tell my about it and comment.
Thank you!
Joanne
P.S. Happy weekend and GO BRONCOS!!!
Let us know what you think of The Uglies. I LOVED the Giver series & adore The Book Thief! Loved this post!
Posted by: Betsy Wolf | January 31, 2014 at 12:25 PM
I was shocked last year to discover and admit that I do not like reading non-fiction books. And, honestly, a little ashamed. I have 8-12 unfinished non-fiction books on my nightstand, ranging in topic from single parenting to devotionals (gulp) to self-help. Another thing to beat myself up about - all these unfinished books! THANK YOU for giving me some titles of fiction that has captured your imagination. I am releasing myself of the expectation that I will finish any of my non-fiction books and plunge unabashedly head long into delicious fiction!!
Posted by: MomPlusKid | January 31, 2014 at 12:44 PM
Hi My Friend!
I was brought up on the theory that "Books can take you anywhere" was something my Mom always told me. I love to read and put myself into the characters. Haven't done Black-Ops yet, not to sure about jumping from helicopters. I did read the book on the Navy Seals, THAT was a great book. We need to start a book club up. That would be fun, but you'd have to s-l-o-w done for us to keep up with you.
I'm glad to see you blogging again a bit more. Did you type this today or use your voice thingy?(I forgot what it, called.)
Have a great weekend.
Much Love & Hugs!
Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | January 31, 2014 at 01:00 PM
I've read Andy Andrews...the Travelers Gift, The Noticer, The Heart Mender and Melanie Shankle's Sparkley Green Earrings. All very good. Enjoy your travels through the pages of each book!
Posted by: Bobbie Lutz | January 31, 2014 at 02:37 PM
Kylie and I just finished the "Divergent" triology. We thought the first two books were excellent (and teen appropriate) and we couldn't put them down, but I would seriously stop at book two and not waste time on book three (Allegient) for numerous reasons. Without giving anything away, I thought the third book seemed rushed and poorly written...it left me with questions and some things didn't seem in line with the other two books. Everybody that I know says the same thing about the 3 books... BUT I still cannot wait for the movie to hit in March! :)
Posted by: Janice | January 31, 2014 at 02:37 PM
I've been doing my rating on Goodreads for a year now and I really like it. You can get the app for your Kindle Fire. Then you can see my reviews and write reviews of your own. :-) I agree with Janice on the divergent books. You would also like the Wool omnibus which I got for a very reasonable price on my Kindle. I still use an old school black and white Kindle for reading. Last night, Thomas laid on the bed next to me and read all of the words that he could recognize on my pages. I can't wait until he can read Narnia and Harry Potter ;)
Posted by: Sarah Canfield | January 31, 2014 at 03:17 PM
I have been enjoying The #1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
Posted by: Alyssa | January 31, 2014 at 03:46 PM
I love the character Mitch Rapp from a series of books written by Vince Flynn. Has some language but he is an undercover CIA.
Posted by: [email protected] | January 31, 2014 at 04:09 PM
If you like spy / detective / mystery / action books, you might like David Baldacci, James Patterson, John Sandford, Michael Connelly, and Clive Cussler. Cussler can be a little long with all the details and some of Patterson's new ones can be short / light on the plot, but my husband and I love the majority of them. Happy reading...and love seeing you back on the blog.
Posted by: Kelly | January 31, 2014 at 05:50 PM
Welll.... Not anything super awesome, but I was going to ask you if you checked out Amazon's free books? They change almost daily (well some seem like they are free quite a bit) but I pick up a lot of books for my kindle that way. Some are sub-par, but some of them have been really, really good!
Posted by: RaD | January 31, 2014 at 06:08 PM
Yes, I signed up for book bub, which offers free and discounted books each day via email!
J.
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | January 31, 2014 at 06:14 PM
I've been reading a series of Dana Stabenow books, The Kate Shugac Mysteries. They are set in very rural Alaska and a fun quick read. Got the series on Kindle, grouped together at a reasonable price. Keep escaping through the written word. The cheapest vacation we can take!
Posted by: Patti | January 31, 2014 at 06:51 PM
I loved Wild by Cheryl Strayed about hiking the Pacific Coast Trail.
Posted by: Kathleen Fisher | January 31, 2014 at 08:40 PM
I enjoyed The Uglies series. I'm a Percy Jackson fan. These are old, but have you read Lloyd Alexander's Prydain series? Wonderful books! My husband and I and our 9 year old all read them recently. You've probably already read The Hunger Games. My mind is in young adults right now ... Cynthia Voigt? She wrote some great stuff. Not very fantasy-oriented, though. More real life. We also really enjoy Terry Pratchett's Guards, Guards series. Funny stuff, different world. Witty commentary on life - sometimes it takes a while to get used to his voice. I will have to check out the Pitacus Lore books you mentioned.
Posted by: Deborah | January 31, 2014 at 08:52 PM
Have you heard of the Christian Heros Then and Now series? They've recently been highly recommended to me.
Posted by: Emily | February 01, 2014 at 05:47 AM
I enjoy reading blogs! So thankful you are posting again. For what it's worth, the typos are hardly noticeable. Looks a lot like my writing :0!
Posted by: Ruthanne | February 01, 2014 at 07:44 AM
Robert Goddard books are fantastic! Very hard to put down. I'm also reading a book called " Embraced by the Light". A wonderful book about Heaven.
I keep you and your family in my prayers to be covered in blessings. Y'all are an inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Linda E | February 01, 2014 at 08:21 AM
I am from Seattle, so we differ in the cheering section! Go Seahawks!
I like true stories, a couple books that took place in Seattle, "Hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet" 1940's when the Japanese were rounded up in Seattle and sent to internment camps during WW II.
"The Boys in the Boat" - Story of 8 University of Washington crew members and their quest for an Olympic gold medal in 1936 in Berlin.
God Bless You,
Linda
Posted by: Linda | February 01, 2014 at 12:28 PM
I don't read a lot of fiction because well, I get lost in it and can't stop. That isn't really conducive to my normal life to read for hours (I wish it was!)....but - we are going on vacation (without kids) in a few weeks and I have plans! I am going to read the Divergent series. I'm also thinking about reading the Percy Jackson books...my kids love them! Any other good beach reading recommendations?
Posted by: Joy Groblebe | February 01, 2014 at 03:42 PM
I love Flynns books too. Was sad to hear he died...
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 01, 2014 at 04:32 PM
If you like action,I am sure you would love anything by the Australian author Matthew Reilly. I will accept blame if you are unable to speak to anyone while you have your head in his books. Perhaps start with his teen fic "hover Car Racer", "Ice Station" is superb too. Once you read "scarecrow" you will be addicted!
http://www.matthewreilly.com
Julie in Australia
Posted by: Julie in Australia | February 01, 2014 at 08:00 PM
I just read "Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell; the story of the SEALS Operation Redwing in Afghanistan. Non fiction, but a great story.
Also, the Dean Koontz "Odd Thomas" series: the hero of the stories is a man with a Christian worldview, although the books are not written for a Christian audience. Mysteries/thriller type.
Posted by: Karen | February 02, 2014 at 01:19 PM
decidedly low brow but actually reasonably well written and fascinating from a historical perspective - Sebastian St Cyr mysteries by c.s. harris. I find them quite the escape from my daily grind. and its a series -- but they are quick. you, my dear, might read two in one day! I also enjoyed where mermaids sing, JK Rowling's mystery. I also recommend Car Hiassen - laugh out loud funny books. enjoy!
Posted by: jb | February 02, 2014 at 06:34 PM
Hi Joanne,
I too love to read and I prefer it over a movie any day.
Right now I am into E.B. Bounds, George Mueller and then on a different note, Wayne Thomas Batson. He has a few good fiction books out but my favourite is 'The Door Within' series.
Blessings hon. :)
Posted by: child of God | February 03, 2014 at 08:13 AM
Hi Joanne-
I love to read too! I am reading one adult book now I can recommend. It is Maeve Binchy's, A Week in Winter and it is very good. And the adolescent book I am reading is called Paperboy by Vince Vawter and it is excellent as well. I loved the Hobbit too. I am going to try a Rex Stout mystery next. Happy reading!
Posted by: Missi | February 03, 2014 at 08:29 AM
The Sisterhood by Helen Bryan
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon
Come to the Edge by Christina Haag
The Midwife’s Confession by Diane Chamberlain
“The Soldier’s Wife” by Margaret Leroy
Jaime Ford.. Hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet
The Winter Sea – Susanna Kearsley
The Forgotten Garden – Kate Morton
The Snow Child -Eowyn Ivey
Silent in the Grave – Deanna Raybourn
Her Royal Spyness – Rhys Bowen (series)
The Spellman Files – Lisa Lutz
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? (Maria Semple)
Anything (Jennie Allen)
Everything by Charles Martin. His latest is ‘Unwritten’.
Me Before You
The End of your Life Book Club
Between Shades of Gray
The Language of Flowers
The Paris Wife
The Invisible Bridge
Gilead
The Last Letter from your Lover
Posted by: Carrie | February 03, 2014 at 10:57 AM
You will love The Book Thief, Joanne! I read it on vacation last summer and it was one of the best books I've read in a long time!
Posted by: Jen | February 03, 2014 at 02:23 PM
Even though it's not fiction, "Unbroken" was amazing, and definitely as riveting as a good fiction adventure.
Laurie R. King's Mary Russell series is fun--She is a detective who ends up marrying Sherlock Holmes. It sounds farfetched and silly, I know, but King somehow makes the storyline plausible.
I assume you've read the Harry Potter series, which captures me every time I reread it, and you've probably read the Hunger Games series. If you haven't, then I'd recommend them.
Happy reading!
Posted by: Sarah | February 03, 2014 at 06:38 PM
Wow! how amazing ALL them books I LOVE reading too ....The Chronicles of Narnia I have read sooooo many times there is always a truth for life to learn x The Shack I read 5 times I love the relationship of the Trinity x I have just read the new Book of Joni x but they are not escaping books x but a good encouraging read x
Bless you Hon on your Adventures x
Love you xx
Posted by: Ruthy :o) | February 04, 2014 at 01:15 AM
Thanks! Miss you!
Love to your family!
J.
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 04, 2014 at 03:29 PM
I'm almost done reading The Book Thief. It's a really good book! Different, but really good!
Posted by: Gayle | February 04, 2014 at 08:23 PM
My daughter and I both just finished The Divergent series. The first movie is coming in the spring as well!
Posted by: Heidi W | February 04, 2014 at 10:01 PM
Started one last night! Will finish today!
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 05, 2014 at 08:12 AM
Hi Joanne,
if you google - Free kindle books,
there are a bunch of websites where you can get free books every day.
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne Dimon | February 05, 2014 at 11:21 AM
On my second Matt Drake book... Liking them a lot! Thanks again!
J.
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 05, 2014 at 04:47 PM
Have you ever read Alan Bradley's Flavia De Luce series? Start with the first and read in order...Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
Posted by: Bobbi | February 06, 2014 at 02:34 PM
I still remember that I first found your blog because of this quotation, "If you would tell me the heart of a man, tell me not what he reads but what he rereads."
~Francois Mauriac
and from there the joy of discovering we were both in Denver, to the first time we got together for tea downtown. Fun memories. Thank you for being such a good friend.
I've been reading oodles this last month myself.
Posted by: Kimberly | February 06, 2014 at 08:48 PM
Do you read classics? If so you may want to try Dumas. I find his books riveting and full of adventure as well as some great moral content without being preachy and awkward (annoying...) like a lot of today's christian lit. The Three Musketeers and the three books that go along with it are very exciting as well as humorous. The Count of Monte Cristo is my all time favorite book. If you like historical novels you should definitely try Quo Vadis. It was written at end of 19th century by a Polish priest/author but is set in the time of Rome/early chuyrch. I think he is an amazing storyteller. It is large in scope, meaty, powerful, full of beautiful descriptions and vibrant dialogue and characters. And yet it is easy to read. One of my favorite books of all time.
Posted by: AlyK | February 07, 2014 at 09:45 AM
Yes! Love Dumas!
Majored in French in college...
J.
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 08, 2014 at 06:25 PM
I really loved L.N. Cronk's books series, Chop, Chop. I found them through Bookbub and they were cheap and I loved hee Christian themes. There are quite a few and easy reads. I loved Vince Flynn too and he was a MN good guy.
Posted by: Christa | February 09, 2014 at 06:28 PM
I have children that are 10, 12 and 14 years old. And I love young adult dystopian fiction. The Divergent triology is what I am currently rereading. Another triology is Legend by Marie Lu. Two more great books I can't remember the author's name, but the books are called Partials and the second book is Fragments. And my daughter, who enjoyed Uglies, really liked the Matched triology.
Happy reading!
Posted by: Beth | February 15, 2014 at 11:36 PM
Thanks!
J.
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 16, 2014 at 01:21 PM
It's so fun to see all sorts of new books recommended! Miss you!
Posted by: Kimberly | February 19, 2014 at 09:42 PM
I've written two Christian novels for kindle that I'd love to have you read, blogger to blogger. Homecoming and Fallout by Diana DePriest.
Posted by: DianaDePriest | February 26, 2014 at 04:44 PM
Will check them out. Thank you!
J.
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Posted by: Joanne Heim | February 27, 2014 at 06:50 AM