In My Kindle

This post took me forever to finish. When I started I didn't realize how long it would take me to wade through all the books I've read since January. But it's done. If you're looking for some ideas for summer reading . . . well . . .  read on. If you click on the book it should link back to either the author's website or Amazon where you can purchase the book.

I'm completely stealing this idea from Erin at Blue Eyed Bride and Katie at Marriage Confessions. A while back they both did an "On My Bookshelf" post, and I decided to do a knock off. Last year Patrick bought me a Kindle for my birthday. I read so much and buy so many books that they were (are) literally taking over our house. I'm a book hoarder . . . I can't stand to get rid of books (I do reread quite a bit). So in order to save space, he got me a Kindle. I decided to do a post covering all (at least I think all) of the books I've read since the beginning of the year just in case anyone was looking for some book recommendations. So here goes.

  

I sort of stumbled upon these books looking for archaeological novels. They're part adventure, part archaeological novel. They can be far-fetched, but I still found that they moved quickly and kept my attention. I'll definitely read the next one that comes out.

The Eden Project by John Bolin is an adventure/sci-fi type of novel. Fast paced. Easy to follow. I really enjoyed it. It follows a team of scientist and reality show creators as the trudge through the Amazon Jungle trying to save a tribe of natives that has mysteriously disappeared.

  

I love Terri Blackstock! These are actually the last three books in a series of four, the first being Last Light (which I read last summer). These books follow the story of the struggles of the Branning family as the entire Earth suddenly loses all power and electricity.

One of the only non-fiction books (other than the Bible) that I voluntarily read. All I can say is buy this book . . . read this book. It's awesome!

This is actually one in a whole series of foodie murder mysteries, and they follow Hannah Swensen baker extraordinaire who always seem to stumble upon dead bodies. Cheesy? Yes, incredibly cheesy and not the greatest writing ever. Most of the thirty somethings in these books act and apparently dress like they're sixty somethings (no offense if you're over sixty). But I've read every single one of these books. They're good for an easy treadmill read and they have great recipes which make the cheesiness almost worthwhile.

This book . . . I didn't really like it, but I also didn't really hate it. It was weird and disturbing and definitely not an easy read. It follows the tragic murder of one of the wives of a fundamentalist Mormon and all of the secrets and lies within the groups. The truth is I couldn't put it down but was relieved when it was done. It is very detailed and graphic so be forewarned. I most likely won't read the rest of the books in the series, but I do have to say that overall it was interesting and well written.

Another archaeological thriller. I can't seem to get away from these. This one follows the plight (yes I used the word plight) of anthropologist Simon Dracup after his daughter is kidnapped. I really liked this book. It was well written and fast paced with lots of adventure.

This is actually a novel written for adolescents and teenagers about a Utopian society of the future. I read it so I could see if it was appropriate to give some of my average to higher level readers (it was and is). Everything in this society is for all practical purposes perfect, and emotions go to "the giver" rather than the general population. This short easy read was excellent, but then again Lois Lowry is an excellent author. I plan on reading the rest of the books in the trilogy soon. And if you've never read Lois Lowry's book Number the Stars, I highly recommend it. It's a historical fiction novel, and I couldn't put it down (it would be perfect to read with your 4th, 5th, or 6th grader).

If you're going to read this book, you need to read the short and free prequel, The Keeper. It gives you some background for what is about to happen. This novel is also about a future society which has also suppressed emotions for hundreds (thousands?) of years. This is a very dark, somewhat violent, but incredibly well written novel. If you start it, give it some time (and I do not recommend it for young readers). The second book in the series, The Mortals, is coming out in a few days, and I may have to cheat on my shopping diet and buy it. ;)

This is what I'm currently reading. The Circle Series is a 4 in 1 book and contains the books Black, Red, White, and Green all by Ted Dekker. I'm new to the world of Ted Dekker, and while he is an amazing author (I cannot emphasize this enough), his books are not "easy" reads. They require thought, and are an allegory of sorts to biblical and world history. Dekker employs elements of fantasy to tell the story as he follows the life of Thomas Hunter who is trying to stop destruction and lead parallel lives in two different worlds. The first book Black, started off somewhat slow, and it took me a while to get involved in the story. Because the reviews were so high, I stuck with it. I'm now on Red, and it's turning into another "I can't put it down" novel. 

So there you have it, my Kindle list from the last six months. Maybe someday I'll do a top ten all time favorite books. I'm just not sure it's possible to narrow them down to just ten . . . nevermind, there's no way . . . maybe a top 100 is more fitting.

*  Just so you know, even if you don't have a Kindle you can download an app for free for any computer and for most smartphones and read Kindle books on it. Just click here for more information. 

And no I'm not being paid to advertise for either Amazon or any of these authors. I just happen to love reading!