~THE BOOKSTOP~
Stories of a lifetime
I love books. A three word sentence that says so much....There are wonderful stories out there just waiting to be explored. Movies are ok, but books....aaah, now there is REAL pleasure! Write me and tell me which books YOU love--and why they touched your heart. I'm always looking for something to read!
GIRL, INTERRUPTED (by Susanna Kaysen) is the incredible journey of a woman in the 19602 who spends nearly 2 years in a mental institution suffering from depression. The story would seem bleak, but it isn't. Her writing is poetic and descriptive. She includes actual reports and documents from her medical record during her hospitalization. The story makes us question what "crazy" really means.
TIMELINE (by Michael Crichton) is yet another winner from Crichton. I read his book about dinosaurs (Jurassic Park) and actually began thinking "what if" concerning his DNA hypothesis. The movie was rotten, but the book was incredible. And TIMELINE is another excellent journey into the workings of quantum physics and 14th century feudal France. It sounds bizarre and maybe it is, but the man can tell a story!
TRULY GRIM TALES (by Priscilla Galloway) is a remarkable re-telling of some favorite fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.
TARA ROAD (by Maeve Binchy) is a book that Oprah and I finally agree on! The story has so many subplots and subtle nuances....and is set both in Ireland and America. Two troubled women come to terms with death and divorce and learn that they do have inner strength.
THE GIFT OF FEAR (by Gavin De Becker) is a MUST READ. It contains practical information and insights on how to prevent becoming a victim. The principles are understandable and the examples are informative. I cannot say enough about this book. Read it! Write notes in it. Prevent you, or your family, from becoming a target.
THE HANDMAID'S TALE (by Margaret Atwood) is a futuristic tale about a society in which women are identified by their childbearing roles. It is a great story with an interesting concept.
THE CHRISTMAS WISH (by Richard Siddoway) is one of the best stories I have ever read. The tale is about a grandson who, acting on his grandmother's wishes, searches for a name in his recently deceased grandfather's journal. Along the way, he learns many lessons about his grandfather's integrity and noble character.
HIND'S FEET IN HIGH PLACES (by Hannah Hurnard) is the story of a deer called Much Afraid. She wants to go to the High Places but is afraid to trust the Good Shepherd...or even herself. The story is an allegory of our relationship to Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd...Take her journey and learn lessons of life. Please note: My email
list is named "High Places" in honor of this very special story.
FIRST LOVE AND FOREVER series (By Anita Stansfield). These books follow the story of a woman and her first love as they navigate the stormy waters of romance. This is one of the few authors I've read who can intertwine realism and romance in a way that provides emotional fulfillment. Her stories are powerful reminders of the resiliancy of spirit in times of suffering.
FEELINGS BURIED ALIVE NEVER DIE (by Karol Truman) is a "how-to" book that helps you identify and change negative feelings. It has changed my life and can change yours. The ideas presented make sense, and there are practical applications as well.
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE (by Stephen R Covey). The title pretty well explains it. This book is another life changer. It guides the reader through the 7 important principles which help improve performance and relationships. While not preachy, there are many valuable spiritual undertones.
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL (by various authors) is a series of books which use anecdotes, quote and thoughts to inspire the reader. I have all the books (except the golf one!) in this series and use them as a resource.
THE PROMISE (by Danielle Steel) is not your typical love story. A woman and man are about to be married and she is disfigured in an accident. She makes a deal with her fiance's mother that she will leave him and never look for him in exchange for plastic surgery. She fully believes he will keep his promise to find her and never let her go. A very sweet story and not the usual fare.
SUNSHINE (by Norma Klein) is the story of a young mother who has cancer. She writes letters to her baby so that she will be remembered. *Tissue alert* This book helped motivate me to write in a journal for my son. And when we have more children, I will create journals for them, too.
THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS (by C S Lewis) really gives the "other side" of spiritual warfare as it details letters from an uncle demon to his nephew. The older demon describes to his nephew HOW to make Christians lukewarm in their fervor for the gospel.
IN HIS STEPS (by Charles Sheldon) is a story about a group of Christians who decide to take a leap of faith and REALLY live as if Jesus were next to them as they make decisions. The important question is "What would Jesus do?" and their answer shows in their behavior.
LITTLE WOMEN (by Louisa May Alcott is the story of four sisters and their relationship to others. I first read this story when I was about 8. I was an only child, and my family life was falling apart. This story helped me feel "part" of another special family. I wanted to be like Jo, strong and resilient.
CHARLIE'S MONUMENT (by Blaine M Yorgason) is the story of a little boy with physical handicaps who learned that the only true handicap is a life without God. This is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read...and reminded me that our struggles can be stepping stones towards a bright future and not just stumbling blocks along the path.
THE WORK AND THE GLORY series (by Gerald Lund) is a nine-part series...and counting...about the early Mormon church. It brings a fictional family (the Steeds) into the real-life story of the founding of the church. If ever you wanted a "eyewitness" account, this is the book for you. There are also chapter notes, to better explain information. This is historical fiction/nonfiction blended at its finest!
A CHILD CALLED "IT" (by Dave Pelzer) is the real life account of a child who survived years of physical abuse by his mother. He eventually went into foster care and wrote a book about his experiences. It is not for the squeamish, but it will make you appreciate your children. This book continued to be in my thoughts long after I had put it down.
INCARNATIONS OF IMMORTALITY (by Piers Anthony) is a seven-part science fiction series about the mythological beings controlling time, death, life, fate & war. Good and evil play supporting roles in this story. Each book is told from its main character's viewpoint, but the plot extends with each book.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (by Jane Austen) tells the story of two sisters. If you saw the movie with Emma Thompson & Kate Winslet, you will love the classic that spawned the film! Elinor, the older sister, is in love with a man who is promised to someone else. Marianne, the younger sister, loves someone who is unworthy of her affection, while an older man gazes at her from afar. It is a beautiful story.
These books are the tip of the iceberg....new books will be added on a monthly basis!
This site updated 24 January 2000