Checking out picture books from the Public Library

So if you are like me, you enjoy getting new picture books from the library every 3 weeks because it means a new repertoire of books to choose from for the nightly routine. I'm fortunate enough to have only 1 kid with me when I go, so I am able to really take my time and read every single stinkin' spine to find the books that my kid will actually be interested in reading.  I've talked to a lot of my friends with little boys who find it difficult to either spend the time to find those perfect books, or have a hard time finding ones that are worthwhile.  I realized I already have this forum that I can use to share some of the great books I have happened across from the library.  Maybe this will help you find some to check out. You can even put a hold on them and check them out without having to go searching yourself!  So, let me know if this is useful to you at all and what your kiddos thought of the books too.  I can't guarantee I'll post frequently, but we do go to the library about once every 3 weeks, so I should have a new batch to report on! :) Happy Reading!

Girl With a Pearl Earring

I read a book of Tracy Chevalier's last year. See here. I enjoyed that book and so was expecting to enjoy this one as well. She did not disappoint.

The story is another historical fiction set in 17th Century Holland. The inspiration for the story is a Vermeer painting with the same name (see the cover of the book). I had heard of Vermeer because I read a kid's book a while ago called "Chasing Vermeer". I had never heard of him before, even though I took lots of art history classes in college. (At one time I wanted to get a Master's in Art History).

Anyway, Chevalier does a fantastic job of describing Dutch life at this time. In her fantasy world, the girl with a pearl earring is actually one of Vermeer's maid. Obviously there is no historical basis for this, and actually very little is known about Vermeer. Which makes him a perfect artist to write a historical fiction about because we really don't know who his models are and what the stories are behind the paintings.

I was intrigued from the beginning and Chevalier kept me gripped all the way to the climax of the plot. It's definitely not a page turner, but it's such an interesting setting and idea that you can't help but want to find out what happens next. Although I think a lot of the ladies in the book club didn't particularly like the book, it certainly caused a lot of discussion, which really made it endearing.

The Truth Machine

I actually read this book on Rusty's kindle. It's an older book (written in 1996 if I remember right), and so it was only $3 on the kindle. It was fun to read this way, especially considering the type of story this is.

Written by James Halperin, I'm not sure if it's truly a science fiction, but I would classify it as such because it deals with ideas of the future and technology. The author makes some outlandish assumptions and guesses as to how the future will be, but I suppose George Orwell did too when he wrote 1984. The problem with writing futurist books is that eventually the future becomes the present, and then the author is "wrong" about how it will be.

The main character is a super genius who has the idea to create a truth machine. This machine can detect a lie with 100% accuracy. As this machine is adopted into use in the United States, the affects are far-reaching. People can no longer lie in court. Partners can no longer hide infidelity. You get the idea. What would our world be like if everyone HAD to tell the truth? Read and find out what James Halperin thinks!

Anatomy of Peace

I have been reading in the last 2 months, I just never got around to writing about the books.

I'm in 2 book clubs now, but luckily, it hasn't been too hard to keep up.

The first book I read was this one: The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute. I had never heard of it, but apparently this is a companion to "Leadership and Self-Deception". Neither of these titles are books I would typically pick up and read, but I really enjoyed this one.

It is written as a fiction story, but incorporates the philosophy of the Arbinger Institute. Basically, it's a way of looking at the world that allows you to deal with conflict in a more Christ-like way. Don't be mistaken though--it is not a Christian book. I just felt like what they describe were ideas Christ would support!

So, our lives are full of conflict. The book is not about avoiding conflict, but simply how to cope with it in a more healthy way. Ever have arguments with your husband? children? parents? Reading this book will help you look at them (and yourself) in a whole new way. I wish I could say I have fully implemented the ideas in my own life. I'm trying, but a refresher read would be good for me already!

Half Broke Horses

I just finished reading this story today. I really enjoyed it and was sorry (again) that it sat on my bedside table for so long. The author, Jeannette Walls, is the author of "The Glass Castle". My mom told me about The Glass Castle a couple years ago, but something about it has made me not want to read it.

When she brought me this book, I was hesitant. She said, "It's not like The Glass Castle at all. This is about the author's grandmother". So I said I'd give it a try. I liked it so much it has made me want to read The Glass Castle.

Anyway, Lily Casey (and then eventually Smith) is Ms. Wall's grandma. She was born and raised on ranches in Texas and New Mexico. She leaves at a very young age to teach in a one room school house (after going to boarding school herself) in Arizona. That's how the story starts out. I won't bore you with details of the plot.

I'll just tell you why I liked the book.

1) It is organized in short vignettes and sections within the book. This was perfect for me because I was able to read little bits at a time and wasn't feeling like I was missing anything.

2) It's told in 1st person and you really get a sense of who Lily Casey Smith was (at least how her granddaughter remembered and interpreted her). She was quite the character and becomes endearing in her own little way. She's exactly how I picture a woman of the west in the early 20th century to be. I didn't know Rusty's grandma very well, but from what I hear, Lily Smith reminds me of her. I don't know if it's a generational thing or more like a rancher thing, but it's interesting.

3) The book had a "These is my Words" feel to it, but it was clearly more realistic. Not because These is my Words was unrealistic, but because I knew Lily Casey Smith actually existed and much of the story could be verified. I don't know why that was important to me, but it was.

4) It made me wish I had asked my own grandmother questions about herself before she died. I was too young to care or understand how important this would become to me, but I never really knew my grandmothers on either side. I think that's sad, and wish I had cared more.

I highly recommend the book. It's entertaining, fun, light and a quick read.