Thankful for Books

Day three of being thankful - and I chose BOOKS. So far my order has been: God, Husband, Books. Yes - in that order.

I thank God everyday that I have a voracious appetite for reading. I am always blown away when people tell me they don't read, or have time to read or they only read magazines. I just look at them like they have a third eye.

When I have a little extra money I always purchase a few pieces of jewelry and books. It is my little indulgence.

I love how I can be transported to a another place, another time - and just get involved with the characters.

Do you remember your first "big book?" Mine was the Count of Monte Cristo. It was an abridged version, and I was only 8. I was fascinated with this brave man - and really felt my heart pounding as I read the different scenes. Later I read the book - Ballet Shoes and the Choose Your Own Adventure series.

I always attempted to read the bible cover to cover and I will admit - I have not done so. I have read most of it, and heard the rest in mass - but never actually sat down and tore through it. The Old Testament usually wears me down. lol

When I was about 10, I began really getting into books about other countries - their cultures, etc would fascinate me. I decided then and there I would have to visit each continent at least once. Right now I have set foot on 3 - have a few more to go!

In early high school I began reading silly self help books for fun, and then historical romances. Classics began to intrigue me by 11th grade - and college introduced me to the big boys. Since then, I dive into a new book each week. If I actually had more time - it would probably be two a week.

So on this Saturday - I am most thankful for books.

PS - thanks again for hanging in there with me as I vented in the last post. I was just ticked off about something - got it out - and now it is a distant memory. Don't you just love writing and sleep? It is a miracle fix.

Inspiration

I am such a little book worm. Seriously! I could spend my days curled up on my bed or in my sun room or on the couch just reading. I am sure that my golden years will be spent reading (granted with bigger print!)

As I was cleaning out my bookshelf, I began to look to take note of the books I will NEVER part with. The ones that bring me so much pleasure both intellectually and through my imagination. Some of them place profound thoughts that soothe my soul, others transport me to another time, another place. I feel so blessed to be a book lover.

This morning, as I was wondering through my house, I decided to snap a few pics of a few of my absolute favorite books that happen to be in my collection. Clearly, as far as recommendations go - I RECOMMEND. But as far as something that is close to my heart & mind - and clearly a peek into my personality, the pictures will have to speak that truth for me!

(quality is not the best - it's hard to get those close ups in a dark room without the flash reflecting off of the book cover.) :-)

I actually bought this book in college and was transported to a mysterious, magical, exotic world. I was obsessed with the middle east ever since.

This is another book I bought in college and has been read over and over. It contains short stories, and if you can see some of the author's names (click on it to enlarge) - it is amazing. Since I am a southerner, the stories make me chuckle.

I read, and reread, and just cherish this little book of quotations. I remember going through a lonely time and one of my favorite quotes was - "Books make best friends." Don't they?

This is the oldest book I own. 120 years old. Excellent story and well - a little antique of mine.

She transported me to a different world this summer. I want to go back there.

Whenever I am in between books - I pick up Faulkner's Short Stories. A Rose for Emily - doesn't get more southern gothic.

Talk about amazing!

Two collections that I own that are MY type of romance.

This is probably one of the best books I ever read about spirituality and how to apply it to my life. I am not perfect, nor do I pretend to be. It talks about unlikely people doing amazing things. I like it. I don't feel I have to run out and convert the world or pretend to be something I am not.

This book motivated me to go spend a weekend at a monastery. (Which I did.)

I bought this book back when I was trying to heal those nasty little abnormal cancer forming cells. Got some good stuff in there.

I actually have one. I write in it sometimes. Fun to go back and see what I wrote and what was going on at the time.

This little baby contains the REAL journal. My real thoughts, the ones I would never utter here.

I own several bibles, but whichever one I am reading at the time - this is where I house it. I always loved that verse.

Right now it is the spiritual renewal study bible. Has GREAT, positive footnotes.

One of the best books I ever read about friendship/relationships. Anam Cara translated to Soul Friend. People you know you are connected to.

Fascinating guy!

Another favorite Saint I like to read about.

Yep, got the entire collection of Anne Rice

One of the most important books anyone who speaks english should own. (Now - only if I would apply what it says!)

I bought this.. perhaps in high school. Excellent resource.

Did I ever tell you how i am obsessed with words??

What about you? What are some of your super -cannotlivewithout - books?

Sex Begins in the Kitchen

I have a feeling that got your attention! Actually it is the title of a book I bought years ago, and finally decided to read.

It was written by a fabulous author, Dr. Kevin Leman. I actually read another book of his about Birth Order and behavior.

As always, his books never fail to entertain while they educate. You guys know that I rarely recommend a book unless I am really enjoying it - and this one is a winner. (Why did I not read this years ago?

I actually purchased this book in a Christian Book store. That's right. Don't worry if you are not religious - it is strictly about the importance of emotional intimacy in a marriage. Nothing crazy.

Some of the hot topics he hits on are:

• why taking out the garbage without being asked is foreplay
• the big part birth order plays in marriage
• why it's important to read your mate's mind
• why women ask everyday, "Do you really love me?"
• how to understand your mates "love language" and what to do about it
• what three things a wife can do to make her husband want to please her
• how love is an all-day affair

The actual chapters:
1. Why sex begins (and sometimes ends) in the kitchen
2. The Plight of Marriage
3. Whom did you marry?
4. Making the Pieces Fit
5. One plus one equals one
6. Nothing more than feelings
7. Women are from Pluto and Men are a bit Goofy
8. "Dr, Leman, You're Overdrawn."
9. How to be Good and Angry
10. Games Couples Play
11. Ying-Yangs, Weenies, Tallywackers, and "The Thing."
12. Couples of Promise

Some of the chapters are titled with super silly subject - and that is about how he writes. He takes very serious issues and makes them not so scary. (PS - not only is he a well-known psychologist, but also a prominent speaker and humorist.)

Some little known facts he says people have about marriage are:
- Sex is not the most important need in a husband's life
- Many women naively violate their marriage weekly
- You didn't marry one person, you married at least 4.

Surprised? These are just a few of the intriguing issues he addresses in his book. He goes on to say that sexual intimacy is an expression of the intimacy the couple shares in all areas of their life together.  Basically - he says satisfaction is about how you treat one another. In general. A really nice recipe for a solid relationship.

Good stuff - I recommend it, and I am enjoying it. Especially about how different personality types and birth order in a marriage can dictate how we treat one another and what our expectations may be.

Check it out!

Because sometimes you need an escape!

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan

My life is better because of books and reading. No doubt about it. I have such a deep sadness for people who never, ever bother to read a book. I assure you, I have met many of them. Some are dear friends. Their idea of reading may be picking up a copy of US Weekly or Cosmo.. and THAT breaks my heart.

I always said I do not review books, and I still don't. But I do have a few favorites I do not mind sharing with you.

I have to admit, I read about one new fiction book a week. I wish I had more time to read more, but that is about average. As for Non-fiction, I zoom thru those just scanning for items that interest me.

Yes, there have been times I picked up a book, began to read it - and put it back down. It just was not the right time. But eventually, I always come back for more.

Don't expect my list to be profound - it's not. I read to be entertained. I read to connect to the character. I am not trying to solve the problems or the world, or even increase my vocabulary (though it does happen by chance!)

With out further adieu, my favorite books of ALL time:

1. Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen - my ABSOLUTE favorite book. I have the BIGGEST crush on Mr. Darcy. I can't help it. No, the movie does NOT count. Just pick up the book - you will NOT be disappointed.

2. Memnoch the Devil, Anne Rice - I am a HUGE fan of the Vampire Chronicles, and Memnoch the Devil was one of my favorite in the series.

3. Hill Towns, Anne Rivers Siddons - I love all of her books - but my favorite one is Hill Towns.

4. Turning Angel, Greg Iles - OMG. Just read it. Actually, read ALL of his books.

5. Dante's Inferno - Just so super cool.

6. A Rose For Emily, William Faulkner - hahaha - southern gothic literature at it's finest.

7. Lady Chatterly's Lover, DH Lawrence - Ooh la la scandal.

8. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert - Just the right book at the right time.

9. Memoirs of a Geisha - I was pleasantly surprised at how AWESOME this book was

10. Abundance, Sena Jeter Naslund, A story about Marie Antoinette - LOVE IT

11. Firefly Lane, Kristen Hannah - a beautiful friendship story

12. Keeping Faith, Jody Picoult - trippy and excellent

13. Spiritual Classic - an anthology of the greatest spiritual writers of all time - LOVES it

14. Arabian Nights - *sigh*

15. Are you there God, it's me - Margaret, Judy Blume  - I will never forget this book

16. The Historian, Elizabeth Kostova - Actually, may be my second favorite book of all time

17. City of Masks, a Cree Black Novel, Daniel Hecht - Excellent book (New Orleans)

18. Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

19. The Twilight Series - for mindless entertainment

20. The Illustrated Man, Ray Bradbury - Seriously cooool.

That's my top 20. What about you? What are your favorite reads! Don't try to impress - entertain me!!!