summer reading...

I love to read.. I only wish I had more time to do it. Do you ever wish there were two of you, so that one could sit and read a book all day and the other could play with the kids, make dinner and run errands? I do, everyday.

These are the books that I finished this past month. August was good to me.
A heartbreaking novel of two women in China during the 19th century. It's a story of friendship, regret, compassion, pride and forgiveness. I cried all the way through it and couldn't help but think of my own insecurities and prideful ways. It made me very grateful for my circumstances and the privileges I have being a woman today.. and of course, I am so grateful for my sisters and close friends. Women are amazing, but why do we have to make everything so complicated?

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte..
Hmm. I don't have a lot of good to say about this book, but that's probably because I am not very smart. Honestly, I needed a dictionary next to me at all times while reading it. It's tragic, depressing, and so frustrating, but I did finally finish it. It IS beautifully (and brilliantly) written so I can see why it is one of the classic books of all time, but that doesn't mean I want to read it again. Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre are books I can't wait to pick up again.. this one will probably sit on my bookshelf and collect dust. Anyone want to borrow it after this exciting plug?

I love the parenting section in the library.. and I am usually always in the middle of at least one book like this. Breakthrough Parenting might be in my top three. I don't think that parenting, especially motherhood, should be taking lightly. Isn't it hard raising kids? It is for me anyway. I stress about trying to do what is best for my kids.. and it always helps me to get a little instruction or encouragement from good books. I guess it's like going to therapy for me.. just not as expensive.

And how can I forget about Harry? The truth is, how can I go on without him? For those of you who didn't think I was a fan, you were SO wrong. I read the entire book in 48 hours.. and I kept telling myself to take it slow and easy. Aaron was so mad at me on day #2 (because I'm not a very good mom or wife after opening these books.) I had about 100 pages to go and I kept telling Aaron I would turn off my lamp, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I mean, this was THE END and I didn't care if it was 2 am. I loved it.. absolutely loved it. Can't wait to read it in a few years with our boys. Long live Potter!