Book #38 - Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

This is a book that my sister asked me to read. She had seen the movie and had heard that of course the book was much better. This was a short story of the two years a young college graduate walked away from everything he knew, and lived on the road. After a lifetime of struggle with his father's expectations and his dreams of being free from the capitalistic world, he simply walked away. There were times as though he seemed to be crazy, and others where the things he did seemed completely logical. But, in the end, he survived 112 days on nothing but the offerings of the land of Alaska. His death was the result of ingesting seeds which were coated in a toxic mold. Any Alaskan would say he was arrogant to think he did not need a topographical map, a compass, a shotgun, and an ax. The neat thing about the story is that he documented this 2 year journey through the Western states via journals and postcards to friends he met along the way. I don't feel it is too far-fetched for a young man to exit college and want to wander to find himself. Tons of students do it today, but more glamorously label it as "backpacking through Europe." After having spent time in the barren landscapes of Utah and Arizona, I can see how he got started on his quest. There were times while I hiked through this area I could see the excitement and challenge of backpacking and living off the land. But, as we would hike just far enough away from civilization, I would feel overwhelming anxiety that no one could find me if I got lost. Unlike the young man in this book, common sense and the understanding that I was ill-prepared to walk off the beaten trail kept me, and most others like me, from simply walking away from the world. Such insight into what I think many twenty-somethings search for once they've accomplished all of the goals they have mapped out from their childhood and are now left with a void to fill.

Book #37 - Total Control by David Baldacci

In case you are wondering, no, I did not read this entire book today. I actually started it last week and couldn't wait to read the new Grisham, so I set this one aside for a few days to read the other. I have had so many people swear by Baldacci. I've had several people tell me he is better than Grisham (to this I say, blasphemy). So, with that being said, I decided to order one of his from Amazon. I wasn't sure if he used recurring characters, so I got the first one written by him. The reviews said it was a "fast-paced thriller." I have to say that it took me almost 300 pages to get hooked in to this book. Then, Baldacci turned up the heat. He really held the cards close, and didn't even give the reader a morsel of information as to what was going on. That was one of the things I didn't like. I felt like he didn't even want to give us a chance of figuring out who did it. Overall, a good book, but way to long.

Book #36 - Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

I can't describe to you the excitement yesterday when I opened the mailbox and Amazon had delivered this book. I was thrilled. Though it was very suspicious that the book was smaller that Grisham's other books, it took a little investigating to discover that this books is written for a middle school aged child. With that being said, it was fantastic. I was captivated, and like reading Harry Potter, I did not feel that this book was boring or dull because it was written at a reading level below what I'm used to. John Grisham has proven once again that he is a dynamic and risky writer. I have always contended that his best books are his non-lawyer books, but now I'm not so sure that he isn't a children's author. This book rivals Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I could envision my 13 year old self devouring a book like this. This is just the type of book that can really get kids interested in reading. I am continually and pleasantly surprised by John Grisham. He is a true artist. Always growing and testing new waters with his talents. I'm sure this book will inspire more than one young man or lady to be lawyers one day.

Book #35 - Finding the Dream by Nora Roberts

This was the final book of the Lovers and Dreamers series, and honestly, I was a little disappointed. As powerful and believable as the first two books were, I felt let down by the ending of the third. Again, a great love story and an inspiring story of a woman trying to find herself after her husband walked out on her. But, I felt like Nora Roberts tried to hard to tie back in the story of "Seraphina" that was laced throughout the books. The three woman grew up intrigued and moved by the tragic death of a woman who in the mid-1800's threw herself off the nearby cliffs because the love of her life died. I liked throughout the stories how this myth brought them close together, but I thought the ending of this book and the way in which they found Seraphina's dowry was over the top. Took a book that was very realistic and made it corny and not believable. It was a very abrupt ending where the characters did a 180 and all was well in the world. Overall, this was a great trilogy, and I'm probably being to nit-picky. I do recommend, and I really enjoyed. Now on to Baldacci.

Book #34 - Holding the Dream by Nora Roberts

It is very interesting to me that Nora Roberts can write three books in a series about three women, and the books be so different. I'm not sure if that makes sense to those of you that have not read the books, but this book was about Kate, the second sister. So interesting just to change the perspective and emphasis of the story. The story line for the other two sisters is still the same, but seeing it through Kate's eyes makes it unique and different in some ways. Again, we are taken through the trials and tribulations of life. We get to fall in love with being strong women, and we get to learn things about ourselves through the characters. Finding happiness in oneself is the key to life..isn't it. If you can find that place where the waters are calm and you glow inside, then you will find true happiness. That is the lesson within this trilogy as well as the secret of life. So many people make a living on selling happiness, but in the end, only the individual can find that place. And, on the flip side, only you can allow someone to take away your happiness. That's what I've learned through these books.

Book #33 - Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge

Like I just told my husband, "If I had 4 thumbs, they would all be up." Not since Bagger Vance have I read a golf book to match. Actually, I don't think any sporting book can match a golf book. Why do I say this? Well, if you have ever played even one round of golf, you know it is the hardest, most frustrating, and yet the most exhilarating and addicting game you can ever play. Golf is just like life. There are ups, there are downs. The worst shots can be followed by the best shots. I really think my brother, when he turns 50 and if he stays physically fit, he should go to Q-School. I think he could be a sleeper and play his way in. He's definitely competitive enough. But until that time, he needs to follow Pop's advice, "No gimmes. No mulligans. No bullshit. Let's play golf." I recommend this book to anyone. It is so uplifting and just makes me want to get a tee time tomorrow! And, we all walk away dreaming of the just ONE perfect round (much less at Pebble Beach).

Book #32 - Daring to Dream by Nora Roberts

This was an extraordinary Amazon.com find. There should be no doubt to my avid readers (reader...just Dad) that I have a weakness for the happily-ever-after love story. There should be no surprise at this point that Nicholas Sparks is my favorite of all time. Anyway, I digress. I found this unbelievable price for "Lovers and Dreamers" the 3 book series of these three incredible women. Daring to Dream is the first in the series, and yes, I'm sure I'll devour the others in turn (although, I am going to read one of James Patterson's next). One of the things I appreciate so much about Nora Roberts is her ability to develop such strong characters, which are always women. We get to know them, cheer for them, and celebrate with them. This book was no different. I found myself struggling with Margo (the main character) as she found her true self. She found a power and strength inside herself and most especially a courage to be the woman inside. She swallowed down the fear and insecurities and took risks that she had never before dreamed of. I highly recommend this book (to any woman). It will fill your soul with happiness and make you proud to be a strong, independent, and yet vulnerable woman.

Book #31 - Blind Side by Catherine Coulter

Don't confuse this one with "The Blind Side" which is now a major motion picture. This is last year's book by Catherine Coulter in her FBI series. I got hooked on this series back in college when my mom's best friend Fran gave me a copy of "The Eleventh Hour." I enjoyed it so much that I caught up on the whole series. This is one of the authors I follow for new books and purchase immediately. When this one came out in paperback, I immediately went to Amazon to order. Just to be sure I hadn't read it, I was reading the synopsis and reviews on Amazon. Interestingly, this book got shredded by the reviewers. As I started the book, I immediately got wrapped into the suspense and action. I thought the reviewer was crazy. However, I have to admit I was very disappointed in the last 50 or so pages. There was tons of buildup but then a very big letdown that the story had no depth. It was kind of like a bad made-for-TV-movie. I stuck with it to the end, and I have to agree with the reviewers, I was disappointed in the level of this work compared to her other books. Almost as though she tried to cram a mediocre book in just because she knew her avid followers would read it anyway. If this is the first book you read by Catherine Coulter, please try another because I did not feel it was telling of her work. On a side note, she does do her homework...it is fact that the Tennessee training center for police officers is in Donelson, TN...just across the street from where I work!

Book #30 - Prime Cut by Diane Mott Davidson

I finally finished the last 50 pages today. I have this unwritten rule when I read: if I'm within 100 pages, I typically finish it before going to bed. I was down to 50 pages on Friday night. So now the logical question is why did it take so long to finish? Well, if you've been watching the news, my home is in a now very wet Nashville, TN, and we have experienced the worst storms followed by flooding in the city's history. I have just finally started to peel myself from the news and activities surrounding the flood. Although our little house on the top of a hill was just fine, the school I teach at had 4 feet of water covering the entire bottom floor. You can imagine the heartache and bedlam of the last few days. But, back to the book. Started really slow and there were too many characters introduced early. But, the mystery finished pretty good. I don't think this was one of her bests, and unless you really like Diane Mott Davidson, I don't recommend it.