The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

I can't put my finger on why I couldn't get through this book. I typically love Margaret Atwood's writing, but this book just couldn't grab my attention. It was way too fragmented at the beginning. I followed my 50 page rule, and let's just say that it was a relief to close the book and pack it away in my suitcase on page 51. I was traveling, and wanted something I could get into quickly...This did not suffice. I guess I'll save this one for a time when I don't have 50 other books sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.

I love the cover, though.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Even though I realize we are not the first to read this series, we thought we'd add our names to the pile.

The second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire, was way more awesome than the first in my mind. I felt more desperate to finish (didn't think that was possible after Hunger Games) and MUCH more let down to have to wait for the next one.

I love the relationship between Peeta and Katniss. It just makes me SO excited to see how Collins resolves it.

And I loved the way I felt like I was also trying to "solve the arena" in this one.

So, my husband is reading it right now...Therefore, while this is not a review at all, this is going to count as my opinion of Catching Fire. I consider this a MUST READ.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an amazing book and I loved it. It also fulfilled the Youth Fiction category on this.

The Hunger Games is set in the future and in the area that was formerly North America. It is a new nation with an overwhelmingly powerful government, called the Capitol, that oversees 12 districts that the government created. Every year, the Capitol holds the Hunger Games, a gruesome and horrible competition. A girl and a boy between the ages of 12 and 18 is chosen from each of the 12 districts to compete for their district. The competition is a fight to the death and the last one standing wins. Katniss is 16, from District 12, and after her little sister's name is the one chosen, she volunteers to take her sister's place in the competition. She knows it is a death sentence for herself but she knows she has a better chance than her little sister. Katniss knows a lot about survival but she is going up against others from the richer districts that have trained for the event for their entire lives.

I highly recommend this book and I think you should all read it. Megan read it too and I am sure she will sing the praises as well.

Body for Life for Women

I have found some indispensable information in this book for my clients. I would recommend this book if you want to get in shape but don't know exactly where to start. The author, Dr. Peeke, is very educated but down-to-earth in the narration.

She deals with the "mind" element of losing weight, which is usually the greatest obstacle for most women trying to lose weight.

While the "muscle" section is a bit general (for good reason), it is a good jumping-off point. I don't have much use for it since I have a little more in-depth knowledge of that area, but if you're trying to lose weight on your own without a professional (like a trainer or something), this would be a great reference.

The most useful part for my clients has been the "mouth" (food) section. This is where, in my opinion, you have the most control.

I recommend this book...It's a goodie.

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

I love this author's voice. This book is a sequel of sorts to a book I read a couple of years ago, called Love Walked In. For a great and thorough review of this book, see here. (thanks Jac)

Marisa de los Santos paints words. There is no other way to describe it. Everything feels so beautiful. If nothing else, this book is worth the read simply for the language....the metaphors, OH, the metaphors.

So, theme. The story deals with belonging: friendship, romantic and family relationships alike. There were so many twists to the relationships (particularly the Lake/Dev, Cornelia/Piper, and Cornelia/Teo) that my brain was kind of spinning once I picked up on the intertwined story.

The cons: some parts were predictable, and some language - not as bad as Love Walked In if I remember right, but enough to be mildly offensive to some.

I don't want to give anything away, but I very much enjoyed this book. Pick it up. You'll like it.

The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute

Is anyone else ADDICTED to self-help books? Because I sure am. And this was an AWESOME one.

It begins with a story of a dad and mom who have taken their son to a wilderness rehab program. The parents are required to go through a two-day seminar to prepare them to treat their child differently when the child completes the program.

The principles they are taught are what make up the meat of this book. I felt completely inspired to get "out of the box" and always try to see and treat people as people rather than objects.

I loved this book, which I read based on a suggestion by one of our ecclesiastical leaders. He recommended this book in conjunction with Leadership and Self-Deception, also by the Arbinger Institute. I read that one a few years ago with my family. The Anatomy of Peace was a perfect reminder and expander for me. Hopefully someday I'll be a better person after all this reading!