On the Bookshelf:

But I started a list on the side bar of my blog.
It's my reading list. I read a lot and I've always thought it would be cool to keep a list of the books I've read... but I've never done it. So this year I started one. I'll keep track.

And I'll give you a bit of a book review so to speak of what they are about. oooh I even just thought maybe I'd add in stars like for how good they are. Are you excited??

I'll sum up all my books so far (i've read 4 so far this year)

1. Enchantment by David Spot
I have loved Audrey Hepburn for a long time. Love all of her movies I have seen. ( my two favorites are Sabrina and Funny Face.) Audrey grew up in a home that was a bit void of love. Her father left when she was still very young and her mother was not the lovey dovey motherly type. She was more of a motivator and encourager, enrolling Audrey in ballet and schools that would make more a life for Audrey. She was caught in the war when Hitler invaded and in fact almost died of starvation until the Unicef came in and saved her, her mom and two brothers. It tells all about her whole life. Some things I learned about her.
• Audrey wanted to have lots of kids and stay home and raise them. She suffered 4 miscarriages, all of which took a considerable toll on her mental and physical health. She did have two boys.
• Audrey was loved by everyone who worked with her. She was never demanding but very kind to everyone who worked on the films no matter their jobs.
• Audrey never thought of herself as beautiful or anything special. When receiving her lifetime award she said something to the effect of always thinking of herself as a plain girl with a rather big nose and small chest with no particular talent.
• Audrey raised more money than anyone for Unicef. She was tireless in her efforts to help the children of the world. And thought that since God wouldn't give her a house full of children, he wanted her to save the ones already here.
The book was a little gossipy about Hollywood but the overall telling of Audrey's life and changes was wonderful! 4 out of 5.


2. My life in France by Julia Child
ooh i loved this book. Julia has way of writing that invites you in. It's like you are old friends talking about her memories. Some things I learned about Julia.
• She was tall (same as me) and had big feet (same size as me 12)
• She and her husband Paul never ended up having any kids although they tried for years.
• Julia moved to France after her and Paul were married since Paul worked for the US governent. He promoted the Us culture to the French. He worked all day and she learned the french language and to cook.
• Julia repeatedly recalled her first meal in Rouen of oysters, sole meunière, and fine wine as a culinary revelation. She described the experience once in The New York Times newspaper as "an opening up of the soul and spirit for me".
• Julia introduced French cuisine and cooking techniques to the American mainstream through her many cookbooks and television programs.
• She was quite funny and could win most people over.
• She and her friends would constantly talk about food and so they called themselves "foodies"
This book made me want to travel to France more than I already did. And I have made 4 french meals since reading it. :) 4 out of 5.


3. Rekindled by Tamera Alexander
I totally picked this book up at the library knowing nothing about it. My dad always used to read westerns (and still does) and I've been known to read a few of his in the past. But this was a love story too. Intriguing! It actually ended up being a christan love story. Which is nice that you don't have to worry about skipping over any nastiness. The main two characters, Kathryn and Larson are ranchers in the Colorado Territory who aren't fairing so well. They have never gotten the baby they so badly wanted, have had to sell more and more of their land since their livestock isn't doing so well. They have a empty marriage. Larson is in an accident while away from home and Kathryn doesn't know what has happened to him. After four months of cold winter she assumes he has died. She realizes how much different she should have treated her husband when he was home. It is a story of finding each other again and seeing what is the best in your spouse. And woven into that is references to the Bible and God's plan for each of us. It's not a typical book I would read, but I ended up quite enjoying it. I'll give it a 3 out of 5.

4. Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser
I just finished this one tonight. Another total random library pick. It is a historical fiction based on letters that were written between members of the Mozart family. Wolfgang Mozart (who I am pretty sure you've all heard of!) had an older sister, Nannerl, who was also an amazing musician. They travel Europe doing concerts for quite a few years. Playing duets and solos. Nannerl did not have the same opportunities as Wolfgang (or Wolfie as she called him) because she was a woman. And women were not allowed to be paid performers.
This book tells, from Nannerl's perspective, about her growing up and life with (and without) Wolfgang. It is an easy read (i read it in 2 days) with lots of references to music and even talks a lot about what Europe was like back in this time period. I'd give it 3 out of 5.


As for my next books.... i've already started
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards and
Away from Her by Alice Murno.

What are you reading?