Thank you to Blake Couch for The Wayward Pines trilogy. Those three books got me through my dog’s stressful CCL surgery and the initial recovery. And now I get to experience the creepy town all over again as I catch up on the TV series. Nothing can top the written words, though. Mr. Crouch has a way of providing just enough detail to keep the story vivid and moving along. Just what I like! RUN was a Kindle Daily Deal the other day so I snagged it. I can’t wait to read more by this fabulous author!

Jojo Moyes has become one of my newest favorite authors. It started with The Girl You Left Behind, which is something I never would’ve picked up on my own, but was highly recommended by several friends. I’m so glad I tried something different because I discovered another great writer. Next, I read Me Before You, which definitely gave me something to think about. One Plus One was a slower read for me, but really picked up about halfway through. I’m glad I stuck it out because it’s a feel good story. Life is tough and full of bumps and challenges no matter our circumstance, but I really liked how she wrapped everything up at the end. It gives one hope that things will work out. If we don’t have hope, then what’s the point?

The parenting books are pretty self explanatory. We’ve struck the “Terrible Twos” in my house and I’m humble enough to accept all the advice I can get to support my little independent, curious, strong willed guy. It’s Ok NOT To Share really made me think about how we push our kids to do some uncomfortable things that we ourselves would never think to do. I would never force someone to let me have their iPhone just because I wanted it and felt it was my turn all under the guise of “sharing” <insert sappy music>. Good grief! I highly recommend this title for some down-to-earth parenting reminders to keep things in perspective. Dobson was a tough read and I honestly skimmed most of it. It was hard for me to take someone seriously, when giving parenting advice, after he admitted to using a belt to discipline his dog. That was hard to swallow. I did find a couple of nuggets, but overall this book wasn’t for me because I personally don’t use corporal punishment. Setting Limits for the Strong Willed Child was my favorite of the three. I loved the real world examples (although he reused some scenarios and just changed the child’s age) and the reminder to be consistent and firm. There wasn’t anything new for me in this book as I use much of this approach in my own classroom, but somehow I forget to use it at home, so the reminders were appreciated.

I made it to page 67 of The Gargoyle and had to abandon the story. I hate it when that happens! When I commit to a book and invest a chunk of time, I want to go all the way. Alas, I could not with this book. It just didn’t strike a chord with me.

The War of Art was for the artist in me because somewhere, deep down long forgotten, she still exists. Beneath the role of Mommy, teacher, dog mom/nurse, bill payer, and all the other stuff that comes first, there’s a piece of me still there longing to shine and not be forgotten. Reviving this blog is a small step in digging her out again. #smallsteps

I’ve kicked off July with some great titles! One book I’ll probably never make it through but we’ll see. I’ve got a couple of horror books to chill the spine and of course Blake Crouch’s RUN.

Happy reading, Friends!