#50BookPledge Update January 14, 2012

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Thanks Harper Collins Canada for the challenge.

Books I have read this year so far (in no particular rating order):

Chicken Soup for the soul: Children with Special Needs

Co-creator team: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Heather McNamara, and Karen Simmons.

This book is now part of my reality. I encourage everyone to read this who has a child with special needs ,or even if you know a child with needs. Covering a broad range of children with physical and emotional needs, this anthology made me feel not so alone.

Selected

Why Some People Lead, Why Others Fail and Why It Matters

By Mark Van Vugt and Anjana Ahuja

A new hypothesis from the authors covers the changes since The Stone Age to modern age types of leadership. I found it a unique idea, however a little dry in the writing. I love books like how to Win Friends and Influence People instead rather than rehashed  tips for our personal and professional lives.

MWF seeking BFF

My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend

By Rachel Bertsche

When Rachel finally lives in the same city as her boyfriend, she realizes she misses having best friends locally. She makes a plan to go on 52 friend dates within a year. This was me before I became a mom. This is a very engaging and funny story of her search.

Everyday Food Light

From the Kitchens of Martha Stewart Living

I am not a cook. I do not have a creative culinary muse in my body, just ask my family. Personnally  I found the format of the book, which was broken up into seasons, very easy to follow. Surprisingly, I found easy recipes like the Vegetarian Split Pea soup very appealing. All the recipes were less than 500 Calories per serving!

What I loved most about it was the cooking glossary at the front of the book explaining ways of cooking to an inventory of kitchen utensils. My family might actually be happy when I break out this book to use. J

If I Tell

By Janet Gurtler

If only she had not gone to the party then Jaz would not have seen them kiss. She keeps the secret despite that it will hurt a loved one. I found this book’s memoir- first person- style of writing very gripping. Written as a Young Adult novel, yet an all ages read.

Your Voice in my Head

By Emma Forrest

As a 22 year old British journalist living in New York, Emma battles many demons. In a frightful journey of loneliness, isolation, and destructive behaviour, she finds solace in the office of an optimistic psychiatrist. After moving away Emma comes back to town after two years away and tries to make an appointment with Dr. R. Her world is rocked when she learns of his sudden death.  The writer is open and honest in this memoir of the struggles with the mania and the heartbreak of loss.

 

A Wish In A Book

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“He ran off to play with his new friends.” I close the book smiling at my daughters who are snuggled on either side of me. “Can we go play mommy?” my four-year-old inquires. I nod yes as they scamper off. We are at our local bookstore’s kids’ corner for a weekly date.

I began reading at an early age and love reading to my girls. My husband and I read to them when I was pregnant. I have written children’s books for them.  Our shelves at home are bursting with books.

The weekly bookstore dates are a delight for the three of us. By mid-week if we have not gone my older daughter asks for it. Depending on the weather, we walk or drive to the store. As soon as we arrive we get snacks at the coffee shop next door and make our way through the store to the kids section. In the meantime, my eyes scan the shelves eager for the next read for me. While they are playing I get to scan the computer and make a list of what to look for when I get a moment to myself.

Spying on my two coloring or playing at the dollhouse, I realize it is not just about the gift of reading which benefits them their whole life, it is also the gift of time together. In a few short months my older child will be in full-day kindergarten. Our dear time together will be far and few between. Knowing I may have helped her with her reading skills makes me proud.

My youngest comes with another book to give me. In her other hand is her current favorite book, which she sits down beside me and opens. In her silent way of communicating, she gave me a book to read while she looks at the picture book.

I flip through the book she gave me and my heart swells. My wish is to carry on our reading time together. I love it when my four-year-old reads to me. Time is marching on and she will be reading silently on her own. I look forward to always looking at a book and remember our special times here. A part of my heart hopes she will remember too.

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