My Thoughts on Books

Over the past couple of months I have had time to read since I've been traveling here and there.  I have finished two books recently... The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson.  So I thought I would share some of my thoughts on these reads.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
     I began reading this book back in September.  Our school had a reading initiative this past year to encourage our students to read.  Teachers were asked to help out by reading along with the students and having a "book talk" at the end of each month.  I thought it was a great idea; unfortunately I did not succeed very well.  In August, I read a book by John Grisham (The Testament) and shared about it.  In September, I didn't have time to complete a book so I pulled another book that I had read off the shelf and shared it (The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson).  I also decided to start reading The Help in September so that I could share about it in October.  Unfortunately I did not have the time to read.  I was too busy working on teacher stuff (planning, grading, preparing), tutoring, helping lead at church, trying to spend time with family and friends... basically, life!
     Well I have finally finished it.  And it was a good read throughout.  Being from the South, I could relate to the setting and even the story line.  [Growing up in the South, you hear and learn a lot about the Civil Rights Movement and time period.]  It was very easy for me to picture Jackson, MS and the way of life described in that time era.  I know The Help is a fictional novel, but I think it gives a great perspective on how life could have been for some people during that time.  I wasn't really fond of the ending.  It was a good ending - don't get me wrong.  I just wanted to keep reading.  I had become 'absorbed' in the lives of these ladies.  I was curious about the changes that were happening - the new adventures to come.
    I am looking forward to seeing the movie.  I'm sure the book will surpass the movie... they usually do.  It would be impossible to squeeze everything from a book into a two hour movie.  There are perks to reading instead of just watching movies.  And, honestly, that's one of the reasons I decided to read this particular book.  The movie came out with a lot of hype.  I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie.  Now that I've finally finished the book... maybe I can watch the movie this summer too!

Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
     I found this book on Amazon when I was looking for books to read on my Kindle.  I had never read any of Janice Thompson's work before or heard about this book.  The description caught my attention so I thought I'd give the book a chance.  I'm glad I did.
     This book was a fun read.  It was filled with action, romance, love, challenges, friendship, and "normal every day life".  It was fun to live in Bella's world... to experience living with a colorful (sometimes crazy) family, dealing with an annoying ex-boyfriend, falling in love - unexpectedly, running your own business, trying to prove that you can succeed - primarily to yourself, and much more.  I hope the other books in this series are just as exciting... and that I don't take too long in getting around to reading them.  :)

If I Was Jesus by Matt Chapman, JR Baker
     This book is my current read.  I just started it the other night.  I am anxious to see how it goes and what I can draw from this book.  Especially since I know the contributor to this book, JR Baker.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed these thoughts.  But more importantly, I'd love to hear about what you're reading.  I can add to my list of books to read.  :)

Until next time,
When you find yourself with some downtime... pick up a book!