Fall Into Reading Wrap-Up

First, I live in the eastern part of the US. The part which just received 2 feet of snow, I read somewhere they are calling it a Winter Wallup. Anyway, the button and title of the challenge is humorous at the moment considering the amount of white stuff outside.

Another reading challenge hosted by Callapidder Days has come and gone. As I look over my list I laugh, much has been read, but not necessarily from the list. Then again, completing lists is not the point, reading is the goal. I also laugh because when I wrote out my original list list I was feeling little excitement for the books; fortunately, I very much enjoyed my reading selections.

With that said, here is my original list; those books I completed, or currently reading, are crossed out, along with the added selections.

Fiction:
The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz.
This fictional book enters a circle not entered by many in real life. The book follows a young Japanese girl, who becomes the first commoner to marry into the Imperial Royal Family. The book is her account of her life, her struggles when she enters the family, her nervous breakdown, and how history repeats itself when her son marries a commoner. Sound familiar? This book may not be an exact account of the real Japanese Imperial Royal Family, but many may find the accounts very similar.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Not this time, maybe during the Spring Reading Challenge.

The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith
Not this time, but it will be sometime soon. I love reading this series. The books are easy to read, engaging, and McCall Smith is a great storyteller. I haven't yet seen the HBO series, if you have and haven't read the books here is a way to fill in that gap until they come out with season 2. If you are a fan of Alexander McCall Smith you can find an interview of him on the On Point website.

Malory Towers series and St. Clare's series by Enid Blyton
I read these two series from the time I learned to read until the books fell apart. Recently, I obtained two brand new sets, for EM when she learns to read, but first I must read them, only once. When I picked up the first book in the series, The Twins at St. Clare's, I meant to read only that one and then move onto something else. Before I knew it I read all 6 books and remembered why I read them over, and over, and over again during elementary school. I also remember one of my teachers encouraging me to read something else. I was rather surprised, to me there was nothing else to read.

Saving Cicadas by Nicole Seitz
I'm reading this as part of the Thomas Nelsons Book Review Bloggers. I'll have a review of the book in a couple weeks.
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Non-Fiction:
Girl Meets God by Lauren F. Winner
The book follows the author through one year of her life, a year she attempts to reconcile her Jewish Orthodox upbringing to her Christian beliefs. This books was interesting on several different levels. First, she explains both Jewish and Christian holidays, their historical meaning and importance. As a Christian, I found her spiritual walk a challenge for me, to search for more depth in my own Christian walk. Winner thinks outside the box, looking at history, looking at culture, and looking at her own life. You can read more of her writings at her website, Lauren Winner. This book is given 5 stars, and a strong recommendation to read.

Play by Play by Neal Conan
Left out again, maybe in the spring.

Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell A. Barkley
I'm still working on trying to finish this book. The sad thing is I need to repeat much of what I've already ready. Am I the only parent who needs a refresher course every now and then? It seems like life (and children, I'm laying it all out here) just gets in the way of becoming a better parent.

Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Still working on it.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman
Another book read for the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program. A review is written here.

Devotional:
Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore
The homework is completed, though one of these days I would like to finish watching the DVD's.

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
I'm presently reading this, and it is very good. Another 5 stars, and highly recommended.

The Upside Down Kingdom by Donald B. Kraybill
The author gives a lot of historical details on religious life during Jesus' time. I wish I read more of the book, it is a very good book, but since I was on primary Sunday school duty for the most of the quarter I lacked the motivation.

Adventures in Missing the Point: How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel by Brian D. McLaren and Tony Campolo
This book our Sunday school class is reading for the winter quarter. We have only completed two chapters but another thoughtful book, and hopefully I'll read more this time around.