The book of Mormon Girl by Joanna Brooks

OK I read this book because it was a memoir of a Mormon, and I thought it might be interesting.  Well, it was a memoir girl who grew up in a normal Mormon home in California, loved Young Woman's, went to BYU, then became involved in the woman's right.  She joined some feminist group and started praying to Heavenly Mother.  She then got involved in Gay Marriages, and became an advocate of EQUALITY or everyone should be treated equal.  In the end she marries a Jewish Man.  She now has 2 children. Her children go to a Jewish school but then go to the Mormon Church on Sunday.  She is going to let then decide what religion they want in the end.  So I just ruined the whole story for you..... but it really isn't worth reading.  It is just Joanna's thoughts on how to make this world PEACEFUL and EQUAL.  Really not worth your time.

Fire of the Covenant by Gerald N. Lund

Leif and I watched the movie 17 Miracles.  It was about the Martin and Willie Handcart companies that came to Zion late in the Season and all the miracles that happened on the track.  Well, I fell in love with the story and wanted to learn more.  So I actually bought this 750 page book and started reading.  It is a historic fiction book about 4 families who came to Zion with the Martin and Willie companies.  I learned SO SO much about handcart companies and how they worked.  It was an amazing book with lots of true fact.  I am so glad that I bought this book.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

I love all of Mitch Albom's book. This book is no exception.  It was a novel about time.  Some people have too much and some people not enough.  In the end eithor person realizes that time is a gift and we need to do the most with it. Time is a Gift and that's what Mitch really tries to show his readers. 

Heaven Is Here by Stephanie Nielson

Best book I have read in a while.  I loved this book, it made me cry.  It made me smile.  It made me appreciate my children, husband, sisters, and parents.  Stephanie is the author and also a survivor of  a plane crash.  She was burned on 80% of her body.  She had a 6 month say in the hospital and another 6 month with rehab and rest.  She lost everything.  And this book is how she overcame.  I loved this book.  Stephanie is a woman who loves being a mother.  And she does a great job at it.

While I was Gone by Sue Miller

I saw that this was a recommended book club book from our library and rented it.  Well, it was different!  But I liked the overall message.. Forgiveness.  It was about a grown woman who meet up with a male roommate, Eli, from her past.  They had a lot of memories together and therefor started hanging out as couples then alone.  In the end you learn a lot about their past and how it helped shaped their futures.  And in the very end you learn that who you are today tells more about you then the past life you lived.

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

I love Mitch Albom books, but this one was my least favorite.  It is a true story of Mitch interactions with 2 very different men; a Rebi and a Priest.  Mitch is asked to write a eulogy for the Rabi and therefore gets to personally know him.  In doing so he meet an Aferican-American Priest who had a crazy past.  In the end you learn that these 2 men really are a lot alike.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan By:Lisa See

AWESOME BOOK!!!!! My second Lisa See book, and this one just as great.  This story takes place in China during the time they bound woman's feet, had arranged marriages, and a woman's job was to sumit to her husband.  It was also a time when woman had assigned lotang "sworn sisters", and learned "nu-shu" "a secret woman language".  All the Chinese History in this book is true. 
The story line follow two "sworn sisters" as they bind their feet, marry and then  start families.  It is a story of true friendship. 

Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay

I read this book because I had never read Oprah's Book Clubs before and I really like this author.  She is an author that I feel is Real.  Her books don't end with happy endings.  Her books are real life situations.  The two book I have read have made me appreciate my family and situation. 
Vinegar Hill is a dear story about a wife and mother who is trying to keep peace.  She lives with her husband, 2 children and her in-laws in the in-laws home.  The in-law are Catholic and believe that if you aren't with God, then you are with the Devil.  Life is hard living in that home.  But in the end you see family come together and apart.

Blue Water by A. Manette Ansay

I read this book because it was a on the library's book club list.  AND it was an awesome read.  I felt like the novel was so real-life.  It is a story about a mother who loses her only son to a drunk-driver.  She and her husband then sail the seas to get away from memories of their past.  On the water they meet interesting people who help her realize that forgiveness is everywhere.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

I saw this book on and rented it due to the title and once living in China.  AND I loved it!  It helped me remember China.  It made me have a deeper love for my sisters.  It made me understand Communism better.  And it was such a great read.  The story is about 2 sisters who grew up in China. Who endured WWII. Who had arranged marriages to brothers and moved to America.  And when in America underwent trials, happiness, and love.  Their adventure together was amazing.  Their love was indescribable.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

I have read this book before but wanted to read it again.  It is such a quick, fun, and eye-opening read.  I loved it.  Morrie is on his death bed.  He has lived a good life.  Mitch is in his 30's and come to visit with his old professor.  Mitch ends up having a lot more visits and learns a lot of valuable lessons.  Morrie shares his advice on how to live a good life.  And what is shares is a great reminder of how we should all be living.  Family, hope, service and more become Morrie's lessons.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

My friend, Kara, recommended this book to me.  It is about a boy named Colton who claims he has been to heaven.  Colton was 4 years old when he had a major surgery and visited Haven for 3 minutes.  He explained heaven as colorful, lots of animals, everyone being young, everyone had wings, and he sat on Jesus' lap.   Colton also meet his sister who his mother had miscarried years earlier.   Colton's father is the author of the book who writes  about conversation he had with his son.  This is a book that claims what heaven is like, but it was a very interesting story.  It was a short and fun read.  I do recommend it.

Rachel & Leah by Orson Scott Card

Rachel & Leah is the 3rd book in Woman in Genesis.  It was probably my least favorite of the 3 books but my favorite because it was about Rachel (who I was named after).  The book starts where you meet Beliah and their Zilpha.  Then you meet Rachel and Leah as young children.  I enjoyed reading of how these 4 girls got to know Jacob.  My respect for Jacob grew.  But the book itself was slow moving and a lot of conversation between sisters.   

So Pretty it Hurts by Kate White

I just finished reading another myertery novel.  This is the 2nd myserty I have read in a month and I now realize that I am not good at solving them.  But I disliked how the murderer in this story admitted to the crime and then explaind why they did it. I wish I could have done more of the thinking.   But all-in-all it was a good read.  If you are in want of a myserty, this one is for you.  The story starts with a modle who dies.  And then the reporter (who was also there when she died) tries to find out the truth.   And the truth is never what you think. 

Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer

 So I couldn't put this book down.  I started listening to it on tape and then renting the book so I could read it faster.  It is a story of a "crazy" girl living in Gorgia during WWII.  She has 2 kids and one on the way.  Her husband had just died and she needs help.  So she advertises for a husband of any age.  And she got Will Parker.  Who happened to be a man straight out of jail for murder.  And the 2 of them then start a love story with war, more murder, more babies, and everything else in the middle.  LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! 

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

I don't remember who recommended this book to me but I am now recommending it to everyone.  This is a story of a Japanese Family and a Chinese Family growing up in Seattle, WA during WWII.  I had no idea how bad we treated the American-Japanese!!!  It was so sad to read about the things the US government put them through.  In the end of course everything works out.  I loved the ending in fact.  It was one of those endings were you get to decide what really happens.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

My little sister recommend this book and so I started it.  But I stopped after 5 chapters (too slow).  Then a good friend recommend it, so I decided to pick it back up.  And man am I glad that I did.  This story is about a young girl during WWII.  She loses her brother and mother as the start of the book and becomes a foster child who loves reading.  Through the eyes of this child you see what goes on during WWII.  I cried and laughed.  A great story.

4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie

This is the first Murder Mystery that I have read.  I love watching mysteries and I love trying to figure out who did it.  So I wasn't surprised that I really liked reading one.  Agatha Chrisitie is a great author.  She is descriptive and makes you think it could be anyone.  I of course was very surprised with the outcome of this book.  And now realize that I could never be a detective.  I read this book for our May book club and truly enjoyed reading it.

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

I have read a number of Jodi Picoult books.  They all have the same type of story line where there is some sort of family problem and in the end you are shocked. Well, this one followed that same line.  BUT throughout this story line family you learn about wolves. I enjoyed that.  I also liked the family plot where a broken family was brought back together and forced to remember what family was all about.  I really did like this read and would recommend it to anyone who likes Jodi Picoult.

The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

A friend recommended this book to me.  It stated our as a suspense and I got into it real fast.  Then the plot slowed down, but it ended great.  I didn't love this book, but I did enjoy learning about life in the 1930's.  The story is of a young girl.  Her father dies and she tries to find out why.  In the end she learns a lot about her father that she never would have known. 

Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckely

This was our book club book for April.  I thought I had read it was then realized that I never had.  And I am so glad that Yvonne picked it for book club.  It is a wonderful.  First off.  It is written to the world.... not just Mormons.  President Hinckley talks about 10 virtues that will help our homes.  They are:  Love, Honesty, Morality, Civility, Learning, Mercy & Forgiveness, Thrift and Industry, Gratitude, Optimism, and Faith. Each of these was a great reminder of what I should be doing daily.  The book then goes on and talks about the importance of marriage and family.  Again, another great reminder of what I should be doing.  In the end, I was reminded of a lot of things, along with my love for our dear prophet Gordon B. Hinckley.

Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

If you are an Office love... you will love this book. I learned so many new facts about "The Office" It was fun to learn about how Mindy got the Office Job. Mindy is a lot like her character (Kelly). She is funny, doesn't care about what others think and is down to earth. But in real life she her biggest dream is to get married and have a family. She really is a good person. I enjoyed reading her book.

Falling Leaves by Adeline yesn Mah

I love memoirs and I am truly fascinated by the Chinese Culture. Therefore this book was everything I wanted and more. Adeline tells her story of growing in China (born in 1837) to a wealthy family. Her Step-Mother favored her own children and was a typical strik Chinese mother (showing no love). I really enjoyed reading about what happened during Mao's rule in the early 1850's. I grew to love Adeline and her desire to be loved.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Most interesting/controversy book I have read in a long time. This is a self-help book, which I hardly ever read. The Secret really isn't a secret. It is to think positively. But it is something that we don't always do and we all need reminders. This book is a great reminder of how positive thinking can get you almost anywhere. I loved the first 3 chapters. I learned I need more faith.

Rebeckah by Orson Scott Card

This is the second book in the series of 3. The first book was Sarah(which I LOVED). Rebekah was a slower read for me. A lot of parts dragged on and I even fell asleep reading a couple of times (that never happens with good books). But there isn't a lot said about Rebekah in the scriptures, so Card had to drag it on. I did gain a lot more respect for Rebekah. She was a righteous woman who God choose to marry the prophet, Isaac.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

A friend recommended this book to me, and I listened to it on tape. It is about Alice who gets Alzheimer's at an early age of 50. It is her and her families struggle with this disease. I really enjoyed learning about the stages of Alzheimer since I had a Grandfather that struggled with this same disease. I remember visiting my Grandfather and he didn't even know who I was.
Still Alice talks show the true stages of Alzheimer and how it feels.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

This is a book that was picked for March's Book Club. And I finished it in one week. It was that good. The story is about a Chinese mother who raises here 2 girls in America. It is about the differences between Western Mother's and Chinese Mothers. I now have a lot of idea of how I want to better raise my Children. #1 my children will play a instrument. #2 my children will play a sport. #3 But I will let them choose.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

My older sister reccomended this book to me, and I listened to it on tape. But I finished it in 4 days because it was that great. This story is written from Dina's (Leah's only daughter) point of view. I have always loved Rachel (because of my name). But this story make me love all 4 of Jacob's wives. They were all amazing woman who shared a life together. And the "Red Tent" is where they spent a week together each month. I learned a lot and have such a respect for Jacob and his wives (but not Simon and Livi).

Unprotected by Anonymous

My sister recommended this book to me. It is written by anonymous, who is a school psychologist on a collage campus. This psychiatrist wrote this book to open our eyes as to what school counselors and psychiatrist are "paid to say" and what they SHOULD be saying. Hearing all the stories of her different clients make me grateful for the gospel principles. I am so thankful that I grew up with parents who taught me right from wrong.

Sarah by Orson Scott Card

LOVED... LOVED.... LOVED.... LOVED this book !! Orson Scott Card does a great job of telling the story of Abraham and Sarah through Sarah's eyes. Sarah endured much. She had a lot of faith and truly supported her husband. I loved learning about everyday life for these Genesis Woman. I gained a deeper respect and love for Sarah, Hagar, Lot, Abraham, and all these relatives.

Believing Christ by Steven Robenson

I have read this book before, but was needing a boost in my spiritual life, so I brought it down off the shelves. Believing Christ is just that. This books helps build your testimony of Christ. After reading you will have a better understanding of the atonement and Christ's Love.

Shift by Jennifer Brandbury

This book is a juvenile book and therefore a very quick read. Yet, the moral is great for anyone. It is a story of 2 boys who bike across the United States together. They see and experience much. Yet, in the end it is what they learn. I recommend this book if you want a quick, fun read.

Bringing Elizabeth Home by Ed & Lois Smart

After reading A Stolen Life, I was interested in kidnapping and therefore read, "Bringing Elizabeth Home". This does not talk about Elizabeth's experiences as a kidnapped child. It talks about what her parents endured. Mr. and Mrs. Smart are the authors, and explain their side of the story. Again my eyes were open to the pain and horror of kidnappings. The Smarts were LDS and therefore God becomes a huge part in her homecoming.

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

This is a true story about Jaycee Dugard who was kidnapped at age 14 on her way to school. She spent the next 18 years living in the backyard of her kidnappe'rs home. Jaycee never left the backyard & bore 2 children. She endured much. I can only imagine how hard it was for her to write her story. My eyes were opened to this horrible crime. And my eyes watered along with Jaycee.

The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood

I read of this book on the best-sellers list for 2011. I hardly ever read murder mysteries. But I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. There is a love story connected to the mystery and it had a twist. It is very descriptive in places, so don't read it if you are sensitive to language or sex.

The Preachers Bride by jody Hedlund

This was one of our Book Club books. It is labeled a romance story. But I would have called it history. It is the story of a Puritan woman, named Elizabeth, living in England in the 1650's. She meets a preacher (John), and becomes his housekeeper. John was a real preacher and is the author of Pilgrim's Progress. I enjoyed reading about Puritan life in the 1600's. They were hard workers who really loved God. This book was another story that made me thankful for what I have.

The Guernsey literary and Potato Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

This book is nothing like I have ever read. The content of the book is letters. Between these letters you learn of a Book Club (Literacy and Potato Pie Society) on a Island off England after the II world war. Even though you are reading letters from one character to another, you really get to know the members and what life was like living during the war. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Plus there is a small love story within the letters.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I loved loved loved this biography. It is a story of a man named Louis Zamperini. He experienced everything from being in the 1940 Olympics, becoming a lieutenant, being a POW and more. It is amazing how much one person came overcome. Louis had an experience of a lifetime. I truly loved reading his story and seeing him overcome the challenges placed upon him. After reading the book I thought about it for days. He made me improve my way of thinking.

How to be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway

I listened to this book on tape, truly enjoying it due to the accents of the speakers. This book is about a Japanese Woman trying to fit into America after WWII. She then has a daughter and tries to raise her girl in American yet with Japanese traditions. She works hard and ties her best, but America isn't Japan. An interesting connection of America and Japan.

A tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

I heard about this book from a dear friend. It is divided into 5 parts. The first section is where you meet 11-year-old Francie Nolan living in Brooklyn in 1912 (this was my least favorite section and I almost stopped reading). The next 4 sections got so so so much better. Part 2 you are introduced to Francie's parents in 1900. And section 3-5 is their family growing up together as a family in downtown Brooklyn, trying to survive. I really enjoyed this book. I liked reading about life in the earily 1900's. Again, this book made me greatful for what I have today.

Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall

Stolen Innocence is a true story of a young girl named Elissa. Elissa belongs to the FLDS church where the church practices polygamy and Jeff Warren in their Prophet. All members must completely comply with the teaching/revelations of Jeff Warren. Elissa is therefore forced (by revaluation) to marry her first cousin at the age of 14 years old. She tells of growing up in the FLDS religion as a child, as a 14 year old bride and of trying to get out. I got hooked on this book and couldn't put it down. It make me appreciate my agency and our living Prophet.

The following are books I read before moving to Florida, and have made a huge impact on me. These are books I would recommend to anyone, and read again. Most of the following are books based on true events, and ones that make you feel good.

Gifted Hands by Ben Carson M.D

I read this book for Book Club and found it to be the best book I have read in a long time. It is a true story of a "black underprivileged" boy who dreams of becoming a brain surgeon. His story will amaze you. His passion will make you smile. His life will made you cry. This book became a moving on Lifetime. (So if you don't have time to read this... watch the movie.) I loved this book and recommend it to anyone.

5 People you Meet in Heaven & Tuesdays with Morrie by Mich Albom

I was in the locker room at the YMCA and I saw a girl reading with tears in her eyes. She was reading Tuesdays with Morrie and when I asked her if everything was OK, she told me to read this book. I did and I am so glad I did. It is Mich's true story of visiting his dying perfessor and gaining insight about life. He learns from a dying man how to fulfill his life.

5 People you Meet in Heaven is about an old man named Eddi. He dies on is 82nd birthday and goes to Heaven. But before he makes it there, he meets 5 people. He doesn't know these 5 people, but they know him. Their lives were changed because of Eddi. I great book that will make you feel good.

These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

I read this book a LONG time ago and loved it. It is in a series with 2 other books, so you might get hooked. This is a diary of Sarah Agnes Prine from 1881-1901. She is a woman who lived in teh Arizona Territories when it was first being settled.
She talks about all the adventures, hardships and triles she went through. She tells of her love story, hurt and love story again. You will LOVE the way it ends. I cried... happy cried.

The Lucky One & Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

After I was married I went through a Nicholas Sparks fase and read almost ALL of his books. His books are all romantic and sweet and feel good books. I feel most all his book are predicable, but not these reccomendations.
Dear John became a movie, but Hollywood made a different ending then Sparks. Dear John is a story of sacrifice and true love. The movie was just a love story with a sweet ending. I can't give the ending away. Just read it. I cried for days and still think about the real John.

The Lucky One is being turned into a movie, so read it before Hollywoods changes things. This book is about a marine who falls in love with a picture. His life is saved by the girl in the picture. After the war he goes off to find her. But pictures aren't always as pretty as they look.

The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch

This book is what the title says. It a lecture given by a dying professor. It is therefore his last lectures. And the topic; Life. Randy has cancer and was given 6 months to live. He writes this lecture for he students, but really for his 3 children. I read this book before I had kids and after. I cried both times. The second time I read it, I realized each chapter is something I would want my young children to know. A must read.

The Glass Castle & Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

Best Memoirs Ever!!! Jeannette writes about growing up homeless and having nothing. She tells stories of living in a car, a dirt home, a box. Jeannette overcame lifes challenges. She truly loved her parents despite what they put her through. Her story will make you appreciate your.

Half Broke Horses is the Memoir of Jeannette's Grandma (on her mothers side). She added some of her own ideas to her story, so it is considered fiction. Not as good as The Glass Castle but worth a read.