My husband thinks I am a nerd

Because I like to read.

To him, reading is more of a chore. Perhaps it is because, for the past 3 years, every time he has sat down to read something, it has been for work or for school. He does not often get to read for pleasure.

I have begun my summer reading and have really enjoyed the books I have chosen so far. I am going to "review" four books and three of the four were recommendations. (I use that word VERY loosely. What I will do is probably the furthest from an actual review as I can get. Basically, I'm going to tell you I liked it-and maybe why.) I have decided that I like having books recommended to me.

Okay, first book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Kristen O'Quinn recommended this one. At first, I wasn't sure about it. It was a little slow going for me at the beginning, but once I got to page 20, I was hooked. I am fascinated with the practice of binding feet now. I googled "foot binding" and was horrified by some of the picture I saw. I do not see how men considered those feet attractive. Anyway, this novel is set in 19th century China and, although I have done ZERO study on Chinese life during the 19th century, I think this book does a fabulous job painting a picture of the beauty of the time and the heartache.

Next, The Glass Castle, recommended by Kathryn and Sara. This was a GREAT book! I cannot imagine growing up the way this woman did. She came out just fine and had a great story to tell, but still, bathing once a month, residing with giant rats, living in a garbage dump, and having the town drunk as your father has got to be an emotional roller coaster. The best part for me was her constant love, completely unconditional love that she had/has for her family.

Firefly Lane, recommended by my mom. I COULD NOT put this book down (Matthew can attest to that). Every free second I had I was opening up the book and reading. I went to bed early two nights, just so that I could lay there and read. When I finally finished (two days after I had begun), I was laying in bed trying not to wake Matthew up with my crying. This is a beautiful story of friendship. I think we all long for a friendship that is shown in this story. I could go on and on about this book, but I'm not going to. I want you to read this book with the same blank slate that I had. Read it, you WILL NOT be sorry!

And finally, Shopaholic and Baby, recommended by no one-I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). I love her carefree attitude, her fun spirit, her fierce love of family and friends, and her ability to shop. If you have read any of the "Shopaholic" books and haven't read this one, it's a winner too. If you haven't read the books and are looking for a quick and easy "beach read", start at the beginning and get to know the charming Rebecca.

I have a stack of books on my bedside table that I am slowly making my way through. It's only June 11...I have a lot of summer left and a lot of reading ahead of me.

Call me a nerd, I don't care. I'm excited!