It's the end of the school year....and I haven't read a book in what seems like ages! I guess it's only been a few weeks, but when you're a reader who can't find the time, a few weeks seem like forever!

Regardless, today is the LAST day of school, so that means my reading time will increase by leaps and bounds. My reading plan for the summer: read at least half of the nominees for the Eliot Rosewater Book Award for next year. That means 12 books. I think I can do that. Currently I am about halfway through Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. This is our next Rival Readers book club selection. I'm enjoying it even though the tales of some of the more seedy parts of the circus sideshows are enough to make a girl like me blush! I'll be back soon with a full review of this book...and, hopefully, at least one more!

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult - Another title (that's all I seem to have the time to read these days) for the Rival Readers Book Club, and yet another outstanding book by Picoult. I was more than a bit apprehensive at our group choosing this particular title. Picoult is a great writer, and I suggest her works to students all the time. However, this club is about reading things outside the traditional "school" box, so when they chose it, we had to acquiesce.

Picoult always seems to be able to take a current, edgy issue and weave it into a wonderfully compelling story that has you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This time the reading experience was no different. This book's issue: a child abused by a priest...but, as always, it's not nearly that simple when Picoult starts to examine it. Nathaniel's mother is a District Attorney and knows that the legal system will not do her son justice. He will have to testify and will undergo further trauma, possibly even worse than the abuse he's faced already. The strong woman she is vows not to make him undergo the process, so she takes fate into her own hands and murders the priest in cold blood...in open court...in front of the entire world. As characters enter the story, Picoult creates a cast of characters that are both incredibly real and vulnerable at the same time. The twists and turns of the book keep the reader guessing and, even at the end, you're not entirely certain that you know yourself.

I've recommended this title to several students and teachers alike after reading it myself. Now, I can't wait to get my hands on Ninteen Minutes, Picoult's newest title featuring a character from Perfect Match.

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson - One of the classic tomes of western individualism, this essay struck several chords with me while I was reading. Those of you who know me know that I am a "quote girl", so I'm just going to share a few from Emerson's essay that might inspire you, too:

• Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.
• Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.
• Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist.
• What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think.
• Insist on yourself; never imitate.
• The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet.
• Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.
• Nothing at last is sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne - This book has been on the NYT best seller list as well as the most popular lists at Barnes and Noble and Borders. It's been on my shelf for a while as I just didn't know about whether or not it was worth the time. On that note, I decided to pick it up and see for myself what all the hype is about.

Here's the thing...I think this book has A LOT of good ideas about "The Secret", which is essentially that in order to have what you want in life you must attract it to you through your thoughts and feelings. I was able to glean plenty of good thoughts from the text. Here are a few examples of things I took to heart during my reading:

• "It is impossible to bring more into your life if you are feeling ungrateful about what you have."
• "The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
• When you do not treat yourself the way you want others to treat you, you can never change the way things are.
• "What you resist persists." ~Carl Jung

That said, I still have some issues with this popular book. The first and biggest is that The Universe is credited for being the supreme guiding force in what does or does not come back to you in life. As I was reading, I started inserting God. I believe in divine intervention so it was hard for me to not take the omission of God to heart. As an example:

• "You are God in a physical body." (uh, no...I am not)
• "All power is from within and therefore under our control (again, not in my world)

Generally, this book did have some valuable things to offer, but only if you're able to take the good and leave the bad. I wouldn't recommend it to a student who isn't able to do that.

A few quotes from books I've recently read to help fill all that empty space between books....

"Literature is no one's private ground, literature is common ground; let us trespass freely and fearlessly." - Virginia Woolf

"A true friend will stab you in the front." - Oscar Wilde

"Cruelty is only the passing on of a wound from one person to another." - The Greatest Man in Cedar Hole

"A journey may be long or short, but it must start at the very spot one finds oneself."

"It is a wealthy person indeed who calculates riches not in gold but in friends."

Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running by Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner - An inspirational book that focuses on the bonds created when women run together, for health, for competition, or just for friendship. This collection of stories can make you both laugh and cry, but any woman who has ever run with a group can identify with the emotional connections examined in this book. From a woman who lost her husband in 9/11 running her first marathon in his honor to a group of new moms in town looking for friends, the power of being accountable to a group and of the emotional bonds that are formed through running are evident.

Any woman who runs will be able to relate to various stories in this book. I've often wondered why it's so much easier to run with my friends than it is to run alone....why it just hurts less. I don't think this book answers any of the physiological reasons for that, but the phsycological reasons are quite apparent...I am a woman. Enough explaination.

>u>I Run, Therefore I Am -- NUTS! by Bob Schwartz - If I'd have my choice, I'd always choose a funny book first. This book fits the bill because I laughed my way through it, but didn't learn a thing. It was just FUN....and we all need more of that, especially when we're taxing our bodies way past the point of any sensibilty.

One portion of the book that did hit home with me was when the author humorously talked about looking to your gene pool and facing (and accepting )the facts:

"My pragmatic philosophy is, inspiration is good. However, perspiration will take you only so far - if you want to be a speed demon...you'd best be selective in choosing your parents. The gene pool my legs were wading in wasn't exactly full of the fastest currents in the water. My parents were like Tommie Turtle and Sally Snail."

The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais - There isn't a lot of humor to be found in running (or as far as I'm concerned), but this author was able to not only find the humor, but was able to give it life and make the reader laugh out loud with the turn of every page.

I mean, seriously...if had any sort of writing talent whatsoever, this is exactly the type of book I'd write. Both helpful and hilarious, I could hear myself talking while I was reading. It was as if everything she was writing was something I had either said myself or, at least, had contemplated but thought better of actually putting into words. She is my hero for having the courage to write about how fat her butt looks in spandex....but what's more...that she no longer cares because, after all, it's all about comfort! I almost DIED laughing when she wrote: "Yeah, they were running the last mile TO the race to warm up. Why not just poke your eye out with a stick, it would make about as much sense." I think I have actually uttered those words before...maybe even recently!


If you're a runner, or not, and just want a good laugh with some insightful information to boot, I highly recommend picking up this book. It is well worth the time and the side stitches you'll get from laughing your way through it!

The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchick - I know, I know....enough with the running already. But, when so much of your time revolves around something, it's natural to read more about it. However, you'd think that I'd become a better runner with all the reading I'm doing about it. Then again, you'd be wrong. I think I very well could be the best-read, bad runner there is!


The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall - An uplifting, quick read that happens to be the second book our Rival Readers Book Club selected to read. As it happens, it came out as a movie with James Garner and Brian Denehey just this past Friday, and I hadn't even a clue it was a book until early last week. Bad librarian...

Anyhow, the book tells the story of Jason and his great-uncle Red. The book opens with Red's family awaiting the details of his will. Red was a wealthy Texas oil and cattle man and had, through his hard work, become a billionaire and had provided well for his extended family, taking care of their every need during his life. In the end, Red saw the error of his ways as his family became spoiled and lazy. Through his will he vowed to remedy some of those mistakes by taking Jason under his post-mortem wing and molding him into the person he should be. This happened through a series of lessons, or quests, that Jason undertook. At the end, if he succeeded, he'd get his "ulimate gift". Along the way, Jason learns many of the valuable lessons that living a life of leisure had robbed him of: The lesson of hard work; the lesson of friendship; the lesson of gratitude. Twelve lessons in all help Jason win his "ultimate gift" and, in the end, become the man he was always meant to be.

Eleanor Rigby by Douglas Coupland -"I'm the one Scrabble tile with no letter". Have you ever felt that way? Like you're the only one no one really notices? As if you could simply dissappear without a trace and no one would sit up and take notice? Liz Dunn is a 42-year-old, over-weight spinster, and desperately lonely. Her narrative tone, however, is lively and engaging, as she tramps back and forth in time to tell her dramatic and eventful story.

While recovering from dental surgery in her utilitarian Vancouver condominium, Liz receives a call from the local hospital. A young man, resuscitated after a near-fatal overdose, has her name on a bracelet on his wrist. It is her son Jeremy, who she gave away for adoption at the age of 16. If this weren't enough of a life-changing encounter, it happens that Jeremy is dying of multiple sclerosis, and has a short time to live.

Liz's sudden, belated, experience of being a mother in this extreme situation is all the more moving for being lightly handled. Jeremy is a charming and lively character, and his demise is described without much ado, and even has the unusual comic touch.
Throughout the book one feels a certain glibness to Coupland's treatment of his tragic material, but this is compensated for with the heartfelt material and the lightness with which the heavy stuff is handled.

Although this book was well-written, I did have a hard time following some of the dialogue, especially between Liz and Jeremy, and in the end, between Liz and Klaus. However, I would recommend this book simply for the language. Coupland writes well!

Thunderstruck by Erik Larson - The best-selling author Erik Larson writes books that weave together multiple plots based on actual events. His best-known book is The Devil in The White City, about the architect who built Chicago's World's Fair and the serial killer who preyed on women drawn to that city. I was enthralled with this particular book and simply could not wait for his next book to come out. Narrative nonfiction is really my most favorite genre, and Larson has a narrative style that captivates the reader.

In his new book, Thunderstruck, Larson examines the North London Cellar Murder, writing about a notorious crime that happened in the city early in the 20th century. Essentially, like his previous book, it's a tale of two men, this time Harvey Hawley Crippen, a seemingly mild-mannered doctor who murdered his wife to run away with his mistress, and Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor who created the wireless telegraph -- the device that helped capture Crippen as he fled over the Atlantic with his lover. The progression the book takes, from the initial seed of the idea of the telegraph, to the eventual use of the technology to capture two fugitives, is really quite captivating. Throw in the drama and suspense of the murder and the chase, and this book is, at once, both informative and memorable. Unlike many nonfiction and history writers, Larson is able to keep the reader yearning for the next chapter!

Better Single Than Sorry by Jen Schefft - The author was on both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette and twice turned down men she'd "won" on those shows. Sounds like an authority on the subject to ME, so I thought I'd read what advice she could offer someone who's perilously close to 30 and still single (do not read desperate) herself.

Most of the author's profferings were simple common sense, or maybe they were common sense to me after spending the last decade of my life meeting Mr. Wrong after Mr. Wrong. One perspective that she addressed and that I'd recently adopted of my own volition, was that the men you meet along the path to finding Mr. Right all have something to offer, and, thus, you shouldn't see them as failed relationships. I certainly agree with her. She also asserts that you shouldn't go out with a guy if you simply don't feel into it, even if you have people telling you, "Hey, if it's only a free meal, and a night out, it's worth the trouble!" I can buy my own meal, thankyouverymuch...and I'd rather spend my evening at home alone, reading, or meeting up with my friends, than discussing politics with a liberal (EGAD!) or, even worse, a Purdue fan!

All in all, a quick, fun read to clarify why I'm happy being single and why, ten years from now, on the cliff of turning 40, I'll still be happy as long as I haven't settled :)

The Greatest Man in Cedar Hole by Stephanie Doyon - Sue and I started a new book club with our students this month, and as a group they selected this book as our first book. It's actually funny how I even noticed this book. One of my students selected it on our last book-buying trip to Barnes and Noble, and, feeling pressed to find suitable books from which to choose, pulled this one off the shelf. Not the Marian the Librarian way to do it, but hey....it worked because this book was a wonderful, wonderful read!

I won't divulge much more at the moment as our book club is yet to discuss the book and I'd HATE to give anything away. Rest assured, though, that this book is well-written and witty, with characters which will both inspire you and make you laugh all in the same page!

Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon - Back to the running books! I PROMISE the next book I read won't have a THING to do with running. You can only read so much about one of the most elementary activities known to man, right?

Actually, there's a lot more to running than one might think, and this book was quite helpful in spelling out the preparation required to truly prepare one's body and mind for the rigor of a marathon. Before I became a "runner" I didn't know how much time and training actually goes into preparing to run 26.2 miles (and 325 yards!). After my first official race this weekend, I am not certain that I could ever achieve THAT distance, but if I do decide to shun my social life and start to train for a full marathon, at least now I'll know what I'm getting myself into!

101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die by Robert W. Harris - Based on the idea that there are too many books telling everyone what to do, this witty, subversive guide tells readers that for actualized, satisfying lives, they don't need to do more, and that fulfillment can be found in "selective inaction." Witty and insightful, most of these 101 items are actually really smart ideas. Over and over the author pleads with the reader, "Don't do it!" From running with the bulls in Pamplona (#5) to never buying fake wood furniture (#35), you'll gain insight into those endeavors in life that really AREN'T worth either your time or effort. Sensiblity always prevails, including #76, Don't use a paper clip to do a binder clip's job, and #88, Don't embrace the $1 coins (because we really shouldn't reward the government for doing pointless things with our hard-earned money).

If you're looking for a humorous, light, and quick read, this one will do your soul good, if only because it validates your own common sense!

Beyond Basketball: Coach K's Keywords for Success by Mike Krzyzewski - Anyone who has a clue about anything involving basketball today knows who Mike Krzyzewski is. For many years, Duke's teams have found themselves at the top of the college basketball ranks, and they owe much of that success to the wisdom, discipline, and dedication of their coach. Coach Krzyzewski knows that one sentence, beyond any other, can inspire in his players the determination to succeed: "I believe in you." In life--whether it be academics, athleticism, or anything else--knowing that someone believes in you can make the difference between losing and winning. Coach K. knows that, and so do his players.

BEYOND BASKETBALL is broken down into numerous short "chapters," focusing on the words that most directly affect success and at any endeavor. From Adaptablity to Work, the words in between will leave the read with wonderful examples, both from basketball and beyond, about what it takes to be a truly successful individual. Whether you're a follower of college basketball or not, BEYOND BASKETBALL is a fitting book that deals with working hard, playing hard, and dedicating yourself to whatever goals you set for yourself.

How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen - "Reading has always been my home, my sustenance, my great invincible companion...I did not read from a sense of superiority, or advancement, or even learning. I read because I loved it more than any other activity on earth."

In this much too short book by one of today's more recognizable authors, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Anna Quindlen writes nostalgically about her life-long obsession with books. From a childhood spent with Nancy Drew and Heidi--when reading could often be more pleasurable than anything else--to her recommended reading lists, including a list of which 10 books she would save from a fire, Quindlen eloquently defends the practice of compulsive reading, whether of the great classics or the popular literature of the day. Throughout the book she makes clear that her profession as a writer, as well as her liberal inclinations, came directly from her love of books. Her stirring appreciation is a persuasive document that should warm the hearts of readers everywhere, and re-assures the reader that reading simply for the sake of reading itself is indeed a worthy endeavor.

During this time of year, reading is something that I get little time to do. Over the past few weeks I've been a reading bum, reading only magazines and 10 or 15 pages of books without committing to them. I did read a book about women's running, but I doubt anyone besides me (and Sue) cares to hear about it so I won't write a review here. I am determined to read a few of the new YA titles my students selected on our Barnes and Noble trip before Christmas. The more appealing ones are checked out (as they should be!), so I might just have to stick to my mindless magazines for a while longer!

For One More Day by Mitch Albom - By the author of The Five People You Meet in Heaven and Tuesdays With Morrie I kept seeing this book being promoted at Starbucks (where, I must admit, I spend much more time than anyone should...Venti Skim Chai, No Foam, Please!). I decided to finally pick up a copy and see what all the buzz is about for myself. What transpired was a wonderful, soul-touching story of a mother's love and a son's acceptance...after just one more day.

Chick Benetto lived his life trying to please his absent father, often at the expense of his ever-present mother. Chick chased his father's dream of a career in baseball, shunning his mother's dream of a college education. After a series of downfalls, including losing his job, his wife, and his daughter, Chick attempts suicide and instead is given a chance most of us would do anything to have...he is given a chance to make things right and turn his life around by spending one more day with his mother who died eight years prior. Albom writes simply and directly with phrases that often zing right to the heart. The lessons Chick learns are ones we all need to heed. Several sections are entitled "Times I Didn't Stand Up for My Mother," and "Times My Mother Stood Up For Me." For One More Day is truly a love letter to mothers. Whether you've lost your mother or you're lucky enough to still have yours in your life, this book will strike a cord in your heart and make you think...possibly even more than you'd like.

I HAVE to include the following review since it was written by the author of my most favorite book ever...

"If you had the chance, just one chance, to go back and fix what you did wrong in life, would you take it? And if you did, would you be big enough to stand it? Mitch Albom, in this new book, once again demonstrates why he is one of my favorite writers: a fearless explorer of the wishful and magical, he is also a devout believer in the power of love. For One More Day will make you smile. It will make you wistful. It will make you blink back tears of nostalgia. But most of all, it will make you believe in the eternal power of a mother's love." --James McBride, author of The Color of Water

Marathoning for Mortals: A Regular Person's Guide to the Joy of Running or Walking the Half-Marathon or Marathon by John "The Penguin Bingham and Jenny Hadfield - Considering that I've completely lost all my marbles and have signed up to run in the Indy Half-Marathon in May, I figured I'd better do what I do best...read a book to prepare! Although I'm not a "runner", I want to be, and this was the perfect book for people like me, or, in the words of the authors, running mortals.

The authors offered tons of practical (read here doable!) strategies for preparing for and finishing either a half-marathon or a full-marathon. They covered the entire spectrum of things you may encounter from the decision to start training to crossing the finish line. The best quote from the entire book, the one that has inspired me the most, is: "The miracle is not that you finished, but that you had the courage to start." I need to write THAT on my running shoes!

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson - Two of my best friends told me I had to read this book...that it was one of the best either of them had read. I had my reservations as I try to steer clear of the popular authors when it comes to my own reading pleasure. However, I took the advice. I mean, if you can't trust your best friends, who the heck can you trust? And, of course, they did not lead me astray. This was a quick and compelling read that not only had a wonderfully crafted plot, but also created a place in my heart for the characters: Suzanne, Nicholas, Matt, and Katie. This is their story...

Katie Wilkinson is an attractive, successful editor for a well-known publishing house in New York City. As the book begins, Katie is beside herself with grief. Matt Harrison, the man of her dreams, the man she is totally in love with, has just dumped her, as in dumpster dumped, without warning or excuse. This is disasterous for Katie, but the biggest question she ponders is, of course, why. She knew he had been married, but he had sworn to her that he wasn't married any more. Had he lied about that? What had happened? Then, the day after their breakup, she receives a package from Matt in the mail. Inside is a diary --- Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Who is Suzanne? Who is Nicholas? She soon finds the answer to those questions and much, much more. Although the tome is at times painful to read, she is compelled to continue reading so she can find out the entire story. For a while she is jealous of Suzanne. However, as the diary unfolds before her eyes, she comes to care deeply for Suzanne and Nicholas. What Katie ultimately discovers at the diary's end will not only change her perspective of Matt, but will open her heart to life and all it has to offer.