Christian inspiration which evaluates the 3 core desires of a woman's soul: to be loved/romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in her own adventures, and to unveil beauty. A book for women after the author's phenomenal success with the companion book for men, Wild at Heart. Started Jan 7th, Finished Jan 25th

One of those rare books that continues to resonate even after you've finished. A poignant story of an elderly Jewish survivor of the Holocaust who has never forgotten the love he lost 60 yrs earlier and a young girl named for a character in his long lost novel searching to ease the loneliness of her widowed mother. Started Feb 7th, Finished Feb 9th

Talk-radio host Michael Medved addresses 10 distorted myths that Americans believe about our country. Clear, concise arguments based on facts & historical records that renew pride in our American heritage. Started Feb 18th, Finished Mar 12th

Recognized as one of the greatest love stories in classic literature, the plot revolves around Russian heroine, Anna Karenina, who leaves her husband and son to live with her lover. It tackles many themes in the modernization of Russia: religion, social classes, marriage and divorce, European influence. The ending is both tragic and enlightening. Started March 21st, Finished Apr 5th

This book was written in 2005 and covers then-Senator Obama's positions on Republicans versus Democrats, the Constitution, Religion, Race, Globalization, Family Values. Overall the book is consistent with his 2008 presidential campaign platforms. I read this book for insight on how he might run his Presidency. Started April 1st, Finished April 9th

This book was written in 2003. Its main theme is the acceptance of good versus evil in this world. How do we learn from the past (Nazism, Communism) and how do we apply those lesson to today and the future (War on Terror). Interesting to read this book so many years later and be reminded of all that was happening in current events prior to the 2004 election. Started April 9th, Finished April 17th

Jeremy Clarkson is a presenter on the popular show Top Gear. This book compiles his Sunday Times columns from 2001-2003. A funny read if you keep in perspective his OTT personality. Random musings on diverse topics such as the environment, weather, EU polices, technology like the Concorde & jet engines, gardening, and even the office Christmas party. Started Apr 19th, Finished Apr 29th

The book chronicles one man's attempt to live biblically over the period of a year, 9 mos on the Old Testament and 3 mos on the New Testament. The author (a secular Jew, mid-30's) embarks on an intellectual journey in pursuit of spiritual enlightment. Humorous, insightful, an entertaining read and best of all shared with raw honesty. Started April 20th, Finished June 28th

The Victorian-era tale of the intersecting lives of two men who would never have met except for the making of the Oxford English Dictionary: the British professor who was the chief editor and the American madman who contributed more than 1000 entries from his cell in an English sanitorium for criminals. Started Apr 25th, Finished Apr 25th

The Queen of England becomes an avid reader - to the shock and horror of her household and subjects - and discovers her humanity. Loved the descriptions of what it's like to become absorbed in the world of books. Enjoyed the literary references & the dry humor, but writing was a bit pedantic. Too many words that I couldn't find in my pocket dictionary! Started Apr 28th, Finished Apr 29th

I read this book for tips in dealing with difficult customers and colleagues as well as understanding how better to relate to others who are in an angry mood. Useful tips, wide series of topics including stress management & health. Highly recommended. Started May 5th, Finished May 10th

Book # 2. The twins have transported from San Francisco to Paris. John Dee is still hot in-pursuit. Josh is tricked into believing John Dee is good, and Nicholas is evil. The twins' magical powers grow stronger. Includes historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Comte Saint-Germaine, Machiavelli. Started May 4th, Finished May 6th

Another nod to one of my favorite children's series! Started May 9th, Finished May 9th

Bella moves from sunny Phoenix to rainy Forks, WA and befriends a family of vampires. The writing is too melodramatic (even for young adult lit); I would've liked less mushy love plot and more action. However, still engaging enough to rush out and read the next book in the series! Started May 11th, Finished May 15th

The dark and tragic love story of Catherine and Heathcliff, one of the most famous and original Victorian-era classics. I especially enjoy how the book is organized around contrasts: between life at Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, between the older and younger generations, between love and revenge. Started May 18th, Finished May 22nd

Classic business book, particularly focused on innovation. 12 management lessons on Apple covering both successes and failures. I liked the bulleted summary lists at the end of each chapter. Slightly out-dated now in the post-iPhone era but still informative. Started May 25th, Finished June 3rd

A romantic comedy, shorter and easier to read than most Shakespearean works. Prospero and his daughter have been banished on an Island after his brother stole his dukedom. Fate (or is it magic?) intervenes to shipwreck the King and his retinue on the Island. Families are reunited, and wrongs are righted. Started June 5th, Finished June 6th

This supernatural thriller is a blend of Christian legend and historical fiction. Mary Agreda, a Franciscan nun in Spain, converts thousands of Southwestern Native Americans to Christianity while never leaving Spain. 300 years later a Franciscan Father, a US intelligence agent and a Spanish reporter unwrap the mystery in parallel. Started June 13th, Finished June 18th

3 young British women sail from England on a journey to India which will change their lives forever. Winner of an UK 2009 Romance of the Year novel award. Set in the late-1920s, a period when unrest in India was growing towards an independence movement from British colonization. Love, adventure, grief, family relationships. A quick summertime read. Started June 26th, Finished June 30th