One month of many books

Wow, I havebeen SLACKING on my blogging. Since my last post, I have actually read a handful of books, althoughmost of them were notOprah's Book Club picks. After Tara Road and Gap Creek, I decided I really needed a break from her list and instead, I caught up with some of my favorite authors.

I gobbled up Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult in less than a week. If you want to read a book that centers around all the main social debate topics, then this is your gem. I

thought it was a very interesting read and I had a hard time putting the book down. The book actually comes with an audio cd attached to it that supposedly goes along with the chapters. The lyrics were written by the author and another woman, who also provides the vocals. I never actually listened to the cd myself, but I thought that was a very cool and unique way to bring a story to life.

The next book I read was Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts. As a

lot of you know, I absolutely adore this autho

r, and NOT because she is a romance novelist!! In my 11 years reading her books, I have found that her larger novels actually contain a lot less "romance" writing and more character development and story line. She writes about topics that are so unique and worth learning about, such as fire jumping. Chasing Fire revolves around a base in Montana that houses and trains people to literally jump into forest fires during the dry months in order to put them out and save the surrounding towns and wildlife. I had never really heard about that profession before and found it amazing to learn about. Sure there is romance, but there is a lot of mystery and intrigue as well, so don't count her out so fast! I believe after I finished Chasing Fire (a little past my library due date-yikes!) I read Night Road by Kristin Hannah. I have read almost

all of her books, and I have enjoyed them all (except True Colors--I didn't really care for that one) and I really loved reading Night Road. It is about teenagers, friendship, love, and heartbreak. And maybe a lit

tle more love. It was a great read and I read this one so fast that when I finished it, my fiance was confused because he thought I was still reading Chasing Fire!

After Night Road, I decided to peruse through the trunk of my car. I still had a bag in there that contained books that I had bought from that book fair a few months back, and I thought I would give Oprah another chance. I chose to read Where

The Heart Is by Billie Letts next, because I knew I couldn't go wrong with that one. I have never seen the movie because I always said I had wanted to read the book first. And after reading the book, I am definitely looking forward to seeing the movie. It was just a very nice story about the kindness of strangers, something that isn't as prevalent in the world as it used to be.

After finishing Where The Heart Is, I went back to my trunk and picked out Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand. While also not an Oprah pick, I have been wanting to read something by this author for a while now, so I don't feel guilty!! I am about halfway through it, and it would definitely be a great beach read. Or, since it IS October, and slightly past beach season, I would recommend reading it curled up on a couch with a cozy blanket and a hot beverage of your choice :)

Since it is October, I can't help but mention that I am getting married this month! Not only this month, but in 12 days! I can almost count the days on 2 hands! I am very excited and I am begging you all to think warm, nice-day thoughts, because I would love to have the ceremony outside by the lake. In kee

ping with the theme, I recommend that everyone read the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts. 4 books of all the wedding talk you can possibly handle!
See you all on the married side!