My Sister's Keeper

by Jodi Picoult


I have start out by venting a wee bit… I was unaware of how this book ended until I had just a few more chapters left. I started reading reviews from Goodreads... never again! I read a review that TOTALLY gave it away. Aahhh! A bit of advice when it contains a spoiler, say so! Especially right at the beginning of your review! I couldn’t miss it!!! Buggy, buggy Amy...

This said, the review below contains NO spoilers!!

I absolutely loved and hated this book at the same time! I got so wrapped up in the story that I HAD to keep reading just so I would have some resolution. Even though I knew the idea of the book before I read it, I wasn't prepared for what an emotional and intellectual battle it would be. At one point I was sitting on the couch holding my 2 year old (who was trying to watch cartoons) and sobbing... what would I do in the same position?? Jodi Picoult took such a controversial issue and wrote in a way that I had to think about it. The conflict alone is what makes this book fascinating.

I also liked how the story was told from the characters' points of view. Knowing what everyone was thinking and where they were coming from added even more drama and definitely pulled at the heartstrings.

I really liked Sara’s thoughts when she said; “I realize then that we never have children, we receive them. And sometimes it’s not quite as long as we would have expected or hoped. But it is still far better than never having had those children at all.” I took many lessons from this book; NEVER JUDGE! Who knows what I would do in the same situation. Cherish each and every day. I am so grateful for the health of my family. Most importantly, it brought a greater awareness of the blessing that come from my faith. I can’t imagine going through a trail such as this, not knowing there was a greater purpose, a plan and a loving Father in Heaven to turn to. This book gave me another reminder that I am truly blessed.

A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens


The time is at hand to admit… I had never read this book until now. This was my first! I have seen many cartoons, movies and plays retelling this classic story, and though it was hard to read without picturing Scrooge McDuck, Jimmy Cricket and all the rest of the Disney gang (Truth be told, the characters did fit! How scary is that!!), the book is always better.

Once I put the cartoon aside I loved reading Dickens’s words. His descriptions are vivid and fun and there is really nothing like the way he can tell a story. All through out my reading I kept thinking of the Christmas song: "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." One specific line…

There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
of Christmases long, long ago

Is this linked to Dickens? Who really tells ghost stories if not. Regardless, I liked the connection. “A Christmas Carol” is a classic and a tradition for a reason.