Of the three books described in the opening of this Bookworm! series, this is the book that probably made you raise your eyebrows. Or as the author would describe it: cock your head to the side and perk up your ears in question. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is again a book I had in my hands, put down, and it appeared at Ruthan’s house. I borrowed it Wednesday after running 6 miles before work (i.e. REALLY tired that night so not lots of time to read) and finished crying in the Subway sandwich shop over my flatbread egg white sammich. I was reading it Wednesday night before meeting my winter Team in Training teammates to work on our fundraising. Turns out one girl is readying it for her book club this month and my friend Lauren has been reading it too! If you have (or have ever in your life had) a dog, you need to read this book. It is hilarious in points (monkey’s are inferior to dogs and Enzo, the dog, is indignant that the monkeys have opposable thumbs when he doesn’t); it is heart breaking in others (did you read about me crying in Subway?). No matter what you will not be wasting your time with this book. If you are a deep thinker (i.e. I am too good to read a book written from a dog’s perspective), be heartened—there were many parts that as I read them, I knew they held a deeper, more mystical message. I didn’t slow down to pick up those messages, I liked the part where Enzo was talking best. Makes me want to be a better Master to Maggie. (sorry Barton)

Oh, Kelly C—thanks for letting Ruthan borrow your book out to me. I took good care of it, didn’t drop it in the toilet or tub!

The next choice was UBER exciting b/c it was the first book I read on my NEW IPAD (yes, you have to scream it every time you type “NEW IPAD” for the first year—it’s in the EULA contract). This was a big leap for me—I love the feel of books (hardback and paperback), I love the smell of books (I don’t care if someone told me that smell is actually the pages decaying, I want a perfume that smells like it—better yet a cologne that smells like it that Paul can wear). I also love looking at the cover—why did the author choose that cover? That typesetting? Do they like the cover? What were they thinking when they had that PR headshot taken? I also love carrying a book around—makes me feel pretentious, “What? You don’t read World War II historical memoirs over your Panini at lunch? Loser…”

But I also love technology and my husband, and quite frankly, Paul was sick of lugging around my “do box” of books and magazines every time we took a car trip. This way I can store it all on my NEW IPAD and that fits into my purse! My sister has a Kindle and she loves it so I took the leap with a book that has been on my To Read list for over a year or so: Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand.

This is the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic distance runner who ended up a Pacific POW. Sounds really uplifting, right—you know how difficult running is for my and the Pacific POW camps make Gitmo sound like a resort. In a Pacific POW camp, they were probably begging to “only” be water boarded. I admit, I have always been fascinated by concentration camp stories. In 8^th grade I entered a public speaking contest with a speech about concentration camps. I think the subtitle of Unbroken really sums it up well for me though: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. I LOVE a good survival story. I LOVE the word RESILIENCE. Not in a Bear Gryllis sort of survival, but when your mental and emotional mettle is tested. What would I do in that situation? I like to think I am a pretty strong chick (beyond bench press), but could I withstand the boredom, physical exertion and starvation (not to mention the torture, of course). And if I could, would I be able to withstand the survivorship? Spoiler Alert: Louis does magnificently and is a new inspiration for me (not necessarily in timing a mile, but in overcoming obstacles).

The only word of caution I have about this book is not to read it when you are backpacking with children. Especially those that tend to be more dramatic than others. You will have no sympathy for a kid whining about walking uphill after you hear of someone’s fingernails being ripped out. No tears are shed for children who dropped s’mores chocolate once you read of a POW who was forced to lick feces from the commander’s boot or be kicked in the face repeatedly. A dramatized headache brings eye rolls when they are not brought on by a beating session where 200+ strikes in one’s face by other men’s fists, clubs, boots, and branches. Its hard to remember to live in the now when reading a book so mesmerizing. Paul plans to read it if I ever give him enough time on my NEW IPAD.

Standby for Part 3!

In the past week or so I have read 3 fantastic books that I have to share w you. They are very different in some obvious ways:

1 fiction, 2 non-fiction
1 author is a dog, 2 are people
1 was on my NEW IPAD, other 2 were paperback
1 was borrowed, 2 were owned

But the one thing all three had in common was that they were all very uplifting, encouraging, happy books. Kind of a variation for me in some ways. I remember going to Barnes and Noble w my family once on vacation and Elli snorted as I came out of the Business section with a book on improving communication, “Why don’t you ever just read fun books?”

A book a read last year or so was We Need to Talk about Kevin, about a boy who is a sociopath and becomes a school shooter (movie debuted at Cannes this year). It was quite chilling and was hard to shake when I finished. Related to that was Room, which I posted about last year about this time.

So that is what I am trying to do now—gather “fun” books that have positive messages. Although I am worried perhaps Paul would have preferred I spend more time in the communication/self-help section and being a step parent has made me NOT read scary-children type books. I’d love to hear what you are reading or what books are on your favorite-of-all-time-will-read-over-and-over list.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

This book was recommended to me by my friend/Wednesday morning running buddy Ruthan (also one of “The Favorites”). I had seen it several times, picked it up in Target more than once, but not taken the leap. I saw it in her house one Wednesday when I went to run and she said it was a sweet, but powerful book that I had to read. I bought it and it sat on the bookshelf for several weeks until she asked me if I
finished it yet. Two days later I had finished it.

Yes—it is that good. Just like the little boy in it imparts wisdom beyond his years after a trip to Heaven during surgery, this small book packs a powerful message in its fast-paced read. It asked and answered questions I have about Heaven and since it was the experience of a 4-year old boy, I understood much more. It did not feel preachy at all. Instead it really made me want to read more about this Heaven stuff.
In general it was a very positive, uplifting feel good book!

Stay tuned for installments # 2 and 3!

Not shown is the current selection, the only 14-day book in the pile. It is called, Heads You Lose, and I am LOVING IT! I heard an interview w the authors on NPR and immediately put it on my to-read list. There are 2 authors and they used to be bf/gf, but broke up abotu 10 years ago. She is an established author, he is a poet. They alternated writing chapters, which is great b/c they have different styles–although I think everything flows well. My fav part is that in between each chapter, the editor puts the notes that the authors wrote to each other. They are SO funny and totally make the novel more enjoyable!

I wonder if Paul would write a book with me….

This book is intense. Girl kidnapped at 19. Held captive in a sound proof, escape proof 11×11 shed by creepy man (and all that entails). Fast forward 7 years and she has a 5 year old boy, Jack, by the creepy man. The book is about how Jack knows nothing of the Outside. His life consists of friends like Table, Bed, Rug, and Wardrobe (where he sleeps). It is told from Jack’s point of view. The language and thought process is incredible. The author is not out of character for a second.

Not sure if it would be a good read for mother’s of 5 year-old boys. Does that make me a bad mother? I will deal w that later, but dang this book was great. I started reading it W night about 8pm (MUCH better than watching SpongeBob SquarePants) and finished today at 11am. And no, I did not stay up all night to read it, although I did get up at 5am with Tyler.

Available at your library (that is where I got it), but you might face a long queue. Also avl on Kindle and other e-readers. I recommend putting it on your list now!

Leading from the Front by Courtney Lynch and someone else I cannot remember

2 chick former marines talk about leadership issues that are specific to women. I think I am looking for a magic bullet answer to all interpersonal skills. The health care environment is very stressful with all of the upcoming changes to Medicare. Lots of tension. Still looking for the magic.

What are you doing with the rest of your life? (I forget the author)

Pretty self explanatory. If you feel  like you are going uphill all the time, something must not be right. Right?

Superfreakonomics

Have you read Freakonomics? If not, you need to. They talk about things like why sumo wrestlers are crooked,why is chemo so widely used when it so rarely works, forceps hoarding, and assassinating mosquitoes. What could go wrong?

How much you can you stand? Martha Beck

Great book that has like 7 things you need to do to bring joy into your life. You must master each step before moving on. Problem is that I cannot master Step 1. No, not admitting you are powerless over joy. Step 1 is, “Do nothing for 15 minutes each day.” Seriously. I cannot do it for more than 2 days in a row. I have been trying for about 3 months. I wonder if she has a remedial book. Maybe something about bringing adequate feelings into your life. That feels much easier than shooting straight for joy.

I also have 3 parenting books that are more like reference books that I dip into here and there:

• Positive Discipline
• 4 Love Languages of Children
• Balance is a Crock, Sleep is for the Weak

Magazines

• Entertainment Weekly
• Time
• Endurance Magazine
• Money
• Real Simple
• Lucky
• Oprah
• Bicycling
• Inc.
• Men’s Fitness
• Fast Company
• Family Circle

What are you reading these days?

Anna is playing softball again this spring. She is on a team w a different coach, but a couple girls are the same from last year. Funny thing about softball–the socks. One is purple and one is gold. The purple one went missing (wherever missing socks go) after 1 game. Instead of just wearing regular socks, she wore the gold one and a regular sock. Didn’t want you to think it was a gang sign or anything.

PS–the purple sock turned up this past weekend (after about 3 weeks on vacation). It was under our bed.  Imagine that–a dirty sock 2 feet from where the clothes got pulled off and dropped. Who would have thunk it??

Anna rounds 3rd on her way home.

Tyler is playing baseball (T ball really). He is the only kid who gets overhand pitched to and he SMACKS it every time. He has a great swing and really crushes it. He gets that from me I am sure. The main thing he has been doing though is GROWING! This past weekend I think he ate and laid around the entire weekend. He even put himself down for a nap (normal for me, NOT for this 6 year old boy).

What do growing 6 year old boys and lazy 77 year old dogs have in common?

A few weekends ago Paul and I went to see Simplified play at the Blind Tiger again. Their songs are great and it is always a good time (made better by the recent legislation banning smoking in bars and restaurants). Turns out the band’s drummer broke his wrist so they had a new kid who did ok. Just a little different vibe since he was new.

We like that band so much that their song, “Home,” was the one that we walked down the aisle to at our wedding. Lyrics:
Never thought I would be the one who,
Found someone to make me feel like you do,
It’s true I dreamed of you,
And you came in right on cue,

At the Simplified concert April 16.

Tyler and I were playing basketball one afternoon (which means I was rebounding for him–I am allowed 1 shot per 1 million Tyler shoots). All of a sudden he stops and runs over to the yard by the fence. He wanted to pick me flowers and insisted that I put them in water right away so they would last. Here is a photo of my gift:

What more could a girl ask for?

I have been reading quite a bit lately (Paul would say “as usual”). I recently finished House Rules by Jodi Picoult. She could make the phone book a best seller. LOVE her writing style. I also finished Walking on Broken Glass. It was ok. I am part way through The Irresistible Henry House. It is quirky so far. Henry House is an orphan who is adopted by a Home Ec Dept of a college in the 40′s so his 6 “mothers” rotate weekly for a semester, then he gets a new batch of mother every 4-5 months. It follows him through life to watch how messed up this makes him. It is supposedly fiction, but I think these programs really did exist. I introduced Paul to Bill Bryson and Dave Berry. That’s right, Paul is STILL reading! He even said his next book will be FICTION. Imagine that!!!

We have been riding a lot more now that the weather has warmed up. We are doing our first mountain ride this weekend. Can’t remember exactly how much climbing, but its a lot. Hopefully the bike Garmin will work to measure climbing feet like it is supposed to. Last weekend there was such a drastic change in pressure w that big storm that it said at one point that the incline we were on was 850% grade! WHOA!

We MUST do this more often! The saddest thing ever was getting it set up, Anna choosing a card, then saying, “What do I do? I can’t remember!” I should have known we were in trouble when it turned out to only have 2 game pieces (Mom–is that the game from my childhood?). So Paul got a couple more. I was the green man, Anna was the red man, Tyler was a Transformer from McDonald’s named “S” (no one can remember the real name and it has an S on it). Paul was the Emperor from Star Wars, complete w electricity coming from his finger tips. Awesome. I won once, Anna won the 2nd time. There was also the small side game of Paul running around the board as the Emperor electrocuting people.

Then I read some of A Light in the Attic to them. They now think Wild Strawberries are real (with shark teeth and feet and a tail). Then they borrowed a couple books of mine. [my parents brought me a couple boxes of them last year--VERY cool and a HUGE hit w the kids] Tyler got in bed then called me back wanting to know, in a very distressed voice, who colored in that book. He was shocked into silence when I told him it was me. Could’ve knocked him over w a feather….

SICK

I stayed home from work Monday and Tuesday of last week (9/28 and 29). At first I thought it was flu, which means automatic 7 days out of work. Luckily (?) it was only a sinus infection. I am finally feeling back to normal today (10/6) 1 week later. It has indeed thrown a wrench in my training and weight loss progress (more later). But as of tonight (great run!) I am back on track. Paul and the kids had gotten the respiratory funk a couple times in earlier weeks. I think we all are on the mend. I got my flu shot and the H1N1 flu vaccine will be at our site in a few weeks at the latest. Because I am a high risk person (asthma) in a high risk job (healthcare), I am near the top of the list. Which I feel mixed about since they are still looking at long term side affects. I did also get a pneumonia vaccine free at work b/c of the high risk thing and the fact that the H1N1 tends to affect respiratory system and turn to pneumonia.

HEALTHY

So Paul and I have been in a weight loss contest of sorts w each other for a couple months now. My goal is 11 pounds, Paul’s is 7 (I think). So we weigh in every Wed morning and if we have dropped weight we get a certain amount of money we chose put towards the kayaks that we want (but cannot afford). If we did not lose, but we did our workouts for the week (training for the 1/2 marathon in Dec), we put 1/2 the money back. So far I have lost about 6 1/2 pounds. This means that I am under the cut off for what our life insurance company thinks is high risk. So once I can stay there, I will get re-tested and save us some money!

KIDS

Tyler had a hard time w getting used to school and its routine/restriction/discipline, but he has been doing much better recently. He lost his 2nd tooth yesterday. I woke up in the middle of the night (ok, 10:30) and heard him rolling around, then nothing, then…”yessss!!!!” He had found his quarter from the tooth fairy.

Tyler's first lost tooth

Anna is kicking butt in school. She has her dad’s spelling prowess so we have been working on that, but she has aced her test each of the last 2 weeks. She is very much into mermaids right now.

Both kids love riding their bikes, Tyler prefers trails and Anna the road. Tyler wants to play hoops this winter. Anna changes her mind daily, but did decide she wanted to do a craft from a book she got from Miss Sallie, one of the triathletes I coached through Team in Training this season. Sallie works at Edward McKay, a local used bookstore we LOVE LOVE LOVE. Anna got to go a couple weeks ago and pick some books ($3 worth) b/c she got to 10 on her reward chart (for following the rules at school and home).

FUN

Paul read one of my books about Michael Jordan–its about his retirement and (first) comeback. I recently read 2 books my mom brought me: Never Change (Elizabeth Berg) and Garden Spells (Sarah Addison Allen). Now I am reading Seven Summits–it is about the first 2 guys who climbed the highest mountain on each of the 7 continents. Next comes 2 books I got in Wilmington at one of my favorite little shops, Two Sisters Bookery. My choices are Why the Devil Chose New England for His Work (Jason Brown) or Breakfast with Buddha (Roland Merullo). The weekend of Sept 20th (our anniversary!!) Paul and I went to Wilmington for the race that my TNT peeps did.

L to R: Tom, Sallie, Kathy, me

The weekend after that my parents came down and we had lots of fun, especially at the zoo w Paul’s mom, sis and her kids.

Mom, Dad, Susan, Paul at lunch at Fishbones

Tyler stylin' in my cap while he fixes my hair (at the zoo).

Girl time at the zoo!

Then last weekend Paul and I went to see B.B. King in Myrtle Beach’s House of Blues. It was SO KICK ASS! I will let him tell the rest. No new real house projects in progress. Saturday will be an easy weekend at home so we will have chore day (shhh–Paul and the kids don’t know yet).

I am also almost finished reading Eric Clapton’s autobiography. This is also a really good book if you are a music fan. It is amazing that he is still alive with all the drugs and drinking he did. Once he got clean he opened a rehab center and in a effort to raise money for it he auctioned off a lot of his guitars. He got $959,500 for his famous “blackie” guitar and after hearing that Susan says that we are going to auction my guitars. I keep telling her that I am not famous and we will never get that much for them (not to mention I’m not getting rid of them) but she remains optimistic.

Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells is excellent! It is a memoir so although I found it in the non-fiction section, it may very well fall in the category of Million Little Pieces (autobiographical fiction). It was recommended to me by my boss, Lisa Pennington. It is about her family growing up in various places, although her “formative years” were in WVa. It makes crazy look like Beaver Cleaver’s family. But as you will read on the reviews, you can tell as you read the story that she loves her parents and knows they did their best—even at their worst.

Great theme for me as I work on my step-mother skills, which some days seems like all out of a Cinderella fairy tale. Is there a fairy tale where the step mother is NOT wicked? THAT is the book I need to read.