Books read in June

I was hoping to finish another book last night so I could write a review this morning. However, I turned the TV on and there was an episode of NUMB3RS that I hadn't seen...the rest, as they say, is history. After watching it and a smidgen of the local news, my eyes were getting sleepy.

I may have been up longer if my son hadn't walked through the front door during the news....much to my relief. Imagine this mother's surprise when he had called saying he was on the "lake" with a few other guys...on a rubber raft...fishing...at night. Now, those of you who know where I live will ask the obvious question. LAKE? Uh, huh... Not a lake like...say...MICHIGAN. It is more like a huge and deep pond.

But just like our hills aren't "real" hills compared to many areas of the country (they wear us out when we bicycle on them), this "lake" is deep enough that one who does not know how to swim well could be in trouble. I told him on the phone this is perhaps the craziest thing he has ever done. I guess considering he is almost eighteen, that is not saying much. I should mention that he'd never fished before. Sheesh...

So...here is my very small list of books read in June. Do remember that I had little children here during part of this time. Now I know why most mothers of very young children do not have a "What I'm Reading" sidebar...or at least one that doesn't get changed very often. :)

Around the Table by Lela Nargi -- When I finished this book I wondered why it was published in the first place. The subtitle is: Nourishment, Love...and Mothers Who Dished It Up For Them. I didn't like these women, most were not people I'd want to spend time with in real life. Many of them complained about their mothers (and visa versa). The only chapter I liked was about Frances Moore Lappe and her daughter Anna. There was a mutual respect between the two and I liked the message about eating locally and whole foods as much as possible.

The Twelve Teas of Friendship by Emilie Barnes -- a reread -- beautiful!

The Organic God by Margaret Feinberg -- this is a book that was sent me to review -- great book, absolutely loved it -- led me further into the Word.

A Year in Provence and Encore Provence by Peter Mayle. I read these while on the sofa with the flu symptoms (including a queasy stomach) and I still loved them, food descriptions and all. I know why these books have been best sellers for so long. Both were highly enjoyable "light" reads. I feel I have been in Provence. The first book is an account of their first year living in Provence and getting to know the people (they are British). The second is a little more about Provence in general although Mayle does revisit "old friends". If you are ever thinking of visiting Provence, read the books (especially the second book) to know where to go. His third book from my reading list (Acquired Tastes) is my current "purse book"...that which I carry with me to read when I find myself away from home with time on my hands. I'll write about it next month.

Paula Deen; It Ain't All About the Cookin by Paula Deen and Sherry Suib Cohen. If you love to watch Paula on the Food Network, you will enjoy reading her autobiography. I do warn you that she uses some rather spicy language, although none you wouldn't hear in the average public High School (and unfortunately among some homeschoolers). Paula's struggle with panic attacks and agoraphobia is amazing, considering how far she has come since then. Paula is also very honest about some of the mistakes she has made in her life so I would read it first before giving it to young, unmarried women...discretion advised. I couldn't put it down and I read it all in one day.

Susy Bales Garden Parties by Susy Bales -- A big coffee table sized book about entertaining that I had already checked out of the library a couple of times. Great picture ideas as well as recipes.

I skimmed a few books (all rereads) while I was ill and read some magazines. However...the first half of the month... I spent all the time I could playing with little children, holding that baby, and chatting with my daughter. Now, I must take advantage of two gorgeous low humidity days so I may be outside rather than reading. I'm certain my favorite reading places will be a welcome respite when the heat and humidity return next week.