Good reads.

Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my outfit for NYE!  For those who asked, my top is by Free People and I got it at Nordstrom.  :o)

I just finished The Pillars of the Earth last night. 

SUCH a great book!  I love the feeling after I finish a book that has captivated my heart and brain, but it’s also a tad sad, because I wonder if the next book I read will be able to meet the new bar that has been set.  I find it pretty frustrating when I have spent time reading a book that just didn’t “do it” for me.  I really don’t have as much time as I would like these days to read, so it’s always a big decision when I decide what to occupy my precious free time with next.  SO, the big question looming in my head right now is….what lucky book will have the privilege of joining my collection next?  First, I need to point out that for every fictional book that I read I have about three non-fictional books that I rotate with.  I really wish I didn’t do this, it gets a little overwhelming, but I can’t help myself – so, I have accepted the fact that my nightstand will pretty much always hold 4-5 books that I am “currently” reading at any given time.  Perhaps this is why I don’t get through books quickly!  So really, my “what’s next?” debate, for now, is primarily for fictional reads.  I am pretty sure my Hubby will read this and crack up at the fact that most of my reading is done in the bathtub before bed.  I don’t think guys will ever really understand just how RELAXING it is to read in the ‘tub! The worries of the world just melt away… ~ Hubby, thank u for allowing me to have ‘tub time.  :o)

While pursuing my “what’s next?” options, I stumbled upon the website Goodreads.  Have you heard of it?  Taken from their website, Goodreads is….

…a free website for book lovers. Imagine it as a large library that you can wander through and see everyone's bookshelves, their reviews, and their ratings. You can also post your own reviews and catalog what you have read, are currently reading, and plan to read in the future. Don’t stop there – join a discussion group, start a book club, contact an author, and even post your own writing.

If you are a member or decide to join, please let me know so I can keep up with your picks!  I am a huge fan of the word-of-mouth method when it comes to choosing my next read.  Before I go any further and decide what to read next, here is a look at a few books I have read this past year (and a few from before):

The Pillars of the Earth

Three Cups of Tea

Eat Pray Love

The Shack

Shadow of the Wind

More books out of the Kristin Billerbeck series – I am OBSESSED.  These are my “beach reads”.  Imagine Andrea Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada as a Christian girl trying to make it big while keeping her Faith in tact – with Prada handbag in tow, of course. 

And I always, ALWAYS go back to Redeeming Love. No matter how many times I read it, it’s still like the first time.  Sigh. 

So what’s next?!  I would love your help!  Here are a few I have been thinking about…

~

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

The Poisonwood Bible

Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl

Lovely Bones (I can’t bring myself to read this!  I feel like I will cry the whole time!)

Water for Elephants

~

Do you have any recommendations?  Have you read a book recently that you just couldn’t put down?

My nightstand is eager to make a new friend!

HAPPY WEDNESDSAY!

Blessings/XOXO