So long, Last Song

I finished it. Just a minute or two ago, actually. Nicholas Sparks did it again, and brought me to tears. This book was one of his best. I'm not sure what it was about this book, it didn't seem like anything special, but I couldn't stop reading it. I just loved it, and I don't know why!

And that's probably all I can say for those of you who haven't finished/haven't started it yet. I'll just comment on a few other things I found in the book.

Do you notice that we might have a theme here? Well, semi-theme I guess depending on what book we choose next. Like Shades of Blue, this book was set in North Carolina and mentioned some of the same beaches. I think they were Wrightsville Beach and Holden Beach. I'll tell you one thing, after reading both of those books, I want nothing more than to spend weeks on a beach in North Carolina. I've even toyed with the idea of moving there. Maybe I should visit first.....

I've really enjoyed what we've created here. Such a great way to share the love of reading. Because I just can't get enough, I've created a goal for myself that I've kept up for a few years. I have a list of classic literature that I would like to finish in my lifetime. I originally gave myself five years, but I decided why rush? I like to use other books or forms of media/entertainment to inspire where on my list I will go next. If a book is referenced or is a topic in another book that I'm reading or movie that I'm watching, I decide that that will be the next book I read and subsequently cross off my list. In The Last Song Ronnie is reading Anna Karenina. It is a book I don't know very much about, but I can't wait to find out. I just love how the old classics can live on in contemporary literature.

Now I know that you probably don't share in this quest of mine to find dusty old books from the 1800's, but thanks for letting me indulge. I will be sure to refrain from suggesting books from my list as future selections in our book club.

On that note, Happy Reading friends!

To be young again...

I'm in the middle of chapter 12 right now, and Mr. Sparks is keeping my attention. So far this book seems to be unique from his others. Most of the time two people are falling madly in love within the first two days of meeting each other. Those story lines can get a little old, however that could be a little further into the book.

I like how Ronnie isn't a clean cut character and that her flaws are very obvious. And the flaws of her father as well. I think it keeps things interesting.

There is just something about being a teenager in the summer. Somehow when you leave school in May and return in August, you're very aware of how much you've grown up in that short time. Anything can happen when it's summertime! I loved that time of year. Granted, I never did anything that exciting. My summers were spent detassling in the fields of Jasper County and going to county fairs with my friends. And I loved it.

That is really a time in your life when you didn't have much to worry about, and you didn't even know it.

Redeeming Love Wrap-Up

I know, I know, I've been a little MIA around here lately. I FINALLY went through the pictures from the last book club. Here are some snipits from our wonderful evening.

We decided we loved the book. These ladies weren't completely finished, so I had to keep my mouth shut during some of the discussion.

Julie, put her teacher skills to work and let her creative juices fly, ending in this beautiful salsa creation.

We got back to our High School ways, and took some random pics. Remember, all those pics we took on missions trips etc...? They'll always be some of my faves!

Now, we are on to our next book, and I am wondering who has started. I do not have mine yet. But, I WILL get it this week, even if I have to order it off of B&N.

P.S. How much do we love that our dear missionary friend is reading about vampires? She's gotta be the coolest missionary I know. Love you Jalayne! And, can I just get it out there, that we are all totally jealous of Amanda.