Books, I love. And Books I love.

Books. I love books. I always have loved books. As a kid I used to go to great lengths to read my books: under the covers with a flashlight, in the car, in the bathtub, at the movies. Yep, my mom will still tell stories about how I used to bring a book to the movies because... heck.... what else is there to do before and after the movie? And what if the movie is boring?

Exactly. I was... am... a complete, total, 100% geek.

Before I became a mother, I dreamed of reading aloud to my children. I would read my favorite books from childhood... the Little House Series, James and the Giant Peach, Winnie the Pooh. We would snuggle together in bed and stay up far too late reading stories. I would cave into all their pleas for 'one more story mommy'. A love of reading would flow into them from me, and we would share this one thing always....

*sigh*

J-man won't let me read to him.

I tried to do books at bedtime. I would try and read the words (think board books, people) and point to pictures, and he just wants to turn the pages or look at the pictures. I would just try labeling and he would sometimes watch me, but never expresses real interest. I am sure it is a language issue, plus a processing issue, plus another way to have my heart break. But, he is only three... so there is hope.

However, onward.... to books I love.

My Top Books From 2009

Ok, so this list isn't books published in 2009. Just books I read and really, really liked in 2009. Note: not all of these books are high falootin, fancy shamacy books. Some are just great trashy reads, some are brilliant works of art. I will try and distinguish them for you! Also note... they are in no particular order of greatness. I am not good enough to rank them!

1. Schuyler's Monster by Robert Rummel-Hudson. This wonderful memoir that has really affected me. Touching, funny and entertaining at the same time. See my "review".

2. This Lovely Life by Vicki Forman. This memoir just took my breath away. See my "review".

3. The Mercy Thompson Series by Patrica Briggs. Ok, so the previous 2 books are writing masterpieces. This series is just plain old Brain Candy. But really good brain candy. Pure candy, 100% no nutritional value whatsoever. Think Twilight, but good. Oh, and this is actually a series of 4 books, so it is kinda a cheat... but whatever. Paperbacks are cheap.

4. No god but God by Reza Aslan. Ok, complete geek book. In essence this is a book about the history and explanation about the Islamic faith. I picked this book up after I saw the author on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I found this book very interesting and well written. This is a book for the person who just would like to know and understand a little more about evolution of today's Islamic faith and how it effects the world today.

5. The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs. Whereas #4 is a serious exploration on Islam, this book isn't nearly as serious. And yet, it is. The author essentially attempts to live the Bible as literally as possible for a year. It is very funny, interesting and educational. I laughed and learned at the same time.

6. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Lovely novel, just lovely.

7. My Baby Rides the Short Bus by Yantra Bertelli, Jen Silverman, and Sarah Talbot. This is a wonderful collection of short stories and essays from parents with special needs kids. These stories are NOT the "chicken soup for the soul" type of stories, but are hard and real and filled with truth. (Confession: I think I actually read this in January 2010. Oh well)

So if J-man can't appreciate my love of books right now, maybe you can enjoy it a little.

(oh, and if you have any recommendations... pass them on!!!!)