The Written Word

This is the place I write about books I have read. I used to be an avid reader but found myself not making time for it because I was always so “busy”. This winter I started reading again and am trying to make it part of my time for me. What have you been reading? I’d love suggestions!

Fugitive Pieces by Anne Micheals

I loved reading this book. The story is remarkable and bittersweet. The prose is lyrical and full of beautiful imagery. I would love to have lived on the tiny Greek island feeling safe and full of ancient knowledge. Read this, you’ll love it. I read it in one setting.

The Penny Tree by Holly Kennedy

This novel was the first I had read in sooo long. Probably three years at least. It was not what I would have usually chosen, a friend brought it to me, but it was perfect. I could easily put it down and pick it up later, it had a simple plot and the subject manner was light. Single Mom, trouble with children, a mystery admirer and a link with the past. Sort of like beach reading material.

The Girls by Lori Lansens

The cover of this novel reminded me of those Flower In the Attic books you find at yard sales and second hand shops. It is an excellent example of not judging a book by its cover. Joined at the head, “The Girls” (as they are known in their small Ontario town) are the world’s oldest surviving craniopagus twins. Rose and Ruby. I loved them both and had a hard time putting this down. It was funny and bittersweet.

Come, Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant

This book was loaned to me by a good friend. I had tried to read it once, an ex was really enjoying it, but couldn’t get into it. One Sunday afternoon when I was all alone and had no where to be, I picked it up and read it through. It is smart, silly, interesting and I didn’t put it down. I had lived in the town she was writing about and understood the concept of loss and trying to go back home. I recommend it although it is not a book you can put down and pick up easily.

This Charming Man by Marian Keyes

Not at all like anything I would have chosen but loaned to me by someone who knows me well. I would definitely say this is a summer or traveling kind of novel. First class chick-lit. It’s a story about one man and 4 women who have relationship, at various times, with him. One of the characters, Lola, goes through a really hard time during a breakup. I liked her the best because at the time we had that in common.

Buddhist Teachings

I have started to really look at Buddhism. I would like to say I’m “studying” buddhism but I’m not that disciplined. I started with this book, suggested by a dear friends Jim and Diane:

Infinite Life by Robert Thurman

I really enjoyed this. I didn’t read it cover to cover, I chose to look at topics that interested me the most. Robert Thurman writes in a way that makes buddhist practices understandable and attainable. I particularly likes when he talks about meditating and says being mindful and interested in meditating does not have to be overwhelming. He gives an example of being in traffic and using that time to meditate. I recommend it, even if you’re just a little bit Bud- curious .

I also read:

Pure & Simple by Upasika Kee Nanayon

The Foundations of Buddhism by Rupert Gethin

Women Practicing Buddhism ed by Peter N Gregory & Susanne Mrozok

Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron. Another fantastic book given to me by J. & D. I am so thankful for dear friends.

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