Book One: The Guernsey and Potato Peel Society

I have finished my first book! One down, 22 more to go.

The first book on my list was "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society". I bought this book at the beginning of the summer, but in the midst of moving and traveling it was thrown into a box that was left, unpacked, in my basement until a couple of weeks ago. I had actually forgotten that I even had this book, so it was quite a surprise to find this treasure packed among my old college binders and textbooks.

Let me tell you about this book. It is by far the best book I've read in years! I devoured it in just a few sittings. The book takes place in London and the Guernsey Islands off the coast of Normandy. The main character is a writer from London that begins corresponding with the Literary Society of this small island after a man there sees her name written in the front a book by Charles Lamb and decides to write her a letter. The entire book is told through letters, and as the writer, Juliet, learns about the German occupation during WWII and the lovely and eccentric people of the Society, she falls in love with them and so did I. This book is about so many things; friendship, WWII, writing, and of course love. I found it a little hard to keep track of all the characters at the beginning, but by the end of the book they all had their place in the Guernsey I imagined in my mind.

I'll admit that this is one of those books that caused me to stay up much later than I intended, and on a school night. I started reading at 10:30p.m. and was so enthralled with the characters and their story that I just could not put it down. I had to know what happened at the end, and so I kept reading. The ending of this book was perfect. I sighed, smiled in delight, and finally closed my eyes at 1a.m.. Was I tried the next day? You betcha. Was I sorry I stayed up that late reading this book? Not at all; it was so worth it!

The Books

My list is now complete! I now have 23 books to read thanks to all who responded!

Yes, I know 23 books in a year seems like a lofty goal, but I'm a reader. I have spent countless nights staying up late reading, sometimes until early morning. Often I get so absorbed in a book that I wish the fictional world was real (my college roommates can tell you stories about this). Here is my list so far:

1. Pride and Prejudice (sadly, I've never made it though the whole thing)

2. Eat, Pray, Love

3. The Guernsey and Potato Peel Society

4. Inkspell

5. Inkdeath

6. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

7. Three Cups of Tea

8. The Kite Runner

9. Marley & Me

10. The Screwtape Letters

11. The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder

12. The Last Summer (of You & Me)

13. The Last Unicorn

14. Sex God : Rob Bell

15. Something Fresh

16. The Shack

17. Wicked replaced with I am Cheese

18. Blue Like Jazz

19. A Child Called It

20. The Shame of the Nation: Jonathan Kozol

21. The Great Divorce

22. Same Kind of Different as Me

23. The Freedom Writers Diary

I know, I know, my list isn't complete yet. This is where you come in. Give me suggestions! I'll read just about anything, but I'm not a big fan of sci-fi so those types of suggestions may be vetoed unless you give a compelling summary. After I read each book I'll be posting my review of it. As I go through this literary journey I hope you'll be inspired to pick up a new book or two as well!

23 Things

On the eve of my 23rd birthday I was feeling a little blue. Sure my 22nd year of life wasn't terrible, after all I survived my first year of teaching, but what really had I accomplished? This got me thinking that I should set some goals for myself to accomplish in the next year. Thus, I created a list of 23 things I want to do when I'm 23. Here it goes.

1. Read 23 books

2. Take better care of my teeth

3. Bake a pie

4. Bake a fresh loaf of bread

5. Make fresh pasta

6. Finish knitting a scarf

7. Send more birthday cards

8. Start running again

9. Read my Bible on a more consistent basis

10. Pray

11. Spend more time reconnecting with friends.

12. Watch less T.V.

13. Start/re-start a blog (done!)

14. Help start a women's/young women's bible study at church

15. Travel to a new city and explore for a weekend

16. Paint a picture

17. Re-learn to ride a bike

18. Take more pictures

19. Print meaningful pictures for display

20. Complete a sewing project

21. Drink more water each day

22. Visit a museum

23. Get rid of clutter

As I complete each project/goal I will make a new post documenting my 23 things in 23 year. Join me through my journey!