Two Small Footprints in Wet Sand, by Anne-Dauphine Julliand

This sweet story touched my heart.  The author takes the reader on a journey through the small but profound life of her daughter who has been diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy.  It drastically shortens her life.  But she uses the phrase, "Adding life to her days when we can't add days to her life".  And that's exactly what they did.  They tried to live every moment to the fullest.  Not by doing big things on any bucket list, but by just enjoying each and every moment.  They had a wonderful angel helper who set the greatest example of this:

     "She's amazed that we always seem to be chasing our tails, complaining when we have to be patient and cursing long lines.  Therese never feels she's wasting her time. whatever she does, she gives it her full attention.  And she feels that every moment of her life has value...
     "It's a well-known fact that in hospitals you often have to wait... and for a long time.  I'm soon muttering, getting irritable, and pacing up and down.  Therese, on the other hand, sees this time spent in the hospital as an opportunity to meet interesting people, experience a new environment, and slow the frantic pace of her everyday life.  For her, waiting isn't empty time; it's a state in its own right and can itself be a source of riches.  Therese doesn't put her life on hold when she has to wait around, she carries on living, just at a different pace."

I find it brave when someone shares their story.  I would imagine it's healing.  I'm very glad to have read this and added it to my mental library.  I loved reading about the many who stepped in to help take care of her little family when they were in such desperate need.  It made me happy to see how loved they were.  She tells how her little boy (the oldest) was so brave and older than his years.  She tells how her husband stayed by her side and how they fought the fight, together.  She tells of her newest daughter who also has the disease (it's a mix of bad genes, she says, from both her and her husband).  I did find out through the magic of the internet that her other little daughter died last year.  She had received a bone marrow transplant in hopes of at the very least lengthening her life.  I don't know her story or how long she lived but I can't imagine facing that with not one but two of my children.  She knew when she was pregnant that there was a significant chance her baby would have the disease and they chose to have the baby, anyway.  No regrets.  I admire them for that. 

This was a great story.  I highly recommend reading it. 

The Forgotten Road, by Richard Paul Evans

May and June were not conducive to me doing a lot of reading.  I started one book that I really wanted to be good because the subject matter seemed quite interesting to me.  It was the journey of a woman who was raised and lived as an Orthodox Jew.  She married an Orthodox Jew.  They had children and were raising them Orthodox, as well.  But she left it all.  Her religion, her family, everything she knew.  She questioned so very much of it and decided it just wasn't the right thing for her.  I didn't get very far into it - it was so very boring.  I don't know if it just wasn't written well and didn't flow or what but I just could not find myself getting lost in this book.  Rather, I found myself forgetting I was even reading it in the first place.

Then I started a new job and life had to find a new routine. 

Then Richard Paul Evan's book came out and I had it on hold for forever at the library, waiting my turn.  I finally got it and of course, devoured it. 

His books flow.  His books are written well.  This one, book two of his newest series, was true-to-form.  The main character continues on his journey, walking Route 66 from beginning to end, landing himself in California where his ex-wife is. 

He hits a major snag along the way and has to rethink his strategy.  I'm not sure I like the way he went with it, but it still ended interestingly enough.  I don't want to give any details in case someone wants to read this and isn't a fan of spoilers.  I know I'm not.  But I will say that I found all of the little tidbits of information about the Route and the stops along the way fun to learn.  He mentions references and inspirations for the Disney movie, Cars, and describes things as if he's seen them for himself - which I have no doubt he has.  The man does his research.

It's left me wanting more, so a success on the author's part.  I anxiously await the 3rd edition to his series, likely coming out early next year.

The Invisible Girls, by Sarah Thebarge

This book.  This is why I love memoirs.  To read these stories of real people feels like I'm adding them to my own life.  By reading them, I feel like they're becoming a part of my life, adding color and character and depth and sweetness.  I love these people.  I wish I could embrace them and tell them I know their story.  I wish I could thank them in person for sharing their lives with me.

I learned about this book at a job interview.  I never got the job, which I'm quite ok with - it would've been a move of desperation on my part to accept it, anyway.  But, this book...  I am so very glad I went to that interview.  The person I interviewed with and I were somehow on the topic of religion or people or something.  I can't remember exactly how this came up but she mentioned a woman speaking to the congregation at the church where she attends and how she wrote a book about her experiences.  I told her those are my favorite kind of books and made a note to see if my library had it.  They did and I am so glad.  What a sweet story of strength, courage, and survival.  But mostly about love.

I finished this book over a week, ago - I've been making notes as I read because it was something I had to digest a little at a time while trying to take it in all at once.

It's a brave woman's story of her unusual upbringing, followed by a change in her parents and their ways of doing things, which led to her well-educated future.  She alternately tells two stories - one of her battle with breast cancer at age 27 and the other of falling in love with a Somali refugee family. 

As I read of her battle, my heart just broke.  (This book made me cry almost every time I picked it up to read it.)  That she could not only feel so alone but BE so alone... I sincerely hope her "friends" read this and feel the guilt they deserve to feel and then some.  The people who were supposed to bring her meals and didn't, my gosh.  How could they? How could they? The visits stopped, communication stopped.  Her fiance left her.  It's incredible the way she made it through her lowest points.  She questioned God the whole time, wondering where He was or if He even cared and how could He let this happen to her?

But then - oh, then - she meets the sweetest family on the bus.  She cares for them, clothes them, feeds them, loves them... and in turn, they help her heal.  They help her find her purpose, they help her find God.  More, they help her see that He was there the whole time.  She likened her trial to a mother who happened to be a doctor she worked with.  Her daughter was sick.  The nurses had to hold her down to get an IV started and her daughter just cried for her, pleading with her to help her.  Yet, she stood by the wall and let the nurses do their thing.  When they were done with this traumatic event, the mother scooped her little girl up and reassured her that she was there.  She felt like God had done the same thing.  He had to let the trial do its thing.  But He was there, hurting along with her.  And when she finally got through it, He was there to scoop her up.  I can't put into words her testimony at the end (mostly because I don't have the book to reference and she put it so gracefully), but it was so great and so profound. 

This is definitely a book I would highly recommend.  It was so well-written and touched my soul.

The Noel Diary, by Richard Paul Evans

My turn came up for the newest RPE book... I started it last night at about 8pm - and finished it this morning at 1:30am.  It was good.  haha

He said in his emails leading up to the release of this book (if I remember, correctly) that this story has more of his personal life experience than any of his other books.  It's his wife's new favorite of his.  So, naturally, I had to read it.  I just didn't plan on reading it in one night.  haha

Like his others, it was very well-written.  I think that's why they're such quick reads - they just flow.  He certainly has a way with words.  The more books of his I read (I've read them all... except his science fiction series - which are still written well, I just don't dig that sort of storyline.  I read the first one, which I loved.  But mostly through the second one, I decided it just wasn't my thing.), the more I feel like I can see a lot of who he is through his writing.  I wonder how much of his stories come from real life experiences and people he's met.  He kind of hints at things like that in some of his recent books I've read.  It's almost like he's sneaking in small confessions or something.  haha

This is a story about a boy-turned-man, still hurting and trying to heal the pain of his childhood.  He finds someone along his journey who is attempting the same thing, only to find their lives are more intertwined than they knew upon meeting.  Of course, there's the love story - not too sappy.  They never are.  I love that about his books.  Clean and nice - not too much gush.  And there are always additions to the story that make them not sticky sweet.  I like that.  These things could happen in real life... One can hope, anyway.

I would highly recommend this book, too.  I recommend all of his books.  He has a flair for the written word.  I'm certainly glad he didn't hide his talent under a bush and instead shared it with the world.  He's my fave.

The Broken Road, by Richard Paul Evans

I almost feel like a bit of a traitor... I used to make sure I bought every RPE book that came out.  He's my favorite {living} author! I haven't read, let alone purchased, one of his books in *gasp* years! (Shame on me! haha)

I saw this one at a bookstore and decided to check it out from the library since I'm on this not-spending-money-on-unnecessary-items kick and will not be purchasing any books anytime, soon.  Even if they're purchase-worthy... It truly pains me to do this because, like all of his books, this one fits into that category.

I'm always in awe at how "flowy" his books are.  He certainly has a way with words.  And he does his research... I had to some of my own research to verify this was a work of fiction because he wrote it so well.

Now, I say work of fiction, but at the end, there's an author's note that this is based on a true life - the real story of a real person.  He's changed the name and such.  The prologue is what had me doing some Googling because of how he tells it. 

This is the first book in a new series.  It tells of a man who went from an abusive childhood, dumpster-diving and living in poverty, to finding the love of his life and an amazing opportunity for financial success, which is something he craves.  It ends with a sad and significant change for his future.  It ends with a new beginning... and I cannot wait until next Spring when the next addition in the series will be complete!

I'm always a little wary of putting too much... I don't like spoilers.  I guess I used to do that, but I've moved on to more of, "This is what I read... you'll like it... or you won't... Check it out!".

I do always highly recommend any RPE book.  They're clean and so very well-written.  He knows his stuff.  If you read this one, you won't be disappointed.  In fact, you'll likely be hooked and in the same boat as I am... waiting somewhat patiently for Spring.  ;)

The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls

I finished this a little while, ago, just haven't had the time to post about it.  I saw something on social media about the movie that's coming out and saw that it was based on a book.  A memoir, no less.  So, naturally, I had to check it out. I waited for over 100 people who had the same thoughts to take their turn before I got mine.

It was quite the emotional book.  This woman... I'm amazed at what she survived.  I also think she survived because of what she survived.  Her upbringing and childhood circumstances made her strong... she had to be.  Her brother and sisters, too.

I wanted to slap her parents.  At times I wanted to downright kick them in the head.  I was at times outraged at what they allowed their children to experience and their reaction (or lack thereof) to things they faced.  Unbelievable.  That was the word I often found myself vocally uttering while closing the book to digest what I just read.  Simply unbelievable.  I couldn't believe that this really happened, that it happened when it did, and that it likely still happens for others.  It seems unfathomable, to me.

I want to write to this author and tell her my heart was with her on her journey, though I knew nothing about it at the time.

It helped me see the things we often take for granted.  I complain about my big house being too hard to keep clean.  I complain about having to spend hours meal planning, list making, grocery shopping, cooking.  I complain about neverending laundry.  I complain about having to make my kids' lunches every morning.  I complain about having to pay for water or electricity or gas prices.  This book makes one grateful for all of those things.  Every time my kids complain about what I make for dinner, I'm reading them this book.

I highly recommend it.  It's quite good.

The 5 Second Rule, by Mel Robbins

I read this book in one day.

I love her simple concept that could so profoundly change a person's life.  I don't buy books unless I'm going to read them more than once... I'm buying this book.  I consider it a wise investment.  Plus, I want my own copy so I can mark it up, make notes, and highlight sections for reference.

I've begun to implement the 5 Second Rule in my life and it has been cool to feel so empowered.  We all too often talk ourselves out of something great, simply because it lies outside of our comfort zone.  This book teaches you how to stop doing that.  It really is pretty great.  She provides the tools needed, the testimonials to back it up and examples of the many areas in your life that could benefit from using this powerful method of making lasting changes and accomplishing goals.  She even provides research to back up how and why it works.  And it's easy.

I would highly recommend adding this book to your virtual, literal, or mental collection.  It's just dang awesome.  I can't wait to read it, again, and this time fully digest it.  (The first time I practically devoured it - it was due that same day with no renewals.  How's that for motivation? Ha!)

Here's a sneak-peak.  ;)

Avalanche: A Love Story, by Julia Leigh - February

I finished this with just a couple days to spare - and I'm just now getting it blogged.  Busy, busy, busy!

This is a true story of a woman's journey through IVF and trying so desperately to become pregnant; to be a mother.

She talks about her struggles with many emotions.  She's older and knows her chances of becoming pregnant are pretty slim, but that doesn't stop her from trying again and again.

She finally accepts that being a mother isn't in the stars, for her.  I can't imagine how that must've felt, but I can imagine the heartache.  My own heart has been heavy, of late.  My arms have been feeling quite empty.  I don't know if another baby is in the stars, for me, but I dream about it.  I usually have a baby girl, but it's someone else's.  Anyway, that's a post for a different day.  Or a different blog.  ;)

I found it hard to like this book; maybe because I can relate to her pain? I don't know.  I thought she sounded rather dismal, throughout.  Maybe I'm being insensitive.  I have no doubt this was a very difficult and depressing time, for her.  It was brave (and probably a little therapeutic) to share this experience with the world.  I hope she has found happiness.

The Mighty Queens of Freeville, by Amy Dickinson

It's books like this that keep me reading memoirs.  

This was, by far, one of my most favorite books to read.  As soon as I was done, I wanted to turn back to the beginning and start all over, again! It was so enjoyable and funny and just fun!

I love reading about people; it makes me feel like I've met them and sat with them while they recounted life stories, just for me.  I feel like if I were to meet Amy Dickinson, someday, I'd know her.  I know her heart, her daughter, her life.  I'd ask her, "How's your mother?".  I'd want to get a recount of her relationship with Bruno and find myself really hoping it worked out for her.  I'd want to hug her and say, thank you for your story - for sharing it.  Then I'd ask if I could have lunch with her and her family the following Wednesday, simply to soak in the love and the ongoing conversation.  

I loved so many parts of this book, it was all I could do to not jot down every quote I thought funny, fitting or just good.  It touched my soul, this book did, and those are the best kinds to read.

It was a wonderful experience I hope to have, again, in the future.  I'd buy this book.  :)

You should read it.  

The Road to Grace, by Richard Paul Evans

This one's been a long time coming... it was released LAST YEAR - almost a whole year ago! I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but I didn't even buy it until last week.  *gasp* I know... I usually buy them before they're even released! 

Anyway, it was definitely worth the wait, and good timing really - he's due to release the next one in The Walk series quite soon, so I won't have forgotten anything.

NOT THAT I COULD, mind you! This one was really good! The ending was a shocker! I have to wonder if it'll change the whole dynamic of the story line, now...

This one was full of profundities, invoking tears numerous times throughout.  It was a marvelous read and I'm better because of it.  I love books that touch my life in a very personal way, that promote healing and growth in my own trials and situations.  I don't know where he gets it, but I'm so very grateful that RPE shares his wisdom with the masses.  I'm sincerely looking forward to the next edition to the series.  :)