Mandy, by Julie Andrews

This wonderful book about a little girl's desire to create her own space in the world was first introduced to me around the age of 10. My next door neighbor, best friend, mentor, confidant, and many other titles befitting such a fabulous lady, selflessly gave me her childhood copy of "Mandy."

It was old and cracked, water stained with yellowing pages and I couldn't have loved it more. I was enthralled with what Mandy found and the lengths she took to make it her own. I knew I would have done the exact same thing and felt the feelings she felt had I been an orphan with nothing to call my own.

I read with baited breath as she encountered her dilemmas and wondered who would help her and save her as the the climax of the story drew nearer.

This pleasant little book is filled with all the excitement, warmth and growth that fills the air in spring. It is a touching and easy read, perfect to read out loud with your sweet daughter or to read it each on your own and then discuss it later. However you choose to enjoy this book I hope that will, and that it will bring a little bit of sweetness and decency into your life during this beautiful month of May.

My original copy, given to me by Celene Gunther.

Other Reads Inspired by the Book of the Month

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

Dumpy the Dump Truck
Series

For a complete list of Julie Andrews' works visit:

www.juleandrewscollecion.com

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions for future reads in the comment section.

Glimspes, Into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Glimpses, edited by Marjorie's daughter Virginia H. Pierce, puts a delightful twist on what could have been a typical biography. It is a compilation of stories, quotes and letters from Marjorie and those she was closest to, gathered into one beautiful book giving an outsider a "glimpse" into the simple yet profound life of a kind hearted and practical woman.

I have read and re-read this book several times.
The first time I read this book I was in my freshman year of college. I probably stole it from my Mother's book shelf thinking I would like to know about this great woman, who at the time I really new nothing about. I soon found within it's pages many life lessons, and an example of a woman I wanted to emulate. I also found much comfort in the stories told, and the letters written. This may have been due to the fact that I was living a whole three hours away from home for the first time and struggling to make friends and find my "place" in a new place and felt connected to the motherly figure available at my fingertips.
Whatever the case may be it has given me comfort time and time again.

Other Reads Inspired by the Book of the Month

Letters is a wonderful little book that provides more touching and insightful letters from Marjorie to her friends and family.

Written by Sheri L. Dew, "Go Forward With Faith" is a biography of Gordon B. Hinckley's life. Gordon B. Hinckley was the 14th prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Discussion Questions

1. Did you have a favorite letter written by Marjorie to a child, or grandchild?

2. What stories from Marjorie's life inspired or touched you?

3. What you surprised to learn?

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions for future reads under "comments."

Thanks!

The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis

I will start by saying I have never read this book.

It was a suggested read at a little class I went to on relationships.

I figured you can't go wrong with C.S. Lewis, it's February and I'd rather read this then some trashy romance.

I have started reading it and so far so good. It is on the self-help/academic side of writing. I have been enjoying the authors perspective and ideas on what love is. Hopefully there will be some helpful tools to improve the way I love others, especially my spouse. No relationship is more important, and no person is more deserving of all the love I can give.

Discussion Questions

Ask your own questions.

What would you like to discuss?

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions for future reads under comments

Thanks!

Let's Fly!

No book this month!

Who has time to read while trying to tackle thier New Year's resolutions?

Instead I'm sharing my New Year's resolution with you.

Anyone who knows me in any way shape or form knows that trying to keep my house clean is the greatest nemesis of my life. I don't like doing it, I get frustrated when I do and it gets messed up, it is one thing I absolutely hate about myself, and the list goes on and on and on. Recently a friend challenged my to go to flylady.net and try out her "program." I had tried in the past, but given up. This year I have found new resolve and have been flying with the fly lady for the last 12 days and feeling great!

So, instead of reading this month "Let's Fly!"

Go to www.flylady.net and get started!

Read a few testimonials and watch a few videos, this really helped me catch the vision. The site can be a bit overwhelming, but "Beginning Baby Steps" is the place to start.

I would love to hear how this works for y'all. I will definately post comments about my experience.

Happy New Year & Happy Flying!

Discussion Questions

1.Which "Baby Step," or technique has helped you the most?


2.Do have any moments or stories related to your experience you've been wanting to share?


3.What is your favorite aspect of "Fly Lady's" system?

Future Book Suggestions

Please leave your suggestions for future reads under comments.
Thanks!