I am sitting here at Cape San Blas in Florida pan handle enjoying a glass of mimosa as I think through my next article that I want to write. It’s hard to think of something after reading an intriguing book, that I literally just finished. Sitting here at the beach watching the waves crash and the wind blow and the salt air touching my skin makes me think I would do this for the rest of my life. Sit on the beach, drink a mimosa and write my muses on life, kids, cancer, marriage, twins and many other topics. But one thing is I have a mad love for books. The right book within the right time in your life can be life changing. Books can made you think differently, see the world differently or take you on the most incredible journey! So, sitting here listening to the waves crash, let me share the books that have affected my life.
During the first couple of days sitting here on the beach I started “Where the Crawdad’s Sing” by Delia West. At first, I was a little concerned about reading this book, but my nephew told me to read it as did his parents. I think driving through the Florida marsh lands, sitting on the beach, looking at the boats and seeing the seagulls made this book more impactful. I don’t want to give away the story but it’s about a strong child, growing into an even stronger women through against all odds made it in the swamp lands of Florida. Her touching story of survival and belief she carried within herself speaks to all, that you can do it. Through all obstacles thrown your way you can make it, dig deep and believe. Deep down we all have the same survival instincts.
A book I read many moons ago was “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay, which I think I read in two days. The book is a journey of two people, their lives and it switches back and forth between the two. It’s about a young French girl and her life during the Vel d’Hiv round up in July 1942. It is a very emotional story but so so good, I can’t even tell you how good this book is! The two girls, one French and on American, their story of life, love, survival and tragedy. Download it today, I highly recommend it!
“Stories I only Tell my Friends: An Autobiography” by Rob Lowe. Yes, I grew up in the 80s but my sister, Shari, gave me this book and we both love autobiographies but this one is REALLY good! He talks about his early childhood through the 80s and the later in life working on West Wing, his unconventional family and many other tidbits. I really loved this book, as much as my sister did. It’s about an all-American boy getting through life as a celebrity. He comes across as genuine, humble and intelligent. Plus, I got several parenting tips within his stories too.
My aunt and uncle love books and they have always sent us books or our children books. I love that and wish I had started that tradition with my children or nieces and nephews (but I didn’t). A year ago, my uncle sent me “Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I read it within a few days, it’s a quick read but very impactful. All women of all ages should read this book! But it’s geared towards mothers and wives regarding life and struggles, this emotional journey of guidance and spirituality is just wow. I don’t’ want to give it away but I will tell you, read it, no matter what your age!
So, I have read this book at least three times and I will read it again. The story takes you on a wild ride that involves love, hate, mystical characters and plenty of raw heat between a vampire and a lonely strange girl. “Once Burned; A Night Prince Novel” by Jeaniene Frost is an easy read but so enjoyable. I mean, I couldn’t put it down the first time I ready it! It’s a fun, interesting vampire fantasy but the author really captures the characters and it pulls you into their fantasy. The young girl can’t touch anybody due to her injury and disability and this vampire helps her. It’s just a good book on a raining day that has been very well written. In fact, I love most of her books, check her out!
Just a few books that I love, admire and hope you will too. Trying new books or authors is one of my favorite things in the world. It’s a journey and I love to go on journeys!! So I am going to go back to my mimosas and enjoy the beach and read some more.
In the meantime, Shari is a big reader so I hope you hear a list of her favorite books! Cheers!