Outlander - Historical Fiction by Diana Gabaldon

This amazing work of historical fiction is so moving that you won't be able to put it down. Don't feel daunted by the size of the book - the bigger the better is my opinion...but don't tell my husband that! This book covers the Scottish highland clan wars during the 1800's. Picture strong Scottish warriors, and lots of kilts. It has a splash of fantasy thrown in to spice it up. I've read the series 3 times now, and there are 7 so far - they're that good! Enjoy!

Renee Clancy

Eat Cake, Jeanne Ray

The next time you feel stressed out - you may just start thinking about CAKE. Eat Cake is a delightful, funny light read. It is a really cute book with some really yummy cake recipes mixed with funny family situations! And, I love books you come away feeling good when you finish reading.

The Miracle at Speedy Motors, Alexander McCall Smith

I just finished this book last night. It took me a bit longer to get into this book compared to the other books in the series. (Miracle at Speedy Motors is part of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books.) The first book in the series is exceptional, and if you haven't read it - it is a must read! But, back to the book at hand ... The writing is very poignant. There was a lot of thought put into the words used in the book. The underlying context is very thought provoking. (I have to admit - I did use a quote from the book when I spoke in church a few weeks ago ...) The book concluded differently than I could have imagined and it was a light easy read. His books are always delightful - and I am still surprised that it is a man who writes these books and not a woman - He has wonderful insight into the male/female mind.

Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air is about the 1996 Mount Everest expedition. This first hand account of the tragedy of the expedition is gripping. Krakauer writes so you feel like you are in the cold mountain of Everest experiencing the adventure for yourself. I don't read many Non-Fiction books, but this one is incredible!

The Secret Life of Bees

A wonderful book that our book club here read about a motherless girl and her journey to find peace amidst the heartbreak of her past and upbringing. The comparison throughout the book to bees is genius. Give this one a whirl, it's a quick read and one I recommend to every woman who values sisterhood and friendship.

The Host

I just finished reading The Host about two weeks ago. I don't want to give any of the book details away to those who have not read - but, I'm really interested to find out if others got the same feeling about the book as I did.

First, I don't know that I have a final judgement of the book. Second, I didn't think the writting a spectacular. In fact, most of the time I had a hard time paying attention and found my mind wandering. Which surprises me because I really enjoyed the Twilight books by the same author. But, that doesn't change the fact that I still felt like the story dragged a bit.

However, the thing that kept me reading was the interaction of the characters. I couldn't help but think this book was trying to make a commentary on peer pressure, group dynamics and community prejudice. What did you think? I thought it had a feel like the Lois Lowry book, The Giver.

One last thought: About half way through the book, I realized that I really cared about Wanderer. I knew I would never want an alien to take over my body - nor could the book allow the end of the human race to aliens ... so, I started wondering how Stephenie Meyers was going to keep "Wanda" without compromising human desire for life. My thought was that she would put Wanda's body into a dog ... What do you think? Would that create more conflict because it is still alien invasion into a living being on earth? Or would that have solved the problem, too?

Andrea's Book Club

I am always looking for a good book. Just ask my sister - everytime I go to the library I have to call her and find out what she has been reading. Most of the books I have read, she's already read because they are all her picks. She has excellent taste in books and I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she's recommended.

The only problem is nobody seems to be reading the same books. So, I thought I would open up a blog and discuss different books. What are you reading? Is it a book you would recommend? What did you think about the books I've read, and so forth? So, don't be shy, let me know what you think.