Like a Boss...

My goals for 2012 were to drink 8 glasses of water a day (failed at that months ago) and to read 100 books. Thankfully I'm ahead of the game on my second resolution. I've read 31 books so far this year, cha ching! So if I keep up this pace, averaging about 10 books a month, I might surpass my goal and hit 120. Hot damn that would be awesome! I also, started a good reads account in the hope of winning more free books and so far I've scored one (see my previous blog post). I love seeing what other people are reading, so start a good reads account so I can add to my "to read" list! So far the books I've read this year have been for my blogging for books program, my two books clubs, and for the sheer hell of it. I really need to wrap up what I'm reading though because I'm supposed to be reading Russian literature in preparation for my study abroad trip to St. Petersburg this summer. My bad. I think I keep putting it off because I'm scared it will be too hard or too boring or something. However, if I can get through Amish romance, Christian self-help, and gritty crime novels, then Russian lit. should be a breeze. I'm also planning on purchasing a Nook tablet soon so when I travel abroad I won't need an extra suitcase for all my books. I initially wanted a Kindle Fire but after doing some research I realized that a Nook tablet has everything I need plus really good perks with Barnes and Nobles (hello $25 off!). Well I better get back to work (aka reading because there are no customers in, score!).

Howdy Partner!

"The Mule Tamer" by John C. Horst is my first ever attempt at reading a western and I was pleasantly surprised. I was drawn right in with the likable and realistic characters who continued to develop throughout the story. There's Arvel the main character, who goes from being a humble mule tamer to one of the heads of the Arizona Rangers. Then there's Chica, a saucy Mexicana cowgirl who is not afraid to say her mind or kill a man to make a point. She starts off as unlikable but quickly turns into a complex and interesting character as she gets romantically involved with Arvel. Thirdly there is Dick, Arvel's friend and head of the rangers. He's a likable fellow and constantly relies on Arvel's quick wits and skills to get them out of sticky situations.

There isn't much of a plot, but that's not a terrible thing. The book consists of a bunch of skirmishes and side stories about the Arizona Rangers and the growing relationship between kind-hearted Arvel and the un-tameable Chica.

Since my first foray into western reading was so successful I may be obliged to check out some more in the same genre. Thank you John C. Horst for providing me with this copy for review. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!

Dinner for 1, Reservation under Christ!?!?!

I'm slightly impressed. I just finished "Dinner With A Perfect Stranger" by David Dregory and 100 pages later (yes it's that short) I'm thinking "what a cool concept!" It was short, sweet, and to the point. Not something I would normally pick up but still a decent read. Basically, a guy named Nick gets a dinner invitation from Jesus and even though he thinks it's a joke he shows up to the Italian restaurant to meet the Savior. Over wine, veal, and tiramisu Jesus and Nick have a battle of the wits over theology, belief, and heaven. By desert Nick is finally convinced that he is sitting with the real Jesus Christ, not some weird impersonator. Cheesy, happy, etc., etc. It was a cool concept although I believe it could have been pulled off a little better. Still though, not a bad read. God knows I wouldn't have shown up to a restaurant to meet Jesus Christ if some weird invite came in the mail.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Duck, Duck... Goose!

As of late, I'm becoming quite experienced with Christian self-help books. This is either really awesome or incredibly sad, haven't decided yet (I lied I'll go with incredibly awesome). "Wild Goose Chase" is the second work I've read by the acclaimed Mark Batterson and I have to say I enjoyed this one better, perhaps it was just more "inspiring." The point of this book is to help the reader "reclaim the adventure of pursuing God" which Batterson compares to going on a wild goose chase (although not a negative connotation, the end result isn't fruitless like the saying implies). We have to be daring and gutsy (no guts, no glory) in order to achieve what God has in plan for us.

One saying that I found particularly memorable was: "We start dying when we have nothing worth living for. And we don't really start living until we find something worth dying for." (page 16).

Overall, I believe I found this book to be more enjoyable than some of the other Christian literature I've been reading lately. It compels the reader to go out and take charge, help others, go on missions, to trust your gut and to most importantly trust God.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”