"The Known World"

by Edward P. Jones

Imagine a story you know nothing about. Imagine a history you thought you understood, at least pretty well. Now imagine stepping into a world that is foreign, yet familiar in setting, landscape, language. Touch the character's lives and trust the author to show you just as much as you need to know in order to expand your understanding and move your heart. He doesn't lay it all out, exposed like a newly stripped bed, but peels the layers back, one by one, word by word, giving you a taste, drawing you in, then finally tying the knot on a story wonderfully and masterfully told. 

This is a story of southern America I did not know needed to be told. I confess my ignorance. Jones takes us on a journey, telling us the story of a black farmer and former slave in Manchester County, Virginia, who runs his affairs with unusual discipline. When death takes him unexpectedly, his widow can't uphold the estate's order, and chaos ensues. Jones takes a footnote of history and turns it into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all its moral complexities. (credit ppld.org for this paragraph...)

Try this amazing book!

"Such a Pretty Fat..."

"One Narcissist's Quest to Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or

Why Pie Is Not the Answer"

by Jen Lancaster

Pie might not be the answers? Ok, how about french fries? No?

Listen, sisters (and brothers), this might just be the funniest book I have ever read. I enjoyed this book so much that I am going to read the author's previous two books. Yes, this hilarious memoir has quite a bit of bad language, which was at times distracting to me. Other than that, however, it was uproariously funny. Jen Lancaster takes a fascinating and entertaining journey down the road to better health. If you've ever thought you needed to lose some weight, get more exercise, or get yourself to a healthier place, this book just might be the place to start!

"Home Another Way"

by Christa Parrish 

I am the first person to admit that most "Christian" fiction is poorly written, seemingly devoid of all those things that make great literature. This has been a frustration of mine for quite some time. Well, hold your breath ladies, because here is a book worth reading. Don't get me wrong - it isn't any "Pride and Prejudice", but it is a story with compelling characters, written in an enjoyable, draws-you-in style. A quick read, an enjoyable read, and one worth reading! No sex, no bad language, a good strong message, and good writing. A winning combination!

Welcome...

...to my new blog! I can't seem to stop starting blogs, and I'm  having a good time doing it. This is for all of you out there who can't seem to find a great book to read. I LOVE to read, as you'll soon find out - fiction, non-fiction, books about history, medicine, science, heroes, villains, murders, love, weight-loss, comedies, dramas. I love it all!! Here you will get those real-life, down-to-earth reviews you've been looking for. 

And after you read the book, let me know what you think!

P.S. Is this template too stodgy? I mean, we may be talking about literature, but we don't want to be boring!