The W List: June Books 2011

Modern Cabin: New Designs for an American Icon by Michelle Kodis ~ So, I'm fairly certain that while C and I like cabin elements, that a cabin is not the right abode for us. This book showcases traditional and modern cabin elements with beautiful photos, details, materials, and even floor plans. NF

Inconceivable: A Medical Mistake, the Baby We Couldn't Keep, and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift by Carolyn and Sean Savage ~ Heart wrenching to read about the Ohio couple who faces the devastation of achieving a pregnancy through IVF, but with another couples' embryo. Follows their journey through something that shouldn't have happened in the first place and has heightened medical protocols so that it doesn't happen again. NF

Double Helix by Nancy Werlin ~ I had not intended to read two books about reproductive issues in one day (at least 500 pages for whoever is counting!), but this is a fiction novel by an author that I plan to read more from (loved and own Impossible). Surprising issues raised in an almost YA fictional read: genetics, reproductive freedom, ethics, human testing, genetic superiority, all sorts of things. YA F

Rooms for Living: 126 Home Plans with Fabulous Great Rooms, Kitchens, and Master Suites: Simple Design Tips for Creating a Comfortable Home ~ Not really the type of book I was looking for. Some of the floor plans had ideas we could utilize while more of the plans were grander than anything we will ever need from a home - think one story topping out at 2500 square feet. NF

Dawn & Adulthood Rites both by Octavia Butler ~ (Read because I love Fledgling) I enjoyed these books that dealt with an alien species mating with humans and all of the intricacies bound therein. Definitely science fiction - more so than I usually read, but crafted by a talented author. I think there is a third book titled Imago. F

Cabins: The New Style by James Grayson Trulove ~ Love this book because it showcases some beautiful homes, but also details each cabin enough that you can figure out the parts you might want to recreate. NF

The New Wood House by James Grayson Trulove ~ Okay, I finally like this guy. Another fabulously photographed book from my friend James. I might be requesting a few of these for Christmas. NF

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin ~ This was a creepy read, not unlike Impossible, but the weakness and then the strength exhibited by the main character wasn't compelling enough for me. She still just seemed like a weak person. YA F

Trickster's Choice & Trickster's Queen both by Tamora Pierce ~ Highly recommend to YA readers. Has a wonderful young female protagonist who is strong and constantly weighing wrong and right, as well as protecting that which she sees fit. Other characters are deep and telling. Bits of magic, but more brute. YA F

Anyone But You by Jennifer Cruise ~ Light trashy reading. The Bassett hound/Beagle mix, Fred, steals the show! F

Tell Me Lies by Jennifer Cruise ~ More shallow reading, was going to quit partway in, but then someone died and it turned a little mysterious. F

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard ~ I read this because I truly enjoyed the Mouse Guard books (graphic novels). This was more of an anthology of stories from different authors and artists. It was okay, but I prefer the regular Mouse Guard that's about specific mice and how they protect their community. F GN

Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner ~ I really enjoyed two other books by her, Good in Bed and Certain Girls, but this novel was lacking. While definitely in the chicklit genre, there was very little in this novel for thinking chicks. F

Terrarium Craft: Create 50 Magical, Miniature Worlds by Amy Bryant Aiello ~ Very cool book; awesome ideas, pictures, and explanations. Perhaps I'm not a terrarium type of girl, however, if you are a terrarium type of person: check this out! NF

200 Quilting Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets by Susan Briscoe ~ Interesting and informative quilting book, covers both the basics and some little known (to me) tricks. Not perfect, but good for it's purposes. NF

Chalked Up: Inside Elite Gymnastics' Merciless Coaching, Overzealous Parents, Eating Disorders, and Elusive Olympic Dreams by Jennifer Sey ~ I'm thinking that if all elite gymnasts are like Jennifer, that they torture themselves with their own dreams. Very interesting read of what it takes to make a high caliber gymnast. NF

The Burn Journal by Brent Runyon ~ I realized too late that I've already read this one, so I flipped through it, but did not read it again. It's written by a boy who doused his bathrobe in gasoline, stood in the shower and struck a match. He lived and his story is incredibly telling. NF

Dare to Be Square Quilting: Block-by-Block Guide to Making Patchwork and Quilts by Boo Davis ~ this was an easy to read and understand guide to quilting. What makes it special is the way Davis both simplifies and makes grand the art and style of quilting. I'm seriously considering adding this book to my library! NF

The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker by Elizabeth Hartman ~ I really enjoy this woman's quilting blog online, so I wanted to get my hands on her book. It covers a lot of great techniques and ideas and I think that I may need to read through it again to get the full effect! Really well put together! NF

Small Stash Sewing: 24 Projects Using Designer Fat Quarters by Melissa Averinos ~ I like to flip through these books to get ideas, but smaller projects usually underwhelm me. Surprisingly, there was a belt and neck warmer that both called out to me, so maybe some of you will get those for Christmas. But I didn't say that! NF

Arms Wide Open: A Midwife's Journey by Patricia Hartman ~ I've also read Blue Cotton Gown by Hartman and both books have their strengths. I enjoyed what AWO explained more than anything: women having babies outside of hospitals, community living, living off the land, and sentiments of those against the war in Vietnam. It was almost more of a perspective of what life was like for these people at this time; very eye opening. NF

I have also currently started:
Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews (probably won't finish, since I'm already fed up with the main character - will try again another time)
Flight, Volume Two - graphic novel
Haven: Cozy Hideaways and Dream Retreats by Allison Serrell
Must Have Been Something I Ate by Peggy (Greek last name, don't have it with me)
Will and Abe's Guide to the Universe by Matt Groen-something
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

I'll be sure to let you know how these are at the end of July. Which brings my total of actually read books in June to 22. Wow. Twenty-two books. I am a nerd.


- Posted from my mobile phone