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Reading Room:  Best Book You Read in 2008  |
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tiffany01
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Tiffany
Indiana
USA
134 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 30 2008 : 03:06:02 AM
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After reading this thread on Sunday, I made a list of some of your suggestions, then scored big at the library yesterday during my lunch hour! Animal Vegetable Miracle on CD to listen to on my commute and Garden Spells. I jumped into Garden Spells and am almost half way done! I tried to read it before bed but I was too interested and it was keeping me up. After the first chapter of Animal Vegetable Miracle I was reading the labels of all the stuff in my 'fridge to see how far it came. Yikes!
Great suggestions everyone! |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2008 : 12:05:04 PM
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I read lots of books. Always have one, sometimes 2 in progress. But my all time favorite, I have read it umpteen times, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Thanks for the suggestions. Need to make a trip to the Library. |
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 08:42:45 AM
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Rene' I completely understand your post. I too under life's circumstance found MJ Idea book about the same way a few years ago. To this day when life seems to overwhelm me I get it out and digest it to help me find my way. (not a substitute for my bible) This year my children asked me what I wanted for my b-day and I said MJ Outpost book. When my b-day came it was really funny when I opened my present and there was MJ's Idea book. My daughter said after she was looking at the books she thought that I would enjoy The Idea book more. I had to laugh as I finally think she might just be understanding me and my simple life choice.
I also read The Secert and The Secret Life of Bees both were great books.
I hope to do more reading in 2009. 
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
Nana to 1 with 3 on the way.
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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chessie
True Blue Farmgirl
403 Posts
Karen
Vista
CA
USA
403 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 08:57:09 AM
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These days I just keep my Bible with my MaryJaneFarm Books, by my bed, makes things much easier. Also, very important, i keep my glasses with them too!
I didn't read a whole lot this year but I really enjoyed "Home to Holly Springs" by Jan Karon and "Dewey the library cat" by Vicki Myron.
www.edgehillherbfarm.com "where the name is bigger than the farm, but no one seems to mind"
blog http://edgehillherbfarmer.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
happy farmgirl #89 |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 12:18:35 PM
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For life-changing touchstone books MaryJane's Ideabook and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle are at the top of my list.
For purely entertainment The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
For info -The Omnivore's Dilemma
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 6:12:56 PM
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Karen, I enjoyed those two books too!! Dewey was so adorable and sweet. I am reading Miss Read's book called Christmas Village and her other one The Christmas Mouse. They were both put into one volume. VERY nice and heartwarming.
My quilting and life blog!!
http://downtoearthliving.blogspot.com/ |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 6:53:03 PM
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Like Amy Grace, MaryJane's Ideabook and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle are my two go-to books. MaryJane's for getting in touch with my past and getting grounded. AVM for inspiring me to make a difference in my future.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Maven's Haven Editor
Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 10:42:29 PM
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I just finished reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma". I had started to read it earlier this year, but had to return it to the library after only reading the first fifty or so pages.
The next book on my to read list is the In Defense of Food.
I received both as a gift for Christmas.
I love Mr. Pollan's style of writing, he makes you feel like you are there with him, and doesn't "talk" down to/at you.
I am also going to utilize my bible-in-a-year this year as well. It has been collecting dust long enough.
I usually re read my favorites a lot.
I have read the "Outlander" series at least three times and still find stuff I miss.
I have also read the "Into the Wilderness" series a couple of times as well.
I am looking forward to reading my Mom's copy of "The Killer Angels" about Gettysburg.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
Edited by - kissmekate on Jan 01 2009 10:55:32 PM |
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2009 : 7:03:05 PM
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Kate: i just finished my bible-in-a-year!! It was the Charles Stanley version. I miss it now!
My quilting and life blog!!
http://downtoearthliving.blogspot.com/ |
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tiffany01
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Tiffany
Indiana
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 06:36:01 AM
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I'm tearing through Garden Spells and loving it! Deep in the Indiana winter, it helps me to feel the sun on my shoulders and smell the green from my garden. After I return it to the library I may need to purchase it.
I love the Outlander series too! I read it about once a year and have listened to it on CD. |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 07:08:34 AM
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I read the collected autobiographies of Maya Angelou. I really didn't know much about her or know how long she'd been around. Quite honestly I had only seen her on Sesame Street in the 90's when the kids were little! I happened to pick up I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (the first in the series) when I was working at the school. I was hooked by the first page and had to go out and buy my own copy. I went through that and the next four books of her life and was greatly inspired by a pretty incredible woman. I also learned something very important for my own life; I don't have to agree with every action/belief of another person to be inspired and changed by them.
Oh, thought of another one on a lighter note I LOVED The Geurnsey Potato Peel Pie & Literary Society (or is Literary & Potato Peel Pie)? anyhoo I picked it up for the title alone and was warmed by a wonderful read!
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - Beemoosie on Jan 03 2009 07:13:11 AM |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 07:36:17 AM
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Tiffany I love the Outlander series also. Just a fun series to read, it has everything, mystery, intrigue, lust, history, humor, love, yummy men in kilts, it's the whole deal, LOL!
Animal, Vegetable, and Miracle was the book that was so profound for me in 2008. The Secret Lives of Bees had a few passages in it that were quite to the spot for me also.
Another book that I read every other year since my daughter first introduced it to me is, Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It changed my life. It taught me how to be grateful. I don't think anyone can truely live until they learn that life lesson.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Badgebadger
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Bookclub Coordinator
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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tiffany01
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Tiffany
Indiana
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 12:30:36 PM
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| Yummy men in kilts, indeed. :) I always miss the characters after I finish the book, like close friends that have been to stay. |
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 5:37:49 PM
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I forgot about Simple Abundance! I loved that book. Oh, and The Secret Life of Bees...loved it!!
My quilting and life blog!!
http://downtoearthliving.blogspot.com/ |
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2009 : 7:39:40 PM
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| I've enjoyed Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mysteries this year. Also, after 20 years of watching/loving the movie Out of Africa, I've started reading the book by Isak Dinesen. I also constantly read cookbooks, if those count! |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2009 : 9:47:35 PM
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OMG - I can't remember all the books I read this past year. Let's see, just finished Animal, Vegetable Miracle. Great read.
I agree with Tracey about Sylvia's Farm. Read it prior to 2008 and loved it. Also good is "A Country Year", by Sue Hubbell. Similar to Sylvia's Farm, but takes place in the Ozarks. Another woman doing it alone.
Lately I've been drawn to books about people "doing it" on their own -what ever the "it" is; wilderness living, Amish country living, seaside living, etc. I find them inspiring.
I've also been making my way through the collected works of Henry David Thoreau. I love his insight into nature and how humans have pulled away from this basic connection and are suffering for it. Still sooo true today.
"Nickled and Dimed" (I think that's the title) was an interesting book. It's about a writer who challenges herself to live as a low-end wage earner and journals her experiences. She wanted to prove that in America it's impossible to live on minimum wage. A little depressing, but insightful.
"Chasing Shakespear" is a fun book. Is Shakespear real or...
And, of course, MJF |
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gratefully0515
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Angela
Fort Wayne
IN
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2009 : 08:30:51 AM
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| I love the suggestions. I read a lot and am always looking for a new author or title. Two of my favorite reads this year were by Ken Follett. Pillers of the Earth and World Without End. My husband and I both enjoyed them, and it was nice to read books we were both excited about discussing. I too read Garden Spells, and really enjoyed it. |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2009 : 09:22:05 AM
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I read the "Friday Night Knitting club" as suggested by farmgirls in Alees book forum. I liked it....felt like real people.
I also read "The Heart of a Soldier" true story written by a married woman soldier. It is fairly recent...she was in Iraq in 2004. It is realistic and I am still inspired by her.
Right now (it's Jan) I am reading "Thirty Days" about Tony Blair when England was voting whether to enter into war. True history and fascinating.
You gals have given me some ideas for the next read!
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED FOR THEY ARE THE ONES WHO LET IN THE LIGHT!
Have a wonderful Farmgirl New Year!! |
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vermont v
True Blue Farmgirl
194 Posts
Victoria
Chester
Vermont
USA
194 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2009 : 3:56:21 PM
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I absoulutely loved a book called the History of Love by Nicole Krauss. I would have not picked it out for myself but we read it for my book club. The main story is about a holocaust survivor and a young woman and the interface between them. I also enjoyed reading The Omnivore's Dilemma and a book called the Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. |
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JenniferJuniper
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Jennifer
New Hampshire
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 06:25:15 AM
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Another Barbara Kingsolver fan of AVM - that book really got me to think and change my relationship with food.
Also loved Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me by Jon Katz. I love all of his books about his life with sheepdogs in rural NY & also read his blog daily.
Farmgirl Sister #204 |
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2009 : 3:11:15 PM
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Loved the book suggestions.
I have to agree that I loved "Garden spell" and the Maisie Dobbs series
Another series that I love is the Ladies of Covington. 3 ladies of a certain age move to North Carolina to a small community to live together. Wonderful books about family, frienndship
Also, just finished :The Monster of Templeton" a Locj ness type monster is found in a small town lake in upstate New York. Thinly veiled story about Cooperstown but so much more
Just finished "Little Heathens" a memoir of a young girl growing up on a farm in Iowa with her extended intergenerational family.
Great read for a farmgirl with some really useful information
Michele
Love that good ole vintage junk |
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Linda Houston
True Blue Farmgirl
538 Posts
Linda
Lake Charles
Louisiana
USA
538 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 4:41:30 PM
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Thank you for all the great suggestions...I love to read and have read many of the one listed. I enjoyed "Saturday at Tiffany's" by James Patterson and )A woman). It is not my favorite book of the year, but different and real different for him. ( I love his mysteries)
Now I will keep my library busy getting the books you have recommended. I have yet to read AVM, but have it on my shelf...Tonight I NEED to begin. |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
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gardenmaam
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Cathy
Moreno Valley
CA
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2009 : 10:04:33 PM
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Books I loved in 2008~~~here are a few...just because it's hard to pick just one.
Secret Life of Bees was a HUGE favorite. I also read Garden Spells and really enjoyed the easy read. But just finishing an older book, Beach Music by Pat Conroy, I believe is his name....was one I had a hard time putting down. Didn't want it to end! He did a great job with the characters and weaving a story from the South. I would recommend that.
Of course,,,,I have really enjoyed Mary Janes Lifebook too. Very motivating and inspiring. That's about all for now.
OH YEAH - Friday Night Knitting Club was really great too..and I don't even knit.  Cathy |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 4:36:03 PM
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I read a couple of Jon Katz's book last year. Loved them! Also read a Maisie Dobbs book. My favorite book for 2008 was Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.
Right now I'm reading The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald. I've only seen the movie once and found the book at the library last week. What a great book!
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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Reading Room: Best Book You Read in 2008 |
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Best Book You Read in 2008
