Per usual, Ann Voskamp writes with a beauty that cannot be

compared. I had never thought of Advent as something important to be studied at Christmas time. We simply never "celebrated" it. But reading and studying about THE GREATEST GIFT: UNWRAPPING THE FULL LOVE STORY OF CHRISTMAS, helped bring the true reason for Christmas to the forefront of my holiday. This book truly is a treasure and I hope to be able to read it every year for Advent.

May we all, as Warriors, Carry On

Read. This. Book. Now. Thank you, Glennon. Thank you. xoxoxo

All for Tori

It's been a long time since I stayed up into the middle of the night

on a school night to finish reading a book! And I don't regret one moment of my late night reading! Nicole Deese is a fantastic storyteller. She tells a story in a way that draws the reader in but doesn't make me feel as if I'm being slapped in the face with it. A part of me wants to call ALL FOR ANNA "simple," but this is not, by any means, a simple story. As I read Tori's story, I felt so connected to her personally. During the last sixteen years, especially the last ten, I have withdrawn into my own world of depression, guilt, and rage. I have avoided family and friends to the degree of missing holidays and family gatherings. Like Tori, I went to counseling and have clawed my way back to a place of joy and peace in God. I honestly cannot wait for Thanksgiving (and Christmas) this year even though the house is going to be packed full to overflowing with family and extended family. For the first time in years, the thought excites me rather than makes me want to run as far away in the opposite direction as possible. I love a story that "simply" states the realities of LIFE without making it overly sappy or sentimental. I felt Tori's pain, her guilt; I also felt her joy in coming back to her faith in the one true Lord and Savior. As a writer-wanna-be myself, I can only hope and pray that my stories are even half as wonderful as Nicole's.

All I want is more.....

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed ALL SHE WANTED by Nicole Deese! Just because I am only giving it 3 stars, don't let that keep you from reading this awesome book. I like this story so very much! It is a sweet love story that simply could not put down. It was only after I had purchased the book that I realized it is actually the second in a series of at least three books. I thought about getting and reading the first book in the series prior to reading ALL SHE WANTED, but I finally decided to go ahead and begin it and see if it made any different whether or not I had read the book that comes before. If it does make a difference reading the first book, I could not tell while reading this one. The neat part is that reading ALL SHE WANTED has ensured my reading the rest of the books in the series and quite possibly everything Nicole Deese has written.

I was fully invested in Briggs' and Charlie's story. I read almost the whole book in one sitting. I would have finished it if I hadn't had to go to a Thanksgiving Dinner this afternoon! But as soon as I got home, I sat down and finished it! Such a sweet story....

There are no real surprises in ALL SHE WANTED. It is a basic love story, but not in the "Harlequin Romance" kind of way. This story is one with characters who are real with real life issues, baggage, hurt, and love. I honestly hope that one of the books Deese has written is about Charlie's parents. They are relatively minor, yet important, characters in Charlie's story; I absolutely adored them!

I'm going to stop writing now so I can go read the first book in this series! Happy Reading!

My Soul Longs....

John Ortberg's book SOUL KEEPING is a must-read. It is so important for us to care for our souls. We always hear about the soul, but as Ortberg discusses very early in the book, very few of us are actually able to define "soul." I'm not sure that I can now even after reading the book and going through the Bible Study, but I am certainly more aware of the impact of the world around me on my very innermost being. The best part is my new awareness of the fact that my soul longs for the Lord. When I am restless and wondering what is missing from my life, I am learning that the "hole" can only be filled by my Lord and Savior. And the best part is that all I have to do is draw close to Him and He will draw near to me--and fill the "hole"--that part of my soul that longs desperately for Him. Thank You, Lord!

I can't believe this is a book by Roald Dahl

Even though I am a big fan of Roald Dahl's, I have to say, DO NOT READ My Uncle Oswald. Just don't. Seriously. The ONLY redeeming quality of this book is this quote: “I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be.”  ― Roald Dahl, My Uncle Oswald

That's what drew me to the story in the first place. But other than this one quote in the whole book, it is complete and utter trash. All the other reviewers who said don't read it are dead on.

Sorry, Dahl. It's just too risque.

Beautiful, Beautiful

Beautiful, beautiful. Read. This. Book.

I'm not sure exactly how I came across this book. I don't know why I don't remember that; I usually

do. I do know that within minutes of reading what EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is about, I ordered it. I had to wait a little bit to read it because I was reading something else at the time. That was difficult to do because I was anxious to read Nicola Yoon's first book. I really sounded GOOD.

The book lived up to the hype I'd put on it. In all serious, you NEED to read EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING. For a first book, Nicola Yoon has knocked it out of the ballpark. I started the book around 8:00-ish and finished it right at midnight--of the same day. I could NOT put the book down. 

As I was reading Maddy's story, I was struck by how much we neglect to appreciate LIFE--being able to live relatively "normal" lives out in the world--seeing the beauty of God's creation on a daily basis--breathing fresh air--going where we want to go when we want to go (for the most part)--being able to touch, hug, hold, or kiss our loved ones--and so on and so on. Maddy is stuck inside her super-clean home every single day and risks certain death if she so much as steps outside or if someone enters her home without being decontaminated.

Wow. What a horrible way to live, but Maddy takes it all in stride--mostly...until the day her new neighbors move in next door and she is irresistibly drawn to the boy dressed all in black who climbs like a monkey. Now Maddy wants a life beyond her pristine white, CLEAN home and all hell breaks loose as a result....

I was so not prepared for the twist of this story. I pride myself on being able to figure out stories and not being surprised by twists. When I am unable to figure it out, that story/book automatically (typically) becomes one of my new favorite books! And EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING is now at the top of my list of all-time favorite books.

I hope I don't ruin it by saying that it's IF I STAY meets FINDING NEMO.....

Seriously. Read EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING.....

Bringing Depression into the Light

About two weeks ago, I learned that Chonda Pierce was releasing a movie called LAUGHING IN THE DARK. It's a one-night showing--Tuesday, October 27--only. Curious about the movie, I did an online search about it and found that she'd also written a book with the same title. I immediately ordered it and began reading it as soon as it arrived. 

As usual, Chonda Pierce tackles a difficult subject--depression--with humor, lightness, and hope. I had no idea until I started reading this book that she had dealt with [severe] depression. I have watched Chonda's videos for as long as I can remember and have laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed through every single one. Her story is a true testament to the fact that we never know what the person next to us is going through--just because he/she has a smile on his/her face and/or is laughing doesn't mean that all is well in his/her world/life. 

In today's world, "depression" is a dirty word in the context that the people around us don't want to deal with our sadness. Depressed people are difficult people to be around. To those who have never dealt with it, they seem to think that if a depressed person would JUST quit focusing on the negatives in his/her life, he/she wouldn't be depressed anymore. Or the depressed person should JUST pray more...or JUST worship more...or JUST read the Bible more...or JUST get filled with the Holy Spirit...and the list goes on and on. 

I've heard it from those around me, "JUST 'get over it'"! Honey, if I could "just get over it," don't you think I would have already?! Who in their right mind WANTS to live in a constant state of sadness--severe depression?!

Chonda's story brings a very serious subject into the light and discusses it laughter, but great tact and the realization that EVEN Christians can have severe depression and we need to be supportive rather than judgmental of those who do.

Thank you, Chonda, for your openness and honesty. I can't wait to see your movie on October 27.

A very promising future as a famous writer

Allen Longstreet's THE GAMBIT is a fast-paced novel full of political intrigue as well as romance and a fascinating plot. As one who is not a big fan of anything political (that's why I only gave it 3 stars--don't hate), it took some doing to get me into this story. Thankfully, it's a really good story with not a LOT of politics. As the back of the book states, 7 different characters tell this inter-twining story, making it more interesting than your average book told from just one character's point-of-view. I admit that I would like to know more of what happened to the other characters in the story beyond Rachel--and Owen. Grey, in particular, is an absolutely fascinating character. If Longstreet chooses to do a sequel to THE GAMBIT, I truly hope he chooses Grey as his major protagonist! 

Then again, I do need an idea for National Novel Writing Month 2015 (NaNoWriMo) that begins in about two weeks....! :)

I also need to say that as his first major published novel, Longstreet demonstrates a wonderful, successful future career as a popular--by popular, I mean famous--author. I can't wait to see what he writes next!!! And next....and next.....

Dare Greatly to be Vulnerable

My very sweet friend, Kim Ray, told me about Brene Brown's book DARING GREATLY and I immediately bought the book and started reading it. The only reason it has taken me so long to read it is because there is so much that Brene gives the reader to think about! Her book is full of the research she has conducted and the results of her research that all proves that we are much better off in life when we do choose to Dare Greatly and to have the courage to be vulnerable. 

After reading a few of the other reviews on Brene's book, I have to admit that the book is a bit of a challenge to read. But it's because she presents a thesis and then proceeds to share several examples to illustrate her thesis. It's challenging because she has so much wonderful information to share and as a reader, I want to absorb everything she's saying and not miss anything! 

We need more books like BUTTERFLIES

In all seriousness, if I could give BUTTERFLIES by Susanne Chervay more than 5 stars, I so would. 18, but still struggling with the severe 3rd degree burns from falling into a fire pit when she was only 3 years old. She continues to have to have complicated surgeries. As most girls in their teens can attest, we all struggle with our self-image: Am I pretty? Am I pretty enough? Will anyone ever love me (besides my family)? Will a boy ever like me enough to want to kiss me? To want to hold me?

This beautiful coming-of-age story tells of Katherine who is almost 18, but still struggling with the severe 3rd degree burns from falling into a fire pit when she was only 3 years old. She continues to have to have complicated surgeries. As most girls in their teens can attest, we all struggle with our self-image: Am I pretty? Am I pretty enough? Will anyone ever love me (besides my family)? Will a boy ever like me enough to want to kiss me? To want to hold me?

Katherine's feelings of insecurity are heightened by her very real scars that she is unable to hide regardless of what she wears or how many surgeries she has or even how she chooses to wear her hair.

My heart goes out to all young women dealing with low self-image/self-esteem, but my heart breaks even more for all young women who can't see beyond the scars to how very beautiful they are.

This beautiful book is a MUST-read and not just for teen girls, but for all girls--and boys, too. The struggle is real and just because Katherine has real, horrific burn scars does not lessen the reality that all girls deal with believing they're ugly or not good enough or just not enough.

What really tore my heart to shreds is the fact that Katherine's sister Rachel struggles as well. While this is not Rachel's story (it would be so amazing for Susanne Chervay to write this story again using Rachel's point-of-view), we do get enough of Rachel to understand that Rachel has always been her sister's greatest support (besides their mom) which means that Rachel has had to put her own life on hold as she is so desperately needed by Katherine. The beautiful part is that Katherine "gets" it. But so does Rachel.

I LOVE this book. Thank you, Amanda Coburn, for "talking me into" getting this book when we had your Usborne Books online show. I do not and will not ever regret the money spent on this amazing book. It's sure to be a Christmas present, so everyone I give gifts to, be ready to receive your copy!

Try a Little Happiness

If you know me and/or have read much of anything I've written lately, you know that I have been studying JOY and all things to do with joy and happiness, so (and as a Christian) choosing to read Jennifer O'Neill's THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: 21 SPIRITUAL RULES TO SUCCESS was a no-brainer (especially I got it for my Kindle for next to nothing).  I would give the book more than 3 stars if the author wasn't a psychic.  The title includes the word "spiritual," so as a Christian, I was thinking of "spiritual" in terms of the Christian faith.  Thus I was disappointed when I realized, about halfway through the book, that Jennifer is a well-known psychic.  Normally I do a little research on authors before I read a book by a new, unknown (for me) author, but this time, I was so drawn to the title (and the sunflower on the cover) that I didn't bother learning anything at all about the author.  As a woman of faith, I am not happy to learn that Jennifer is a psychic.  With that being said, though, Jennifer doesn't write this book with psychic overtones--such that would (or could) offend a person of the Christian faith.  She writes it simply about real life and the real way to spiritual happiness.  I find no fault with the way she wrote the book or with what she says in the book.  In fact, I'm sure I will not only refer to Jennifer's book often, but that I will definitely re-read it every couple of months, at least.  Her "spiritual rules to success" ring true and I know that everything she says makes absolute perfect sense.  If we all pursued happiness as Jennifer suggests, the world certainly would be a brighter, happier, sun-shiney place full of shining, happy people!!!!

I like this book....I don't like this book...I like this book...I don't like this book....

I did NOT expect to like James Patterson's ZOO.  So why did I buy it then...and read it in two days?  Curiosity.  I'd seen the previews for the televised version and I admit it:  I was very curious.  But as usual, I prefer reading the book first when I know a tv show or  movie is based on a book.  There are a few things about ZOO that are little unrealistic that takes away from any level of reality, but suspending reality is the whole point of a good book, right?  With that being said, though, I honestly don't think that Oz and Chloe would have recovered as quickly as they do after the lion attacks in Africa.  Chloe does shake a bit and Oz gets her to talk in an attempt to help her calm down--you know, giving her something else to focus on, but it's just difficult for me to believe that it would have worked as well as it appears to do.  Personally, if I had just not only witnessed such a savage lion attack, watching my friend die a violent death, I feel pretty confident that a panic attack would be warranted and would not be kept at bay just because I am able to talk to someone else to get my mind off what just happened.  You know what I mean?

The other thing that really ticks me off about ZOO by James Patterson is that Oz has been telling everyone for years that animals were going to turn on humans, but he himself keeps a CHIMPANZEE in his own home!!!!  And he acts surprised when Attila, the chimp, goes bezerk!!!!  He puts his head in his hands and moans that he just doesn't understand why Attila would do this.  Really?!  Seriously?!

One other thing....how much did Michael Ledwidge do in the writing of this book?  Was the book really written by Michael but because James Patterson put his seal of approval on it, the book got his name?  Why does a big-name author like James Patterson need a co-author?  Why does he HAVE a co-author?  I'd love to know more about this cohort writing team.  I admit that I've done no research on this book even though normally I don't begin reading a book without having done some research on the book and/or on the author.  So I'm completely clueless as to who Michael Ledwidge is....and why he is mentioned on the cover of the book as a co-author with James Patterson.  If I were to have a chance to interview Patterson about this book, that would be the first part of my interview!

Why is the book titled ZOO, btw??  They do call the animals-attacking-humans ZOO at one point, but even the guy telling Oz that has no idea why.  Apparently it's an acronym, but no one knows what it stands for.  The only two animals in the whole book that go rogue in or from a zoo are the two lions (a male and a female) in the Prologue to the story (201).

That brings up another question....throughout most of the story, they talk about how the animals attacking are all males, but yet in the very beginning of the book, it's a male and a female that kill together and then escape the zoo.  Neither of these animals is mentioned again in the whole book.....If they're important enough to be in the Prologue, why don't we see them again??

Oh, and the book opens--the whole first half of the book--with LIONS attacking and eating humans, but then it's DOGS.  Patterson throws in racoons, bears, and rats, and the chimp comes back into the story--briefly, but according to Oz's findings, it's ALL animals.  Does Patterson only focus on lions and dogs because there just isn't enough time or space in a novel like to this to tell the story of all the animals attacking, killing, and eating humans???  It just seems that if Oz's theory is truly true, as it appears to be, then more animals would be included as part of the story of animals killing and eating humans.

If you do choose to read ZOO, you should go into it with your eyes wide open.  This is an apocalyptic story.  In an apocalypse, there is no respecter of persons--except, of course, for the protagonist of the story itself.  Some parts of this story are very difficult to read, but at the same time, those characters come and go as quickly as the pages of their story.  They aren't developed enough to FEEL anything emotional regarding their deaths beyond the "that's awful" that we all feel when something terrible happens to someone.  I'm definitely curious to see how the tv show handles this book and the horrific scenes described.

Why am I so drawn to such horrific stories?????

*As a side note, I don't know if Patterson gets a little lazy with his wording or if he is just having a little fun, but he throws in the following:

          "Strapped into the wailing, shuddering army helicopter..., we...swung low as a sweet chariot..." (198).

          "'The bombing campaign was nothing more than a lot of sound and fury, signifying jack *@&#'" (317).

          "...Charles Groh and I were...trying to brainstorm. It was more of a light brainshower--we were too spent and frazzled to stir up a storm" (334).

          "Alvarez hoisted his new toy to his shoulder, ready to blast the dog to kibbles and bits" (346).

          "'What's the story, morning glory?'" (348).

          "'Surely you're joking.' 'No siree. And don't call me Shirley'" (349).

Hmmmm....so the movie version of this book was nominated and won several Academy Awards....interesting.  I'm not saying it didn't deserve such recognition; I haven't seen the movie yet.  I'm only saying that based on Joanne Harris' book, I'm not sure why a movie would receive such accolades.  I'm certainly going to watch the movie as soon as I can get my hands on a copy--it has Johnny Depp in it, for heaven's sake!!!  :)

The book CHOCOLAT by Joanne Harris is quite good.  It held my attention enough that I kept reading and read it in just a few short days, in spite of the fact that I've been really busy finishing my semester.  I especially love how this book demonstrates how one person CAN make a difference in the lives of others.....and that influence can be positive or negative, depending on the type of person we CHOOSE to be.  That part makes this book super-great and well worth the read.

It is a story like IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, but without the main character contemplating suicide in order to realize her impact on those around her. 

I spent a lot of time wondering about my impact on others....am I someone who demonstrates true JOY as I want?  My life's goal is to live a life of JOY--showing the Joy of the Lord.  I know that I have trouble when I get frustrated showing that joy--or when I get angry--or stressed.  But do the people around me see Joy shining through me more than anything else?  

I think we all wonder, at least to a degree, about our impact on those around us.  The few people I've known in my life who don't wonder also don't care.  And their lives are the saddest--and the ones I try to avoid simply because they don't care at all about the negative ripples they're creating in the world around them.  I sure don't' need THAT in my life!!!  The priest in this story radiates negativity.  Where we should be seeing love and acceptance, he oozes ugliness.  It's really a sad state that the priest represents of so many people in this world today.  And not all negative people are men/women of the cloth; he simply is one representation of intolerance and lack of empathy towards his parishioners.

I guess that's what makes this story one so well worth reading--and I'm sure watching....the fact that it says so much about life--about how we should be around others and that we should be aware of the influence we have on those around us, even if we don't realize it.

I'm enough of a romantic, though, to be disappointed that the romance isn't as hot and steamy as the previews for the movie make it out to be.  I spent the whole book on the edge of my seat as I waited for Roux and Vianne to demonstrate evidence of electricity between them.  The only time that happens is when they fool around.  There isn't any indication prior to or after that incident to demonstrate chemistry between the two.  It sounds as if the movie takes that relationship to a higher level than the book does.  Well, at least when I watch the movie, I guess I'll get to see more of that and not be so disappointed!  :)

A masterful storyteller

Lee Smith truly knows how to weave a tale.  There is no denying that she is a masterful storyteller.  I honestly could read her stories all day.  MRS. DARCY AND THE BLUE-EYED STRANGER is a book of short stories by Lee Smith, so know going in that it is NOT a novel.  I, for one, really love the short story.  I think that the short story is a lost art in the world today, so it is refreshing to read a book full of wonderful short stories!  I can't possibly pick one to say it's my favorite.  There are great qualities to each and every story.  Smith's stories focus mostly on women as the main characters and/or as the narrators of her stories.  Many women will more than likely relate quite easily to the women in these stories.

My only complaint (please don't be mad, Lee!) is the portrayal of people of faith (religion) in Lee Smith's stories.  I guess her stories are more realistic than I am aware of and it's that part that disappoints me--not Lee Smith's storytelling.  As a woman of faith myself, I don't like to see people "play" at religion or to take it lightly or to show it in any way negative.  It's probably my own personal perspective that makes me see many of the religiously focused stories in a negative light rather than it actually being that way.

I know that I live in a fantasy world in so many ways.  I've joked with my students when we talk about such things that I want to live in my fantasy world and they should let me live here.  I LIKE believing that all the young women I know are "perfect" little virgin angels--and the young men, too.  That they don't do drugs, drink alcohol, or disrespect their parents.  I am fully aware of my fantasy world being exactly THAT--a Fantasy.

Just let me live in it, ok?!   ;)

Read and decide for yourself.....

I see why so many people are upset.  It's exactly as we've been warned:  Atticus in GO SET A

WATCHMAN is NOT the "hero" we all love and know so fondly from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.  But I think the uproar about that fact is misplaced.  GO SET A WATCHMAN still shows us the world of Maycombe through the eyes of Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, but now she's a grown woman who went to a women's college and has been living in New York City for several years.  It's when she comes home for a visit that her eyes are opened to the true truth of who her beloved dad REALLY is and poor Atticus falls hard from the pedastal Jean Louise has had him on.  It is clear that Atticus has always been "this way" (read the book), but Jean Louise's impression of him is the same one we all have of him from reading TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.  And since that book is written through Scout's perspective, it makes perfect sense that we have the same impression of her dad:  that he is THE MOST AMAZING man on the face of the planet and we all wish that not only our dads, but all of our men were exactly like him.  But Atticus does what Atticus needs to do for justice to be served--for the truth to be told.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  In the process, Scout sees her father as a forward-thinking man who loves and respects negroes as no one else in her life (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD).  As Jean Louise realizes that her father is just like all the other men in Maycombe--they do what must be done, her image of her "perfect" father crumbles and shatters into a million pieces.  She does not handle it very well.

But isn't it that way with all of us?  I know that when I was a young girl, my dad was THE SMARTEST, most amazing man on the planet.  There wasn't anything he couldn't do.  He was for me, like Atticus is for Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, my hero.  I compared all other men in my world to my dad and almost every other man never even came close to measuring up to the amazingness of the man who is my Dad.  I still see my dad as one of the most amazing men on the planet, but--like Scout, I began to see his weaknesses as I've grown older.

For example, most of you who know my family know that we are people of faith.  We have always gone to church almost every time the doors are open.  We aren't just people of faith talking-the-talk; my parents, especially, have always walked-the-walk.  I have always been so proud to say that my parents are truly GOOD, God-fearing, Bible-believing, faith-filled Christians who others can look up to as examples.  My parents built the dome home that they live in.  Dad is always doing things around the house--there is always something that needs doing.  I remember this one time when he had to dig a ditch, he rented a ditch-digger.  When he was finished, he had to put it on the trailer behind his truck so he could take it back to the store.  On that particular day, it was just him and me at home, so he had me help him.  I was NO help whatsoever, even though I really tried.  I'm not a very strong girl (in spite of being "big"--"big" doesn't mean strong, you know), so when he tried to put that ditch-digger on the trailer by sheer strength, it was all on him with me just being a prop, touching the digger so dad could feel like he had help.  Frustrated, Dad finally tried turning the thing on to get it to move easier.  Yep.  It went alright.  The whole thing went into the trailer and continued right into the tailgate of Dad's gorgeous red truck.

I'm telling you the honest truth--up until that very moment, I had never in my young life (I was about 14 or 15 at the time) heard one foul word, not one swear or cuss word come out of my Daddy's mouth.  I sure did that day.  Yes, the ditch-digger had hit me in the armpit hard enough to leave a bruise, but what hurt even more was the fact that in that moment, I realized that my Perfect Daddy wasn't Perfect.

I was crushed--just as Jean Louise is in GO SET A WATCHMAN.  I was devastated and horrified--just as Jean Louise is in GO SET A WATCHMAN.  It's a truth that no girl wants to admit about her Perfect Daddy especially those of us are Daddy's Girls.  Unlike Jean Louise, I didn't rave at my dad.  I remember being disappointed, certainly, but I also remember realizing that while my dad wasn't Perfect, he was and always would be MY DADDY and I loved him.  I respected him; I still do.

So for those of you who are nervous about reading GO SET A WATCHMAN because you have heard that Atticus is portrayed as a bigot, the story is about so much more than that:  it's about a girl's hero-worship coming to a place of seeing her dad as human rather than as super-human.  For us as readers, yes it's difficult seeing Atticus in this light, but as Jean Louise learns through this experience, it doesn't change how we feel about our loved one--it opens our eyes, takes the blinders off, helps us no longer see through rose-colored glasses.  (Seeing is a major theme throughout the book, in case you haven't caught that yet, BTW.)

I, for one, am very glad this book has been published.  I can't imagine that it really and truly was published without Harper Lee's permission.  She would have had to sign a contract, right?  I think that if Harper Lee was hesitant about seeing this book in print, it comes from the same place as Jean Louise's fear of seeing her dad "less-than"--Harper Lee certainly is smart enough to know that her audience would not like seeing our perfect hero Atticus Finch portrayed as "less-than."  But truth is truth whether we like it or not.

I recommend the book.  I also recommend that you formulate your own opinion of it and all the controversy surrounding it......but you can't really have an opinion worth sharing if you don't know ALL the facts and getting all the facts means that you have to read the book!  :)

**Update:  I did not realize when I wrote this earlier this week (July 15) that Harper Lee has had health issues where she is not fully aware of her surroundings--coherent, which means that she would NOT have been fully aware of what has been going on with her un-published works in recent years.  If she did not want GO SET A WATCHMAN, published, in reading it, I mean no disrespect to her or to what she has stood for in American history and for American Literature in the 20th/21st Centuries.  I respect Harper Lee greatly and I feel that TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is one of THE GREATEST books of all time--it should be required reading for EVERY student.  Honestly, I don't think any young person should be allowed to walk across a graduation stage unless he/she has read TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.  I'm truly sorry, Harper Lee, if my purchasing and reading GO SET A WATCHMAN demonstrates disrespect in any way; I certainly don't mean it that way.

A Reminder to LISTEN....

I had no idea that Gayle Forman had written any more books than the ones I read last year--and her newest one, I WAS HERE, so when I realized she did have another book, I didn't hesitate to get a copy.  As per usual with Gayle Forman books for me, I read SISTERS IN SANITY within about 48 hours.  I didn't like this book as much as I do her other books, but it's still a very good book and well worth reading.  A few short weeks ago, I heard of ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, for the first time--and it wasn't through this book.  I think it was because I was searching ODD that I even found this book.  So because I was searching it for a whole other reason, when I saw it in relations to ODD, I was intrigued.  When I realized it was a book about ODD written by one of my favorite authors, Gayle Forman, that clinched it for me--I HAD to read it.  I had to wait a few days to read it because I had a lot of other things going on, but once I started it, I flew through it.  While it's categorized as "Teen Fiction/Literature," I think it should be a required book for all adults and their teenagers to read TOGETHER, especially adults who feel their teens are out of control.  That doesn't mean that I think a book such as this one will make everything all better.  I do feel that a book such as this reminds us all that we just need to LISTEN to one another and HEAR what each other is saying.  Again, Gayle Forman has written a novel that will forever be high on my recommend list!

Roald Dahl's Adult Stories

I LOVE the adult stories of Roald Dahl!!!  It wasn't until a few short years ago that I even knew that he had written adult stories of any kind.  I'd always known him to be the author of many of my favorite children's books, my favorite being THE BFG!  I don't even remember what I was doing that I came across this information, but out of the blue, I learned that September 13 is Roald Dahl Day!  Dahl's birthday.  Since my birthday is September 14, that's close enough for me to feel a deeper connection with one of my favorite authors than I had previously!  So in honor of Roald Dahl Day, once I'd learned that there was such a thing, I wanted to celebrate in some way in my classes.  I did a quick internet search to see if he had any short stories I could read in class and lo and behold, there were his adult short stories!!!  The one I read in class that year was "The Landlady."  Who knew Dahl had such a twisted sense of humor in the adult world?!  We all knew how amazing his children's literature is, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that his adult literature was just as amazing and twisted!  So reading a whole book of his short stories, THE GREAT AUTOMATIC GRAMMATIZATOR AND OTHER STORIES, was pure joy for me.  I can't wait for Roald Dahl Day September 15, 2015 when I'll read another of Dahl's adult short stories to my students!!!

http://www.roalddahl.com/create-and-learn/join-in/roald-dahl-day

I gotta say, it took me awhile to get into THE GRAVEDIGGER'S DAUGHTER.  It wasn't because the story isn't interesting, though.  I have so much to read for school for the summer, so it kept being put on the back burner.  It was a little difficult to get into because I wasn't sure if I was "getting" what I was reading, but I decided it didn't matter and I just sat back and "enjoyed" the story--as much as one can "enjoy" a story about physical abuse.  This is a difficult story to read because of the physical abuse as well as emotional abuse that takes place, but it is even more than a story of abuse; it is a story of overcoming abuse and making something of oneself.  Joyce Carol Oates demonstrates in this amazing story not only the power of escaping horrors, but also the fact that one can't escape one's past completely, no matter how hard we try.  Certain things can and do follow us all the days of our lives--and we're all the better for it.  I know that sounds like a contradiction, but if you read this amazing story, you'll understand exactly what I'm trying to say.  Oates certainly isn't afraid to say the unsayable or to write the unwritable.  Her story is one that makes the reader THINK and FEEL.  This is not a story for the faint of heart or if you're looking for a simple summer read.  I promise, though, that if you'll give it a chance, you won't be sorry.

Plays are meant to be Seen, not Read

It does not give me any pleasure whatsoever to say that I am not a fan of the works of Tennessee Williams.  I realize that he is considered one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century, but I just don't see it.  Maybe I'm biased because I prefer musicals, who knows?  I know that there is some value to his plays, but of the ones I have read so far, I'm just not a fan.  (For those of you who love his works, I'm really sorry.)

I do think, though, that the movie version of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF with Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman is well worth watching.  I don't LOVE the movie, but I liked it enough that it gave me an appreciation for the play itself that I didn't have when I read it.  But that's the thing about plays:  they're meant to be seen (performed), not read.  There's just something about experiencing the nuances of an actor performing the written words that brings the words to life that is impossible to "get" when reading a play.  I think some of the best plays are written in such a way that it takes the performer to bring the words--the story--to life.  That's what separates a play from a novel or other work of fiction.  When I read a "regular" book, the story comes to life on the page because it is written to be read.

So while I am not a fan of the written version of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, I do highly recommend the movie version.  It's not a musical, but yet the performances by the actors give the story a life of its own that makes the story understandable, enjoyable, and have the point that I think Tennessee Williams was hoping to convey.  So if you choose to watch the movie rather than read the book THIS TIME, you won't be disappointed.

Besides, Elizabeth Taylor in this dress alone makes the movie WELL worth watching!!!  The dress is quite gorgeous, but so is Elizabeth Taylor IN the dress!  Wow.

Kristi's little book DREAM....A GUIDE TO GRIEVING GRACEFULLY is well worth the read.  I

have been reading everything I can get my hands on regarding overcoming grief and this one is one that will always stand out among my list of ones I'm glad I read.  Kristi shares from her heart.  Her compassion and desire to see those grieving come to a place of healing is demonstrated on every page in every word.  There is a lot of information that I have read in other texts on grieving, but Kristi has found a way to share that information that is unique, tender, and compassionate.  Thank you, Kristi, for sharing.  

Learning to Fight back with Joy

As 2008 came to an end, I bought my new datebook on a whim--it was a beautiful, purple engraved leather-bound book with "Joy" beautifully embroidered on the cover.  Little did I know when I made that purchase that God was already working in me to pour out His oil of Joy on me more than anyone else.  (Psalm 45:7 & Hebrews 1:9)

Prior to that time, I had suffered a stillbirth and two miscarriages--both at approximately 11 weeks.  My marriage was crumbling and my health was going downhill faster than I realized...until at the end of 2009, I found myself in the hospital at death's door--truly.  I had to have emergency surgery to save my life where I was given an ostomy bag that I had to wear for the next three months.  Praise God, the doctor reversed the surgery at the end of those three months and removed 8 inches of my colon.  A few months later, I had another surgery because of severe bleeding.  This surgery truly brought any hopes of a future pregnancy to a screeching halt.

I did NOT handle these challenges with grace, dignity, or joy.  There was a lot of depression, severe anxiety, and, quite possibly worst of all, Rage.  

In the midst of all the health issues, I also had to deal with a boss at work who clearly had decided that it was time for me to leave.

My life was a mess, in complete shambles.  I was a broken, beaten, wounded warrior unable to stand any longer on my own. 

In the midst of this mess, God met me.  In spite of the darkness of my days (literally and figuratively), I continued reading everything I could get my hands on about Joy--most specifically, the Joy that comes from the Lord.  I have marked every single verse in every single Bible I own that uses Joy.  I have purchased and read one book after another on Joy.  I have done one Bible study after another on Joy.  

I clung to my study on Joy as if my life depended on it.  In so many ways that I will more than likely never know, it did.  God has used my study on Joy to bring me out of a deep, dark, black, lonely cave of depression, anxiety, fear, and Rage.  I am still on the path to full and complete Joy, but at least I am out of my cave and well on my way to complete healing!

As I read through Margaret Feinberg's book Fight Back with Joy, I

was amazed at how God has used Joy to help Margaret fight cancer while also using Joy to help me find Joy regardless of my circumstances.  I am excited to see that while our stories (especially our studies on Joy) have many similarities, God is using Margaret to demonstrate how we must Fight the trials and tribulations in our lives with Joy and how so often, it is a fight to live the fullness of God's Joy.  Just as we so often give God a sacrifice of Praise, it is the same with Joy--we must sacrifice our feelings to fight back with Joy.  It is that sacrifice that brings Joy into our lives even though we didn't feel Joy when we started!

I am so excited to have read Margaret's book and to meet her at next year's Women of Joy Conference.  One way or another, I WILL get there!

God is using JOY in a powerful way in the lives of many....How is He using Joy in Your Life???

Margaret also has a 6-session Bible study to go with the book:  FIGHT BACK WITH JOY

A Reader's Dream Come True

Another winner!!!  A Reader's dream--to have the characters in a story come to life or real people become characters in a book!  Interacting with one another.....Wonderful!  Where The NeverEnding Story is mostly for younger kids (tweens and younger), Off the Page (and Between the Lines) is certainly a book for teens and older.  There isn't anything that could possibly be considered inappropriate or offensive--which I absolutely love.  It's a realistic teen love story with a happily-ever-after to rival the best of them!  And, to make it that much better, it even ends in such a way as to leave it open for a sequel!

As a long-time fan of Jodi's books, I am excited to see her writing branch into other areas especially in regards to writing with her very  own daughter!  What a dream come true!  To have one of our own children love or want to do the same thing we love/want to do......I mean, it's not as if parents push their children to do what they do (as a general rule), but I know that it certainly makes any parent bubble with happiness when her child does want to do what she does for a living.  We are filled with pride at whatever our children choose to do and when they are successful in their careers, but we can't help but burst wide open with pride when they willingly choose to do what we love WITH us.

I am so excited to see where Samantha's own personal career goes.  Whether she chooses to continue writing with her mother, on her own, or do something else, I know her momma is very proud of her!

I'm working on it....

Louise DeSavlo's book WRITING AS A WAY OF HEALING: HOW TELLING OUR STORIES TRANSFORMS OUR LIVES came out in 1999.  Even 16 years later, every word in her book rings true and is valuable for anyone going through the healing process.  As a writer, I recommend EVERYONE follow DeSalvo's premise of writing as a way of healing.  I realize, though, that not everyone finds healing in writing.  If that is true, then I am going to take a little side path from DeSalvo's text to say that I think that when it comes to healing, each person should find what he/she loves to do--writing, dancing, gardening, etc., etc., etc.--and do it.  Use your passion for what you love to do lead to your healing.  Of course, like DeSalvo, I personally do agree that writing is a perfect outlet and does lead to healing, but I love to write.  I not only love to write, I HAVE to write.  If writing isn't for you, then find what it is that you HAVE to do and do and allow yourself to be healing through the doing....

I have been writing my own story of healing for a while now.  I am currently working on getting my memoir ready for publication and in the meantime, I have a blog where I add posts that are directly related to the topic of my memoir.  Please feel free to read my blog if you'd like:  http://joyregardless.blogspot.com/

My newest obsession.....Dexter

When I first started watching DEXTER a year or so ago, I had no idea that it was originally a series of books.  As soon as I learned that it is (was), I bought and downloaded the first book in the series to my Nook!  I still have two seasons left to watch of the tv show that was on HBO, but I'm already feeling separation anxiety!  I just can't get enough of Dexter!  I have no idea why I'm so fascinated with him except to say that I've always been interested in psychology in general and why people do the things they do.  Watching Dexter, and now reading the book, he is a wonderful psychological study!  And what makes him even that much more interesting is the fact that he is very intelligent--he's is very well and highly educated!  He knows all the psychological babble!  He knows what he is and why--where and when his "Dark Passenger" began.  He is aware enough that even though he is a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Dade Homicide Department, he is also somewhat of a Profiler.  His co-workers and colleagues trust his judgment about crime scenes!  He's SMART.  But he's a serial killer.  It's just too fascinating!  

Plus, it doesn't hurt that Michael C. Hall is just gorgeous!  I know I'd easily be charmed by his swagger and lop-sided smile!!!!

If there is only one book you ever read.....

Obviously, this was not my first time reading Harper Lee's wonderful TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, but reading it as an adult vs. reading it as a young person are vastly different!  I loved the book when I first read it more than 25 years ago.  I have always remembered it and have told anyone who would listen that it's one of THE greatest books ever written and that it should be REQUIRED reading for EVERYONE.  Reading it again as an adult, it's still one of THE greatest books ever written and I still believe that it should be REQUIRED reading for EVERYONE.  It seriously is just THAT GOOD.  Thank you, Harper Lee, for writing such an amazing story.  I can't wait for the new book being released later this year!!!!

Pretty Awesome, I Must Say!

Oh, Marty.  I had no idea.  I have always LOVED Martin Short and reading his memoir I MUST SAY: MY LIFE AS HUMBLE COMEDY LEGEND only made that love deeper.  He has never had the fame or recognition like Robin Williams or some of the other comedy greats, but he's always been right there in the group, a part of the action--just quiet, but still very much a part.  I have seen most of his movies and many of his comedy sketches.  My favorite movies are INNERSPACE and the FATHER OF THE BRIDE movies where he plays Franck.  He is just so FUNNY.  I've always said that I love the life stories of others.  I am a huge fan of the memoir--which I guess is why I'm attempting to write one of my own--and I am very happy that Martin Short willingly shared his story.  I am especially glad that I made the time to read it.  He is a kindred spirit; I just KNOW that he and I would hit it off wonderfully if we were ever to meet.

Thanks for the laughs, Marty.  Just, Thanks.

I guess I'm not a Paper Girl

I can honestly say that it was difficult to put down John Green's PAPER TOWNS.  Yes, it is a very good book and well worth reading.  John Green truly has a gift for story-telling and I, for one, am very glad that he is sharing that gift with the world.  With that being said, though, all I could think about throughout the whole of the story was LOOKING FOR ALASKA.  While there are some obvious differences between the two stories--which I won't name just in case you haven't read one or the other or both, the two are still essentially the same story.  It's almost as if Green asked himself what would LOOKING FOR ALASKA be if THIS hadn't happened--if it had gone THIS way instead of the way it did?  (Or vice versa.  I haven't looked to see which book was written first.)  That's not a problem.  It's actually quite genius because I was wondering the same thing.  If you know anything about John Green's previous books, I feel the need to remind you, then know going into PAPER TOWNS that he stays mostly faithful to his MO.  

One final thought:  I'm sick of labels such "Young Adult" literature for stories like PAPER TOWNS just because the main characters are teenagers.  I am in my mid-forties and I have enjoyed every so-called "young adult" novel I've read--especially those of John Green, Gayle Forman, and the best of them all, Stephen Chobsky's THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER.  Yes, the main characters in their stories are teenagers, but not only do I remember what it was like being a teenager, but I can also relate to the extreme emotions of the teens within these stories.  

Teenagers are NOT the only age group to FEEL with every fiber of their being, you know!

Where it all begins....

Robyn Schneider's THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING really hits close to home.  Ezra begins his story by saying that he believes everyone has or will have his/her own tragedy in his/her life--and then proceeds to tell/share his own personal tragedy.  His story, of course, interacts with others so it is not exclusive just to Ezra's own personal tragedy.  This book is powerful, yet achingly sweet and in some ways, quite smarmy simply because of the sappy "Romeo and Juliet" tragic love story.  It is one of those books where the beginning tells you everything you need to know, so if you think you're going to have a "happily ever after," you didn't read read carefully enough.

I like the book, but at the same time, I thought that some of the elements Robyn Schneider includes in the story are forced in order to get the end result she desires.  That doesn't take away from the enjoyment of reading the book; it's simply that you KNOW that something important is going to happen as a direct result of the coyotes.  I didn't expect to happen what actually happens, but it was not a surprise that something tragic happens when a coyote shows up in the yard at the end of the story.

I do highly recommend Schneider's novel.  Just know going into it that it's a tragedy, not a sweet, romantic love story that ends with "happily ever after."

I will pay more careful attention the next time I'm on a train!

I don't know which is more exhilarating for me....to guess the "who done it" before the ending of a book or NOT to guess correctly!!!!  I thought I had it right.  I really and truly thought I knew SHE "did it," but wonderfully, surprisingly, I was VERY wrong!!!  Ahaha!!!  Way to go, Paula Hawkins!  Over the past several months, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN has continually shown up in my Nook "to read" folder and in my Amazon Kindle "to read" folder as well.  It seemed that I just could not ignore or get away from this book.  Curiosity won.  And I'm glad it did.  This is a wonderful book about first impressions as well as about LIFE and how quickly life can--and quite often does--get out of control for ANYONE and EVERYONE.  I see as I look at websites for TRAIN that GONE GIRL is quite often compared to it.  I get that.  If you have read GONE GIRL, I can assure you that THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins is even more worth reading.  I love the twists and turns and reveals that happen slowly, subtlety, and always at just the right moment to keep me reading and wanting to know more about each of the various characters in the story.  This amazing story that Paula Hawkins has written takes a hard, very honest look at the difficulty each of us faces on a day-to-day basis and how we cope with those difficulties--with fore-thought and without.

I can't say enough good things about THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins.  I certainly will be looking into other books by her!!!  It is an adult novel, though, so just keep that in mind, parents, if your teens are reading it.  I would be sure to read it with them or at least stay connected with them as they read it....I'm just sayin'.

Modern Fairy Tale

CINDER by Marissa Meyer is the first in a series of 4 books (I think that's right).  I was intrigued to

read it based on the review of a friend of mine.  Sadly, I do not find that I agree with her glowing review.  I liked the story okay, but not enough to encourage others to read the book and read it NOW.  If you like fairy tales and enjoy modern variations of classic fairy tales, you will probably like CINDER.  It's not bad.  I certainly don't hate the book.  I just don't LOVE it, either.  I can honestly say that it is GOOD.  But I trudged through it.  I went days not reading and then when I did have time to read, I kept looking for something else to read instead.  Of course I kept going back to CINDER not just because I like to finish books that I start, but also because it is interesting enough that I wanted to finish reading it--eventually.  I wish I could say that it's amazing and that I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.  I really do.  It certainly is a great idea that Marissa had with traditional fairy tales.  I don't want Marissa to be offended by what I have to say about her book, but I'm afraid that I just can't say that it's WONDERFUL.....Sorry!

Put your hands together: Reading AND Writing

Julia Cameron's THE RIGHT TO WRITE:  AN INVITATION AND INITIATION INTO THE WRITING LIFE is the 3rd book by her I have read.  As great as each of her books has been, including this one, they are beginning to run together--to repeat.  That isn't a negative thing because what she has to say is very valuable.  There are new points as well as varying ways of stating her repeated points, so each book has great value and is well worth reading.  One thing you need to know as you go into Julia's books is that most of her books are workbooks, so be ready to write as you read!  That's one of the reasons why I love her books!  I get to combing my two favorite things:  reading and writing!!!!

Another winner for Gayle Forman

If I could give I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman more than 5 stars, I so would!  Wow.  Of course I read I WAS HERE in one day in one sitting.  I simply could NOT put the book down.  As I came to the end, I was weeping, deep, heart-wrenching, soul-deep sobs because this story is just that powerful and because, yes, I too have once or twice in my life "gone there" (Richard).  My son asked me how I could FEEL THAT POWERFULLY about a book.  Just read it and you might begin to understand.  Gayle has another winner on her hands with I WAS HERE.

It's all about each individual making a statement, "I was here"--having an impact--leaving an imprint--knowing that others CARE--knowing that he/she is IMPORTANT.  Don't we all wonder these things?  Don't we all wonder if anyone would even care if we were no longer here?  Isn't that exactly what IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is all about--knowing that you've made a difference in SOMEONE'S life???  

But not even all those things....it's also about finding and knowing ourselves--knowing who we are....finding our own identity and

owning it and loving ourselves.  Cody (isn't that a wonderful name for a female character in a 21st century book?!) has lived her whole life in Meg's shadow until Meg does the unthinkable--she commits suicide.  Cody's life is turned upside down, not just because she was Meg's best friend and she misses her best friend, but also because Cody had lived so much in Meg's shadow that she didn't even know who she herself was--what she wanted in life.  It's in her search for answers to Meg's decision to take her own life that Cody finds her own identity and learns that no matter how much we love someone, no matter how much we do for someone, we can never know, truly, ALL there is to know about our loved ones.  We can only know ourselves.

All I can say is, go read I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman NOW.......

I wish I could recommend this book about the Countess

So while I can't get enough of The Countess, I have to say that Charlie Courtland's THE HIDDEN WILL OF THE DRAGON, 2nd

in her series about The Countess (see my previous post on DANDELIONS IN THE GARDEN) is not one that I enjoyed reading.  Yes, I'm still fascinated by the story of the Countess, her legend, and the speculations about her legends about what is real and what isn't.  From that perspective, I wanted to read every word of THE HIDDEN WILL.  

But the story here just is not well written.  I'm sorry Charlie.  I don't know what happened or where your editor went, but he/she was NO help to you.  The grammatical errors stood out like sore thumbs and took away my enjoyment of reading such a fascinating story.  I tried very hard, Charlie, not to pay attention to the grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors, but some of them were so simplistic that even a 4th grader would know better.  For example there were several incorrect uses of the word "too" when "to" was meant.  

With a little more editing and clean-up in that respect, THE HIDDEN WILL OF THE DRAGON would be well worth the read and I would recommend it with high stars.  As I say, I am absolutely fascinated, morbidly so, with the Countess, so regardless of grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors, I am going to continue reading any and everything about her that I can get my hands on.

There's no reason why you can't make those corrections, Charlie Courtland, and put your book in the class of literature [about the Countess] not to be missed.  (Please, please, please don't be offended by my comments!!!)

My fascination with the Countess continues

Haha!  The first book I finish in 2015 is a fictionalized text telling the story of Countess Elizabeth Bathory, DANDELIONS IN THE GARDEN by Charlie Courtland.  Awesome!  I accept that much of the parts of this version are completely made up by Ms. Courtland for the sake of fictionalized literature, but considering the fact that much of what we know about the Countess is not actually KNOWN anyway, it is always interesting to read what new authors think happened with the Countess.  I am absolutely fascinated by Elizabeth Bathory.  Her story is one that draws me like a moth to a flame.  I can't explain what it is about her that is so incredibly fascinating since so many of the details of her story are so incredibly gruesome, but I the fact remains that I am.  I don't know the exact number of books I have or that I have read concerning the Countess, but I would guess that this one is no less than the 5th fictionalized version not to mention the ones I have and/or have read that are based on actual accounts--as historians have the information from legal and historical documents to share.  I have watched the movies about her that I have been able to get a hold of.  Many of the movies about her are foreign films which makes watching them difficult.

Did you know that you can buy things like mouse pads, coffee

mugs, light switches, and other such trinkets with images of the real Elizabeth Bathory?  I've never gone that far in my fascination with her, but I do find it absolutely fascinating that things like that are available for those who want to buy them.  Oh, and there is even a wine in honor of her!  Apparently you can even go visit her castle and stay in a hotel in the village where they serve food and wine dedicated to the Countess' infamous legend.

Personally, I think what draws us more than anything is not just the blood and gore associated with her, but the fact that there are so many different legends that it is difficult to determine what is fact and what is fiction.  It does seem to be a consensus that the Countess Elizabeth Bathory murdered MANY young women--quite a few of them virgins--and murdered them in gruesome ways, quite often torturing the young women hideously prior to their deaths.  Some texts say that she killed only about 200 while others say that she killed more than 600 girls.  Since I also believe that Elizabeth had a violent temper and that she could fly into a rage faster than a you can shoo a fly, I do believe that the number of murdered girls was a high one.  

Of course my fascination will continue as I begin reading the 2nd book in Ms. Courtland's series called THE HIDDEN WILL OF THE DRAGON.  I am sure that these books will not be the last ones I read about the fascinating Countess!  

Here a few links in case you want to read a little more about her for yourself.

http://www.infamouslady.com/

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bathorys-torturous-escapades-are-exposed

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/21/travel/blood-countess-slovakia/