2009 Book List

1.Rick Steves' Paris 2009 by Rick Steves' ****
This book was invaluable while we were in Paris. We carried it with us the whole trip and used it daily. One of the most helpful chapters listed the days and times that all the most popular attractions were open. Not only did Steves cover the well know Paris sites, he also gave a wonderful overview into the lesser known neighborhoods.

2.Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult **
I picked this book up in the Airport in Atlanta. It was on the best sellers list and I knew that Picoult was a good author. However, I didn't enjoy this book at all. It was well written and a very original story but in typical Picoult fashion it was very depressing. I also had a hard time relating to the characters. Just not my favorite book.

3.Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain***
I loved this book. It was the first that I have read by Chamberlain and I really enjoyed the story and her style of writing. Some reviewers have compared her to Picoult but I like Chamberlains style much better. I will definatly try some of her other books.

4.Escape by Carolyn Jessop****
This was a great book about the FDLS and the fact that Jessop lived the horrors that she explains is a tragedy. I didn't learn anything new about the FDLS but I did enjoy hearing her perspective and thoughts now that she has escaped.

5. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult**
You would think that I would stop reading her stories but I picked this up at the used bookstore and thought that I would try one more. I was again disappointed. I couldn't find one character in this book that I liked or cared about. It was depressing but again written very well.

6. Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner*
Books like Certain Girls remind me how glad I am that I can read so fast. I didn't enjoy this as much as I have enjoyed Weiner's other books. It was slow and I felt that alternating between Joy and Cannie narrating was confusing and uneffective. This is a sequel to her hit book "Good in Bed" and I was really excited to see how the character of Cannie had grown and changed...but she hadn't. She still fell sorry for herself and didn't appreciate Peter and the others that loved her in life. I won't even get started on the end of the book...total waste of time.

7. Seventh Heaven by James Patterson ***

James Patterson books are my guilty pleasure. I tend to read them quickly. This was the 7th book in his Lindsey Boxer series. Other than the fact that I enjoyed it there isn't much to say. If you are a fan of murder mysteries than this is a great series. In typical James Patterson style you not only see things from the side of the Law you also get to see things from the mind of a killer.

8. Ruby Slippers by Jonalyn Grace Fincher *****

I heard Jonalyn speak earlier this year at church and really enjoyed what she had to say on the person of Jesus. She is a dynamic woman whose thoughts and ideas on womanhood and femininity echo exactly what I have been pondering and praying on this year. I would HIGHLY suggest this book if you are a woman wondering who you are in Jesus. She clings to being feminine and Godly.

*Wouldn't recommend it
**Ok, but not one that I would recommend
***Good Book worth checking out
***Enjoyed reading, good story or good information on the topic
***** Loved it!! This one is staying on my bookshelf.