Winter Reading

"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though." J.D Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

It's still winter here and we are trying so hard to stay positive. But it's hard. So very hard to go outside and have freezing cold snow hit your face, and think Oh I'm SO Glad For Today! It's easy to be happy when it's nice and sunny and beautiful. It's much more work to stay positive in the midst of the February blahs. Instead of beating ourselves up about living in such a frigid climate, we are turning to our novels and escaping. We are turning to our 'friends', trusted books to keep us in check and help us push through this cold and dreary month.


Here's what books we have been reading:
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan

This book is scary and amazing at the same time. It is the true story of an average 24 year old girl who starts experiencing hallucinations and seizures. She thinks she is going crazy and it takes a month of testing until she is diagnosed. It is an incredible story, one that you will read until the wee hours of the night.

Redemption by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley



This is the first book of the Baxter family series. Gary Smalley is a recognized marriage and family counselor who teamed up with author Karen Kingsbury to create a series based on his teachings. The theme of Redemption is that love is a decision. The story is about Kari Baxter, an affluent married woman, who finds her husband in the midst of an adulterous affair. Leah just finished reading Redemption and is eager to pick up the next novel in the series. It definitely makes you think about divorce and forgiveness in a whole new way.

Wheat Belly by William Davis 


Our Mama is re-reading this book along with the cookbook. We are trying new recipes without as much spelt or kamut, as too much of any processed grain can be an inflaming agent in our bodies. Our Mama has been trying new recipes and made a few amazing creations: like the delicious gluten free cheesecake, or super tasty coconut fish sticks.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simson



Charlotte picked up this great gem of a novel at Costco last week and has been busy reading. There is a house waiting list for it after she is finished. So far she is enjoying it and says we will like it. It's the story of a scientist who lacks social skills and has a hard time meeting women. He creates the Wife Project-a 16 page survey to eliminate the wrong ones and help him find the perfect wife. Through the process he meets Rosie and discovers that you don't go and find love, it finds you.


What are you reading these days? Share with us! We are always looking for new books.

and PS If you really need to get out the house and you live in the Ottawa Gatineau area, check out here as we are going to be teaching a needle felting class next Wed Feb 26! What's needle felting?
Check out Felting FAQ's here