I have been thinking about books lately. I love to read. I especially love to listen/read. One of my very very favorite ways to spend an afternoon is sitting in my sewing room, chaining away on Quilt blocks and listening to a good book. Do you do that too?

Well, if you love to read and are in search of your next good read, you might give one or two or ten of these a try. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed:) —-

• These is My Words by Nancy Turner— Oh! That Cap’n Jack! He is such a scoundrel! This story is set in the old Arizona West and is written as a diary. It is about a young spit fire of a girl who is handy with a rifle and loves to read. She is strong and resilient and lovable. -Read it!! You won’t be able to put it down:)!!

• Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilabagiza— This Book is so inspiring! If only we all could handle adversity so well. Immaculee’s ability to forgive is an example to be held up to all of us. Although this is a story about a very tragic event, I felt hope and love for God throughout. I am sure you will too!

• Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt – This book surprised me. A 7th grade boy in 1968 going to school. It started out just as cute as I expected, but by the end it had turned into something much deeper. It addressed the social issues of Vietnam, religious prejudice, love of money over family, marriage and family relations, and reaching your potential. All of these were addressed in a way that a 7th grader and an adult could laugh and cry at. This is a great book. It would be great to read this one with your children or grandchildren. There is a lot to laugh about and a lot to talk about.

• Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier– Daphne Du Maurier is one of my favorite authors. She has a way of telling a story that is slow and engrossing. She weaves you in and keeps you wondering and thinking. I think Rebecca is her best. Although the heroine of this book has no name and the villain is EVERYWHERE but never seen, we come to know both characters intimately. It is wonderfully done and oh, so enjoyable to read! When you are done, watch the academy award winning Alfred Hitchcock adaptation. 60 years later, it is still one of the best.

• Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – while this book is definitely not a “feel good” book, it is absolutely a page turner. It is about the friendship of two young boys from Afghanistan who go through a life changing experience that haunts them for years. The words “For you, a thousand times over” still bring tears to my eyes.

• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers—. This is a love story set in the 1800s between a beautiful young girl who was abused and turned prostitute, and a kind, forgiving, and loving man named Michael. This book is based on the Bible Book of Hosea. Patience and love, that is what He offers. It is a wonderful book that will keep you turning the pages!!

• The Help by Kathryn Stockett– This book is set in the 1960s in the South. It’s message focuses on racial prejudice of whites and blacks, but I like how it addresses prejudice of all kinds including social status. Prejudice goes in all directions. Even though the subject matter is deep, there is a lot to laugh about in this book as well. If you haven’t already watched the movie, read the book and then watch the movie. It is very well done:)

• The Giver by Lois Lowry – My son was asked to read this in 6th grade. He recommended it to me saying that he thought I would really like it too. He was right! Utopian societies have flaws. When society makes the rules and takes away individuality and choice, is it Utopia at all? Color and music are the joys all around us when we choose. As you can tell, I’m still enjoying and thinking about it!:)

• Autism -A Dad’s Journey by Luis Bayardo– Families that deal with handicapped children endure pains that are deeply hidden from the outside world. We all have hopes and dreams for our children. This book honestly shares the emotions of parents struggling to cope with the reality of unfulfilled dreams that can become blessings in disguise. I love this book because it really helps others empathize and offer love to those they know who may be going through these same feelings. PS- Luis is my brother-in- law and even though I love him, I wouldn’t have included it here unless it was a real page turner, which it is:)!

• All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot– If you want a light, happy, fun read, this is the one. Sometimes we just need to escape into a lighter time with the simple life of friends and neighbors and hard work. These are the stories of a young veterinarian learning his trade. There is so much to smile and laugh about in this book that it will brighten any day.

Well, there it is, my top 10 page turners. I tried to include romance, fiction, mystery, cultural, children’s, and comedy. Have You read any of these? Have I missed any of your favorite page turners? I would love to hear about them!

Maybe we should start our own online book club… maybe?…..