BOOKS (in
no particular order)
- THE
POISONWOOD BIBLE by Barbara Kingsolver
Very involving novel set during the early 60s as
Africa begins to break free from colonial rule. Told from the points
of view of the four daughters of a fanatical Baptist missionary.
- BRIDGET
JONES’ DIARY by Helen Fielding
I laughed out loud. I haven’t been a ‘singleton’
for a long time, but I identified with Bridget’s ongoing battle for
‘self-improvement’ and her desire to be loved.
- CLAN
OF THE CAVE BEAR by Jean Auel
Pre-historic feminism---Ayla is one strong
woman!
- OUTLANDER
by Diana Galbaldon
Part time travel, part romance, part Scottish
history lesson.
- A
ROSE IN WINTER by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
The first ‘bodice-ripper’ romance I ever
read, and still one of my favorites.
VIDEOS
- WITNESS
starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis
Great storyline, marvelous music, and a
fascinating look into the non-violent world of a Pennsylvania Amish
community.
- ANNE
OF GREEN GABLES series
Megan Follows is perfect as the irrepressible
Anne Shirley. Terrific reading too!
- BRINGING
UP BABY starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
Terrific screwball comedy.
- SWISS
FAMILY ROBINSON starring John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James
MacArthur
I really wanted to live in that treehouse.
Light, romantic comedies—better for improving one’s
mood than a hot bath or fresh chocolate chip cookies. I recommend:
JUVENILE BOOKS
Chapter books
- ONE
HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS by Dodie Smith.
Excellent, exciting reading. Disney had to
streamline the story to fit it into a 80 minute film. Get the full
meal deal here.
- BAMBI
by Felix Salten.
A wonderful nature story. Again, the original
story is far superior to the Disney film.
- The Tripod Trilogy (THE WHITE MOUNTAINS, POOLS OF
FIRE, CITY OF LEAD AND GOLD) by John
Christopher
An adolescent boy escapes to a rebel freedom
organization before his ‘capping’ ceremony, which makes humans
docile and unable to think for themselves in this series about Earth
after an alien takeover. A good choice for kids looking for something
after Harry Potter.
- MRS.
MIKE by Benedict and Nancy Freedman.
A young woman from the city travel to Canada to
regain her health, and falls in love with a Canadian Mountie. I first
read this book in 6th grade, have re-read it several times,
and have recommended it to numerous kids.
- The Little House series by Laura
Ingalls Wilder
If you’ve already read them, read them again!
Picture Books
I could go on and on about children’s picture
books, but these came to mind right away.
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