CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Friday, July 30, 2010

My Favorite Pasttime and a Review of "The Roadshow"

My favorite thing to do, when I don't have anything else to do, or when I don't want to do anything else, is read.  I've loved books since the day I could hold a Goldenbook in my hand and chew the corner.  I remember summers, as a child, having my chores to do while Mom and Dad were at work.  My chores were: clean everything in the house, weed the garden, mow the lawn, wash the clothes, hang clean clothes on the line and take care of the pet.  My older brother might say that list was his chores, but I know that's not true.  My baby sister, when asked what her jobs were in the summer, would probably have a cute smile on her face, a far-away look in her eyes and dreamily say, "What are chores?"  Yeah, being the middle child, I was definitely picked on! (Whatever you do, don't ask my brother and sister about that, their memory isn't as good as mine)
We had a table top swamp cooler that was used to cool the house in the summer.  We'd pour ice and water in the back, to wet the cooling pads. It was usually in the kitchen and cooled only the room where it was located. 
After doing ALL my chores, I'd sit in front of that cooler and read books that I had checked out from the library.  If Nancy Drew was included in the library books, I was one happy girl. All this remembrance brings me to the reason for my post.

  I recently read Braden Bell's new book, "The Roadshow".


This book took my breath away.  From the first chapter, Braden develops believable and likeable characters.  I could easily relate to most of their struggles.  It is set in an LDS community but is not "preachy" of LDS doctrine.  The focus is on human strengths, weaknesses and Christian promises of Christ's love and healing power.  The story deals with some weighty, real-life issues but is peppered with humor.  It's a quick read that lifts and inspires. You should put this on your "books to read this summer" list and then read it.  You'll be glad you did.  A word of warning, don't plan on getting your chores done, you won't want to put it down.



24 comments:

Nana said...

I love to read too. Yet, I get distracted easily. I must have A.D.D. No, I think I never get my chores done.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

You poor middle child.
Hopefully with some intensive therapy you'll be able to let go of your bitterness.

I loved the Road Show too.

I'm a bookaholic.

Kristina P. said...

Love Braden. And his book.

Tracy said...

Well, I'm the baby in my family and I'm pretty sure that was my list of summer chores!! ;-)

Thanks for the book recommendation. Sounds like a must read!! :-) I will most definitely be reading this one!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good book! My youngest sister is the same way... spoiled much more than anyone because there were 10 years between her and the middle sister, so she was like an only child when we were in college and she was at home with the parents. She's definitely daddy's little girl!

CB said...

My daughter Katie would laugh with you about being the middle child - Oh how we heard that rant many times over the years (snicker!).
I have heard about this book just recently - it sounds good. On my list!!

Valerie said...

Oooh! Another good book to add to my list. I need to start reading more, my list of good books to read is getting quite lengthy.

Uh...that still looks like my chore list! What's with that?

Darla said...

I love reading too; I had more time when I was young. I was the youngest child and my mom did not discriminate when it came to "the list" we all got work to do even when my cousins came to stay they got a "list". I loved to curl up in our big chair or sometimes I would sneak into the bathroom (when I was supposed to be doing dishes) and read, read, read. Nancy Drew was my very favorite. My mom's famous words to me were: "Would you get up and do something, even if it is wrong." Apparently reading novels was not high on her "list". Or maybe I was spending too much time in the books and not taking care of "the List"... I guess it depends on who is telling the story :-).

Barbaloot said...

Oh-I love Nancy Drew. If I could get my hands on a set of the older prints that have those blue, hard covers, I'd be so happy!

I definitely enjoyed the Roadshow as well. Maybe I cried when the loner guy finally felt like he was getting a friend. So sweet.

Doran & Jody said...

Welp I will just have to go pick this up. I just finished a bood and went to the library on lunch and it is CLOSED today. What am I going to do without a book in my hand? My Sunday lesson maybe? Psha!

Jenny said...

I love to read. As a girl I read all of the Nancy Drew books many times. I am adding this to my good read book list.

Kerin said...

Clearly, you were abused as a child! I wonder if the statutes of limitations have run out :)
I've not heard of this book...now I'm thinking it's one I HAVE to read. Thanks !!
Have a wonderful weekend :)

Valerie said...

I have read several good reviews of this book so hopefully I'll get to read it someday. I love to read and will miss it when school starts soon since all my "free" time will be spent studying my brains out so I can finally graduate. :)

Heather said...

The middle child always has it the hardest and I mean that! I was the youngest but my sister always has stories on how she struggled.

I will have to read this book some time.

Julie Harward said...

The book sounds good...and I can so relate...I did all the work and my little sister did nothing...thats the tale we all tell isn't it! LOL

Camille said...

I've heard nothing but good about his book! Now I'm curious...

Natalie said...

First of all, Happy late Birthday. Hope it was a great one for both of you. You do have a handsome hubby and you two are a beautiful couple.
I too love to read. I will definitely be getting Braden's book.
Great tape trick. I am going to remember this one when I actually have a real vase to use instead of jars (here on the mission).:)The Sunflowers look so pretty and I love the Glads.
Your yard looks awesome! What a great job with the flagstones. I think I will have to come and sit under the shade of that tree and have a good chat with you.

Teachinfourth said...

I know exactly what you mean by getting theTerrible end of the stick when it came to chores during the summertime! What is it about being the middle child?

Ann Marie said...

I remember laying under our old swamp cooler trying to get cool!
Good memories!

I am NOT a reader.. but I will read stuff if it's HIGHLY recommended.. and I'm sure this would be my type of book! :)

**********

Sorry I have been MIA from here for such a long time. I WISH I had your address so I could have snt you a little birthday treat!
Hope last monday was nice.. I was thinking of you!

Nancy Face said...

I loved my book collection as a child...Little Golden Books, Nancy Drew, and everything in between! :)

Yeepers...swamp coolers have certainly come a long way!

Small House said...

OH....You had a birthday!!! Happy Birthday (late)!!!!! Cute picture!!

I think my kids feel exactly like you did, as to what their chores are when I'm at work. Funny thing is....they feel that way, and don't do them!!! Hmmmm........

Another great book to add to my list. I better get on the reading stick! I've been reading Cold Sassy Tree forever. I refuse to stop reading that, even though I'm just not feelin it!
Have a great day.
Sandra

Hubby said...

Nancy Drew Shmancy Drew. The Hardy Boys were the REAL mystery-solvers.

Yvonne said...

I loved my Nancy Drew books. (I used to read in our car--with 5 sisters in a small house I could never find a quiet place to read ; )

Sounds like a great book--thanks.

Valerie said...

I'm a read-a-holic too and am always on the prowl for a good book. Thanks for the review!! I'll add this to my list!