Jonesie's Reading List

There is nothing like reading a great book that you just can't put down. Reading is one of my favorite things to do and I've been an avid reader since I was a little girl. When I was about 9 or 10, I started to compile a handwritten list of all the books I read. The list included how long it took me to read the book, a rating (stars), page numbers, and author. I was passionate about updating my list and reading a book in 1-2 days. My brother, who is four years older than me, loved to make fun of me for this. Reading was on his list of things not to do. I remember once leaving a book I was in the middle of reading in my desk at school. I left it at school on a Friday and was devestated when I looked through my bag and realized that I left my book. I started crying and my brother had a field day making fun of me for this for years. Brothers.

When my list got to 12 handwritten pages, I decided to retype the entire list on our home typewriter. This was way before every day people had computers at home so I sat there with the typewriter at the dining room table and started typing. It took me hours, days, weeks, to finish it. I can only imagine what my parents thought.

Though I haven't updated the list in over 20 years, I still have my handwritten version and the typed up version tucked safely away in my box of memories. Every now and again when I read a great book I am tempted to add it to my list- just for fun. Who knew I was such a little geek? Shh, don't tell anyone.

In tribute to my list, here are three great books I read recently that you too must read. Have you read them, if so, what'd you think?!

1. Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah (Cried like a baby but it's a happy book that will have you thinking about growing up as a young girl, your journey through motherhood, life long friends, and life as you know it.)

2. Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson (Loved it- funny, witty, and full of surprises- just like Joshilyn's blog. I can't wait to read the next book.)

3. The Color of Water by James McBride (Two amazing stories in one. You'll read the story of McBride's Jewish mother who raised 12 biracial children in the 1930s and beyond paralled with McBride's tribute to his "Ma." If you loved Richard Wright's book, Native Son, you'll love this too.)

Enjoy them, they are all excellent reads.