When Words Can't Express

Loss...is a funny word. Its a tangible, werid word. And its multidimesonal in scope and in feeling. Loss is something we all experience. We lose things every day. Small things. Sometimes big things. But most of all we lose time. Time to be with those we love. Time to express our gratitude just for that moment. We are always losing something. At 3:07, 8/26/2017 - I lost something. A piece of my heart. A small spot in which dwelled a person that is irreplaceable. At 3:07 am, 8/26/2017 - I lost my biggest cheerleader, the most complex person in my life. I lost the woman that taught me my first prayers, bought me my first Bible. And who allowed me to be myself; flaws and all, quirks and all. At 3:07 am God shifted my world; he set it spinning while seemingly leaving me speechless and motionless. So it is now that words, written ones comfort. It is now that I can write what I can't say aloud. Alice Marie Brown has been called home. She has trancesended this life. My heart feels hollow; my very being is feels silent. And words can never truly express the love, saddness and gratitude I feel all at once. She is mother and grandmother and friend and fierce protector. And God Even as she was flawed, God even with her short comings I loved her. Unconditionally and with my whole heart. No one can ever compare to my grandmother. I feel saddness because she is not here physically. I can't hold her hands or kiss her goodbye anymore. I am grateful that God has seen fit to end her suffering; I am happy that she is with her Mother and Father and other family. I lean now fully into the promises of God. She is absent from me now but she is present with the Lord. That gives my heart and mind the peace they need. I will miss her for the rest of my life but this is only a farewell....a parting until we meet again.

Is it May yet....

I am really looking forward to the latest book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. I can not wait to meet the members of the Night Court again.

Here is the synopsis of the book:

In the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Today the U.S. honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. King was a man that used his power as a minister to bring about social change. He organized marches, sit ins, and boycotts. The most famous being the Montgomery Bus Boycott - which started with Rosa Parks and lasted for while over a year. King was champion for voting rights and helped to wage war on income inequality. He was a man that was killed way to young and left so much work unfinished. Some of his dreams where realized - desegregation happened during his lifetime. And voting rights were expanded to African Americans.
Of course some of the things King fought for still need work; still gets push back. We are seeing restrictions on voting and income inequality looms larger than ever. So in King's memory I want to dedicate my year to working harder on social justice issues that mean a lot to me - voting, education and, access to healthcare. We are all better people when we are helping to uplift one another Dr. King is proof of that.

^ this last photo is probably my favorite; it is of Dr. King with minister Malcolm X.

A great way to keep your books....

I can not tell you when the last time was that I allowed a friend to "borrow" a book. A majority of the time I just buy my friends copies of the books I love; giving them away as gifts. Honestly if you lose or damage any book of mine I will most likely have a fit. I love my babies to much to risk them being ruined.

Latest Book Acquisitions

I purchased these lovelies over the past few weeks; I am so so excited about these. So far, the only one I have finished is Citizen by Claudia Rankine. Here is the complete list of what I purchased:

1) Zen in the Art of writing by Ray Bradbury

2) The Shining by Stephen King

3) The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

4) The Inferno by Dante

5) The Woman who would be King by Kara Cooney

6) Deception Point by Dan Brown

7) End of Days by Susan Ee

8) Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

9) Coco Chanel: The Life and the Legend by Justine Picardie

10) Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

11) Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

12) The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayanna Mathis

13) The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman

14) Passenger by A. Bracken

15) Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard

16) Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy 

17) In a dark dark room by Ruth Ware

I plan on reading all 17 this year. As a part of my 75 book challenge! Wish me luck; for information on these books and all others I have read an reviewed go to www.goodreads.com

Personal thought....reflection on a passage from Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine

Commentary on this....(The book is Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine) This particular passage spoke to me; mainly because I have experienced this. Times when my unsmiling face has been criticized. I was at work week before last and a customer asked me something and I responded. I did not come off as hateful, or mean (in my opinion) but she suddenly looked at me and asked me "why are you so miserable?". Of course, I could have left it alone and just excused myself and let someone else help her but I found myself saying "that is just my face, I don't always smile". She then went on to explain to me "well you were like this the last time I was here, I THOUGHT YOU HAD A PROBLEM WITH ME". Finally I had to tell her; not that she deserved an explaination that "I am dealing with some personal stuff". She went on to tell my coworker that I was "rude"; no you made a thing about how my faced looked. You made it about you; you did not ask me if I was alright. You assumed that it was about you. The main reason I post this is because I am sick of having to explain myself. I should not have to; better yet I should not feel that I have too! 

The Book Gods have smiled upon me....

*Fan Girl Squeal* My signed copy of Queen of Shadows has arrived!!! If you are not reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas you're missing out. So go buy it NOW! So we can talk, and swoon over it! I purchased my book from www.booksofwonder.com ! The staff of BOW are amazing. And almost all of their books are signed first editions. So go check them out. 

Book Show Case....

Each week I am going to post photos/quotes from some of the many books that mean the most to me. This weeks post comes from Memoirs of A Geisha by Arthur Golden. This book is deeply moving and so beautifully written! 

Here is a synopsis of the book:

In this literary tour de force, novelist Arthur Golden enters a remote and shimmeringly exotic world. For the protagonist of this peerlessly observant first novel is Sayuri, one of Japan's most celebrated geisha, a woman who is both performer and courtesan, slave and goddess.

We follow Sayuri from her childhood in an impoverished fishing village, where in 1929, she is sold to a representative of a geisha house, who is drawn by the child's unusual blue-grey eyes. From there she is taken to Gion, the pleasure district of Kyoto. She is nine years old. In the years that follow, as she works to pay back the price of her purchase, Sayuri will be schooled in music and dance, learn to apply the geisha's elaborate makeup, wear elaborate kimono, and care for a coiffure so fragile that it requires a special pillow. She will also acquire a magnanimous tutor and a venomous rival. Surviving the intrigues of her trade and the upheavals of war, the resourceful Sayuri is a romantic heroine on the order of Jane Eyre and Scarlett O'Hara. And Memoirs of a Geishais a triumphant work - suspenseful, and utterly persuasive.

The confessions of a certified Book nerd ...

Howdy good followers of my page; here I am again with another crazy book nut confess. I will have to admit that all future post under this title will dare to be funny, flirty and perhaps a little bit dirty. Well as  dirty as one can dare to be on the topic of books. Well as the title says this is the second book nerd confessional and this time I am conquering the vast subject of reading habits. I know that we all have them; some that will we cop to and others that we won't. Well in this post I am going to be as honest and forward as possible. Well here goes nothing. 

1) Gummy bears: okay this one is pretty harmless. Well almost, whenever I know that I am going to have a long evening of reading I have to get myself some Haribo gummy bears. This is the only kind I will eat and I usually get more than one bag. (I have even got the one pound bag before). 

2) Wine: Depending on the book genre or author I noticed that I like to have a glass of wine. If I am reading Jane Austen I prefer a white wine. Such as a pinot gris or dry riseling. When I am reading Edgar Allan Poe or something mysterious I prefer a nice red wine. During these occassions I like a lovely pinot noir but will splurge on my favorite red; which is Crush by Dreaming Tree wines.

3) Clothing: When I read I have to be super duper comfy...this means my Hogwarts tee, lounge pants and cozy socks and my hair ALWAYS has to be out of my face. 

4) My reading space: I have to have a ton of blankets and at least two pillows to prop my book up. Also any and all book I am reading that evening have to be placed on the rightside of my bed. This means I fall asleep with at least two books and my iPad on my bed.

5) I always have my book journal or iPad available so that I can record quotes and my first impressions of what I am reading. On my iPad I use a free app called Evernote.

6) Calendar: I use a calendar to track my reading. I try to spend at least two weeks reading a book. If I know that a particualr book will take me a longer time to read I account for that and make sure not to read to many books while reading that one. For instance; in March I will be starting A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness; from what I have heard this book is not exactly "light" reading material so I will take a full month to read it. Also I will only read two other books that month; instead of my usual attempt of four a month.

And there is my confession and while I was writing it all I kept thinking was maybe I am odder than I thought and perhaps I have a touch of OCD! Let me know your quirky reading habits in the comments below or on  facebook at www.facebook.com\thebookbabeofde.

And Maury Determined....That that was a Lie!

The Bookbabe Reviews.....Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #2)

Sarah J. Maas is at it again; I am completely in awe of how she weaves
a tale. The Crown of Midnight is the second book in the Throne of
Glass series. As many of my followers know I read the first book
Throne of Glass last year and was blown away by it. Maas contiunes to
expand on Celanea's story and there are so many twist and turns that I
don't even know where to start. Well, the love story that emerges
between Celaena and Chaol is beautiful and sweet but it takes a
dramatic turn after the death of a beloved character. Though, I think
that they will get back together I do see that it will take a lot of
time. Also, finally Prince Dorian seems to be ready to let Celaena go;
but after discovering that he has magic (its been banned from the
realm for almost ten years) he mistakenly ends up confiding in her and
this only deepens their friendship. We finally get to meet the
memebers heading up the resistance against the King; however, they are
a scandalous and disgusting bunch. I was really taken a back by the
way things went down. It was unexpected to say the least. The fact
that more and more of Celaena's past is finally popping up means that
there is more and more danger up head in the next few books. We
finally find out who Celaena is thanks to Chaol's sudden interest in
finding out what she's hiding. Once he puts two and two together and
with the final scene between them we finally find out that Celaena
always knew who she was. Now Chaol has to decide where his loyalites
really lie. I can honestly say that this book was amazeballs. I have
never been so interested in a fanasty novel in my life. Celaena
continues to be the kick butt, strong female lead that a lot of us
have been looking for for a long time. I really not not wait to see
what happens in Heir of Fire.

Favorite Quote:
" I worry because I care. Gods help me, I know I shouldn't, but I do.
So I will always tell you to be careful, because I will always care
what happens" Chaol to Celaena.

Overall rating: 5 Stars

Book journaling... (Yeah Its a thing)!

I never thought of book journaling until I got serious about tracking my reading and the books I wanted to buy. It all begun with my goodreads account; of which I have been a regular (almost daily) user for over three years. I use the app to keep track of books I have read, want to buy and have lent out. While the app and site are wonderful however, it does not allow me to really keep track of quotes. Thoughts and sometimes raw emotions

that a book can invoke. So here comes the book journal. I have given these as gifts but until a year ago never thought to get myself one. The beauty of journalling is that it allows you to rant and rave in a way that you may not want to do on a website. It allows you to also write out all the feelings you have about the book your reading while your reading. No need to quickly tweet it, or put it on facebook or goodreads; when you can just write a quick note in your journal and move on.

(This is when post notes can become your friend too; so easy to just stick them to the pages of your book.) Another awesome thing about book journaling is that for the aspiring writer it gets you to write in depth about what you love and may hate about a character, scene etc. It could inspire you to try out different scene/world buliding techniques; change the way you describe objects or characters. God knows Stephen King changed the way I structured chapters and inspired me to not ramble on and on but, to get to the point quickly. Book Journaling is also helpful in helping you decide what books to read next. By simply fliping through your journal ever now and again you may rediscover and author that you liked. Or may want to reread a book again to see if you get the same reaction from it. This happened to me with The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson; the second time around I had a deeper appreciation for the book and the love story of Marianne and the main character. Also journaling is down right therapeutic; so why not combine your love of reading with writing too. I am sure you'll learn more about yourself as you journal. I know I have.

*My journal is the Booklovers Journal bu Moleskin; its available at Barnes and Noble for 20$ and at amazon.com for 17$)

Beautiful Prose: Toni Morrison, Beloved

A little under forty days until....we finally see Mr. Grey!

Is anyone else as excited as I am?!

My Bookish Resolutions for 2015!

Lets just say that I try not to make personal New Years resolutions anymore; mainly because they just never pan out but, I could not resist to make a few bookish ones for the up coming year. Let's see how many of these I can get through in 2015. Well here they are....

Resolution # 1) Finish these dang blasted series that I have started in the past few years. One such series is the Beautiful Creatures one by Kami Garcia/Margaret Stohl. I also have to finish Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and catch up on the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly. 

Resolution # 2) Read more classic books; this should be easy because I found several digital copies on Oyster and in ePub format that I can read on the go. Not to mention iTunes U also has most of the classics as audio books. Right now I am listening/reading Sense and Sensiblity this way. It makes it ten times easier to get through the book quickly. And its calming; I know some would consider this cheating but, not really because I am also reading the words from from the page. I am averaging about 5 or 6 chapters a night. 

Resolution # 3) Read as many books by my favorite authors as possible. I have a small collection of J.J. Murray books that definitely need reading (I added three to my growing collection of his books recently - I am pretty sure I own them all). I also have the two Cormoran Strike books by Robert Gailbraith aka J.K. Rowling to get to.

Resolution # 4) Spend more time writing. It is my goal in 2015 to simply write more; to really be more creative with the talent God has blessed me with.

Resolution # 5) I will NOT join any reading challenges; including the one from Goodreads. I always set myself up for failure. I want to be able to really enjoy books; and putting a time constraint on myself will not help me.

Resolution # 6)  I will promote the Bookbabe even more. I will sign up for blog tours. This will allow my followers to find out about new authors and will help increase traffic to the blog. I will also (hopefully) be able to open a Zazzle store front to help buy for the books and giveaways. 

 Well there they are...my five Bookbabe Resolutions for 2015. What are yours? Feel free to share with me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thebookbabeofde) or just comment below. 

The Bookbabe 2014 Wrap - Up!

As this year comes to a close a it dawns on me that a lot happened.  Personally I was thrown a few things that could have been considered heart breaking and that made me question my faith and my trust in people; but, I came out all the better for it. As far as the Bookbabe of Delaware is concerned so many things happened. I reached 1349 followers on Tumblr, had some shout outs of authors on twitter and started receiving books from some amazing publishing houses. Among them Kensington, Random House and Thomas Nelson; and independent publisher Poison Press. Only thing that I regret is that I did not read a many books as I really wanted to and my blogger account suffered because of it. In 2015, I will be ramping up my reading so that I can review as many books as possible. In 2014, I read several books that I really loved and started a few series that I can not wait to finish. Here is a list of my five favorite books that I read/reviewed this year and all of these reviews can be found on my goodreads profile (which will be linked below).

1) The Night Eternal by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan; the conclusion to one of the best series I have ever read. I will say that I did find this book very predictable but  the ending was indeed very unexpected and very sad.

2) Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas; oh my gosh, Celaena is one of the best female characters that I have read in sometime. She has her vulnerable side but she is one kick butt chic. Sarah J. Maas also is an amazing world builder. This book was all you could ask for in a fantasy adventure. It has it all from a tyrannical ruler, assassins, princes and princesses from far way lands etc. I would definitely read these in 2015 if I were you; if you don't you will really be missing out.

3) The Demonologist by Andew Pyper; one of the best thrillers/mysteries that I have ever read. Pyper's books are always surprising, fun and quick reads. This book also set my on an obsession with books about books. This is definitely a book I will be recommending to friends and family during the next year.

4) Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson; I found this beautiful gem in Barnes and Noble over the summer and since I wanted an Austen like read I decided to try it and I was not disappointed. It was a beautifully written "proper" romance that did not contain any sex. (Yes in romances that can be done.) I really hope that Ms. Donaldson writes another proper romance of this kind; I am definitely a fan of her work. 

5) Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare; this is the final book to the Infernal Devices series. It was so beautifully written and so wonderful. I was really happy with how everything was wrapped up for all of the characters. I also loved that we see to of the characters in this series cross over to the last book of the City of Heavenly Fire. 

You can follow me on Goodreads ---- > https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1242730-nyeisha

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Tea + Books = Hot Date...Here are some of the teas that I love to drink while reading

We can all agree that tea and books just go hand and hand. I really love a great cup of tea while reading; in fact I have more than my fair share of tea mugs. (And honestly, if I bring anymore home I think my roommate with kill me). So here are a list of  top six teas that I love...attached with the name of a few books that I read while drinking them.

1) Blueberry Black Tea from The Spice and Tea Exchange (this one is pricey it starts at $5.49) - I drank this while reading Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices # 3) by Cassandra Clare and City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) also by Cassandra Clare.

2) Berry Boutique Tea (an herbal tea) from The Spice and Tea Exchange (also prices at $5.49) - I drank this one a lot over ice this summer while finishing The Night Eternal by Chuck Hogan and Gulliermo Del Toro. This tea was a nice pairing to this vampire novel. 

3) Tazo Zen (a green tea); I usually pick this up from Target for about three of so dollars. (You can usually catch these on sale). This tea is by far one of my faves to sip on while reading and is my go to tea. I drank this rather heavily while reading Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. It was an amazing pairing to this really light hearted romance.

4) Tazo Earl Grey (a black tea); this one of the strongest Earl Grey's I have ever had. I needed way to much sugar and honey with just a little lemon. Earl grey was an amazing pairing to Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan Howard. That book was dark, moody and had a lot of dry British wit. I see me reading the rest of the series with this tea on the nightstand.

5) Cranberry Apple Tart from The Spice and Tea Exchange (this one is also priced at $5.49); it was one of those teas that I drank while reading Jesus wants to save the Christians by Rob Bell. This tea was just perfect and mellow and wonderful for fall (which is when I read this book). Its a nice tea to just sit back and sip and reflect on the beauty of your surroundings. 

6) Tazo Pumpkin Chai; the first time I saw these in store was just this summer/fall. I drank this one a lot while reading Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas. It was nice and spicy much like Celaena (the main character of the series).

You can purchase these teas at www.tazo.com or www.spiceandtea.com

Book Spoilers....sometimes Its just like that!

The Bookbabe Book Haul for December 2014....

These are just a few of the books that I purchased over a past 15 days...that's like almost one book every day. Several of these books are from Dover Public Library and several are from Bookoutlet.com (purchased in November but not in my possession for until this past monday). I will say that the most expensive book in this haul is the J.J. Murray one which was 5.84$ from Target. All together I spent less that 30 dollars on these books. I am really excited to have finally gotten my hands on some of the books that I have had on my wishlist for a while. Well here are the prices and the synopsis for each one of these books (in order to how they appear in these pictures).

A Good Man by J.J. Murray ($5.84 @ Target Stores)

She's had celebrity, isn't hurting for money, and is living peacefully single in Charlotte, North Carolina. Still, Sonya Richardson can't resist starring on a hit reality dating show to give America a taste of what a real black woman is like. And this former pro athlete is breaking all the rules of "Hunk or Punk," refusing to bling-up like a diva, and tackling whatever high-octane drama her suitors have in store. But one contestant is throwing Sonya off her game. He's surprisingly kind, way too easy to spill her secrets to--and giving her the kind of hope she hasn't felt in a long, long time ...

Widowed former pastor John Bond knows he's the show's "designated white guy," expected to fail every challenge and be gone in a month. He also knows he has to take risks to change his lonely life and find love again. The odds may be against him, but Sonya's honesty and resourcefulness are inspiring him to do whatever it takes to stay in the running, win her heart ... and prove their dreams can be a reality.

The Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston ($0.50 @ The Dover Public Library) 

The first major bioterror event in the United States-the anthrax attacks in October 2001-was a clarion call for scientists who work with “hot” agents to find ways of protecting civilian populations against biological weapons. In The Demon in the Freezer, his first nonfiction book sinceThe Hot Zone, a #1 New York Times bestseller, Richard Preston takes us into the heart of Usamriid, the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Maryland, once the headquarters of the U.S. biological weapons program and now the epicenter of national biodefense.

Peter Jahrling, the top scientist at USAMRIID, a wry virologist who cut his teeth on Ebola, one of the world’s most lethal emerging viruses, has ORCON security clearance that gives him access to top secret information on bioweapons. His most urgent priority is to develop a drug that will take on smallpox-and win. Eradicated from the planet in 1979 in one of the great triumphs of modern science, the smallpox virus now resides, officially, in only two high-security freezers -- at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and in Siberia, at a Russian virology institute called Vector. But the demon in the freezer has been set loose. It is almost certain that illegal stocks are in the possession of hostile states, including Iraq and North Korea. Jahrling is haunted by the thought that biologists in secret labs are using genetic engineering to create a new superpox virus, a smallpox resistant to all vaccines.

Usamriid wentinto a state of Delta Alert on September 11 and activated its emergency response teams when the first anthrax letters were opened in New York and Washington, D.C. Preston reports, in unprecedented detail, on the government’s response to the attacks and takes us into the ongoing FBI investigation. His story is based on interviews with top-level FBI agents and with Dr. Steven Hatfill.

Jahrling is leading a team of scientists doing controversial experiments with live smallpox virus at CDC. Preston takes us into the lab where Jahrling is reawakening smallpox and explains, with cool and devastating precision, what may be at stake if his last bold experiment fails.

Incantation by Alice Hoffman ($4.99 @ Acorn Books; this book is used)

Estrella is a Marrano: one of the Spanish Jews living double lives when those who refused conversion risked everything. Estrella's discovery that her family secretly practices the ancient way of wisdom known as kabbalah leads her to her true self and true love-but also to a devastating confrontation with unimaginable evil, unleashed by the betrayal of a friend. With themes of faith, friendship, and persecution, Alice Hoffman's tragic and beautiful novel resonates profoundly in our times.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson ($0.50 @ The Dover Public Library)

Author Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure that 'The Devil in the White City' is not, in fact, a highly imaginative novel. Larson tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. 

Burnham's challenge was immense. In a short period of time, he was forced to overcome the death of his partner and numerous other obstacles to construct the famous "White City" around which the fair was built. His efforts to complete the project, and the fair's incredible success, are skillfully related along with entertaining appearances by such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. 

The activities of the sinister Dr. Holmes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair, are equally remarkable. He devised and erected the World's Fair Hotel, complete with crematorium and gas chamber, near the fairgrounds and used the event as well as his own charismatic personality to lure victims.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert ($3.00 @ Acorn Books; this book is used)

In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern American woman was supposed to want--husband, country home, successful career--but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she felt consumed by panic and confusion. This wise and rapturous book is the story of how she left behind all these outward marks of success, and of what she found in their place. Following a divorce and a crushing depression, Gilbert set out to examine three different aspects of her nature, set against the backdrop of three different cultures: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.

The Giver by Lois Lowry ($5.00 @ Target Stores; this book was on sale)

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding ($2.99 @www.bookoutlet.com)

Meet Bridget Jones—a 30-something Singleton who is certain she would have all the answers if she could:

a. lose 7 pounds
b. stop smoking
c. develop Inner Poise

"123 lbs. (how is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh have somehow solidified becoming denser and heavier? Repulsive, horrifying notion), alcohol units 4 (excellent), cigarettes 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow), number of correct lottery numbers 2 (better, but nevertheless useless)..."

Bridget Jones' Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget's permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement — a year in which she resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult, and learn to program the VCR.

Over the course of the year, Bridget loses a total of 72 pounds but gains a total of 74. She remains, however, optimistic. Through it all, Bridget will have you helpless with laughter, and — like millions of readers the world round — you'll find yourself shouting, "Bridget Jones is me!"

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory ($3.99 from www.bookoutlet.com)

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

With The White Queen, Philippa Gregory brings the artistry and intellect of a master writer and storyteller to a new era in history and begins what is sure to be another bestselling classic series from this beloved author.

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler ($1.99 from www.bookoutlet.com

Laurie Viera Rigler's debut novel, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, was a hit with fans and critics, and a BookSense and Los Angeles Timesbestseller. While Confessions took twenty-first-century free spirit Courtney Stone into the social confines of Jane Austen's era, Rude Awakenings tells the parallel story of Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter from Regency England who inexplicably awakens in Courtney's overly wired and morally confused L.A. life.

For Jane, the modern world is not wholly disagreeable. Her apartment may be smaller than a dressing closet, but it is fitted up with lights that burn without candles, machines that wash bodies and clothes, and a glossy rectangle in which tiny people perform scenes from her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. Granted, if she wants to travel she may have to drive a formidable metal carriage, but she may do so without a chaperone. And oh, what places she goes! Public assemblies that pulsate with pounding music. Unbound hair and unrestricted clothing. The freedom to say what she wants when she wants-even to men without a proper introduction.

Jane relishes the privacy, independence, even the power to earn her own money. But how is she to fathom her employer's incomprehensible dictates about "syncing a BlackBerry" and "rolling a call"? How can she navigate a world in which entire publications are devoted to brides but flirting and kissing and even the sexual act itself raise no matrimonial expectations? Even more bewildering are the memories that are not her own. And the friend named Wes, who is as attractive and confusing to Jane as the man who broke her heart back home. It's enough to make her wonder if she would be better off in her own time, where at least the rules are clear-that is, if returning is even an option.

The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje ($0.50 from The Dover Public Library)

With ravishing beauty and unsettling intelligence, Michael Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning novel traces the intersection of four damaged lives in an Italian villa at the end of World War II. Hana, the exhausted nurse; the maimed thief, Caravaggio; the wary sapper, Kip: each is haunted by the riddle of the English patient, the nameless, burned man who lies in an upstairs room and whose memories of passion, betrayal, and rescue illuminate this book like flashes of heat lightning.

Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More and Being

Good Enough by Jefferson Bethke ($1.00 from The Dover Public Library)

Abandon dead, dry, rule-keeping and embrace the promise of being truly known and deeply loved.

Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus." The 4-minute video literally became an overnight sensation, with 7 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours (and 23+ million in a year). The message blew up on social-media, triggering an avalanche of responses running the gamut from encouraged to enraged.

In "Jesus > Religion," Bethke unpacks similar contrasts that he drew in the poem--highlighting the difference between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope. With refreshing candor he delves into the motivation behind his message, beginning with the unvarnished tale of his own plunge from the pinnacle of a works-based, fake-smile existence that sapped his strength and led him down a path of destructive behavior.Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he's not a pastor or theologian, but simply a regular, twenty-something who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. Along his journey, Bethke discovered the "real" Jesus, who beckoned him beyond the props of false religion.

Something Blue (Darcy & Rachel 2) by Emily Giffin ($1.00 from The Dover Public Library)

Darcy Rhone has always been able to rely on a few things: Her beauty and charm.  Her fiance, Dex. Her lifelong best friend, Rachel.  She never needed anything else. Or so she thinks until Dex calls off their dream wedding and she uncovers the ultimate betrayal. Blaming everyone but herself, Darcy flees to London and attempts to re-create her glamorous life on a new continent. But to her dismay, she discovers that her tried-and-true tricks no longer apply--and that her luck has finally expired. It is only then that she can begin her journey toward redemption, forgiveness, and true love.