It's Monday, what are you Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading?
This weekly recap is hosted by Shelia of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. Each week we recap what we’ve read and look at what’s coming up this week. If you’re interested head over to Shelia’s site and get involved!




Last week I wanted your help with choosing what to read next. I didn't pay attention to most of you (sorry--must be why my  husband doesn't like to play that game with me either) ....I went with my daughter-in-law's suggestion and read "Mockingjay". I read it in 24 hours...a great ending to a great trilogy of books. But it made me sad to finish it. I guess that's the sign of a good book, isn't it? To leave you wanting more? It would be really bad if you read a book and thought, "wow, I'm glad that's over" (which honestly I have thought about a book or two in my lifetime).

Anyway....Mockingjay left me wanting more. It was very good and I'm glad I read it. Sorry it's over.


Then I picked up and started "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" which was in my TBR pile, so this week I'll finish that one. I put it on hold after one chapter to finish "Eye of My Heart", edited by Barbara Graham.








You all know about "Mockingjay", no one needs another glowing review from me about that book... but let me tell you about "Eye of My Heart" 27 writers reveal the hidden pleasures and perils of being a grandmother.


Fact #1: I am a grandmother.


Fact #2: I love being a grandmother. I've never been one of those women who are uncomfortable with it. It's a natural (for the most part--I do realize some people have to deal with infertility, and some have chosen not to have children for various reasons, but that's another story) progression of our lifetimes. So, yes, I do love it.  I want to be who I am, and part of that is a Gramma.


Fact #3: I have 3 sons and 1 stepson, so all the grandmothering I do is from the paternal grandmother position, and....I have been extremely fortunate to have the daughter-in-laws I have. I can say, and play and do most anything with my grandchildren. I will always try to honor and respect their parents wishes/rules of course, but for the most part, I think we all agree--I AM A WONDERFUL GRAMMA!! ha ha ha.....

So, when I picked up this book of essays (well, my friend Karen sent it to me) I sobbed thru half the stories. These were women who knew what it felt like to be a Grandma. The being in love part. In love with your grandchildren...


one author wrote: I have been in love with my husband for 45 years, but when I look at him, I don't see the pure wonder of life or think about keeping him safe from nuclear proliferations as I do when I look at (grandson) and (grandson)


Another wrote: I am clear about my role. I am the Nonna, not the mom. (son) and (daughter in law) have a right to raise their family the way they want. They have the privilege of instilling their values, and teaching the children what they consider to be good and beautiful. My role is to love them unconditionally and with total acceptance.


That's how I feel...about all my grandchildren.
The book has essays by grandma's who have traditional roles, are raising their grandchildren, are estranged from their children, who have adopted grandchildren.....it's a good read. For Grandmas.

This week, I'll finish up Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and then....then...at the end of the week, the Handyman and I are headed up to Oregon to the family cabin. And the best part is: we are going to be ALONE. (I might be a gramma, but I'm still excited to be alone with my man)


We are taking some books, we will take some hikes, we will eat good food, we will practice with my new camera. Maybe we'll go out on the lake. I'm so excited. I can read in the car, so I'll maybe do a book on the way up there and a book on the way back home. I will take my TBR pile and read from it.... The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott, The Curse of the Spellmans, etc. etc.


It's gonna be a good week.