Jonathan Livingston Seagull

I first read this book in High School in the mid 70's. It was all the talk and rage. I remember my English teacher said it would be life changing for us and that we each would find something different. I remember that it was good and that we did each find something different in it.
I just reread this while waiting at my in-laws for the pizza to cook. (Yes it was that quick of a read)
I now am pretty sure what I thought back in 75. My English teacher was smoking pot.
The best thing about this book is that it is a quick read. I found it OK. It is not the life changing novel...but for me I have already thought (and have always know) that I can achieve higher ground if I just try and apply myself.

I wonder if it would be such a huge success today if it came out...not sure.

Dolphins of Pern

While not my favorite Pern Novel and not one that is one any ones must read list for Pern nots, I enjoyed this book.
I had started it several years ago but stopped, Think I got bored or was just Perned out at the time. But I did like this.
I would definitely say you need to read this after you have read Renegades of Pern, it will make more sense.
While it did not have the drama and action of a normal Pern novel (IMHO) I did find myself caring about the main characters by the end.
If you enjoy Pern then this is a must read.

His Holy Name

This is not a quick/casual read. While small in page length it is full of thinking.
Elder Oaks goes through his own personal study of what the name of Christ is and how we use it.
No real life changing items nor is it how to better your spirit.
What it is (at least to me) was a new in depth look at what it really means to "take his name upon you" or to use the name of Christ.

Elder Oaks style is easy to read and understand but has a deeper level of thinking attached to it.
I enjoyed this, even if it took me longer to get through than I thought when I bought it.

The Mad King

I first read this years and years ago...right after my Tarzan phase.
I enjoyed it then and now as well.
Some critics say it is a guessable plot and reads like some other books of this type. While that may be true...it was still a good read.
The characters are likable and while it is not the normal Fantasy novel I love I still found myself caring for them and what they were feeling.

I really enjoy books by this author, his Tarzan, and the John Carter books as well as some stand alone novels like this one all read different but have a sense of familiarity to them. Guess that's why they are still around.

Sisters at the Well

While the picture shows this as a talk CD I read this in book format.

It was very deep in delving into what life was like for women in the Old and New testaments. This knowledge helped me look at some of the Bible stories a bit differently.
While I will not use this information every day it is nice to have it noted in my scriptures and in my head when the need comes up.
Not a easy read book, not a book for entertainment, simply a book of alot of knowledge that helps you understand some things a bit better

Finding Christ through the Book of Mormon

A quick and easy read. Well, most of it. It is full of details on how many times certain words are in the Book of Mormon. At times I thought I was reading a language text book.
While the information was information I found it to be repetitive after so many pages.

I would say that any student of the Book of Mormon should at least glance through this one.

Renegades of Pern

I first read this quite a few years ago. To be honest I stopped about 1/4 of the way through then.
This time I pushed through and I am glad I did.
The story line at a few places sounded like the authors plot synopsis. This is what made me give up the first time.
Through this I kept hearing all my writing coaches and teachers saying Show don't tell.
This book covers the same time period that is in 3-4 other Pern novels. Told from a differing point of view.
It introduces a few new characters and spends time with some old favorites.
If you are a fan of Pern then this book is a must read, if you are new to Pern start with some other book..."Dragons Dawn" or my favorite "The White Dragon."

10 Secrets Wise Parents Know

Nothing earth shattering or really any new ideas. It is as it says "tired and true" ideas.

I really did not learn anything new but did get reconfirmed that, at least to me, I am not a bad parent and have the right idea on parenting.

Preach My Gospel

I started to read this all the way through several weeks ago. I have taken a small section each morning as part of my study time.
This is not just for full time Missionaries, I use it all the time and love it. Before I read only parts that  needed but really am glad I took the time to read front to back.

Salem's Lot

I first read this in the early 80's and it scared the *&(^# out of me. I did it in one night, during a large thunder strom.
Having said that, this time through I was not as scared as the first time, mainly because I knew what was coming, but I enjoyed this.

This is Kings 2nd novel and one of his best. The first part, rather a large part, was spent in introducing the town people in rather great detail. THis is for 2 reasons, I belive, one that King loves small towns and showing that they have just as bad people that the big cities do. And Second, we have to get to know them so we can feel and care about them.

This is a good "Evil and scary" read