Finished The History of Love

It took me WEEKS but I finally finished our book club's January selection "The History of Love" by Nicole Krauss. The fact that it took me so long says a lot. The first chapter I LOVED the book. Loved the character Leo Gursky (an elderly man who does obnoxious things to ensure someone sees him each day in case he dies that day). Unfortunately the author's style of writing made it difficult to know when they were introducing characters (finally figured that out about chapter 6) and a lot of the book was slow going and as far as I'm concerned "fluff" to make the book longer. I did stick with it because it was a book club selection and I have to say I loved the ending. Definitely not a favorite though.

I just finished "How Starbucks Saved my Life" and LOVED it. It is non-fiction and the author tells stories of growing up privileged. He had the opportunity to meet many famous people, living the American dream and then losing it all and by chance, being offered a job at Starbucks.

The story shows proof that money doesn't buy happiness.

A lot of the book shares Starbucks business plan....and the requirement to always show respect. Making the "guests" feel welcome in the store, etc. I have to say what is written in the book about the "partners" (starbucks employees) going out of their way to know their customers drinks and to take care of them was really highlighted throughout the book.

In fact, just a week ago my sister-in-law and I met up at Starbucks in Wilsonville. I had brought my 5 year old nephew a Lego advent calendar and while we visited, he was attempting to put together one of the little kits. He dropped some of the itty bitty Lego pieces and while my sister-in-law and I were looking for them under the couches an employee walked up and asked what we'd lost. He then got on HIS hands and knees and announced that his "hawk eyes" had found the tiny piece we were missing...way underneath the couch and gave it back to my nephew. Talk about great customer service!!!

The Shack

I finished The Shack last week! I have to say the book started off and had my attention and then took a turn that I didn't expect at all. The main character meets God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and through conversations receives answers to many of his questions about why bad things happen, etc.

Several reviews list the book as "life altering" "life changing" among other rave reviews. I have to say I did enjoy it. It gave some very complex theological teachings in layman's terms. However, life altering/changing. Not so much. Maybe if I was not of Christian faith or did not have an understanding of how the Holy trinity worked I would have a different opinion.

Still, I rated it 5 stars and would recommend it to friends and family.

Every woman should.....

By MAYA ANGELOU A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a youth she's content to leave behind.... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and... a black lace bra... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to fall in love without losing herself.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend, without ruining the friendship... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect... but it's over... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do... for love or more... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. . whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods.... when her soul needs soothing... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month... and a year... REMEMBER: GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS. YOU DON'T ALWAYS SEE THEM, BUT YOU ALWAYS KNOW THEY ARE THERE!!!!!! Be yourself...everyone else is already taken.