Sisters Chat (BOOKS, Part Two)

Lizzi: Today I want us to continue talking about books. Ready?

Maude:  Ready

Lizzi: First question: Are you in the midst of reading something right now? If so, what?

Maude: Oh dear - it isn't something I would recommend though... Should I still say it?

Lizzi:  Haha! Yeah, just give the disclaimer

Esther: Maude, what are you reading?!

Lizzi: I know! We're all in suspense!

Maude: I am currently reading a paranormal romance by Shana Abe. It is about people who turn into dragons during the regency area (think Jane Austen). I really LOVE the idea of combining paranormal and historical romances but this one is a little more risque than I like. That is the only reason I wouldn't recommend it.

Esther: I am reading way too many books right now... ahh!

Maude: The reason I started reading it is to broaden my romance horizons since I've just started writing in that genre I need to read more different type of romance novels

Lizzi: So kind of a homework assignment?

Maude: Exactly, Liz. But I am a "sweet" level reader not a "spicy" or "sensual" reader or writer.

Esther: I am reading "Give them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, which I highly recommend. It is a wonderful book on being gracious with your children. Also, I am doing a book study with some ladies and we are reading "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Maude: I LOVE "Lies Women Believe"! I always recommend that as a study!!

Lizzi: Ooh. I may have to check out "Give them Grace"! I am always looking for helpful parenting books. I am reading 'Shepherding a Child's Heart" right now, by Tedd Tripp.

Esther: I am also reading two different novels right now. The third in my Flavia Deluce series, and an Orson Scott Card book called "Folk of the Fringe". I am really enjoying both. I love "Shepherding a Child's Heart"!

Lizzi: It is fun to have a variety to read... Although I'm always reading books and having trouble getting them finished. So, what is next on your list to read?

Esther: I really want to finish the Enders series I started and still haven't gotten around to finishing
Maude: My husband and I like to read aloud to each other and when we first got married we read "His Needs, Her Needs" and enjoyed it. We decided at that time to re-read it every ten years of our marriage and we are coming up on that again. So that will probably be the next book for me.

Lizzi: That's great!

Esther: I love that idea!

Lizzi: I have 'Feminine Appeal' by Carolyn Mahaney from the library right now, so that's next for me

Maude: I've always wanted to read Enders books, Es. Actually we had considered reading that aloud too (and the Jeeves and Wooster books!) but decided to do "His Needs, Her Needs" next instead.

Lizzi: That's really neat, Maude!

Maude: Thanks

Lizzi: Okay, so of all the books you have EVER read (if you can remember) what is the WORST ever?

Esther: The Enders books are great! I think you would really enjoy them. Worst...hmmm...

Lizzi: I hope neither of you say 'Jane Eyre'! Because that's my favorite! Haha

Esther:  Haha! I did think about it, to be honest! But, it is not the worst... just not my preferred taste.

Maude: The Grapes of Wrath. I mean, writing a chapter of symbolism that mirrored the action for FIVE HUNDRED chapters? Makes you wonder if the author was paid by word count.

Esther:  Haha

Maude: 'Jane Eyre' is not the worst but it is seriously deranged!!

Lizzi: That's what I think about 'Wuthering Heights'.

Maude: 'Wuthering Heights' is pretty messed up (as the Brontes' were - I recently read their biographies!) but its tragedy feels more romantic - 'Jane Eyre' was just creepy!!!
Esther: Okay. So, sorry to the big Laura Ingalls fans who may read this, but the "Long, Long Winter" was a little too long for me.

Lizzi: Thus the name, right?

Esther: I have never been so bored reading a book in my life!

Maude: 'Long, Long Winter' was my second favourite of that series!!

Lizzi: That's funny!

Maude: I love how they had to eek out their lives

Esther: Are you serious?

Maude: They wound paper into logs for the fire because they ran out of firewood. I loved it!

Esther: I am really not a fan of any of her books, but that was the worst!

Maude: And they had to tie a rope to the barn to find it.

Esther: You have a good memory

Lizzi: Isn't it funny how we all have such differing opinions of these classics?

Maude: Did you like "The First Four Years?" That was my favourite.

Esther: I honestly don't remember. I just remember hating the "Long, Long Winter". Maybe I should re-read it.

Lizzi: I can't think of a worst read ever, but I know the scariest!

Esther:  What is that?

Lizzi: 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie haunted me for years. And Maude made me finish reading it by myself!

Esther:  Haha

Lizzi:  I mean, it was GOOD... but super scary!

Esther:  Man, Maude, that was cruel.

Maude: Didn't know that would traumatize you (don't actually remember that!) Sorry!

Lizzi:  Haha! I guess it helped make me stronger, right?

Maude: How old were you, though?

Lizzi:  I'm not sure, probably old enough by most people's standards, I'm just such a scaredy cat! You started reading it to me and then probably just thought I could finish it by myself. And I like her work, too!

Maude: I should have known better with you though!

Lizzi:  Yeah, I just regretted it after I read it:(

Maude: But I've never really considered those scary at all. Didn't even cross my mind that you'd be scared, probably.

Lizzi: Because most people wouldn't be!

Maude: Guess I shouldn't recommend 'Dracula' to you!!

Lizzi:  Haha, probably not

Esther:  I love 'Dracula'.

Maude: Yeah, it was fantastic.

Esther:  Have you never read that, Liz?

Lizzi:  Nope

Esther: I know it is a little scary... but so good!

Lizzi: I don't really have interest in fantasy-type books, even though I know it's a classic.

Maude: I love fantasy.

Esther: 'Jekyll and Hyde' is another semi-scary classic that is well worth the read.

Maude: Yes, that is a classic and well worthy of the title. Not like 'Grapes of Wrath'...

Lizzi: Yeah, I like 'Jekyll and Hyde'! Not scary to me.

Maude: It isn't scary because you already know that evil exists

Esther: It is good, isn't it? That is a good point, Maude

Lizzi: And I guess you pretty much know the premise from the title.

I think time is up but I think we could talk about books forever! Thanks, Ladies! :)