willsfamilyacres

Lucinda’s Iris

Bicolor Iris

Small Cemetary Iris

Bluebonnets — The first of many

Primroses

Satsuma – smells so sweet

My new Gazing Ball — can you have too many of these?

Thanks Carol from May Dreams Gardens for hosting.

I read quite a variety of books this year. Many of these were pretty long, which is why I averaged less than 1 a month. I’ll have to step it up next year!

Only Time Will Tell – Jeffrey Archer – Mystery/Thriller

First book in The Clifton Chronicles. This book was free on IBooks, so thought I’d give it a try. This book set up the series, and introduces the main character, through his childhood/teenage years. I don’t usually read this type of book, but it was well written and had great character development. I enjoyed it and have now been sucked in to pay for the next books in the series.

My Life on the Road – Gloria Steinem – Biography

Great book. I knew I didn’t pay enough attention to Politics, but this really opened my eyes. I really thought the ERA passed until I read this book, sad I know. A really fascinating country-wide women’s conference took place in 1977 in Houston, which would have been amazing to be a part of. I also learned a lot more details on how bad this country treated Native Americans. It made me want to read more about this part of our history.

The Martian – Andy Weir – Adventure

I was not a fan of this book. It was really technical, much more so than the movie I’m told. Every problem he solves goes into excrutiating detail. I do technical all day at work, so this is not what I’m looking for during my leisure time. I finished it, since I don’t like to leave a book unfinished, especially once I’ve committed to at least half of it.

My Life – Ben Carson – Biography

This was a short autobiography (70 pages), so not well developed. I didn’t realize this wasn’t a full-length book when I started it. I read this after finding out he was going to be a candidate for president. He’s obviously a successful, hard-working man, but this book did not convince me that has had the background to be president.

The Oregon Trail – Rinker Buck – History/Biography

This book was long (almost 800 pages), but an awesome read. This book was part autobiography, part history. The author and his brother tackle The Oregon Trail in the present day. They purchased mules and a covered wagon and hit the trail. The trail is a mix of original trails (with still existing wheel ruts) and modern highways. He goes into great detail on the history of wagons, mules, pioneers, and the trail. You meet the kind people he meets along the way, and also gain a greater appreciation for the brave folks who risked everything for a life out West. My ancestors were part of this group, which added an extra appreciation.

Kitchen Confidential – Anthony Bourdain – Biography

I know this book came out years ago, but I’d never read it. I love food, so it seemed an good read. I enjoyed it and found it interesting to see how the author reached his current fame. As much as I love cooking, can’t see myself every making it in a professional kitchen.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen – Fiction

I try to mix in free books, especially when I finish a book or two relatively quickly. I’d never read this classic and really enjoyed it, especially after binge watching Downton Abby this year. I definitely found some correlations between the two. I found this to be a pretty quick read, surprising since it was over 500 pages.

The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah – Historical Fiction

This was my favorite book that I read all year. I really embraced the subject matter (France during WWII) and the characters. I was so sad when it ended as I had really gotten attached to the characters. I can’t recommend this book enough

The Invention of Wings – Sue Monk Kidd – Historical Fiction

I really enjoyed this book. It takes place pre-Civil War, focusing on slavery and women’s rights. I didn’t realize that it was historical fiction until I recognized a few character names. This book goes back and forth between two main characters and interesting parallels between their struggles.

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn – Mystery/Thriller

Didn’t see the movie, and didn’t want to after reading this book. I didn’t like the characters or the story. The characters were so broken that you couldn’t relate to them and certainly didn’t want to.

The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins – Fiction

Kind of reminded me on Gone Girl, but at least a little better. I can’t say I really recommend it though. I think I read that they are making a movie out of it.

Zealot – Reza Aslan – Religion

Interesting read on the history of Jesus of Nazarus, rather than Jesus Christ. It had a lot of different takes on what occurred at this point in history.