Book Reviews: September

FOR FUN
Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Let's just start by saying this book is over 700 pages and no that isn't large print...so now that I have scared most of you away, can I just say that I couldn't put the book down! It probably could have been 150 pages shorter, but honestly I loved it! This book is set in the 1800's and follows one of the first women doctors...she's a do gooder ready to save the world, but finds herself in an eye opening situation when she has to face what true poverty looks like.

The Jester by James Patterson
I was really confused when I started reading this book... I thought he only did murder mysteries and here I was reading a book about knights and sword fights! So once I got over that, this has a great story line about a man who goes off to fight in the Crusade and when he comes home, learns that his wife is gone...he then goes on the war path the avenge her. He does this in many strange and intriguing ways, which made the book a joy to read.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Ok, I felt like I should love this book because so many of you recommended it...and I did enjoy it. BUT I didn't just relish it and I think this was mostly because it felt a little sad to me and my brain is so jam packed right now, there is no space for sad. This book follows an amazing and interesting story of a man who accidentally joins a circus in the 40's as a vet. I loved the variety this book provided and a strange, intriguing in sight to what really happened when men traveled for days on end with animals...and were considered themselves extremely disposable.

FOR RUNNING/HEALTH
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollen
Fascinating, seriously that is the best word for this book. It talks a lot about vitamins and nutrients being studied in a vacuum...sometimes a nutrient alone is not the same as if you had enjoyed it as part of a natural whole food, it doesn't work as well! I found so much great information from reading this and was a tad overwhelmed.

I already f knew that organics were my preference, but after understanding more about the quality of nutrients in food I wish I could get everything from a farmer nearby. It would also be ideal if I knew the farmer slaughtering our meat to ensure they are treated well and not being pumped full of antibiotics.

Here is one of my favorite examples...did you know that apples from 1940 had 3x's the iron of today's apples. Yup your food is watered down!! This matters for those on a weight loss journey because your body is seeking nutrients and when it doesn't find them you tend to remain hungry.

Running with the Buffaloes: A Season Inside with Mark Wetmore, Adam Goucher, and the University of Colorado Men's Cross Country Team
by Chris Lear
Who knew a book about running could make you cry...seriously I was on the plane back from Boston nearly in tears...but aside from that tear jerking moment I LOVED THIS BOOK. If you are needing some running motivation read about a group of guys doing a 5:30 mile for their long 20 mile easy run...HAHA. It made me want to do speed work that's for sure! For those who haven't heard about this book it follows a season of the Colorado University cross country team, a year which had some notables like Groucher.

FOR SPIRIT
Well I really just fell completely down on this one. Sorry gang! I do read a daily email called the Morning Coach which includes some awesome quotes and motivational thoughts. My current favorite:

"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills and uses these skills to accomplish his goals."
- Larry Bird
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Gratitude Journal
Sept 29
I am grateful for The Office
I am grateful for 30 Rock
I am grateful for towels warm from the dryer
I am grateful for clean clothes
I am grateful for feeling full