The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jonas is chosen to be the next receiver of memories out of the entire community. He lives in a strange world where there is no color, sunshine, or snow and people need to take pills so they don't have wet dreams or feel pleasure , at least that is what I understood . They are assigned parents from birth and even the birth parent is assigned that special role. It's really weird and I have never heard such a place before and that is why I think this book is fantastic.. To be a receiver of memories is a great honor but as he learns ; it involves pain . Jonas is a pretty smart kid and he perceives early on that where he lives is not the norm and wants so much to go 'beyond' to where it has always been forbidden to go. He is wrought with sadness because he wants everyone to come with him and to know what he knows ; like the color red or blue for instance. It's like he can't keep these memories to himself and wants to be released. However, to be released doesn't mean what he thought. He feels betrayed and lied to .

The first time I read this book was in 2008 when I worked as a light duty cleaner in a school . The Giver by Lois Lowry was being read by the grade 6 classes and I remember how fun it was to be reading it the same time as the students were . I liked it a lot. It's a great book .

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UPDATE: Jonas' friend mistakenly said "I want a smack" instead of 'snack' and was disciplined :(  . I'm rereading it and I have come to where the current receiver of memories tells Jonas to call him 'The Giver'. Ya there is pain involved in becoming 'the receiver of memories' but it baffled me that they didn't know what snow , or sunshine was because of climate control they made it obsolete and went to 'sameness' . That's really sad .

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

In the last few weeks I read two books. 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' and 'In Her Shoes' by Jennifer Weiner.

I never got around to reviewing or writing about 'In Her Shoes' before today. It's my first time participating in this meme so I will do my best from what I can remember . I also just joined goodreads and from there you can read my reviews.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story is about two sisters , Maggie and Rose, who lost their mother when they were young and grew up with a cantankerous wicked stepmother . Their father broke all ties toward their mothers side of the family after her car accident but eventually the girls are reunited with their grandmother in the course of the book . It was supposed to be a tearjerker which is why I thought to read it , but it didn't affect me that way .I liked following Maggie , the younger of the two who was more of a rebel and problematic for everyone. I guess I could relate to her easier, as she took us on her quest(s) to find her dream job; from acting to dog watching to clothes designer . It was easy enough to read and for the most part it grabbed my attention. Rose was the older one who had a good head on her shoulder and more educated .

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I am currently reading 'A Salty Piece of Land' by Jimmy Buffett .
I hope to read “The Muir House” by Mary DeMuth. If you visit Elizabeth Esthers blog you can enter for a chance to win The Muir House but you only have until tonight  . Thanks for visiting and good luck!

Holiday Plans

O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Whenever I put a little Christ into Christmas the whole idea of the holiday seems more meaningful as it should be.

It starts with Advent beginning November 27.

Looking forward to the birth of Jesus Christ takes preparedness and that is why we have four weeks to prepare. The ritual of lighting candles on the advent wreath before dinner in the evening influences and inspires our thoughts and actions to welcoming peace and joy into our hearts that most people are lacking at this particular time of year .

Christmas doesn't need to be celebrated with grandiosity but with thoughtful humility to the point of transparency; like the babe in the manger.

This Christmas I hope to spend some time with family but what stresses me out about the holidays is having to buy gifts . Everything is so expensive but I like seeing all the christmas bling and decor in the malls if only just to look at . I have already thought of the things I want but cant afford; like a $500 vitamix blender .The most I can afford on a gift is about $50.

I like spending $30 on a samaritans purse shoe box or adopt a family then worry about everyone else .

I guess I have been making some plans .

Take This Short Hunger Quiz- and you'll feed a child !

You Make $10 Dollars Per Hour

Ain't that something....

via Metro Photo Challenge

A Complete Meal

If I had only $10 to spend on a delicious meal , I guess I would go to any fast food outlet . A big mac meal costs approximately $6 dollars .

There is something else that I haven't tried ........yet . I don't buy a lot of canned food but this one is a complete meal ; it's called Nourish. You can visit their facebook page at www.1canIcan.ca . Campbells makes it for the hungry and I haven't seen it on store shelves yet but it may taste good , who knows .

I also like green or yellow beans right out of the can and meatball stew or any stew , warmed up of course.

What's the most delicious meal you can get for under ten bucks?

Daylight Savings Time

How do you feel about having to make the switch?

I like it and y'all need to fall back tonight. One more hour of sleep ; now what do you have to complain about? At least you get to dust that old clock off and remember to do something before you go to bed tonight, which is to set your clocks back one hour .