2006 Books

Fiction

Dystopian Fiction

• The Giver by Lois Lowry

  • A dystopian novel about a young boy who discovers the dark secrets behind his seemingly perfect society.  I read this and we also listened to it in the car.  Then we saw the movie!  Joel also read the whole series.

• Messenger by Lois Lowry

  • A sequel to The Giver, exploring themes of community, choice, and sacrifice.

Coming-of-Age

• Summer in the Land of Skin by Jody Gehrman
  • A coming-of-age story about a young girl's journey of self-discovery during a transformative summer.

Contemporary Fiction

• The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank

  • A novel about a young woman's experiences with love, loss, and self-discovery.

• The Solomon Sisters Wise Up by Melissa Senate

  • A story about sisterly bonds and the complexities of family relationships.

• Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? by Melissa Senate

  • A romantic comedy centered around the chaos of wedding planning and the meaning of love.

• Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle

  • A humorous reflection on the challenges and realities of reaching thirty.

• Mr. Commitment by Mike Gayle

  • A story about love, relationships, and the fear of commitment.

Romantic Comedy

• The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love by Jill Conner Browne

  • A humorous guide to life, love, and friendship, infused with Southern charm.

• Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

  • A memoir about a woman's journey of self-discovery through food, spirituality, and love.

• The Mermaid Chair: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd

  • A story of self-discovery and healing, centered around a woman's journey to find her true self.

• Tart (Red Dress Ink Novels) by Jody Gehrman

  • A romantic comedy about love and the challenges of starting a new life.

Literary Fiction

• Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews

  • A Southern tale filled with humor, secrets, and the complexities of friendship.

• Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

  • A poignant exploration of motherhood in a changing society, focusing on the struggles of a Nigerian woman.

• Ambiguous Adventure by Cheikh Hamidou Kane

  • A story exploring the clash of cultures and personal identity.

Thriller/Mystery

• The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

  • A historical thriller that weaves a tale of vampires, history, and the quest for truth.

• Passion, Betrayal, and Killer Highlights by Kyra Davis

  • A mystery novel filled with humor and intrigue revolving around a hair salon.

• Sex, Murder, and a Double Latte (Red Dress Ink) by Kyra Davis

  • A cozy mystery involving murder and the complexities of modern relationships.

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Non-Fiction

Memoir/Biography

• Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood by Karen Maezen Miller

  • A reflective guide on the spiritual aspects of motherhood and finding peace amid chaos.

• Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller

  • A memoir reflecting on faith and spirituality through personal anecdotes and insights.

• Memories of My Melancholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Márquez (1928-)

  • A poignant reflection on love, aging, and the passage of time.

• A Matter of Choice: 25 People Who Transformed Their Lives edited by Joan Chatfield-Taylor

  • A collection of inspiring stories from individuals who made significant changes in their lives.

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Crafts/DIY

• 52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity by Jeffrey Yamaguchi

  • A creative guide encouraging readers to engage in simple acts of artistic expression.

• D.I.Y. Girl: The Real Girl's Guide to Making Everything from Lip Gloss to Lamps by Jennifer Bonnell and Monica Gesue (Illustrator)

  • A practical guide to crafting a variety of projects from beauty to home decor.

• Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec by Jean Railla

  • A modern take on home economics, offering fun DIY projects for everyday living.

• The Crafty Diva's D.I.Y. Stylebook: A Grrrl's Guide to Cool Creations You Can Make, Show Off, and Share by Kathy Cano-Murillo

  • A vibrant resource for crafting projects that celebrate individuality and creativity.

• Creative Stitching on Paper: 40 Beautiful Projects, from Scrapbook Pages to Chinese Lanterns by Joanne O'Sullivan

  • A crafting guide featuring innovative projects that combine stitching with paper art.

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Self-Help/Personal Development

• The Risks of Sunbathing Topless: And Other Funny Stories from the Road by Kate Chynoweth (Editor)

  • A humorous collection of travel tales filled with unexpected adventures.

• No Touch Monkey: And Other Travel Lessons Learned Too Late (Adventura Books Series) by Ayun Halliday

  • A travel memoir filled with amusing anecdotes and life lessons from various adventures.

• The Crafty Diva's Lifestyle Makeover: Awesome Ideas to Spice Up Your Life by Kathy Cano-Murillo, et al.

  • A lifestyle guide filled with creative ideas to enhance your daily living.

• Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen by Fay Weldon

  • A reflective letter to a fictional niece, discussing Jane Austen's themes and legacy.

• Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

  • A guide for parents on establishing healthy boundaries with their children.