Jesus Land

Lots of similarities between Julia and me. Couldn't put down the book...read it in 2 days. Reminded me of the fanatical religious folk who I knew and how common sense goes out the window when religion is involved. People do all kind of unconscionable things in the name of God. The ending was very sad. Throughout the book I thought to myself, "Well, at least she has her brother to experience this with", as I am an only child I kind of went through this alone. And then at the end he dies. Heartbreaking. I found her on Facebook and now Julia is my "friend".

This was my "Jesus Land"

http://hwarmstrong.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Church_of_God

The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

I found this book so endearing! Shauna began her book as a blog (imagine that!) and before she knew it she had followers from all over the world watching her lose weight. We watch Shauna transform from a reclusive overweight individual to someone who changes on the outside and more importantly, on the inside. She becomes more social and meets the man she eventually marries. I also loved the fact that it takes place in Australia and Scotland. It motivated me and helped me get my ass in gear : ). I started working out shortly after I finished reading the book.

The Rescue Artist by Edward Dolnick

Very interesting play by play of the theft of one of the world's most famous paintings, Edvard Munch's The Scream. The book tells about Charley Hill, the detective who was able to re-capture the painting and bring it back to the National Gallery in Oslo. Dolnick strays a little too much off the topic for my taste. While it is interesting to learn about other stolen and recovered pieces of art throughout the years, it made the book a little confusing. I do love art and found this fascinating . If you liked The Thomas Crowne Affair, you will like this book.

Little Factoid: See the whitish spots by the screamers left elbow? That is melted wax that dripped onto the cardboard when Munch blew out his candle one night.