Reading for Jazz Age January

My main resolution for 2014 is to read more, my measly 6 books read in 2013 is mildly embarrassing. In an effort to keep to my goal I joined Books Speak Volumes Jazz Age January, an online "book club" reading books related to the roaring 20's. Like others, one of my favorite required readings in high school (since re-read) was The Great Gatsby. I decided to read The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty. Others are reading books like The Paris Wife, Dollface, and Z: A Novel to name a few.

Saturday Morning Essentials

I enjoyed this book and was able to finish it within just a few days. The stories of the two main characters and how they connected was really interesting. I am really keen on books like this one where factual historical information is intertwined into a fictional story line. In this novel, the life of Louise Brooks from her teenage years through adulthood was shown to the reader. When I get to absorb history and don't realize it, I really appreciate the authors writing style.

http://booksspeakvolumes.com/2013/12/02/jazz-age-january-sign-up/

I'm currently reading Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington, a biography about American Vogue's creative director.

What are you reading right now?

Book Review: There Is No Me Without You

This past Tuesday was World AIDS Orphans Day, I'm really kind of sad I missed my opportunity to post this then. I recently read There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene. I picked this book up at a used book store a month ago, per usual I was flipping through a bunch of books not sure what I was really looking for. I feel like I stumble upon the best books that way. The story is about one woman who opens up an orphanage for children burdened by the AIDS crisis. It amazes me there is so much going on in this world that we don't hear about, either at all, or just not enough. These kids are parent-less, many stricken by the disease themselves.

Source

It's honestly kind of a depressing read, but one that I'm glad I opened. There really needs to be more awareness on this. I was sent this petition and hadn't opened the email until today. Please sign it and urge the President to increase global awareness. What if this was happening in our country and we had insurmountable amounts of children without Mothers and Fathers?

https://www.change.org/petitions/president-obama-keep-the-light-on-aids-orphans-by-increasing-global-support

distracted.

Striped Cat Studio

I've been a little distracted lately, in a good way. When I saw this on Pinterest it really caught my eye and I wanted to share it with you all. The colors and message all radiate love, which is all I've been reading about lately in Gabrielle Bernstein's Spirit Junkie.

Have you read any of her books? I am eager to finish Spirit Junkie so I can dive into her newest book May Cause Miracles.

Monday Inspirational

Good Morning, I hope you had an enjoyable weekend filled with people you love and new memories. Or maybe just a relaxing one that rebooted you for this week.
In case you missed it, I blogged a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie and a lovely local spot called Casa Maya over the weekend.

Created by La Petite Fashionista, Photo: Jenna Alcala

Today I'm sharing with you this quote embellished image from La Petite Fashionista, it's certainly the truth.