Book Review - "The Storyteller"

It's no surprise that I love to read.

 Magazines and blogs, but mostly books. 

I not only love the escape, but I need it! 

Something about being transported into someone else's story, into their world, into their life...is alluring. And before I know it, I am so submerged that I cannot get out until the last page has been read. 

There are certain stories, certain books, and certain authors with which I become more enthralled than others. Most recently, would be a novel by my favorite author, Jodi Picoult. The name of the book: The Storyteller.

I did not fully realize what it was about until I was already invested in the story. And by that point, I couldn't turn back! This is a story about morality, forgiveness, justice, religious beliefs and family history. It is about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. It is about survivors and victims, soldiers and prisoners. It is about a story within the story, that completely parallels to the one being told.

Reading this novel, I learned a lot about that time that I am embarrassed to admit that I did not know. I did not realize how ignorant I was (am) to the subject. To that part of our world's history. I knew that what those poor people went through was horrific, but I honestly did not know to what extent those horrors reached.

This is one of the most emotionally charged, powerful, and exhausting books that I have read in a very long time. In other words, it truly moved me.
And it educated me.
It made me think...about morality and the true meaning of forgiveness.

I highly suggest you read this novel.
Especially if you are looking for something that you can dive into emotionally.

Jodi Picoult truly is an amazing author, and does research behind every topic she writes. That is how you know it's gonna be good! The fact that there is some truth to what she writes. Truth behind the fiction. Or more like: she writes the fiction around the truth...does that make sense?!

Overall, this book will intrigue you.
If not for the story, then for the history.

What books have you read recently that you couldn't put down?!

Reservations...

I have read many articles and blogs on this topic, so I know that I am not alone in my thoughts. But still, I feel slightly guilty even thinking them::

Do I have what it takes, do I have enough love and patience, to raise two children?

I know I do. But with just a little over a week left until my induction date, this have been weighing heavily on my mind. Granted, I will not have two kids in diapers {thank Goodness!}, and Emma is going to be a huge help. But I remember that feeling I had instantly the moment she was born, and know that I will have it again with this one. But will I feel guilty when that happens? Probably not, which will make me feel guilty!

 Oh, how the wheel keeps turning!

It's strange for me to think that we only have a little over a week left with just our Emma. 

{No, I will NOT CRY!}

This is a good thing. A happy thing. An exciting thing! 

I just want to make 100% sure that I have the capacity to love both equally, and both as intensely. But see. That's where I get nervous - I can't be 100% positive, and I am such a planner, such an organizer, that not having control over feelings that deep and substantial, terrifies me. 

Now, I know that I'll get over this - give me a day or two to mull it over! But in the meantime, I have been thinking about Emma as a baby, and how fast the past 5 1/2 years have absolutely flown by! I love my extremely independent, incredibly smart, and beautiful little girl. But there are times when I look at her and miss the little helpless, needful infant that she used to be. But what parent doesn't do that from time to time? Right? Right! 

One month old

One of my all-time favorite photos!

About two years old

Five years old

For now, I am going to chalk this all up to my high levels of pregnancy hormones, since I still have that excuse to use!

Weekend Filled With Emotion

This past weekend held a lot of emotion.

Saturday was the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk, the second that my family has attended. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the walk was twice as large as last year! The overall total of monies raised was $930,000!! This year I am planning on putting together some fund raising events for next years walk. I will be hosting a Partylite Candle Party at my house in the beginning or middle of November, and trying to donate half of the proceeds to the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk!

My family and I, of course walked with team Heather's Crew! In honor of my dear friend Heather who is still fighting this fight with a massive amount of STRENGTH! Joining her team for the first time this year, was her father whom she has not seen since she was six years old! From what I was told, their reunion was an emotional one...but very good! And if you remember from this post, the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk choose my quote to display on the back of the patient and survivor shirts! Here is a photo from Saturday:

I was able to capture a TON of great photos from the walk, but I will only post a few:

My dedication to my Papa at the Tent of Honor...

My aunt tying up her dedication to my Papa, her father...

Heather and her husband Ryan

Then on Sunday, I had the incredible honor to do a shoot with Heather's family, her father and his wife! Here a few shots from their session:

 
I am so grateful to be able to have been a part of their reunion! 

There is nothing more humbling than seeing what is right in front of you. To really open your eyes and take a look around. To realize what people are fighting for: Their lives.