Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping BY: Suzanne Collins

I was very hesitant when this came out. Because I enjoyed reading The Hunger Games so much, I was nervous for the prequel. It wasn't until a friend read it and said they couldn't put it down that I thought I'd give it a try. SO happy I did. This book was so good. Learning Haymitch's story explains so much about his personality and mannerisms in The Hunger Games series. Also, having characters and content from the Hunger Games, with the characters being younger, was a fun addition. For example, Katniss's mom and dad, Peeta's dad, the origins of Katniss's mockingjay pin, etc. This is a great addition to the series, and I can see myself revisiting it again in the future. 
 

Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secrets

 Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret By: Obert Skye

I have read this years ago. I never finished the series and felt like I needed to reacquaint myself with the books before trying to finish the series. There is a lot that I remember, but more that I have forgotten.  I do like this book, but honestly, if I had finished the series the first time, I probably wouldn't have revisited this. I really enjoy Obert Skye's writing style, but I also find it difficult to follow at times. I am going to try to push through to finally finish the series, but it may take me a while, and I may need to take a break in between books. 

Daughters of God

 Daughters of God By: M Russell Ballard

This was such an amazing book. I was able to reacquaint myself with my important role as a mother and a woman in the eyes of the Lord. With how crazy the world gets, it's easy to often feel lost or unimportant, especially with how the world views motherhood and families. This read was a good way to stop and take a break and read the inspiring words from an apostle of God. 

 

Because it seems like I cant read or listen to books as much as I use to. I have decided to make this years goal a lot smaller. 

So this years goal is 15 books.

2025 Review

So my goal was to reach 25 books for 2025. I have never been able to achieve this goal, I have always come close but have never been able to hit that elusive 25.  Unfortunately 2025 was no different. Again I came close but wasn't able to do it....I blame life. :p I foresee 2026 being a difficult year for a large goal number. So for 2026 I have chosen a goal of 15 books. Well see how it goes. 

Here is my books that I read in 2025....

• Eldest
• Brisingr
• The Secret Life of Houdini
• Inheritance
• The Second Coming of the Lord
• Murtagh
• Uglies
• Pretties
• Specials
• Extras
• Cannibalism Culture
• Fate Be Changed
• Sally's Lament
• Leven Thumps
• The Tale of Despereaux
• Believe in what you're doing, believe in who you are.

Believe in what you're doing, believe in who you are.

 Believe in what you're doing, believe in who you are. BY: Hilary Weeks

This is a short read. But super inspiring. I learned a lot about how I view things and how I can change those views to be better. I also learned a lot about how I can better my relationship with my Savior and my Heavenly Father.

The Tale of Despereaux

 The Tale of Despereaux By: Kate DiCamillo

A couple of months ago, the weekend before it was due, my 3rd grader told me he had a book report due on Monday. So, I started searching through our bookshelves, looking for a fairly quick read that was age-appropriate, and I found The Tale of Despereaux. We read quite a lot of the book over the weekend; at least enough for him to complete his book report. I didn't think he would want to finish it. But I was extremely happy when he kept coming to me asking me to read more.

Despereaux is a cute story about an abnormally small mouse who has big dreams and takes on big odds. He overcomes his own insecurities and doubts to triumph and become the hero. It is a super cute story and one I would recommend to anyone.