Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- J.K. Rowling

A lot of people told me this was their favorite in the series which may explain why I had such a difficult time finding a copy in our hostel library. Having seen the movie first (again), I'm not sure I agree. Because I already knew Hermione's secret, the mystery of her conflicting course load was lost on me. However, the story did pick up in the last three chapters making the entire book worth reading.

The Poisonwood Bible- Barbara Kingsolver

This book has received rave reviews from volunteers so I figured it must be worth reading. They weren't exactly wrong, but it's no Kiterunner. It's a story about a Baptist missionary who moves his wife and four young daughters to the Congo. It's told through the eyes of the children and mother about the good times and the bad as they strive to survive physically and emotionally in the jungle among an unknown culture. At 600+ pages it was a bit long. At least for me I could relate to some of their experiences, but I'm not sure it would have been as good reading it from the comforts of America. See for yourself. It made Oprah's book club anyway.

Sushi for Beginners- Marian Keyes

Unlike "The Devil Wears Prada," the bitchy magazine editor in this book is actually relateable. You understand what she's thinking and exactly why she way she is. The book covers both sides of the 20/30-somethings' lifestyles; two friends, one a stay-at-home, married, mother of two and the other working at a magazine, single & dating. No matter which you are, no doubt a look into both sides will make you appreciate the book. A great beach read. Just a quick note that the book is set in London and Dublin so there are some British expressions, but it doesn't feel overly British like Bridget Jone's Diary.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets- J.K. Rowling

Unlike C.S. Lewis, Rowling's books don't feel like she's talking to a child. This book, second in the series, had more suspense and mystery than the first, but maybe that's because the first had to lay all of the groundwork. However, if for some reason you come to have to read this one before The Sorcerer's Stone, Rowling does a good job recapping pertinent info. Like the first, the second Harry Potter movie mirrors its book pretty closely. Looking forward to reading the next (providing I can find it in our hostel's library).

The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

I received a forward ages ago with the four agreements. I liked the concept so much that I still have the email today. If you know the agreements I'm not sure you really need to read the book which goes too in depth about the concept behind each. I'll save you the time. The four agreements are these (by the way #2 if my favorite):

1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD- Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY- Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS- Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transofrm your life.

4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST- Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judegment, self-abuse and regret.

The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger

From what I understand the story is told by a teenager who is in a mental institution recounting stories and events in his life just before he was admitted. This is another example of a book written as if a friend was telling you something firsthand. It's a classic for good reason, but for as many times as the storyteller says "It kills me when......" you'd think he should be dead by the end. ;)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- J.K. Rowling

I saw the movie before I read the book, but I recommend it that way. Having a face to put with the character's names helped me imagine the story better as I read it. The movie follows the book pretty closely, and the small difference in details doesn't take away from the story.