It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

So, once again, I am reading three books. Three! How do I always manage to do this to myself? Easily as it turns out, actually. One is my book group choice, one is for review and one is just for fun.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Dead Ringer by Allen Wyler

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

Can you guess which is which? I bet you can.

Anyway, I have a bit of reading to do to get these finished, so I am off.

Happy Reading!

It's Monday! What Are you Reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Click on over to share what you read last week and what you are reading this week.

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Book Review: The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition by Stephen King Published by Doubleday, 1990 ebook
I finally finished! It was long, but well worth the read. 
So much going on in this book, but just so well written. It is a story of survival, of redemption and humanity. It is the fight between good and evil, both real and imagined. There really is so much to laud in this book- the characters, the pacing, the parallels with the Bible and the story itself.
Now, I assume that most people know what The Stand is about, but for those who are not familiar with it- a quick synopsis. A deadly disease is released into the world, a flu that wipes out quite a large percentage of the population. Those who survive must make the choice of whether to join Mother Abigail or go and join the dark man in the west. A choice between good and evil. A small band of those with Mother Abigail are chosen to make the final Stand against Randall Flagg and save humanity.
Definitely, the best book by King I have read. So happy I was finally able to read it. I was a little hesitant after being disappointed with the tv movie. This was so much better. I feel a remake is in need.   Thanks, Trish for the Standalong!
Source: purchased ebook _________________________________________

Book Review: Lip Service by M.J. Rose

Lip Service by M.J. Rose Paperback, 326 pages Published by Atria Books , 1999
I was expecting another Fifty Shades of Grey with this one but was really pleasantly surprised to have liked this story so much more.  This is more about making a passive woman, who has lost a part of herself, stronger. Yes, there is a bit of explicit sexual situations but they are there for a purpose, not just to fill up space. There is a good story here.
Julia is married to a psychiatrist who treats her more like a patient rather than a wife. He keeps her medicated, tells her what to do and how to act to keep up his appearances. She is stifled from being herself. She gets the opportunity to write a book, for a sex therapist she meets at one of her husband's events, documenting his success with a new therapy-phone sex. She decides to get trained as a "therapist" for research and starts taking phone calls. 
Through these calls, she rediscovers a lost part of herself and realizes what is missing from her marriage-intimacy, love, respect and trust. Not that she gets these from the calls, but the fact that she is doing them, enjoying it and beginning to come out of her shell all without the consent and knowledge of her husband. 
There is also a bit of suspense thrown in.  Enjoy.
Source: Publisher for review
Author's website: www.mjrose.com


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Book Review: The Island House by Posie Graeme-Evans

The Island House by Posie Graeme-Evans Paperback, 464 pages Published June 2012 by Atria Books
Freya Dane goes to a remote Scottish Island, that was owned by her recently deceased father, to hopefully find answers about why he left her and her mother so long ago back in Australia. While there she discovers secrets that her father unearthed and a new place to call home.
The Island House is also the story of the previous inhabitants of the island, those who left their footprint that Freya and her father eventually dig up. Switching from the present day and Freya, we also learn the story of Signy, a native of the area whose family is killed by raiders and who is taken in by an early Christian community of monks and nuns.
This was a gripping tale of archaeological finds, love and sacrifice. You have a tale of discovery mixed with a tale of survival. Both Freya and Signy are strong female characters and its easy to understand their motivations.    I enjoyed both stories but was a little disappointed with the lack of explanation of why Freya and Dan (a new friend) keep having flashes of Signy's life. Was it a ghost, past lives being remembered? I wasn't sure. Besides that, I was really intrigued by the story and what they would find on the island.
Source: Publisher for review Author's Website: http://www.posiegraemeevans.net/web/

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Cleaning Schedule

I was just about to sit down and type up and share the cleaning schedule I came up with for myself when I discovered that I am not the first to do this. I actually got the idea awhile ago from a pin on Pinterest and today saw this post by KnitPurlGurl of her own schedule. So many people trying to get organized and clean. :)
Well, here is mine to add to the masses. Hopefully it will help me be a better housekeeper. I am usually not the best. I am ignoring the number of unpacked boxes that are strewn around the house. Will probably have to add those in one of these days!
Monday: Wash all bedding, towels Tuesday: Dusting, and de-furring of furniture Wednesday: Sweep and mop all floors Thursday: Clean bathroom and kitchen Friday: Anything else that needs to be done Saturday and Sunday: Enjoy relaxing with the family! 
Every day: Laundry as needed Pick up toys and clutter Make beds
I am going to start with that and see how it goes. This Friday I foresee a lot of major cleaning and unpacking. We are having E's 2nd Birthday party on Saturday! There is so much to do before then.
Other cleaning: Windows washed Cobwebs removed from house Ants sprayed outside Front porch and Back patio swept Finish unpacking Boxes broken down and put away Furniture all in place (dining table)  Do you have a cleaning schedule? How does it work for you? _________________________________________