The Heroine's Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore

  Ever have one of those days, or weeks, or months when everything seems to be going wrong? When you feel like the world is against you and you can't do anything about it? Well then you're a perfect candidate for The Heroine's Bookshelf. This feel-good book was written by Erin Blakemore, a writer that is able to find inspiration in almost all of the major women writers of the 19th century.

  Her book has scenarios from major books such as The Color Purple, Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and many more. The book is separated into sections: Self, Faith, Dignity, Happiness, Family Ties, Indulgence, ect. Each section has a different author, book, and heroine. Blakemore applies a time in her life when she might have been in a rut, or simply an emotion, and correlates it to the heroine and her problem. She is encouraged by certain aspects of the heroine and is left heartened by the experience ad the heroine's attitude.

  The book encompasses a brave attitude towards the hardships that one may face in life. In more than one case I found myself relating to the heroine's troubles... well, maybe just the general aspect of it because I don't have the pressures of marrying like Elizabeth Bennet or have had a morbid life like Jane Eyre. But the general feeling of things like being pressured by family or going through difficult situations, that I can connect with as i'm sure many can and will.  

  At the end of each section Blakemore has a little part called Read This Book in which she writes of times when it would be good to read the book. For example:" Read this book when your mom complains you'll never give her grandchildren." and in addition she adds another small section which she writes that particular heroine's literary sisters, meaning other heroine's that can be coupled with that particular one.

  So the book not only makes you feel better but it also gives you book recommendations (yes please!). Now in regards to Blakemore's writing, I would describe it funny and flowing. She certainly knows what she's writing about and she can make everything fit together so perfectly. I caught myself many times smiling as I was reading. Books that can make your emotions evident on your face are worth reading don't you think? Overall I give this book a 5, it kept me interested and I read a different chapter everyday. It made me feel happy. Great book and great author. If anyone has read it post a comment and tell me what you think of it. For those who are planning to read it let me know what you think as well. 

Other Works by Erin Blakemore

- For now this is the only book by Blakemore, but according to her page she's working on another book.

The Purpose, the Explanation, and the Book

  In this day and age it's difficult to find time to do an activity that is out of ones daily routine. That includes reading. But if you're an avid book lover such as myself all you have to do is brace yourself and make the time. I know it's difficult to do but that's why I'm here. I'm here to help those who don't have the time, those who need to rekindle their passion for books, and those who just want to find some really interesting books to read.
  Hello, my name is Laura and I've been in every kind of reading stump I can think of: not enough time, too tired, and simply disinterested. I hated being in those ruts because I grew up with books. My mom read to me and made every single family member that walked into our house read to me as well. Books are a very important part of my life and being deprived of them leaves me with an empty feeling. So I MAKE the time to read because I don't believe in work without reward. Mine just so happens to be reading.
  I have a lot of ideas mapped out for this blog and if you follow me we can come up with even more ideas. This is something you should know, I love receiving book suggestions. I don't stick to one author or one genre because to me the purpose of books is to open your mind to all of the possibilities. What's life without variety? I also try to go to my local bookstore and library at least once a month with a list of books that I want to read. It's never a dull moment when I go into a book frenzy.
 So join me and learn to love reading again. I'm very excited to do my first review and recommendation. And who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to start your own blog as well. I hope you do because There is a sundry of books that need to be shared with everyone. So send me suggestions of any author and any genre. My promise is to read them and read them all. So without further ado, welcome to my blog!

P.S. - Here are some recommendations to start you off.

Laura's Recommendations

• The Sparrow  by Mary Doria Russell
• We the Living by Ayn Rand (one of my favorite books EVER)
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
• The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

P.P.S.- I would love to hear feedback on these books if anyone has or will read them.