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7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 112)

7 quick takes sm1 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 112)

— 1 —

I finally saw the hematologist about the ultrasound on my leg that was done last week. It turns out that there are a lot of clots in the superficial veins in that leg. The good news is that there are no clots in the deep veins, but the bad news is that there’s not much I can do about the pain, other than take analgesics and keep moving. Also, it’s odd that I would develop clots while I’m giving myself Lovenox shots every day. (The thought did cross my mind that the worst pain of all is having clots while PAYING $1,000 PER MONTH FOR ANTI-CLOTTING MEDICATION.) (And yes, that is with the new, generic Lovenox.) Anyway, what we learned from all this is that my blood really likes to clot.

— 2 —

I’m hoping that the leg pain subsides more by next week, since I’ve got lots of cool stuff going on. The kids and I are heading down to Houston for me to speak at a Legatus event on Tuesday (babysitting courtesy of their grandmother Yaya), and then on Friday I fly out to San Francisco to meet with my literary agent. Hopefully I’ll feel well enough to attend the West Coast Walk for Life on Saturday. I coordinated the trip with my friend Hallie Lord, who will also be in the area at that time, so we’re sharing a hotel room for a girls’ weekend of catching up and relaxing. It’ll be a much-needed little vacation!

— 3 —

Speaking of Yaya, she finally bought a house in our area! In about a month she’ll be living just a few blocks away from us. We can’t wait. And those of you who have read my posts involving Yaya know that this will be very good for blog content.

— 4 —

My husband and I have discovered the 1990′s British comedy Jeeves & Wooster. How can I have lived 34 years and not have known about this?! Anyway, here’s something crazy: check out the main character, Bertie Wooster, in this clip (he’s the one with the red flower on his suit). You don’t have to watch the whole thing, just enough to get an idea:

Now, check this out: he’s the same guy who plays the lead in that popular American show House, MD! (Don’t watch past 35 seconds; there’s a crude comment at the end. I searched for a long time and couldn’t find a better clip):

Anyway, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more dramatic transformation of an actor in different roles. What is your favorite “I can’t believe that’s the same actor!” transformation?

— 5 —

ann voskamp 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 112)I assume you’re all planning to buy Ann Voskamp’s new book which comes out on January 18, right? I know that she has a lot of devoted fans (I count myself as one of them), so I want to offer you all a tip for how you can help her with this project: If you are planning to buy her book, do so by February 1. A book’s sales in the first couple of weeks are critical for its long-term success. Publishers use that data to determine how much they will continue to support a title, and they tend to give up on books that languish without impressive sales straight out of the gate. An high initial concentration of orders also helps a book get on bestseller lists, which is priceless free publicity. Though authors dearly appreciate purchases whenever they come, a purchase in the first two weeks is even more valuable than a purchase later. Just a tip from someone who has spent a crazy amount of time researching the publishing industry.

UPDATE: Another exciting book that’s still in the critical two-week window is Unplanned by Abby Johnson, which I hear is an absolute page-turner. Go get that one too!

— 6 —

7qt112 keurig 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 112)My mom surprised us by getting us a Keurig coffee maker for Christmas. I had seen them advertised and never had much interest (I talked in #5 here about how I gave up coffee because it made me insane), so at first I was worried that we wouldn’t use it. As it turns out, we love it! My husband enjoys being able to get a cup of coffee in a matter of seconds on the weekends, and I use it to make tea every morning. When I’m juggling a thousand different things trying to get everyone out the door to go somewhere, it’s so handy to be able to just pop a to-go cup under the spout, press a button, and have my tea all ready with no further work on my part. (And the kids love it that it makes hot chocolate too.) Great gift idea!

— 7 —

I’d love to have a fantastic book to read on the plane next weekend (and Ann Voskamp and Abby Johnson’s books might not have arrived from Amazon). What are your top recommendations for non-fiction books? I love memoirs, especially about spiritual transformations (like He Leadeth Me or Son of Hamas); true adventure stories (like Endurance or Into Thin Air); self-help books that aren’t too new-agey (like The War of Art or Improv Wisdom); narrative history (like Cicero or Undaunted Courage); and, of course, spiritual wisdom (like The Everlasting Man or To Know Christ Jesus). Recommend away!

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Comments

134 Responses to “7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 112)”
  1. Liesl says:

    I actually JUST posted a list of my favorite books… none of them are nonfiction though. I did just read Jesus of Nazareth by B16 and loved it (although it often went way over my head). I’m looking forward to seeing what other people recommend!
    Liesl recently posted..Repeat as desired

  2. Blair says:

    I’m sorry that there’s not a better solution for your leg. And the price of those shots, wowzers! I’m looking forward to more frequent Yaya stories, and I hope you have a fabulous CA trip!
    Blair recently posted..7 Quick Takes

  3. Julie says:

    Hahaha, I was going to ask if you’d read Heather King’s two memoirs, then I remembered that she blogged about you. I think it’s time for bed!

  4. Glad you’re enjoying Jeeves & Wooster. It’s an old family favorite. Maybe you should take one of the books with you on your plane trip. Wodehouse is one of my favorite authors — especially when things are stressful. BTW, the same actor who plays Bertie Wooster also played the father in Stuart Little. (But with an American accent.)

  5. Blair says:

    Oh, and as for books…most of what I read is parenting or homeschooling-related, but I’m loving Simplicity Parenting. I’ve also recently read and enjoyed Real Learning, The Charlotte Mason Companion, and The Montessori Method. Can’t wait to read Ann Voskamp’s new book!
    Blair recently posted..7 Quick Takes

  6. Just posted my second 7 Quick Takes; what a fun idea this was, Jen!

    Our book group is reading Frank Sheed’s Theology and Sanity, and I cannot recommend the book highly enough. For the first time in our 6+ years, multiple members are actually reading ahead; it’s a page turning theology book!
    Nancy (n.o.e.) recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday volume 2- Project 365the picture at

  7. Michelle says:

    #4 – You can check YouTube or Netflix streaming for “A Bit of Fry and Laurie” for more British comedy from Hugh Laurie (who also plays Dr. House).
    #7 – I typically read a lot of fiction, but two non-fiction books I’ve really enjoyed have been, “The Power of Femininity” and “Love and Respect.”

    I reviewed “Love and Respect” on my blog here: http://donteatthatcookie.blogspot.com/2009/12/love-and-respect-it-works-for-me.html

  8. Jeannie says:

    I had to come out of lurkdom; Hugh Laurie is great! Thanks for reminding me about Jeeves & Wooster. I thought he was a great Mr. Palmer in Sense & Sensibility with Emma Thompson.

    Sorry to read about your leg pain. We will keep you in our prayers.

    I enjoyed Thomas Dubay’s Happy Are You Poor.

  9. Sarah says:

    I loved Breakfast with the Pope, which you mentioned a week or so ago. It was wonderful, I’d highly recommend it!

  10. Monica says:

    Book Recommendations: So Long, See You Tomorrow, by William Maxwell; What is the What, by Dave Eggers; and for memoir: The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls

    Have a wonderful trip to my City by the Bay!

  11. Abby Johnson’s book Unplanned looks great. There are some wonderful excerpts online as well. I read somewhere that the edition sold directly by Ignatius Press has additional forwards included. There are also lots of good quotes, including from Archbishop Charles Chaput. As converts ourselves, also note that Abby is currently in RCIA!

    My 7QT entry this week… Making San Francisco safe from “Happy Meals.” Capitalizing on the Tucson tragedy. Thank our troops. I “heart” NY, unless I am an unborn child. The extinction of pro-life Democrats. Automated confessions and a quote of the week.
    George @ Convert Journal recently posted..Women deacons

  12. NCSue says:

    By the way… as this is your year of St. Francis de Sales: tomorrow, Saturday 1/15/10, is the day to begin a novena to St. Francis. Here is a link to a novena from the Catholic Doors Ministry:

    http://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english3/p02778.htm
    NCSue recently posted..Which kind of person are you

  13. English Sarah says:

    $1,000 per month! Ouch! Us Brits really should stop complaining about paying £7.20 per prescription!! While that is ironic about the Lovenox, if your blood likes to clot so easily even when taking it then it’s probably already saved you from some much more serious DVTs.

    Hubby and I were pleased to see you are a fan of Jeeves and Wooster. We discovered this show a few years back and enjoy watching it with a cup of tea on a rainy day (we get a lot of those!).

  14. Sharon says:

    So sorry to hear about the clotting in your legs! I hope you’re able to go to the Walk for Life. Someday I hope to attend that one; I’m blessed to live only an hour from Washington, DC, though, and I’m looking forward to the March for Life there on the 24th.

    I’m sure you’ve probably read Immaculee Ilbagiza’s book, “Left to Tell,” and being a convert you’ve probably already read all of Scott Hahn’s books. I picked up his latest book “Signs of Life” recently and I’m looking forward to reading that. I downloaded “Our Lady of Kibeho” by Immaculee on my Ipad (my favorite Christmas gift this year) and I’m going to read it as soon as I’m done with “Christ the Lord, Road to Cana” by Anne Rice.

    Have a great weekend! :)
    Sharon recently posted..7 Quick Takes- A Party To Remember

  15. I used to watch Jeeves and Wooster on PBS in the 1990s! I knew I recognized House from somewhere but I could not place him. How funny.

    On a more serious note, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your baby. My good friend had a some condition with her three pregnancies. Thank the Lord, you have no deep vein clots.
    Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith recently posted..7 Quick Takes- Home School A Day in the Life with a 5 and a 3 year old

  16. I am so sorry that you’re going through this. :( You know you have lots of people praying for you.

  17. Glad to see you back Jen. Take care of yourself!
    Tami Boesiger recently posted..7 Quick Takes Volume 116

  18. Elizabeth says:

    Kids love Jeeves & Wooster too – I think its the facial expressions they pull! Plus the music sequence at the end.

    For reading: Philip Neri: The Fire of Joy, by Paul Turks. Have fun!

  19. *Unbroken* by Laura Hillenbrand. Jen– you’ll love it. It’s nonfiction, has the adventure AND spiritual conversion components to it, and is about an aspect of WWII I haven’t really ever heard about. I loved reading Seabiscuit and thought that Hillenbrand really did a great job with this story, too.

    However, when I found out later that Hillenbrand has chronic fatigue syndrome and still managed to write a best-selling book, I felt super-lazy that I’m healthy and can’t even finish a 50 page thesis to finish my Masters. Maybe I’ll use her for inspiration… lol.

    Have a great weekend!!
    Lisa @ Cheerfully Chaotic recently posted..Not hiding- just remodeling

  20. Pam says:

    Ah, Hugh Laurie. I think he does the best American accent of any British actor around. I need to watch some Jeeves & Wooster — the clips I’ve seen are great.

    Book recommendation: one of my old favorites is The Robe, by Lloyd Douglas.

    Happy mini-vacation! Oh, and Go, Yaya!! Looking forward to the funny stories. :)
    Pam recently posted..7 Quick Takes- Volume 25

  21. Erika says:

    I haven’t read all the comments, so this may have been mentioned–but any of the male actors in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.

    And Hugh Laurie is awesome. Crudity on House and all : )

  22. Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. A memoir that’s all about the story of our lives.

    Praying for those legs of yours…
    Julia at LotsaLaundry recently posted..People whove made a difference in my life

  23. Melanie says:

    Yikes! $1,000! So sorry to hear about the pain and expense. Continued prayers for you.

    Having spent my career in financial services, Legatus is a much needed ministry to help support faithful working professionals. I had never heard of it before, thanks for sharing!

    Love all the book recommendations lately!

  24. #1 ~ I’m so sorry to hear about the ongoing leg pain and that there’s nothing they can do for it. Ironic that the shots for the medicine for clotting is causing clotting. Sometimes you just have to shake your head.

    #4 ~ Hugh Laurie is a pretty amazing actor. He was also one of the bad guys in 101 Dalmatians with Glenn Close. Another that constantly amazes me in Daniel Day Lewis. From “My Left Foot” to “Last of The Mohicans” he became a different person entirely. In fact, I HAD to watch Mohicans over, and over, and over just to make sure it was really him. :)

    #7 ~ I read mostly fiction as well. Good luck!

  25. Michael Ward’s Planet Narnia. Except that it’s a bit heavy to carry on a plane, and probably won’t come from Amazon any faster than the others you’re waiting for. But it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time.

    • Kate says:

      Such a good book! The author spoke at my alma mater a couple years ago and I was entranced. The book is a lovely mix of literary analysis and theology–very good.

  26. Kathleen says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about your leg. And the cost? Crazy!!

    I am reading Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas – very bood!

  27. Kat L says:

    #4 – Yeah, we thought it was hilarious when Hugh Laurie played the sweet, kindly father in Stuart Little!

  28. Tracy says:

    yeah, 1,000 bucks would be bad enough, but to not be terribly effective ~ OUCH! so sorry about your troubles!! Hope you thoroughly enjoy your mini vacation!
    Tracy recently posted..little bit of everything

  29. Katie says:

    Okay, have you seriously never seen Black Adder??? Because Hugh Laurie (the man who plays Dr. House) is one of the main characters in that old Brit comedy, too! Go watch it, it’s hilarious!! He’s actually a very versatile actor who has taken on many different roles.

    Sorry to hear about the recurring clots :(
    Katie recently posted..Chickens!

  30. Melissa G says:

    Jennifer, You are in my prayers. A good friend of mine just started on blood clotting meds. It is criminal how much they cost!

    A book recommendation: is SHADOW OF HIS WINGS. Here’s a link to Ignatius Press, which sells it as an downloadable, audio or paperback book:
    http://www.ignatius.com/Products/CategoryCenter.aspx?SearchTerm=Shadow+of+His+Wings

    From their site:Here is the astonishing true story of the harrowing experiences of a young German seminarian drafted into Hitler’s dreaded SS at the onset of World War II. Without betraying his Catholic ideals, against all odds, and in the face of Evil, Gereon Goldmann was able to complete his priestly training, be ordained, and secretly minister to German Catholic soldiers and innocent civilian victims caught up in the horrors of war. How it all came to pass will astound you.

  31. Nella says:

    I also vote that you get “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption”. It’s a non-fiction adventure AND a conversion story. Prayers to you for your legs and that you have a safe trip!

  32. Courtney F. says:

    Oh, I love Jeeves & Wooster! If you’re enjoying the TV series, you should see about getting some of the original P.G. Wodehouse books on CD from your library. They’re great for making car rides or cleaning up the house bearable, and they always get great narrators for them who really bring all the characters to life! Best of all, they’re safe to listen to around the kids. :)

    • Gina says:

      Yes, you MUST read Wodehouse (or listen to him on audio). The TV version was good, but it simply can’t hold a candle to the books. The man was one of the greatest comic geniuses of the 20th century.

  33. Elizabeth says:

    For the “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that’s the same actor” factor (rhyme), this one goes out to NCIS fans who have seen Hocus Pocus…. Google “Thakery Binx”

    I SCREAMED when my sister told me about this!

    While House can be really rude, I’ve found that the show is generally pro-life and sometimes very pro-life.
    Elizabeth recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday- Volume 11

  34. Kimberlie says:

    Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE Jeeves and Wooster. My DH and I discovered it about 5 years ago. I was sad there weren’t more seasons to watch. Along that vein, PG Wodehouse’s book of the same title is an absolute belly-laugher. I really enjoyed it a lot.
    Kimberlie recently posted..Grief and Loss

  35. Julie F says:

    For historical books:

    A Life in Secrets — Sarah Helm; there are several stories going on here, about British intelligence operations during WWII, about the women who became spies and what happened to them, and about the mysterious woman in charge. Not a happy book, but well researched, well written and all around a good read.

    Postwar — Tony Judt; or probably anything by Judt. Granted, Postwar is massive. But each chapter is more or less a standalone, and this is easily the best-written history book I’ve read in grad school. Judt is a really fine author, and I think this book gives an essential overview perspective of the changes in European/western society since 1945.

  36. Kathryn says:

    For you I would recommend Flirting With Faith: My Spiritual Journey from Atheism to a Faith-filled Life by Joan Ball

    or, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza.

    Have a great trip!

  37. Beth says:

    Are you not allowed to take warfarin? Its a generic, does the same thing as enoxaparin (lovenox), is a pill not an injection, and costs a lot less. The lousy part is that you have to monitor your INR, you have to avoid Vitamin K, etc but at least it won’t bankrupt you.

    Hugh Laurie is terrific in Black Adder, you have to check it out. I always found Alec Baldwin to be a remarkably versatile actor too…check out his famed cameo in Glengarry Glen Ross against his work on 30 Rock. It’s mindblowing.

    Regarding book recommendations. If you liked Into Thin AIr by Jon Krakauer, check out his thought provoking book about Mormonism: “Under the Banner of Heaven”.
    http://www.amazon.com/Under-Banner-Heaven-Story-Violent/dp/1400032806/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_4

  38. Jeana says:

    Have you ever read The Trapp Family Singers? (The real story behind The Sound of Music) It’s one of my favorite books–different from the movie, but excellent. Maria’s enthusiasm for life is contagious. I wish I could have known her in real life. (As an author she wrote as Maria Augusta Trapp, not Von Trapp as in the movie.)

  39. Christy says:

    It might be too enormous to take on a plane comfortably, but the new biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas is incredible.

  40. CuppaJo says:

    I just spent most of a week in various airports going cross-country and back to stay with a friend having surgery because of bloodclots…SO it seemed particularly relevant that I share what I read while traveling: Speaking of Faith by Krista Tippett. Paperback is lightweight so perfect for travel, and the content is very, very engaging. It’s been out for a few years so you may have already come across it, but if not, I highly recommend it!

  41. Contra says:

    If you’re looking for non-fiction books to read, I recommend anything by Scott Hahn.
    Contra recently posted..7 Quick Takes 14JAN

  42. Theresa says:

    Trying Quick Takes Friday today!

    So sorry about your leg, Jen. My mother had the same problem … with her fifth pregnancy … in her thirties. Will say a special prayer.

    I love a good comedy. Thanks for the recommendation!
    Theresa recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday

  43. Amy says:

    So sorry about your leg, but good that they are not deep clots. Amd Hugh Laurie–I know, right?!

  44. chris says:

    I also highly recommend Black Adder (though it was written by Richard Curtis, the main guy behind the atrocious yet revealing 10 for 10 promo that blew up folks that didn’t go green enough in Britain).

    And I know you don’t like fiction, but if you like the Jeeves and Wooster show, you have to read the books. P. G. Wodehouse is an amazing writer. And truly, as very good as the show is, the books are much much better. Really. Read them. You’ve already had the characters look formed for you, but still, the books are just so great.

    I hope your leg feels better, I’ll be praying for you!

    • Gina says:

      Yes, “Blackadder” is great (although it can be racy at times, in that droll British way)! AND it also features Hugh Laurie in some of the seasons! Just too bad Curtis turned out to be such a twerp.

  45. Denise says:

    I’m so sorry about your leg, although very glad that the clotting is not worse! I will join the prayers for healing and a good trip for you.

    Oooh, books!

    I have heard fabulous things about “Left to Tell”: great story about faith in horrible circumstances. But I’ll focus on adventure books since I used to be really into those at one point and it seems a niche not too filled with suggestions yet.

    I also loved “Endurance” and “Into Thin Air”. For sheer “I can’t believe he survived that”, though, the prize has always gone to “The Long Walk” by Slavomir Rawicz. On a calmer, more drawn-out “adventure over years” perspective, I was in love with “West with the Night” by Beryl Markham for years and years; simply exquisite writing and she accomplished quite a lot in her time (if not actually managing a moral lifestyle – but that doesn’t show up in this book). And from my own neck of the woods: “Arctic Daughter” by Jean Aspen; sort of a female version of the guy who went into the Alaskan wilderness only sorta prepared for survival, but with a much better ending.

  46. Denise cooper says:

    Hi Jen,

    I would highly recommend the Jeeves books, both novels & short stories. They are laugh out loud funny, especially the earlier ones. I used to ride the train to downtown Chicago and would have people staring at me as couldn’t stop laughing.

  47. Jesse says:

    Said a prayer for your clotting and I hope that your pain eases. Congratulations on your pending little bundle!
    Jesse recently posted..7 Quick Takes

  48. Kay DeWitt says:

    Sean Connery from James Bond to his films of the 90′s- The Rock, Presideo etc amazes me and Also Harrison Ford from American Graffiti to any of his others.

  49. Jen G says:

    If you like “Jeeves & Wooster”, you may want to try to catch “Blackadder”. They’re stage comedies set at various points in history, with the main character being Edmund Blackadder. Hugh Laurie (Of House M.D.) is a part of the troupe that performs in those episodes. I think his main character is the Prince Regent, but he plays other roles as well.

  50. Susan says:

    Dearest Jen,

    Please remember to walk around on the plane when you fly, for the sake of your poor legs.

    Now, for the sake of a happy heart, try reading any of the Jeeves and Wooster novels that that great series is based on. I must warn you, though, that you may disturb those around you with uncontrollable laughter.

    My husband and I have often spoken of the amazing transformation between Bertie Wooster and House. Glad you’re enjoying the series.

    Also, I’m sure that I join all your readers in looking forward to many new Yaya stories now that she is so close by.

    Susan

  51. Robin says:

    Praying for your legs. Have you tried fish oil? I know that people have to stop taking it for two weeks before surgery because it thins your blood.

    Amazing actor moment: compare Dustin Hoffman in “Kramer vs. Kramer” and then “Rain Man”. Wow. Just wow.

  52. Erin P says:

    Sorry to hear about your leg… and the expense.

    I’m glad you like Brit comedy. My hubby, SIL and I can have an entire night in just watching Are You Being Served, Monty Python, etc. I’ve aways loved brittish comedy… not a lot of us yanks “get” it.

  53. Ah yes, Jeeves and Wooster. So funny! Wodehouse’s Mr. Psmith character (the ‘p’ is silent ;) ) is also hilarious. :) I have to second the Michael Ward recommendation!
    Julie @ The Corner With A View recently posted..Whats Right With the World

  54. Sandee says:

    #4 – Hugh Laurie is definitely very versatile. Another shocking transformation is Anthony LaPaglia – from drunken brother Simon on “Frasier” to update detective on “Criminal Minds”

  55. Leila says:

    I am so sorry about the continuing nightmare of the legs!! And the money…. OUCH!! Ah, the things we do to bring our children to life! “This is my body, given up for you” … pregnancy conforms one to Christ, especially pregnancies like yours. I’ll keep praying!

    As for books…. I highly recommend Architects of the Culture of Death, if you haven’t already read that. I love things that are systematic, logical and that actually teach me something new and useful. This book is not only compelling (each chapter is a small biography of fascinating and deeply troubled/sinful souls), but also educational. And one day, we need to teach our children about how the Culture of Death was built up around us.
    Leila recently posted..Values vs Virtue – and what kind of man your daughter will bring home!

  56. Sarah says:

    I hope you have safe travels, and feel better soon.

    I recommend “River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze” by Peter Hessler.
    Her traveled to China to teach English. This is a really interesting look at China. The author is Catholic, so he talks some about hardships his pastor had gone through, etc.

  57. Julie says:

    I know that you typically seem to read spiritual books, however the one that popped in my head was the one http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/guernsey//book/. I think it did because it was a great book (I “read” it via audiobook narrated by Juliet Mills) and because you had House up there on an earlier quick take. I know that he is British but for me, a House fan, to see him speak in his native accent is really weird. I will have to check out the Jeeves show, I enjoy British humor. The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and Literary Book Society (or whatever the name of it is) is a lovely book about Great Britian during WWII and is written in a fabulous format, has memorable characters, and is a bit educational as well. I do not remember any bad language. It is a feel good book with substance. I enjoy your blog a great deal and hope that your pregnancy goes well for you and your family.

  58. Katie says:

    Glad the leg is nothing too serious, but prayers for the pain!
    Katie recently posted..7 Easy and Healthy Snack Ideas Kid-Approved

  59. We have a Tassimo and love it! Only thing is that the pods are expensive :(

  60. Terri says:

    Brain Gails…”Fatherless” and the sequel “Motherless” can’t put them down. Excellent Catholic reading.

  61. Trista says:

    I can’t wait until Abby’s book arrives at my house.
    Trista recently posted..Quick Takes Friday

  62. Katherine says:

    For a book recommendation: The Lamb’s supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth witch looks at Mass as it relates to the Book of Revelations.

    As for actor transformations I think Meryl Streep from Silkwood to The French Lieutenants Woman.

  63. Jamie says:

    What interesting information about the publishing industry! Good to know!
    Jamie recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday – 20110114

  64. Just a thought about the clots: is it possible that the generic is not working as well as the name brand? I know this can be true for certain heart medications, although I don’t know if it’s true for this one. Something to ask your doctor.

    Also, do you know that Jeeves and Wooster was first a collection of short stories by Wodehouse? Very fun!
    Wendy from Zoom recently posted..Knitting Projects

  65. Kara says:

    He was also the dad in Stuart Little! When I watched it after having not seen it in a few years, I was shocked! Lol!! He’s a great actor.

    Enjoy your trip and the walk for life! We will be at the Phoenix one, I hope!
    Kara recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday

  66. Susan says:

    Praying for you regarding your clotting problem. I’m a little worried because riding in airplanes has been associated with blood clots in the legs. I’m sure you’ve discussed it with your doctor.

    I’m looking forward to more Yaya stories.

  67. Lisa Schmidt says:

    I’m in at #53 and 54. (53 is a broken link. Sorry Jen; I posted too quickly!) 7 Quick Takes on how to foster vocations in honor of National Vocation Awareness Week!

  68. I would highly recommend P.G. Woodehouse. My favorite is Uncle Fred Flits by. You have Yaya, he had Uncle Fred. My current favorite non-fiction book is Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky about saving Yiddish books. He won a MacArthur genius award for his work to save Yiddish books and he can tell a story.

  69. Jay says:

    Left to Tell was an amazing non ficton about the Rwanda genocide.

  70. Monica says:

    God’s Smuggler is an amazing memoir of a man who worked for years to bring Bibles behind the iron curtain. It’s by Brother Andrew. He’s Protestant, not Catholic, but it’s a really cool story!

  71. Debbie says:

    Glad to hear you are doing well, Jen. Prayers coming your way :)

    Just a few days ago I did some back searching on your blog under “books” and noticed one of the books you mentioned you were interested in is “The Hiding Place” by Corrie TenBoom(sp?). A fantastic true story that took place during the holocaust. I recommend it highly. Just to reinforce others’ recommendations for “Left to Tell,” “Into Thin Air,” (both non-fiction) and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” for fiction. Very easy to pick up and put down, pleasant writing style and good character development. A dash of history thrown in for interest that doesn’t get too heavy. A good story.

    Actors: Agree re: Daniel Day Lewis only for me I was thinking about him in “A Room With a View” (one of my FAVORITE movies) versus DDL in “Last of the Mohicans.” I, too, had to look closely to see if it was the same person!

    Cheers!
    Debbie

  72. Debbie says:

    oh, and p.s. “The Glass Castle.” After having two friends recommend it and assure me it was not depressing, I read it. I swear I read it slack-jawed with a mental “Oh my G_d, I can’t believe they did that!” Amazing story of growing up with very negligent, but loving, parents.

  73. Jet says:

    Jen,

    I love The Temperament God Gave You by Dr. Art and Larraine Bennett. It is extremely helpful and you will find yourself classifying people you know by temperaments. Great fun!

    Here is the online version: http://www.sophiainstitute.com/client/products/prodpdf/027.pdf

    Enjoy your time away!

    Pax,
    Jet

    • Jet says:

      Sorry for the confusion-not the full version, but an intro to each temperament, examples of saints with strong temperaments and a test to determine your temperament. Just enough to pique one’s interest in the book.

  74. Jamie Jo says:

    Hi Jen!
    I installed my first edition of this fun Friday thing you do!!
    Thanks for letting me join in!

  75. MemeGRL says:

    Just a quick note to say thanks for mentioning the “critical 2-week window.” I had never given thought to the pre-order numbers giving rise to support for the books but now that I think of it, it makes total sense. Have a good weekend!

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