Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu

Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu by J. Maarten Troost

I picked this book off the "Note Worthy Non-fiction" table in Barnes & Noble for a few reasons:

1) I have heard the title mentioned to me by a Californian girl I met in New Zealand who was living in Vanuatu as a peace corp personal, and she recommended the book to learn something about Vanuatu

2) I was completely shocked that I recognized the title as a recommendation

3) Its a travel novel about some Pacific Islands

4)There is a topless man drinking out of a coconut

5) It says "Getting Stoned" in the title.

Those seem like five good reasons. I have now laid on the beach here in Key West, Florida getting through the first thirty pages and I love it. I like how the author writes. And even more I like what he has to say about the western world versus his life in the pacific isles.

This is going to be a good read.

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream

By Paulo Coelho

Thank you Thank you Elizabeth Barnes. This sending of thanks far exceeds the giving of a simple book. The Alchemist has given me much more than some leisurely hours reading. It has made me laugh, smile and ponder the wonders of human kind. Okay, that may be a bit much, but the book is incredible. It was one of the first times I finished a book and thought to myself, “Alright, let’s read it again.” I have only reread a few book, so this is an exceptional reaction.

The boy is a traveler, so there’s the first reason I liked the book. Secondly, every few pages there is a quotable line applicable to most people’s lives. It could be advice or just worldly knowledge. Thirdly, the book touches on the powers of love and knowledge. I whole-heartedly believe in both of those to be very powerful things in life.

The boy follows his dream, literally. He doesn't give up when people tell him he is crazy. He doesn't even know what his dream is really about, but instead of letting that stop him, he lets the unknown fuel him and his desires to reach his treasure. This beautiful story of courage and adventure is what makes being a traveler so fascinating.

The Alchemist is full of useful, thought-provoking stuff. I’m overly impressed and satisfied by my read. Thank you again Elizabeth Barnes for giving me your beloved copy.

The Only Road North

The Only Road North by Erik Mirandette

I am in the middle of this wonderful book. Wow. What an adventure Erik has embarked on in Africa. I'm not quite finished and yet would recommend this book to everyone! Thank you Kaity Ruhland for letting me have this beautiful book. My Dad read it when we road tripped to California and he sends his thanks!

The Irresistible Revolution

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne.

This book has been recommended by many of my friends. I hope to pick it up soon.

Crazy Love - Recommended by Carolyn

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

I am always looking for book recomendations. This book was recommended by Carolyn Yang. Thanks!

Check out their website CrazyLovebook.com.

Into the Wild

This book will always hold a lot of meaning to me. I have seen the movie literally ten times. The book is amazing, too. This story is touching, exhilirating to read. Jon Krakauer is an amazing invesitagative journalist. He makes me want to be a journalist more than anything.

This story is really intense. Alexander Supertramp has some major issues that he needed to work through. His story can be twisted into so many thigns. I really enjoyed this book.

Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

This book was a gift from my good friend Lauren Callison who is always challenging me in the best of ways. She gave this to me when I graduated high school, yet I finally picked it up when I was in Italy.

This book found me at an interesting time in my life. I was asking a lot of questions and looking for answers, so I am glad this book found me when it did.

All church leaders, and even all church go'ers should read this book. It has a really intriging spin on 'civilized Christianity.' I enjoyed his point of view. However, similar to Rob Bell's Sex God I found McManus somtimes beating aroudn the bus. He speaks a lot about being a barbarian (hints: the title of the book), but he does not always explain what he is talking about in very good detail.

Hopefully, this book finds you when you have an open mind about religion.

Also the book is super short, so its a good quick read.