"l" is for...

There are books out there that everyone needs to read - books with cultural benefits, some as examples of outstanding literature, some for sheer entertainment or some for educational purposes. There are books that are worth learning to read for and those that you wish you could remember you'd read. Some of you may not be "readers" out there, and I understand - I used to be fundamentally opposed to fiction because I couldn't get past the fake people with fake names and fake lives. I've gotten past that aversion, and in the process, I've read quite a few books that I'd recommend.

The Five Love Languages is an eye-opening study of the emotion and expression of love. For anyone who's ever wondered why your husband, wife, significant other or even your friends just don't "get" you, this book could lend some great insight into why. The author Gary Chapman (not Amy Grant's ex) explores the different ways we offer and expect love from those around us and why we don't feel loved if these needs aren't met. Chapman also covers how God has shown us he loves us through each of the love languages. Sometimes, people are able to identify their language upon first seeing the words whereas others may need a little more information. If you're curious, here they are, in no particular order:

1) Words of Affirmation
2) Physical Touch
3) Gift Giving
4) Quality Time
5) Acts of Service

I've tried getting Kell to read this book for years, but it just sits on his bedside table collecting dust. For anyone who's slightly more interested, this has my seal of approval!

OK, I love a Brit. Especially one that looks like Hugh Laurie. I have to admit, I wasn't familiar with the actor who plays the shockingly harsh and offensive title character on the FOX series House M.D. And as much as I love television, there are just a few shows that I watch intentionally, meaning I make a point to set the DVR to ensure I get every new episode. House is one. The actors are great (primarily Hugh), the music is great (Hugh is also a musician - he's in a band with Bachelor Bob!) and the story lines are fascinating. Also, Robert Sean Leonard from Dead Poets Society, an absolute favorite movie of mine, stars along side Hugh as House's best (and only) friend, oncologist James Wilson.

The Eton- and Cambridge-educated Laurie not only is a dramatic and comedic actor (he's well-known in Europe as one-half of the comedy team, Fry and Laurie), but he's also a best-selling author and screenwriter and is a world champion in rowing. Plus, his birthday is 5 days before mine (I share a birthday with his wife). Hugh is known to hit the streets of his home London on a motorcycle, favoring the anonymity the helmet offers him. I plan on meeting him on my next trip to the UK. I'm sure he's as wonderful as I think he is. I'll let you know.