Book Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)

Note: I originally posted this on the pop culture blog I share with my friend Chris. I thought I would post it here too since I'm still trying to figure out what I'll post here vs. there. :)

I’ve been a fan of Mindy Kaling since I started watching The Office at the beginning of the second season. I thought it was impressive that she was not only an actor on the show, but also a writer.  Then I found out she had a shopping blog and, for the posts she wrote, used the pseudonym Mindy Ephron. Every time my RSS feed showed a new post on ‘Things I Bought That I Love’ I happily hurried to find what semi-luxury item (at least according to my budget at the time) I might want to buy. It’s because of Mindy Kaling that I bought a <a href="http://shop.theslanket.com/" target="_blank">Slanket</a>, months before the Snuggie took over the world.  Based on this, it’s no surprise that when I found out she had a book coming out I preordered it for my Kindle and just waited for the release date.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns) is part autobiography, part observational, part style/shopping guide.  She starts off taking us through her childhood, college years, and post college years.  The struggles of adolescent friendship, wanting to be popular and have a group of friends, but also a friend who you share interests with.  I always enjoy hearing writers and actor’s stories of the struggling time between college and getting that first real entertainment job.  People have ended up doing the oddest jobs.  Mindy’s included babysitting for wealthy New Yorkers and being a Page for a network.  (So not really that odd for her.)

She also talks about The Office, of course.  I started watched The Office just after the second season started. I think it’s always been a good show, but, to me, the first 3 seasons are AMAZING. It was interesting to find out how she became a staff writer from creating and performing in “Matt and Ben”, and fictional play about the lives of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. (I’ve heard so many great things about that show. I really should try to track down a place to see a recording if one exists.)  It was also fun to learn a little bit about the inner-workings of the show.  I love this quote about putting the show together: “Our cheapness was the recurring source of our creative decisions.” In this section she also lists the differences and similarities of Kelly Kapoor and Mindy Kaling.

The rest of the book is more observational and covers topics like the once great romantic comedy and what went wrong with the genre, dating, the best friend code of conduct, men vs. boys, the random and fun pictures she keeps in her BlackBerry, and marriage.  Based on what I read, I know Mindy and would be good friends.  (I know I say that about quite a few people, this I know this one would be true!)  While we (ok, I) anxiously await the first romcom written by Mindy to be created and theatrically released pick up a copy of this book and enjoy the life and observations of a talented and funny 32 year old who, like me, loves pop culture.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book that I related to:

“I simply regard romantic comedies as a subgenre of sci-fi, in which the world created therein has different rules than my regular human world.”

“In psychology (okay, Twilight) they teach you about the notion of imprinting, and I think it applies here. I reverse-imprinted with athleticism. Ours is the great non-love story of my life.”

“The job I most wanted in the world was to be a writer on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. I can’t believe that was two Conan shows ago. It seems like yesterday.”

“It’s so simple. It’s not a witty, perfectly phrased, Ephron-y declaration by our charming, neurotic hero. It’s so … plain. But the idea is the most beautiful thing in the world.”  - This is in reference to Mark Darcy, played by the  ever charming Colin Firth, declaring to Bridget Jones that he likes her “just you are”. swoon

Grade: A
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Mindy Kaling's website
Mindy Kaling Twitter

Cross Post - Comic-Con 2011: TV Comes Out the Winner

A friend and I have a blog on all things we consider geekery (which is pretty much everything).  Here is a post on Comic-Con and TV this year: http://schoolforgeeks.blogspot.com/2011/07/comic-con-2011-tv-comes-out-winner.html

Third day of Comic-Con photo recap

I'm going to do a proper Comic-Con recap post later, but here are some photos of highlights of the day:

Me and Mrs. Garrison

I got embarrassed at the awesome Community panel. You can read out that panel on this post

I saw Xander (Nicholas Brendan)

A swarm of Doctors were around the BBC booth.

I went to South Park and "had myself a time".

Jason got a Flaming C cape (Chris, there is one coming to your house... and an oven mitt).

I meet a Smurf.

Well I am off to bed. I'm going to see The Doctor tomorrow and need my beauty sleep!

Last night I Monkee'd around

Growing up my Dad's musical taste was the main influence to mine. I endlessly listened to his records and cassette tapes. This collection mostly included music he grew up with from the 60s and 70s (his teen and early adult years). I would say it wasn't really until high school when I ventured out to find newer music and develop and expand my library of music. (Don't worry, I didn't miss out on 80s music, but that's really not relevant to this post. Maybe one day I'll tell you about my endless Madonna dance parties with her records the neighbors across the street owned.)

In addition to scouring my Dad's music collection I was lucky enough to be born in the age of the "invention of cable". This is what fueled my love of tv. While I watched all of the current programming, I loved reruns of shows from the 60s and 70s. In my early teen years, tween as they are referred to now, Nick at Nite gave me access to such great shows like The Musters, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, The Donna Reed Show, Mary Tyler Moore, and so many other ones (raise your hand if you actually have heard of Dobie Gillis. Yeah, I didn't think so. sad for you). One show I remember watching over and over was The Monkees. This show combined my two passions, music and television.

In the 80s The Monkees toured and I wanted to go to the concert, but my Dad wouldn't take me (looking at the dates I see why, I was only 7 or 8). Since then it's always been a regret of his. Last night we made up for it and saw that same portion of the group perform at The Greek. As is widely known, Mike Nesmith doesn't perform with the band anymore. Now when the Monkees tour it's a variation of Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork. This tour it's all three. The show was so great and really held to the roots of the tv show. They had comedic bits they did between songs that held to the comedy of the show. They looked like they were having a blast up on the stage (based on all of the stories you heard about the band in the early days, and later days too, who really knows if they were enjoying their time together, but since I'd like to think they were let's just say they were).

There was a big screen behind them the band that showed a non-stop stream of old videos and pictures. It was really neat. I got this on picture of the guys "then and now" (a Monkees lyrical reference for you fans).

I got a chance to see Micky and Davy when they were part of a summer concert series at DCA (Disney California Adventure) like 10 years ago, but last night was even more awesome because Peter was there and I remember him being my favorite when I would watch the show.

Hearing all of their songs again reminded me of how much I love them. During the show they gave shout outs to all of the fantastic songwriters they worked with. Did you know Carole King wrote "Sometime in the Morning"? I had no idea, but once Davy said that I could completely hear it in the song while he sang it. Some other fun stories or bits from the evening:

• Micky talked about when they went to England and meet royalty, no not the crowned royalty, The Beatles. Apparently, after a crazy night of partying he couldn't recall anything from he wrote "Randy Scouse Git". Love that song!
• Davy said that over the years he's stayed current music by listening to it with his kids and grandkids. He came to the conclusion that "Justin Beiber stole my haircut and Axel Rose stole my dance moves".
• Peter talked about how they got so much flack for not being "real musicians" and "real band".  The band fought for the right to play at their own shows so ironically they were a cover band for their own albums.  It was pretty funny the way he explained it. He then brought up the irony how in conjunction with them fighting to be a real band when they recorded the song they were about to play he actually played the harpsichord part on a harpsichord, but tonight he was on an electric keyboard so it would be a synthesized version of a harpsichord.
• Davy "pulled an Elvis Costello" and stopped the show to pay a quick tribute to Sherwood Schwartz, the legendary tv producer who recently passed,  by singing "Girl".  He sang that on the episode of The Brady Bunch that he appeared on. (Oh the blog I could write on my love for The Brady Bunch! I guess last night I finally got my chance to be like Marsha Brady since he sang it live to me like he did at her prom.  Let's just keep those footballs away from my nose!) The tribute was very sweet.  He also dedicated the song to his granddaughter who was in the audience.
• Ending the show with The Monkees walk... you know the one I'm talking about.

I feel so fortunate that over the past couple of years I've gotten a chance to see so many performers I've loved for a long time (who are all a bit on the older side). I always say I was born a decade or two late. I love so much about the 60s and the 70s (heck, let's even throw in the late 50s). Seeing Peter, Micky, and Davy last night performing together was kind of making up for that. Their music will now be back in full rotation on my iPod and I'll be revisiting other old favorites.

Once I figure out how to post videos from my camera somewhere on the web I'll post some of those. I recorded A LOT so I could relive it over and over! Until then you can head over to the album to see some pictures. (I took over 158 photos/videos so I got some that came out pretty good!) Photos from An Evening with The Monkees

Top Five of the Week: 5/2-5/8/11

1. Community - I still haven't seen last year's epic paintball episode, but I'm throwing part one of this year's episode on here because it brought my Sawyer back on tv.  *swoon* Josh Holloway. Now I'm missing Doc and Freckles.


2. Happy Endings - I know I already posted about this, but I'm really liking this show (when I thought I wouldn't).  They are kind of burning off the episodes (hopefully that doesn't mean anything) so we get two a week.  Zombie Dave and Hipster Penny made me laugh so hard!

Click here for the Happy Endings post


3. Food and Drinks - I tried out a gourmet Waffle place and had good wine this week.  (These things are also previously posted about)

4. Parks and Recreation - This show has totally hit it's stride this season.  How could they make me praise it more? Parker Posey! Parker played Lindsay Carlisle Shay, Leslie's (Amy Poehler) former best friend now professional nemesis.  Parker and Amy were great together.  It was a great way to have  guest star fit into the show.

5. Jack Sparrow - I'm a Lonely Island fan who really likes about 50% of the videos.  I really liked this week's digital short.  Here it is in all its Michael Boltoness:

Free Comic Book Day

When I was a kid I read Archie comics... that is the extent of my comic book background.  Having gone to Comic Con the last few years and being into the "nerd" culture, I've heard about Free Comic Book Day, but I never investigated.  This year I thought why not go and see what it's about.  From the website I found out that Realm Comics in Brea was participating.  I headed over there and picked up a few free issues and also bought a Buffy season 8.  I haven't read any of the Buffy comics, but I had been interested and wanted to support the shop.  I'm excited to dig into the books I got.  If you are observant you'll notice I did pick up a Betty and Veronica... Call it throw back to my youth.

What I'm Watching: Happy Endings

Are you watching the ABC sitcom Happy Endings? If not, you should.  I know, since it was put on as a past mid-season replacement you're thinking it's not good.  Normally I would probably agree, but in this case that would be wrong.  The advertising from the studio would have you believe that the premise of this show is friends choosing sides after the engaged couple of the group breaks up.  It's really just a show about friends.  I hope ABC loses the whole wedding branding stuff.  Otherwise the show might fall into the same struggles Cougartown and How I Met Your Mother have.  These shows each have unique characters and it's fun to see the interactions between all.  Ok back to Happy Endings...

It's got a great cast and just a few episodes in it already knows it's voice.  The show follows 6 friends: Dave (Zachary Knighton) and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) a former couple whose wedding day fiasco started off the series. Alex's sister, Jane (Eliza Coupe), and her husband, Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.). Max (Adam Pally), the friend who takes Dave in after Alex leaves him at the alter.  Lastly, Penny (Casey Wilson), the kind of kooky friend.

7 episodes in and I feel like I already know the characters.  Since it's shot single camera style there are flashback and cut outs (a la 30 Rock).  With each episode I'm laughing out loud and relating with the characters more.  How can you not love a show that shows us Jazz-Kwon-Do?

ABC Wednesday nights at 10 after Cougartown (which you should also be watching).

Here are a couple of clips to give you a feel of the show:
Max teaches Penny how to be a hipster



Penny finds out Jane is really good at self defense


Dave's friends can't tell him the truth

Quick Review: Twisted Vine Dessert

I love this wine bar in Downtown Fullerton. I went again last night after almost a year.  As always, I had some great wine, but that is not the reason for this post. For dessert we had a PB&H panini.  This delicious panini consists of peanut butter, honey, and banana. It's served with chocolate for dipping.  Just typing that out made me hungry. I wanted to share in case anyone happens to drop by The Twisted Vine... or wants to go with me!

The Twisted Vine

Quick Review: Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches

Waffles: Good! Sandwiches: Good! Waffles + Sandwiches: Great!


Tonight I ventured out with some friends, Chris and Ian, to try out Bruxie in Orange, CA.  I had heard great things, which I found to be true.  I'm me... so my order didn't venture too far from my normal.  I got a Cheesy Bruxie (basically a grilled cheese with a waffle as the bread) and a Strawberry shake.  Plain, but yum!

Chris got a Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle.  That's what I should have had.  I loved my grilled cheese, but the Chicken and Waffle was delish, and I only had one bite.

For dessert we tried the Nutella & Bananas.  It was another great choice. Sadly the shake really filled me up so I only had a few bites of desert.

I can't wait to go back and try more.


Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches
http://bruxie.com/
@bruxiewaffles

Top Five of the Week: 4/25-5/1/11

1. Dodger game - I went to my first Dodger game which was also my first time at Dodger stadium.  They lost so it was anticlimactic, but still friends made it fun.  I also bought a hat so I could celebrate LA (even though I live in the O.C.)

2. I Think We're Alone Now - I LOVE Netflix streaming.  This past Sunday I was 3 documentaries.  I Think We're Alone Now is a doc about 2 big Tiffany fans.  It was interesting how close they felt to Tiffany even though they don't know her... glad she has security.

3. The Office - Not the best episode, but it was Micheal Scott's last episode.  *tear*

4. The Lottery - Another documentary I watched on Netflix.  It is about the charter school system in NY.  I didn't know anything about the education movement and found it very interesting.

5. The Huntington Library - I hadn't been here before, but it is beautiful! I met up with a friend and we walked around for a few hours.  I can't wait to go back.  I'll post some pictures soon. 

iPad App Review: Zinio

I love the idea of being able to read magazines on my iPad.  I actually stopped buying magazines because they would just pile up unread.  The one problem with the most magazine apps is that you have to download an app for each magazine.  In comes the Zinio app. This app allows you to purchase and read multiple magazines in one app.  Also to save space you can remove them from your iPad and download them again later if you want to reread them.  As the owner of the small GB sized iPad I really appreciate that.  When you download the app and set up an account you get to try out some magazines.  Last weekend I decided to buy a magazine and really try it out.  I bought the latest issue of US Weekly (don't judge!).  It was great. I tweeted about the app and was lucky enough to get a couple of subscriptions for free.  I really like how the app functions, but I have a little concern with the charges.  I bought a subscription to Martha Stewart Living and the one issue of US Weekly.  A few days later I checked my checking account online and saw that I was charged a Visa international assessment for each purchase. Now the charge wasn't that much, but I was unaware of it.  I have emailed the company about and am waiting for a response.  I just found it odd, but it probably wouldn't stop me from buying more magazines since the fee was so small.  Tip: WebMD is a good free issue when you sign up.  It really shows the functionality of the app.

Top Five of the Week: 4/18-4/24/11

1: Community
This week's "clips" show was one of the funniest yet.   As a huge lover of 80s sitcoms,  I love that they do "classic" 80s sitcom episodes.  I loved the Glee parody, the love of The Cape, and the "flashback" of Britt stealing Annie's chapstick.  I've already watched this episode 3 times.


2: The Office
While not the best episode of the series, it won my heart with parody of Seasons of Love.  Jim Halpert singing a version of Rent *swoon*


3: God of Carnage
Today I went to see God of Carnage at the Ahmanson.  I really enjoyed the show.  We were lucky enough to see the show with all of the cast: Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, Marsha Gay Harden, and James Gandolfini.  The premise is two couples working out a situation between their sons and the craziness that ensues.  My friend, Chris, told me it's being made into a movie with Kate Winslet.  I'm curious to see that version.


4. Tina Fey & Steve Martin
Tina Fey is on a promotional tour for her book, Bossypants.  On Tuesday I attended an event where she was interviewed by Steve Martin about the book.  How awesome to see two such great people.  The questions Steve asked lead to answers that I'm sure are in the book, but it was still great.  I was hoping to get Tina's autograph in the book, but the line for that was crazy long and we decided against it.

5. Pinterest
This website is such a time sucker, but it's fun.  It's an easy way to share links and information amongst friends.  If you're on it let me know. 

Picture of the day

I got this as my fortune at dinner.  It's too perfect if you finish the phrase...

Top 5 of the Week: 4/3-4/9/11

I think I am the world's worst blogger.  It's been a month and a half since I post on here. (I'm glad I switched to the free blog) I really want to get better at it, but I always let other things get in the way.  My friend Chris reminds me.  I need to steal some of her motivation.  Anyway, I thought I would catch up on my top 5 of the week starting with last week.

1. Doctor Who

I have been meaning to start streaming this for the last couple of years.  I hear about it all the time and knew I would like it... I was right.  I'm halfway through the second season.  Lucky for me, Netflix has all of the seasons that have been released already available to stream.

2. My iPad

I recently got an iPad and I LOVE IT.  There are already so many fun things to do with it and recently I found another one.  There are some other shows I've been wanting to catch up on so I added them to my iPad.  I made a deal with myself that in order to watch those shows I have to be on the elliptical.  I'm hoping that it will make the time go by faster.  That hasn't been true yet, but hopefully it will be.

3. The Getty Villa

I this past weekend and it was fun.  It had been a few years since I had been and being there made me think I should go more often.  It was a beautiful day.  A good friend I hadn't seen in awhile also make it more enjoyable.

I think I will leave it at that for this post.  I was pretty busy with work and finishing my personal training sessions/working out last week so I'm behind on TV and didn't get out to to much else.  I also need to save my blogging energy so I can get another post up soon.  ;)

Top Five of the Week: 2/14 - 2/20/11

1. Greek

I really love this show and I'm not ready for it to end in a few weeks.  I really enjoyed this week's episode when the whole gang snuck into Dobbler's and hung out.  It was nice to see the whole group together.  It seems like that doesn't happen too much.  The writers are doing a great job with this season.  They are starting new story lines but you get a sense that everything will be tied up when the show is over... *sigh* DON'T END GREEK!  

photo from ABCFamily.com

2. The Office - Threat Level Midnight

This week The Office provided an episode that reminded me why I used to REALLY love the show and why I keep with it.  The detail and throwbacks always make you feel like you are a part of the group.  This week Michael Scott premiered his movie "Threat Level Midnight".  Any true Office fan remembers the episode, in season 2, when the entire Scranton office met in the conference room and read through the script.  That fan would also remember the romantic moment when Jim and Pam shared a grilled cheese on the roof... back when they weren't together.

It was fun to see Threat Level Midnight.  I loved that they brought back old characters. 

photo from NBC.com

3. Adele's new album 21
I love Adele.  I happened to pick up her first album, 19, after seeing it recommended online.  Talk about a great album!  Her new album is being release next week, but NPR has it available for streaming on their website.  I finally got around to listening to it this week.  I love it.  I have been listening to the first single, Rolling in the Deep, for awhile now.  The last song on the album, Someone Like You, is so powerful.  I can't wait to get the album so I can really listen to it over and over.

4. Nerdist podcast
I'm still getting into podcasts (meaning finding more to listen to).  The first one I tried was the Nerdist with Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray, and Matt Mira.  I really enjoy their conversational manner.  They posted their first episode a year ago the same time I started looking for one to listen too... I think it was meant to be.
This week the guest podcast had Colin Hanks.  I was listening to it at the gym trying not to laugh out loud too much.  I think the people on the machines around me thought I was crazy.

5. Words with Friends
I'm not big into playing games on my phone, but Words with Friends is different.  I guess it makes me feel a little more connected to people, especially when you're both playing at the same time and the answers come quickly.  I'm glad the android version was released this week.  I'm not great at it, but games are meant to be fun.

Quick Review: Broadway Nights: A Romp of Life, Love, and Musical Theatre

Broadway Nights is the story of Stephen Sheerin, an aspiring Broadway conductor.  The story was told in a fun unique way. The book is actually Stephen's diary that he is writing in the hopes of selling it as a book when he becomes famous.  His therapist, Monikah (yes, he goes off on the spelling of the name), suggested that writing down his feelings might help him work through some issues.  Throughout the book we learn about Stephen's aspirations to conduct a Broadway show, his less than perfect relationship with his boyfriend, and his interesting family.  Stephen even explains all of the Broadway terminology for his future readers who may not be versed in the theatre.


I really enjoyed this book.  Stephen seemed like someone I would be friends with, if he wasn't fictional.  I literally laughed out loud many times while reading this.  I'm really glad I just happened to see this when I was at the library last week.  I may pick up a copy just so I can read it again in the future.


Rating: Thumbs Up

Quick Review: How To Get Divorced by 30 - Sascha Rothchild

Just based on the title of this book it's not a surprise that I picked it up out of so many on a table.  Wouldn't you?  After looking at the synopsis I knew it would be a story I would enjoy.  The book is broken in to chapters that each describe one way the author, Sascha, headed to divorce before she was 30.  I found the book entertaining.  I didn't really relate to the author (our lives in our 20s were very different), but she tells her story with such honesty that by the end of the book you feel like you really know her.  This is a fun and quick read.

Rating: Thumbs Up

Top Five of the Week: 2/7 - 2/13/11

I've been wanting to do a regular/weekly type of a post to get me posting on here regularly.  This leads me to bring you the Top Five of the Week.  The items in my top five will come from things I see, read, and do (just like my tag line says).  I thought I would start with last week to get this segment up and running!

1. Disney Family Museum
I took at weekend trip up to Sacramento to visit my parents.  Normally my visits are wasted away shopping (my Dad loves to hunt down a deal) or with other various time wasting activities.  For this trip I suggested we hit up the Disney Family Museum in the Bay Area.  Overall I enjoyed the museum.  Lots of memorabilia from the family.  As someone who worked at Disneyland for over 8 years and taught orientation at the parks and the studios, I'm pretty well versed in the history of the company, so not too much of it was new information.  There was a really cool model of Disneyland near the end.  Since we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the museum you'll have to take my word for it.

The Disney Family Museum

We lucked out because the day we went there was a special event: Designing a Contemporary Classic: The Art and Process of 101 Dalmatians.  It was a panel with Floyd Norman, Andreas Deja, and Don Iwerks.  It was pretty interesting to learn how Ub Iwerks kind of developed the idea of using a Xerox machine for animation and hear stories about working for the company when business was booming.  I wish I had done some research on who was going to be on the panel because Andreas Deja was the supervising animator for Lilo (if you know me you know why I'm sad about my lack of preparation). 

Me with Don Iwerks,  Andreas Deja, and Floyd Norman

2. Used Book Sales
We stopped by a used book sale at a church prior heading up (over?) to the museum.  It kind of set the book buying craziness for the weekend.  On the plus side we didn't spend more than $2 on a book.  I ended up with over 50 books and probably only spent $40+.   


3. Family
It was great to see my parents.  Though, I'm lame and realized that I didn't contact my brother to let him know that I was in town.  What a bad sister I am.  Not that he'll ever read this, but sorry Jason!

4. Vino Volo at the Sacramento Airport
Great wine bar at the airport.  Great end to a great trip!

5. Broadway Nights: A Romp of Life, Love, and Musical Theatre by Seth Rudetsky
I just happened to see it on the shelf in the library and I'm glad I picked it up.  I really enjoyed this fictional story of an aspiring Broadway conductor.  Many times it had me laughing out loud.  I'm going to write up a quick review of this and another book I read over the weekend soon.  

2011 Reading Challenges

In my continuing quest to read 50 books in a year I have decided to complete a couple of reading challenges to assist in my picks.

2011 YA Reading Challenge

Harry Potter 2011 Challenge

I'm also challenging myself to reread 5 books.
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
2.
3.
4.
5.

Happy Reading!

Harry Potter 2011 Book Challenge

I read the first 3 books before the 1st movie was released... so this year I remedy that. I'm participating in Daemons Books Harry Potter Challenge.

Here are the rules:
Welcome to the first Daemon’s Books challenge, which is also the first 2011 challenge to start off the year. And since this year also marks the complete end of the Harry Potter series with the 8th and final movie coming out on July 15, we thought this was the perfect time to relive the entire series one more time to get ready for the final chapter.
So what does the challenge entail? Well, we will be reading books 1-7 (one book a month) and we encourage everyone to join us and participate. This will hopefully be a great opportunity for people who have already read the books to relive them with other people once agin. And for those who haven’t read them yet, well this is the perfect time to start.
But why should I participate, you might ask. Well in addition to monthly giveaways, we will have one BIG giveaway at the end of the challenge that you will not want to miss.
And to add to the excitement, Daemon’s Books is also partnering with its sister site, Daemon’s Movies, which will be hosting its own Harry Potter movie challenge in parallel. You can find all the information for the Daemon’s Movies Harry Potter challenge here. Feel free to participate in both challenges or just the one that appeals to you. I’ll of course be taking part in both.
So here are a few things you need to know about this Harry Potter challenge if you would like to participate:
The Books and Schedule:
1. January 1-31: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK) (January 17)
2. February 1-28: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. March 1-31: Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban
4. April 1-30: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. May 1-31: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. June 1-30: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. July 1 – August 31: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Note: The last book will be read over two months in case some people (me included) would like to see the final movie before re-reading the book.
How To Participate:
Each month:
Step 1: Read the assigned book for that month (see schedule above)
Step 2: Write a review or opinion piece about the book on either your blog or any of the following places:
Goodreads
Shelfari
LibraryThing
Amazon
YouTube
Our designated comment section (see step 3)
Step 3: Starting February 1, 2011 and at the beginning of each subsequent month we will have a post up for you to share links to your reviews, opinion pieces or to write comments (designated comment section). This will count as proof of your participation.
Note: Each proof of participation will give you one entry into our final big and exciting giveaway. There will be only one entry per book (no multiple entries even if you put multiple links). That means that if you complete the challenge from beginning to end and provide us with proof of your participation for each book you will have 7 entries.


Read more: Harry Potter 2011 Book Challenge | Daemon's Books http://www.daemonsbooks.com/2010/12/14/harry-potter-2011-book-challenge/#ixzz19o0g6sKJ

2011 YA Reading Challenge

This was a fun challenge last year so I'm doing it again. This year it's being hosted by For the Love of YA.

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Create a post about the challenge and link your challenge post up in the linky below.
--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.
2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.
--The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.
--The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. The Challenge starts on January 1, 2011 and goes until December 31, 2011.

I'm going to try the "Fun Size" Challenge this year.
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (January 17)
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2011 Read List

Continuing my goal of 50 for the year. Last year I made it to 36. :)  If I wrote a review the title is linked.  *l = from library *e = ebook  *a = audiobook If the book was part of a reading challenge it is noted.

7. Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time by Valerie Bertinelli (February 23) *a
6. How to Get Divorced by 30 by Sascha (February 13)
5. Broadway Nights: A Romp of Life, Love, and Musical Theatre by Seth Rudetsky (February 12) *l
4. Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz (February 9) *l
3. One Day by David Nicholls (February 5) *e
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (January 17) *l
1. Room by Emma Donoghue (Jan 9) *e