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

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.

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)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19
20.

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

Quick Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither is the first book in the Chemical Garden Trilogy.  Here is the synopsis from the author's site:

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

I enjoyed this book, but I thought it was missing something in the plot.  I'm hoping that "missing" feeling come from the fact that this book is setting up the story for the rest of the series since it's a trilogy.  I do think each book in a series should have it's own story in addition to the bigger series story, but that wasn't completely the case for this book.  Overall, I was really intrigued with the world that this story takes place in.

I like the main character, Rhine.  For the most part, she is a sensible 16 year old who is dealing with the crazy, dystopian world that she lives in to the best of her ablility.  I thought it was odd that she didn't question the disease more.  She didn't ever wonder why the men live longer.  I also liked her relationships with her sister wives.  They were interesting and dynamic.

I found it odd that because of the disease polygamy was found to be acceptable.  I understand they didn't want the human race to die off, but I didn't get the correlation between that and polygamy.  Was it a practice that was more accepted in the days of Rhine's parents?  I don't think so.

I'm curious to see where they story goes... so I'll be reading the second book when it comes out.

*I received this book as an advanced review copy from the publisher*

Enter Josie Brown's Giveaway to win a $50 gift card

Not too long ago I posted an interview with author Josie Brown. Earlier this year I read her book The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives. She posted a contest to win a $50 gift card to you favorite bookstore. Go to her website for the details and to enter: I Want to be your Secret Santa Contest

I'd wish you luck, but I want to win. ;)

Quick Review: You'll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again

I'm a big fan of the show Chelsea Lately.  I DVR it everyday so I don't miss an episode.  When I found out that Heather McDonald, one of the comedians and writers on the show, wrote a book I immediately bought it on my Kindle.  I finally got around to reading it.  Before I get into my thoughts here is a synopsis from the publisher's website:

"Can't a girl dress like a hooker, dance like a stripper, and kiss like a porn star and still be a nineteen-year-old virgin?"

You'll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again is the laugh-out-loud story of an attractive Los Angeles woman who found herself in the predicament of being an unwilling virgin. As an actress, writer, and stand-up comedienne, Heather McDonald passed up ample opportunities to have her V-card revoked by handsome, rich, and sometimes even fabulously famous men, but she could not bring herself to do "it" until well after her friends had been deflowered.



As Chelsea Handler so lovingly puts it, "Thank God Heather waited twenty-seven years to lose her virginity or she wouldn't have any material for this book." Whether in a backseat, a community pool, or a sports stadium, with a frat boy, a doctor, or an A-list celebrity, Heather McDonald knew how to turn those boys blue. Unlike "putting out," blue balling might not have paid her rent or landed her free trips to Hawaii, but it did provide her with hilarious stories and adventures in her search for true love—and, ultimately, her very own happy ending. Now, Heather McDonald will never blue ball in this town again.

While I love Heather McDonald on the show I didn't love this book.  The book consists of stories of Heather's relationships mostly in her 20s. Some the stories were interesting, but I didn't find myself laughing at any of them.  I tried not to compare this book to Chelsea's since they are different women, but it was hard.

This next part is a bit of a spoiler (I guess) - I think one of the main problems was the book seemed to be about Heather losing her virginity, but when she finally does it's not a big deal and she just moves on with her dating history.  If you like Heather (she is one of my favorites on the show) you will probably enjoy this book as a light, quick read.


http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=quicthou-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=1439176280

Interview with author Josie Brown + Giveaway

I recently had the chance to interview Josie Brown, author of The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives. This is one of the books I read for my 50 in 2010 challenge. I enjoyed the story very much. You can find my quick review here. At the end of the interview you'll see how to enter the giveaway for a copy of The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives.

1. Did you always want to be a writer?
I loved to watch Perry Mason reruns, so it was either that, or a lawyer...

In truth, though, somewhere deep down inside, yes, that was the case. I was always an avid reader (which is why I was wearing glasses at seven).

However, it was the day I brought my firstborn home from the hospital, that it hit me: you're a wife and you're now a mom. But what else defines you? That's when I sat down at my computer keyboard and began what I hoped would be my first novel. And yet, it took my fifteen years to write my first book proposal. By then I'd had a career in advertising and in journalism, which allowed me to right my first non-fiction book. That attracted my first literary agent, who was open to pitching my fiction proposal on TRUE HOLLYWOOD LIES. That book went to auction (three publishers wanted it) and that was the start of a new definition of "me."

2. What is your writing process like?

For me, a premise for a story can come from anywhere In fact, the novel being released in April--The Baby Planner--came to me while I was sitting in the reception area of my physician's mammography center. I flipped open a magazine and read about this interesting job some women have created for themselves, in which they take on the responsibility of helping their time-stressed pregnant clients prepare for the births of their babies: things like shopping for baby gear, baby-proofing their homes. planning the baby shower. I thought to myself: "Wow, now THERE's a book!" My editor loved the concept, and a book was birthed.

Once I have a concept, I then do a working outline. I start with a lot of "what ifs" that become plot turns. For example, in SECRET LIVES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES, the what ifs were: "What if a nasty divorce made a Master-of-the-Universe hubby change course and fight for the kids, the house, the dog--the life that he's worked so hard to support for himself and his family?" And "How can such a divorce affect those who are on the outside looking in, like the neighbors?"

Every book as a beginning, a middle and an end. Usually what happens is that people will have the premise (beginning) and maybe figure out the end. But it's the middle--those 300 or so pages--that is the sticking point. For me, outlines help you move through the process more efficiently.

3. One thing I really liked about The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives was how real Lyssa seemed. I really felt for her as I read the book. How do you come up with your characters and stories? Is any of it based on real life?

Thanks, Jenn, for saying that! It made my day!In fact, I received an email from someone who wrote that, as she read Lyssa describe the lack of passion her marriage, she felt as if hers was being described as well. Lyssa ending is not tragic, nor sweet, but bittersweet. I wish that could be the case in real life, but, alas, it rarely is such.As a journalist who deals with relationship trends and advice, I've been exposed to various marriage scenarios that aren't always happy ones. I try very hard to make my characters realistic--although you'll note that others in SECRET LIVES provide some comic relief. Believe it or not, even they are based on the actions of people I know personally, or (horror) stories I've heard about neighbors or "mean mommies."

4. Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I love to read spy novels and mysteries. John Le Carre is my all-time fave spy novelist. Martin Cruz Smith has a great character in Arkady Renko, and his books are wonderful social commentaries on Russian society. I recently did a book event with Jane Smiley, Joshilyn Jackson, Tatjana Soli and Eileen Goudge, and have all their books, which share riveting plots and great characters with sublime turn-of-phrase. I've read everything Edith Wharton wrote. One of my favorite comedic novelists in Allison Pearson, who just came out with a new book, I THINK I LOVE YOU.

5. What are your favorite books to give – and get- as gifts?

HAHA! Ironically, I usually give non-fiction books as gifts. This year's holiday gift will be Lissa Rankin MD's, WHAT'S UP DOWN THERE, a great non-fiction book for women about...well you guessed it: everything you'd ever want to know about "down there!" It's not only informative, but funny, too! One year we gave Jon Stewart's AMERICA - THE BOOK. Another year it was LETTERS FROM A NUT. As you can see our taste runs to humor.

6. What book are you reading now?

I have SO MANY books on my bed stand! This month I've read ENEMY LOVER (Karin Harlow) and BACKSEAT SAINTS (Joshilyn Jackson) and would recommend both highly. The first is a balls-to-the-wall Special Ops paranormal romance, the second a humorous, heartfelt story about love, murder, and redemption.As soon as I finish THREE STATIONS (Martin Cruz Smith) I'll be starting I THINK I LOVE YOU (Allison Pearson) and then ONE IN A BLUE MOON (Eileen Goudge)

7. How do you like to spend time when you’re not writing?

I love hiking. If I don't do at least five miles a day, I don't feel whole.

8. Are you working on anything new right now? Do we have a new book to look forward to?

I just turned in THE BABY PLANNER. I'm working on EXTRA CURRICULAR, which is about a cheating scandal at a posh private school that has its roots in an infidelity that took place in the previous generation. Lots of sex and scandal!

9. Do you have any closing comments for your fans?

I appreciate each and every one of them! What drives me, daily, is the thought that I'm creating a riveting story with lots of compelling characters that will make you wish the book had never ended. I appreciate it when you know I've accomplished this goal. Just email me at mail@josiebrown.com

Jen, I invite your readers to go to my site -- http://www.josiebrown.com -- and read the excerpt of SECRET LIVES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES. There they will also find some of my reviews. Everyone who posts a comment below regarding the review they liked the best will be entered in a contest in which I'm giving away a free copy of the book.
-- Josie Brown

Well, you got the challenge. Head to Josie's website and check out the excerpt. Leave a comment on this blog about your favorite review and be entered to win a copy of The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives. The contest ends on November 8th. Make sure to enter with a valid email address so I can contact the winner!

Me and Marlo Thomas

Tonight I attended a books discussion/signing for Marlo Thomas' new book Growing Up Laughing.  I used to love watching re-runs of That Girl on Comedy Central when I was little.  It was also on tv paired up with Love American Style, but I don't think that was on Comedy Central... anyway.  Also, who didn't love her as Mrs. Green on Friends?  I was super excited when I saw that this event was happening.  Apparently the advertising wasn't that great because there was not too many people there.  Of course that is in comparison to when I saw Carol Burnett.  Both events took place at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.  Tonight's event was moved from the theatre to the lobby.  I liked that they did that because it made the evening feel more intimate.

Unfortunately, since I just found out about the event last week, and had to finish MockingJay this weekend, I didn't get a chance to read the book before attending.  Marlo told some great stories.  Hopefully some of the gems are in the book.  Rabbi David Baron was the other half of the conversation and did a great job.  In the beginning he pointed out that not only was Marlo's childhood amazing since she grew up around comic legends and geniuses, but she appreciated the fact that these people were around.  Where as most teens would want to get out of the house and not deal with their parents' friends, Marlo knew it was special that she was able to spend time with these guys and wanted to hang around them as much as she could.

Not only does her book contain stories from her life it also has interviews with other comics.  I'm excited to read the interviews with Conan, Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Lily Tomlin, Jerry Seinfeld, and more.

One thing I really liked was just how positive she is. She said that she would always tell her funny family stories to friends and they told her she should write them down. It seemed that she hoped these stories would inspire and bring joy to others.

The fun evening was wrapped up by getting my copy of the book signed and a photo with Marlo.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=quicthou-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=140132391X


Marlo said she just started a new website. One of the features is Laugh of the Day. She gave a statistic (which I have forgotten) about how less adults laugh than kids do on a daily basis. She hopes this will give everyone at least one laugh a day.

New Kindle (said in Oprah voice)

I guess the title of this post is really appropriate since it's due to Oprah that I bought a Kindle in the first place.  Way back in 2008 I really wanted a Kindle, but the steep $300 price tag kept me away.  I somehow convinced my Mom she needed a Kindle too and we both longed for one.  Then one day when I was, inexplicably, watching Oprah she had an episode featuring one of her "favorite things" and it was the Kindle.  She gave out a a promo code for $50 off a Kindle. The promo code only had the life span of a few days so Mom and I broke down and each got one.  I LOVE my Kindle.  I haven't tried any other ebook readers, but with the selection and prices Amazon has I think it can't be beat. (Funny how I was happy to pay $250 and now it's only $189... oh the life of an early adopter) I even had a problem with the screen on my original device (the screen just went black one day) and a day later Amazon sent me a brand new device (still first generation).  The Kindle 2 and now Kindle 3 are a little smaller and have new features so I have been wanting to upgrade for awhile.  Here is a picture of the Kindle 1 and how big the buttons are to change the pages.  They are SUPER easy to press... which is very annoying.



So when I received a reward card for signing up for new cable service I decided to splurge.  This baby is on its way soon to me, hopefully.





I'm also really excited it's not white since my original Kindle gets dirty really easy.

I have plenty to read while I wait.  This weekend I am going to finish (if I say it like that I really hope it will come true) MockingJay



And this week I picked up Patti Lupone's memoir from the library.   This year has been about the memoirs/autobiographies for me....

Anyway I was so happy I thought I would share my news with the world... or just Chris who is the only person who I looks at this blog... and I'm sure that's just occasionally. ;p

***UPDATE***

I was able to find a Kindle at Best Buy... so I have it! WOOT!

Restarting the 2010 Reading Challenge

Ok, now that life has settled down I'm back on board with the reading.  I'm starting with MockingJay (which I have been looking forward to since I finished Catching Fire earlier this year).

2010 Reading Challenge Block

So it's been a few weeks since I've finished a book.  I'm about a month behind in my reading challenge for 2010.  I hope after I feel moved in and my parents leave (they came down to help me move and I'm not wishing they would leave sooner) I'll be able to pick it back up.  I have 4 books I wanted to read.  The list keeps growing with every book blog I read. I'm still hoping for 50 in 2010.

Books I am reading or want to read:















1. Magic Kingdom for Sale. Sold!
One of my co-workers recommended this book to me.  Since we have similar tastes in most things I thought I would give it a try.  It's more fantasy style than I normally read, but so far so good.


2. MockingJay
My awesome friend Chris got me the Hunger Game series for my birthday this past week.  I read Hunger Games and Catching Fire earlier this year (but will be reading again) and I since I finished I have been looking forward to this book.  I may start with this one when I begin again.


3. One for the Money
I've been hearing about the Stephanie Plum series all year and it sounded interesting.  I finally bought it for my Kindle and am about 6 chapters in. I really like it!


4. Living Dead in Dallas
I really want to read the all of the Sookie Stackhouse books, but I'm having trouble getting into this one... and it's only the second book.  I think I trouble stems from  True Blood.  When a book is transformed into a movie or tv show I like to read the book first.  I know the novels are different from the show and as I read this book I keep comparing it to the show and trying to remember what happened into compared to the book.

Quick Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I don't know if this book can really be reviewed quickly, but here I go...

Even though this wasn't my typical type of novel I enjoyed it.  To be honest it took me awhile to get into it.  The first few chapters seem so scattered and individual... it wasn't too interesting.  I told myself it was all for character development, since it's a trilogy, and I believe I was right.  Once the story really gets started it takes off.  The story telling is done in such a graphic way at some points that leads me to give you this advice: when you get near the middle don't eat dinner and read like I did. :p  Here is a brief synopsis from the author's website:

Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomqvist is hired by Henrik Vanger to investigate the disappearance of Vanger’s great-niece Harriet. Henrik suspects that someone in his family, the powerful Vanger clan, murdered Harriet over forty years ago.
Starting his investigation, Mikael realizes that Harriet’s disappearance is not a single event, but rather linked to series of gruesome murders in the past. He now crosses paths with Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker, an asocial punk and most importantly, a young woman driven by her vindictiveness.
Together they form an unlikely couple as they dive deeper into the violent past of the secretive Vanger family.

One thing that I don't think helped was reading the book via my Kindle.  The Vanger family is quite large and there is a family tree in the beginning of the book that I couldn't skip to easily (though right now I realized that maybe I could have set a bookmark for future reference).  My small brain had trouble remembering who was who, but it didn't seeem to really matter.   The story is not only about the Harriet Vanger mystery, but also goes into a scandal that Mikael is involved in.  To me, it was like two different stories... though the scandal is what allows Mikael to become part of the Vanger family mystery.  I don't want to give anything away, but once you get into it the story is compelling and difficult to put down (even though I read it over a three weeks).  I'm really looking forward reading the second book.

Quick Review: The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives

The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown follows the life of Lyssa Harper and her fellow residents of the exclusive and privileged Paradise Heights community.   Here is a synopsis from the publisher's website:

Suburbia is a jungle, filled with lots of vicious creatures.

Take the Paradise Heights Women’s League board. Lyssa Harper should have warned golden-haired DILF du jour Harry Wilder what he was getting into when she invited him to meet the mommies who run their suburban, gated community. At least he brought cupcakes. Since meeting the former Master-of-the-Universe turned stay-at-home single dad, Lyssa has been his domestic Sherpa, teaching him the ins and outs of suburban life. She just didn’t realize her friends would show up at his house unannounced with casseroles, leopard-print bikini briefs, and plans to rearrange his kitchen cabinets.

The truth is, if Harry and his wife, the neighborhood’s "perfect couple," can call it quits, what does that mean for everyone else? Lyssa’s husband, Ted, is a great father, but he pays her Pilates-pumped momtourage more attention than he does his own wife. Her friends gossip about the neighbors while ignoring their own problems: infertility, infidelity, and eating disorders.

When Harry sets boundaries with his new fan club, he is exiled from the neighborhood’s in-clique. But Lyssa refuses to snub him. What she never expects is the explosive impact her ongoing friendship with Harry will have on her close-knit pals—and on her marriage.

I found this book to be a fun summer read.  I'm not too ashamed to admit that I love me some Real Housewives tv shows... and this book falls along the same vein.  (This is also the first book I have read with praise from Jackie Collins on the cover... so there you go).  While the story mainly follows Lyssa, you also get to know the other residents of her commuity.  I really like Lyssa as a main character.  She has heart and a good head on her shoulders.  It's easy to see how she has gotten into a life that she's not 100% thrilled with (haven't we all be there one time or another).   If you are looking for something fun and quick for the beach... this would be a good choice.

Quick Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson is the story of  Lennie, a seventeen year old girl, who is coming to terms with the loss of her older sister and moving on with her life while falling in love for the first time.  Here is the synopsis from the the author's website:

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery sister Bailey.  But when Bailey dies suddenly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, finds herself struggling to balance two.  Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own.  Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent.  For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it.  But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

I really enjoyed this book.  It is a sweet story with characters, though quirky and at times a little over the top, you could see in your own life.  I like the additional use of storytelling through Lennie's notes/poems throughout the book.  The notes were additional insight to her mind and where she was at in the grieving process.  Most of the love stories in YA novels annoy me due to the quick and unnatural pace of the relationship, but in this novel you can see the progression and understand why the young love birds become connected to each other.  If you are in the mood for a story that tackles some real life issues without being overly serious you'll enjoy this story.