The Reader in Me is the Reader in You

Luscious Lemon - Heather Swain

Copyright 2004

Synopsis: Lem is NYC's hottest chef with the newest trendiest restaurant in Manhattan. She gets pregnant in the middle of her success and needs to learn to balance and deal with the fact that a child is going to be thrown into the mix.

This was such a cute story. I loved how the author told the story from the fetus' point of view at times. All of the sections that involved Lem's crazy aunts were funny and the boyfriend was pretty realistic. Very enjoyable.

Solomon Sisters Wise Up - Melissa Senate

2006-08-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Solomon Sisters Wise Up - Melissa Senate

Copyright 2003

Synopsis: Between the reality of being six weeks pregnant by a guy she’s dated for two months and the fantasy of pushing a baby stroller down Columbus Avenue with a wedding ring on her finger were a lot of possibilities for twenty-nine-year old Manhattan publishing peon Sarah Solomon. Will the baby’s father run screaming for the nearest subway . . . or pop the question?
"He’s going to deny they ever had sex!" bets cynical sister Ally, an uptown lawyer who catches her "perfect" husband cheating . . . and happily retaliates on FindAMate.com.
"He might surprise everyone and propose," offers half sister Zoe, a celebrated relationship guru who critiques dates for a living but would have to rate her own love life a big fat zero.
"Huh?" asks their clueless father, too busy planning his society wedding to trophy wife #3 to notice what’s up with his daughters. Until Sarah, Ally and Zoe find themselves suddenly sharing a bedroom in his Park Avenue penthouse . . . . "

I enjoyed this book. The sisters were pretty real and the story was really interesting. I liked watching their relationship progress, and I liked the happy endings for all three. Sarah deserved to marry her boyfriend and have a cute baby, Ally deserved to find happiness after finding her husband fucking her pilates instructor and Zoe getting together with an old friend was nice to see.

700 Sundays - Billy Crystal

2006-07-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

700 Sundays - Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal's one man show is based on these stories about his life with and without his father who died when he was 15 years old. It's funny and heartfelt at the same time without any schmaltz.

Bed Rest - Sarah Bilston

2006-07-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

Bed Rest - Sarah Bilston

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Q gets pregnant and has a rough pregnancy and needs to spend the next 6 months in bed. This story is about how Oprah can only keep you occupied for so long until you really go crazy.

I was a little sad though when the baby was in danger and that Q needed support that the other characters never gave her.

Fashionably Late - Beth Kendrick

2006-07-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Fashionably Late - Beth Kendrick

Copyright 2006

Synopsis: When Becca breaks off her engagement to her boyfriend of 5 years to move to LA and pursue a fashion career, it's more than she can handle. She moves in with her sister and meets Connor, a well-known womanizer/crazy man, and falls for him.

I hated how Becca took such a stupid fashion deal. When the bad guy (I can't remember the name at the moment) ripped her off at the end I didn;t feel sorry for her, at all. I did like the little twist at the end with Connor though - I didn't expect them to end up together.

Rescuing Rose - Isabel Wolff

2006-07-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Rescuing Rose - Isabel Wolff

Copyright 2002

Synopsis: Rose, an advice columnist who has just been dumped by her husband is trying to start her life over at 39. When she buys a new house she can't really afford, she decides to take a flatmate, Theo. Theo is a younger man, an astronomer and all right nice guy. Together with her best friends Bea and Bella, and neighbour Bev - Rose tries to find happiness in this new chapter in her life.

Wow. This book was funny, sad, happy, cute....with lots of twists and turns. The author had me guessing what was going to happen with Rose. I loved how her parrot was a nutso and that her stalker was the dog next door (I thought that was clever). Bev, Theo, the twins and Trevor were all real and Ed was the perfect villian. Rose herself, was so relatable even though I am not 40, or adopted or divorced lolol.

Crossing the Line - Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2006-07-16T22:25:00.001-07:00

Crossing the Line - Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Jane finds a newborn black baby outside on the street. She takes her in and names her Emma. She must learn to deal with motherhood right away and the possibility that Emma might be taken away from her. SHe gets a little help from her ex-boyfriend and makes some new friends along the way.

Cute story - Jane was a little shallow and stupid at times but there were a few funny parts. I enjoyed that she got to keep the baby at the end of the book.

Debutante Divorcee - Plum Sykes

2006-07-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Debutante Divorcee - Plum Sykes

Copyright 2006

Synopsis: Sylvie is a newlywed whose glamourous new friend Lauren is tops in New York high society. She gets caught up in the new wave of debutante divorcees and has to deal with all that comes with them. The Make Out Challenges, Divorce Showers, Socialite Babies and other happenings all keep Sylvie on her toes as well as keeping track of her busy-as-a-bee businessman husband.

Meh - it was ok. Sylvie was likable but the other characters were wretched. Overrated.

Dispatches from the Edge - Anderson Cooper

2006-07-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dispatches from the Edge - Anderson Cooper

Copyright 2006

Who knew Anderson Cooper could write?? I have quite a bit of respect for him after reading this book. I'm not the biggest fan of CNN buthe makes them palatable. He asks real questions and is genuinely interested in finding the truth in places like Bosnia, Niger, Iraq and New Orleans. He also intertwines the story of his life, his father's death and brother's suicide. It's a short interesting read from one of America's finest journalists.

Spooning - Darri Stephens

2006-07-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Spooning - Darri Stephens

Copyright 2006

Synopsis: Charlie Brown, fresh out of college moves to NYC with her three girlfriends. She decides that they need to learn how to cook so she sets up a weekly cooking club where everyone must bring one dish and a recipe.

I really liked this book. Charlie was a great character and the surrounding peeps were believable. I enjoyed all of Tara's sordid escapades and Charlie's adventures with Mr. JP Morgan. Oh, the Martha Stewart spoof was quite funny too.

Pink Slip Party - Cara Lockwood

2006-07-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Pink Slip Party - Cara Lockwood

Copyright 2004

Synopsis: Jane's been laid off from her job and what follows is a funny tale of unemployment and the pressures of finding a job. She takes a roommate to help her keep her apartment (which is owned by her crazy French landlord) and together they decide to take down her old company.

Jane was irritating but her friends were amusing. I especially liked her tight-ass brother who kept giving her grandfatherly career advice. I also enjoyed the twist that her mom got a job and her dad was the one who was fired. The whole pot-smoking rocker dude was funny and the plot to take down the Staples-type company was great.

Slightly Settled - Wendy Markham

2006-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Slightly Settled - Wendy Markham

Copyright 2004

Synopsis: Tracey is back in the new skinnier chapter of her life. She goes back to her old job but under a great new boss and meets a new man. Jack also works for the same company and the heat is on! Is this a rebound relationship or is this the real thing??

I like sequels. This one was ok - I'm really not feeling Tracey's codependency and it gets really old really fast. Jack seemed like a good guy and I guess they stay together since there is a third book about them. I wish there was more interaction between Tracey and her friends, Kate and Raphael. Either way I'll pick up the next one whenever the library gets it in.

Fashionistas - Lynn Messina

2006-06-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

Fashionistas - Lynn Messina

Copyright 2004

Synopsis: Vig Morgan is a 29 year old associate editor at the most popular trashy magazine in Manhattan. When the time comes to overthrow her crazy boss, she gets involved (she's the linchpin) in an elaborate plot to do so.

I liked this book a lot. Vig was a great character - she was so real, and her sardonic manner kinda reminded me of myself. I liked the side story of her relationship with Alex though I would have liked a little more of that. I loved the ending with the getting together of the weird artist and her best friend Maya. I also died laughing over the "art" mentioned - Jesus in drag. Muahahaha.

The Cinderella Rules - Donna Kauffman

2006-06-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Cinderella Rules - Donna Kauffman

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Darby Landon left DC for Montana as a child and never looked back. The life of a wealthy socialite never appealed to hre and she found solace in her ranch in Big Sky country. When her sister Pepper calls for a favour Darby reluctantly gives in and goes back to DC to host an important client of her estranged father. She then finds herself in the middle of 2 Prince Charmings...what's a girl to do???

Cute story with a completely ridiculous ending. I liked the cheesy love story (though it was EXTREMELY porny) but the author lost me with the feeble mystery plot involving Pepper as an Interpol agent. Riiiiiiiiiiiight. Good beginning, terrible latter half.

Learning Curves - Gemma Townley

2006-06-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Learning Curves - Gemma Townley

Copyright 2006

Synopsis: Jen Bell, fresh off a breakup is back in London where she has taken a job at her mother's consulting firm. Thinking that her estranged father is involved in some shady coverups regarding Tsunami aid, her mother makes her enroll at her father's rival consultancy firm's MBA program to try and get the truth.

Meh. My friend Steph said that she's noticed how all the chick lit books are trying to fit mystery's into it and this is no exception. We didn't really get to know Daniel all that well and the whole thing with her father's heart attack was stupid.

Escape the Bridezilla - Jacqueline Demontravel

2006-05-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Escape the Bridezilla - Jacqueline Demontravel

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Emily Briggs doesn't want to become one of those "bridezillas" when her boyfriend Heny proposes to her. They take every big step a couple does when they are about to get married - well, skipping one important thing...planning the wedding! Emily and Henry take in a roommate to offset the cost of their new apartment and he proves to be a better roommate than either one of them thought.

This was totally cute. Emily is a likable character and the guys in the book were actually pretty realistic. There wasn't much of a twist - it was really predictable but cute. I liked how the author explained Emily's artwork in detail and how the characters were different than most of these kinds of books. Henry was an illustrator rather than a lawyer or a banker and J3 was a video game designer. I recommend this one.

Mine are Spectacular! - Lynn Schnurnberger

2006-05-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Mine are Spectacular! - Lynn Schnurnberger

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Sara is a forty one year old art teacher/cook from NYC. She's engaged to be married and also a busy single mom. Surrounded by her best friends Kate (dermatologist to the stars) and Berni (ex-LA agent) she must come to terms with a new tv job, the reappearance of her ex-husband and all the complications of becoming a step-mom to her fiancee's 14 year old daughter.

Another enjoyable story. Sara and her friends are a joy to read about and combined with the charming male characters, whis makes for a great (though predictable) light read.

If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend - Alison Pace

2006-05-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend - Alison Pace

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Jane Laine gets sent on an adventure with her gallery's number one artist, Ian Rys-Fitzsimmons, but not by choice though. Her maniacal boss forces her to leave or lose her job. She's told herself that she doesn't like Ian but their adventure takes them to London, Rome, Chicago and Santa Fe. Ian ends up being what she's been looking for this whole time.

I enjoyed this story once it finally got going. There is a hilarious interlude where Jane's family has dinner and the Schnauzers sit with the guests. Then they have a tradition of "passing the Schnauzer on the lef han side." I laughed out loud on the passage. I also really liked Jane's character - she wasn;t too whiney and needy. Ian was a good character and totally cute when he talked about loving the long plane rides. The Schnauzer thing was definitely the funniest thing I've read in such a long time since it seemed so random!

A Total Waste of Makeup - Kim Gruenenfelder

2006-05-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

A Total Waste of Makeup - Kim Gruenenfelder

Copyright 2006

Synopsis: Charlie Edwards is a personal assistant and confidante to Hollywood's most popular actor. On the brink of turning 30, she realizes that she wants the married life and for everyone to stop thinking she's a lesbian because of her singledom. She meets someone who appears to reciprocate the feelings but things take a strange twist...

I hearted this book a lot. Probably just as much as The Boy Next Door or I Do but I Don't. Charlie is a great character and Drew...Drew is the best non-protagonist ever. He's hilarious and just plain funny. I also enjoy all of the interactions with her family, especially the wedding. The ending took me a bit by surprise (well except when jordan shows up) cuz I didn't see Dawn and Drew breaking up at all.

And God Created the Au Pair - Benedicte Newland and Pascale Smets

2006-05-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

And God Created the Au Pair - Benedicte Newland and Pascale Smets

Copyright 2005

I'm not going to write a synopsis because simply, there isn't a plot. This book is a series of e mails written between 2 sisters. There's no plot and no real big mystery but for some reason I totally got sucked into the banal normalcy of these two women's lives. All the funny mishaps in regards to their children (especially Hugh) just made me laugh.

Exes Anonymous - Lauren Henderson

2006-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Exes Anonymous - Lauren Henderson

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Rebecca is obsessed over the break up with her boyfriend Patrick. Her friend Davey is concerned that this is consuming her life and sets up a support group for people like her, called Exes Anonymous. Every week Rebecca and her group members meet to get over the pain of (not) being in love.

This was a fun read. Finn and Daisy were great supporting characters and I did not see the twist of Jim's abusive wife coming at all. Actually the end of the book surprised me overall and it was nice to have read a not-so-predictable ending. I thought Rebecca was very real and really funny. Again I was shocked by the sudden break up with Jake and I actually did think Finn and Daisy would end up together...

Soap Suds - Finola Hughes

2006-05-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

Soap Suds - Finola Hughes

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Kate McPhee is a British actress and the newest sensation on a popular American soap opera. Starting a new life in America proves to be fruitful as the author takes us behind the scenes of the soap opera industry.

This was a great and fun read. Kate was a funny character and I found myself rooting for her at the Emmys and against Meredith. The characature of Susan Lucci was fabulous and I couldn't stop laughing when she entered the book. Any book that gives major Buffy props is a good thing in my books.

Wolves In Chic Clothing - Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman

2006-04-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wolves In Chic Clothing - Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Julia is a clerk in one of NYC's finest jewellery stores. She catches the eye of the owner's daughter who is roughly the same age. Lell, decides to take Julia on as a NYC society protege and with the help of her friends, she turns Julia into the "next big thing."

I enjoyed this book a lot. I really liked the fact that the authors delved into all the characters. Lell and Polly were beotches and they were balanced by Hope's good heart. Amy's told me stories about these kinds of women - she babysits for them - and in a few parts I could totally see her telling me something similar. I saw on the book jacket that they compare Julia to "Eliza Dolittle" but somehow I doubt the comparison because you just know that a girl who comes from a vineyard owning family in Napa has money. Maybe not society money, but she's not dirt poor.

Loose Screws - Karen Templeton

2006-04-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Loose Screws - Karen Templeton

Copyright 2002

Synopsis: Ginger's life turns to shit when her fiance runs out on her, her boss is murdered, her apartment burns down and she's forced to move back in with her eccentric mother. She has to turn her life around somehow, exactly how - she's not so sure.

I hearted Ginger. She was a bit of a retard when it came to her relationship with Nick the cop. I was glad that she made up her mind at the end and I liked how the author slowly put Ginger's life back together. The surrounding characters were great - especially Nedra and her affair with Ginger's ex-fiance's brother. I liked the relationship between Ginger and Nonna - the crazy wops in Brooklyn totally remind me of my family (a little) and I can relate to the craziness of the BBQ and stuff.

A Million Little Pieces - James Frey

2006-04-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

A Million Little Pieces - James Frey

Copyright 2003

I don't need to do a synopsis here since everyone and their dog knows about this book. I read it in a couple days and it is intense, honest, heartbreaking and explicit. I don't give a shit that Frey embellished the truth a little in the book - he's frank and honest about the way he felt and dealt with his demons. They are HIS memories and the changes don't affect the overall theme and tone of the book. I empathized with him a lot more than I did with Elizabeth Wurtzel when I read her books. Props to Frey for making this issue mainstream and for Oprah, to bringing it to the public. I will probably get My Friend Leonard at some point.

So 5 Minutes Ago - Hilary de Vries

2006-04-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

So 5 Minutes Ago - Hilary de Vries

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Alex Davidson is a publicist in LA. She's single and in a town of fake bags and fake boobs. She hates what she's doing and longs to be back in NYC where she was a writer. When a corporate merger shakes up the agency, she finds herself in the middle of some shady dealings. It's for Alex to shit or get off the pot.

Meh. I wasn't impressed - it was a lesser version of the Twins of Tribeca. The satire was weak and the plot convuluted. It also didn't help that the characters were dry and uninteresting. I'd avoid this one if possible.

Gimme an O! - Kayla Perrin

2006-03-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

Gimme an O! - Kayla Perrin

Copyright 2004

Synopsis: Hot off the bestseller list, Dr. Love is trying to reconcile her lack of a love life, with her success of her book, The Big O. When she meets Anthony Beals, a star NFL QB - her life turns upsidedown as he brings her along for the adventure of a lifetime.

I enjoyed this book. Dr. Love cracked me up and the little twist at the end, where Ginger turned out to be a bigamist was clever - I didn't really see it coming. Anthony was not your typical black QB as he was soft spoken and literate lolol. I think I'd read another of Perrin's books - fluffy enough to pick up and put down whenever I needed but interesting enough to keep me interested.

An Ex to Grind - Jane Heller

2006-02-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

An Ex to Grind - Jane Heller

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Melanie Banks married Dan Swain, star receiver for the New York Giants when they were both starting out in New York City. 13 years later, Mel finds herself in the middle of a nasty divorce -the tables have turned and Mel's the successful breadwinner, while Dan has turned into a lazy loser, after a career ending injury. Pissed off that he's wasting her alimony on Cristal and strippers, Mel seeks out a famous matchmaker, to find Dan a new lady so he can cohabitate with her for 90 days thus having the alimony payments stop. When Dan's new lady helps him turn himself around, Mel starts falling back in love with the man she married.

I liked this one too. Mel is funny - though I do have a bit of trouble envisioning a VP at a major financial firm would spend her days preoccupied with getting her ex a new girlfriend. Ah well - Mel is funny and the ending was interesting. I heart how Buster played a big part in the story, but rolled my eyes a few times when they referred to themselves as "mommy" and "daddy" - pets are not children, the end. Entertaining fo sho.

Little White Lies - Gemma Townley

2006-02-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

Little White Lies - Gemma Townley

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Natalie Raglan has just moved to London and is finding it hard to meet people and lead the glamourous life she envisioned for herself when she moved from Bath. She opens a letter addressed to the woman who used to live in her flat and mistakenly takes on her persona.

This was a cute story. Not spectacular, and I was annoyed that she lied to Simon about who she was the entire time, and even more annoyed that he took her back so easily. If someone lied to my face about EVERYTHING, I'd be hurt, pissed and devastated. Simon just said ok right away, so that bothered me. It was a nice easy break from the insanity of ESL.

Diary of a Mad Mom-To-Be - Laura Wolf

2006-02-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Diary of a Mad Mom-To-Be - Laura Wolf

Copyright 2003

Synopsis: Amy Thomas is back in this sequel to Diary of a Mad Bride. This time she and Stephen, married for almost 2 years, decide to try for a child. When she gets pregnant, she's not ready for the changes in her body and finds out the hard way that pregnancy makes you have "dog nose" or "excessive flatulence" and of course, "CRC aka Can't remember crap."

This was a cute story and nice to revisit some old friends. Amy is a likable character - strong and funny and there's something about her that makes anyone relate to her (whether you've have children or not). The Anita storyline was a little bit odd and I think she was setting up a book about Anita. Stephen is a neat character, a perfect compliment to Amy and I loved how tarty her sister became since the last book.

Beyond the Blonde - Kathleen Flynn-Hui

2006-02-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Beyond the Blonde - Kathleen Flynn-Hui

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Georgia Hawkins, from Weekeepeemie , NH moves to New York City to become a colorist in a brand new salon. Jean-Luc's salon becomes the hottest salon in town and Georgia, is the most sought after colorist. Balancing her roots in new Hampshire, and her success in NYC, she wants to know if there is more to life than colouring the roots of Manhattan's socialites, celebrities and executives.

This is an easy read. Georgia was likable as were most of the characters. I did like how she hooked up with Massimo and how the author did mess with any of the relationships. I guess we all hit that point where things are fine stagnant, but as her mother said "anything worth living requires some risk" and Georgia's apprehension taking the risk is what makes this novel work. I would have liked to have seen more Patrick. Jean-Luc was hysterical, so was Richard (Ricky lolol).

Size 12 Is Not Fat - Meg Cabot

2006-02-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

Size 12 Is Not Fat - Meg Cabot

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Heather Wells is an ex-teen pop star, in her late twenties and forced to take a job at New York College's residence hall. When 2 girls are murdered, Heather takes it upon herself to find out what's going on, even if her friends think she's crazy!

Meg Cabot is definitely one of my faves, and when I saw that she had a new book out I was excited. This isn't bad, per se but I didn't like it as much as her others. The caricature of the Justin Timberlake (I think she was going fo JT here) was hilarious and I enjoyed all the scenes with Jordan. I wasn't really sure where she was going with Heather's music career. She made it a point to mention that Heather was writing new songs and also develped the relationship between her and Cooper, but again went no where with it. Maybe she's setting up a sequel? I dunno. I'd rather see a sequel to The Boy Next Door.

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner

2006-02-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything - Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner

Copyright 2005

An interesting read to say the least. It did ask some pretty wacky questions, like "What do sumo-wrestlers and school teachers have in common?" or making the correlation between employment and names parents pick out for their children. He tried to make a connection between abortion and crime rates - I don't think people on either side of the abortion debate would be thrilled, because it's not life or choice, it is what it is - without trying to give too much away for those who read this blog. I know this was supposed to be information for the masses but I would have preferred more numbers and conventional economics formulas for some of his hypotheses. The cover of this book is one of the best I've seen - the apple/orange picture fits the "unifying theme" (hehehehe) for those who've read the book.

The Twins of TriBeCa - Rachel Pines

2006-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

The Twins of TriBeCa - Rachel Pines

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Karen Jacobs takes a new job as an assistant in the publicity department at Glorious Pictures. She is subjected to the life of someone on the perimeter of Hollywood.

This is a scathingly hilarious satire of Miramax Studios. Set in NY, Karen's trials and tribulations are hilarious and I love the references to real celebs but with masked names. The Person (hahaha) was my favourite, along with the Mel Gibson character and the hip-hop peeps. Karen was a strong female character and I really liked how this book didn't centre on a love story.

September 11: An Oral History - Dean E Murphy

2006-02-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

September 11: An Oral History - Dean E Murphy

Copyright 2002

So, I remember 9-11 pretty vividly even thought I was 5000 miles away from where it happened. The stories of survival and narrow misses are not warm and fuzzy nor do they try and purport a huge moral message of acceptance. These people are sad, heartbroken, and strong and they were lucky to have made it out of the wreckage alive. It's very sad to read about how the survivors knew that the firefighters and police officers weren't coming back - those terrorists had no problem with killing innocent civilians, secretaries, brokers, janitors, etc - I didn't know anyone personally who died in the towers, Pentagon or in PA, but these first hand stories kinda make it feel like I did...Interesting to say the least, but I don't think I could read it again.

Underneath It All - Traci Lords

2006-02-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

Underneath It All - Traci Lords

Copyright 2003

So, I wasn't expecting much, I picked this up on a whim and finished it in a couple hours. I'm not surprised that Traci Lords (nee Nora Kuzma) was sexually abused as a child...it seems like a lot of people in her profession have shady childhoods. I was impressed that she became involved in Children of the Night. I'm a little disappointed that her life wasn't as scandalous as Janice Dickinson's (Janice named names in her book) but it was a good, quick read nonetheless.

Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls - Rachel Simmons

2006-02-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls - Rachel Simmons

Copyright 2002

This was a very interesting read. Simmons compiles numerous experiences from a variety of women and girls. The psychology of girls is interesting and disturbing. I'm glad I'm an adult now lolol.

Dixieland Sushi - Cara Lockwood

2006-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

Dixieland Sushi - Cara Lockwood

Copyright 2005

Synopsis: Jen Nakamura Taylor is interesting woman, who refers to herself as being successfully assimilated. An identity based on being half-Japanese in the American South leads to a seperate, unequivocal life as a TV producer in Chicago. She has to go back to Dixieland, for her younger cousin's wedding, taking her crush/buddy, Riley with her as her date.

I'll just keep my Cara Lockwood lovefest going. I really enjoyed this read and finished it in a night. Jen is a great, well-rounded strong female character. Sometimes with these kinds of books the women are, well, idiots. Jen is not. Her sister Kim is awesome and their mother Vivien is a great character as well. This book reminds me of all the Asian_Canadian lit in Vancouver, but on the fun side! The characters are realistic and the story cute and fun. I loved Riley, Nigel Riley and was happy with the way the book ended.

Excuse Me While I Gush...

2006-02-04T00:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've been totally engrossed in English grammar this past week because I have to teach restrictive relative clauses next week, to my intermediate class. As you can tell (I'm not really sure who I'm talking to here since I think myself and Steph might be the only one who read this blog haha!) I like to read and the intensity of this course is kicking my ass, and I am having a heck of a time trying to keep up my pace. Anyway, last week I found my new favourite author...Cara Lockwood. Now, you might just roll your eyes since you see all the chick lit on this blog (lolol) but she really is good! I just read most of her blog tonight and guys, check her out. Her books are fun and touching and she likes Buffy!!

http://www.caralockwood.com/

Word.

PS I Love You - Cecelia Ahern

2006-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

PS I Love You - Cecelia Ahern

Copyright 2002

Synopsis: Holly is trying to deal with the death of her husband Gerry. She just turned 30 and the life she imagined has been shattered. Gerry, knowing he was about to die, left Holly a package of notes, one for each month of the year - with explicit instructions to follow his last wishes. He includes everything from entering a karaoke contest, a holiday in Spain to finding her dream job.

This is a great read. Holly is a great character and her surrounding relatives and friends are very fleshed out and real. Holly's feelings seem real and I wonder if the author experienced a similar situation. I liked the flashbacks, which let the reader know Gerry, almost as well as the characters did. I did want Holly and Daniel to get together but the unpredicatable ending impressed me.

The Other Woman - Jane Green

2006-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Other Woman - Jane Green

Copyright 2004

Synopsis: Ellie and Dan are headed to the altar for a lifetime of love and happiness. Ellie lost her mother in a tragic accident when she was a teenager so when Dan's mother, Linda, latches onto her, she feels like she'll have the family she's always wanted. Things change as the wedding nears and the soon-after birth of her son Tom.

I like this book - I didn't like the way Ellie treated Linda after the baby was born. I thought she became unlikable and self-indulgent. I did like the way it ended though - it was obvious that they were going to get back together and I liked how Ellie went back to part time work.

Teaching English Overseas: A Job Guide for Americans and Canadians - Jeff Mohamed

2006-01-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Teaching English Overseas: A Job Guide for Americans and Canadians - Jeff Mohamed

Copyright 2000

This is a good reference for those of us looking to relocate overseas after our TESL training is finished. I am really glad I picked the CELTA program as he gives the advantages and disadvantages of CELTA vs other TEFL certificates. There are sample resumes and CVs as well as a pretty good list of agencies and language schools all over the world. I requested the newer version of this book and am curious to have a look at what's new in the EFL world!

See Jane Date - Melissa Senate

2006-01-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

See Jane Date - Melissa Senate

Copyright 2001

Synopsis: Jane, a struggling assistant editor at a NYC publishing house, needs a boyfriend fast for her cousin's wedding extravaganza. She goes through a series of blind dates, some good, some not-so-good and some downright horrible. An unexpected friendship is found through a former foe and Jane discovers that she's not so alone afterall.

Another cute story about finding love in the big city. There were a few really touching moments - especially the memories of Jane's mom and dad, who she lost when she was a teenager. I also really liked the storyline with Natasha - it didn't end as I thought it would either.

I Do (But I Don't) - Cara Lockwood

2006-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

I Do (But I Don't) - Cara Lockwood

Copyright 2003

Synopsis: Lauren Caldwell is a wedding planning machine. She is hellaorganized (save for the frizzy mass of hair on her head) and always ready for any mishap on B2B's special days. When she meets Nick Corona, your typical hot fireman, her life turns upside down.

I loved it. Pure and simple. This book reminded me a little of the J-Lo movie called the Wedding Planner. Lauren is a very likable character with some flaws and Nick is the perfect hero. I hearted the way the got together and the way Lauren's confidence evolve. I enjoyed the little twist at the end with Darla and the brothers as well as all the action at G's house. Entertaining, funny, and a lot of heart make this book one of my new favourites so far!

New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer - Bill Maher

2006-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer - Bill Maher

Copyright 2005

Highlights include: "Deliverance," "Biker Chic," "Devout of His Mind," "Hooked on Ebonics," and "Muddle Ground."

Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs - Cheryl Peck

2006-01-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs - Cheryl Peck

Copyright 2002

This is another memoir - this time by a middle aged lesbian. She's funny and a great storyteller. I enjoyed the stories about how she ended up with 6 rakes in her basement, how she learned how to swim, and all the stories about her little brothers and sisters.

Teacher Man - Frank McCourt

2006-01-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Teacher Man - Frank McCourt

Copyright 2005

Frank McCourt's memoir of his teaching days is as lyrical and engaging as his previous works. It's like he made teachers human again hahahaha. It was funny, tragic, modest and self-deprecating. I only wish Frank McCourt taught at my high school!

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim - David Sedaris

2006-01-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim - David Sedaris

Copyright 2004

I like David Sedaris, but this one is still meh to me. I loved Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day...I dunno it just seemed a little stale and less authentic. I did enjoy "Six to Eight Black Men" and any story that involves his brother Paul. Sedaris is witty and sardonic in tone but when he paraphrases his brother it cracks me up.

Diary of a Mad Bride - Laura Wolf

2006-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Diary of a Mad Bride - Laura Wolf

Copyright 2001

Synopsis: Amy (and apparently everyone else around her) never thought of herself as the marrying kind. When Stephen proposes she becomes the one thing that she abhors...the Mad Bride!

Good format - diary style. Amy is a likable character and her fiance Stephen is great. It's a cute story about how getting married can frazzle the most grounded person.