The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

 

So I finally got around to reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. It read like a southern Soap Opera, with characters so alive in their descriptions and emotions that I felt as though I knew these people as flesh and blood, rather than paper and ink. The entire story is an enjoyable one, and if you're looking for something that is a light read while still being rich enough in plot and wording that it feels like you're not just reading fluff, this is it!

 

Wishful Drinking

by Carrie Fisher

 

Carrie Fisher's memoir (and one woman show) Wishful Drinking, is hilarious and slightly sad at the same time. Fisher has a great comedic voice, while still being able to maintain a sadness when discussing certain poignant events in her life. It was great to learn about her family life growing up with two of the most famous faces of their generation (Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds), as well as hearing her thoughts on how Star Wars screwed her up for life. A quick read that is great if you need a chuckle or to feel better about your own situation.

 

Committed

by Elizabeth Gilbert

 

I actually enjoyed this book much more than Eat, Pray, Love. I know, I know - what is my problem? Well, I actually found the author to be quite whiny in the first memoir, but in this one, her humor is much less bitter, and more robust. I think that this is due in part to her falling in love with Felipe and peacefully co-inhabiting with him for a year. This memoir, rather than focusing on finding love, deals with what to do when marriage is being forced down your throat be the Homeland Security Department. Gilbert proceeds to interrogate women from different ethnicities, religions, and cultures on their thoughts on, and traditions of, marriage. Full of insight, I felt that this book was very informative, and still had a good plot to it, rather than merely being a history of marriage throughout the world. If you loved her first book - or even if you didn't! - you'll love this one as well.

 

Beautiful Creatures

by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

 

If you loved Twilight, READ THIS BOOK! IT'S BETTER! Set in the Southern town of Gatlin, Ethan can't wait to get out of town. Then, when a mysterious new girl shows up, Ethan is suddenly in less of a hurry to leave. With Southern voodoo mixed in with Civil War culture and Caster magic, this novel is a brilliant new title for anyone looking for another romantic book to fill the void left by Twilight.

 

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress

by Rhoda Janzen

 

This book seems to be making the rounds at the store; Mia, Andrea, Barbara & myself have all read it now. It is laugh out loud funny! Rhoda has the most comical voice when recalling her self-reflective journey back to her Mennonite(ish) roots after her husband leaves her for Bob from Gay.com. A quick and funny read for anyone looking for an upbeat memoir.

 

Official Bookclub Selection

I recently finished reading Official Bookclub Selection by Kathy Griffin.

It's her memoir of trying to succeed in Hollywood as well as her personal autobiography.I find her hilariously funny and since I am a huge fan of her show (My Life on the D-List), I figured that I would enjoy her book. Talk about an understatement! I was laughing out loud at many of the funny tidbits that were scattered throughout the book. What I didn't know about her past life really made me have more respect for her as a person and really admire how hard she has worked to get to were she is in her life. A funny read for anyone who needs a little pick-me-up!

Shakespeare Wrote for Money

So I finally broke down and read my first Nick Hornby book, Shakespeare Wrote for Money, which was really just a collection of articles that he wrote for The Believer Magazine about what reading he did every month. I found his voice to be very entertaining, and I also learned some interesting things about him as well. For instance, did you know that mystery writer Robert Harris is his brother in law? I had no idea, and it was nice to see that there is a comradery between those two. I always am interested in what other people are reading, so finding out what a well known author was reading was intriguing to me.  If you're looking for something short yet enjoyable, that has some great reading suggestions, pick up this book.

London is the Best City in America

I had picked up London is the Best City in America about a year ago and put it down because it didn't initially grab me. Well, I gave Laura Dave's book another try and I really enjoyed it.

The story itself was about dealing with a sibling who's getting married but has also having an affair. The icing on the cake is that the main character has also just gotten out of her engagement and is still trying to cope with that. An interesting debut novel that grips your heartstrings and makes you think about the relationships in your life.