friday: library books (what i’m reading)
It’s hard to read the paper this week; the images and stories of the devastation in Japan make me sad and scared. I’m sad so many people lost their lives, their homes and their sense of stability. I’m scared there may be worse things to come. I can’t remember when we had this many natural disasters, at seemingly epic proportions, in such a short space of time. Am I imagining things, or is there A LOT of havoc being wreaked all over our planet?
In times like these, I look to others for words of wisdom. Books are such a salve, and, if I’m being completely candid, a way to forget about the bad news for a little while.
I decided to take the boys on a much needed trip to the library yesterday. Dane is reading certain books for the fifth, sixth and seventh times and reminded me he was desperate for something new. Even though I’m deep in the middle of ‘No Impact Man’ (which I got at the Borders sale and am engrossed in), I thought it would be a good idea to check out a few myself.
‘Simply Organic’ is beautifully photographed and the author, Jesse Ziff Cool, runs a restaurant in Palo Alto – Flea Street Cafe. I’ve heard about it but we haven’t gone yet. Maybe we’ll get a chance this rainy weekend (I’m relieved to report the boys’ camping trip to Point Reyes was cancelled – only 40MPH winds and 18 ft swells could deter my intrepid husband and the Boy Scouts).
‘Recipes from an Italian Summer’ looks amazing. I hope to do a little daydreaming about the meals we’ll enjoy in Italy this summer.
‘The Art of Eating In’ is another book in my favorite genre: real life account of author’s yearlong [BLANK] project. As you know, I’m a big fan of ‘Julie and Julia’, “The Year of Living Biblically’, ‘The Know-it-All’, ‘The Happiness Project’ and such. This one is about author Cathy Erway’s attempt to dine at home for not one but TWO years.
‘Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother’ has been recommended by two friends: Judy and Nina. It’s quite a hot button topic (this author’s parenting style); I’ll let you know what I think.
‘Mini Shopaholic’ is a terrible book in a series that really should have stopped after the second one. These books really annoy me (maybe why I don’t read fiction all that much?) but it’s a great antidote when I’m itching to shop (which I am). I can’t stand the main character because she NEVER changes; every other character is more interesting and/or nice. Has anyone read this series? What are your thoughts?
‘The Girls’ Guide to Everything’ reminded me of my boys’ favorite books, ‘The Big Book of Boy Stuff’ and ‘The Dangerous Book for Boys’ – here’s a version for grown-ups.
I hope you’re cozy if it’s raining where you are (it is here). I hope to make a dent in the pile above!
I agree with you on the Shopaholic series. I read I think the first book, and then tried to read the second and I put it down after the first few pages. Becky just annoys me too much. I think as escapist fluffy chick-lit reading goes, there are many better options. I’ve read a couple of Sophie Kinsella’s other books (both under her name and her pen name, Madeleine Wickham) and they’re better (no super-frustrating main character). Jane Green is also good. The Devil Wears Prada may help satisfy your shopping "sweet tooth." Also, I’ve started really liking Maureen Johnson’s books lately. They’re technically young adult books, but have a much wider appeal than that, in my opinion.I’ll be very interested in what you have to say about the Tiger Mother book. BTW are you on GoodReads.com? Kinda fun place to trade book recs and reviews.