My mother is a teacher and reading was always a big deal in our house. She always said, "it doesn't matter what they read, as long as they read."
Don't be ashamed to read children's books, classics, religious, silly, romance novels, or anything on Oprah's book club list. Here are some of my favorites of 2008!
"Are you there God, it's me Mary Margaret." By Judy Blume- One of my favorite books ever. I have re-read it in my twenties at least 3 times. Anyone who is looking to find themselves and grew up with something in life not like the others, will relate to Mary.
"Are you there Vodka, it's me Chelsea" by Chelsea Handler- Can you guess where she got her title from? Chelsea is a comedian with no boundaries and she is hilarious. She has a late night tv show on E, called Chelsea Lately, and it is a great way to get the news and laugh! This is her tale of growing up and her relationship with her father. It is a quick read and there are plenty of laugh out loud parts, but she tells it like it is and she talks openly about her life, including her sex life and drinking, so this is one I would not recommend to my Mother. Catch my drift?
"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert- This is my all time favorite book ever! I have recommended it to my Mother, and several friends all who have thanked me. It is moving, touching, inspiring, and literally makes me think about my life differently! READ IT!!!
"Such a Pretty Fat" by Jennifer Lancaster, while I am on it also read "Bitter is the New Black", and anything by her, you will not regret it!- A friend recommended this to me and I have recommended it to friends and my sisters, and now we are all fans! Check out her blog too http://www.jennslyvania.com/. These books are hilarious, and are her adventures through unemployment, marriage, career moves, and dieting. She is hysterical, and I now live my her Jen Commandments. Warning- Don't read in public, because you WILL be laughing out loud!
"Clapton" by Eric Clapton- I love Eric Clapton, so this was a must for me. If you say you don't know any of his music, I will prove you wrong...You look Wonderful tonight, Layla, Tears in Heaven, In my Father's Eyes, you have heard him..trust me. He has an amazing journey, he taught himself how to play the guitar, overcame a major drug addiction, and played with Hendrix, Winwood, Pink Floyd members, and Fleetwood Mac members, before any of them became household names. He also fell in love with George Harrison's wife of the Beatles, and she left him for Eric. He also lost his son in a tragic accident, where he fell 32 stories out of Manhattan Apartment window. This is an honest book written by the best guitar player, in my mind. My favorite Clapton song is Old Love...download it!
"The Other Boelyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory- This is a long one, but worth your time. Read this first, then watch the movie, it is completely different than the movie and much better. After you read this, watch Elizabeth 1 and 2, and then begin the Tudors TV series. Which are all some of my favorites, but this book will help you understand the characters in all of these, and you will appreciate that you read the book!
"Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer- Get them all...you will not be sorry! These are a quick read, and I understand the second book gets a little slow (haven't started it yet), but my sister saids to stick through it as the last ones are great!
I will continue to update...
