Bright Lights Big Ass

Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl’s Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster

I found myself quite amused by Lancaster’s first memoir “Bitter is the New Black.” Her sarcasm earned her a place on my “authors to read” list. In this follow-up, she shows that life in the big city isn’t always glamorous. She contrasts real life with fake life on Sex in the City. If only life could be how it is portrayed on TV!

First, if you don’t enjoy sarcasm you should stay away from Lancaster. Many reviewers of her books seem to take everything she says at face value. In my opinion, most of what she says is flip and meant to be humorous. Is she a bit judgmental and maybe a bit immature? Sure. But I think she plays a lot of that up to make it more amusing. Overall, I really like her. Well…aside from the Fox News thing, which I just can’t say I approve of.

At times, this is LOL funny. Kudos to Lancaster for putting herself out there!

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: An Insider’s Look at the World of Flea Markets, Antiques and Collecting by Maureen Stanton

Description from Amazon:

“Whether it’s Antiques Roadshow or American Pickers, or any of the number of TV shows on flea markets, the world of collecting inspires a cult following of millions of Americans. Celebrated author Maureen Stanton takes readers behind the scenes and deep into the “flea-o-sphere,” following master antiques dealer Curt Avery from the populist mayhem of flea markets, to the rarefied realm of high-end antiques shows, to the heart-pounding competition of auctions. Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is a captivating tour of the outrageous world of American antiques, jam-packed with colorful characters, high-stakes scores, and insider tips for all who seek hidden treasure.”

My thoughts:

I love this hobby. I don’t go antiquing nearly enough, but when I do I love the feeling of finding unique treasures. This is a great book for the collector.

Blood Feud

Blood Feud: The Hatfields and the McCoys: The Epic Story of Murder and Vengeance by Lisa Alther

My knowledge of this famous feud is limited, so I hoped to learn more about it. However, I soon realized that I should have stuck with the condensed wikipedia explanation.

Overall, this book is nominally informative, but I was pretty bored. I had a hard time keeping track of what was happening.

Survive

Survive: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere-Alive by Les Stroud

If you are stuck in the middle of the jungle, what would you do to survive? Options:

1.      Don’t be in the middle of the jungle in the first place, thus avoiding this problem entirely. This would be my personal choice.

2.      Read this book. Sarcasm aside, if you are a naturalist, this is a very informative book.

The Power of Less

The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential…In Business and In Life by Leo Babauta

Lately I have been quite intrigued by the concept of living a more simple life. I enjoyed Babauta’s view point on this.

I am a compulsive goal setter. I have a spreadsheet with over 100 life goals. This book helped me narrow those down a bit and also encouraged me to focus on one goal at a time. The focusing part is really hard! But I’m making some progress.

Some of the ideas weren’t for me, but overall I would recommend this to others looking to cut some clutter and achieve goals.

You can also check out Babauta’s blog ZenHabits.

Senseless

Senseless by Mary Burton

This was my first experience with Burton and I liked her style. I read this book in one afternoon, laying in the sun.

The suspense was good, the plot just enough believable. A little romance thrown in!

The Next 100 Years

The Next 100 Years:  A Forecast for the 21^st Century by George Friedman

Friedman provides an intriguing look at what may happen over the next 100 years.

Informative and thought provoking, he forecasts the future for the U.S and other prominent countries around the world. His views on both Mexico and Turkey were the most interesting, in my opinion.

I certainly will not be alive in 100 years, but in the mean time, I will be paying attention to the areas discussed in this book.

Reclaiming History

Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi

Initial thought upon receiving this book...Wow, this is quite daunting.

Who hasn’t heard the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F Kennedy? Many of them are so detailed and have become so mainstream that many people count them as fact. Bugliosi has done exhaustive research and put together an impressive case that these conspiracies are all wrong. Of course he has many critics, but, in my opinion his view point is very credible.

Back to my initial thought, seriously…this book is incredibly long. I really enjoyed the beginning--Bugliosi provides a minute by minute synopsis of the day of assassination.  I skimmed through the rest and read bits. I wish he could have condensed it, but I could literally feel his passion on the subject,  which I assume led to the voluminous content. 

Unfortunately I don’t think anyone will ever know with 100% certainty exactly what happened in this tragedy.  But it certainly is interesting to study and I admire and respect Bugliosi's quest to find the truth.

Being Peace

Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hahn

I love the insight within Thich Nhat Hahn's words. He is an inspiration to me.

“Being Peace” contains teachings on living a peaceful and mindful life. A true gem, and a reminder to me of how I want to live and the importance of my chosen priorities. 

Living Out Loud

Living Out Loud by Anna Quindlen

I enjoy reading Anna Quindlen's fiction. I picked this title up, one of her earlier works. This contains articles she previously published. Interesting to see how she started out.

Lover Revealed

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
I am still loving the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Ward is amazingly talented in bringing these characters to life.

At the beginning of the series Butch was one of my least favorite characters. But this book really brought him to life and now I love him! Can’t wait to read the next.

Once In Every Life

Once in Every Life by Kristen Hannah—

Amazon Description:

“Tess Gregory's brilliant career as a research scientist hides her longings for husband and child. Though deaf, she is a free spirit -- a woman full of life and love. She is struck down all too soon. But for Tess, a new life begins at her death, in post-Civil War America. She is now Amarylis Rafferty, wife and mother of three -- and she can hear. Shocked and disoriented by her new surroundings, she is drawn into the savage heartache burdening the family, especially her husband, Jack, a man who fears himself capable of anything.”

My Thoughts:

Ewwwwww….this book is just bad. First thing—very slow moving. Second thing—time travel to meet your soul mate. Yuck. Third thing—the male character was incredibly weak. I prefer an alpha male lead. This guy was one of the weakest, most pathetic male characters I’ve come across in a very long time! Fourth thing—the female wasn’t engaging either. And fifth—the entire story line was just ridiculous. So, overall, this book was a waste of time… I definitely do not recommend.

She Said Yes

She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall by Misty Bernall
The Columbine tragedy remains one of America’s most notorious mass shootings. The horror of children been ambushed at school is something that has stayed with me since.

This is written by the Mother of one of the young women who died at Columbine. I was torn, reading this. I feel incredible sympathy for this Mother. Losing a child is simply unimaginable. However, as I read, I truly felt that this is a book that should not have been written. I felt like a voyeur, reading things that Cassie had written that I’m sure she never would have wanted to share with the world.  I felt that this Mother was trying to rewrite the history of her daughter and that made me feel even more sad for her.

If writing this book gave this grieving Mother comfort, I am happy for her. If other teenagers take comfort in these words, it was worthwhile. For me, it was not a book that I got anything from, except sadness for the family. Not a recommend.

If you are looking for an in-depth description of what happened at Columbine, try Dave Cullen’s “Columbine.”

Taken By the Prince

Taken By The Prince by Christina Dodd

As historical romances go, this one was decent. I remember the days when I would pick up any book in this genre and love it. Now I am more selective. I didn't feel the emotional grip with this one.

Ageless

Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones by Suzanne Somers

This is a very interesting book on a woman’s body as she ages. Somers is a proponent of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Several doctors discuss immunity, menopause, female hormonal balance and the importance of eating clean and getting enough sleep.

I enjoyed the information presented. I recommend for the woman curious about how hormones work.

Raising Lifelong Learners

Raising Lifelong Learners: A Parent's Guide by Lucy Calkins

I hope to help my children develop a passion for learning. In this book, Calkins gives advice on how to nurture imagination and help your child actively learn.

Parents really are the most important teachers a child will ever have. I enjoyed this book and adopted some of the suggested practices.

Great On the Job

Great on the Job: What To Say, How To Say It. The Secrets of Getting Ahead by Jodi Glickman

A recommendation for those looking for career advice, Glickman focuses on developing people skills and improving communication. This book contains strategies, case studies and examples in language to use.

In my opinion, the ability to communicate well is one of the most important skills to be successful in Corporate America. Glickman shares this opinion, and gives advice on how to improve these skills.
People skills are a must, no matter what you choose to do!