Chewin' on some Chick Lit...

OK – this great summer weather has made it tough to sit down and write reviews.... but I have no excuses... here are two reviews for the price of one blog entry. I took about a week and a half to read Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed and Something Blue. Yes everyone, I read what is commonly referred to “Chick Lit.” And, brace yourselves...... I enjoyed the books for what they are. These books are quick, easy to read books, with an interesting enough dilemma that keeps you reading. You may not necessarily be able to relate to the story (wow, I sure hope not), but I think these are very quick, light natured reads that could easily be accompanied by a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea; and even EASIER accompanied by something a little stronger...... a nice crisp white wine perhaps?

Am I rushing to the shelves to pick up more “Chick Lit?” No. Not for a while. The truth is however, Emily Giffin does write well, and her quick wit will cause you to read more of her books as they come out.
Now... as a result of the G20 I didn’t take the train in... and with this week being a short one, I drove as well. I look forward to getting back into the grind next week and polishing off a few books over the next couple of weeks. Have a great week or so.......... enjoy the sunshine!! AND..... if you haven’t already... check out Something Borrowed (first)... and then Something Blue.

My Life in France... makes me wanna eat baguette!

There is a certain romance that one associates with France; especially with Paris. There is also the food, the richness, the shopping, the beautiful and smug culture... when we think of France, we think of all of these things; OK at least I do. It is one destination I wish to explore with my husband and our little girl. I feel like the food, the culture and the scenery will be like no other. And, Julia's book, My Life in France really and truly describes Paris, French food, and of course her love for her husband Paul.

The entire book is so amazing; you also need to remind yourself of when this all took place. I read through this book and couldn't believe that it is an autobiography; it reads like a fictional story. Julia and Paul were two love birds. They built an entire life together; sometimes however I wonder if they were not in love like lovers, but rather companions and soul mates. I know, you ask, what is the difference? I just didn't get the same level of romantic love that I did as a friendship love. I believed they were perfect for each other.

If you want a feel good story, with amazing descriptions about food, friendship and wine... this is one you will want to pick up. Bon Apetit!

Better late than never... It's been a while...

The Gargoyle

When you first read the back cover of the Gargoyle, you initially think that you are going to get into a dark book, one that is quite sad and very serious. While I agree there are elements that are a little sad or dark, I really felt that the book itself was very uplifting. The main story is interesting, but the amazing tales that Marianne tells within this story are truly remarkable. They appear so real. These stories all seem like they are about true love and survival. These stories don’t leave you feeling sad, dark or serious... they make you want to read more and more.

I was sad when the story was over; and not because of the content... but because I would have loved to hear more stories from Marianne.

If you are looking for a love story, that isn’t your typical love story... this is a great read. It is well written, it has a wonderful story line, and you start to feel like the all the characters are people you know.

With my limited GO Train & TTC Travel these last few weeks, I read the book and never forgot where I left off. When given the chance... I was reading it. If you are looking for a nice summer read, this isn’t a true feel good story, but it is an interesting story about love and belief in others.

Women Food & God

Take a pile of common sense; translate it into how women feel about food and their self image; and yes... you have a book that will be featured on Oprah too! OK... maybe it’s not THAT easy. I am not a tall, slim, “shoulda been on America’s Next Top Model” gal... and I have spent my share of time on Weight Watchers and other food plans, so this was a good book for me to read! Here’s the scoop (not of ice cream, alas... I digress) on this book.

It’s a well written book that focuses on the retreats the author runs. She too was heavy in her lifetime. And, let’s face it... us “bigger gals” hate hearing skinny people talk about how successful their weight loss program was... especially when they started out at the top end of their BMI and are now at the lower end. I’m not a hater... but I do tend to listen to my “stretch mark soul sisters’” success stories with a motivated ear, easier than those skinny biatches out there – no offence you hotties!! I digress... let’s just say... she talks about accepting yourself, and accepting who you are, and accepting the requests of your BODY and not your mind. We feel like having macaroni and cheese for comfort, not because we are hungry and our body is in a cheese and pasta deficit. She also talks about wanting what you can’t have. Can I get an “AMEN!” Yes!! Lots of women want what they can’t have... and apparently, once you acknowledge that if you want ice cream, it’s always gonna be there... you get thin.

Fun time over. This is an interesting and very quick read. The author does plug a number of the other books she has written, but there are definitely “A-Ha” moments where you will nod in agreement with her writing. The moral of the story is, getting thin won’t guarantee happiness. Being happy and listening to your body should eventually lead to a healthy self.
I liked this book and it was a good distraction from my typical fictional repertoire. Hmmm... is that a French language reference? You’ll never guess what I am reading next.