I must contribute my love of reading to my friend Marsha Vermilion. (shout out!) She's my English/Lit teacher friend who reestablished in me the need for a good read. I explained to her my problem, I need to be hooked right away, and with out much thought or consideration she gave me Fine Things by Danielle Steele. I only know it was by Danielle Steele and remember that for two reasons, 1) i looked to see who the author was & 2) Marsha lent the book to me with a disclaimer that 'she typically wouldn't recommend a Danielle Steele book but that this was good from cover to cover', or something along those lines. And there you have it. I like to read.
My preferred genre seems somewhat all over the place but mostly light hearted. Many of you know for 4 years I worked in a Jr. High setting and with many kids who found reading a challenge. And the occasional teen who actually enjoyed it. Due to my circumstance I began to read books that would appeal to teens and would make my recommendations. So much so that I acquired quite a library of books, primarily for teen girls. In addition my daughter is quite the reader, however she has a tendency to NOT read any of my suggestions. Since I also worked with some boys I would force myself to read "boy stuff" just so I could assist them some too. Again, my son is quite a reader and we have ZERO similarities in our preferred taste in books. ho hum. It's all really ironic that my kids and I don't share the same taste in books, as it was my initial panic that someday I'll have raised an illiterate kid, one who detests books and who will inevitably suffer through school/college because they hated to read. Whew, crisis averted!
After having left the school (happy day) I continued my teen genre but soon realized I had zero to converse about with friends who were readers and therefore it was time to move on.
On to my grown up reading. As I'm blogging about this I'm desperately trying to remember the first 'adult' read. All though the title escapes me, I remember being shocked by the adult content. ...remember i'd been in "G" mode for some time. :) And then one day while walking with my girlfriend Heather Nestleroad something I said made her chuckle and she commented that I reminded her of an author she has read, Jen Lancaster, and that I should read her books. Ironically, later that week Ms. Lancaster was on the Today show promoting her current (at the time) memoir, My Fair Lazy and as they say the rest is history. I began with book one, if you will, Bitter Is The New Black, and consequently followed it up with the remaining 4: Bright Lights, Big Ass, Such A Pretty Fat, Pretty in Plaid, and My Fair Lazy. I was hooked from the first line. YAY as that is what it takes for me. She has also completed a novel, If You Were Here and it too provided great reading enjoyment. For my between books Jen Lancaster fix I follow her blog at Jennsylvania.com. An 80's girl, home grown - 1984 Huntington North grad, who tends to say what many think she's sure to make you chuckle. And If you too are an 80's chick who couldn't wait for the next John Hughes movie, her books are a must read.
In addition to the above mentioned author, I've also read some of her book suggestions and so far so good. Good Enough to Eat, by Stacey Ballis is just one of her recommendations and I to will recommend it. It's light hearted read and certainly provided chuckles. Karyn Bosnak is also quite enjoyable. Twenty Times A Lady was made into a movie (What's Your Number) and Save Karyn is oh so relate-able and will leave you wondering "why didn't I think of that". Currently I'm reading With A Little Luck by Caprice Crane. As I am only on chapter 4 a thorough review is unavailable, however, so far so good!
I call the above books and suggested read from Lancaster 'chick flick' books. They're entertaining and relate-able on some level. There's humor for sure so if you're void of any, (odd that you're here) so you might ignore all my suggestions and still with the daily newspaper.
On occasion I'll venture into the Historical Fiction genre. I love medieval reads, anything to do with the Salem Witch trials and the Holocaust. Want a suggestion or have one to share just let me know.
After mom passed I read Heaven is For Real. Comforting, encouraging and hopeful the book really brought life and death into perspective for me. If you've lost a loved one this is a must read.
I enjoy quick, light hearted reads that make me smile and laugh and even on occasion shed a tear. And if it isn't apparent to you yet I mostly enjoy the laughter. So, if you're in search of a chuckle, and wonder where to begin, reread paragraph 5 and start with book 1. Keep in mind...a sense of humor is required.
HAPPY READING
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