A Good Read

Remember my Single Girl List? Where I said I wanted to read 52 books in a year? Well I've been working on that and wanted to share with you guys my finds.


1) My Reality by Melissa Rycroft
Remember the gorgeous former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader who was proposed to by Jason on the Bachelor and then dumped on national television 6 weeks later because he decided he wanted the runner up instead? Melissa was a fan favorite, gorgeous and oh so sweet- my kind of girl. Well this is her side of the story, and the happiness she found afterwards. She's hilarious and her book was an easy, fun read. In the beginning of the book she talks about a failing relationship with an ex boyfriend and how she would cry for hours at his doorstep demanding an answer or reason that she knew he wouldn't give her. She says to her readers; "Haven't we all done this?"
Love her. Shes witty and honest. As she's getting her heart broken throughout several scenarios in the book, you can't help but laugh aloud because you know you've done and thought the same pathetically hopeless heartbroken things too.

2) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
When I first saw the commercials for the movie I knew I wanted to read the book before watching it and I've finally gotten around to it. Elizabeth has a funny way of hashing out the details of hazardous relationships, breakups and a divorce. I found the first third of the book funny, heartbreaking and captivating. She's very entertaining and it was hard to put down. The middle of the book was a very slow read but I picked up pace towards the end. Would definitely read again simply for the pleasure I found in the first part of the book.
From the book: "We hoped that one of us might change. He might become more open and affectionate, not withholding himself from anyone who loves him on the fear that she will eat his soul. Or I might learn how to... stop trying to eat his soul."
Perhaps it reflects poorly on my mental state that I love funny but honest accounts of heart-wrenching breakups. Or maybe I'm like most women in the world and they love these kind of books too.

3) The Virginity Club by Kate Brian
I love the whole drama genre as it gives me a little bit of spice that my life does not have, as I tend to be a mature adult most of the time. This book was a really quick and good read. I love the concept of making a club to keep "pure" throughout high school. Especially in the era of "pregnancy pacts" and all that other ridiculous nonsense that teenagers seem to aim towards now. While the book did lack comical relief, the plot kept me reading nonstop. While I do recommend this book to younger crowds, I came to the sad conclusion when I finished the book last night that I am past my time in the young adult section of Barnes and Noble. Books geared towards 20-somethings are much more enjoyable for me now.

4) Angry Conversations with God by Susan E. Isaacs
As somebody who has struggled to have a relationship with God, I found this book absolutely heartwarming and stomach-pain-inducingly funny. Susan finds herself in a rut with her marriage to God and decides to take him to couples counseling to see if they can work out their problems. Their problems? She doesn't make enough time for him, he's seeing other people... etc.
A particularly great read for anybody whose questioned their faith, felt angry with God, felt as though he abandoned them or anybody who needs a quick laugh on their lunch break. Seriously recommended this book to any Christian, has been a Christian or wants to be a Christian- because it's not what you would expect but totally worth your time.

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Next on my reading list is The Host- gotta read it before the movie comes out! I have a really bad habit of watching a movie then reading the book afterwards. Must correct that. Also, the pace at which I'm reading is going to have to double if I plan on finishing 52 books in a year (by next May,) so please let me know any great books that you recommend :)
Tip for readers like me- I used to rack up quite a bill with the book store, spending $30-$50 every couple of months on new books. Now I shop at thrift stores and the used section of Amazon. The most expensive book on this list so far was $5 and most I've picked up for 98 cents! If you love to read and hate clutter, seriously look into thrifting. It's great to pick up popular books for less than a dollar, plus you won't feel bad about wasted money if you don't like keeping the books around afterwards. I always donate my books when I'm done reading, otherwise I'd need a library to store them all.

Happy reading!