Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), Mindy Kaling

After last month's tearjerker, I needed a book to make me smile. This book made me smile, laugh, and - on occasion - snort. I love Mindy Kaling and her smart, spit-fire humour; her book surpassed my expectations. I'm recommending this book to all of my girlfriends as it's a great summer read and the perfect companion to your lawn chair.

Have you read it? What did you think? Also, have you seen the preview for her new sitcom (Joanna Goddard posted about it here)? Suffice it to say I'm excited.

It's Always Something, Gilda Radner

This book left me with so much more than its (thrifted) $1.99 price tag may suggest.

I was introduced to Gilda Radner's work at a young age and immediately admired the cast of characters she introduced to SNL as an inaugural cast member (if you're not already familiar with these clips do yourself a favour and find them).

Gilda's story - told in her own, honest, words - is heartbreaking but altogether inspiring. I found myself savouring each chapter. On one hand, I didn't want to reach the end of the book because I knew the outcome of Gilda's courageous fight with ovarian cancer; on the other hand, I felt the book was like a great conversation shared with a friend that takes you into the early hours of the morning. Even though you know it inevitably has to wrap up, you'd love nothing more than the chance to keep talking.

{have a great book to suggest or one you'd love to discuss? drop me a line, I'd love to chat. also, check out the new book club portion of the blog & weigh in with your feedback and favourites.} 

The Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins

So March came and went and - since we're being honest - I have to admit that I spent most of the month with my nose in a book. More specifically, one of these three books. The Hunger Games trilogy was on my list of books to read for quite some time; I regret not starting it earlier. I devoured every page, enjoying Katniss' every thought and marvelling at each piece of creatively incorporated symbolism, irony, and social commentary. Suzanne Collins is fantastic. Without saying anything further, not wanting to give anything away, I would recommend this book to anyone. I plan to re-read the trilogy shortly.

Also, I've seen the movie twice already. It's fantastic and worth the cinema lineups. I promise. (I officially have a crush on Josh Hutcherson and I want to be BFF's with Jennifer Lawrence). That's all.

Have you read the books? Seen the movie? Has the series taken over your life as it has mine? What's next on your to read list?



Looking back... what I read in January & February.

Let the Great World Spin, Colum McCann

I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to start Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann next. (Although I am excited to ready Then Again by Diane Keaton I wanted to break up the biographies).

I'm about half way through Let The Great World Spin and so far I'm really enjoying it. The book is a collection of unique stories, each one being a glimpse into the lives of various New York residents and an exploration into the characters' pasts, struggles, and personal demons. The stories are so well crafted that they cleverly intertwine throughout the book and loop back to one event on an August morning in 1974 wherein a tightrope walker embarks on a journey between the twin towers.

I can't wait to see where this story goes and how the characters are connected. It also makes me want to visit New York City again very soon.

Have you read this book? What are you reading now?

Psst... January's Book.

Scar Tissue, Anthony Kiedis

Hi friends. I'd love to know what you're reading at the moment. I'm at the end of Anthony Kiedis' memoir Scar Tissue and it was a book that I absolutely loved. Have you read it? What did you think?

B and I are leaving for LA at the end of the month and the book to accompany me on this trip will be... Diane Keaton's Then Again.

What books are currently on your to read list?