I Do (But I Don't) & I Did (But I Wouldn't Now) - Cara Lockwood

A very cute couple of books, although very outrageous in context. Long story short, in the first book, Lauren, a divorced wedding planner (what a faux pau), meets a gorgeous hunk who is unattainable in more ways then one. We read about her funny mishaps in her job as a wedding planner as well as her love life. The second book follows her crazy sister, who we met briefly in the first book. Lily, also recently seperated from a rock star husband, flies to England to evade the press but ends up rekindling an old flame. Unfortunately, said flame has a scandalous past as well as a psycho current girlfriend. Again, ridiculousness ensues as Lily is persued by a sex-crazed soccer star all while her ex's new baby momma harrasses her to sign divorce papers. Will everything turn out in the end? Will these 2 sisters ever find their happy ending?

Citizen Girl - Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, the authors of Nanny Diaries, collaborate again in Citizen Girl. This story is about a girl who quits her job after the final straw with her tyrant boss. She finds herself out of work in a job market eerily similar to the present. I can serious relate to her desperation. But, unlike me she lands herself a job that looks great on the surface but pushes her moral buttons daily. A budding relationship is also threaded throughout this quick read.

Something Borrowed & Something Blue - Emily Giffin

I started reading the first book on vacation this year and finished it before weeks end and I was DYING to read the next one to see what would happen next. So...the best advice I can give is make sure you have both books handy when you start reading. Anyways...great books, very unexpected turn of events, unlike most books which are pretty predictable. I can't say much more without giving too much away but I love Emily Giffin so much that I am even reading her next book, "Baby Proofing" even though the topic is very scary.

Girls' Night Out - Various Authors

An awesome compilation of short stories from some of my favorite authors. Each story includes a short description of the author and lists some of their other works. I particularly like this feature so that I can add more to my book list. Authors include Emily Giffin, writer of 'Something Borrowed', Meg Cabot of 'The Princess Diaries' fame, and Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus authors of 'The Nanny Diaries', just to name a few. These amusing short stories are the perfect length to read in between dips in the pool. Happy reading!

Marley: A Dog Like No Other - John Grogan

This is a special adaptation for young readers from the author of Marley & Me.

I recently read this book to my 4th grade class.

This book made me remember when my Bailey was a puppy.  I could have easily written this book, he describes everything perfectly. From bringing her home and her crying all night long to obedience classes.  Thank goodness though, grown up Marley and Bailey are not alike.  I probably would have kicked him out just like Jenny did if that were the case.  Sounds more like my parents' dogs eating everything in sight.  I have to remember to thank Bailey when I get home for not being a terror.  Love the book, can't wait to check out the adult version.

Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert

Quotes and Thoughts

"My face is a transparent transmitter of my every thought. ...You have the opposite of a poker face. You have like...miniature golf face." All I can say is, this girl is so me!

"That's the thing about a human life-there's no control group, no way to ever know how any of us would have turned out if any variables had been changed." My mom always asks if holding me back in school was the right thing to do-I think this would be a very appropriate and fitting response.

"...a gelateria that serves a frozen rice pudding (and if they don't serve this kind of thing in heaven, then I really don't want to go there)." AMEN SISTER! The only thing good that came out of Demetrios was their heavenly rice pudding.

"...Elizabeth is a food writer. ...a job that requires her to travel around Italy eating food and writing about it for Gourmet..." Wow! I think that might be my dream job! And did I mention that I so want to go back to Europe?!

"Still, I will say that the same thing which has helped generations of Sicilians hold their dignity has helped me begin to recover mine-namely, the idea that the appreciation of pleasure can be an anchor of one's humanity." I'm so sad I didn't go to Sicily when I was in Italy.

"...in India it is considered a given that you need a teacher for you Yoga." I feel like I want a Guru, to help me become more balanced-do you think there are any in Ohio, or just India?

"Destiny, I feel, is also a relationship-a play between divine grace and willful self-effort. Half of it you have no control over; half of it is absolutely in your hands, and your actions will show measurable consequence. Man is neither entirely a puppet of the gods, nor is he entirely the captain of his own destiny; he's a little of both." Fate v. Freewill = Heavy stuff.

"I will not harbor unhealthy thoughts anymore." I think this needs to be my mantra.

Still more to come - I'm on the "Love" part.