Great Reads

I've been a book worm my whole life, but with two little ones there isn't always a lot of time to read.  Recently, however, I've been on a book jag.  I've been reading a ton (in part because the books I've picked up have been so interesting).  It helped that I recently went away on a girls' weekend with two friends who happened to be reading the same books, and our conversations spurred me to keep reading.  

I'm still finishing a few of these books, but they're so good, I wanted to share them.  First of all, Rob Lowe's book Stories I Only Tell My Friends really surprised me.  I was too young to be really into the "Brat Pack" when they were in their heyday, so I didn't know much about Lowe or have any particular interest in him.  But his book got universally glowing reviews, and when I saw it on multiple Best of 2011 Lists, I bought it.  

Wow.  He's such a good storyteller that the book sucks you in and takes you on a fascinating journey.  The perspective from which Lowe introduces you to seminal Hollywood films and personalities is unlike anything I've ever read.  Told from inside Hollywood, but with a self-deprecating "outsider" feel (The Outsiders was, after all, his breakout role), the book is a real page-turner.

Next, I read Mindy Kaling's book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (on my iPad, which is why it's not pictured above).  This book had me laughing uproariously.  Kaling is a writer and actress on The Office, and her book reminded me of Tina Fey's book, but with a slightly younger (read: single, with no kids) take on the world.  If you're in need of a laugh, this book with give you many.

Bringing Up Bebe is written by Pamela Druckerman, an American author living in France and takes on the differences between current French and American parenting styles.  It's an absolutely fascinating read that I've found really thought-provoking.  The differences between the cultures are so interesting, and just the fact that there are different ways of doing things (which can seem like news to anyone immersed in her own culture) has made me think.  My friends and I had so many interesting conversations about this book and left feeling as though it would change our parenting in certain respects (and not in others).  While parts of this book have been somewhat controversial, I have really enjoyed it (and am looking forward to finishing it).

I had read a fascinating article in the New York Times one Sunday by Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Cannot Stop Talking, and couldn't wait to read the book.  It's an incredibly interesting discussion of the differences between introversion and extroversion and the ways our culture really caters to extroverts.  Cain suggests that introverts have a number of qualities that are helpful to society and that we would do well as a culture to listen to them.  If you are introverted or live or work with people who are, I think you'll find this book truly eye-opening.

So, there you have it.  A spring/summer reading list.  I hope you enjoy some of these great reads!  And, if you read these books (or have already), let me know what you thought of them!

XO paper mache letters from Twisted Twig