Summer Reading List 2011

Now that Summer is here, everyone is dusting off their old bookshelves and flipping the pages.  Just in case you have no idea where to start with your summer quest of adventure in the form of literature, here are some simple suggestions!

• Water for Elephants: A Novel (Sara Gruen)

• The Help (Kathryn Stockett)
• Something Borrowed (Emily Griffin)
• French Lessons: A Novel (Ellen Sussman)
• Carnal Innocence (Nora Roberts)
• The Wedding Writer (Susan Schneider)
• Room: A Novel (Emma Donoghue)
• A Dog's Purpose (W. Bruce Cameron)

Excuse me as I update my wish list! 

Reading Now: My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands

I know I'm a little bit off of my reading plan, but Chelsea Handler was on my wish list!  I logged into my Kindle Store and there it was! My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands was only 1.99 for the Kindle edition! (Note: it is now 5.00.  It's worth it.) So, why not?  So far it's two dollars well spent, I already have a splint in my side from laughter.   Get your own!

Something Borrowed...The Book

I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie.  Emily Griffin took a common plot and twisted it enough to make me interested.  I can't wait to read the sequel.  However, I have to see the visual version.  Off to the movies I go! I'll let you know how it is!  See below for the trailer!

What I've Read: A Review {Bossypants}

Let me start off by stating that I am a MAJOR Tina Fey fan and she is my inspiration whenever I think of pursuing my career in television.  She is super talented and FUNNY!

This was the funniest book I have ever read.  I usually don't read books by comedians.  I have no idea why but now I'm interested in them all.  (adds Chelsea Handler to the wish list).

Bossypants chronicles Tina Fey's life leading up to her supervisory role on "30 Rock".  Her unique delivery constantly has you wondering why she mentions some situations, but then you will either soon realize that she has a point or she just wanted to tell that random story. 

From growing up in Pennsylvania to performing improv on the stages in Chicago, Tina Fey takes us on her journey while she  walks through the doors of NBC to never return.  She explains in a rather humorous and random way how she came from writing for Saturday Night Live to developing her own.   Tina gives remarkable and weird career advice and even focuses on the pressing issue of gender equality in comedy.  I think we can all agree that she is winning that race!

<cue "Bossy"-Kelis>  Buy you own here!

I got lost....???

Where have I been?  I haven't posted since the 11th and I feel reeeaaallly bad about it.  Well, I have been slightly productive in other areas of my life and my attention was slightly diverted.  However, I have been busy reading! (waiting for an applause?  Slow clap?) I'll just pat myself on the back.  Notice that I have updated my "Reading Now" and "What I Plan to Read" sections!

Over the course of my hiatus I have read a book that I have been meaning to read for a while now.  I finally forced myself to buy it on my kindle and I don't regret my decision.

 The Conversation: How Black Men and Women can Build Loving, Trusting Relationship

I enjoyed Hill Harper's perspective, personal story and advice in this book.  It was a great unbiased read and featured real, truthful opinions from black women and men both single and married.  I took a few things from it regarding the importance of communication throughout the entire relationship and I encourage everyone to treat yourself to this "modern" self-help! It doesn't matter if you are in a relationship or not.

Buy it here!

Cool Kindle Find: Notepad by 7 Dragons

Notepad the "Note taking tool" for Kindle is a gem.  If you are like me, your Kindle goes wherever you go!  For $0.99, so can your notes, thoughts and lists.  Once you get the hang of typing on this e-reader, you can really appreciate the benefits.

 

• Search for text within the title and body of your notes

• Organize your notes alphabetically or by date  

• Simple app without the fancy clutter, just type and save!

Screenshots:

Book 2 the Big Screen: The Help

While in the movies to see Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family (it was comme ci comme ca), a preview for the next big book inspired feature film appeared.  The Help, written by Kathryn Stockett, has been recently added to my Wish List.  I think I'm the only book lover in the world, that has not read this book. 


Since the inscription of this book,  in 2009, Dreamworks Pictures have set to release the film to screen on August 12, 2011.  Looks like I have three months to prepare!

 

See below for the official trailer:

What I've Read: A Review {WENCH}

I just recently read a novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez by the name of Wench.  The novel discusses the story of four slave women who accompany their masters on a summer "vacation" in the free state of Ohio during the 1850's.  The novel follows these four women's stories concerning their relationship with their master, their children and their desire for freedom. 

Lizzie, the protagonist, is held captive not by the chains of slavery, but by the love for her master.  The remaining mistresses could hardly agree.  Reenie's half brother serves as her cruel master who uses her body as barter.  Sweet's latest interaction with her master, left her with an unborn child and Mawu is a high-spirited, magic-loving, different type of slave created by the works of a cruel owner. 

Wench was a great read, and Dolen Perkins-Valdez worked wonders in the growth and relationships of all of the characters represented in the novel.  She presents a different perspective of the "secret" lives of women slaves and their masters. This is not just another slave story.  I recommend this read to anyone willing to explore another part of the 300 year spectrum. 

A Reader's Mother: Great Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and it's your chance to give back to the woman that instilled your love for books!  So here are a few last minute gift ideas!

Amazon recently released a cheaper Kindle!  The new Kindle 6" E-Ink Display with Special Offers. It's the exact same Kindle as before except this one has sponsors covering the remainder of the cost.  This could mean annoying ads and banners while you are trying to relax and read.  However, if you are sure your mom won't mind the clutter, this is a great buy for a great price! This is my gift of choice and I'm sure she will love it!  This kindle is wi-fi only and can hold up to 3,500 books! Purchase online HERE. 

 A classy leather journal is a sure way to make your mom's heart soar.  In this journal she can record all of her deep thoughts, plans and aspirations.  If she's like my mother, she will record birthdays and recipes!

A classic treat! When flowers are too common, opt for an Edible Arrangement!  This gift is perfect for the sweetest women on the planet! You could also enjoy this indulgence for yourself ;)

If you hear your dad often complain, "Honey, turn off the light! I'm trying to sleep." This may be the perfect gift for Mother's day.  Give your dad peace and your Mom the ability to read as late as she wants without waking anyone.  This LED book light could easily clip to any hard or paperback book.  For her easy, reading pleasure!

For the inspirational mom, get a heartfelt book.  Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.  For a synopsis of the book click HERE.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Reading Now: The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach to Television Scripts -Ellen Sandler

Several months ago, I revisited an old passion.  In my younger years I was a songwriter, playwright, screenwriter, poet and author.  As life made me older so did my passion for writing.  While moving, I ran across a few personal journals that featured some of my works.  I must say, with a little commitment and craft development, I could call myself a writer.

In search of craft development, I picked up this workbook by Ellen Sandler.  The book is an automatic page turner for me since I'm most interested in writing for television.  However, the book requires exercise completion and active participation.  At that moment, I was interested in learning the craft, but also a good lazy read before I go to bed at night.  This caused me to put the book down for a couple of months.  This workbook is not for the lazy reader!

Now, I'm picking it back up! I'm going to complete every exercise and I'm going to develop a spec script using this tool.  I'm going to record my progress every step of the way.  So stay tuned as this highly acclaimed book take me to the next level of my writing career. 

Get your own copy of The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach to Television Scripts by Ellen Sandler HERE

Everyone has a Write to Read

Get Excited! You are about to travel the world, explore different times and go through every type of situation imaginable, without leaving your home! Go on this journey with me as I explore the phenomenon that is books. Take a mental walk with me as I empty my creative mind to develop a story. Sit back and hold on tight! It's time to go!