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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

What are you reading?

{Image Credit: Lonny Magazine}

Last month, I read The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which I absolutely loved. My friend Sally recommended it and I am so glad that she did! I thought it was a touching story about courage and compassion. It shows the human spirit in so many ways and tells of the tumultuous South in the 1960s through various points of view. It is both endearing and at times, infuriating, but it is an amazing novel that  I would highly, highly recommend.

A couple of night ago, I finished Kelly Cutrone’s book. I must say, it’s really good. I admire Kelly for her work ethic and ball-busting attitude. She kicks ass and takes names, but she does so through a positive, honest approach. There were certain parts that really spoke to me and made me feel as though Kelly had written the book just for me, like the section on “Finding Your Tribe”, you know, “the people we’re related to spiritually, emotionally, and socially”. Blogging has been such a HUGE part of this process for me and I am truly blessed for it.

However, she sort of lost me in the section about creating your own religion. That was only one chapter, though. The book is filled with so many gems of advice such as the fact that “personal branding is about figuring out who you are and what turns you on and then monetizing it”. If you’re looking to break into the fashion industry, are going through a bit of an identity crisis (I’ve been there, too!), or you’ve enjoyed watching Kelly’s fierce self on television, this makes for a great, quick read.

 

So now it’s your turn! What are you reading or what have you recently finished reading that you would highly recommend? Let’s hear it!

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just started reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult. So far it's really good, love her writing. It is about a teen with autism whose tutor is murdered. Her writing is great. Highly recommend any of her books. :)

Lindsay said...

I just finished reading Diana Vreeland's book D.V it's a very quick read filled with incredibly eccentric anecdotes, I loved it!

Cameron said...

I LOVED The Help and have wondered about Kelly Cutrone's book. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

I'm halfway through Moloka'i by Alan Brennert. It is a really amazing book that gives a view on leprosy in Hawaii in the 1890's. I'm learning a lot that I never knew about the exile of lepers but also deeply invested emotionally in the book. Definitely recommend it!

karlee said...

I wondered about Kelly Cutrone's book:) Thanks for the little review. I am currently reading, "So long, Insecurity" by Beth Moore, which is a must-read for every woman out there! Especially if you desire to trust God's will for your life and believe his Word. And second, I am reading "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge. If you have a relationship with any man..especially a husband..read it!

Unknown said...

yes! i've been seeking out book recommendations. someone had already mentioned the help but i had no idea that kelly cutrone had published a book! that's what i get for spending the semester in europe. i can't wait to check it out — thank you!

Crystal @ Plush Palate said...

Thanks for the reviews! I can't wait to get my hands on Kelly's book!!!

Loulou said...

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--it's so charming and so different from anything I have ever read.

Lynett said...

I am reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and I'm loving it. It's a very inspirational novel which came at the perfect time for me as I'm getting divorced. I highly recommend it!

Anonymous said...

We must be book club twins!

I just read The Help AND Kelly Cutrone's book, and I loved both.

Now I'm starting The Memory Keepers daughter.

Bumpkin on a Swing said...

The American Wife, The Janet Evanovich Novels on Stephanie Plum.
Kathryn Heigl will star as Stephanie Plum on the big screen, learn more about Ranger in the books

ashlina {the decorista} said...

Domestic Bliss by Rita Konig...was sent to me by a reader....IT's REALLY cute...

i must give that kelly cutrone book a try. looks good!

Formerly known as Frau said...

I just bought The Help haven't started it yet! I've heard nothing but good about it.

The Gimlet Eye said...

I love www.goodreads.com. Not sure if you are on it, but it really is a great resource for selecting new books to read and keeping your list in order! I adored The Help...it was a bit addictive. Couldn't put it down until I finished it. Another recent great read is "Zeitoun." I have my goodreads icon on my blog and you can click on it for lists, etc. Have fun!
Jessie
www.gimleteyed.blogspot.com

Bethany Dirksen said...

In my Written Artwork Journey, I am currently reading Wurthering Heights. I just did a post about a book I recently finished which was Gone With The Wind.

I have made a list of great classic books I want to read and post about each one when I finish. Fun!

Here it is:

http://dirksendabbles.blogspot.com/2010/03/written-artwork-gone-with-wind.html

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

The Help was a great book! I've passed it along to so many friends. It really resonated with me since I'm a Southern girl ~ so thankful for revolution and change!

alison giese Interiors said...

I just finished The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I was on my Book Club's reading list, and at first, I thought it was something I wouldn't normally pick out on my own to read, but now I'm thinking of following the series of Mma Rowatse and her clever case-solving!
Easy, light, and entertaining reading.

Kerry said...

I used to read at least two books a week, but since I've started blogging...not so much! I have two books on the go at the moment though. My Life in France by Julia Child (but I keep on picturing Meryl Streep as I'm reading it!), and being a good Australian, I'm also reading a new Australian novel "The Book of Emmett" by Deborah Foster. It's a tough read because of the subject matter ..a tale of abuse at the hands of an alcoholic and obsessive father (I know, I know!) but it is so beautifully written. I think it will be a love conquers all ending..I hope so!

Stephanie Sabbe said...

I read The Help last month too!

I just finished The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. I read it once in high school, managed to pretty much forget it all, and read it again last week.

It was better the second time.

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

LOVED The Help! Incredible book. Especially for someone from the South, it resonates. Just read Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper and Charles Martin's Wrapped in Rain. I'll have reviews on my blog shortly!

noodleandboof.blogspot.com

a blonde and a brunette said...

What a great post - great comments! I just finished the Help two days ago - awesome book! I really enjoyed Tales of a Female Nomad (nonfiction but sooo good) and I've just started Hinds Feet in High Places (an allegory based on Habakkuk) and Nefertiti (for something different) - yes, I read multiple books at once - depends on my mood each night! haha

::nora:: said...

First, I just want to tell you that I have been reading your blog for so long now and absolutely love it! My husband and I were in Barcelona in August and loved it and I hope you do too!

Anywho - I just finished The Help a couple of weeks ago and adored it. I was curious about Kelly Cutrone's book so perhaps I'll check that out in a bit. Now, I switched gears and am reading Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster - a hysterical memoir. Good luck finding your next read and keep us posted!

katiedid said...

I had picked The Help for my turn for my book group. It was fun to create dinner for the get together to discuss the book. For dessert? Carmel Cake, of course!
I have just finished The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. She also wrote The Historian, one of my favorite books. Swan Theives is another great read.

I have been watching Kelly on TV....maybe the book is in order!

The Single Nester said...

I am almost done with "Girls of Riyadh." It is kinda a Sex and the City Saudi style which means there is no sex going on. I love reading about women in other countries.

Doorr said...

"The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery. It's set in Paris, it's funny, and it's beautifully written. I want to underline something on every other page.

aneyefordetail said...

I'm with Louise, up above, and just finished "The Guernsey Literary etc." Wonderful, wonderful book!
Also finished Mark Greenside's "I'll Never Be French"; loved it!

Laura Casey Interiors said...

Half Broke Horses which is good. PVE told me to read The Help and I have it on my list. Like the sounds of finding your tribe...thanks for the rec.

la la Lovely said...

I so was wondering about the Kelly C book. I like her but then as you said there are some things I am just like ....huh? But its good to know that most of it is good!
x Trina

Averill said...

Oh I love book recommendations! I'm currently reading "The Brightest Star in the Sky", Marian Keyes' latest book. So far, it's great -- just like all her books -- but I'm admittedly not very far into it yet.

I also have to give another endorsement to Alexander McCall Smith -- his stuff is great. It's just...happy!

The Girly Tomboy said...

I just finised Twenties Girl by Sophia Kinsella and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Loved both. The first was a wonderful, endearing, and entertaining piece of fluff. The second was an eye opening and inspiring take on how we buy our food.

My reviews of both are here:

http://tomboysrgirls2.blogspot.com/search/label/Books

Anonymous said...

i just finished kellys book. i agree, the make up your religion kinda made me tilt my head.

Virginia said...

Carlos Ruiz Zafon "Marina"
I have posted about it on my page.
It is a good book before you go to Barcelona!!!
Happy St. Patrick's Day,
Virginia

Ange said...

Just finished "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and am about to read it again so it really sinks in. Warning: don't read this book unless you're ready to be jolted out of materialistic complacency.

Laura Trevey said...

I definitely want to check out "The Help"

annie said...

Thanks for the review on Kelly's book. That is one of the books on my summer reading list. I love your blog and just started my own. I would love for you to take a look when you have time.
Thanks!
Annie
www.annie-1of3.blogspot.com