Books to inspire and accept

I vacillate between self acceptance- who cares what I weigh? I’m going to eat a croissant for Pete’s sake- damn the calories!- and disgust- my thighs are lumpier than mashed potatoes- Im getting older and can’t eat what I want so I'll live on apples- and am left feeling like a pinball in a game of Weight Watchers Wizard.

This is the story of my life. I first read Valerie Frankel’s humorous book, Thin Is The New Happy, hoping to shed some light on the feelings that most women experience on and off throughout in their lives. Cringe-worthy feelings while I glare in the mirror and realize that gasp! I have the body of a woman in her late thirties that has birthed two babies and has not ever worked out with a personal trainer. I love Valerie’s easy writing style and appreciate how she completely lays it all out there, her struggles with dieting and gaining and losing weight. Thanks for making me feel so not alone, Valerie. Lets unbutton our pants and breathe freely together.

On the flip side, The Non-Runners Marathon Guide for Women was obtained with the hopes that I would be inspired to break out some spandex and become a running sensation, one with firm thighs and the lung capacity of a gold medal athlete. It didn’t happen. I lack the stamina and drive to run, at one time, twenty six miles. I can jog for a few minutes, downhill is best. Then my knee starts to hurt and I feel like my innards are bouncing around too much and I get hungry. I end up walking home and drinking coffee while eating a Zone bar, congrataling myself on a good three minute jog. Hey, thats a couple of minutes that could have been spent sitting in front of the tv eating Nutella out of the jar with a knife.

Dawn Dais is a terrific writer and if you are serious about marathon running, I highly suggest you give her book a whirl. Like Valerie, Dawn is straight up and honest, funny and I liked reading the book even if I didn't end up registering for a marathon.

At the end of the day, I walk, I ride my bike, I do yoga and I indulge in that croissant and I feel guilty and bloated. Just like a typical woman.

Secret Life of Bees

The book was probably one of the best I've ever read. There are a handful of books that really stand out over the years-The Glass Castle, Kite Runner, to name a couple off the top of my head.

I'm thrilled that The Secret Life of Bees was turned into a movie, a movie that does the book justice. Sometimes you see a movie after reading the book and it's such a let down. Not with The Secret Life of Bees. Dakota Fanning does a fabulous job as fourteen year old Lily, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo round out the female stars. Paul Bettany plays Lily's father- never did I expect a Brit to pull off a southern accent so convincingly. I guess that's what it means to act, right?

I hope the academy considers this movie when nominating for a screenplay adaptation, lead actress (Fanning) and supporting actresses (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo). I'm all about the Academy Awards honoring outstanding females. The movie made me cry but in the end, I was filled with hope. The scenery is beautiful too. A must-see.

Marley and Me, movie trailer

I just saw the movie trailer for Marley and Me. It looks like a hit- I mean how can you go wrong with a cute dog, Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston? Hopefully it will be rated PG so I can take my kids to see it. I loved the book and am willing to bet the movie will be adorable.

Five Minutes with Maggie talks about Dewey

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

On a freezing cold winter morning, the librarians in Spencer, Iowa, began their morning routine to open the public library. But from the book drop box, they heard a small scratching sound and feared an animal was trapped in the book drop. Carefully opening the metal box, they peered in and were astonished to discover a tiny orange kitten huddled among the books. Upon examination, the kitten had frost-bitten feet but was otherwise pretty healthy, considering his ordeal. The head library (and author of the book), Vicki Myron, decided to approach the library's board of directors and ask for the kitten to be officially adopted by the public library. Though it wasn't an easy decision - many people were worried about the health and safety aspects - the board agreed. The kitten was named Dewey, for the Dewey Decimal System.

The book is really about much more than the cat, though. It takes place in a very small farming community in Iowa during the 1980s, when the town was hit hard by the down economy. Jobs were lost when factories were shut down, and farms became commercialized, putting many family farmers out of business. The small-town library played a central role during the economic crisis. They stocked materials to aid the unemployed in finding new employment and even installed the very first computer to assist with resumes and job searches. It was a tough time in Spencer, and as stressed mothers brought their kids in to the library or unemployed fathers used the computer's search database, Dewey was there, climbing on the patron's laps, rubbing against their legs, and providing the library' visitors with some much-needed affection.

And there's another layer to the tale, as well, and that's Vicki's own story. As a young wife and mother, Vicki left her alcoholic husband to protect herself and her young daughter. After a stint on welfare, Vicki decided to go to school and ended up earning her Master's degree. Dewey enters Vicki's life as more than simply the library cat. Suffering from numerous medical problems, including a bout with cancer, Vicki begins to see Dewey as more than her pet, but also as a strong source of comfort.

As anyone who has loved a dog or cat can attest, that relationship is always strong and fulfilling for both the person and the pet. This is a very heartwarming tale of Dewey, who was more than just a pet cat. His story reached news sources all over the world, and he even appeared in two separate documentaries. The writing style is often oversimplified - structured as though the librarian is telling Dewey's story to the children at the library's story hour - which causes sections to move a little slowly. However, the emotional texture and the historical context make this book an enjoyable, light read. --Maggie Marton

Jancee Dunn- Don't You Forget About Me

I really enjoyed Jancee Dunn's first book so it was with eager anticipation that I waited for her debut novel. I had high expectations for this book. Why? Because we are both from New Jersey, her first book was funny and I just knew based on the title of this one, that I'd love it. Love it. And I did. I picked the book up on Friday and by last night I was done.

Lillian Curtis is a thirty eight year old television producer who's husband has just announced he's done with the marriage. Lillian heads back to her parents house in suburban NJ to convalesce.
Everything in her childhood room is exactly as she's left it- which is where the descriptions get fun. Jancee is a child of the 80's and her observations and memories are spot on from the scrunchy socks to taping songs off the radio to cassette tapes to the posters on the wall. Coinciding with Lillian's trip back home is her 20th high school reunion and the possibility of reuniting with her old boyfriend. Old feelings and memories come flooding back to her as she reassess the person she was- and still is.

Jancee writes with a light touch- her descriptions are hilarious, the pages turn quickly and the story has plenty of endearing characters to bond with, especially Vi, the seventy-something year old television personality. At the end of the book, I sighed and thought, Gee...I wish had written this!

Great job Jancee. Now hurry up and write another one!

ART

When I was a little girl, I used to go to the library and check out enormous art books about Monet, VanGogh, Matisse, Picasso and many more. I was interested in everything from Impressionists to Pop Art and all the artists in between. There was a time when I could easily identify all the famous painters and their masterpieces. I have always relished in visiting museums, learning about art and painting. My two loves have been art and writing and I have never strayed from these interests. If only my guidance counselor hadn't talked me out of going to art school...but that's another story.

This amazing book, simply titled ART is one of the best art books I've ever looked at. ART features over 2,500 works of art from cave drawings to present day. My fingers were trembling as I opened this fabulous and thorough book which includes information presented in a very exciting and fun way. My kids were even excited to read about their favorite artists- Picasso, Van Gogh and Andy Warhol to name a few.

I cannot wait to sit down and go page by page, taking in all the engaging facts and details about the artwork featured. Color theory, concepts, imagery and more is what you will discover in ART. I am so impressed with this book which is suitable for kids and adults. It will remain a treasured item in my house and I will refer to it forever. I'm so inspired by ART. I need an easel and new paints, maybe Santa will bring this to me for Christmas.

As a little girl, I did something terrible- I ripped out pages of the paintings I loved in those library books. Now I will never have to do that again, I have all my beloved pieces of artwork in one enormous and comprehensive book. Click here for more information.

Reel Moments

I was in Hollywood this week for Glamour magazine's Reel Moments. It was very surreal, exciting and fun. Please go over to Hello Dollface to read all about my trip- like my expereince with supermodel May Anderson at Nobu, chatting with Demi Moore and seeing David Spade do the knuckle bump with everyone...click here for more details on my time spent in the world of celebrities.... since you clearly like to read because you're on this site, you will enjoy my blow-by-blow of the event.

Fireflies in the Garden

I thought this was based on a book. In fact, I would have sworn that it was but I cannot find any information on it. I've been looking forward to this film for a long time. Julia Roberts stars and who doesnt love Julia? It will be nice to see her back up on the big screen. Here is the official 411:

Academy Award-winning short filmmaker Dennis Lee expands into feature-length territory with this semi-autobiographical tale about a family struggling to see their way through a devastating and unforeseen tragedy. Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Emily Watson star.

You will love it- Time of My Life

Allison Winn Scotch has a new book out and you will love it. I was so lucky to get an advanced review copy a while back and I read it quickly, enjoying the story. Allison is an accomplished and talented writer. I'm quite sure she doesn't need my endorsement but here it is: Buy the book!

Big and exciting news for the author- the book will be turned into a movie. So many actresses would be perfect for the role of the main character. Here is what other authors say about Time Of My Life...

“Time of My Life is a fabulous, madcap read, but don’t be fooled. Allison Winn Scotch’s narrator is wrestling with some tough issues: How do I find my place in the world? Can I become a wife and mother without losing myself? Would I have been happier if I had chosen another path? Scotch’s book is hilarious and true. I loved it.”—Amanda Eyre Ward, author of Forgive Me

“I loved this book! Time of My Life is funny and delightful and honest in the way only the best novels can be. I read it all in one delicious sitting.” —Laura Dave, author of London Is the Best City in America and The Divorce Party

“Time of My Life will keep you reading all night and guessing till the very end. An honest and engaging tale about how hindsight may not be twenty-twenty and how our decisions are rarely black and white. I loved it.” —Julie Buxbaum, author of The Opposite of Love

Sunshine Cleaning

It's not based on a book as far as I know but this looks like it could be a hit. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt in the story of two sisters who form a...well, you just have to watch the trailer. Due out in '09.

Live a Little and The Almost Archer Sisters

Beth and Peachy are two very different sisters. Beth lives a glamorous, jet-setting life based in New York City. She is single and rich and couldn't be more opposite Peachy, a wife and mother in a small town.

When Beth rolls into town and does something awful to her sister, Peachy flees for the Big Apple, leaving her sister to deal with the mess she created. The two switch lives for a brief time, each gaining understand of what the other is about. The Almost Archer Sisters by Lisa Gabriele explores not only what it's like to be a sister but what makes us tick as humans. Lisa writes beautifully.

Imagine that you've just been diagnosed with breast cancer. You tell your family and they immediately start giving you attention and showering you with love which is different than how they usually treat you (like a doormat). Suddenly you are the center of attention and its kind of nice. But then you find out the docter made a mistake and you are actually healthy and not about to face a grave illness. Do you tell the truth or live a lie...for the attention? That is the premise of Live a Little, a novel by Kim Green.

The author has a great sense of humor and several one liners made me laugh at loud. It's a quick read and you can't help but ask yourself what you would do in the same situation.

Twilight, the soundtrack

By now, I'm sure you have read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer plus the three other novels about Edward and Bella. Maybe you too have been sucked into the vampire vortex and you spend nights dreaming of an Edward of your own. A cool, rock solid, sexy vampire who is stuck at seventen years old even though he will live forever.

For fans of the books, here is the official movie soundtrack. The film will bust into theaters in November and I have a feeling theaters will be cluttered with swooning women of all ages. So get your fix of music now. Download these songs as you think of Edward...

1. Muse — Supermassive Black Hole

2. Paramore — Decode

3. The Black Ghosts — Full Moon

4. Linkin Park — Leave Out All The Rest

5. MuteMath — Spotlight (Twilight Mix)

6. Perry Farrell — Going All The Way (Into The Twilight)

7. Collective Soul — Tremble For My Beloved

8. Paramore — I Caught Myself

9. Blue Foundation — Eyes On Fire

10. Rob Pattinson — Never Think

11. Iron & Wine — Flightless Bird, American Mouth

12. Carter Burwell — Bella's Lullaby

The Secret Life of Bees

I can't remember when I was so excited to see a movie. I've been waiting for this film since I read the book so long ago. If you arent familiar with The Secret Life of Bees, you must run and I do mean RUN to the nearest bookstore or library and get yourself a copy. The movie opens on October 17th so you have almost 2 weeks to read it.

Yesterday I watched Oprah because she hosted the cast. You know how interested I am in turning good books into good movies. And this book had a subject, setting and time period which will translate very well onto the big screen.

I never realized how stunning Alicia Keys was until I saw her on Oprah! The entire cast is gorgeous and so talented. Below is a clip of Alicia talking about the film.

The Devil, The Lovers, and Me by Kimberlee Auerbach

I picked this book up and didn't close it until I was completely finished. It was so amusing and interesting. Fed up with her life and her boyfriend who refuses to "pop the question" Kimmi sought answers from a wise but chic tarot card reader named Iris. Through her readings, Kimmi was able to make tough decisions and see her life in a different light. She gained understanding of different events and looked at the past with a different perspective.



Kimberlee is hilarious and things she writes in her book will have you laughing out loud. That's LOL to those who like to abbreviate. You have to love a girl who names her blog Kimmiland. Take a peek and watch her videos. Boy, does Kimmi love to laugh! She is full of happiness and life. If a book, a blog and her one woman show isn't enough, you can also join Kimmi here.



Here is the Amazon link and a blurb of the book:
During a dark period of her life, when she felt stuck in her job after seven years, and stymied in a relationship with a loving man who still wouldn't pop the question, the author, at 33, visited a clairvoyant in order to find out what the future held for her. Iris was not a typical tarot reader, but heavily into Kabbalah, and she navigated for Auerbach a reading of the 22 Major Arcana.



How much belief do you have in tarot cards?
I don't think of them as a tool for divination. I like to use them as a lens with which to see your life in a different way.

Do you believe our lives are mapped out for us or can we veer off course and change our lives at any time?
I believe we all have free will and can change our lives and outlook in any moment. I also believe that we live in a chaotic, crazy, fucked up, but beautiful world where we have little control, so as much as we have choice and can contribute to creating a particular reality, we also have to go with the flow, roll with the punches and make the best out of the shit that happens.

What do you think about the idea of having a "soul mate"?
I think a "soul mate" is anyone who touches your soul, be it sexual, romantic, platonic, or all of the above. Different people touch different parts of our souls. And thank God for that.

What made you write this book?
I wanted to tell this story in a big way and help other people, women in particular, feel better about their own unique journeys.

Do you have any hobbies?...what are they?
Pole-dancing, Flamenco dancing, taking pictures, fucking around in Photoshop, cooking. And I love, love, love going to the Sacred Center of New York.

What's the last book you read?
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle--it kicked my ass in the best possible way.

Name your favorite five films that you could watch over and over again.
When Harry Met Sally, Out of Africa, Defending Your Life, Terms of Endearment, The Goodbye Girl.

Do you think you might write another book? I love your humor!
Thanks, and yes, I want to write another book. Perhaps self help next. And a few screenplays, for sure.