her nose stuck in a book

one of my new years resolutions was to read more this year, and I'm finally getting around to following through with it. today I read a lot on the grass in my backyard while I was tanning. this weekend has been really hot and I actually went to the beach and stuff yesterday, which was wonderful.

The Help -Kathryn Stockett

I've read this one once or twice before, but it's one of my favorite books and I couldn't resist reading it again. I'm sure you've all heard of it, but it's in the early 60s about some black maids and the white women they work for. It's all full of controversy and references to good music and if you haven't read it, go out and get a copy right now, and watch the movie when you're done (the movie is as good as the book).

Fat Girl -Judith Moore

this is an autobiography, and it's beautifully and brutally honest. I'm still in the first few chapters, but I'm already fascinated by this young girl and her struggle with her weight and self image- which is something everyone can relate to on some level. Judith talks about what it was like to be "the fat girl" at school and everywhere she went, including her home with a cruel, petite mother. It's a very moving story, and though it is short, it's not a quick read.

Go Ask Alice

this is another one I've read before, and it's also one of my favorites. It's the published diary of a young girl, and it deals with all the struggles of being a teenager and being in love, as well as her dark downward spiral in the world of drugs. It's timeless and incredible. I can relate to so much of what she says, and it really puts into perspective how so many people have experienced situations like the anonymous writer has. The title comes from a line in the Jefferson Starship/Airplane song White Rabbit.

Catcher in the Rye -J.D. Salinger

the classic coming of age story of Holden Caulfield and all his many antics. to be completely honest, I don't like it all that much. I mean, it's super well known and I can't go through my life without having read it, and it has a lot of good points, but I'm not a big fan of Holden. he calls everyone a phony, but he's a pretty big phony himself. that said, it is very good writing and an interesting story, but it's hard to read a book when the narrator and main character is so particular.

anyway, that's what I'm reading right now/just finished reading/going to read soon.

with love,

Julia