"What's on yourbookshelf?"

Mommy picks- Recomending a good book


* P.S. I love you Written by Cecelia Ahern

Everyone I know has raved about the movie made popular last year with leading character played by Hilary Swank. To tell you the truth, I saw it. I thought it sucked. I may have to go into hiding for the next few weeks, but hear me out. This is why - the movie fell short in many ways, compared to the book. This is not unusual with a book-made-movie scenario, but it applies in varying degrees. In this sense, it is extreme. The movie lacked the emotion that leaves me sobbing every time. It lacks that human connection that this author writes so well. Her sense of emotion is developed so well through her character, Holly, that I forget that it is just a book and not my life. Not my reality, though it is the reality for so many. I feel this book would be a comfort for anyone who has experienced a sudden unexpected loss of anyone they love. So movie goers, do yourself a favor. Try the book, and you will see what I mean. So much more to enjoy and discover over and over again.

* Mommy Wars Edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner

A great collection of essays written by women of such great wisdom and honesty about the silent war between stay-at-home moms and working mothers, and the battles we wage against ourselves. Featuring great women minds such as Molly Jong-Fast and Terry Minsky, this collection appeals to me in so many ways. I feel a connection to these women and the stories they tell of the choices they made as women - as mothers - and the outcomes of these decisions. I have enjoyed this book many times over as I have gone through changes in my professional and family life.* The Peril of Magnificent Love Written by Emma Magenta A fun non-serious pick. No logic, very personal, often confusing, and left up for interpretation. It is a perfect coffee table book; My kind of book. Interesting pictures... I say no more. Curious? Give it a go. It will take you all of five minutes.

* The Middle Place Written by Kelly Corrigan

Immediately, I felt at home with this first time inspirational author, as if I have known her for years. An easy read, this memoir about one woman's experience with cancer made me think, made me feel vulnerable, and all the emotions I want to feel with a good book. Many times I laughed and many times I cried. Many things I learned that I did not know about cancer. It made me want to research it = so I did. Only a good book can leave me wanting to know more. I especially love the essay she writes at the end. The Middle Place, my latest read, is quickly becoming a favorite and I highly recommend it.

* The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & other stories By Tim Burton

No, seriously. Yeah - no- I mean it! Slightly sadistic, but not toxic to the system. This book in all its short story oddities (well, duh, look who the author is, what do you expect?) has given way to many dinner party conversations and laughs. What can I say - I like it. Meggie likes it. Maybe you will too?

~ Meg Wright-Christ