Words, words, words . . .

Olivia Joules - The Spy With the Overactive Imagination

Norma Jean Barrett — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 02:11:43 +0000

Helen Fielding’s follow-up to Bridget Jones. It’s one part fashion, one part failed intuition, one part adventure, and five parts humour. Then there are her rules …

1. Never panic. Stop, breathe, think.
2. No one is thinking about you. They’re thinking about themselves, just like you.
4. Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems.
10. Only buy clothes that make you feel like doing a small dance.
12. When overwhelmed by disaster, check if it’s really a disaster by doing the following:
(a) think, “Oh @#$ it,”
(b) look on the bright side and, if that doesn’t work, look on the funny side. If neither of the above works, then maybe it is a disaster so turn to items 1 and 4.

It’s a light fast read. Prepare to laugh!

He's Just Not That Into You

Norma Jean Barrett — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 03:30:08 +0000

It’s a little primer on dating foibles, put together by SATC writers Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. I think it ought to be mandatory reading for anyone contemplating dating ESPECIALLY those of us who are preparing for a reluctant return to boy meets girl. It’s a crazy world out there, and this book has helped me to get reacquainted with the male point o’ view.

It’s that teensy dose of perspective that we all need sometimes … like …

#56 - "Meeting someone you like and dating him is supposed to make you feel better, not worse. That’s always a good rule to live by, no matter what the special circumstances (i.e., excuses) are."

And …

#196 - "no answer is your answer."

And then there’s my personal favorite …

#64 - you deserve a f—-ing phone call."

It’s not about all men - just the ones not returning your calls … the Mr. Rejections in your path … so not worth it. I’m not ready to date … doesn’t mean I don’t want to or don’t get tempted, but I’m not ready … I’ll be reading this one again if and when that time comes.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Norma Jean Barrett — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 02:23:28 +0000

Mitch Albom’s book is a gem of wisdom. For me it was about a 3-hour read. It was given to me by a friend … one of my best. He said "you’ll cry". I did. It’s a must read.

Searching for God Knows What and Blue Like Jazz

Norma Jean Barrett — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 01:27:47 +0000

My favorite thing about these two books is that Donald Miller explores faith in them in a way that I totally relate to - with skepticism, questions, confusion … it is very non-exact. For me right now, it is all about "the grace". There is no way that I can be "Christ-like" (yeah, I know I should try), I have a busy brain and just don’t have time to question the purity of every thought, which is what happens to me when I try to be "Christ-like" - it becomes a whole guilt-fest. I’m right now very comfortable with the belief that that’s not part of my journey - to try and be like Christ, my journey is just to be me and to listen and try to submit to God’s plan for moi. Yikes holy tangent, back to the book. Anyhow, I really feel like Donald Miller tells his personal journey about coming to faith to show the reader the loveliness and awesomeness of God’s grace and our salvation.

My Friend Leonard

Norma Jean Barrett — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 01:19:23 +0000

James Frey’s second novel chronicles his friendship with Leonard post-rehab. James sticks to the first person memoir style of writing that he used in his first book, A Million Little Pieces. The book is slower, and there are considerably less vomit scenes. Not the fast-paced fury driven account of his first book, but still a very enjoyable read. I had several good gutty laugh out loud moments with this book … leopard print speedo was the best. It’s a fun one.

A Million Little Pieces

Norma Jean Barrett — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 01:14:58 +0000

James Frey’s debut novel. This is a first-person stream of concious style account of one-man’s six weeks in rehab. I love the writing style of this book. I read this fast and furiously. I am a total empathizer, so I felt like I was going through rehab right along with James. I know, that’s whack-o, but seriously if his intent was to give his readers as close a glimpse as they can get to the rehab experience, well then by golly he succeeded with me. I’m also a closet potty mouth, so I loved all of the f-ing dialogue!

Now that was a gooder . . .

Norma Jean Barrett — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:47:43 +0000

This is where I’m going to tell you all about all that reading I’ve been doing … post a comment and tell me and the collective we what you’ve been reading …