Novels and Biographies

What We Keep, by Elizabeth Berg This is a book my mother reccomended to me, which was reccomended to her by her sister. It is an amazing book about the damage of miscommunication and rediscovering oneself by coming to terms with the past. I loved this book and would reccomend it to anyone, especially a woman trying to relate to her family.

The Color of Water, by James McBride I believe I first read this book on the plane to Europe. It is a fantatstic book about the search of one man for his identity. Upon finding out that his mother was an Orthodox Jew, James realizes he must discover the truth about his mother in order to discover the truth about himself. quick read, I'd reccomend this book to anyone who likes

Montana 1948 and Justice, by Larry Watson These were actually a part of a summer reading assignment in high school, but I must admit, they were among the only books I enjoyed and would read even if they weren't assigned. Though I generally like books written by women, Motana 1948 and its prequel, Justice, were written by Larry Watson. He has an amazing grasp on his characters and I read both these books in a few sittings. These are great for anyone who is interested in the role that a time period plays on one's memory of history and the environment in which a person is raised.

A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines This, I believe, was also a summer reading assignment, but I couldn't put it down. It is the story of Jefferson, a man condemned to death for a crime he didn't commit. Jefferson is rather uneducated and his aunt wants him to die a man as opposed to a boy. So she hires a teacher to teach him and be with him. This is one of those books that shows how teachers can learn as much from their pupils as the puplils can from them.

This Body, by Laurel Doud This book was actually a loan from a dear friend of mine. It took six months until I had time to read it, and I read it in three days. An incredible story of life and how people can help themselves and each other, it's a must. The writing is very witty and for you California folks, look out for stores, streets, and places that are familiar! Totally worth the length. Admittedly, I thought the ending was a bit weak, but hey, every other part of it is really good!

Not Without My Daughter, by Betty Mahmoody This book is so gripping and heart-wrenching, I can't believe it hadn't been reccomended to me earlier. The story of a woman who became trapped in Iran with her daughter, Not Without My Daughter is perhaps the best book I've ever read. The writing is captivating from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. It took me some time to finally get through all of it, but it was fantastic all the way to the end. I've gotta admit, it was also nice to know that there is a father out there who is worse than mine.

I Don't Know How She Does It A great story about juggling motherhood and a career, this was part of my "research" for my semeseter abroad. It details the chaotic life of Kate Ready, a financial guru in a large, rather masculine London firm. The dialogue is hilarious, and, what can I say, I love the British phrases and other such things. I throughly identified with the mother, despite being a single college student in the States. I'd reccommend this to anyone who is thinking about or in the midst of finding the delicate balance between being a mommy and being an executive. I actually liked the ending of this one!

The Nanny Diaries I read this right after leaving my job as a nanny. I thought it would make me cry, but I laughed my way through 90% of it. This was actually reccommended to me by a dear friend and former English teacher. As the title suggests, The Nanny Diaries is the story of a young college student who works as a nanny to afford life and an apartment near NYU. Anybody who has worked as a nanny will identify with the harrowing situations Nanny (Yes, that's her name) pulls herself out of. Whether you've heard of these things happening to other people, or have experienced them yourself, this is a great read. As I always say, I loved the writing, and especially liked the character development. Nobody was purely good or purely evil, something that's refreshing in today's black and white world.

Confessions of a Shopaholic Disclaimer: I liked this book for reasons other than the name of the main character! This was a fantastic read about Becky, a young woman working in London's financial world while ignoring the impending doom of almost impenetrable debt. I don't know why I gravitate toward these stories, but I do. Alas, Becky fixes evey situation by creating elaborate stories and going shopping. As we watch Becky commit the cardinal sin we've all been guilty of at one point or another, deepening one's debt by buying more things, we can't help but laugh at the irony of her existence. While giving advice to others about financial matters, this young woman refuses to face her own demons. Another "research" book, this is also a great way to pick up slang and British phrasing of the younger class.

The Devil Wears Prada I know, there's a trend going here. This was another great read. The story follows Andrea Sachs as she finds herself working for Miranda Priestley, the editor of Runway magazine. Her one year sentence becomes more difficult as the book progresses and the tasks become more ridiculous. I think it's definitely worth the time!

Children's Books

Quick as a Cricket, by Audrey Wood I adore most anything by the Woods, but this is one of my childhood favorites. The illustrations are amazing, and the story is charming. It is a great book that not only introduces opposites, feelings, and personal traits, but also shows children that you can be more than one thing. I loved this book, and still love it!

The Jolly Postman, by Janet Ahlberg My aunt introduced me to this book when I was about eight years old. It's a great book that chronicles a number of popular children's stories and fairy tales. To make it even more fun, each of the characters has a letter which can be opened and read. Though, if you care about keeping it in tact, I wouldn't reccomend it for children under four or so, if you appreciate books that have been 'loved' this can be for children of any age.

Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch This book will always hold a special place in my heart. It was another of the favorite books as a child that my mother read to me constantly. It always makes me think of both my mother and my paternal grandmother. The story is wonderful for both kids and parents. I even went as far as to read it at my mother's funeral. It has always touched me and I try to read it or introduce it to every child I take care of.

Toot & Puddle, by Holly Hobbie This is a very charming book about two friends, Toot & Puddle. The illustrations are so cute and the characters are wonderful. They show a sense of adventure and a need for home and familiarity. The story is incredible and takes you on a trip around the world. This is such a wonderful book for kids who want to explore and stay home at the same time. I can't say enough about this book! Other books in the series are: Toot & Puddle: You Are My Sunshine; Toot & Puddle: Top of the World and the like.

Organizing Books (My Secret Passion)

Organizing from the Inside Out and Time Management from the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern These books have literally changed my life. The SPACE method Morgenstern employs will help you manage any part of your life. Both books have helpful tips on specific areas of your life and home. I originally saw Organizing on Oprah a few years ago. A must read for anyone sick of not knowing where to find your keys

Checklists for Life, by Kirsten M. Lagatree This is another great book. It has sections on personal life, organization, safety, etc. There are checklists for everything from what should be in your first aid kit to the steps to take when you go on vacation. If you've ever wanted to tackle a project but didn't know where to start, this is the book for you.

How Not to Be a Messie, by Sandra Felton This is another one of those great organizing books. It helps to identify your strengths and weaknesses as an organized person and offers tips on cleaning your home and your life. Another great book, as are the other books by Felton.