Shorter days. Chilly nights. Hot cocoa. Zombies. It must be Autumn.
I certainly hope everybody had a blast this summer. I know I
did. I spent this summer, remodeling my home, getting in touch with long lost
friends, attending barbeques and cocktail parties, shopping, cooking and
spending time with family. It was perfect.
The heat waves are behind us. The days of teeny-weeny (I
wish) bikinis are almost done. BBQ
pits will soon be covered. Road trips will be iPhoto memories. Perhaps this is
an ode, a final farewell to summer '09; it was awesome while it lasted but all
good things must draw to a close so that we can remain in anticipation of
Summer 2010.
But don't look too glum, for autumn has it's own distinct
pleasures: breezy days, and chilly afternoons; an excuse to not shave our legs regularly;
making S'mores and sipping hot cocoa by the fire pit on the patio; the changing
of the leaves; and my personal favorite, snuggling up on my sofa with a great
and curious read.
Below, I share my 5 favorite picks for an early autumn read.
Enjoy.
|
|
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Yes, this is the
"expanded version" of the Jane Austin classic, written by Seth
Grahame-Smith. Jane Austin also shares a writers credit since the book
maintains 85% of the original Pride and Prejudice. Before Austin fans get up in
arms, the author says the book is meant to be both a parody and homage to the
classic, with specific questions (why were those troops stationed near
Hertfordshire?), answered with ultra-violent zombie mayhem. It's funny, gory
and thoroughly enjoyable.
|
|
The Last Song.
If you haven't quite gotten over
summer, let Nicolas Sparks transport you back. The story is about a 17
year old girl who, after three years, remains angry and alienated from her
parents after their divorce. Her mother sends her, to spend the summer in North
Carolina with her father. A very warm and touching story about: growing up; the
bonds between parent and child; and coming to grips with the not-so-pleasant
realities of life. The film adaptation is currently in production.
|
|
|
|
Past Imperfect. Nearly forty years ago in the swinging 60s of London, two Aristocrats
became good friends at Cambridge. Fast forward to present day and both the
Narrator and his once good friend Damien, are virtual enemies. Out of the blue
the Narrator receives a phone call from a dying Damien pleading for his help in
tracking down a woman who claims he fathered her son. The narrator reluctantly
accepts and so begins an adventure back to days of London past, where nothing
is as it used to be. This is a very polished tale and thoroughly enjoyable for
those who enjoy reading about Aristocrats and Socialites set in a London
backdrop.
|
|
Eat This, Not That!
If you enjoyed the blog, then the book is all that plus so
much more. This is the modern day bible for surviving the wasteland that has
become the "American Read-to-Eat" culture. Convenience and cost
cutting have given rise to 1200-calorie hamburgers and 3200-calorie Nacho
Cheese appetizers. This book presents the reader with the healthier alternative
to almost every situation a consumer might be faced with. This is not only a
must-read but also a must-own. I love this book!
|
|
|
Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin. I can't believe she just said
that" moments, this book is hilarious as it is honest. Besides, you can
never go wrong with Kathy; get this one.
Perpetual "D-List" comedienne, Kathy Griffin
shares the uncut, unflinching "never before seen" side of her life,
behind the cameras. Filled with many "
|
 Quote this article on your site
|
