Books I Am Reading

I am an avid reader. I LOVE to read, usually fiction, especially chic lit now that I am a mom and only have so many brain cells left to devote to reading! I thought I would share with you what I have been reading in case you are looking for ideas.

Within the past few months I have joined a book club that is organized by the Stroller Strides class I attend. It sounds a little dorky and not for a young person like me (ha ha ha.....) but I love attending. Not only does it give me a reason to read a book, but so far I have read authors I normally wouldn't think of reading AND I get to discuss a book with other moms. Ie, I have an adult conversation that doesn't involve my children's eating, sleep, or poop habits. The last book we read was The Senator's Wife, by Sue Miller. It was okay, and I doubt I'll read any of her other books. There were some issues that I didn't like involving how the author portrays women relationships, motherhood, and breastfeeding. You would have thought the book was written by a man because of how these three ideas are portrayed in the book. But if you want a quick read, this certainly fits the bill.

I took the kids to the library today, Jordan had a blast and picked out her own book then helped me carry a few books to the front desk to check out. One book I got is Madness, by Marya Hornbacher about her experiences with bipolar disorder. I read her first book about her eating disorder, Wasted, a few years ago and loved it. I am a total sucker for memoirs, especially those involving mental illness. There is a reason I got my psychology degree... but I think on a more basic level, it is because I can relate to books involving mental illness. It makes me feel validated for the years I suffered bipolar disorder, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder before therapy (and Dave!!!) helped me. I appreciate other peoples stories. I cannot tell you how many books I own about depression, bipolar, and eating disorders. I am also oddly fascinated by OCD and have a few books about case studies. I think if I were to ever go back and get my masters, I would focus on OCD or eating disorders.

Another book I got is Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins. A coworker introduced me to him a few years ago when she lent me Half Asleep in Frogs Pajamas. This is an author I wouldn't have thought to read if it weren't for someone else, so I am excited to read another one of his books.

I just recently finished reading two books by Jen Lancaster. You can check out her blog! I love her books and recommend them highly to anyone who likes chic lit and/or memoirs. She has hysterical one liners!

Anyway, that's what's on my mind today. If you have any suggestions, I would love to receive them.