Book Review - "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Ever thought your family was strange? Well, without even knowing them, I am going to bet that they cannot even hold a candle to Jeannette Walls eccentric parents.

"The Glass Castle" is a stunning memoir, both humorous and shocking about Walls' unorthodox upbringing. Her parents were unconventional to say the least - they moved the children around, always in search of a new adventure (or in many cases, running away from authorities). With a fantastic storytelling knack, Walls describes the father that was her childhood hero, even though he did have the tendency to "drink a bit" and her go-with-the flow, artistic mother. The Walls children learned to support themselves, eating out of trashcans at school or painting their skin so the holes in their pants didn't show. Buck-toothed Jeannette even tried making her own braces when she heard what orthodontia cost. One by one, each child escaped to New York City. Still, it wasn't long before their parents appeared on their doorsteps. "Why not?" Mom said. "Being homeless is an adventure."

If you haven't read this book yet, add it to the top of your list.

Book Review - "Chocolate Cows and Purple Cheese..." by Tom Hernandez

Our book discussion group was fortunate to have Tom Hernandez, author of "Chocolate Cows and Purple Cheese and Other Tales from the Homefront" speak at our meeting last week. Tom's book is a true gem in today's changing world; he helps us remember that family is still one of the most important aspects of our lives.

Tom is a columnist for a local Plainfield paper, and "Chocolate Cows..." is a composition of his essays from the past ten years or so. He writes with humor and grace, offering tidbits of wisdom and advice that he's accumulated as a son, husband, and father. Even though I am not any of those three, I certainly identified with many of his tales. I often found myself smiling to myself as I recalled my own experiences as a mischievous child to an exasperated parent or having to retake the driving test and blanking on what road sign is what.

Because of the shortness of each essay, this book is great for reading each morning during breakfast, on the road, or even just for a few minutes when your busy life gives you time. Check out a copy today!

Book Review - "Bitter is the New Black" by Jen Lancaster

Jen was a powerful, no-nonsense dot com executive who had a fetish for fine dining, hair highlights, and anything Prada. However, after the September 11 attacks, she finds herself out of a job, and more frightening, out of the lifestyle she has grown to love.

"Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office" is the first memoir by Chicagoan Jen Lancaster. This was a great read -- in the beginning, you love to hate Jen and her self-absorbent lifestyle. But when Jen hits dirt bottom, you can't help but admire her perseverance, individuality, and courage to start fresh.

If you've ever been unemployed, a shopaholic, sorority girl, whatever, you will identify with this book. Check out her other memoirs too!