#52 DZP: Read the Hunger Games Triology

#52 DZP: Read the Hunger Games Trilogy

Oh. My. Gawd.

It's no wonder how this book sold over 50 million copies.

It took me forever to say "just read them Shannon, everyone loved them." and so finally I went and bought The Hunger Games.

After book one, I was hungry (pun intended) for more. So the next day I went and bought Catching Fire and Mockingjay. And now after reading the trilogy, I'm sad that it's over, but so happy I read them all.

Yes, I had nightmares, and intense visions that even woke Alex up. I couldn't explain my dreams or describe what the "arena" looked like, but I guess that's why I'm not a teen-fiction novelist.

It reminded me of what reading Harry Potter and Twilight was like. Staying up way too late because of "just one more chapter, then I'll go to sleep". Believing in the fantasy world that the author creates for me. And at the end, I feel a little empty, like I've lost a friend... ok, maybe not a friend, but I spent many nights with these books. I'll miss them, and probably will visit them again later in the future.

If you haven't read them, you should. Meant for teen or not, you should read them. Guys should read them too. Or at least the first book!

"Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me" by Chelsea's Family, Friends, and Other Victims

I took a long time reading this book, but I finally finished it while on my recent trip across the states.

All the stories from her family, friends, coworkers were absolutely hillarious, but her dog Chunk's story was a treat! The book brought insight to her life/lies and now I have a bigger lady-crush on her!

So Chelsea: hurry up and find more people to write stories about you and send it to pulishing A-Sap!

Breaking Dawn Part I

Now I have to start with saying "BEST TWILIGHT SAGA MOVIE YET!"

Okay, now that that's out of the way, Breaking Dawn, the book was my favorite of the 4. I will always like the beginning story of Edward and Bella from Twilight, the 1st book, but the 4th has soooo much more fantasy that I love!

Now not to *SPOIL* it for some people (so stop reading if you don't want to know ANYTHING about the movie), but between the wedding, to the honeymoon, to the birth of her baby girl... I never stopped loving Bella and her story. Sure I love the other characters like Edward, Jacob, Alice, and of course silly Charlie, but I like to think I was a little like Bella, especially with the birth of Renesmee... I teared up when she was born, both book and movie. I understood her fight for the baby and that she would do anything for her.... or him because she thought she was having a boy.

And maybe one day I'll have a wedding and a beautiful honeymoon like Bella did (maybe even in Rio too!) but till then I will envy her (haha) and watch the movie again! But I am glad a vampire didn't have to....umm.... help me give birth... yeah.

I was super, SUPER excited to see the movie and I would go see it again, and again! The movie was pretty close to the book, and yes, I do know because I was one of those crazy fans that read it 3 times... going on my 4th. Heck if Ryan understood what I was saying, then we're half way through it because I've been reading it to him on and off since he was born!

My favorite part of the movie: hard to say, there were so many! I loved the birth down to the silly wedding toasts from Charlie & Jessica. Jacob's imprinting to the wolves fight scenes. From Bella trying to walk in heels to the house keepers taking the broken bed out the house. There were so many!

"Sugar and Spice" by Lauren Conrad

Sugar and Spice . . . Not everyone's nice.

Fresh from being betrayed by one of her closest friends, new reality-television celebrity Jane Roberts has learned a few lessons. Most important: know who to trust. And in Hollywood, that list is short.

Although the press is intent on creating a tabloid war between her and ex-friend/current-costar Madison Parker, Jane just wants to take control of her life. She’s started by swearing off guys and the drama that comes with them. But when her high school sweetheart Caleb and her unrequited L.A. crush Braden show up, both acting sweeter than ever, Jane has a hard time remembering her no-boys rule. . . .

Her best friend, Scarlett, has only one guy on her mind: her new boyfriend, Liam. The girl who once thought love was a four-letter word is now head over heels. The problem is, being on a hit reality show means hanging out with other guys on-camera, and Liam isn’t too happy with pretending to play a bit part in her love life.

Just when everything feels out of control, Jane makes a shocking discovery—one that changes everyone’s definition of “reality” forever.
In her deliciously entertaining novel, television star Lauren Conrad pulls back the curtain on young Hollywood and shows that sometimes the real drama is behind the scenes.

-Amazon.com Review

It's a bittersweet moment finishing this book. I LOVE the whole series, so I was stoked to start the 3rd book, but I'm sad to see it end. It was just right though: drama, romance, sarcasm, twists and turns... I couldn't put it down!! Most books I'll start to read and I'm lucky if I make it to the end of that chapter before I fall to sleep (not out of boredom, just because reading soothes me to sleep). But once again I made it to chapter 15 before I realize that I should take a break for necessities, like food or potty!

I thought maybe it would be hard to start the third without going back and re-reading the 1st or 2nd (catch up on my drama from before) but Conrad does a wonderful job of re-introducing the characters and the drama-for-yo-momma from the 2 before.

Now that Jane, Scarlett, Gaby, & Madison have they're happy endings, I'm left to my TV, where I'm starting a "The Hills" marathon very soon.! Ya know, I wonder if they'd ever think about making the series into movies :)

"The Language of Sand" by Ellen Block

After the tragic death of her husband and son, Abigail Harker leaves her career as a lexicographer in Boston to become the caretaker of an old lighthouse on an island off the coast of North Carolina. Arriving on Chapel Isle in the off-season, Abigail imagines she will find peace and solitude while coming to know the island her late husband loved as a child. However, things are not quite as she imagines. The quaint lighthouse turns out to be a dilapidated wreck with a sordid past; the ambience proves to be both prickly and mysterious; and her memories of the life she left behind follow Abigail everywhere. At times melancholy but mostly life-affirming, The Language of Sand brings the island community to life in this book-club-friendly read that will have readers itching for a sequel.

-Heather Paulson, Booklist

I had somewhat a hard time getting into this book. Abigail looses her life in Boston and finds her new life in Chapel Isle... I doubt I'd be able to do that, but more power to ya sister! I like how there is 26 chapters, A to Z, all starting with a word from the dictionary (because she's a lexicographer) that mostly explains the chapter. I couldn't relate to her and the characters had left little to be desired, to me that is. There are house break-ins, gossip from the town at Bingo night, a ghost who messes with her head, a hurricane that is coming but then turns a different direction... this book is kind of all around the map. The most depressing part was reading her memories of her husband and little child... not good when I'm already horomonal.

After this book I knew I need some kind of Chelsea Handler or Lauren Conrad book to perk me up again....

"Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Jenny McCarthy

Jenny's pregnancy wasn't.... pretty - and she wants to tell everyone all about it! From the get-go she tells us "If you bought this book, you are already aware of my frankness when it comes to certain things—anatomy and bodily functions among them. If someone gave this book to you as a gift and you've never heard of me, apologies to you!"

She goes on to talk about the nitty-gritty of pregnancy in all its not-so-pleasant detail, covering morning sickness, hormonal rage, cravings, hemorrhoids, "engorged" breasts, gas, hot flashes, fainting spells, brain farts, weight gain, spider veins, emotional rollercoasters, acne, water retention and of course, labor.

Jenny is undeniably ridiculous but down right hilarious, and her openness and self-deprecation are refreshing. Each brief chapter focuses on a different (and awful) part of pregnancy, with her relating personal memories and usually winding down by reassuring women they're not alone. Her tales are, for the most part, a "hoot", though they may offend more uptight people. For example, in the beginning of McCarthy's pregnancy, she was constipated, so she visited a specialist (she'll tell you aaalllll about specialists). In the waiting room, the assistant called her name, and "everyone... looked up in surprise, and I knew what they were thinking: 'Jenny McCarthy has butt hole problems?' I was so embarrassed, until I realized that they had no right to be smirking: Those assholes were also there because of their own assholes. I felt better already."

Now I don't say use this book for medical advice, but it was nice to read (laughs and tears) that she went through the same crappy morning sickness as I'm going through, and she doesn't sensor anything! And I know now not to listen to my body, not see specialists unless told by your doctor, and not to go get my hair blown out and done up when I start having contractions!

Later I'll get the next one: Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood

"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron

A while ago I read this "tail-wagging" novel with the real insights to in the world of a K9 friend, told in a touching, doggy first-person. The story tells about a dog's life and the new lifes he starts when he/she is reborn. All the same dog, but this animal questions why the reborn-again, and if it completed it's life's purpose.

This pup is first Toby, a small puppy of 4 to Mother where they are rescued by the local dog lovers (without a license to rescue), and unfortunately ends up being euthanized. He is reborn as Bailey, a golden retriever puppy who spends most of his life running around on a farm in the summer and playing with his new human family. He passes away feeling like he fufilled a purpose for that family. The he is reborn as the German Shephred Ellie, yes a female, which confuses the former Bailey. She is trained as a search and rescue dog and saves many lives. But he is last reborn as Buddy, a black lab, where he finds his old master when he was Bailey, but old and gray. It isn't till Buddy is reborn, that he finds his purpose of life.

If you're a pet-lover like me, you will laugh out loud and have tears drip down your cheeks. I really enjoyed reading this dog-loving book.

"Finally, a fictional dog who is a real dog! Anyone who has ever loved a dog needs to read this wise, touching, often hilarious book. Bailey, the narrator, tells the absolute dog truth about how intuitive your dog is, how profoundly your dog loves you (and how very much they love to roll in road kill, and how puzzled they are that you don't love it, too). Most importantly, this book allows the reader to intimately experience a genuine dog's eye view of the bond between dogs and humans, and how nothing, not even death, can ever end that bond."--Dr. Marty Becker, Resident Veterinarian on Good Morning America and the Dr. Oz Show

"Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel" by Lauren Conrad

Just finished reading the second of the LA Candy Series, can't wait for the third one!

How Sweet it is?

Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .

When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?

Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.

Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?

Conrad has her own clothing line, book series and movie in the works. Her career all started out with her being featured on MTV's fake reality show about Orange County idiots called "Laguna Beach."

LC has come a long way since then. She has since turned down her huge salary from The Hills to pursue other projects. She has a very strong and loyal fanbase and Lauren Conrad fans are eating up her books.

"The Day I Shot Cupid: Hello, My Name Is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-aholic" By (of course) Jennifer Love Hewitt

The Day I Shot Cupid was just what I expected... & so much more! It is charming, honest, zany, and the best part: real. Jennifer Love Hewitt draws for her many years of dating experience to teach (or remind) her readers how to tackle the game of love with grace and humor. Expect adorable sassy graphics, short light chapters, great tips (on everything from cellulite to feelings of worthlessness), and a quirky jovial tone. The Day I Shot Cupid is even peppered with some man-truths and celebrity quotes, every woman can giggle and learn from, and believe me... I giggled plenty!

I've always been a fan of JHL, and yes I watch Ghost Whisperer religiously, but I really connected with her from this book. She talks about the same self-esteem issues, the attitude adjustments, and the highs and lows of dating. Along with literally laughing out loud, I also teared up in parts that I knew reflected too much of myself, especially the W.O.R.T.H. chapter (Women Over Relationships That Hurt). But I plan to put on my "Big-Girl Pants" and "Get Over It!", I'm going to learn to love myself (for realz this time) and then maybe someone will love me (for realz this time too). I plan to do Stevie's (JHL's trainer) workout plan tiara and all, consider Jaime Kennedy's advice of my badonkadonk's size, and (#99 on the DZP) I will identify 100 things that makes me happy... I just don't think I'll be doing the vagazzaling (sorry JHL, but seriously Jenn... call me! Let's do cocktails!!)

"For any woman who has ever bought a self-help book and wondered why she bothered. (P.S. Now that I know he's just not that into me, where do I go from there? Yeah, thanks for that advice.)"

From the Book itself:
Jennifer Love Hewitt is a self-proclaimed "love-aholic" and hopeless romantic (her middle name is Love, after all!). She has been lucky and unlucky in love, and lived to tell—and she's done it all in the spotlight. Much has been written about her love life—some true, most made up to sell magazines. Now Hewitt shares the real story of what she's learned navigating the dangerous dating waters.

In The Day I Shot Cupid, Hewitt offers her hard-won wisdom and tells us how to embrace love with both feet on the ground. First, we have to shoot Cupid. We have to believe that happily-ever-after is hard work—it's not all flowers and symphonies and floating hearts.

Wise and wry and refreshingly honest, Hewitt talks about how to pick the right guy and how to know when to let the wrong ones go free, and she offers some surprising truths about the opposite sex.

From twenty things to do after a breakup, to ten things to do before a date, to the perils of text flirting (Note: You are waiting. By the phone. For his response.), Hewitt uses stories and dating secrets to illustrate the idiotic, romantic, crazy, depressing, hilarious, awkward, glorious moments we all experience in relationships. Funny, quirky, and empowering, The Day I Shot Cupid deserves a place on every woman's nightstand, bookshelf, or coffee table, or tucked inside her oversized designer handbag.

‎"Falling in love is awfully simple, but falling out of love is simply awful." - Anonymous (From The Day I Shot Cupid)

Oh! And another book down for the DZP!

"Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" by Chelsea Handler

"Why he would agree to install an eight-by-eight-foot fish tank and then not fill it with a single dolphin made me want to burn his eyebrows off."
I agree Chelsea! I would demand a dolphin too!!

Now that I read the 3rd of the Handler books, I can fully say I'm a fan of her humor. A lot of her outrageous stories and compulsive lies are not only hilarious, but they will make you laugh till you "shadoobie" your pants! The story of her rescued dog Chunk is too cute, and I would love to have a dog like him too! (I really want my own Eva, her assistant too!!) Her stories are so embarrassingly relatable that you will explode in a sudden burst of laughter, over and over again! Her chapter titled "Black on Black Crime" will have tears of laughter rolling down your cheeks as you can't contain it and you'll have your abs in a painful bliss! My gawd, even the dedication was funny –

To my brothers and sisters. What … a bunch of assholes.

I would love to see her when she comes to town in November, but I'll settle with watching tivo'd Chelsea Lately on E! Here's an article I found from Marie Claire's Christine Lennon that is just awesome to read.

"Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea" by Chelsea Handler

So the 2nd of Chelsea Handler books I've read, and I have to say... I can't get enough of her! She is unbelievably funny! I can't stress that enough! If you're at all human... and can appreciate comedy, then you'll be in bed reading and crackin' yourself up or at the airport giggling in front of strangers!

The last chapter, Chapter 12: Costa Rica was by far my favorite, and she's got a lot of stories that push the top of favorites too! About her trip with her friend Shoniqua, Shoniqua's mother Latifa, and Chelsea's father Melvin, whom she calls "Bitch Tits".
"My father has about as much shame as Star Jones and, being the Jew that he is, loves to get something for nothing. Me negotiating skills are on par with George Bush's reading ability. And, just like Dubya, every time I've tried to put forth an effort, I am reminded that my only true strength lies in drinking." - Chelsea Handler "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea"
Not to spoil anymore details about it, but I love her books!

"Most men would never tell a girl her Pikachu smells like a crab cake. It's just not done. But they would have no qualms about telling their guy friends. Similarly, if you're a guy and you pull your pants down, and the girl you're with immediately stats text messaging her friends, you have a small penis." - Chelsea Handler "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea"

On to the next one: "Chelsea Chelsea, Bang Bang"

Oh! and yeah for finishing book 2/50 on the DZP!

There's Something About...

The smell of old books
I simply love it!

"My Horizontal Life" by Chelsea Handler

Book 1 out of 50 Down!

Great GREAT book! I started reading Handler's books because I saw her new release of "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang", and so I bought those two plus her second novel "Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea"

Make's me remember my moments "between the sheets". She's a wonderful writer and her stories and experiences are hillarious & I love her for sharing them!

"At some point during almost every romantic comedy, the female lead suddenly trips and falls, stumbling helplessly over something ridiculous like a leaf, and then some Matthew McConaughey type either whips around the corner just in the nick of time to save her or is clumsily pulled down along with her. That event predictably leads to the magical moment of their first kiss. Please. I fall ALL the time. You know who comes and gets me? The bouncer." — Chelsea Handler, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands

"There are two kinds of people I don't trust: people who don't drink and people who collect stickers." — Chelsea Handler, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands

I'm starting to read the Vodka book now, and then the Bang Bang soon after.