Tag Archives: reviews

reading list-volume: 4

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Due to a massive reading undertaking (see the last book), it’s been awhile since my last reading list. I’m back on a reading kick, so let’s check out what I’ve been reading since we last talked books.

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Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales

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I’m a sports nut, so this title has been on my to-read list for a long time. The book is an oral history of the creation of ESPN, from the beginnings of the idea all the way up to its 30th anniversary. I loved reading some behind the scenes stories from my favorite on-air personalities! My favorite part was reading how some of the on-air talents were so difficult (shout out Olbermann and my guy Bill Simmons) to work with but also so popular, that there wasn’t anything ESPN could really do. I wish there was an updated version that I could’ve picked up that would’ve given me all the juicy details of Bill’s ouster from ESPN, but I guess I’ll have to put the pieces together myself.

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham

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So as I said in the last (and as of now, only) Box Score (I really need to bring those back – maybe this month!), I semi-recently finished binging all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls and the Netflix series. I had never seen it before and I absolutely loved it. As soon as the credits rolled on ‘Fall’, I ran to my bookshelf and grabbed Lauren’s book. I had ordered it a while ago, as I’ve always thought she was super relatable and funny. I knew the book would have spoilers of Gilmore Girls in it, so I had to wait until I was done watching to read it!

The book is a pretty quick read and is full of personal anecdotes and stories. She doesn’t shy away from embarrassing photos or experiences and seems very authentic. It’s not surprising that Graham is so good on Gilmore Girls or Parenthood, it’s like playing a slightly different version of yourself. I loved the few behind the scenes stories and pictures that she shared from both of those shows. This book is pretty much, what you see is what you get. If you like Lauren Graham, Gilmore Girls, or Parenthood, you’ll like this book.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

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It’s been a while since I’ve had a ‘reading list’ post and this book is the reason. It is a behemoth. Ever since my boyfriend saw Hamilton in Chicago, without me I might add, I’ve been obsessed with the soundtrack. I wanted to be able to talk to him about the show, so I listened to it while he was seeing it. I think I have listened to it approximately 179 times since then, and he has listened to it 2 – both times in the car with me. All that being said, I wanted to read the book on which it was based. Hamilton is well written and packed with information about the first Secretary of the Treasury. I found myself way more interested in the parts of the book that correlated to parts of the musical. Since I already had a slight background on the story, I was eager to get all the details that the musical couldn’t possibly put in. If you’ve seen Hamilton, or are just dying to see Hamilton like me, this book is worth the read – just be ready to put aside a few months to get through it.

Since finishing Hamilton, I’ve already gotten through 1 1/2 more books, and have 2 more waiting for me at the library! Can’t wait to ramp up my reading once again! I’d love to hear any recommendations you guys have, you can always contact me on Twitter @third_and_girl or on Instagram @thirdandgirl.

all images from Amazon.com

reading list – volume: 2

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Wooo! I’ve finally read 3 more books.  As hard as I try to make reading more of a priority in my life, I always end up looking through the DVR instead.  It’s definitely one of the goals I’m working on, and I’m hoping if I make it quantifiable it will help. Look out for a post about goals in the future.

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1. The Girls by Emma Cline

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I had been hearing a lot of hype about this book around the time of its publication from many of the websites and magazines that I read.  Unfortunately, I don’t think it lived up to the hype. As a lover of true crime stories, I was intrigued by a fictional account of a Charles Manson-like cult, but the book just could not hold my attention.

I didn’t go into the book thinking any of the characters would be particularly likable (it is about murderous cult members after all). I guess I just didn’t realize how much I wouldn’t enjoy a book in which I’m not invested in the well being of any of the character. One of the easiest way to gauge my enjoyment of a book is how quick I finish it.  With this book, I never wanted to pick it back up, and when I did, I read fast so I could get through it and on to the next book.

2. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

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As I said, when I like a book I will tear through it, and this was a prime example of that. After my girls’ night last weekend, all I wanted to do on Saturday was chill, and ‘Me Before You’ was the perfect companion. I know I’m a few years behind on this book, but I’ve always wanted to read it.  With the movie starting to arrive OnDemand, I decided it was time to read it so I could watch the movie the next rainy Saturday that comes my way. To be honest, it took me a little bit of time to get hooked, but once Will and Lou’s (I always want to call her Emilia, as she is played by Khaleesi in the movie) relationship really picked up, I was all in. I’m sure many of you have heard that the book is a real tear jerker, so I’d advise not finishing it on a plane or train.

3. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

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My favorite book of this set is ‘Big Little Lies’ which I finished yesterday, after starting it Saturday.  I had a lazy weekend at my parents’ house, and a juicy novel was a great pairing with the puppy snuggles I was receiving. The book is set in modern day Australia, and follows the politics and friendships between the kindergarten mothers in a wealthy suburb.  Doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? Add a murder that is being investigated at the school’s annual trivia night and hop on board. The book has a twist ending (don’t they all?) that delivers, and as I finished I wanted to run to the store to pick up another of Liane Moriarty’s books ASAP. ‘Big Little Lies’ has been developed by Reese Witherspoon’s production company as a mini series for HBO. You can watch the first teaser trailer here.

Have you guys read any good books lately? I’m thinking of picking up ‘Sweetbitter’ next, but I’m easily distracted at Barnes & Noble (and as soon as I log onto Amazon).

Hope everyone has a good week! Happy Halloween!

xo
Em

 

reading list – vol: 1

Posted in Books by

One of my favorite parts of summer is the idea I have in my head every year that I’m going to do a lot of sitting outside and reading. Unfortunately, that happens far less than I would like, but I’ve still managed to cross three books off of my “to read” list so far this summer.

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1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling & Jack Thorne & John Tiffany

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If you’re a Potter-head like me, I’m sure you’ve already read or heard of this book/play.  Going into it, I didn’t realize the book wasn’t actually a novelization of the play but the play itself. I hadn’t read a story in play form since college, so it took some getting used to.

The story brings back many familiar names and places that J.K. Rowling introduced to us, but some of the magic (pun intended) is missing. The plot revolves around Harry and Ginny’s son as he tries to make a name for himself other than just “Harry Potter’s son”. I don’t want to spoil any parts of the story, but the plot seemed too easy, too familiar. In the height of Harry Potter mania, I read a lot of fan fiction, and this seemed like a story I would have read then, not one that came from the mind of the brilliant J.K. Rowling. All that being said, most fans are going to read the book, and I can’t suggest that they don’t. As Harry Potter fans, we ache for any new information, and this book gives us some of that.

2. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

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I’ve been meaning to read the Happiness Project for a while, as I’ve gained an interest in mindfulness and the power of habits and positive thinking. I really enjoyed following Gretchen Rubin’s journey to become a happier person. One of my big takeaways from the book is that being more mindful of your happiness is a big first step to actually being happier. If you focus on the good things in your life, instead of the bad ones, and live in the moment of joy, you’re bound to live a happier life.

I’ve taken a few of the tools Gretchen used in her own happiness journey and have applied them to my own life. I’ve been tracking my goals and keeping a gratitude listing in my bullet journal (have you heard of them? I’m obsessed).  I’ve also been trying to make time for things that I enjoy and not to get caught up in the constant FOMO that seems to envelop our generation. My friends may look like their having fun on Snapchat but that doesn’t mean I’m not having just as much fun with my Fixer Upper marathon. If you’re interested in the concept of happiness, this book is a great introduction to some of the science behind happiness and includes some practical applications to try and create your own happiness project.

3. Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close 

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Girls in White Dresses is a quick read that I found to be very relatable as a woman in my mid-twenties who is trying to figure it all out. The book follows a group of friends from college as they try and navigate their love lives, careers, friendships, and finances while living in the big city. It’s a good look at a group of friends who don’t lose their bond with each other as they progress through stages of life at different rates. Based on my experiences, that is a more realistic look at this stage of life than the token single friend who gets left behind. If you are into books with a clear intro, climax, and resolution, this may not be the book for you but if you enjoy reading about characters you can relate to I’d definitely check it out.

Have you guys read anything good lately? I’m currently working my way through The Girls, and I have Me Before You on my nightstand as an ‘up next’ book.

xo
Em