Search Results for: book club

I love getting lost in a book; the feeling that comes when you completely lose track of time and look up after an emotional read to find out 2 hours have passed. I also hate the letdown that comes when you finally get to the last page of a book that has touched you and you wonder how there will ever be another book that will consume you like this one did.

My reading tastes are very eclectic. I contribute that entirely to my book club, almost 12 years strong. I’ve read books that I never would have chosen for myself and have been exposed to authors that wouldn’t have even been on my radar. I read novels and biographies and how-to books. I read travel logs and anthologies and young adult stories. Of course, I devour the occasional chick lit.

These are the books that have been on my bedside table over the past few months.

The Girl on the Train – I recently finished reading this and would highly recommend it. It is the story of a woman who rides the train past a community she once lived in. As she passes, she views a couple from the train window and creates her own story about them until one day her life actually intersects with theirs. It’s a story with some great discussion topics like, how our actions can alter the trajectory of someone else’s life.

No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness – I received this book at a blog conference I attended last week. I will be the first to admit that I hate exercise. From what I hear, that is exactly what this book is about. It probably wouldn’t be something I would voluntarily pick up and read, but after listening to the author, I’m curious to learn about her research into how our brains are wired and why so many of us have such a hard time sticking with, and even enjoying, exercise.

Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles – I was sent this book out of the blue, as I frequently am. I don’t normally get excited about unsolicited books, but this struck a chord because my family had just been talking about getting outdoors more as a family and going hiking and exploring our city. Secret Walks is a basically a list of some great walks (hikes, city walks, park trails), in Los Angeles and the vicinity, that are broken down by location, distance, description, and even if they are pet friendly. As I turned the pages, I compiled a list of walks that I really want to do over the summer. Some I’m familiar with, most of them are in areas I’ve never been to. I’m excited to explore.

The End of Your Life Book Club – Believe it or not, I picked this up for $1.00 at the Dollar Store. True story. I occasionally peruse the book shelf and I rarely find anything of value. This title jumped out at me because I AM a member of a book club and this is the story of a mother and son who form their own book club when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. I haven’t started it yet, but I’m dying to read it.

Shotgun Lovesongs: A Novel – Oh yes! This book was the one that I couldn’t put down. Some of it was predictable, but it was so well-written that I got completely caught up in the characters. The story is about a group of friends from a very small town and how their lives play out. If you have ever had a close knit group of friends since childhood, you will love this book. Sometimes life is messy, and people make mistakes, but friends are friends… and they are there when you really need them.

Defending Jacob: A Novel – My mother dropped this book off to me after reading it herself. The story follows a family whose son is accused of a shocking crime. It’s about how far a parent would go to defend their child when all evidence contradicts your belief in their innocence. This is going to be my big summer read. I love a good mystery.

So, what titles are on your summer book list?

How many books do you have on your bedside table? I currently have 6.

Some I’ve read, others I’m getting ready to dive into. I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t have at least one book next to my bed. Doesn’t mean I always read them, but having a book around is my comfort zone.

A few months ago I started a pretty intensive life coaching class (more posts about this to come), and one thing that was front and center in the course is that I needed to start doing something for myself every day. Something that I enjoy, that grounded me. For me, that is reading. When you are reading a great book, it’s pretty hard to focus on anything else but the task at hand. It opens your mind to other things and lets your brain take a little break from the day-to-day work and family issues that normally take front and center.

It’s a pretty eclectic selection of books I have. I tend to like reading all different types of genres. I’ll read a novel one week and then I’ll switch to a self-help book. I wanted to share with you the ones I currently have.

1. On the top of the pile is Firegirl, by Tony Abbott. The other night, my 12 year old came into my room while I was reading another book and gave this one to me. She said I just had to read it. I actually enjoy reading the books my kids read… it gives me a better idea of what they enjoy, and it’s a great way to open up a dialogue with them. I’ve also recommended some of the book I enjoy to my girls… ones that I think will help with whatever situations they are currently dealing with.

2. The “Perfect” Parent, by Roma Khetarpal in next. Full disclosure: Roma is a client of mine. I can’t tell you the number of parenting books I’ve read over the years, but this one is truly different. It doesn’t tell you HOW to parent. It helps you realize that you’ve had the power to be “perfect” all along. It’s the type of book you keep next to your bed and refer to over and over again, depending on the current issues you are going through with your kids.

3. Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand is a book I just finished reading. I wasn’t interested in it when it was first published, but it was my Book Club read this month and once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I really love this book… and yes, the movie is coming out December 25th (directed by Angelina Jolie). This true story of Olympian runner Louis Zamperini is just incredible. It tells of his life growing up as a boy without much direction, to his climb to Olympic greatness, to his capture as a Japanese POW during World War II. It’s the kind of story that speaks to the human spirit.. and makes you treasure the life you have.

4. City of the Sun, by Juliana Maio. I was invited to hear Juliana speak a few weeks ago and I wasn’t able to attend. I was so interested in the topic of this book, however, that I actually requested a copy from the publicist. I rarely do that. The book is historical fiction (my favorite genre) and takes place amidst WWII in Egypt. Add the Jews and Nazis to the mix and I was definitely intrigued.

5. Embrace Your Magnificence, by Fabienne Frederickson was a NetGalley book that was offered to me a few months ago. I read through from cover to cover and it’s STILL sitting next to my bed. It’s the kind of self-help, spiritual book that you kind of want to keep close to you. I wrote a review already if you want to learn more.

6. Bread Alone, by Judi Hendricks is a book that was recommended by one of my author friends, Cindy Arora. Cindy’s book, Heartbreak Cake, was phenomenal and since I love anything having to do with food writing, I picked up Bread Alone, which was one of her favorites.

One of my goals is to read more, or should I say, one of my goals is to find the TIME to read more.

What books are on your list?

I am anything but a wine snob. I wouldn’t know a good pinot from a cabernet from a merlot. I know chardonay is white wine, right? I’m pretty sure chianti is Italian and I know that champagne comes from France. That’s the extent of my wine knowledge. I do, however, know what I like… and I really like the wines I’ve tried at a small wine tasting shop in Newhall, California. Pulchella Winery is unassuming. If you didn’t know it was there you would walk right by never bothering to give it a thought. Except that you would be missing out on something pretty great.

I first experienced Pulchella a few months ago when one of my book club friends suggested we hold our monthly dinner there. It was fabulous. The tasting room is across the street from one of the best restaurants in town, Newhall Refinery. From Pulchella, you can call over to the Refinery and order up your dinner. They will happily bring it to you (across the street) as well as the bill. You can have a great meal and enjoy a $10 wine flight.

I’ve been there twice now and the second time I decided that it would be fun to join their wine club. Me. Who knows nothing about wine.

It’s one of those things that just sounded really sophisticated: I joined a wine club. The club is free to join, but you have to commit to ordering a batch of wine (6 – 8 bottles with each batch) twice a year. Each order runs about $200… a little pricier than the wines I usually purchase, but then again… I’m usually happy with the cheap stuff at Trader Joe’s. Not the “really” cheap stuff… but the highest I usually go is about $10 – $12 a bottle. Of course, you do get what you pay for and I really did want to start expanding my wine horizons.

Their “City Slicker” wine was my favorite for the night. I love that they label all their wines with really fun names. The City Slicker is a blend… from 2012 (for those of you who know that year’s matter). It is 63% Golden Cloud Vineyard Zinfandel and 37% Mainini Vineyard Petite Sirah. I just know that it tastes really good. Definitely the kind of wine you want to relax with after an exhausting day with the kids. Not that I would know anything about that.

Some of the other varieties they currently have are the Deadbeat Pinot Noir, the Highs & Lows blend of Syrah and Grenache, Relentless Syrah, and Aftermath Black Muscat. You can get a wine flight that lets you sample all 5 varieties for only $10 at the tasting room. So well worth it!

Since it’s local to Santa Clarita, I am definitely down for popping in any night of the week if you want to go. Remember, I joined the wine club so I get my wine flights for free… as well as any guest I want to bring. Take me up on it.