We have a routine. We're a well-oiled beach machine. JD packs the car, we stop at Trader Joe's for snacks, I spray on coconut scented oil. You know, so my freckles can become a darker shade of brown. We head to our favorite beach and enjoy the sun along the Newport coast.
Last Saturday–on a rare weekend off–we fell into our beach routine. Upon waking from a nap, JD anxiously looked at me and asked if I was ready to go into the ocean. I reached for a chilled Perrier and said, Nah. Just like that. Total brat mode. I was still trying to recover from the Breathing Between the Waves incident of last year. I tuck my nose in a book, and he drinks the remainder of my Perrier. JD suggests buying a ball for next time. Or maybe a frisbee? Or how about paddle ball? I scrunch my nose at the thought of running in nylon beachware. In public. There are too many moving parts as far as I'm concerned.
Well, what? What do want to do at the beach, JD asks. I lift my head from the book and reply, Read, of course. He smiles a crooked smile. He knew the answer. It's been the same as long as we've been together. And here's an iPhone picture to prove it:
Here's a list of recent reads you might enjoy as much as I did:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
A totally enjoyable read. It was recommended by a few blog readers, so I heeded their advice and was pleasantly surprised. It was–at times–a little cliche, but I'd still read it again even given this fact. I have my money that it'll be made into a movie sometime soon. Starring Dakota Fanning and Oprah.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
I wouldn't have picked this book up at the bookstore. Don't ask me why. It was mailed to me by the ever lovely Anda Marie and it came with a library card bookmark. And I was in love from the start. It's peculiar and in the voice of a special-needs protagonist. The voice is raw and palpable…and disturbing at the same time. And it was an incredibly cool read.
The E Myth by Michael Gerber
Wow. I know. This business book has been suggested from it's first edition, but I just got around to reading it. And. Wow. Seriously, as a entrepreneur and small business owner, it's so flipping incredible. It's an easily digestible read and makes so much sense. Go get it. Now.
Some Girls – My Life in a Harem by Jillian Lauren
Warning: This book is trashy. I read it on the beach while in the Caymans, so cut me some slack. It's an autobiography of a girl who leaves NYC to live as part of a harem for a prince. It's definitely not Disneyfied or Pretty Womaned, so consider yourself warned. I just happen to love autobiographies and Lauren's voice is like ready a juicy blog. There I said it. … And riiight about NOW I'll be getting a call from my mother asking me to remove this link. Because I used the word ‘harem' on my blog. I'm getting a time-out…I just know it.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
This was another fantastic blog reader recommendation! I read Walls' first novel–The Glass Castle–and was incredibly moved…it's such an amazing book! Naturally, I wanted to read her novel and I enjoyed it…but not as much as the first. I know some of you might hate me for saying it, but it lacks the electricity of the first novel in so many ways. However, I'd still totally recommend this book because it's a fabulous read nevertheless.
Happy Monday!
