Pre-Final-Exams Book Haul, where I regret nothing.

Recently I was invited to a Dymocks VIP event for Dymocks members. Not only was there wine and cheese involved, but there were also some enticing books I caved in and purchased. Here is my pre-final-exams book haul.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Plath’s notoriety precedes her. In one of my introductory units we were given an essay on Plath’s life and its resemblance to The Bell Jar, which I now see was a ruse to get us to read Plath. After a year of picking up this beautiful book at every bookstore I entered, I found a hardcopy version I didn’t have the heart to replace on its shelf. It now graces my bookshelf besides my hold and white version of Gatsby. I am looking forward to reading this scandalous tale.

Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

The Princess Diaries saw me all through my adolescence. Book 10 was one of the greatest finale books ever. Though I am a little skeptical of this book as being the publisher’s last grab at my expendable income, I will admit I am excited to revisit some old friends and laugh at the antics of Mia’s life.

Ariel by Sylvia Plath

In the spirit of discovering classics, I also picked up a copy of Ariel. Plath’s writing style beautifully lends itself to heart-wrenching poems. I am excited to read this in a darkened coffee-shop like the literary nerd I am.

I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

I have heard nothing but praise for this contemporary YA. It sounds like the perfect summer read, complete with romance, coming of age, humour, and a hopeful ending.

With that, let the holiday reading commence!

Review of Bossypants by Tina Fey

Status: read.
Rating: 5/5

Oh Tina, oh you. You wonderful, intelligent, fellow-ethnic woman. Bossypants is Tina Fey's comedic memoir detailing her life from her childhood, to writing and acting days. There are some lessons you cannot learn from your parents without much discomfort. You can only learn them from comedians.

You may be familiar with this comedic memoir genre; for me, this is my first book in this style. Tina is an unapologetically funny human, who doesn't need to be constantly funny. Humour sometimes comes from Tina and sometimes it comes from the people around her. Either way, she is evidently very observant, the way I wish I was. Let's be honest, she does surround herself with awesome people. She writes, "In most cases, being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way." Tina has perfected the art of watching and listening, and adding things when they are necessary. This careful commentator is -finally- the star of the show.

And what a show! Critics called it, "Quite the best" - Yanery Ventura, the Unironic Nerd

This book would make a great gift and was such a quick read. The chapters are self-contained articles, poems or stories. Even the table of contents was a joy to read, a taste of the russian roulette. My only complaint was that this book wasn't longer.


Favourite quote:
(From a Mother's Prayer for Its Daughter)

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance.
Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes
And not have to wear high heels.
What would that be, lord? Architecture? Midwifery?
Golf course design? I'm asking You, because if I 
knew, I'd be doing it, Youdammit. 

This girl's back

Well hello to you, welcome back!

*But you were the one who was gone*

It's all in the past. I'm back now. Take a seat, relax. I will have some new posts up very soon.