Her Bad Mother

Monday, August 18, 2008

Getting Back To Business

What I did last week: read some books, ate some cake, watched the Olympics, surfed the Internet, did some laundry, Twittered (a lot), did laundry (a lot), contemplated the futility of ever having any real authority in my household, coined the term 'boobaphobe,' defended the term 'boobaphobe,' read some more books, worried that I should be reading better books given my limited amount of reading time, worried that I might have more in common with 'Twilight Moms' than is strictly comfortable, dismissed idea that I should be reading better books given fact that I've read Livy's Ab Urbe Condita in Latin and liked it, got the song 'Sherry' by Journey stuck in my head, ate more cake, watched more Olympics, did more laundry, Twittered some more, read my own blog without ever once having to worry about becoming calcified by narcissism because, hey, it wasn't me writing the blog last week! and just generally contributed nothing to the betterment of the world other than care for my lovely children, who, as it happened, managed to not kill me. Barely, but still.

All things considered, it was not a bad week. I don't feel any more rested now than I did last Sunday night, but whatever. I didn't really expect to. Until someone gives me a few days off from everything, I'm pretty much resigned to existing in a perpetual state of functioning exhaustion.

So I'm ready to commence this week. There're just a few small matters of business to take care of first:

1) You read my guest posters? You totally should. They were amazing. They talked vaginas, more vaginas, the radicalness of mommyblogging (from a dad's perspective), the reasons why the road more medicated is sometimes the road best travelled, corpses in bathrooms, team building and swallowing cameras, how to be almost sort-of always sometimes Canadian, and - because it wouldn't be a well-rounded week of guest posts if it didn't come full circle back to genitalia - balls and porn. A round of applause, please.

2) So, it came to my attention in a round-about way last week that there are maybe a few people who wouldn't mind having the opportunity to vent a little bit about persons and things that make them crazy. But on the down-low, right? Because sometimes, you can't vent openly without risking big trouble. The Basement is always available for that kind of thing, of course, but it occurred to me that sometimes we need to be invited to spill our guts, to be welcomed to vent and rant and get all messy. So, I was wondering, would any of you be interested in a sort of ranty, venty Bitchin' Bitchfest Blog Exchange? Where we arrange some swapping of blog spaces so that we can all blog openly on a theme that isn't entirely appropriate for our own blogs? Like, say, 'Things (Or People) That Make You Go ARGH'? (Not that I would know anything about this, but, say, family members? In-laws? WHOMEVER?) Would you be interested in that? Leave a comment. Maybe I can arrange something.

3) I did a lot of reading last week. I liked it. But I've run out of books to read, and have exhausted my list of recommended reads and must-reads and Things To Read Just Because Everyone Else Is Reading Them And One Must Keep Up With The Culture Even If It's Being Driven By Lovelorn Fifteen Year-Olds With Vampire Fixations. So, um... you got any recommendations? Fiction, please. And note that I'm not - as I discovered this past week - above reading books that are marketed to lovelorn fifteen year-olds with vampire fixations. But I'll read anything, other than comic books. Unless they're Archie comics. But I've read all of those. ANYWAY. You got any recommendations for end-of-summer book consumption?

4) I missed you.

This? Is my happy place. And also, the place in which I exist in a state of perpetual mental and physical exhaustion, and from which there is no vacation, but also, from which I have no real desire to vacate. Life is beautiful, and complicated. Or something like that.



113 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have you heard of the Constance blogs? They're good for that, too.

12:08 AM  
Blogger Backpacking Dad said...

Guy Gavriel Kay.

No, what am I saying? Of course you've read Guy Gavriel Kay.

12:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sweet MERCY, she is adorable.

Also. SIGN ME UP FOR THE VENTING. Mu In Laws read my site,so I am a bit bound...

12:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That would be "my" in laws. They get me all worked up that I cannot even spell...

12:22 AM  
Blogger kirida said...

Oh that is an adorable face.

And I'd recommend Felicia Sullivan's "The Sky Isn't Visible From Here." It's a memoir and her writing is so vivid and powerful that it will put any bloodsucking teen melodrama to shame. And I read all of the Twilight books within two and a half weeks. I would know.

12:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh I would love a vent place. that would be awesome. count me in!
that child is a little ray of sunshine. how adorable.

12:28 AM  
Blogger flutter said...

she is a beautiful happy place

12:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I sense a recurring theme here ... in laws! The first thing Briefcase asked me when I told him I had started blogging was, "Have you written about my family yet?" And I haven't. But I'm dying to. They don't even know I have a blog, but I'm afraid they'll find out someday. And oh ... the stories I could tell!! You want to come bitch on my site? My readers would love it!!

12:51 AM  
Blogger Mandy said...

Beautiful shot!

My book club is casting around for an easy, end-of-summer read. These are definitely light, but we've narrowed down to "Water for Elephants" and "Sunflower and the Secret Fan". I haven't read either, so no idea if they're actually any good.

Have you read Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni though? I love her writing. Arranged Marriages is a good place to start. Short stories so you can easily dive in and out.

12:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So I know you specifically said "fiction," buuuut... have you read "Bitter is the New Black" or the other two in the series by fellow blogger Jen Lancaster? They're non-fic memoir thingies, but HOLY SHIT IS SHE FUNNY. I highly recommend.

1:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good to have you back.
I am reading War and Peace right now and loving it.

1:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I could list you about 10 books I've read lately. Cormac McCarthy's "Outer Dark" was very dark (shocker, that *sarcasm*).

I got 1/2 way through "Thank You For Smoking" which I was enjoying for it's lightness, but sharp observations, but had to return to the library.

And then Charlotte Bronte's "Shirley" which I was reading for research into something.

1:25 AM  
Blogger Lady M said...

Missed you too! Although your blogsitters were lovely, of course.

I'm all for reading stories marketed to tweens. I'll even admit to reading the Princess Diaries if pressed.

1:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you like Twilight, you might like Libba Bray's book which are rollicking victorian, supernatural gothic stories. . . a bit of putting the brain in park, but very entertaining summer reads!

I also really enjoyed a quick little "teen" read called elsewhere by gabrielle zevin.

2:02 AM  
Blogger Lara said...

thanks for letting me blogsit for you! :)

still, though, i'm glad you're back. it's more fun reading you than reading myself. :-P

2:08 AM  
Blogger krista said...

i cannot talk more lovingly about the following books:
'the temple of my familiar' alice walker
'kafka on the shore' haruki murakami
'a trip to the stars' nicholas christopher
'the last samurai' helen dewitt (no, it's not the tom cruise movie)
'geek love' katherine dunn

2:13 AM  
Blogger TxGambit said...

I totally have to second the recommendation of "Bitter is the new Black".... Jen Lancaster is totally funny. You would love.

Great pic.

2:14 AM  
Blogger Sam said...

Must vent about MIL. ARGH!!!

3:16 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

Haruki Murakami was already mentioned, but def worth reading.
I recommend The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.

Also recently read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
Sweet, poignant and a quick read.

8:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That is perhaps the most perfect picture I've seen in a long time. I can only imagine how much more beautiful that picture seems to you--one who knows and loves that little face in the photo.

And welcome back, too.

wish I had some book recommendations but I haven't made time for myself to read...I must start doing that again.

8:26 AM  
Blogger Bokker said...

It's an oldie and I don't doubt you've read it, but a book that never gets tired for me is Bridget Jones Diary. In my first English Lit seminar at uni, I was proud to say that it was my favourite book (stick that in your pipe, Jane Eyre).

If you don't find it hilarious, you'll at least find some food for thought with your feminist/philosopher hat on. And if you HAVEN'T read it already, please don't be put off by Zelwegger's wishy-washy, wet Bridget. The original creation is ten times fiercer.

8:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's an oldie and I don't doubt you've read it, but a book that never gets tired for me is Bridget Jones Diary. In my first English Lit seminar at uni, I was proud to say that it was my favourite book (stick that in your pipe, Jane Eyre).

If you don't find it hilarious, you'll at least find some food for thought with your feminist/philosopher hat on. And if you HAVEN'T read it already, please don't be put off by Zelwegger's wishy-washy, wet Bridget. The original creation is ten times fiercer.

8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gah. Sorry for double post.

8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some of my favourites are Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (even if Card is kind of an asshole in real life, he's a tremendous writer), The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (fabulous story about the sisterhood of women in an ancient civilization), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon (a story narrated by a young autistic boy - sooo funny!) and The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel (very interesting and a compelling story taking place in the ice age, the characters are so interesting). I've read all of these books multiple times because I enjoy them so much.

8:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For a vampire fixation I always recommend Robin McKinley's Sunshine. She is a fantasy author who wrote the book after a year of sickness in which she couldn't do much more than lie on the couch and watch Buffy reruns. Not a Buffy book, but an involving addition to vampire fiction. I have read the book six times. Love it.

8:48 AM  
Blogger Mama Dawg said...

The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett. Incredible, incredible books.

9:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also love the Guy Gavriel Kay. Also, Charles De Lint, if I'm to stay with the Canuck fantasy authors. Beautiful writer, is Charles De Lint. Urban mythology, which sounds like it should suck, but really doesn't.

And parenthood is a vacation-free zone. Even when you get a few days off, it never feels right.

9:12 AM  
Blogger Kim @ Ponytaildiaries.com said...

I love "functional exhaustion". This is my new adjective for me at all times. Although sometimes the "functional" part is not so much.

These are SUPER old but for light reading the Stephanie Plum series. Those are kind of old but if you haven't read those that's something. Again, pretty light not too terribly serious.

I'd love to complain and vent but I fear I'm not very eloquent and would just come off like a pissy drunk.

9:20 AM  
Blogger ML said...

Did you say Bitchfest?? I'm so in!!

9:22 AM  
Blogger Meg said...

Missed you too! I'm so glad you're back, even though your guest posters were great.

Sorry that your break wasn't completely refreshing, but I'm glad you were able to indulge in a few luxuries!

Bitchfest? I'm SO in!

9:25 AM  
Blogger Don Mills Diva said...

Welcome back.

Not sure if it's out yet (Julia sent me an advance copy) but I am absolutely enthralled by The Gargoyle...

9:27 AM  
Blogger tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Nice to have you back. Hope you have more and more lovely days and less of the days where you feel like pulling the covers over your head.

What a gorgeous girl!

9:29 AM  
Blogger Mimi said...

I'd love to have a new place to vent, and meet others with similar vents! Sometimes you just have to get it all out!

9:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I loved 'Freddy and Frederika' by Mark Helprin...pretty much anything by him is great in my book.

I also loved 'Soul' and the 'Witch of Cologne' by Tobsha Learner.

And 'The Mercy of Thin Air' by Ronlyn Domingue...

9:46 AM  
Blogger ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Welcome back!

I'd get in on the bitchfest, though I have no in-laws, I think I can come up with 500 less than joyful words about my kids' school.

If you haven't already read them, Lauren Willig has a fun series out about female spies during the Napoleonic wars. Iknow that doesn't sound like a fun topic but her books are very entertaining romances. The first is The Secret History of the Pink Carnation and there are 3 more so far.

10:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Coming out of lurk-dom purely because you asked about books. I am nothing if not a rampant screeching book suggester!

My all-time favorite book (well, series) is Kushiel's Dart by Jaqueline Carey- its half porn half political adventure. With a kick-ass female lead in a pseudo-France like place. I think you'd love it.

10:12 AM  
Blogger Mama Smurf said...

Oh my....a site where I can vent about my inlaws? DUDE! Sign me up! My inbreeding MIL married her 1st cousin and my FIL is a raging bisexual alcoholic....no I'm not making this up....

10:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Read anything by Dean Koontz. And Nicholas Sparks. Sorry, my reading doesn't run into the deep and theoretical (sp?). I have to keep it simple. The babies zap what is left of my thought processes.

And who doesn't love a guilt-free bitch fest?

10:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hunger's Brides by Paul Anderson
Almanac of The Dead by Leslie Marmon Silko
Fall on Your Knees or The Way the Crow Flies by Ann-Marie MacDonald

Loved your guest bloggers! You know some seriously cool people, makes sense...

Would love a home for venting... like right now would be good... lol

10:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Birth HOuse, kinda goes with your present post partum stage. Kris Radish is a wonderful writer, or maybe try the Memory Keepers Daughter.

10:49 AM  
Blogger 7aki Fadi said...

Hi!

Well, I have a list of books you might find interesting:

click here

Or visit

http://7akifadi.com/books-i-read/

Check them out. Especially my top 10(ish) books.

I love to read and I read a lot.

And thanks for having those guest posters. My favorite was Lara :) .

10:54 AM  
Blogger Lost In Splendor said...

Just discovered your blog so I'm glad to see your back. :)

11:34 AM  
Blogger Issa said...

Oh hellz yea. Sign me up.

Welcome back. Love that tiny girl of yours. Book recommendation: Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen, not too deep, but not complete fluff, a great end of summer read.

ps. I gave you an award today.

11:36 AM  
Blogger Penny said...

why would bitching ever be not appropriate?

this is a world that I do not understand

11:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

what a sweet pic of wonderbaby. welcome back catherine. and your guest bloggers did a phenomenal job for you. sorry you didn't have a more restful break.

11:47 AM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Bitching is never not appropriate... it's just that it's sometimes not appropriate to bitch too *publicly*...

11:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oooo! I want the key to the basement!! I'm happy to trade space!

As for books, I have only recently rekindled my love for reading. The Summerhouse and it's sequel, Return to Summerhouse (by Jude Devareaux) are excellent. If you could go back in time and change things, would you? Also by Jude, "Someone to Love" which was NOT just a sappy romance. It had some great mystery and really surprised me. Anyhoo..she's my go-to author right now.

12:02 PM  
Blogger ChurchPunkMom said...

You don't like comic books?? You suck.

That's ok, you're good at it.


Bitchfest?? I may have to consider that...

12:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To have a place to vent about family, etc... in "private" would be awesome! Sign me up.

12:39 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Seconding the recommendation for 'Water for Elephants'.

I just read and loved 'The Sugar Queen' by Sarah Addison Allen.

12:40 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

#2....so count me in.

Glad you are back, sorry not more rested.

12:41 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

12:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bitchfest! Oh let me count the ways I'd love to be included. Or something like that. YES! count me in.

Welcome back!

Your beautiful place in indeed beautiful!

12:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Missed you.

Yes, would be very interested in bitchfest. Kind of need bitchfest in the worst way. There are only so many days you can cry at work before they get concerned.

12:49 PM  
Blogger Honig said...

Welcome back!

For book suggestions I'd go with:

The Amelia Peabody Series by Elizabeth Peters--crime/murder mysteries with Egyptology overtones, set in turn of the century England/Egypt with an incredibly fierce heroine...tounge in cheek humor and romance, too. www.ameliapeabody.com

For a fantasy series, read "The Dragonriders of Pern" by Anne McCaffrey. First book is Dragonsdawn.

Happy reading!

12:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm up for a bitchfest.

My recent must reads are Jodi Picoult books, love them.

1:04 PM  
Blogger sam {temptingmama} said...

Glad you're back friend! Though, didn't have much of a chance to miss you since you were still all over the internet. LOL

1:07 PM  
Blogger karengreeners said...

The Gargoyle, by Andrew Davidson. Get it while it's hot.

1:08 PM  
Blogger jenB said...

Sweet mother of pearl she looks like you in this photo.

1:19 PM  
Blogger for a different kind of girl said...

That picture makes my heart ache with bliss! The smile! The eyes! She's captivating.

Love the bitching idea. I can rock the bitching!

I've got a ton of books waiting for me to finish the other ton I'm all presently half way through. I've been madly in love with Cormac McCarthy of late. The Road. No Country for Old Men, and Blood Meridian. I believe someone also mentioned Outer Dark. I love McCarthy's writing. I've also been trying to read some classics. Dracula and such; however, those are ones I go in spurts on. Working in a bookstore is like porn for me. Sometimes it's just too much!

1:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That really is a great picture! I'll read anything by Christopher Moore or Tom Robbins. Also, but I have to be in the proper mood for her, Jodi Piccoult. One of the first commenters recommended Water for Elephants, and that is one of the next things on my list! I enjoyed your guest posters, but I'm glad you're back.

2:06 PM  
Blogger Maria Melee said...

Middlesex is a fantastic book. I'm blanking on the author's name right now. Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner is my all time favorite gay-men-with-swords-and-political-snark novel. You know, from that expansive genre.

2:14 PM  
Blogger Maria Melee said...

Also I totally plowed through the Twilight books last month. They ate my brain. Now that I'm beyond the initial honeymoon I'm having more fun picking them apart with friends, but I plan on reading the last one soon--even though I hear from everyone ever that it's awful.

2:15 PM  
Blogger Jenny, the Bloggess said...

"Sin in the Second City". It reads like fiction even though it isn't.

Or (yes it's a comic book technically but it's a fucking AMAZING graphic novel that everyone should be required to read): Sandman by Neil Gaiman.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandman_(Vertigo)

2:18 PM  
Blogger Kat said...

I would so love to vent somewhere, anywhere! My brother ratted out my blog, damn him!

On a side note, I can see why you tweeted your little one dominates you - have you seen those eyes and THAT smile??! I think they would make me melt into a puddle. So sorry for you!

2:23 PM  
Blogger metro mama said...

Hi Catherine,

I have a few things I can send you. I'll email some suggestions, and you can choose!

2:38 PM  
Blogger kittenpie said...

Sigh. This is EXACTLY what twatmail would have been for, had we gotten it off the ground once the giggling died off...

and books? Fiction? Well, I only read teen and kid fiction, generally, but since you're not above that, yuo could see what I've been reading here, if you like.

4:58 PM  
Blogger Jenny Grace said...

Regarding guest-ranting, I think Immoral Matriarch is starting up something like this?

Books: Gregory McGuire books
Prep
Sloppy Firsts
Ordinary People
Music & Silence
Lots of other stuff if you've read all of that.

5:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smooches to sweet E - best photo.

And boy do I need to sign up for the venting action!!!

5:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the links; they led to the last word in bf-ing coverups, courtesy of the Cow Goddess: http://www.thecowgoddess.com/2005/05/24/buttinski/

5:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi catherine! it's mad. stalky, eh?
definitely check out michael winter. amazing toronto writer. 'this all happened' and his new one 'the architects are here' are both amazing and inspiring and have changed my life.

actually i could probably just drive out for a visit and give them to you.
say hi to the fam!

7:09 PM  
Blogger Cook My Book said...

Man!! I've been looking for someplace to talk about things that could possibly get me fired if someone ever found them on my blog (no readers, but that's not the point. could happen).

Love Love Love the idea!

8:25 PM  
Blogger Vodka Mom said...

found you while surfing the blogging world. Cool, cool, cool. Love the photo, and can't wait to read more!!!

8:56 PM  
Blogger j.sterling said...

i just got done reading nineteen minutes by some chick. no really jodi picoult maybe? something like that. god i suck at this. it was good. it was "fictional" about a school shooting and was so reminiscant of columbine at times i couldn't bear to read another sentence. but it was good.

9:46 PM  
Blogger Loralee Choate said...

Hell, YES I would be insterested in swapping.

And? I am sure you have to have read it but "A heartbreaking work of staggering genius" by Dave Eggers (Eggars?) is my very, very favorite book.

Which is like saying I know my favorite grain of sand on the beach, but there it is.

9:50 PM  
Blogger Mom101 said...

Hm. books. Fiction books.

Hm.

Still thinking.

Does People Magazine count?

Shit.

9:57 PM  
Blogger Jon said...

Borges.

All of it.

9:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I recently read "The Book Thief" and thought it was brilliant. I also love the Stephanie Plum mysteries by Janet Evanovich if you're up for a quick read (or 14 of them). I love anything by Babara Kingsolver but most especially "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Bean Trees." My book club just finished "The Saffron Kitchen" which was my recommendation and our next book is called "Soul Music" by Terry Pratchett. Hope you follow these suggestions (all 9O something of them) with reviews. Will that entail you starting a new blog?

10:19 PM  
Blogger Anissa Mayhew said...

If you're serious about opening the bitchablogathon up, count me in. I have been in a rage all day and I'm holding onto it pretty good. I can haz xanax?

10:33 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

BHJ - Borges: been there, done that. But, yes.

10:45 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Mom-101 - of course People counts. Which week do you recommend?

10:45 PM  
Blogger Kim/2 Kids said...

The best book I've read in the last few years is "The Book Thief". I loved it, not romantic but meant for the young adult and it still interested me.

The picture is too cute for words.

11:30 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am new here, can't even remember how I found you. I read a lot and read different stuff. Have you read any of the Janet Evanovich books? One for the Money is the first one. They are light good fun easy reads. The other books I read are the Sookie Stack house books by Charlaine Harris, vampire lit books.

As for a bitch fest, count me in, I can't stand my in-laws, thus no blog because I would unload and cause all kinds of trouble.

12:23 AM  
Blogger The Domesticator said...

That pic of your daughter is beautiful!!!! What a cutie.

Anyway, yeah, I have lots of things to talk about taht I can't blog about....I think a switch sounds like fun.

12:15 PM  
Blogger The Domesticator said...

That pic of your daughter is beautiful!!!! What a cutie.

Anyway, yeah, I have lots of things to talk about taht I can't blog about....I think a switch sounds like fun.

12:15 PM  
Blogger The Domesticator said...

Sorry about the double post. My computer is on the outs.

12:16 PM  
Blogger Diana said...

Oooo, that blog exchange sounds heavenly. I am in there like swimwear, baby. Also, if you need help arranging the whole thing... let me know. I would be happy to offer my services. I can make buttons, match bloggers, email matches, and so much more. ;-)

12:52 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Diana - e-mail me.

1:11 PM  
Blogger KimC said...

Neil Gaiman- American Gods. Hell, ANYTHING by Neil Gaiman, but especially American Gods.

1:11 PM  
Blogger MarĂ­a said...

I just joined Laura David's 'The Space for Rent' which is basically what you're talking about. But I'll totally open up my blog for anyone via the Bitchfest too.

Mis casa es su casa. :)

3:19 PM  
Blogger shauna said...

well, it just so happens my first novel was published a few weeks ago! it's called HEAPING SPOONFUL and you can get it online at amazon and barnes and noble. please everyone read it! it's getting good reviews.

hbm--if you want to review it on your site i can send you a copy. i just so happen to have a few lying around.

~shauna glenn

3:21 PM  
Blogger shauna said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

3:21 PM  
Blogger carrie said...

I would gladly welcome a good 'ole bitchfest. Venting is good for the soul. :)

4:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Technically, it's classified as Young Adult... but it's the best book I've read in years. That is all.

4:07 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

I would be up for the bitchfest, oh yes indeedy.

4:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a bitch, can I join? Also, have you read "Are You There Vodka, It's Me Chelsea?" FUn, light reading. And my old standard, if you haven't read Aimee Bender's short stories, you MUST.

5:00 PM  
Blogger ScientistMother said...

I know you have no time to redistribute this but you so deserve so I'm giving it to you. don't worry about nominating others right now!
An award for you!

7:48 PM  
Blogger Gabrielle of Design Mom said...

We missed you too! Welcome back.

8:15 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

'Are You There Vodka, It's Me, Chelsea' wins for best title, EVER.

10:46 PM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Um, have lost my identity? I CAN HAZ BACK PLZ KTHX BLOGGER?

11:01 PM  
Blogger Kelsey said...

I love everything by Kelley Armstrong. She writes a series called "Women of the Otherworld" in which strong, confident women (who also happen to have supernatural powers) narrate (the narrator changes every few books).
The series order is:
Bitten
Stolen
Dime Store Magic
Industrial Magic
Haunted
Broken
No Humans Involved
and Personal Demon
All of them are excellent. The author also seems really genuine. She lives in Ontario and seems to really care about her fans. Her website is www.kelleyarmstrong.com if anyone is interested. :)

11:10 PM  
Blogger Kelsey said...

I love everything by Kelley Armstrong. She writes a series called "Women of the Otherworld" in which strong, confident women (who also happen to have supernatural powers) narrate (the narrator changes every few books).
The series order is:
Bitten
Stolen
Dime Store Magic
Industrial Magic
Haunted
Broken
No Humans Involved
and Personal Demon
All of them are excellent. The author also seems really genuine. She lives in Ontario and seems to really care about her fans. Her website is www.kelleyarmstrong.com if anyone is interested. :)

11:10 PM  
Blogger Kelsey said...

sorry! stupid blogger!

11:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This would be perfect if I had a blog.

But I don't.

But I should create one just to vent about my husband's family. It's like a circus of freaks.

11:32 AM  
Blogger Her Bad Mother said...

Anonymous! You don't need a blog - some bloggers are just going to open up their spaces. Also, there's the Basement. Join in!

11:45 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

2 comments (and keeping in mind I didn't read any of the above, so if someone else recommended my book ideas, sorry!):

1: Your daughter has the sweetest, most uplifting, smile! Thank you for every time you share it with us. It always lifts my heart to see her.

2: Check out JD Robb's "...In Death" series - she's really Nora Roberts "writing as", and this series is semi-sci-fi - set in the year 2059; semi-detective - main character is NY police lieutenant Eve Dallas solving homicides; semi-romance (not too much, I'm not a romance fan in general) - she's married to an ex-criminal who happens to be the universe's richest man (no joke!). Good character development, witty dialog, fun people.

Enjoy!

2:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh, and a couple more books, same author, Kathleen Cambor: "Book of Mercy", and "In Sunlight, in a Beautiful Garden". Highly recommend both!

2:28 PM  
Blogger Jill said...

Awesome idea, the whole Bitchfest thing. But if I may, without overstepping my bounds that is, as a first-time commenter and all, "Oh Sherry" was strictly Steve Perry, not Journey.

4:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One Must Keep Up With The Culture Even If It's Being Driven By Lovelorn Fifteen Year-Olds With Vampire Fixations

Dude, I'm so seeing the movie when it comes out, though I am neither lovelorn nor 15. And I ain't ashamed.

How was the book? I was just going to give her a skip and see the movie, but if it's good... well... :-)

4:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, no one has brought them up, so I am going to recommend the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Although, they are not what I would call "fluff" books. They're SO good.

6:18 PM  
Blogger caramama said...

I just read (and reviewed on my review site) The Pact, by Jodi Picoult, which was fantastic. I also discovered Julia Quinn's romance novels, which are pretty well written. My other fav in romance (hey, it's end of summer and you need light reading, right?) are Jo Beverly who writes really good historical romance (and she's Canadian) and Sherrilyn Kenyon who writes vampire-ish romances that are fun reads.

Those are my current recommendations. Hope they help!

10:23 PM  
Blogger Janice @ Mom On The Run said...

Sign me up for the bitch fest too!

6:36 PM  
Blogger Mommer said...

OK, so I'm catching up and I'm a bit late on this, but I second the Robin McKinley "Sunshine" book, and I third Jen Lancaster's "Bitter Is the New Black."

And a blogswap bitchfest where we can unload without our mothers reading it and wanting to know just when we started using the F-bomb?

Oh. God. Yes.

11:37 PM  

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