What are you reading?

A good book at the end of a bad day has a way of turning things around. I love stepping into someone else's world (real or fictional) for a laugh, a cry or some good drama (but not the scary, gory kind of drama). I'm lacking anything new on my bookshelf right now and I could have used a decent page turner this past week. And now that the lounge chairs have come out of storage at the pool in my condo development, I'm definitely going to need some quality reading material (other than People magazine, of course) for some poolside weekends.

Since Jen got great music suggestions a few weeks ago, I thought I'd follow suit by seeking some reading recommendations. What are you reading that I need to put on my summer reading list? What are the classics you could read again and again? What made you laugh? What made you think? What made you say "I wish I had written that!?"

I don't necessarily need a deep read. I don't care if it was featured on Oprah's Book Club or won a literary award. It's almost summer, and since I have no vacations planned, a fun and light-hearted read might be my best getaway of the season. So please, arm me with a reading roadmap to help me navigate the next few months.

Booty, God, Booty

Has a blog headline ever sounded so intriguing? Wish I could take credit for it, but instead I must give props to the author of Stuff Christians Like. Jen told you about this satirical guide to all things Christian a few months ago. Now the book is out and I give it five stars. Trust me, I'm not Jonathan Acuff's publicist, so I'm not even getting paid to say this.

You can actually download the audio version of the book for free this month with the promo code APR2010. I've been listening to it all week during my commute and I just can't wait to get in my car to hear more about the magical things that happen on stage when you close your eyes to pray, casseroles of hope, yoga, dating God, and of course booty, God, booty.

I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Maybe it's because, for better or worse, I can relate to a lot of it. And amidst the humor, there are nuggets of truth and heartfelt reminders of God's love for me. Not to mention some classic nods to Fergie, creepy mimes and My Little Pony. Download the book and enjoy it on your next road trip.

Long live The Baby-Sitters Club

Long before Twilight and the Jonas Brothers captivated tweens everywhere (and before the word “tween” even existed), we had The Baby-Sitters Club books. And now, since Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, and GI Joe have made triumphant returns in recent years, why not bring back this wholesome book series, right? Indeed, series author Ann M. Martin is writing a new prequel to the series, which will trigger the series re-release to a new generation. And, while you probably won’t understand unless you’re a late 20s/early 30s female, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic about it.

The Baby-Sitters Club may not have spawned hit movies and a creepy obsession with all things vampire, but it did make for more than just a fun book series. For instance, I remember owning The Baby-Sitters Club trivia/board game. What’s more, I had my very own baby-sitters club with several friends. We even had our own business cards made. I was the club treasurer, which I remember because a few years after our club fizzled out, I found an envelope full of the “dues” we collected from each other in my bedroom closet. I’m not sure what the money was intended for; and I honestly don’t remember what I did with that money after discovering it.

Also, in my trip down memory lane (via Google) I discovered clips of a Disney TV show based on the books and—while it never hit blockbuster status—there was actually a Baby-Sitters Club movie! Seriously, how did I miss this? http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3901620505/ (And can you spot the Minnesota native turned mildly successful actress in that movie trailer?)

Anyway, good luck to Ms. Martin and Scholastic books with their new publishing endeavor. I hope today’s tweens appreciate the re-release of this series, even if it isn’t filled with blood and scandal.

When the saints go marching in

On the heels of Halloween is another holiday that doesn’t get quite as much attention: All Saints Day. This week I was surprised to learn about some of the more unique patron saints that have existed over the course of history (this off-the-wall knowledge comes from Jason Boyett’s book, The Pocket Guide to Sainthood). For those of us non-Catholics who need some background about patron saints, check out Jason’s blog. Now, to name a few of my favorites (and no, this is not a joke):

• St. Ambrose, Patron Saint of Beekeepers
• St. Martin of Tours, Patron Saint of Geese
• St. Vitus, Patron Saint of Oversleeping
• St. Caedwalla of Wessex, Patron Saint of Serial Killers
• St. Drogo, Patron Saint of Ugly People

Apparently the idea is that if you are dealing with any of these topics/issues in life you may benefit from praying to the related patron saint, because they have an in with God on these areas of expertise. (Lucky for me, I have an in with God on everything because he’s my personal Savior and all.) So finally, there is hope for chronic oversleepers and ugly people! But anyway, check out this article for details on the patron saints above, as well as a few others you won’t soon forget. I promise it will make you smile.

But wait, there’s more. You can also sign up for Relevant’s Great Saint Off and name a celebrity saint (assuming one of today’s celebrities was given such an honor). My favorite so far is, “Saint T. He pities all fools.” Or, I invite you to name your own fictional saint on this blog – be it yourself, a celebrity, or someone else you know (without offending, of course). Get your saint on, people!

Behind the Bell

Before there was 90210 or The O.C., there was that fun bunch of teenagers from Bayside High School who I knew and loved. Saved By The Bell was the TV show that motivated me through my awkward junior high years and made me look forward to high school. I wanted to hang out at The Max with my friends. I wanted to see Bayside beat Valley in the big game. I wanted to be as smart as Jessie, as fashionable as Lisa and as popular as Kelly.

It’s hard to believe that this show actually premiered 20 years ago! Since then, I’ve seen every episode several times. And what would a 20th anniversary of a hit TV show be without a tell-all book? That’s right folks. Our very own Screech (a.k.a. unemployed Dustin Diamond) has just released his book, Behind the Bell.

Truthfully, I don’t really care what went on behind the scenes. I still like the show. Perhaps if the book came out 10 or 15 years ago, the revelations of drug use and womanizing might’ve been groundbreaking. But sadly, I think I’ve become desensitized to young Hollywood stars stirring up trouble. They live in a different reality. It’s great to see some stars rise above it, but it’s almost “expected” these days that they won’t.

Dustin’s interviews on his book tour make him sound sort of bitter and jealous of his SBTB cast mates. Apparently he was the geek on screen and off.

Needless to say, I won’t be running out to buy this book. I’m still holding out for a SBTB reunion though. Bring back Zack Attack and play some volleyball at the Malibu Sands Beach Club. Oooo, I’d be so excited…kind of like Jessie:

Best. Episode. EVER.

The end of the Rainbow

Last week marked the end of an era. After 26 years on television, the final episode of Reading Rainbow aired on PBS. Now truthfully, I didn't even know this show was still on the air. Nevertheless, hearing this news mad me a little sad and very nostalgic. And when I heard the show’s theme song, childhood memories flooded back. If you're in my generation, you'll know what I mean when you watch this:

I don't know why books were so much cooler when they were read on TV, but I used to love going to the library in search of the books that were featured on RR. And obviously, LeVar Burton rocked (but more so on this show than he did on Star Trek with the visor thing that I always thought looked like the banana clips we wore in our hair back then).

I guess RR is not being funded any longer because it doesn’t focus on teaching kids HOW to read. But, I think there’s something to be said about a show that teaches kids WHY reading is fun. Although it has been a long time since I've read a children's book, I still love to read, and I'll go ahead and give RR a little credit.

Anyway, someday I may end up with RR DVDs and force them on my children, who will think the show is completely old fashioned. In the meantime...what do you think was the best children’s book ever? “Take a look, it’s in a book…”