House Beautiful

Books to Read, Right Now.

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Ahhh, Fall. The temps are dipping, and football’s constantly on at home, and THAT means I have ample excuse to head to my bedroom and burrow under the covers and read, right?

Right. Amen. So just in time for hibernation, I’ve come up with the list of books I’m hankering to read, right this moment. Here we go:

1. Not That Kind Of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s “Learned” by Lena Dunham.  I wasn’t on the Lena Dunham bandwagon until a couple weeks ago when I found myself stuck in LA traffic listening to her as Howard Stern lobbed questions her way. The girl is off the charts sharp, we all know that, but she’s also super relatable, humble, and funny.  And oh-so honest about everything in her life, which I really appreciate, and which you’ll find in this candid collection of personal essays written by her. She’s one of the new female voices of my generation, and you know what? That works for me.

2. Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight Our newest book club book and I am SO excited to read it.  It’s drawn comparisons to Gone Girl, because it’s part crime novel, part relationship story.  Successful NY attorney Kate thinks her 15 year old daughter Amelia jumped to her death, and then she gets a text saying “Amelia didn’t jump.” Written in both Kate and Amelia’s first-person narrative, this sounds like an absolute page turner.

3. Into Thin Air by Jon KrakauerYours truly first read this book 20 flippin’ years ago, and even as a hard-to-impress teen, I found myself tearing thru this gripping tale over the course of a couple summer days. Krakauer writes first-hand about the ’96 expedition up Everest (which he was on) that led to eight people dead. It’s hard to not feel the terror and anguish while reading it.

4. Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom and Wonder by Arianna Huffington – I have huge respect for Arianna Huffington (Founder of Huffington Post). But even as successful as she is, she found herself one day with a bloodied face after coming to on the floor of her living room. She’d been so exhausted from overworking that she’d fallen on her face and broken her cheekbone. This book is both a cautionary tale for burnout and stress, and working so much we lack the quality of life we deserve, with our relationships and our health – and a guide on how not to let this happen.

5. As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes – Gasp! You mean to tell me I get to re-live one of the seminal films of my very young life?  The movie my dad took me to on Father’s Day when I was 7 (which remains one of my fave memories with my Pops so far!)?  This first person account from Cary Elwes, aka Westley (swoon), tells his side of the story.  Bee-tee-dubs, did you know he had a mad crush on Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) during filming? I DIE.

6. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer – A coming of age story about a group of teens who meet at a summer camp in 1974 and stay friends thru the ups and downs of growing up. Supposedly full of hilarious, heartwarming and heartbreaking moments.

7. Friendship: A Novel by Emily Gould – A novel about Bev and Amy, best friends who find themselves at a crossroads at 30.  Bev’s a Midwesterner, stuck in a lackluster life; Amy’s an East Coast princess who’s cruised through life. But life starts to catch up to them when one gets pregnant, and when they start to grow apart.

8. Fat, Drunk and Stupid: The Inside Story Behind the Making of Animal House by Matty SimmonsJust, yes.

9. Yes Please by Amy Poehler (out today!) – I’ve read a few reviews saying this is funny – and I wouldn’t expect anything less.

COMING SOON:

10. The Andy Cohen Diaries by Andy Cohen – Out November 11th. YES. If you love pop culture and Bravo and knowing which Real Housewife peed in the Clubhouse at a Watch What Happens Live taping, read this.

11. There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me by Brooke Shields – Out Nov. 18th. I’ve always heard stories of Brooke Shields’ super intense stage mom/manager, and this will finally tell the actress’ side of the story. Count me in.

That’s it for now, lovelies! Got any books YOU’D recommend? Please hit me up on the Comments – I’d love, love, love to hear.

xoxo,

5 Responses to “Books to Read, Right Now.”


  • I’m getting my Kindle warmed up!

  • Great list and right up my reading alley. Thanks! Can’t wait to read Brook Shield’s dirt. Since you went back in time a bit with “Into Thin Air” (FAB), I’ll add two more oldies but goodies:

    Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office. (Jen Lancaster, 2006)

    One of my favorite hostess gifts: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence (Amy Sedaris, 2006)

    And for some real inspiration, try Keith Richards’ LIFE. Living proof if hard core rock & roll life style won’t kill ya, neither will Velveeta.

  • ahhh LOVE your book recos. what is better than a good book in winter

  • I love these book recommendations! I’m going to get the Amy Poehler book, the Recovering Amelia book to start, and maybe The Interestings to start. Also, I just read Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I personally didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would, but you should read if you haven’t already!

  • Just wanted to say thank you for the book recommendations, because I’ve gotten two and love them so far (Amy Poehler’s and Friendship).

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