Books I have read recently

I have read some books recently -

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher - The novel follows a shy California high school student named Clay Jensen who comes home to find a box sitting on his doorstep. In it he discovers seven cassette tapes sent to him by his late crush, Hannah Baker, who recently committed suicide. She meant for the tapes, which explain the 13 reasons why she took her life, to be sent around chain-letter style to the 12 people who played a role in her death. This was an excellent book - I think anyone who has a child - teenager - should read this. Intensely powerful and painfully real, Thirteen Reasons Why reveals how brutal high school can be, the consequences of spreading rumors, and the lasting effects of suicide on those left behind.

It was a good book. You should definitely give it a read.

The perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chobsky - This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends (Barnes & Noble).
I saw that this was going to be made into a movie starring Emma Watson from Harry Potter and I thought I would read it. It is very well done.

and I am reading my good old standby Twilight by Stephenie Meyers - getting ready for Breaking Dawn in November. As usual everyone should read it.

Dallas - reboot

This must be 70's night here at my house. They are doing a reboot of Dallas the iconic show from the late 70s-80s.

The original Dallas aired from 1978 to 1991 and centered on the Ewing family, a cattle and oil dynasty occupying the expansive Southfork Ranch in Texas. The new version will focus on the Ewing offspring — J.R. Ewing’s son John Ross (Josh Henderson of Desperate Housewives), and Christopher, the adopted son of Bobby and Pam Ewing (Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives) — as they clash over the family dynasty’s future. Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious) stars as Elena, who is involved in a love triangle with Christopher and John Ross. Julie Gonzalo (Veronica Mars) stars as Christopher’s fiancée Rebecca. The updated Dallas will feature original series stars Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray. Hagman gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of oil baron J.R. Ewing. Gray played J.R.’s wife Sue Ellen Ewing, while Duffy portrayed J.R.’s younger brother Bobby.

I used to watch this show every Friday night - who shot JR was a great whodunit and also when Pam woke up from a year long dream with Bobby in the shower.

I visited my girlfriend who lived in Dallas and actually went to the house that they filmed in which is the Ewing Ranch. I actually got to sit at JR's desk. It also had a little museum with memorablia for the show - Lucy's wedding dress, cars, etc. It was a fun trip!!

Can't wait to watch the new one!

Betty Ford RIP

Betty Ford has died at the age of 93. If you grew up in the 70's you remember her husband taking over for Richard Nixon when he resigned. She was a very classy lady and as a first lady she was very active in social policy and shattered precedents as a politically active presidential wife. She was one of the first to bring about breast cancer awareness after having a mastectomy. She also raised awareness about addiction after her own battle with alcohol and painkillers. She was the founder and first chairwoman for the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction. She and her husband are the first couple from the white house to live into their 90s. She and her husband both died at the age of 93. She will be sorely missed.

Secretariat

We saw the movie Secretariat - it was great - If you grew up in the 70's you will remember this horse that won the triple crown. I knew who he was but never heard of the story - you should definitely watch it - it was a great family movie.

Happy Fourth of July late!

Congratulations!

Two of my favorite people got married yesterday!! It was the first wedding on our side of the family. It was beautiful. The bride looked gorgeous and the groom looked so handsome!! They both had smiles on their faces all day. The reception was lovely. From appetizers to the main course and cake - everything was delicious. The deejay had everyone up and on the dance floor - me included! We wish them both a lifetime of health, happiness, laughter and love.