book review - Chelsea Handler - Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

I would be the first one to admit that this book is not great literature (no offense, Chelsea), but I enjoyed it nonetheless. There are parts of this book that are laugh out loud funny, others that are sad, others that shed light on Chelsea's personality.

If making you want to read other books by the same author is a mark of a good book, then this one gets my vote. I want to read the other books, now that I've read this one. I must say she seems like an unlikely author, but she does have a lot to say, and knows how to say it.

This book was a quick read, and I didn't want to put it down. When I finished, I mentioned to my wife that it reminded me of another friend's situation. She pointed out three major differences between Chelsea's experience and our other friend's situation. I suppose that Chelsea's book made her experiences relateable to other people. I assume that's why I could see other people experiencing similar problems in their own life.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Walking in Circles Before Lying Down, by Merrill Markoe

When I first took a look at this book, I didn't really expect much out of it. My darling wife said it was "okay", so perhaps that is why.

But once I got a chapter into the book, I found that I didn't want to put it down. The characters are vivid and believable, and the central heroine is sympathetic, to say the least.

Someone commented to me the other day that they didn't know I was a dog person, but I guess I am. I've had a dog several times in my life, and much prefer them to cats. If you are a dog person, then you'll be more likely to enjoy this book.

There are two things that stand out in my mind about this book, and the first is that the dogs in this story talk to our heroine. I found them to be pretty believable. I mean, once you get past the whole dogs talking thing. In other words, if dogs really did possess the capacity to speak, and remained dog-like in all other ways, it seems like this is how they would speak.

The other thing that stands out about the book is how realistic the relationships between men and women seem to be. Seriously, her first boyfriend in the book is such a jerk. But, I've heard people say things nearly the same in real life. And, it's likely they don't realize how they sound.

I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it for when you want something light, or for when you think your life sucks and you want some diversion.

My favorite quote from the book: "Throw the ball. You know you want to."

I recommend the book.