I know I said that my summer reading list is all about being mindless, but this week I was craving something substantial. So, I turned to the award-winning novel “Effigy” by Alissa York. When this novel first debuted last year, my co-workers went bananas. All I heard about this novel was that it was just fantastic, making it an easy pick.

And I agree! “Effigy” tells the story of Dorrie, the 4th wife of Mormon Erastus Hammer. Set in the 1850’s, she becomes his wife at the tender age of 14. Erastus learns of Dorrie’s skills as a taxidermist and respects and values her deeply. But the ability to stuff and mount dead animals isn’t (shockingly) what makes this story interesting – it’s the inside look at a polygamist family.

Polygamy is such a foreign concept, so it absolutely fascinates me. Particularly the tension felt between the wives, including their pathetic displays to feign affection. I have a long-term boyfriend and I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to share him with one other girl, nevermind three! They also treat each other as sisters, all collaborating in the household and raising their children together. The children in polygamist families tend to treat their father’s wives all as mothers (as far as I know…), which I also find interesting.

York is also a very accomplished writer. She handles each character and the sensitive subject of polygamy with great care. I can honestly say that “Effigy” even gave me insight into the polygamist lifestyle and made me respect the women who live it. Granted, I believe that if they experienced a monogamous life, they would choose that any day over sharing a husband, but they don’t seem to know any better.

“Effigy” was an eye-opening and highly educational read. With shows like “Big Love,” and the situation with the Yearning for Zion compound in Texas, polygamy is currently a hot and controversial topic. If you’re looking to add some substance to your summer reading list, “Effigy” is a great place to start!

I am not a huge reader of chick-lit, but I admit, sometimes I just get the urge and have to indulge! It’s like the 99 times I pass by Mrs. Fields at the mall until that on time I can’t take the fresh cookie smell anymore…. and I get three.

I first noticed “Dedication” at the bookstore where I work. I read the back – it sounded cute and light and had a musical aspect to it, so I thought I would enjoy it.

I visited my library and checked it out? What? I don’t need the other people at work knowing about my vice!

Basically, the story involves a girl, Kate, and her highschool sweetheart, Jake Sharpe. The book chronicles their romance, right from their meeting, flashing back to the eighties while keeping up with the present story. The turning point is when Jake becomes a rock-star while Kate goes off to university. Unfortunately he uses their relationship and Kate’s personal life as obvious inspiration for his songs and sends her life on a downward spiral. They eventually come back together after many years, and this is where the story really gets good.

Don’t worry – I won’t spoil anything. But it is just. so. good. Read More »

If you don’t know who the Red Hot Chili Peppers are, I just want to know what rock you’ve been living under for the past twenty-five or so years. They are one of the biggest rock bands in the world, recording seven fantastic albums including the 2006 “Stadium Arcadium,” which won 6 Grammys. Since this band has such a long history, an autobiography of the main singer is bound to be a super interesting and full of scandal.

And Anthony Kiedis does not disappoint.

Anthony’s autobiography begins right at the beginning: his birth in 1962. He chronicles his experiences as a child that lead to his excessive party lifestyle as an adult, many of which are with his father, Blackie, a drug dealer. He discusses all of his relationships and diligently reports on the formation of the original Red Hot Chili Peppers.

At some points the book becomes slightly redundant: drug abuse, rehab, clean, repeat. But that was his life and although this repetitiveness takes away from the severity of the issue of drug abuse, the stories that go along with this vicious cycle are amazing and can only be those of a rock-star.

And they stay with you. Even though I read this about 5 years ago, certain anecdotes have never left me and I still find myself thinking of them. Read More »

I love science. Figuring out how things work, studying anatomy, mixing chemicals; I love it all! So naturally, I dabble in the Science Non-Fiction section at my local bookstore. I know what you’re thinking: books about science are written by hundred- year- old men with big, scraggly beards who use big confusing words and even more confusing concepts. But that’s where you’re wrong!

Sure, you can find those kind of books if that’s your thing (for those who love science a little too much…), but there are also some really interesting ones written in totally understandable English. And guess what? They’re interesting and funny!

Mary Roach introduced me to the world of enjoyable science reading with her book about human cadavers, Stiff. I’m sure some of you shuddered at the word “cadaver,” but if you can handle it, this book is FANTASTIC! That lead me to Roach’s second book Spook, which is about the paranormal and a lot less gory. I loved both, so when I heard Mary Roach had a new book coming out this past summer, I was over the moon! And she didn’t let me down.

Written with her usual smart wit, Mary Roach creates a fun and interesting look at the scientific side of sex with her latest book, Bonk. Read More »

Like “A Clockwork Orange”, this book is probably more famous as a film. But, again, the book is infinitely better!

Jeffery Eugenides has received much praise in the past few years for his novel Middlesex, which is a great book too, but The Virgin Suicides was his first mega hit…and for good reason.

It is a simple yet powerful story. Eugenides forgoes the use of literary devices and flowery language and instead pours his energy into creating a unique plot. The title is pretty self-explanatory and the frankness with which Eugenides describes the events is riveting. Some books are enhanced by descriptive details and flowery imagery, but The Virgin Suicides proves that none of that is necessary when weaving a great story. It is a perfect example of how a short and concise book can still evoke emotion when written by a great author.

The story revolves around the five Lisbon sisters and events that take place in their town. It is told from the point of view of a group of boys who are obsessed with the sisters. This is interesting because, just like the narrators, the reader never truly knows what is happening inside the sisters’ heads and can only make assumptions. Read More »