Being a Literature student and an all around geek when it comes to anything book related, I’ve listened to my fair share of poetry readings; ranging from the well known classics to the new and upcoming talents of today.

The Internet has become my own little bookshop/library, and I often browse pages like fictionpress for creative finds and sometimes even upload my own writing. I love discovering new artists because they give me inspiration to progress with my own creative work.

When it comes to poetry reading and artistic inspiration, Myspace is slowly becoming my new haven. It was only a matter of time before poets joined the ranks of bands everywhere and began recording and uploading their own profiles. I first came across these new artists while browsing Kate Nash’s Myspace music profile (a woman who’s pretty damn cool on her own), and instantly fell in love. Read More »

Since the Internet has taken over our lives, we’ve been given a little gift called The Blog.

A blog is the new school term for “Dear Diary”, and who would have ever guessed that diary entries could be so entertaining — entertaining enough for people to make a career out of exposing their inner most thoughts, desires, confessions, and judgements.

Well, publishers caught onto the idea quickly and said, “hey, this sh*t could actually sell.” Reading words that most people think will remain anonymous makes the reading fresh. Sincere. Real.

Because of the over-saturation of “reality TV”, (‘true life stores’ manipulated entirely by producers and crafted into audience friendly material), people were yearning for something genuine that made all of their daily dramas and horrific embarrassments, dating stories, and “disorders” seem normal.

Bloggers started to say f*ck the fake stuff, and began to write about their orgasms, financial troubles, divorces, narcissism, every little detail down to the nitty gritty. And guess what happened? Audiences clamored for MORE. Read More »

A wise person (Dr. Seuss) once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” I know it sounds cheesy and the thought of reading for pleasure while in college is often daunting, but hear me out.

When you stop and think about it, you probably have more time to squeeze in a couple pages of a great book than you think (the few minutes before class starts when you’re usually just zoning out into space, while you’re on the elliptical or bike at the gym instead of reading trashy celeb mags, during a commute across campus on the bus, etc.) …You get the point.

I tell you this not as someone who successfully found time to read while in college, but as a recent graduate who has noticed how much more interesting and intelligent a well-read person is once out in the real world. Seriously.

So, with all of your best interests in mind, I will bring you occasional reviews and recommendations for books that are worthy of squeezing into your hectic jam-packed weekend. I would love to hear all of your thoughts and opinions on the selections as well.

First up on the list: Valley of the Dolls. An absolute CLASSIC and must read for any college girl about to start out on their own (Ah hem, Seniors!). Although written back in the late 1960s, this book was way ahead of its time in chronicling the struggles young women go through when setting out on their own and trying to make it in competitive industries such as entertainment or the media.

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Chick lit—one step above romance novels and one step (OK…maybe a few steps) below Jane Austen on the Ladder of Lit.

I love chick lit, mainly because it gives me great comfort to know that there are people out there whose dating mishaps and embarrassing moments are even worse than mine…even if those people are fictional.

If you have the impression that most chick lit is just about as brainless as a pile of sawdust, well, then you’d be right. The cream of the crop, though, has both good writing and great laughs. Try these awesome titles to start:

First of all, if you’ve never read Bridget Jones’s Diary (check out that bargain price on Amazon), you have committed a serious sin against your sex (and no, seeing the movie does not count). This book is the groundbreaking work of the chick lit genre, and for good reason. Guaranteed to be one of the funniest novels you’ll ever read. Read More »

If you’re dying to get rid of your old English lit novels, or if you find your boxed set of Little House on the Prairie books gathering dust in the corner of your room, then boy, have I got the places for you.

What if you could find someone on the Web who wanted your old books, but you wouldn’t have to go through all the trouble of finding that person yourself? What if you could also search the Web for almost any book you wanted and get it for free? Pretty cool, right?

Well, swapping books is all the rage nowadays, and there are a multitude of book-swapping sites to prove it. Most are free to join and score you on a point system. For listing a book on the site, you get some fraction of a point. For actually giving a book away (that is, putting it in an envelope and slapping on the postage to send it), you get a full point. And for every full point you earn, you get a free book of your choice.

Here’s a smattering of what’s out there: Read More »

Yes, I love(d) television.

I considered myself a huge fan of certain shows like Gossip Girl (my guilty pleasure), Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, The Office, etc (the list goes on and on). So, when the strike first began, I was devastated and wondered how I would function in my tiny cable-less studio without network shows putting out brand new episodes each week. What on earth would I look forward to at night?

Well, the months came and went and I realized I needed something else to keep me entertained and fall asleep at night. What did I do?

I rediscovered the joys of reading multiple books, reconnected with friends I haven’t seen in awhile, and found new activities to do around New York City.

I sadly admit that during college the idea of reading for pleasure was an unattainable dream after being forced to do massive amounts of required reading for class. The last thing I wanted to do when getting home at night from a busy day of activities and studying was pick up another book. Now, I can’t go to sleep without finishing a substantial chunk of whatever page-turner I’m working through.

My recent books: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (a classic), Bright Lights Big City, and Matrimony. All great reads. Next up: Valley of the Dolls. Yes, it may sound nerdy to be so gung-ho about books, but it’s true and I’m proud of it. Read More »

“I would rather set my hair on fire than read this book again.”

“Saying this is the best book I’ve ever read doesn’t do it justice.”

Got an opinion? Like to read books? Then head over to Goodreads, the best site out there that you may not know about.

Goodreads is the ultimate winner: a user-motivated review site that’s also a social network. If you love to read (or have to for class, as the case may be), rate the books you go through and post reviews.

If you want to protect everyone out there from the heinous piece of trash your English prof is calling “literature,” call it out on Goodreads and tell other people to stay the hell away from it. If you think everyone on Earth should read your favorite book, find it on the site and write a review that will move even the soundest skeptic to sob with longing.

You can search the site for specific books, see what others thought of them, and get book recommendations from friends. If you’re a writer, you can also post excerpts from your writing and read snippets of others’ work. Read More »

Every year, some of us are guilty of giving sh*tty presents. Maybe we forget a relative until the last second, maybe we really don’t like someone but feel obligated to buy something, or maybe we’re just selfish bastards who don’t like to spend money, but whatever the case, every year during this time, truly crappy gifts are wrapped and set under the tree or beside the menorah.

And then there are those of us who receive those crap gifts. Opening a package and instantly realizing A) this person doesn’t know us at all or B) this is the stupidest thing someone has ever wasted tape on is always a hard emotion to conceal, but because our mothers taught us to be polite, we do our best. We smile through the pain and secretly hope the receipt is still in the box.

Not quite sure if what you’re about to seal with a bow is a crap gift? Let CollegeCandy give you a few hints.

• Scented Candles: You’re not in junior high anymore, so this gift is no longer acceptable. Confused 12-year-old boys give the girls they think might be their girlfriends scented candles because they’re cheap and noncommittal. If you’re an adult, presenting someone with scented candles is the perfect way to start letting them know you don’t care.

• Clothes That Are Way Too Big: Look, when in doubt, buy a size smaller. No one likes opening a gift box and pulling out a sweater that looks like it could house a moose. Holding up a giant article of clothing not only makes us immediately feel fat, but decide everyone else thinks we’re fat too. Total. Depression. Read More »

Days as a Freshman: 79

Mood: Headachy

“Oooohkay. I just did something stupid.”

Sliding onto the bench next to Naima and across from Crystal, I put my steaming mug of hot chocolate down before it burned my skin.

“I just did something really stupid.”

“What?” Taking her pen out of her mouth, Naima looked over at me, squinting in the dim coffee house light. “What could you have possibly done in the last twenty-four hours that’s so horrible?”

“Oooh, enough.” Licking my fingers, I did a quick survey of the small campus coffee shop to make sure certain people weren’t around. “I think I just ruined my Thanksgiving break.”

“Tell us already, woman!” Closing her books, Crystal crumpled up a piece of paper and threw it at my forehead. “You take forever getting to the point.”

“Well, you know how Daniel B. has been tutoring me in Chemistry?” I took a sip from my chipped mug. “A few nights ago Sasha wasn’t there and it was just us…”

“Jesus, was it awkward?”

Crystal knew Daniel B. well. They both wrote for the college newspaper and Daniel B’s long-winded speeches were the only thing Crystal talked about after their weekly meetings. “That kid is the weirdest person on the planet. You know, at our last reporter meeting, he spent fifteen minutes detailing the intricate details of chess? I wanted to stab myself.” Read More »

So, maybe I don’t actually know anything about Feng Shui, but that has never stopped me before.

It is closing in on the cold, depressing months of winter after all, so let’s take a few deep breaths and maybe we can get through this together.

After all, aren’t you a little embarrassed to bring men home to your unwashed tattered sheets, thong strewn floor (actually that’s pretty hot…keep those there)? You’re in school, use your brain.

Let’s begin with the bed (that’s what she said).

I’ve seen a few different beds in my day and while 300 thread count sheets are so silky smooth they are definitely a little pricey. Never fear! There are a few other options than your classic green and blue checked flannel.

Unless you moonlight as a porn star, please avoid red satin sheets, there’s steamy and there’s sketchy and satin crosses the line in leaps and bounds. Buy these Twister sheets at www.stylehive.com and memorize this line. “How would you like to play a game of Twister…in my bed.”

Now that’s class. Read More »