This post is almost as long as the the book itself

So it is time for the unveiling of my book selection, I know you've all been eagerly awaiting my choice. However, first I want to put in my quick two cents about Odd Mom Out. (If you aren't interested, go ahead and scroll past it, I'll never know).

I thought this was a fun read, and definitely generated some interesting discussion. It wasn't exactly what I expected (I think the cover is misleading becauseI don't ever recall the the main character dressing in fishnet tights and stilettos). I think it's definitely a book of extremes. I don't believe all working moms are tough, relationship-avoiding women in combat boots anymore than I believe all stay-at-home moms are catty, spoiled Stepford-Wife-like clones of one another. (Although an interesting side note: I read some reviews on amazon.com in which one or two of the readers claimed Bellevue women were just like that). For the story, juxtaposing these two very different types of women made a stronger impact. I found the relational aggression aspect interesting as it is displayed in both the mother and daughter generations. Why do so many girls and women psychologically torture each other?

I think what's attracts us to this type of story is that as most of you have mentioned, we can all relate to feeling like the odd person out at one time or another. Em feels that way with her sisters, Heather with all the Oregon free-spirits, and for me, I currently feel like the odd one out whenever I'm with my in-laws. My husband and his two brothers were all married within 7 months of each other, so 3 of us girls joined the family at once. Guess which one is having the hardest time fitting in? But I digress.

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Quick story. My original intention was for us to read the Pulitzer Prize winning, Oprah-recommened, The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I was going to break the current trend and suggest a book that I myself hadn't read yet. However, the more I read about it, the more hesitant I was to pitch it to you gals, not because I myself don't want to read it, it's just one of those bleak stories that I don't think I should force anyone to read. I would come up with an idea, then go on Mandy or Heather's Goodreads page and found one of them had already read it, and I wanted to choose something none of you has read before! Last night I was in a panick about what book to choose. I called my mom, and my sister-in-law, and couldn't get any suggestions I was really jazzed about. My husband, who is an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy suggested a few, but no. Although I have to admit I cracked up trying to picture Mandy reading a couple of those titles. :)

SO. . . I was sitting as my desk at work this morning, and the inspiration struck. This is the form my inspiration took:

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson

I've always had a soft spot for adolescent literature, as I know many of you do too. This is adolescent lit with depth though, and it's a pretty serious subject matter- great for those of us who love psychology. In summary it is about a girl who is about to enter high school, has something traumatic happen to her, then learns to cope by expressing herself through art. It's been a couple of years since I read this book, but I remember really enjoying it, and I hope you do too. It shouldn't be too hard to find in most libraries. (I hope!)

(Oh, and as a side note, after you read it you may want to check out the movie. The main character is played byKristen Stewart, who is set to play Bella in the upcoming Twilight movie.)

Now go forth and READ!