Books and Purses--What more could you need?

I made a commitment to chronicle all the things I read over the course of the year on this blog, but I'm a dismal failure on that front.  Instead, I'm probably going to randomly update what I've been reading.  Be prepared for some overlap because my memory isn't that great.  As it stands now, I'm just going to quickly review what I've read since the summer started.

1.  The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan--Interesting.  I could see how kids would like this guy.  He's engaging, but it's really not much different from his Percy Jackson stuff.

2.  Raven Stole the Moon by Garth Stein--I reviewed it in an earlier blog.  To read my thoughts, go here.

3.  Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman--It wasn't as compelling as American Gods, but I think it's worth a gander--particularly for those interested in any kind of mythology.

4.  Coraline by Neil Gaiman--A really, really creepy children's story.  I was actually a little scared.

5.  Smashed  by Koren Zailckas--An entire story about a girl who was a binge drinker...and she tells the truth in a way that is both shocking and eye-opening.  It's a classic train wreck; you won't want to look away.

6.  Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner--First book of hers I've ever read.  Definitely a read-on-the-beach sort of thing.

7.  Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult--I had higher hopes, Jodi.  I SO love your style.  I really want to love your books.  But I'm tired of crying.  Kick Nicholas Sparks out of your tent and find a new niche.

8.  My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares--A slow starter, but surprisingly not bad.  I would almost bet you $100 that she has read (and loved!) The Time Traveler's Wife, though.

9.  Mennonite in a Little Black Dress  by Rhoda Janzen--A memoir about returning to a Mennonite community.  I have never laughed so hard in my life.

10.  I got halfway through Franny and Zooey.  All I can say is that I'm giving up on you, J.D. Salinger.  I tried to like The Catcher in the Rye.  I tried to like this book.  Failure.

That's all I can remember to date.  I have several books that are waiting for attention.  Here are a few things I'll be devouring before the end of summer:

She's a bit of a slow starter, this one.  But I have high hopes.  The back gives next to nothing regarding the story, but it does share that it's the story of two women whose lives are intertwined.

Who doesn't love a story that leaves a little to the imagination?  I think that's partly why I bought the book.  I couldn't help myself.

I've heard really great things about Crazy Love, and I have every intention of dedicating myself to it before the end of the summer.  Seems like a book you need to chew on for a bit.

I've started it, and Chan's writing is both personal and in-your-face.  He's honest about what a relationship with Christ is meant to be.  And that's a reminder to me of how far I have to go.


Several people I know have read Velvet Elvis, so I'm just on the curious side.

I was impressed with Rob Bell in his video Everything is Spiritual.  I guess we'll see.  I've had this book for more than a year and never have managed to pick it up and actually read it.


So it's obvious that books make me happy.  I really, really love to read.  I'm pretty sure that was instilled in me by my mom who also loves to read.

But I also love handbags.  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that my dad instilled that in me, but that doesn't mean my dad carries a purse.  He does love accessories, though...and, well, so did my Gramma Mays.  She probably fed the frenzy just a bit.

That said, I thought I'd share a few handbags I am currently LOVING (yet not owning).

I've shown you this one before.  It's called the Coach Sydney Metallic Leather and it's $798 (for those of you interested in that sort of thing).

Tell me it isn't beautiful, though.  *SIGH*  I love any bag the color of starlight (it's my blog; therefore, we will use my descriptions).  It's perfectly structured, and yet it will never be on sale.



This is the Calvin Klein Python Satchel.  In comparison to the other purses in this post, it's a steal at $128.  In my personal opinion, it is the height of classy.  That pretty much means that when I carry it while wearing my Target workout pants, it will be the equivalent of walking into the unemployment office carrying a Prada bag (Ah, Jen Lancaster).

It comes in brown or black (I prefer the latter), and would truthfully be a gorgeous addition to any outfit.


The lovely pink bag is the Coach Peyton Carryall.  It is a mere $358!  (Hey, in comparison to $800, it looks good, no?)

I love that this bag looks very pulled together and professional, but comes in this awesome color.  What girl WOULDN'T want to carry the perfect pink purse?  Particularly THIS pink purse? 

Don't tell me it's not perfection, because I know better.

I've never owned a blue bag, but I love that this bag looks like your favorite pair of blue jeans.  Of course, there is a definite sense of classy and pulled-together with this bag.  (Do you see a theme here?)

This one is the Coach Kristen Graphic Op Art Tote and it is $398.

The only thing that makes me wary is the amount of white on this bag.  It won't take long to see that my life doesn't exactly promote white on clothing or accessories.

And that's it for today.

Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll get some great pictures and will later post my birthday fun.  It's been a blast already.