Book Characters that Brave the Page and Write {book list}

All the cool kids talk about NaNoWriMo aka the month of November is National Novel Writing Month.  It's a fun way to look at creative writing.  To go along with the new book Brave the Page, I created a book list for you with AMAZING books that the main character writes letters, novels, poetry, or even raps.  These characters and books should definitely inspire any budding writer to give NaNoWriMo a shot, or at least start creating with the power of words now.  

Brave the Page is an awesome resource with tips, tricks, and inspiration from authors on how to start working on that goal of writing a book. 

Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." 

If you need some writing inspiration, give these books a read.  

Characters/Books that Brave the Page

Becoming Madeleine: A biography of the author of A Wrinkle in Time by her Granddaughters by Charlotte Jones Voiklis

A beautiful and insightful look into Madeleine L'Engle's life never before seen poetry, letters, and even rejections for publications.  A fabulous biography for anyone interested in writing. 

Between the Lines by Nikki Grimes

A group of high school students build friendships and connections as they prepare for a boys vs. girls poetry slam.  This book is written in free verse. 

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

This classic children's literature book is a must read.  Leigh, a 10 year old boy, writes letters to his favorite author. The writing helps him cope with the challenges he is facing. 

Dear Sister by Alison McGhee

This illustrated novel is such a quick sweet read as a brother writes letters to his sister.  Not only is this book comical, but anyone with a sibling may feel the tugs on their heart.  

From Twinkle with Love by Sandhya Menon

 Twinkle, a shy aspiring filmmaker is directing a movie for an upcoming festival.  Her story is told through letters as she learns about love and the challenges of directing a movie. 

House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg

Once upon a time there was a girl named Maud who adored stories.  Years later, she ended up not only owning many books, but she wrote 24 books including the Anne of Green Gables series.  

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Of course I had to include this classic; classics stand the test of time and they are definitely inspiring.  If you don't recall, Jo, the literary sister, loves to read and write.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani 

Nisha, a 12 year old living in India during the 1947 partition is forced to flee her home.  She tries to make sense of it all by writing to her deceased Muslim mother. 

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Bri, a high school student, wants to become a rapper and escape the difficult inner city life she and her family currently have.  The book and the writing is absolutely fantastic.  The  audiobook brings the book and the rapping to life; it's a must listen to.  

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Xiomara is constantly writing her frustrations, passions, and everything in between in her leather notebook.  She dreams of participating in a Poetry Slam with her own poems.  This is another must listen to as the author reads it, and she's amazing since she is a Poetry Slam Champion.  

Swing by Kwame Alexander

 A book written in free verse (aka a quick and fast read even reluctant readers will enjoy) about love, friendship, sports, and high school.  Noah decides to stop taking a backseat to his life; he decides to Swing and finally make his voice heard.

To all the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Lara Jean writes letters to all the boys she has loved.  This book will have you cringing for her, and cheering her one as well.  This light romantic-ish contemporary ya lit is fun to read and there's even a Netflix movie out to watch after. 

Twelve awesome books where a main character writes and expresses him or herself.  Any books I should add to the list???

This book list consists of children's chapter books to adult classics with young adult and juvenile non-fiction biographies making strong appearances as well.  Basically, there is bound to be at least one, if not many, of these books you must read or listen too.  They are fantastic, and who knows... they may just inspire you to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. 

 

If you do participate, you must check out Brave the Page; it's an excellent resource that is fun to read.  

Thank you Penguin Random House for the Brave the Page book to read.  All thoughts on any of the books listed above are mine alone.  

Ghost Boy gets 4 Stars {nonfiction, biography, memoir, adult, inspiring}

When I began this book, I had no idea what this book was about.  I picked it up b/c it was an upcoming Book Club book; that is one reason I love Book Club.  Sure the conversation is great and the food is fun, but I love the fact that I get to read books I normally wouldn't have picked up.  

I had no idea this book was going to be so thought provoking.  I had no idea I was going to be so shocked by how people treated Martin.  I had no idea the abuse Martin went through.  I had no idea someone could go through so much and still come out on top and even happy.

Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body by Martin Pistorius gets 4 out of 5 stars in my review of this adult memoir.  The book is inspiring. Martin's story is inspiring and eye-opening.  I had no idea a 12 year old boy that complained of a sore throat could suddenly stop moving and talking and appear in a vegetative state.  I had no idea people abused, physical and sexual, the vulnerable (aka those that can't talk or don't seem to have a high IQ).  

The abuse was disturbing, but all of the challenges Martin overcame were inspiring.  I was amazed Martin was able to communicate and even hold a job when at one point he couldn't move any part of his body.  Though, love is what I found to be most amazing.  I love that Martin overcame his fears of love; he loved and let someone love him completely for who he is.  

A couple aspects I thought could've been better were the ramblings and skipping around which made figuring out the timeline difficult.  I also felt the development of secondary characters, like his parents, lacking and it could've added to the power of the story.  

Ghost Boy is a great book, and I'm sure it'll provide a lot of great discussion at Book Club.  Though, I'm needed a lighter book to balance out all of these emotions.  

Happy Inspiring, Emotional, and Thought Provoking Book Reading!  

Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body by Martin Pistorius
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 18+, adults  
Clean Read: No, language, sexual abuse, and physical abuse.  
Worth a Check Out: Yes, it's Inspiring and sad all at the same time.
Buy It or Not: No. 
Book Club Discussion: Would you react more like Martin's mom or dad with his diagnosis?  What part of Martin's story is most inspiring/impressive? Were you glad you read this book, or did it skew you a bit? What is Martin's most admirable quality in your opinion? Was there anything in the story that most surprised you?  What do you think motivated Martin to share his story?   


Did you read Ghost Boy?  What did you think? 

A few quotes I loved from Ghost Boy: 

“I’d been put into a box long before, after all. Each of us has. Are you the “difficult” child or the “histrionic” lover, the “argumentative” sibling or the “long-suffering” spouse? Boxes make us easier to understand, but they also imprison us because people don’t see past them.”

“God and I didn’t talk about the big things in life—we didn’t engage in philosophical debates or argue about religion—but I talked to Him endlessly because I knew we shared something important. I didn’t have proof that He existed, but I believed in Him anyway because I knew He was real. God did the same for me. Unlike people, He didn’t need proof that I existed—He knew I did.”

“Dreams can be any size you want them to be. But the important thing is that you have one that is yours.” 

“None of us knows what we can bear until we’re asked.” 

"I've lived my whole life as a burden, she makes me feel weightless." 

"Life can't be experienced at arms length, it must be lived." 

"Life is about shades of gray; it isn't black and white." 


As you can tell from the number of quotes I have that this book was inspiring and thought provoking. As always, I'd love to hear what you thought. 

Radiant Child gets 3.5 Stars {picture book, caldecott medal}

This colorful and bold art history biographical picture book won the 2017 Caldecott Medal.   I will say, the pictures are fantastic, and I feel Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe completely deserves the Caldecott award for amazing illustrations. 

I feel the illustrations were consistent, meaningful to Basquiat, and truly what make this book fantastic.
  

However, Radiant Child gets 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I love the pictures, but I think the written text is lacking.  I feel the story in this historical picture book is lacking depth and substance.  I feel the reader won't understand the impact the car accident, his mother's condition, and the other struggles he overcame had on who he became and the artist he became.  

I think you can find Jean-Michel Basquiat in the illustrations, but his story isn't completely captured in the text.  I do think the extra info about Jean-Michel Basquiat including the symbolism he used was cool, and the details with the end paper was fantastic.  

All in all, I liked this book.  I would definitely add Radiant Child to a library collection (school or public), and the school's art teacher or any art history fan will enjoy checking this book out.  Though, because I am not an art history buff I will pass on adding it to my personal collection.    

Happy Art History Biography Picture Book reading! 


Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best For: 7 to 11 year olds, 2nd grade through 5th grade
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: If you are an art history fan, or if you know an artist then buy it; otherwise, I say pass on the purchase.
Read Aloud: Not a great read aloud. 
Lesson Ideas: Art History, Life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, overcoming struggles

March Book Three gets 5 Stars {non-fiction, graphic novel, printz award}

This book has it all.  One President of the United States dies, another gives powerful speeches and help make big changes in the country.  With it being Black History Month as well as President's Day I felt this book was an absolute must to share with you today!   

Police arrests, murders, determination, perseverance, equal rights, voting, the Freedom March, and so many more shocking events occurred during the civil rights movement.  I absolutely loved March Book Three, and I completely understand why it won the Printz Award, Coretta Scott King Award, and 4 other major awards.

March Book Three by John Lewis is well deserving of these awards, and honestly one of the best books I've read.  This book, is the third and final book in the March series telling the complete civil rights movement from John Lewis' experience.  

I give March Book Three 5 out of 5 Stars.  The pictures are fantastic, the story line is great, the pace is quick, the words are powerful, and the events are inspiring.  I learned so much while reading not only this book, but the entire series.  It is a must read for sure, and I am so glad I have it in my personal library.

At the very beginning it took me a second to remember what SNCC stood for b/c book three didn't overlap with the second book.  There is so much I really liked about this book.  I loved that the writing had the perfect balance of facts to teach and dialogue to keep the story going.  

I really enjoyed John Lewis' view on JFK's death and the fear he had with Johnson becoming the President.  I think his feelings are relatable to how many feel any time a new President begins his presidency. I was shocked of the events as well as the aftermath from the Freedom Summer, and I was inspired by Fannie Lou Hamer's speech as well as President Johnson's speech.  I was in awe of the fight, dedication, and perseverance Lewis and many other's had to complete their march from Selma to Montgomery.  I was shocked the FBI was wiretapping the Freedom Democratic Party and MLK.   To be honest, I learned so much reading this book and series.  

I absolutely think every one high school aged and up should read this book and series.  It is powerful and inspiring.  I loved that Lewis connected the first and last book with the reason for writing these books.  Lewis is brilliant, funny, and I'm so glad he wrote this book.     

In regards to the series as a whole, I would have to give the entire March series 5 stars.  It's all well done, connects so well to one another, very informative as well as entertaining. and all around great.  I personally love that Lewis wanted to make this a graphic novel.  I think it reaches a wider audience and the pictures provide the reader with a valuable and necessary connection to the story and the events.  

My reviews of March Book One and March Book Two can be found at the links provided.  You definitely need to read this non-fiction series in order, and you most definitely need to give this series a read.  It's fantastic!   

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In the final installment in the trilogy, Congressman Lewis concludes his firsthand account of the civil rights era. Simultaneously epic and intimate, this dynamic work spotlights pivotal moments (the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL; the Freedom Summer murders; the 1964 Democratic National Convention; and the Selma to Montgomery marches) through the lens of one who was there from the beginning. Lewis's willingness to speak from the heart about moments of doubt and anguish imbues the book with emotional depth. Complex material is tackled but never oversimplified—many pages are positively crammed with text—and, as in previous volumes, discussion of tensions among the various factions of the movement adds nuance and should spark conversation among readers. Through images of steely-eyed police, motion lines, and the use of stark black backgrounds for particularly painful moments, Powell underscores Lewis's statement that he and his cohorts "were in the middle of a war." These vivid black-and-white visuals soar, conveying expressions of hope, scorn, and devastation and making storied figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Fannie Lou Hamer feel three-dimensional and familiar. VERDICT This essential addition to graphic novel shelves, history curricula, and memoir collections will resonate with teens and adults alike."

This series is superb, and though I wouldn't have anticipated it winning the Printz Award (the best book for young adults) this year, I am so glad it did.  It is well deserving.  

Have you read the March trilogy yet?  What did you think? 

Happy Powerful Inspiring and Such a Valuable Historical Graphic Novel Reading! 



I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.

March Book Two gets 4.5 Stars {Graphic Novel} {Autobriography/Memoir}

I was lucky enough to get March Book Two by John Lewis from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  I really loved March Book One, and I even gave it a rare 5 Star Review.  The third book in the trilogy, March Book Three, just came out in August of this year.  I can't wait to read that one.

I have learned more about the Civil Rights movement from this graphic novel series than I recall learning from my high school history classes.  Now, to be fair to my hs teachers, they probably taught a ton about the Civil Rights, but history class was never a favorite of mine. 

March Book Two gets 4.5 out of 5 Stars in my review.  It's a great book, a fast read, perfect for history lovers and reluctant readers.  I loved the information, perspective, and the feel of the book.  March Book Two definitely had a darker tone with more angst than March Book One, but the Civil Rights was heating up more, and there was more conflict throughout the book.

I found myself saying, "Wow!" several times throughout this book. I was shocked by the history and how people treated black people.  I was amazed by the bravery and the sacrifice of those who stayed non-violent throughout the movement.  I have new appreciation for how relentless the Freedom Riders were.

I loved this quote on page 108, "The fare was paid in blood, but the Freedom Rides stirred the national consciousness and awoke the hearts and minds of a generation."  This book, and the history shared was inspiring, and it makes me want to be willing to make the change.  

I have a few details that I felt could've been improved upon.  The illustrations were great, but I was confused the first little bit with the speech bubbles that were written so small and not clear.  I eventually learned that those bubbles were for you to know that the person was talking, but you don't need to know what they were saying.  That is the first time I remember seeing that occur in a graphic novel.  Since that concept is not done often I was confused and frustrated trying to read those bubbles.  Personally, I don't think those speech bubbles added anything to the story.  I would've removed them if I were the editor.

The only other aspect of the book that I felt was less than stellar is the amount that was covered.  This book felt far more intimate and less character development compared to the first book. This second book seemed to include a lot of history and information and less characterization.  

High school History and English teachers should seriously consider including this series in their classroom studies.  Boys and girls alike as well as readers and those that don't like to read will enjoy and learn from this book series.  Book two has more violence than the first book, but it is all in context with the history.  

March Book Two is an all around great book and series.  You should most definitely go check this series out.

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal:

"Up-In this second volume, representative Lewis continues describing his experiences with the civil rights movement. As in the first book, Lewis attends Barack Obama's inauguration, flashing back to his life as a young man taking part in the fight that would make it possible for America to eventually elect its first black president. Lewis lays out his involvement with sit-ins and the freedom rides, as well as becoming chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and speaking at the March on Washington in 1963, where he urged the crowd to "complete the revolution." Graphic in every sense of the word, this memoir puts a human face on a struggle that many students will primarily know from textbooks. Lewis makes it clear that the movement was far from a uniform entity, with disagreements cropping up, some small, such as differing opinions about the wording in speeches, others more serious, including whether to respond to resistance passively or with violence. Visually stunning, the black-and-white illustrations convey the emotions of this turbulent time, from Lewis's fear and pain while in prison to Governor George Wallace's sneering indifference during his "Segregation forever" speech. Powell's use of light and dark is masterly, and the contrast between the joy of Obama's inauguration and the obstacles faced back in the 1960s is effective. This insider's view of the civil rights movement should be required reading for young and old; not to be missed."
    

Have you read this series yet?  I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Are you a history nerd?  If you like history you most definitely need to go check this book out. 


Happy Autobiographical/Memoir Graphic Novel Reading! 


I received this book for Myrick Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are completely my own. 

Trombone Shorty gets 4 Stars {Caldecott Honor, Non-Fiction, Biography}

Trombone Shorty by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Illustrated by Bryan Collier was a Caldecott Honor book this year.  The Caldecott is an award given for the best illustrations, and Collier has won an Honor 4 times.  Collier has illustrated some books that I really love, like Martin's Big Words. That is another really great book.  

This book, Trombone Shorty is an autobiography.  Therefore it is a non-fiction, true, book about the author's life.  For an autobiography written in picture book format it really is well done.  The pictures are phenomenal, hence winning the honor award, and the storyline is interesting. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  This is a really great book, and I think it would make a great addition to most elementary school libraries as well as public libraries.  Younger children, especially 1st through 5th grade will enjoy this book.  Musically minded children will love it, and music teachers will be able to find useful in class.  Librarians and teachers will be able to use this book for many different lessons.  

Boys and girls alike will enjoy this book, and the pictures and somewhat shorter text (especially short for a biography book) will make it a great read aloud.  The only reason this book lost a star is b/c the writing of the book was just okay.  It was good, but the writing could've been more fluid.  

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this fun informational book about an impressive music artist.

Amazon had the follow book review from School Library Journal: 

""Where y'at?" Troy Andrews, aka Trombone Shorty, opens his book with this phrase, letting readers know that it's New Orleans parlance for hello. In this stunning picture book autobiography, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Andrews shares the story of his early years growing up in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. Andrews desperately wished to emulate the musicians in his family and those he saw performing all over his city, so he and his friends made their own instruments out of found materials, played in the streets, and marched with bands. When one day he found a battered, discarded trombone bigger than he was, Andrews finally had a real instrument to play, and he practiced day and night, acquiring the nickname Trombone Shorty from his older brother. The moment Bo Diddley pulled Andrews on stage to play with him during the New Orleans jazz festival was a turning point, and he hasn't stopped performing since. Collier's beautiful watercolor, pen-and-ink, and collage artwork picks up the rhythm and pace of Andrew's storytelling, creating an accompaniment full of motion and color. Each spread offers a visual panoply of texture, perspective, and angles, highlighting the people and the instruments. Andrews's career is still on the rise, his music gaining an ever wider audience, and this title will be an inspiration to many. VERDICT Coupled with a selection of Trombone Shorty's music, this work will make for fun and thoughtful story sharing. A must-have."


Happy Musical Autobiography reading!

Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement gets 4.5 Stars {Caldecott Honor, Non-Fiction, Biography}

Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes won a Caldecott Honor this year, 2016.  I normally don't include the illustrators name in book reviews, but the Caldecott is an award given to the best illustrated book and the illustrator is the one who won this high honor. Therefore, Ekua Holmes is mentioned for her amazing work in her first picture book illustration. 

I give Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer 4.5 out of 5 Stars.  This really is a fantastic biography book written in poetry verse.  The text is beautiful, though at times a bit confusing hence the .5 rating subtraction, and the pictures are stunning.  I love the simple yet complex and full of depth paper collage illustrations. They fit the poetry verse text so perfectly.

All in all, I really enjoyed this informational picture book.  I loved learning about a new aspect of the civil rights movement.  I loved having the first person perspective; this perspective allowed me to really connect with what Fannie was feeling and experiencing.  I loved how the picture book covers Fannie's life from 6 years old to a year before her death so that I could really see the whole picture.  I'm amazed Fannie's mother had 20 kids.  I can't even imagine being pregnant that many times. ;)  I really enjoyed this book, and I think the colors and pictures are well deserving of the Caldecott award.  

I did mention that the text was a tad confusing at times.  I feel that the lowest grade level I would go with this book is 5th grade b/c of the text, but I really only say 5th grade b/c they study US History.  Therefore, a class or parent read aloud or study of this book would be best for 5th graders.  I do think 6th grade through 9th grade would benefit the most from this book, and it is a perfect book for a class study during Black History Month or during a Martin Luther King Day celebration. Though, I also think it's a great book for any month or day recognizing amazing women and the many things they accomplished. Fannie was amazing; she is tough and smart. 

Fannie's determination, persistence, courage, and dedication were truly inspiring.  Go check this great non-fiction book out!  

Amazon had the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"This welcome biography brings to light one of the civil rights movement's most inspiring leaders. The youngest of 20 children, Fannie Lou Hamer grew up in a family of sharecroppers in the Mississippi Delta. Forced to leave school after sixth grade, she joined the rest of her family in the fields picking cotton. Still hungry for knowledge, she found strength in the love of her family and through her Christian faith. Weatherford describes the hardships that Hamer endured. For instance, in 1961, while she was having a small tumor removed, a doctor performed a hysterectomy without her consent; at that time, Mississippi law allowed poor women to be sterilized without their knowledge. Hamer was in her 40s when young activists spoke at her church; until that point, she hadn't known that she could vote, and she volunteered to register. Though she faced threats and in 1963 was brutally beaten, she spent the rest of her life rallying others. Told in the first person from Hamer's own perspective, this lyrical text in verse emphasizes the activist's perseverance and courage, as she let her booming voice be heard. Holmes's beautiful, vibrant collage illustrations add detail and nuance, often depicting Hamer wearing yellow, which reflects her Sunflower County roots and her signature song, "This Little Light of Mine." Pair this title with Don Mitchell's The Freedom Summer Murders (Scholastic, 2014), which features a short chapter on Hamer, for a well-rounded look at this tumultuous, turbulent era. VERDICT Hamer's heroic life story should be widely known, and this well-crafted work should find a place in most libraries."

Happy fantastic biography picture book reading and happy stunning illustrations viewing! 

Do you know much about Fannie Lour Hamer?  I didn't before reading this book, but I am now a big fan!

Tales From the Back Row gets 4.5 Stars

Tales From the Back Row: An Outsider's View From Inside the Fashion Industry by Amy Odell is a hilarious, relatable, informative, and all around fun read for the fashion fan and even the lack of any fashion knowledge individual like myself.  

I'm not kidding when I say I have no fashion sense whatsoever.  I unfortunately have left my home (on accident but still) wearing socks and Birks, and I have never ever worn jeans with heals which is supposedly a thing stylish cool people do.  My favorite brand is Athleta, and I had no idea who Alexander Wang was before I read this book.  I am not a fashionable person, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and you will too.  

When Simon & Schuster contacted me asking if I'd be interested in getting my hands on and reading Amy Odell's humorous memoir like book I jumped at the opportunity.  I had heard only awesome things about it, and to be honest, it was better than I thought it was going to be..  

Tales From the Back Row gets 4.5 out of 5 Stars in my book review.  It's a fast enjoyable read for a wide audience.  This book is not just for the fashion minded, but it's for everyone that wants to succeed in life.  

I loved the witty and humorous writing and the stories from the crazy fashion world.  I learned more about the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and Fashion Week than I ever knew there was to know.  I learned that we all struggle and fail; we fail job interviews and regret things we say.  However, those failures don't mean you are done; it just means you have to keep going b/c you can still succeed.

Amy Odell is a super young cat fan with quite a Twitter and Instagram following, but she is also editor of Cosmopolitan.com now.  Forbes named her in the prestigious 30 Under 30 list aka list of people that are young and super amazing/successful.  

In her book, which writing was one of her life goals (I love when people have life goals and do them), she gives us her strategy to success.  She worked hard, very hard, and she even admits that she also got lucky.  Though, I remember many soccer coaches (hence why Athleta is my favorite clothing) telling me luck comes to those that work for it.

In her book, Odell mentions that we all do things differently.  However, whether you are looking for a wedding dress or trying to succeed in your career it's most important to stay true to yourself.  It's the only way you'll be happy, and the only way you can truly succeed     Some people are excellent self-promoters, and others are more shy and keep working and plugging along.  Don't try to be something you're not.  

This theme was helpful and a needed boost for me.  I am not your typical blogger.  I don't want to do Giveaways just to get "Followers" or "Likes."  I want people to find my blog helpful and informative.  I want them to be inspired to read a book, or get books for their kids.  I want teachers and librarians to find book lists and lessons (ideas or plans) that they can us.  I want people to have delicious, and often healthy recipes to make and enjoy.  I want people to come to my blog b/c they want to and not b/c they want to win something.  So this book just reminded me that it's okay to be me; I don't have to be and do the typical blogger thing.      

Overall, Tales From the Back Row is a great read.  I think a Millennial woman would love this book.  They'll especially relate to this book and enjoy every chapter.  The last two chapters are my favorite, including the "10 Absolutely Vital Tips for Everyone Who Wants to Work in Fashion."  However, those last 10 tips are valuable tips for anyone and everyone

Tales From the Back Row has a little language, in context, but it really isn't too bad.  It's funny, with humorous stories from Odell's life and adventures.  It's just fun. 

The only reason this book lost half a star in my book review is b/c sometimes Odell was a tad wordy.  I found myself wanting to skim some of the side stories to keep reading the main funny story.  

Amazon had the following book description: 

"Funny and fearless, Tales from the Back Row is a keenly observed collection of personal essays about what it’s really like to be a young woman working in the fashion industry.

In Tales from the Back Row, Cosmopolitan.com editor Amy Odell takes readers behind the stage of New York’s hottest fashion shows to meet the world’s most influential models, designers, celebrities, editors, and photographers.

But first, she has to push her way through the crowds outside, where we see the lengths people go to be noticed by the lurking paparazzi, and weave her way through the packed venue, from the very back row to the front. And as Amy climbs the ladder (with tips about how you can, too), she introduces an industry powered by larger-than-life characters: she meets the intimidating Anna Wintour and the surprisingly gracious Rachel Zoe, not to mention the hilarious Chelsea Handler, and more.

As she describes the allure of Alexander Wang’s ripped tights and Marchesa’s Oscar-worthy dresses, Amy artfully layers in something else: ultimately this book is about how the fashion industry is an exaggerated mirror of human fallibility—reflecting our desperate desire to belong, to make a mark, to be included. For Amy is the first to admit that as much as she is embarrassed by the thrill she gets when she receives an invitation to an exclusive after-party, she can’t help but RSVP “yes.”
Tales From the Back Row comes out next Tuesday, September 1st.  Go get it!

Happy Hilarious and Applicable Reading with a little, or a lot, fashion thrown in there!