Yes, Please

Posted on October 27, 2019July 17, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

I picked up Amy Poehler’s book a few years ago simply because it was displayed on the library bookshelf. I don’t know that I would have sought it out; in fact, I probably wouldn’t have known it existed. But I’m so glad I did read it. And then, just recently (probably due to another Parks and Rec round), I felt inspired to check it out again.

Not all of it was for me. It’s DEFINITELY rated R. I don’t know many of the Hollywood references in here and I really don’t have much interest in topics like the “obligatory drug stories.” BUT, that being said, much of what Ms. Poehler shares was very genuine and thoughtful, and, of course, funny. I feel like I know her so well already as Leslie Knope, but this glimpse into Amy’s past and philosophies was really an enjoyable read. And, as an avid quote collector, I felt I found many lovely ones to pull from this book. Thank you, Amy.

Bridget Jones’s Baby

Posted on October 27, 2019July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Bridget Jones’s Baby
by Helen Fielding

Unlike many of my other book posts on here, which are children’s books or young adult, this one is definitely rated R. There’s language and adult topics, so just be forewarned.

Bridget Jones’s Baby follows the story of Bridget ending up pregnant at an “older,” although undisclosed, age. The main trouble is that she doesn’t know who the father is. If you’ve seen the movie version, the main difference is that Daniel Cleaver is one of the potential fathers in the book.

One of my favorite themes of this book is the line that keeps popping up from both Bridget and her mother, but which is probably felt all around–“This isn’t how it was supposed to be.” I think one of the biggest lessons of motherhood, for me, is that we can’t plan how it’s going to turn out. I try my best sometimes, I really do, but as I learned very early on in the journey, there’s no way to make it be what I planned, for better or worse. And I really love that Bridget learns to embrace that. She accepts the situation and keeps loving her baby and moving forward. I love the hilarity of it all, but the scenes with Bridget and her dad are my favorites.

I’ve read the first two Bridget Jones books, and I was so upset at Mark’s death in the third (which takes place after this 4th one) that I couldn’t bring myself to read it. After some poking around, I’m still a little unclear as to whether this book of Bridget Jones’s Baby was written before or after the movie. During my research, I became side-tracked reading reviews, which I normally don’t let myself do, but the general consensus of this book seemed to be that people felt it was not up to par with the first three, nor with the movie version of it. People brought up good points, and etc. etc. But my personal take here is that these books are just fun. And, I am not trying to downplay them at all by saying that. I love the books AND, rare as it is for me to like movie versions, the movies too. But I read and watch them as an escape and an opportunity to laugh out loud. And that is what this one has been for me. A quick, fun and funny read about the lovable and very human Bridget Jones. So, if you’d like to examine the book and find faulty plot points or whatnot, don’t read it. If you want a good laugh with your old friend Bridget, then I think you’ll really enjoy it.

Julie and Julia

Posted on September 28, 2018October 27, 2019 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Julie and Julia (2005) by Julie Powell

In 2002, Julie Powell wrote a blog about her attempt to make all 524 recipes from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. While this book came later, it is Ms. Powell’s telling of her year-long project and what she learned along the way.

I actually saw the movie version of this first—a few times, and I really liked it. I still do. But, I finally decided to read the book. Hmm—what to say? While I didn’t always agree with Julie’s views on life, I certainly did fly through the book fast enough. That’s a good sign, since I —A) do not read books I don’t really enjoy and B) well, I can be easily offended. So, the fact that I did read through some of the “language” and whatnot included in the book speaks well of it.

I feel like many people can relate to Julie. I could, at least. She’s got a good life, but feels like something is missing for her. And when she takes on this project, she realizes that on the surface it doesn’t seem like anything monumental, but to her it becomes something more than just cooking recipes. It becomes a way to connect with herself, to commit to something, to give her hope. I love that she is not a perfectionist in the kitchen and that things do go wrong for her. I actually enjoyed hearing about her breakdowns and tear-fests. It wasn’t that I wanted Julie to be unhappy, but I loved that she wrote about her reality. So many of the blogs I stumble across show photos of perfectly-iced cakes for kids’ birthday parties and wonderful, happy-filled moments. It makes sense. Not many people want to share their moments of frustration or their failed projects. But, it’s actually kind of comforting to read about someone experiencing some of this who keeps going anyway.

from Julie and Julia
“Maybe I needed to…be a part of something that was not easy, just simple.” p. 25