Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

     Firstly: No, Miranda, it is most definitely not just you.

     Moving on: Miranda Hart's auto-biographical Is It Just Me? tells the tale of her growing up (which continues to this day). The wit and cleverness shown in her TV series shines clear through her writing as well and one can't help but laugh out loud at some of the pages. In fact there were many nights I fear I woke my husband from his slumber as I lay reading late into the night.

     Perhaps one of the most unique features of this book is that it holds conversation between the author and reader as well as between the present-day author and her 18-year-old self. This provides an interesting perspective into Hart's life then and now and, more importantly as a reader, makes one think back to our own youthful, ignorant days.

Author, Comedian and Actress Miranda Hart

     The main lesson of Is It Just Me? is to take things a little less seriously but never let go of your dreams and right to happiness. We live in a funny world that can sometimes seem not at all funny. But it's up to us to be ourselves, drop our shield and allow that raw exposure to our surroundings in order to give and get the most to and from the world.

     I highly recommend reflecting on memories past with Miranda Hart and taking a peek into your own mechanics and history. It's a quick but fantastic read that's sure to have you at least giggling if not rolling about and shouting in public (you'll understand when you read). Be sure to check for Is It Just Me? at your local library, on Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or hardcover. You can also purchase Miranda's enhanced e-book edition which includes 18 video sequences. And finally, if you haven't seen her TV series, you're missing out. Become a cultural vacuum or at least have a Miranda marathon and catch up with one my new personal favorites.

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

     The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp is a coming-of-age story about a high school senior named Sutter. After his parents divorced and his sister moved out, it seemed Sutter lived alone even though residing with his disinterested mother (who sees too much of her ex-husband in her son) and step-father (more of a robot than a man, it seems). Sutter knows all the funny punchlines, is an expert story-teller, dares to be bold and is the life of every party...but he's starting to notice his friends are drifting away from the wild and wacky, spectacular "now" in search of their promising "nexts."

     Sutter couldn't be happier with his beautiful girlfriend Cassidy, a large, voluptuous goddess. His best friend, Ricky, is in need of a girlfriend and Sutter decides to take the role of matchmaker...and succeeds! But now it seems Ricky's lost interest in adventures, partying and living on the wild side with Sutter. Cassidy gives Sutter the ultimatum to consider her feelings "or else", but he fails while distracted with matchmaking for Ricky and finds himself kicked to the curb. Cassidy was ready for maturity and a little seriousness occasionally and Sutter couldn't commit. His longtime friend Ricky is now caught up in a happy relationship thanks to Sutter but now he's single...and alone with his flask.

     It would seem Sutter exists as much due to oxygen as whiskey. He gives no thought to time of day or location but just opens the flask, takes it straight or mixes with a big gas-station-cup of 7-UP. This leads to poor decisions, but a "fortified" mind, he claims, which gets the laughs and keeps the fun coming. Cassidy even tells her new boyfriend at one point that Sutter probably wouldn't drive half as well sober as drunk it had become such a crutch.

     One night, in a drunken adventure, Sutter ends up parked in one person's yard but passed out in someone else's yard a mile away. Aimee, a paper-delivering girl, stops to examine the corpse on the lawn in the small hours of the morning and discovers he's alive. Wondering where his vehicle is, she agrees to have him ride along, helping deliver papers, while searching for his vehicle. It seems Sutter's not quite finished with Aimee even after finding his car and his interest in helping her out of her shell grows quickly.

Author Tim Tharp

     Aimee goes from shy and reserved with a head full of dreams to drunken and bold in a matter of weeks. She's suddenly acting haphazardly and with no regard for the rules. Her grades drop, she's getting hurt and burning bridges...but she's happy being with Sutter. Has he really helped her at all? He thinks so. His friends think otherwise. This novel is a great reminder that what works for you and makes you happy may not be the best or safest for others.

     Sutter struggles with the concept of a concrete plan for the future in Tharp's novel, The Spectacular Now. He is so content with living moment to moment, carefree. With graduation fast approaching, however, he finds himself thrust into adulthood and caught in a confusing web of love, friends, family and the future. There's no laughing himself out of this one. It's time to grow up. But maybe the Spectacular "Next" isn't for everyone.

     Check out The Spectacular Now from your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

     Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan is the teenage love story of Paul who meets Noah. Paul is blessed in the way that his community and family is more open and accepting than most from my personal experience. Reading this was a nice vacation from my reality where things would play out quite differently.

     It's not easy for all of Paul's gender and sexually diverse friends despite the general community's feelings of equality. Tony comes from a very religious family and is basically on house arrest for his parents' fear the devil will influence Tony's soul in a homosexual manner and bind him to eternal damnation. Unless a girl is involved in an adventure, it's unlikely Tony is going anywhere.

     Infinite Darlene, formerly a Daryl, is a homecoming queen/star quarterback hybrid of a student who can be overly dramatic but acts with the best of intentions from a big heart.

     Joni has been friends with Paul for what seems like "forever" but things go sour when Joni begins dating a guy that Paul (and many others) can hardly stand.

Author David Levithan

     Noah, perspective love interest of Paul's, is the newest addition to the community. He recently moved his easels and photography equipment into a home not far from Paul's. They first meet in a bookstore and things are looking good until Paul's past catches up with him.

     Kyle, Paul's ex, is struggling with his identity and pulls Paul into a situation previously thought laughable at best. Life has a funny way of mending their relationship as friends while simultaneously causing problems between Paul and Noah.

     I think I found this book fascinating because it takes place in an atmosphere of acceptance, love and progressiveness I'm not used to. I dream of a comfortable enough time to hold hands with my husband whenever and wherever or talk freely with my peers about gay relationships and culture without feeling the all-too-familiar marginalization that comes with living in areas such as the one I reside in. I should take a lesson from Tony and his courageous spirit.

You can find Boy Meets Boy at your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle, as a paperback or audiobook.

Looking For Alaska by John Green

     Looking for Alaska by John Green is absolutely fantastic and splendid! If you've read the book, you might remember that a girl named Alaska would leap into those words (absolutely, splendid and fantastic). The depth to which Green goes into conveying the personality and spirit of each character in this book is wonderful to explore and makes it easy to conjure an image, then bring to life the story in your mind. Because of the well-developed characters and their respective spirits, you're sure to keep this book close to heart and soul.

     Because this "coming-of-age" story is split into two parts, "Before" and "After", around a central event, I cannot easily describe much of the book's wonder without spoiling what is sure to be a new favorite of prospective readers.

     Miles "Pudge" Halter is in search of the "Great Perhaps". Upon moving into Culver Creek, a boarding school, he is sure his chances of finding the Great Perhaps are more likely because of the friends he makes almost immediately. Life at the Creek is exciting, unpredictable and fun. He embarks on adventures rather frequently with his roommate "The Colonel" and their mutual friends Alaska and Takumi.

     Alaska is moody, fun, intelligent and broken. At times, Miles is unsure what Alaska's most recent issue with the world is, but he grows accustomed to her mood swings and finds himself head over heels for her anyway. Though Alaska is dating a guy named Jake, Miles can't stop the feelings he has for Alaska but keeps them safely tucked away for the sake of their friendship.

Author John Green

     Miles has found acceptance, love and adventure at the Creek and it seems things couldn't get any better on his journey to the Great Perhaps. Life has a way, however, of throwing a wrench in the motor of a smooth-running machine at times. Suddenly things are moving (and stumbling) at the speed of life and you, the reader, are along for the ride. Miles and his friends find themselves in a world turned topsy-turvy and gray where tough questions are left unanswered.

     You're certain to find yourself enveloped in the setting, the characters and the storyline. I would encourage you to read this novel to discover what exactly happens at the Creek that thrusts Miles & Co. into some of life's biggest issues no one can really expect or prepare for, especially at their age.

     You can find Looking For Alaska at your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover, paperback or audiobook.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

     The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky opened my heart and held it gently from cover to cover as it revealed a unique, touching story I won't soon forget. I put this book down slowly, my heart overwhelmed with euphoria. Though moments were often bittersweet, it was the main character Charlie who made it one of the sweetest, truest stories I've read in a while.

     There's a certain innocence and rawness about Charlie as he tells his own story via letters to a friend neither he nor we, as readers, ever meet. It's a coming-of-age story told honestly from the perspective of a wallflower. "He's a wallflower. You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand."

     Encouraged by his English teacher Bill to participate, Charlie tries at times to "step away from the wall" and "participate" in what he'd normally observe and think about within the cage of his mind. Charlie had no enemies but was a target of bullying because he was "weird" or a "freak." It would seem keeping to yourself and staying quiet isn't any safer than expressing yourself freely in the halls of high school. Luckily for Charlie, he finds a group of friends who are equally strange in their own ways and accept and love him for who he is.

Author Stephen Chbosky

     Perhaps one of our hardest challenges in life is to accept the past for what it was, to blame no one and to move forward without a burden on our shoulders. Forgiveness, understanding and self-esteem. Charlie reminded me that we have to face the ghosts of our past and present. We have to accept things for what they were and are. We have to believe in ourselves and participate. And we have to make the most of every day remembering that we each are special and deserve happiness.

     I feel as though this book will speak to each reader in a different way from a different direction. Personally, I walked away attached to the following quote. It really summed up this novel's significance to me at this point in my life.

"So I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them."

     You can find The Perks of Being a Wallflower at your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as hardcover, paperback or audiobook (Audible edition).

Five, Six, Seven, NATE! by Tim Federle

     Tim Federle follows Better Nate Than Ever with another awe-inspiring story from the heart. Nate's journey in New York continues and takes turns so exciting and sharp you had best wear your seat belt.

     In Five, Six, Seven, NATE!, Nate Foster (my new superhero) is an understudy to the role of E.T. in Broadway's production of E.T.: The Musical. Nate must deal with a wide variety of creative staff, some old and some new, including a director who can't remember Nate's name and a choreographer fueled by junk food and poor fashion. At times it seems no matter how bright Nate shines, the staff only sees a sparkle and then other times when Nate would rather not be noticed, he's seen by all.

     In a rather interesting series of events Nate befriends Asella, a fellow understudy with 25 years' experience, who it would seem never carried much of a liking for children until Nate. With his best friend Libby's support from afar and the local support of Asella and his aunt Heidi, Nate is armed with all tools needed to navigate the business of show business in this gripping sequel.

Author Tim Federle

     I couldn't put this book down. A note from a secret admirer, the uncertainty of the production's future, tension with the leading role of Elliot, Jordan Rylance, who is also originally from the Pittsburgh area as well and incidental miracles will entrust your hands to the covers until you've finished the story, welcomed it into your heart, and shelved the book among your favorites.

     I finished this book in less than 24 hours and found myself filled to the brim with tears of joy throughout the final four chapters. I, as well as I'm sure many others, relate to the main character Nate and can't help but find myself going through so many emotions as if for the first time again with Nate. Euphoria, fear, worry, hopelessness, shame, hope, confusion, excitement, uncertainty and my favorite: love.

     Five, Six, Seven, NATE! will keep you on the edge of your futon and grinning from ear to ear by the end. Pre-Order Federle's newest book (to be released January 28th, 2014) in hardcover or for your Amazon Kindle.

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

     I've just had the privilege of reading Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Though it sounds as if it could be a highly personalized self-help book for Nates around the world revealing the secrets of becoming a better Nate than ever, it was actually the most delightful story I've read in a long while about Nate Foster, thirteen (nearly fourteen) year-old dreamer from a small town in Pennsylvania.

     Nate's stuck in a rut. His hometown doesn't seem to appreciate him, his talents are considered weird or "gay" by his peers he's often the target of bullying. Nothing dims the stage lights to the production of Nate's dream, however. Nate is going to be a star on Broadway. It all starts with a carefully-planned trip to New York to audition for the leading role in E.T.: The Musical...without his parents knowing about it.

     Nate's partner in crime (and most likely future agent) Libby helps him unlock his potential and fine tune his craft as an actor and singer. She encourages his love for Broadway and musicals and together they form an unbreakable bond of friendship that leads them through some pretty interesting situations in the book.

Author Tim Federle

     The characters in this book, particularly in New York where the majority of the story takes place, are fantastically and magically brought to life through Federle's writing. Throughout the book, I laughed, I cried, I was anxious then calm and finally overwhelmed with euphoria upon finishing the book. Federle will engage your senses, make a home for Nate in your heart and leave you inspired and uplifted.

     I also love that Nate hasn't quite figured out his sexuality - he's "undecided" and feels no pressure to declare or slap a label on himself. Though bullies throw their limited and cruel vernacular at Nate, he holds his head high. We are who we are and who we are is beautiful. He encounters hateful people, loving people, straight people and gay people and sees them all as equal individuals. When it comes to bullies, or a-holes, he speaks words of wisdom saying each day we all make a choice whether we're going to be a nice guy or an a-hole and Nate chooses to be a nice guy even in the face of bullying.

     I dare not spoil the events of the story. Will Nate make it to the audition? Will Nate make it back home undetected? Read it and find out but know that your heart will be engaged and you'll fall in love with Nate as you're cheering him on, admiring his courage. Nate's an inspiration for us all to follow our hearts and realize our dreams are always within our reach.

     Check out Better Nate Than Ever at your local library. You can purchase Better Nate Than Ever for Amazon Kindle or buy the hardcover book here. It is also available as an unabridged audio edition via Audible.

Albert Nobbs Starring Glenn Close

     My husband and I just finished watching 'Albert Nobbs' starring Glenn Close and based upon the novella by George Moore. To be able to say "my husband and I" after watching a film such as this carries with it a personal impact I couldn't possibly describe to you. We are truly blessed to be a part of the 21st century.

     The story of Albert Nobbs is touching and is sure to engage your heart throughout the film. Albert Nobbs, a woman acting as a man to get by in the 19th century, works in a hotel as a waiter and is challenged to conceal his gender secret constantly. After a significant event, Albert knows he must follow his heart, work for his dreams and find love. He doesn't forget his secret - in fact, he still debates on when would be the appropriate time to let his love interest know the truth.

Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs

     Without revealing much more of the story, I leave you to consider a world without gender, sexual desire or physical appearances. Perhaps you're left with souls co-existing, able to acquaint themselves with one another based on the great mystery of love itself and all it entails? I often wonder how great it would be to live in a world where love took precedence over physical appearance and sexual desire. Perhaps it would be better? Perhaps not. I do know, however, that my heart sympathizes with the main character of this must-see film and I wish for my readers to watch for themselves the story of Albert Nobbs.

And should you be inclined to check out George Moore's novella, it's a one-sitting quick read which goes through the very same experiences and provides perspective to the origin of the film and the story from which it blossomed.

Zach Helm's Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Starring Dustin Hoffman

     You might shake your head or skip this blogpost the very moment you read the following statement, but know that I mean it with my entire heart. I hope you'll continue reading to understand why that is.

My favorite movie is Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007).

     Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Edward Magorium, the owner of the magical toy store rightfully named Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I'm not a huge fan of the movie because of the magic. It's not the witty lines, the family-friendliness or even the character I identify most with, Natalie Portman's Molly Mahoney. It's Mr. Magorium.

Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman)

   I identify most with Molly Mahoney because she also plays piano. The song she knew best as a child is still, today, the only song she can perform. She feels stuck - or unable to go further with her talent, skills, etc. in life. She believes more in others than herself. She has a very difficult time saying goodbye. I share all of this with Mahoney so that when Mr. Magorium is there for her, it feels like he's speaking to me too. 

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman)

   Mr. Magorium is 243 years old and preparing to "depart." He explains that a light bulb dies, but he...shall depart. A beautiful way to look at a sad situation. He plans to give the toy store to Mahoney upon his departure, but Mahoney simply can't take the responsibility because she doesn't believe in herself. Mr. Magorium spends a good amount of time encouraging Mahoney and Eric (a shy, hat-collecting boy who struggles making friends but helps out at the store). He tries to impart wisdom and encouragement to them both so they will believe in themselves and embrace the bravery he knows they need in life's journey.

   I cry when Mr. Magorium departs. My heart pours from my tear ducts and I can't help but feel sad. When Mr. Magorium is saying his farewell to Mahoney, he explains:

"When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written "He dies." That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with "He dies." And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words "He dies." but because of the life we saw prior to the words. 

I've lived all five of my acts, Mahoney, and I am not asking you to be happy that I must go. I'm only asking that you turn the page, continue reading... and let the next story begin. And if anyone asks what became of me, you relate my life in all its wonder, and end it with a simple and modest 'He died.'"

   His final line to Mahoney is, "Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." By this point, I'm an emotional wreck. I've watched this movie a thousand times, and it was just recently I finally figured out why it is that I can't accept the departure of Mr. Magorium or any of my loved ones in real life. I can't imagine a world without my loved ones in it - the world is the magical place it is because they're here, now, with me. I can't make up for their absence and can't recreate the magic they've blessed the world with. The idea of them no longer living life with me is overwhelming and I'm not ready to accept it. I'm not sure if I ever will be, but I know I will always turn to this movie in difficult times to find a spark of encouragement, a light of hope and a few rays of sunshine to part my dark clouds.

"We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, with determination, joy and bravery."

-Mr. Edward Magorium (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)