What Chicks Are Reading

Five Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History by Helen Stapinski

This book chronicles the author's personal journey; it is a memoir about a woman with a colorful, less than perfect family history. While I've never been to Jersey City where the autobiography is centered, the author recounts story after story of her relatives in this politically corrupt city. She obviously researched her family history well and delves into their ups and downs with a perfect mix of regret and humor. Unfortunately, she runs out of family anecdotes far too early in the book so the book drags on half way through until the end. It was a struggle to finish. Chick Susie
 

At the age of 89, Doris Haddock decided to walk from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, to lobby for campaign finance reform and spread her message along the way. This is her chronicle of those travels with reflective passages and insight into her life. Overall, I enjoyed this book and feel that while it drags in a couple places, it does capture the spirit, patriotism and energy of this remarkable woman. I originally purchased this book thinking I would read a quasi-political book about campaign finance reform, but in reality, it is a delightful story about a remarkable woman. This true life story left me with the sense that I need to become more active/politically aware. Chick Susie
  

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

If you haven't read any of the Harry Potter books, you're missing out, in this Chick's humble opinion. I've finally finished reading the fourth one, and now I'm dying to read the next in line. Hurry up, J.K.!

OK, you're probably thinking you've heard enough of me trying to suggest that you, the mature Chick that you are, should read books originally written for children. But something tells me, J.K. was targeting us all along. Each book is incredibly well written, with developed characters whose grow before our eyes. Subtle lessons, aside from what the kids are taught at Hogwarts, are included for young and old alike. Trust me -- read this book, and then go to the movie (opening in November). It's Star Wars happening all over again in 2001! Chick Kristin
  

Chick Megan suggested I read this book when we were at our California book-signing event. I bought it, read it, applied what was inside and will be able to tell you more sometime around mid-February. Yup, we are pregnant as we speak.

The book was easy to read and thorough; but according to Chick Karin, who's had three girls and one boy, the doctors got it wrong. The reader is supposed to do exactly the opposite of what the book suggests in order to produce a boy. Well, stay tuned. I'll be sure to update you! Chick Kristin
 

I bought this book because I am intrigued by the author - Alan Dershowitz. He is a former Supreme Court clerk and was the youngest full professor at Harvard Law School at age 28. Fascinating person. I actually attended a lecture by him about a year ago. This book is not about the election and conundrum created in Florida, however that is the stage. This book is strictly about the ruling of Bush v. Gore by the Supreme Court. It shows without a doubt that the Supreme Court acted with obvious bias and extreme partisanship. Dershowitz presents a balanced and fair review of a most baffling Supreme Court decision. And, he succeeds in making the case that the majority decision in Bush v Gore is "the most corrupt in Supreme Court history." In the process he makes it clear for us non-lawyers what it takes to be a great Supreme Court justice and actually outlines some benefit from this constitutional crisis. This is a must read and now added to my reread list. Chick Susie
 

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement by Toni Weschler, MPH

Naively, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about my body's cycle. After all, I've been following it since I was 11 -- who would and should know better?

This book walks the reader through everything from menstruation, fertility signs, birth control, achieving pregnancy and menopause. For one complete, concise, thorough and very helpful book, buy this book and read it. You and your body will be thankful you did. Chick Kristin