The Debut and Brief Lives by Anita Brookner-- I read these two books because I read a review of her new book and it sounded interesting. I liked them both, although they were both sort of sad. She writes with a wealth of detail, all of it relevant, and occasionally her observations are so cool they knock you over (figuratively, of course!). Check it out.

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan-- I bought this book for $.25 at the library because I had never read it and was curious. I wish I had read it when I was in high school. As a mostly-housewife person, I am (finally) the target audience and the book hit me between the eyes. Some of the issues seem oversimplified, but overall a very inspiring book. READ THIS BOOK!

The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo-- I have been trying to finish this book for a very long time. Unfortunately, I find it boring. Marco tends toward the formulaic in his writing. Every once in a while he includes an anecdote or legend that is more interesting, and usually somewhat sexy, but they are oases in a very big desert.

You can find these books and lots more at the Berkeley Public Library.

Here are the articles I have published so far:

Oranges - Hip Mama, #8
A Time for Nuts - Minnesota Parent, December 1997