Somehow, through the test of time, we have forgotten how to write, receive, and read love letters.  God forbid we step out of the realm of e-mail, text, or a quick call from our cell phones.  Perhaps there is endless handing off of stationary behind closed doors that no one ever speaks of-- but I doubt it. 

Personally, I have saved all the letters I've received over the years.  Love letters from boyfriends.  Love letters from friends.  And my favorite-- a love letter from a friend of a friend-- which came to me on yellow legal paper and somehow seemed to be the most beautiful thing I have ever received...

There's the box of letters from my first love and pen pal.  Then my leather journal that holds those sporadic letters from a dear friend far away, the only one I tell my secrets to-- and those aren't traditional love letters, but friendship letters-- letters of honesty, understanding, and sisterhood.  A true sharing of self.

As beautiful as a book, a letter can be so satisfying.  And when a letter is written with intent-- it can be breathtaking.  Better than a cup of coffee in the morning, and so gratifying-- for ten minutes with a letter can be a love affair.  If the writer knows how to love.

In the midst of packing, I ran my finger along my bookshelves, that hint of dust coating my fingertip-- and there was a book that I haven't looked at in a good while.  I think I may have chosen to forget about it-- but books have a way of coming back to you.  And this book is crimson red--with gold lettering.  And you know, dear readers, that that is damn close to bright red and bright yellow.  And you know what that does to me...

The book is "LOVE LETTERS: An Anthology of Passion"-- and it's exactly that.  There are love letters from Keats, Wilde, Hawthorne, Shaw, Lawrence and more-- and their lover's responses-- and it made me realize how we forget to express ourselves in any tangible way. 

We can't all write books-- but we can write letters.

I am known for blotting my lipstick on my books' pages.  And I am also known for leaving letters in them.  I can pull a book off my shelf and relive that month, that week-- because there's always something left in them.  Notes.  Play tickets.  Love letters.  Bills.

If you don't have time to read a book this week, write a love letter.  This world is lacking in love letters.  Feel free to send me one.  :)

Now that I have gotten that out of my system, I can continue with what I initially set out to do before I was taken over by that red book...

Below is a list (in no particular order) of some of the books that readers have e-mailed me.  You are fascinating, dear readers.  Simply fascinating.

Enjoy.

READER'S PICKS:

ARS AMATORIA  by Ovid

THE PILGRIMAGE  by Paulo Coelho

GOSPEL  by Wilton Barnhardt  
WUTHERING HEIGHTS  by Emily Bronte  

TIMELINE  by Michael Crichton

THE BLIND ASSASSIN  by Margaret Atwood

IN DEATH series by JD ROB

THE FOUNTAINHEAD by Ayn Rand

WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS by Shel Silverstein

PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follet

MY LIFE IN FRANCE by Julia Child

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE by Mitch Album

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde

THE SEAGULL by Anton Chekhov

ABOUT A BOY by Nick Hornby

HOLIDAYS ON ICE by David Sedaris                                 
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD  by Harper Lee

DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT HISTORY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT  AMERICAN HISTORY BUT NEVER LEARNED by Kenneth C. Davis
HAMLET  and ROMEO & JULIET by William Shakespeare

Thank you readers for sending me your thoughts-- and if your books didn't make it on the list this time, I promise they'll get a chance to shine.

As always, thanks for reading.

"There would have been the making of an accomplished flirt in me, because my lucidity shows me each move of the game-- but that, in the same instant, a reaction of contempt makes me sweep all the counters off the board & cry out: "Take them all-- I don't want to win-- I want to lose everything to you!"  

-American Novelist Edith Wharton to American Journalist W. Morton Fullerton, June 8th, 1908.

Hello!

Well, it seems I am a liar.  I did intend to read either Pillars of the Earth or Julia Child's My Life in France.  BUT, as you know dear readers, things don't always work out how you planned... 

I did, however, read a book from my bookshelf.  It looks at me frequently, and I eye it occasionally because (for some odd reason) I am drawn to bright yellow and bright red.  TOGETHER.  And there on my bookshelf was A YEAR IN THE MERDE  by Stephen Clarke.  In all it's bright yellow and bright red glory.

Basically, two years ago this book and I went on a date.  I was going through a difficult time and I just wasn't ready for a frivolous read about working and living and having sex in France.  I wasn't at that crossroads in my life yet.  So, after about a chapter and a half, I told the book:  it's not you-- it's me... (which I'm not sure it believed), and I set it back on my bookshelf.  There's even a kiss mark on the first page where I had at least used the book for a good purpose-- blotting my lipstick (I feel the French would appreciate this).  And there by my lip smack was my name and the date of the last time this book and I spoke-- and it was a good two years ago.

ANYWAY.  After deciding on Saturday night that I needed to not go out and be social, I poured myself a glass of red wine (or maybe two, I admit to nothing) and opened up A YEAR IN THE MERDE.  By Monday I had finished the book.  And here is what I have to say.  It's an "International Bestseller."  I know this because it's written in bright red letters across the cover of my copy of the book and because that's what made me pick up the book in the first place-- not only was it bright yellow and bright red-- it was also a bestseller.  Hmm.

And here's my take on it.  It's all about a young advertising/marketing Brit who spends a year in France-- and all about the French lifestyle, how to master the French shrug (that says: I simply don't give a shit, it's your problem, and don't I look absolutely fabulous today?), and, of course, about sleeping with French women.  Now, this book is okay for a plane ride or maybe after you've finished your Glamour magazine and you're just not looking to go intellectually up a notch.  It was a decent read, but I really found no redeeming qualities in the main character.  He was like John Cusack with Jude Law's libido but without John Cusack's cuddly-anti-hero charm.

And that is my opinion.  Men in their twenties and early thirties--probably men in their thirties who are businessmen and unmarried-- would enjoy this book.  Maybe that's why I missed it's sparkle-- I'm not a man and reading endlessly about getting into a woman's pants just bores me.  BUT, men must have loved it because, as I said, it is an "International Bestseller".   If you are a businessman about to get on a plane, buy the book.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it.  Ladies, I'd go ahead and pass this one.

And back to the discussion about bright red and bright yellow.  I discovered this attraction last night when I was rereading my highlighted sections of Neal Gabler's Walt Disney biography.  (Yes, I am a highlighter.  Or at least an underliner.  In truth, I can not read a book for the first time without a pen or highlighter in reach.  It actually makes me anxious and upset.  Now, if I'm reading it for a second time, I can cope-- because this most likely means I have already marked all the passages that I wanted to mark-- but even a second time round, a pen is preferred.)

ANYWAY.  This book?  Also, bright red and bright yellow-- the back cover is solid bright red and bright yellow.  However, I love Neal Gabler's book and don't really care about Stephen Clarke's so all this really means is if you want to attract me, the bright red and bright yellow will only get you a date, not a relationship.  (And, I slightly worry about this because I believe Ronald McDonald is always wearing these colors and truly, he is not my type.)

On a different note, thanks to everyone who e-mailed me about my short story.  I appreciate the feedback-- you all are wonderful!!!

Now, as I said before, I love the e-mails but please SUBSCRIBE to the blog.  It makes me look cool and it raises my spirits in the morning when I check out my blog and all it's happy bookness.

Also, I'm leaving on a trip in less than a week and I'm going to have to decide what to read, pronto.  I am considering a reread of Wuthering Heights paired with something new and sassy.  What do you think?  Any suggestions?  Someone once told me that all of Anne Rice's books are worth a read...any comments???

Before I leave, I'm going to post a complete list of all the books that readers have e-mailed me.  Then, I would like to have this book blog go into book club territory-- where we read together.  Come on!  You know you want to!  Don't make me have to change this blog into a fashion website where I just talk about all the different outfits celebrities wear (okay, I did tell Chloe Sevigny yesterday that I LOVED her dress at the Emmys and she told me I was so sweet.  And that was kind of cool.  But enough gossip!)

So please subscribe and let's get this show on the road!  I know that at least fifty of you are somehow related to me, so really you have no excuse.  The rest of you readers I can not guilt into joining this book club we call FREE PARKING, but you know that tons of good karma will come your way if you do.  Karma loves me.  We're best friends.

'Til later this week my friends.  Be well!

Sincerely,

Danny

               "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.  Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

                                                                       -Groucho Marx

Dear Readers,

I hope, at some point, you find that one book that defines you.  That one where you can pull it off the shelf and you're once again reminded of who you are and what matters to you.  I have two books like this:  JD Salinger's "Franny & Zooey" and Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia."  I picked up "Arcadia" this evening and remembered so much... 

Since we're taking a few days respite (so that you can read your books and I can read mine), I'm going to include one of my very own short stories below.  It's titled "MAGGIE" and I hope you enjoy it.

Please also check out the charity that this blog is sponsoring.  It's charity:water and all you have to do is answer a question and money is donated by Google for clean water around the world.

And, as always, keep reading!
 

MAGGIE


She sat with her chin in her hand, hypnotically twirling a pencil on her desk.  The fluorescent lights that watched over the cubicle were in a daze themselves—rarely changing.  Maggie continued to spin the pencil, lightly fingering the eraser as the point spun slowly.  Maggie’s light blue button up shirt and navy blue skirt seemed exciting compared to her brown loafers.  People buzzed by her— pretending to be busy.  Her straw colored hair fell over her palm as she continued to watch the pencil slowly pirouette…

Coworkers typed with that distinct hum of tapping…  Sent illicit e-mails… Browsed online shopping sites… 

And Maggie began to dream. 

The pencil twirled and twirled…  And there was a dainty pink skirted ballerina in its place…she twirled and twirled with her chestnut hair tied firmly in an elegant bun.  Then the ballerina threw her head back and cackled—a sweet, infectious giggle—and the room began to hum…

Then there was the round ringmaster with his twirled moustache.  His baton marching and bouncing in time with the music of big drums…  His black top hat erect on his head, he bowed to the fair ballerina and kissed her cherry red fingernails.  She blushed and the ballerina smiled as the ringmaster took her in his arms and began to spin…  The room continued to hum as Maggie watched the little figures below her… Her big eyes a light grey blue, she watched and studied the life beneath her.  There was the music she wanted to hear, the dream world was pulling her—and she began to lose all contact…

Outside her cubicle the office went about its business…  But the slow drip of the coffee machine was keeping in time with the drums…  And then…

Maggie looked up at the giant pencil and smiled at the ballerina next to her…  A majestic red carpet rolled by—dignified and strong…vibrantly unrolling as it bounced… The ringmaster marched by with a magical band following his lead…Maggie was encircled…

There was wind and leaves and when the crowd cleared— there was Venice with its gondolas and striped shirt mimes, with their painted faces and their sinister and beautiful masks.  On her right, a window pane gleamed, beckoning her.  In reply, Maggie stuck her nose against the warm glass of the meringue-selling bakery.  Her breath forming small circles as she exhaled… The meringues slowly glowed white, yellow, and pink.  Inside, the robust baker with her hairy upper lip and her sausage fingers, wiped beads of sweat from her olive forehead…her rolling pin keeping time with the drums…

And in the reflection… as the meringues began to float and sing… was a tall stranger, straw-haired and gentle.  His square fingertips touched the glass and Maggie’s clothes turned to red, maroon, and crimson, then stark white— flowing and soft, her slip clung to her calves as the wind whispered around her shoulders and across her button nose…

Maggie reached for the fingertips— and the glass disappeared and so did the man.

And everything began to spin...

The mimes reappeared and offered her strawberries and blown-glass rings of every color, but she couldn’t stop twirling and the man was gone and the ballerina was watching as the ringmaster pulled Maggie up and up and up…

And there lay Maggie.  Exhausted and twirled.  A sigh of relief danced from her lips.  Her breath kept time with the clicking of laptops and the ringing of obnoxious cell phones.  Her legs that once felt light as meringues began to feel the pull of the earth and she clung sleepily to the tufts of cloud, so soft and comforting.  But the cloud would not hold. 

Maggie’s pencil skidded off the desk.  Her straw-colored hair held a distant scent of strawberries.  She palmed around for the missing pencil, fighting the urge to open her eyes and see that nothing had changed. 

Fearful to let go of the little ballerina with the chestnut hair.  Fearful that the ringmaster might haunt her dreams. 

And she was still enjoying that small, minute moment with the man with the straw-colored hair.  His long, spindly fingers pressed lightly against the baker’s window.  She could somehow taste the kiss that she had never even dreamed— and she could imagine the comfort of the spindly arms that were so tastefully covered in a coat and tails…

Outside the sun was setting and the fluorescent lights were ready for their evening siesta. 

Office workers packed up their things and groaned about the morning that would come too soon, or soon enough.  Quick to not be left behind in the darkness, Maggie pulled open her eyelids, reached down for her spinning pencil, retrieved it, and tucked it in her satchel along with her day’s work and stained coffee cup. 

Then Maggie left her cubicle.  She said goodbye to Joe, Daryl, and Steve, and Diane the mother of three.  Maggie and her loafers made it slowly for the exit, 6 pm hanging on the clock, and as she reached for the exit door— ready to push with her whole body— a limp fling of energy that would propel her back into routine— she stopped.  Her fingers tenderly grasped the silly pencil from her satchel.  And as she began to lift her arms, Joe and Diane eyed her curiously.  With their four eyes watching, Maggie twisted her hair up into a chignon and secured it with the dancing pencil.

Hair up, she softly pushed herself into the exit door, leaving the fluorescent world behind for tomorrow.

And went home to paint her nails red.
 


WRITTEN BY:  DANIELLE VAN BEEST


 

"There is no mistaking a real book when one meets it.  It is like falling in love."
                                                          -Christopher Morley

As I've grown older, I've noticed a distinct change in the genre I choose to spend my time with.  When I was a teenager, I was filled with the "Romeo & Juliet" mindset-- I loved tragedies, dramas, etc.  I could never understand why my Dad avoided them like the plague-- he usually just said: "that's too heavy.  I'd rather something lighter."  And in response, my teenage angst and I would roll our eyes at him and stomp off.

Now I understand where he's coming from.  Despite reading the occasional drama, the "heavy" books are no longer for me.  This may be why I couldn't quite get through the famous "The Unbearable Lightness of Being"--three quarters of the way through the book I deemed it depressing, and I decided that I disliked the main character so much that we simply could not get on-- and I put him and his story back on my bookshelf.

Books that are filled with only drama-- that hit a little close to reality and home-- I just don't find enjoyable anymore.  I appreciate them for their art-- but part of me now assumes that life is too beautiful and too short to spend it with the deep and sad.  That is probably why "Much Ado About Nothing" is my favorite of all Shakespeare's plays.

Now that I'm out of my head and back on the page-- I hope you all enjoyed the reading list for my female readers.  I hope you enjoyed it and that you have printed it out and when you make your next trip to the bookstore, that you will pull out your FREE PARKING list and pick one for the mood you're in.  Please let me know if you love these books too.  Again, you can either comment on this page or email me at: dvbfreeparking@yahoo.com.

Ladies, I am also writing the "10 Must Read Classics for Women" as well.  The first list is for fun and interesting choices-- but every woman needs a little Jane Austen and Emily Bronte in her life as well.  So, no worries-- the list is on its way!

Now on to the men folk!!!  I am happy to say that I have actually received some e-mails from my male readers letting me know their favorite books and why-- love the why part by the way-- one reader's explanation for why his favorite novel is "Jurassic Park" is because he "f*#@ing loves dinosaurs."  Love it.

Below is an interesting mix for men.  Let me know what you think and I hope you enjoy it!


10 MUST READ BOOKS FOR MEN

1)  THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Considered one of the greatest American novels.  This was number one on my list, and numerous male readers named it their first choice as well.  If you haven't read it-- or read it in a while-- do.


2)  THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by JD Salinger
Ah, Holden Caulfield.  I was once told by an English teacher that he believed you should read this book every 6 years or so-- because every six years the book would have a completely different effect on you each time.  So, I have read this book with six year gaps-- and it's true.  It's a classic (although Franny & Zooey is by far my all time favorite JD Salinger novel--and maybe favorite novel of all time).  
 

 3)  HOW TO WIN FRIENDS & INFLUENCE PEOPLE by Dale Carnegie
 First published in 1936, this book has been an ongoing best seller for many reasons.  Read this book, and you will find that you are more able to speak with people and that you are more confident, clear spoken, and dare-I-say-it...happier.  A must read for every man.


4)  DANDELION WINE by Ray Bradbury
One of my absolute favorites, it's all about Ray Bradbury's love of his childhood.  The book is set during a hot summer in the 1920s-- all about what it's like to taste dandelion wine, saving up to buy that pair of sneakers that's sure to make you jump higher than ever before, interesting war veteran neighbors, inventions, and growing up.  
 

5)  THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho
Short, beautiful, and a must read.  
 

6)  THE MALTESE FALCON by Dashielle Hammett
Ah, the quintessential detective novel.  Catch Humphrey Bogart as the novel's famous detective "Sam Spade" in the film version after you read it.

  
7)  THE ODYSSEY by Homer
The epic Greek poem (and follow up to Homer's "The Iliad"), follows Odysseus on his trip home to Ithaca from Troy.  A classic and must-read.
 

8)  ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE by Robert Pirsig
The book chronicles a father and son's 17 day road trip and all the philosophical discussions about life that goes with it.  All about "Metaphysics of Quality," this book helps to explain life and how to live with both "the rational and the romantic."
  
9)  THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexander Dumas
It's a famous book for a reason.  Read it. 

10) JURASSIC PARK by Michael Crichton
Ah, and the cult classic.  There's a reason why it sold so many copies and why the film version followed soon after.  And, if you (as one of my readers said) "f*#@ing love dinosaurs" and adventure-- this is the book for you.

And that sums up my first list for the men.  It really runs the gamit-- everything from epic Greek poetry to detective novels to great American literature and so on.  Please let me know what you think of this list.  

What should have been on this list?  Did you enjoy these books as well?  Are you secretly fuming because "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is absent???  Should "The Picture of Dorian Gray" be listed?

Comment or email me.  I would love to hear what you think.

Back to my own reading world-- since I last wrote, I have finished AMERICAN EVE: Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, the Birth of the "IT" Girl, and the CRIME OF THE CENTURY by Paula Uruburu.  And it was GREAT.  Definitly more for women, I would say, then for men.  But it's terribly fascinating and really paints a picture of life in New York City in the early 1900s-- and how women lived, survived, and married--and unmarried.  Fascinating.

Today I will run off to the book store and grab something new-- one of my favorite activities I must say.  I am buying The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.  One of my dear friends just e-mailed me and suggested it--it's a historical novel about the building of a cathedral.  (For those of you who don't know me--this book sounds like it was written just for me and my cathedral-loving soul.)  I might also pick up a copy of Julia Child's My Life in France which was suggested by another reader.  I'll read them and keep you posted.  Literally.  :)

I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend and I hope that at some point you're able to curl up with a book and glass of wine-- or maybe even a manly cigar.  Or, if you're one of my healthier readers, I hear a glass of lemonade with one's book is just as divine.

As always, thank you for reading!

"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.  Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth."  - Oscar Wilde

Hello new readers! I have already received some e-mails about what you are currently reading-- love it. If you haven't commented/posted your current reading (you can do this at the bottom of each blog post where it says "comment"--just roll your mouse over the word and it should turn orange, then click on it), please do so. I'll be sure to put a list together this week of what everyone's reading and why they recommend it. 


For many of us, books are special because they represent that brief increment of time where you can devote yourself to reading-- not to work, not to family duties, etc. So, you want that book to be everything that you're currently looking for. That's why I'm really excited to get everyone commenting and talking-- tell me what you're reading and why you love it.

The first reader/post is from my beautiful grandmother in England and she has just finished: The Veiled Kingdom by Carmen Bin Laden. Yep, you heard me right. Carmen Bin Laden. Born in Europe and raised with Western values, Carmen married into the Bin Laden family and the Saudi Arabian culture. I'm visiting my grandmother in a few weeks and she is going to give me her copy. I'll read it and let you know what I think.

ON THAT NOTE. That reminds me of another reason why I'm very passionate about this blog. Some of my greatest memories revolve around books-- I'm known for giving my books away constantly (I write my name and the date on the title page, so that when the book finally returns to me I know how long it's been gone.) And I love books and I feel that lending out your favorite book really is a wonderful thing.

I can remember one of my best friends from Texas was appropriately nicknamed "Philosopher" (his real name was Josh). The day I left to move to California, he gave me a copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. He told me someone had given it to him, that he wanted me to read it, then immediately give it away to someone else. It is one of my all time favorite books. And it's just the sort of book that needs to be passed on-- it's inspirational and absolutely beautiful. I have purchased numerous copies of the book over the past 6 years, and I have dutifully handed them off after re-reading them.

I'm going to begin with 10 books for my female readers. (My next blog will feature 10 great books for my guy readers, then after that the reading lists will be co-ed, I promise.) There are so many wonderful women in my life. And many of them have forwarded their favorite books on to me over the years. I, in turn, have read them and loved them. Listed below are 10 books that were suggested to me. I think you should consider them if you're looking for a book, ladies. Enjoy.


10 GREAT BOOKS FOR WOMEN (In no specific order)


1) THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant
My cousin Dawn gave this book to my Mom, who read it and gave it to me. It was so good that I read it in two days. I sat for six hours at one point. (This was during Christmas vacation, when six straight hours were available to me.) Every woman should read this book. It's intense, spiritual, heart breaking, and it makes you realize how important the women in your life are. Read it.


2) A ROOM WITH A VIEW by E.M. Forster
I really can't remember who first handed this book off to me. I've read it so many times that the binding can hardly keep the pages together. It's a very leisurely book, something lovely for a plane flight. It's a classic.


3) EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert
There was a period of time last summer when EVERYWHERE I WENT there was a woman reading this book. It was like when Harry Potter first came out. I think I didn't read it on purpose for a long time because EVERYONE was reading it... But, it was everywhere, so finally I picked up a copy.

It's so enjoyable. Elizabeth's trip to Italy, India, & Indonesia help her to get through a terrible divorce and she begins to finally do that important thing-- which is to find out who she really is and what she really wants in life. I have handed my copy off to my aunt Robin. (I hope she's reading it.)

I knew I was going to enjoy this when the author, in the beginning of her book, compares her type of loving to somewhere between "a golden retriever and a barnacle"-- which hit home with me... I immediately felt connected to her. Read this in the carpool line, those 30 minutes before bed, and when you can't sleep so you're drinking that medicinal second glass of wine. Wonderful and fun.


4) THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL by Philippa Gregory
Okay, this author has written about a gazillion books since this-- most of which I've read-- don't bother with the other titles, but do read this one. SKIP THE FILM. The film is terrible, and soooooo does not give this book justice. It's all about fiery Anne Boleyn, her sister Mary, and Henry VIII. It reads like a historical romance novel--which means it's a trashy yet classy girly novel with some history (so you don't feel so wrong about reading it). Sooo good. Read whenever. Wherever. Not a classic, but you won't be able to put it down.


5) THE HISTORIAN by Elizabeth Kostova
I have just given this book to my mother. This book just glared at me from a shelf one day, and I gave in. It's the grown up version of a vampire novel-- but reads like real life. It's brilliantly written, and absolutely fascinating. You won't find anything Twilight-esque in this book. It creates a world of historians and professors who find themselves asking "what if Dracula is still alive?" AWESOME.


6) A LOTUS GROWS IN THE MUD by Goldie Hawn
My good friend Mary gave me this book. If you love Goldie Hawn (and who doesn't)-- read this. It's enjoyable from beginning to end and makes you realize that everyone's life is filled with beauty, love, hard times, bloopers, giggles, and times of perserverance. Lovely.


7) THE AWAKENING by Kate Chopin
I first read this book as required reading in high school. I have told many friends to read it. It's about a married woman in New Orleans in the late 1800s and her fight with social standards-- who to love, who to be, and if you can leave it all behind to be free. It's terribly good and not all that happy, but it's a must read. If you like soap operas at all, read this.


8) THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho
This is a quick read and will be in your life forever. It needs no explanation. Read it.


9) 100 YEARS OF SOLITUDE by Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez
My best friend and I argue about which book is better--100 Years of Solitude or Love in the Time of Cholera. They are both incredible, but I'm going to recommend 100 years first. Marquez is known for his style of "magical realism"-- it chronicles 100 years in a fictional town-- all about family, love, loss, and fantasy. Brilliant.

10) I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK by Nora Ephron
This book is nothing short of kick-ass-awesome. You heard me. Quick, fun, and for women of all ages. Read it, read it, read it. And who doesn't love Nora Ephron????


And those are my first 10 recommendations! Let me know what you think.

Have you read one of these books and didn't like it? Did you love it too?

What books would you add in a must-read list for women?

And for my male readers-- please send me your favorite book of all time. I'm planning a very interesting list for the boys-- so please send me your input!

And if you prefer to email me your thoughts instead of commenting on this page, you can email me at: dvbfreeparking@yahoo.com!  ALSO, I just found out that previously you had to be a registered google user in order to comment on this page-- I have disabled that function so that you can comment without having to be registered--so now that there are no excuses, I'm going to expect lots of comments!!!


Thank you so much for reading.

"I wish you well and so I take my leave,
I Pray you know me when we meet again."
William Shakespeare

When I first began this blog, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with it. I knew I wanted to write and engage people, but where my niche was, I wasn't quite sure. And today, it came to me. FREE PARKING now means take those $10 you just saved because the parking was free and go buy yourself a book. Any book.