Erin's Lounge

As embarrassing as it is to admit, I have finally come to terms with the fact that I actually do have an addiction. Not an uncommon one, but certainly one I would not be proud to brag about amongst a room full of scholars. Although, knowing me, I am doubtful I would find much enjoyment in a room full of scholarly types. My addiction is tied to my 32” LCD Sharp Aquos TV. About a year ago, I woke up to find my old television wouldn’t come on. It just wouldn’t say a word. I didn’t waste any time heading to my local Best Buy to get a new one, making excuses that it was for my TV obsessed dog, Wesley (who I believe is addicted, too). But when being completely honest with myself, I knew it was all about my own obsession with movies, reality TV, TIVO and any other TV trash coming through the airwaves.

The other day, when people were texting me excited that Barack had “made it” and asking me did I hear Hillary‚Äôs speech, I honestly didn‚Äôt know what they were talking about because I had the tube set to some other mindless program I had most likely already seen several times. To add insult to injury, I found myself on the phone the other day with DirecTV trying to negotiate a bunch of free promotions. While I was able to get free Pay-Per-View movies, free Showtime, STARZ and ENCORE for three months AND $15 off my bill every month, I need to be making better use of my lounge time.

So, instead of watching The Golden Girls, AGAIN, at 10 pm in the evenings, I vow to devote my summer to some great literature and summertime reading. Of course that will include some chick lit, too. But I refuse to fall asleep on my couch one more night without getting some good reading on.

As a girl who really does love a good book, but takes months to finish one, I do have some recommends. I probably will not be attacking Oprah‚Äôs reading list, but creating one of my own. For those of you who share my addiction and would like to break the habit, take a look at some of my fav‚Äôs. Keep in mind…what I constitute as a good read is a book that doesn‚Äôt take twenty chapters to get into, is not too deep, and is not self help (although some self help is awesome and a subject I may broach at a later date).

Recommendation #1, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I believe I‚Äôve mentioned this one before. It is, without a doubt, one of the absolute best books I‚Äôve ever read. The editorial review could possibly turn you off, but I promise, you will not be disappointed. This book is amazing. And it may take you about 5 chapters to get into it, but just know, if you read this, and you get to the point where they reach Castle Leoch, it is ON!!!! I believe I read someone’s description as Indiana Jones for women. Do not be turned off by the editorial description. I was a little skeptical when I saw it had some time travel based storyline. But this is an amazing romance story (sex pretty much the whole way through), has great adventure and twists at every page turn. And while it‚Äôs a long one, you will breeze through it because you won‚Äôt be able to put it down. AND‚Ķit‚Äôs a series of six so the story continues! PLEASE get this book and tell me what you think. Check out the reviews on Amazon. I’ve gotten a few friends hooked already. Diana Gabaldon has done great research and is an excellent author.

Recommendation #2, The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Okay, before this one became a movie, which I have not seen, I read this book. I was actually trying to escape some stress and fled to Playa del Carmen for a few days when I discovered this one. While I was waiting, bookless, to board my vacation plane, I decided to pick this one up at Hudson News, per a recommendation from my best friend. I was hooked from the beginning. I’ll catch the movie one day, but this book is really a page turner. If you are interested in some Tudor family soap opera-like drama, this is for you.

Recommendation #3, The Queen’s Fool by Philippa Gregory

This is one of the sequels to The Other Boleyn Girl. At first I was wondering what Philippa was doing because the story was off a little from the Tudors, but it was so good. It’s a coming of age story about a young Jewish girl during that time in European history while still following the royal family. It has romance, lust, adventure and everything you need in a great novel. Sometimes when you finish a good book and you know there‚Äôs a sequel, you have to run out and buy it. This one won‚Äôt disappoint.

Recommendation #4, Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson

Now this book is total chick lit, but after being at a neighborhood Borders when I lived in Dallas, I met this author, sitting there waiting for customers to buy her book. As a fellow entrepreneur, I wanted to support so I bought the book and I really enjoyed it. It’s sort of like Harry Potter for women. There are also several sequels you will enjoy. Very cute, light and fun to read if you want something quick.

Recommendation #5, The Book of Genesis

Now I don’t mean to get all holy-roller with any of my blog readers, but it’s amazing how the Bible has more drama going on than The Young and the Restless!

While I’m not planning on eliminating all TV this summer, I do plan to make a strong effort. So You Think You Can Dance is probably my favorite reality show on television and it’s that time of year again. And now, I’ve started watching Denise Richards’ reality show. I know…sad, huh? But I like her show. Then, Project Runway is back in July. But the point is, I’m going to take it one step at a time. I can’t just quit cold turkey.

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