I have my dad to thank for my love of reading. Some of my earliest memories are of going to bookstores with him (in fact, being from Seattle, Barnes & Noble was a regular stop) and getting to pick out as many books as I wanted. While some seven-year-old girls may have preferred a shopping spree to Toys "R" Us for a Lite-Brite or an Easy- Bake Oven, I wanted Choose Your Own Adventure, anything by Judy Blume, and as much Ramona Quimby as I could get my sticky little hands on.
And even back then, reading was my form of escape. If my little brother was driving me crazy or I didn’t want to watch The Brady Bunch (Peter Brady was cute, but not that cute) or I wanted to avoid doing my chores, I could always be found holed up in my room, trying to solve one of Nancy Drew’s mysteries before she did.
And, er, more years later than I’d like to admit, I still turn to books when I need to remove myself from the stresses of the real world. (You know, kids, bills–did I mention kids and bills?) I’ll steal away to the den, stick my iPod earphones in, and bust out a book from my favorite —Chick Lit (or if you prefer, Women’s Lit). Because sometimes I’d rather hang with authors like Allison Winn-Scotch, Laura Dave, or Wendy Wax and throw myself into the stories they weave than deal with things like my own unpaid parking tickets. (Dear City of Long Beach, I promise the check is in the mail!)
And with the holidays fast approaching and A LOT of family time on the horizon, there are several books I plan to lose myself in when I just can’t pretend to enjoy Aunt Betty’s story about her latest cross-stitch pattern for One. More. Minute.
Instead of calling my best friend, Liz, to vent—as she’ll undoubtedly have her own Aunt-Betty situation to navigate—I’ll write a quip on her Facebook wall and hide out with The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax instead. It’s an amazing story of friendship and what happens when three authors come together to help one of their own finish writing her manuscript by her deadline while also supporting her as her marriage falls apart. (She’s having a really bad couple of months!)
The Divorce Party By Laura Dave will make you feel better after, say, you accidentally walk in on an in-law changing his clothes (um, might be a true story…I’ll never tell). Just grab this fast paced novel about a couple that decides to throw a party for their divorce and hide out for a while in the basement while you recover.
Another novel that I’ll grab the second that certain family member starts interrogating me (you know who you are) about my decision to leave the television industry to become a full-time writer is Time of my Life by Allison Winn Scotch. I’d much rather travel back in time with the main character as she gets the chance to see if she’d marry the same man all over again than defend why I’d still change careers all over again.
So, what books will be your escape over the holidays?
Lisa Steinke, along with her best friend Liz Fenton, co-authored the chick lit novel I’ll Have Who She’s Having and co-created the popular Chick Lit blog, http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com.
Lisa,
What a timely post. Unlike so many of you out there posting on these blogs, I didn't grow up with a book in my hand (reading was difficult, so it wasn't enjoyable). I so wish I did, there was certainly enough to escape from! Luckily my uncle gave a book that hooked me when I was a teen- "Beautiful Joe" but I don't recall the author. Flash forward to today- I just read a review by Michelle for "Little Red Dress" by Emma Wildes and decided this was the perfect escape for me! Tonight I'm going to pick up one of Wildes' books at the library and put "Little Red Dress" on my TBR list 
(I might have to pre order that one!).
Happy reading,
Joan
PS- Thanks again to Michelle for the great tip!
