About Me

Overcoming Dyslexia: When I was a young girl I didn’t like to read. I remember my teacher calling my parents when I was in the sixth grade to tell them I cheated on a book report. I hadn't read the book and she called me on it. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia shortly about a month later.  To simplify the next few years... my brain was 'retrained' and I am happy to say I started enjoying the world of books.

I read Judy Blume and Danielle Steele novels as a teenager. In my early to mid twenties I enjoyed James Patterson, John Grisham and Robin Cook.

In my late twenties I joined a book club with some friends from work. We met every other month to exchange books – we didn’t read or discuss books, it was merely a reason to get together outside of the office. This group of women, along with Oprah’s national book club opened my eyes to great writing, plots, memoirs etc... and the rest is history!

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Random fun/interesting facts about me:
1. I have been a vegetarian since I was in 9th grade (13/14 years old). 
2. Born in New Jersey, I have lived in New York, Minnesota, and Nebraska
3. I began college as an art history major, graduated with a degree in Business Management and Communications with a double minor in African Studies and Philosophy (Concordia College); Masters in Literature (Princeton).
4. Favorite Color: Green
5. Love college hockey, dislike basketball
6. Wearing a sundress, golfing barefoot, and after a few afternoon cocktails.... I am the only one in my family with a hole-in-one!
7. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me to write a memoir. Sorry... I don't aspire to write.
8. I attended three different high schools within one year - my HS closed after 9th grade and my family moved the spring of my 10th grade year.
9. The smell of fish/seafood makes me gag... smells rancid (I haven't tried anything from the water, ever)
10. I have run over 10 marathons (PR 3:26:24), countless 5K/10K's and one Ultra Marathon (3rd place finish).
11. You will never see me in flip flops
12. I'm constantly reminded how little TV my family watched when people mention TV shows/movies I haven't heard of. 
13. I love sweets - no interest in salty snacks
14. I'm a no maintenance gal (very easy going) and a pushover
15. My family will tell you that I have no sense of humor
16. I used to collect pigs when I was young, my family still thinks I do :)
17. Out of Africa... to live on that plantation is my dream (with amenities please)
18. My mom earned her degree in anthropology when I was a young girl. She brought me to MANY college classes exposing me to ancient cultures and nature.  This is most likely where my love to Africa and ancient cultures come from.
19. I love plants and dream of having a small greenhouse one day.
20. Some of my favorite movies include: About Last Night, White Nights, Dances with Wolves, Youngblood, For the Love of the Game.... I can't think of any newer titles at the moment but I do enjoy chick-flicks.  I don't understand The Matrix.

Comments, suggestions, mailing address - feel free to send me an email.

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Review Policy: I manage the Manic Mommies Book Club for Erin and Kristin...so I like to say I review books in 'manic fashion' - quick and to the point.

• I love reading literary fiction, women's lit, memoirs, and historical novels. Please do not send YA, Sci-Fi, fantasy or horror.
• Feel free to contact me in advance (email above), I will always try to accommodate your schedule and can usually commit to reading a book within 30-60 days.
• I do participate in book tours, and will include author Q&A's with the review from time to time.

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It's important to note that I very seldom read a book I don't like since I do not read books I wouldn't pick on my own.