Mimi Smartypants tells the World

Mimi’s is another blog I started reading years ago. Her style and format are completely unique and even though a little dated (code-wise), that too has become part of her style. Careful! You’ve been warned — if you visit the Smartypants blog, you’ll be trapped for hours. You’ll say, “just one more entry, then I’ll go to bed…” And then it’ll be 4 in the morning.

Her book is just like that. I’m currently half way through and that’s because I stayed up half the night unable to put it down. The book is candid and brilliantly humorous. She’ll make you laugh at things we shouldn’t (even if you feel guilty about it), because we’ve all commiserated about the same things and she words it such that you can’t help it. I haven’t laughed so hard while reading a book since the last David Sedaris collection.

In her blog, Mimi Smartypants has gone from single Chicago bar hopper to adoptive mother of Nora. Regardless, the wit remains. It really doesn’t matter what Mimi ruminates about — you’ll love it anyway and ask for more.

* but recall my warning.:)

The Real Reason the Queen Hated Snow

by Annette Marie Hyder

I’ve only met Annette via myspace a while ago, but I quickly became enamored with her word-smithing abilities. I’ve always been a fan of people skilled in writing (not being all that stellar myself) and Annette does not disappoint. Her website and blog are full of little poem tidbits that have blossomed from a mature and driven seed. Wonderful stuff.

Annette’s new book is no exception. It’s a collection of poems, stories, recipes, and other bits of goodness with a central theme of home-spun fairy tales and mythology. I especially enjoy the explanations accompanying most of the entries explaining some of the creative insight and thought behind the pieces. It’s a real look into the author’s mind and I’m pleased that she’s so open to share such intimate details with us.

The book also has a central theme focusing on feminism and the beauty that is woman in general. I like to think that we live in a modern world by now, but you’ll certainly agree that we still have a long way to go. Gender inequality and the extra struggle it entails bring out a strong voice of opinion in this collection, but not in an overpowering way. It’s subtle and secondary to the child-like charm each story and poem deliver.

I’m certainly glad to have my copy. Hurry up and buy yours today. Amazon currently only has 5 copies left while the publisher prints more.