My next stop on Rory’s booklist was “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire. This book was rated 4 stars on Amazon, so my review probably won’t be popular. So just let me remind you, that I am me, and the world loves me. I had heard the soundtrack to the musical several times so I was excited to read the book. It was a good book in that it had pages and words, and that’s about all I liked about it. The concept is unique, but I couldn’t help thinking how much better it could be. I love the idea of telling The Wicked Witch of the West’s story, but she wasn’t lovable and Glenda the good witch wasn’t hate-able. It did away with all concept of good and bad and just showed people as human, which was probably the idea because it made it very realistic. Personally, I read to escape, so I don’t want to read about people acting like ordinary people. If I wanted to see boring, crude people who I couldn’t like or hate, I would go outside. It definitely was a not kid friendly book and I thought at times just plain gross. I felt like it alternated between being boring and disgusting. There were a few good quotes, and ideas, and by a few, I mean two. If it was the last book in the world, I would read it again, but probably not until then.

 To say I’m fanatical about the hit TV show “Gilmore Girls” is an understatement. If Stars Hallow were an actual place I would move there. There are apparently several Stars Hallow’s in the United States, but Rory, Luke, and Loralai probably don’t live there, so what’s the point? Instead it might be necessary to create out own Stars Hallow, by copying the decorating style. The Gilmore’s combine a classic house with their funky accessories. Usually Decorating is less is more, but with the Gilmore’s more is more. No decluttering is necessary. For the Gilmore’s Style you will need.1. Architecture: The Gilmore’s have gorgeous archways, a fireplace, a porch, hardwood floors, and vintage looking tile in the kitchen. Maybe you aren’t as lucky, or you live in an apartment and the landlord/neighbors disapprove of you building a wrap around porch. Try adding a faux fireplace or candlescape

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2. Walls: Light Color or Wallpaper. The Gilmore’s keep their walls muted so their personalities stand out. The floors are a basic hardwood. This style works well if you are a renter and can’t paint, embrace your light colored walls!

3. Art: Try a large poster from your favorite movie, next to a set of vintage floral prints. Use your art as a way of opening up conversations or introducing people to a favorite band they might not have heard of.

4. Funky Accessories: This is where the Gilmore personality shines. Whether it’s a dress form, a monkey lamp, or a fuzzy alarm clock, go crazy. Use bright colors, beads, and faux fur to inexpensively imitate their look. Mix these in with inherited pieces or antiques to get the exact look.

The Gilmore’s combine a kitschy antique style such as lace curtains on every window, with very modern, funky elements, to create a home.

  I always describe Gilmore Girls as a coming of age drama. It is fitting that one of the books on Rory’s booklist is, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith. This book is also a “coming of age” drama. Own this classic book for less than $5 by clicking on the picture. Oprah Winfery has also said “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” was one of the most influential books when she was growing up. Oprah likes it, Rory likes it, that’s good enough for me.

This book made me more a Gilmore Girl with the idea that just because someone is flawed doesn’t mean they are unlovable, and that there is happiness to be found everywhere. I was watching “My Fair Brady: We’re Getting Married”, and I was struck by something Adrianne’s mother said. She works in a factory, is divorced, and lives in a house most people wouldn’t think a lot of. She said, speaking of Christopher Knight (who I really hate, but he has lots of money, and some fame) “I’m so glad I haven’t lived his life”. This is the ultimate expression of “grow where you are planted”. This book is not about the destination, but the journey. Like Rory and Lorelei, their philosophy is to enjoy the little things, penny candy, a good book to read, or a town meeting.

To become the ultimate Gilmore Girl, it was necessary to try to read like a Gilmore Girl because books are so important to Rory. I have always liked to read, but in high school I moved around a lot, so in English class only ended up reading the first half of “To kill a Mockingbird” twice. So I decided if I read like Rory I would become Rory. There are about 120 books in total, you can read the list here.    

One of the first books I read was “1984″ by George Orwell because it seemed like a book I should’ve read in high school but didn’t. This is a book that becomes more true over time with it’s references to “Big Brother”. I won’t go into the plots of the books I review because I don’t want high school students stealing them for book reports. I found “1984″ to be a warning, and erringly prophetic about how the government monitors us and the only solution is for the working class to recognize this and do something about it. That run on sentence should take care of anyone copying this. One of the most relevant ideas was that war is used to control us and give us jobs and it doesn’t really matter who we are at war with, just as long as we are at war with someone so hatred can control us. Own this classic book for less than $3 by clicking the picture. This book was fairly short and easy to read, and really made me appreciate the right to make my own choices.

Now it’s time for a commercial break.

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