EiB bookclub

Oh, have I ever oohed and aahed over Katherine Center's book, Everyone is Beautiful. I know, I know-- I sound like a broken record, but I seriously cannot emphasize how much I connected with this book. We're having our first contemporary novel bookclub over at 5M4B today, and I was thrilled when Jennifer (the boss lady) suggested we go with the book I had gushed over in my review in March. Since then, I've emailed every mom I know to recommend the book, and I've even had a few say that they've read and LOVED the book as well. A good friend who's reading my copy right now even told me that as she read the first few chapters, she was struck with how much Lanie reminded her of me-- I'm telling you, this novel was meant for me! (Okay, maybe for you, too... I won't be exclusive about it...) Katherine Center apparently was reading my mind over the last two years or so.

So, if I could step into Lanie's shoes, what would I do? If only I had a gym right now the road that I could (safely!) walk to at night after the children went to bed. I would absolutely love to put my hair up in that no-nonsense ponytail that conveys the idea that I was a workout person. Yes, that would be fantastic-- to have jeans get a little looser and bra straps fall down a bit. (Although, on second thought, I think I'd just hope for the jeans part...) The conditions seemed just perfect for her to get that time away, but I was absolutely blown away by her commitment-- I'm not sure I could go that far... when would I blog if I was gone every single night? And, honestly, I don't think I'd want to spend every single night away from lovely hubby, which didn't really work out really well for her with that initial set-up, huh?

But the photography? Nah, for as much as I can admire the skills of camera-toting pals, I know that it's just not my thing. What would I pursue then? Hmmm... let me think... how about writing? That one was easy. I'd love to devote time to attempt to write something actually high-quality. Especially after the workshop the other day, I'm really longing some regular, solid writing time. Now, if only I could produce something worthy of publication... and cash. That would be a dream.

How about you? If you had the means to pursue something as Lanie did with her workouts and photography, and my imaginary self would do with getting in shape and writing up a storm, what would it be?

If you listened to my badgering and picked up Everyone is Beautiful, head over to 5M4B, especially for the contests! You could be the lucky reader who takes part in our conference call (that will be run on 5M4B as a podcast!)-- that's right, chatting up the book tomorrow with me, Jennifer and Katherine Center herself! Or how about winning autographed copies of both of Katherine's novels? Or even a one-of-a-kind canvas with a quote from the book, painted by the author herself! It's fun times, people!

One crazed fan,