The Blonde Theory - Kristin Harmel

So let me say up-front that I didn't think I'd like this book. Something about the title or premise was off-putting. I didn't buy it. I'm not sure I would have even picked it up off the table in a bookstore... but I get review copies of books from a few publishers and this was one of them. The Blonde Theory taught me, once again, that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, pun intended. Which is kind of funny considering that the end premise of the story is not to judge people by their "cover."

Harper Roberts, the 35-year old single blond patent attorney who hasn't made it past the third date in 3 years wonders if intelligence and her job are the reasons for her dating woes. Her last boyfriend moved out when she made partner, saying he didn't want the competition and didn't like not feeling needed. To test this theory, she agrees to spend 2 weeks going out on dates as a dumb blond. To be sure, she gets more dates but is equally disappointed with the pickings as she was before she tried being the dumb blond. To top it off, into the mix comes a handsome actor, who seems to really like her even knowing she's an attorney, and an Irish handyman who not only helps her stop the overflowing toilet but stays behind to help her mop up the water.

Like Harper, I might have dismissed this book as one not worth reading except that it showed up one day in my mailbox right when I was between books. I'm not sure how you'd classify it. It has elements of romance in it but isn't your typical romance novel for sure, despite some similarities. (Or perhaps romance novels, or bodice rippers as a friend calls them, have changed while I wasn't reading them!)

Whatever you call it, it's entertaining and funny and insightful. I even liked the author bio at the end.

America's Cheapest Family

I admit to picking up this book on an impulse, which wouldn't do well with their guiding principles. However, I find that reading books like this is inspiring and keeps me thinking along the right (for me) lines, even if I don't particularly learn anything new.

If you haven't read many "stay out of debt, live simply, save for a rainy day, and spend only what you've already saved" books, this could be a great start for you. If you just need some inspiration that reminds you that you're not the only one trying to have a good life on a limited income, with little or no debt, this is also a good one.

It's less full of detailed "Use your butter wrappers to grease your cookies sheets" type ideas and more full of "Save x amount for medical, x amount of home improvement" and that kind of thing. It had a great chapter on taking vacations without going into debt as well as a concrete plan on educating your children on earning, saving, and spending money with a plan.

For me, too often these types of books are filled with Christian rhetoric. Why do only Christian frugal types seem to get books published? This book had a short chapter at the end explaining a bit about their beliefs but not overly filled with zealot-like advice. It was easy to skim and didn't intrude on the great advice contained within the rest of the book.

If you just need some inspiration, check this out of the library. If you're overwhelmed with debt and need some real hard-core advice, buy this and review it often. Then go find some other books that tell you some concrete ideas.