Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I believe it took me only 4 days to finish Gone Girl: A Novel and I know it would have been even shorter if I wasn't running around all day Monday.  If you are a fan of crime novels/tv shows,  psychological thrillers, or are looking for a captivating read, then Gone Girl is for you.

Gillian Flynn's novel follows married couple Nick and Amy Dunne.  They appear to have the perfect marriage, but after Amy goes missing on the couple's fifth wedding anniversary, the truth about their relationship slowly begins to unravel.  Nick appears to be acting strange for a man who's wife has gone missing and slowly, the general public begins to turn on him as he becomes the case's key suspect.  Meanwhile, Amy's side of the story is being revealed through diary passages written by her over the past five years.

Gone Girl has a number of twists and turns that kept me very engaged.  By the middle of the book, everything I has initially that about the main characters had changed.  The book focused on the relationship between Amy and Nick and the psychological states of the two more than the case itself, which I enjoyed.  Without giving too much away, it was interesting to look into the mind of someone who could be considered a "psychopath", with no morals or concern for others.  In reading this book, it also made me think about what we really do not know about the people involved in cases we hear about on the news.

I haven't  read many good books this summer so I'm glad I decided to give Gone Girl a look.  I'm also now interested in checking out other books by Flynn, including Sharp Objects and Dark Places.

Have you read Gone Girl?  What other books have you enjoyed this summer? (I need a beach read for next week!)

Prevention is Key

Hey, how's it going?  This is the first time in weeks that I've felt like I've had a productive Monday so I am feeling particularly accomplished today.  Volunteering- check.  Doctor's appointment- check.  Check emails and blogs- check, check.  I just have a dinner and a workout ahead of me.


Let's rewind to the volunteering part of my day.  For the summer I have been volunteering in the rehabilitation department of a senior center in order to fulfill PA school requirements.  Sadly, my time there is coming to an end so I've been reflecting on what I have learned over the past 2 months.  I've always loved working with the elderly, but working almost 20 hours a week with them has left me with even more respect for them.  I've found the patients I have worked with have been kind, resilient, witty, wise, and most importantly, aware of their wants and needs.  I think at a certain age you finally understand what is important to you and what you need from others. 


What also has stuck out to me this summer is how important our health is.  We know this and are taught this, but seeing older adults struggling with their mental and physical health reinforces the idea that many young people that they are immune to any health problems.  With this being said, there are so many things we can do at a young age to prevent poor health in the future.  Deteriorating health is inevitable, but it can be made easier.  Here are things that I find to be most important in maintaing my health and preventing future health problems (and no, this list is not revolutionary, just a reminder that we sometimes all need :) ) 

1.  Exercising your body- walking, running, biking, swimming, playing basketball, etc.  The best exercise is the one you will actually DO.
2.  Exercising your mind- I want to always be learning 
3.  Clean eating- easier said than done, but plenty of fruits, vegetables are a must 
4.  Sunscreen- Bronzer and Jergens gradual tanning lotions are my best friends
5.  Yearly (depends)  check-ups- I really need to improve at this.  Staying up-to-date on our appointments (dental, gyno, primary care physician, dermatologist) helps to prevent more serious health problems 
6.  Vitamins- I am a strong believer in taking vitamins.  Even if you eat really well, it's hard to get all your necessary nutrients in every day
7.  Sleep- I am so cranky and thrown off when I don't get 7 hours of sleep in. 
8.  Smoking- Just don't :/
9.  Relaxation/pleasure- Many people feel guilty of taking time to relax- don't!  It is so necessary to maintain your mental health.  So grab a book, hang out with a friend, watch a movie, do some yoga, indulge in yourself
10.  Socializing- Being around people that make me laugh, make me think, make me feel good about myself keeps me sane :)

What do you do to ensure your health?

First legit 5k!

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone had a great fourth of July!  Even though I hated that the holiday fell on a Wednesday this year, I'm realizing that it felt like the weekend but wasn't and now the weekend is only a day away, sweet.  I kicked the day off early with my first not tired, hungover 5k!

 I got to the Brighton Chamber of Commerce 4th of July 5K about 25 minutes before the 8am start.  I'm so glad I picked up my race packet the day before because it saved me a lot of pre-race time... don't do it the day of, just don't.  I did a quick warm-up by running around Brighton High School and doing some of my dynamic stretches before getting ready to get my run on.  I was alone at the race so it was fun people watching beforehand.  There were so many young kids with their friends and families, a lot of couples (so cute) and a lot of older people in great shape.  I really hope I am still running and working out as much as some of the jacked ladies there when I get older.  The race started right on time and we were off to a fast start!  I was overwhelmed in the beginning at the fast pace but I let a lot of people pass me so I could run at my own speed.  Besides, I figured a lot of people would fall back after going out so fast.  The course was very flat (score) through a Brighton neighborhood.  Some people were sitting outside their houses cheering us on which was fun!  I ran at a quick pace for me but I kept it pretty consistent.  I forget my splits (they're on my watch though) but my average pace was 8.13!  I feel like I could have gone even faster if I had two things- a friend to run with and my ipod.  I read that no headsets were allowed but people used them anyway so I could have brought mine.  Sometimes you just need a good jam to motivate you though, you know?  The weather didn't help either.  While it wasn't too hot at 8am it was so humid and got up to the mid 90's later that day.  I felt like I was going to puke right before the end of the course but I ended up being fine.  I was glad I bought a handheld water bottle the day before to keep me hydrated and not publicly vomming.  In the end I finished in 25.50 and ended up getting 11th in the 20-24 age group!  I'm pretty happy with my time and am already itching to sign up for another 5k.  I plan on doing a few more in the fall and maybe a 10K as well to help prepare myself for the Philly 1/2 in November.  Racing also made me realize how much I miss competing since I quit swimming.  I love working out for the health of it but I also love having something legitimate to train for. 

Gettting the gear all ready the night before

Necessary post-race, in front of tree solo shot

Picture of me finishing taken by Julia (thanks for cheering me on!).  Man in front of me looks quite exasperated

Sweaty post-race selfie.

Sorry for the super long, wordy post.  If you've been contemplating a 5K or any race for that matter, I encourage you to sign up for one!  Bring a friend, go alone, walk, run, the best thing about them is that you can take them as seriously or as casually as you want.

Liv

Hey everyone and happy Friday!!

Friday mornings I work at the radiation oncology department at Strong Memorial Hospital but I went in today at 8 and they didn't have any patients so I got to go home early.  I was disappointed because I like what I do there and because I woke up at 6:45 for nothing, but I got a nice, rainy walk out of it and now I have more time to get stuff done before work tonight.  Around 10 it stopped raining and the sun was starting to come out so I got my stuff ready for a run.

What would you do without a pre-run selfie of me?

I haven't run since Monday due to shin splits and other workouts I wanted to get in and I'm thinking that was a good idea because this run felt great.  I'm still pretty sore from yesterday's workout but it felt good to stretch my legs out. The temperature was perfect also (one of my main running requirements!). I decided to do a 2 mile loop twice, mostly because I like the loop I do and always feel like I'm just running aimlessly with no direction to get more miles in when I try to just add to it.  I really liked the whole loop thing, maybe 3 times will happen soon!  I did switch it up slightly though- the first time I ran down to Highland Park and walked up the steps to the park and the second time I walked up the hilly paths through the park to the top.  Both paths have the same destination but kept each loop fresh.  Does anyone who runs multiple loops ever get bored after a few, or do you like it better than one long route?  I walked the hills on this run but other than that I kept a pretty good pace at around 8:50-9:13.  Here is the final distance and start and end time:

Even though my shins still hurt and my legs were killing me from yesterday, I zoned out and just enjoyed myself.  I brought my old ipod out today instead of my iphone (therefore a lack of pictures), which I've been doing lately to listen to some random music.  The shuffle was killin it today, notable songs include "What's love?" Fat Joe "Brandy (you're a fine girl)" Looking Glass, "Never Say Never" J. Bieber, and "Upgrade U" Beyonce and Jay-Z.

I hope you have fun plans for the weekend!
Liv

That thing you only have time to do in the summer...READING!

Welcome back everyone!

Sorry for the hiatus, brown&black took a longer vacation than expected but is back.  When I think of summer I think of many things, the beach, no school, getting money, seeing old friends, concerts, baseball games, etc. but one of the things I get most excited for is time to read all the novels I've been hearing about all school year.  I've been a book worm since I was little, no I was not one of the kids who would keep reading while we were doing stretches and sit-ups at swim practice (you know who you are), but I can go through a good book in no time and love doing so.

I got old school this summer and picked up a library card.  I've checked out probably every chick-lit the Abington Library has available and don't plan on stopping any time soon.  I have already read a bunch of books this summer so here is a review of some recent reads:

The second in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo triology was better than the first book (which I loved!) in my opinion.  The action begins a lot quicker than in the first novel so I was hooked from the beginning.  You also get to know the backstory of the mysterious main character Lisbeth.  Highly recommended.

 

I have read my fair share of Jodi Picoult books and they all generally address a controversial ethical issue and a trial of some sort.  These two do the same but were not my favorite of Picoult's books.  Change of Heart involves a death row victim and his last wish before being executed.  It leaves many questioning who he is and if he is actually guilty of the crime he will be killed for.   There were strong religious undertones (not my style), but it is a good read.  Handle with Care I liked better but had a hard time reading at certain points.  It is about a daughter who has a rare disease that makes her bones extremely brittle and easy to break.  It follows the breakdown of a family as the mother is involved in a law suit that is supposed to give her daughter a better future.  Good book but sad throughout.  I disagreed with the mother's actions and did not like her very much.

This book is funny, honest, and entertaining, a perfect summer read.  The author also wrote In Her Shoes, which was made into a movie with Cameron Diaz, among other books.  I loved that this book took place in Philadelphia (where Weiner is from) and that her characters seemed very relatable.  It is about a women getting over a break up and pulling her life together after second-guessing her decision to end the relationship.  Go read now.

I just finished this book today after just starting it this weekend.  It tells the story of two best friends over the span of 3 decades and the ups and downs that come with life and love.  I loved this book- the characters were really well developed, the transitions from decade to decade were interesting, and the story really grabbed my attention.  This book gets very sad in the end, like me balling my eyes out sad, but it is worth it.  A great book!

I have read more books this summer but those are the ones that have stood out to me.  Books I plan on reading soon- Salem Falls, The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, The Help, Cum Laude, The Hunter Games, Bossypants, and A Place of Yes.

Have you read any of the books mentioned above?  What did you think?

Any recommendations of good summer reads?

First Monday Post!

Welcome to the work week and my first Monday post (I could do that all week I guess but I will spare you)!

I am back on that babysitting grind after a nice, relaxing weekend off.  This summer I may not have a killer internship or research job and I may be back at home living with my parents, but I am studying for the GRE, researching graduate schools, jobs, and internships, doing a lot of reading, catching up with high school friends, and taking a much needed break for 3 months.  Breaks are important, but making money is too and that is what leads me to babysitting.  Things I love about babysitting- food that is not your own (I LOVE this aspect), being able to shamelessly watch really entertaining Disney and Nickelodeon shows, lounging by the pool while the kids swim, reading while lounging by the pool while the kids swim, payments in cash with not taxes taken out and most of all, listening to the humorous and somewhat inappropriate things kids say these days.

To get your Monday going I thought I'd post some new songs I've been feeling lately and some old favorites (warning: I have really eclectic taste):

New guys:

I Wanna Go- Britney Spears
Set Fire to the Rain- Adele
If I Die Young- The Band Perry
Better with the Lights Off- New Boyz ft. Chris Brown
Last Friday Night- Katy Perry

Oldies but Goodies:

Semi-Charmed Life- Third Eye Blind
Isn't She Lovely- Stevie Wonder
Red Red Wine- UB40
Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)- Looking Glass
Ok, It's Alright With Me- Eric Hutchinson

Bachelorette is on tonight and unfortunately so is Bentley so I think I'll be needing one of these to deal with all of Ashley's emotions:

Get ready for a little recap tomorrow :)