Category Archives: #books

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

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A horrific fictional encounter with a serial killer. Patrick Bateman, a wealthy Wall Street bachelor, roaming the streets of New York City. Reader beware.

Buy the book here

Genre: Transgressive Fiction/Horror

Read it if: You want to have terrible nightmares and irreparable emotional trauma about men, women, puppies, and New York City as a whole. The images haunted me for days. Easton really dives into what this particular serial killer wants, some of which were actually highlighted on Psychology Today: “Understanding What Drives Serial Killers” – a great read, if you’re interested.

Breakdown: New York during the ’80s and revolves around Patrick Bateman. He’s a wealthy investment banker on Wall Street who frequently does drugs, booze, and women when he’s not killing them. The scary thing is that within his friend’s circle, he’s a saint. He seems to suffer from a personality disorder and is a horrible addition to Ellis’s fictitious society.

Is it funny: Nope! The details are so vivid, especially when Bateman kills people, pets, etc. It’s too much gore for my taste.

The cover: He’s totally my type. Seductive, charming, emotionless -kidding. I also watched the movie “American Psycho” starring Christian Bale. Both the film and the book were disturbing. The cover says it all. It’s all about one guy who’s an American, Psycho.

Do I recommend it: I started reading this book in Germany and jet-lagged like no other. Honestly, the only book I had that wasn’t self-help, and I was trying to get out of my norm—big mistake. I would begrudgingly recommend it because of how clear Ellis narrates the story, but I wouldn’t be sad if you didn’t read it. His writing is seamless, and every character is carefully described, even (sadly) the murderous, homophobic, and racist interactions that take place. This was painful to swallow. But I think it’s essential to read controversy, to better understand what it’s capable of. I appreciate writers that take their time to cleverly explain small details that add to a reader’s imagination, be it good or bad, and Ellis does this.

Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Caviar Dreams Tuna Fish Budget By Margaret Josephs

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Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, Margaret Josephs, opens up in her tell-all book about business and life.

Find the hard cover or check out the audio version.

Besides being a TV Reality Star, Margaret Josephs is the founder of the Macbeth Collection, Candie Couture, and more.

Genre: Biography

Read it if: You have simple curiosity lurking.

Breakdown: “The Marge,” as she calls herself, describes the less than idealistic mother-daughter relationship she survived and confesses how this role reversal affected her romantic relationships. Margaret also reveals the family-in-business dynamic she’s created.

Check out Margaret’s biography via Bravo here.

Is it funny: It’s not, sadly no. Some of the one-liners were not even close to comical but rather a bit uncomfortable to listen to; I don’t think Margaret needed to say some of them; they sounded forced and used more for added shock-value.

The cover: Fascinating color scheme. Great choices, Margaret!

Do I recommend it: No. This book is an easy read for the beach; if you’re curious about the housewives of New Jersey and want to know a little more about what’s said on the show that the cameras don’t show. I don’t deduce this will alter your perspective of life. While Margaret does give life advice, I didn’t gain valuable insight, personally. The meat of the story (in my opinion) was the infidelity she committed (twice; one which led to her second marriage) and the sexual harassment she faced from previous business partners. Other than that, there was little depth. I was able to relate to the strained relationship she had earlier on in life with her mother, and that was a very vulnerable moment that I did appreciate.

I will note that I enjoyed Margaret’s positive energy she described throughout the hardships she endured. She sounds like a girls girl who would be great to go on vacation with or brunch. Hope this helped you choose your next read. 

Rating: 1 Star⭐️

Let Me Tell You Something by Caroline Manzo

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Find the paperback version or audio version

Genre: Humor/Non-fiction memoir

This non-fiction memoir jumps into Caroline’s core values; her classic outlook on married life, family, friendship, and beauty. Though I would like to agree with some of it, I can’t relate because I’m vain (in the beauty area), and I can fully admit that. .__.

TV reality star from RHONJ, Caroline, sounds like a great person to meet. She talks about family traditions, fan interactions, her thoughts on plastic surgery, and “Ask Caroline” sessions (advice). Truth be told, I would ask for advice too, but some of it sounds outdated regarding dating and plastic surgery, but again, I appreciated her take on things. Needles to say, I don’t think Gen Z’s would really enjoy this book? Maybe some Millenials.

Read it if: You want an easy, feel-good book that you can listen to while you’re driving to work or cleaning your house. Also, read it if you’re having relationship troubles and feel like you need advice from someone with life experience.

Breakdown: Caroline’s career and home life built on respect, family, and loyalty. Her life sounds so wholesome, and some of it tragic. At one point (which made me think), the author said that she doesn’t mind if her home gets dirty when she has guests over. I admire that because I’m neurotic about my home, yet it’s still messy. But she’s inspired me to change that. Plus, what’s the point of having a lovely home if nobody visits becuase you treat your place like a museum. Great tip, Caroline, thanks!

Is it funny: No, I was expecting some of it to be. Caroline has witty one-liners but nothing that will make you spit your drink out.

The cover: I want to sit right next to her. That’s the vibe I get. She looks like a “You can sit with us” kind of person. I like that.

Do I recommend it: Frankly, I don’t think this book is anywhere near in-depth self-help since there aren’t any specific measurable action plans. Not that it was supposed to be a self-help book, although most of her tips leaned towards that. The author does preface that she’s not a professional counselor/coach, which I appreciated. Caroline could have raised the bar more; it was very PG. It could be read as if she wasn’t candid or vulnerable. I don’t know if that’s who she is, but I still find her charming. If she does write another book, I would encourage her to be more vulnerable (it doesn’t need to be dramatic).

I will say that it was nice to have the author read her audiobook.

Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️