What do I want in summer books? Generally I want affirmative books: books that affirm my understanding of the world, and that also reveal some new fact about my identity – something I already knew, but could not articulate on my own. There are also practical considerations: I want books that I won’t feel guilty about dripping ice cream on or dirtying with sand and saltwater. I’m happiest when I find a book that meets these criteria, but also satisfies the reader in any season who urges to sink her teeth into a riveting new storyline. There’s nothing like the delicious feeling of having come across a book you can’t put down, or can’t wait to get home to. As you’re looking forward to your first vacation of 2013, here are 5 great stories to hasten your pace into beach bookworm mode, and whet your appetite again for the joy of summer reading.

1) The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud

An elementary art teacher in Cambridge, Massachusetts, neither pretty nor ugly, neither rich nor poor, has long ago compromised her dream to be a successful artist to become the “woman upstairs,” a reliable friend and neighbor always on the fringe of others’ achievements. Until her new student Reza comes into her classroom, and she meets his family, and falls in love with them – a newfound love that  awakens her spirit and puts her beliefs and her sense of self at stake. This novel will keep you engaged for hours in the sand. The depth of the characters, the mystery, and the new idea of the self emerging as we watch this character grow- all the aspects of a great beach read are  right here.

2) Life Would Be Perfect If I Lived In That House – Megan Daum

For those of us in search of “the perfect home,” this book is our obsession realized. Megan Daum, a brilliant writer and author of My Misspent Youth, a book of essays about being 20-something in New York, has written a hilarious novel about the world of real estate, or “one woman’s journey to fix her imperfect life with the perfect house.”  Who can’t relate to the quest for four perfect walls to call home? Highly recommended.

3) Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

A thriller you won’t want to put down. This book follows a married couple through a twisted turn of events – scavenger hunts and riddles – resulting in an unputdownable masterpiece about marriage gone very, very awry. You’ll love this.

4) Motherland – Amy Sohn

Another one about marriage! More specifically, it’s about three couples and the trials and tribulations of being bourgeois and married in present-day Brooklyn. Very funny, very quirky story, very Sex and the City with an extra touch of cynicism. An accurate take on marriage as it is now.

5) Wedlocked – by Jay Ponteri

An addictive memoir of marriage from a man’s perspective. Definitely worth reading with a few friends, to discuss after. Also a nice change of purview, given that most of the books we tend to read about relationships are from the female perspective.

Ever since her reality-TV stint with Paris Hilton on “The Simple Life,” Nicole Richie has been an American style icon, and an inspiration to bohemian fashionistas everywhere. These days, she’s known for her on-point trendiness, and now that she’s a well-renowned fashion designer for her labels Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960, her closet is more covetable than ever. As a mom of two, she always looks chic, and has a signature style that we all want to draw inspiration from. She isn’t afraid to take sartorial risks, and we love her for it—regardless of whether we would wear her very fashion-forward choices. – Victoria Barton

Love Nicole’s style? Hate it? Who’s your style icon? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

In response to the recent “plus-sized press” H&M got for hiring plus-size model Jennie Runk for their swimwear catalog this year, we wanted to hear from some women whose bodies are not exactly a size zero. We wanted to know how they feel about the fashion industry and its reluctance to bring “real” women into the spotlight. Here’s what Rebecca Marie Miller, a singer in the band The Mynabirds, said about being famous without a size 2 body, and a female comedian who just wishes designers would make fashionable clothes to fit all women – not just the skinny ones. We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Rebecca, 31: “I have been struggling with my body image a lot lately. In our particular musical community, shall we say the “indie rock” community, being larger than a size 2 is pretty rare. Why is that?

I despise feeling self conscious about my weight, my curves, and my breasts. I know that beautiful women come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. I KNOW this, yet I’m often sizing myself up next to my tinier band mates. Totally sucks…Oddly enough, once I step onto a stage, and I start singing, the only thing that matters is the music. I feel powerful, I feel strong, I feel sexy.

I’ve always admired performers like Patti Smith, who seem to just not give a fuck. I like dresses, putting on makeup, and have a pretty traditional approach to my own feminine aesthetic. Yet there’s a part of me that just wants to say “fuck it” and never wear a stitch of makeup again. Maybe I’m headed there. After all, femininity is certainly not rooted in dresses or makeup, but rather in the power that we women possess as creators of life. That said, I certainly don’t think that style and feminism are mutually exclusive. Fashion is not the problem, the media that perpetuates unrealistic body image standards is the problem.”

Vondra, 25 As a “plus-size” comedienne it’s always been hard to find clothes. I want to feel good, but also look good in what I wear. I was a very lucky person, and totally shocked, when some designers recently approached me to wear their clothing on stage. With their clothes on, I felt amazing and my performance got better. That is just the kind of experience that told me, for sure, being plus-sized should have nothing to do with feeling good.  I already love having a full figure, but when I can wear clothes I love, that fit me, I feel amazing. I’m never going to starve myself or magically become a size 12. I take care of myself. I work out every single day. At the gym each morning I swim laps and walk 5 miles and yet I am still a size 20. That is just my body shape, and I’m OK with that. If only all designers would feel the same urge as those who approached me, to make women my size feel good about themselves by making amazing clothes – that actually fit us.

More of Rebecca’s interview appears in the Vinyl District

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think about lack of plus-size models in the media? Why don’t more fashion designers make clothes to fit size 16 and up? Why is H&M featuring a plus-size model in their swimwear catalog such a big deal?

The job search is still tough out there, but Laura Fernee says it was her attractiveness that actually prevented her from being able to work – not the other way around. With a PhD in the sciences, she left her job two years ago, and hasn’t been employed since, because she was just “too pretty.”

“I’m not lazy and I’m not a bimbo,” she told the Daily Mail yesterday. “The truth is my good looks have caused massive problems for me when it comes to employment, so I’ve made the decision that employment just isn’t for me at the moment.”

The news stories we read stated that Fernee quit her job in 2011 due to unwanted attention from male colleagues. “I wanted them to recognise my achievements and my professionalism but all they saw was my face and body. I was constantly asked out on dates, or found romantic gifts and notes at my desk. I found it sleazy and uncomfortable. Even when I was in a laboratory in scrubs with no make-up they still came onto me because of my natural attractiveness. There was nothing I could do to stop it.” In the meantime, her parents have been supporting her with a monthly allowance of 2,000 British pounds.

Wow. Honestly, we’ve never approached this question before. We, ourselves, have never thought that being “too pretty” was something anyone ever said about themselves, let alone used it as a reason to quit working. What kind of message is she sending? Come on lady, get a thicker skin. You sound cray…or does she?

Let us know your thoughts. Is this woman too pretty to work? (Is anyone ever?)

There are so many songs written about California, a person can’t help but grow up dreaming about going going back back to a place they’ve never been. A place filled with golden sunshine, vineyards, and people getting stoned in the hills.

One year, I had the opportunity to move to the Pacific Coast. I had a lemon, orange, and peach tree IN MY FRONT YARD. Where I’m from, that doesn’t happen. I’m telling you, there’s nothing but fruits and nuts out there, growing in everyone’s yard.  And the babies are always smiling.

Unfortunately, my romance with the golden coast didn’t last. The distance from family was too much. But at the dawn of every summer, without fail, I immediately start reminiscing about those long drives down I-5 over the Grapevine, and the mornings I’d spend with my back in the warm sand in Santa Monica, admiring the gaggle of surfers as they caught the morning waves, with the sun just creeping up.

For everyone planning a summer vacay, here’s a list of what’s great about CA.  If you’ve ever been, or if you ever go, you’ll wind up missing them too.

1. Driving

A strange way to start off the list. Most people in California hate that they have to drive everywhere, that traffic sucks in the city, and everything is at least 30 minutes away. But I loved driving in Cali. There was the 30 minutes to and from work every day – pure Zen. Then, there were the weekend trips. Coasting up and down mountain roads and witnessing some of the most majestic scenery I never knew existed. Living in the city and being able to walk everywhere is a certain kind of luxury. But man, there was something to the California drive.

2. In-N-Out Burger

Obviously. It’s nothing like McDonald’s. Because it’s in California, it doesn’t even really seem like “fast food.” It’s In-N-Out burger. It’s real beef. It’s milkshakes, the old fashioned way (strawberry!) Once you’ve had it, you can’t ever do another drive-thru again. Ever.

3. When it Rained

Another wrench in the works. But seriously. California rain was something different than an east coast thunderstorm. It was rare, it was clean. The cleanest rain you ever smelled. It was like Demeter washed the rain water in a hidden spring where dogwood and magnolia trees grew all around and angels bathed. The cleanest rain. And because it didn’t happen too much, you could really appreciate it. You could stay inside and put your chunky socks on, and listen to it, and find it lovely.

4. The Hollywood Farmer’s Market

Never was there a more amazing, enjoyable, entertaining food party in the middle of a dirty old downtown street. Ok, maybe there have been parties like that. But the Hollywood Farmer’s Market was one of those things that told me the California Dream was real. See for yourself.

5. How Californians Freak

When there’s even a drop of snow, when there’s ice on the sidewalk, when there’s fog, school is canceled. You gotta love the fear of Mother Nature. California does not think they’re too big for their britches when it comes to her wrath.

6. The Houses

Craftsman Bungalows and Spanish Colonials, there are so many of them everywhere. White stucco, wrought-iron gates, wrapped in bougainvillea. These houses are celebrity dreams that you just don’t find on the east coast.

Let’s face it: we were probably not all sunshine and butterflies with our mothers growing up. And if we thought we were pleasant teens, we know the behavior wasn’t for long. Our moms are strong, patient, and giving. This Mother’s Day we want to give a shout out to 8 celebrity moms that rock– because if raising an ordinary kid isn’t enough then raising one in the limelight must be even tougher. Plus, these women are not only rocking the Mom role, but aren’t giving up their own careers. -Meryl Lumba

1. Adele

So Adele has only been a mom for a few months, but she’s certainly doing a great job of keeping her privacy. This 24-year-old has won trophies at the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars. We bet that if she can tackle major wins in the music industry, she’ll be just as great at motherhood. We can only imagine how her emotion-filled songs will be compounded with feeling by being a mum.

2. Amy Adams

Award-winner Amy Adams is known for the variety of films she’s starred in– ranging from Disney’s Enchanted to the dark Doubt to the light-hearted Julie & Julia. Even with Amy’s daughter turning 3 this month, it seems that Amy continues to make time for her career. Fans can anticipate Amy on screen for the highly-anticipated Man of Steel on June 14th.

3. Angelina Jolie

We all have a love-hate relationship with her, but how can we hate when she’s done so much? Raising 6 children, a few entirely on her own before Brad came into the picture, Angelina has also made time to advance in her career as well as serve as the co-chair of many philanthropies– in addition to creating her own foundations! If naming a foundation after one of your kids isn’t love, then what is?

4. Jada Pinkett Smith

Another celeb that values her family’s privacy, Jada once told a journalist that she would throw away her career before she let it break her marriage. While raising three children, Jada has also opened a music company called 100% Womon Productions, helped created a television series, published a children’s book about the different sides of femininity, became a spokeswoman for a makeup line, and partially owns the 76ers– in addition to creating non-profit organizations and foundations and helping her children rise to fame in the entertainment industry. Talk about a super mom!

5. Tina Fey

Loveable Tina Fey has two daughters, one of which was born at the height of Tina’s career in 30 Rock. A few months ago in Rolling Stone, she revealed that motherhood had started to drain her. Though she admitted this, she still manages to raise her daughters while supporting a couple charities and continuing her career after the series finale of 30 Rock. We hope that she makes her daughters laugh just as much as we have with her great works.

6. Maya Rudolph

This hilarious mom of 3 (rumors say she’s expecting a 4th!) is most famous for being part of Saturday Night Life for 7 years. Currently on Up All Night, Maya gets her own laughs from her co-star’s struggle with motherhood. Close to her own mom who has since passed ( famous singer Minnie Riperton), Maya was in the studio for a special recording of a song, in which her mom actually sings her name in the track. Perhaps fame runs in their genes: with the combination of Maya’s comedy and Paul Thomas Anderson’s (her partner) film work, the kids will certainly have an interesting growing-up experience!

7. Suzanne Collins

What better mom than one who writes a trilogy for children, forewarning them about society and their potential future? Author of the Hunger Games trilogy, among other books, Suzanne Collins is a mother of two and was named one of the most influential people by Time magazine. She is also the best-selling Kindle author of all time. We hope that Suzanne brings her creativity both in her career and in raising her children!

8. Beyoncé

Last but not least, Mrs. Carter. What hasn’t she done for her 1-year-old? Aside from spending a ridiculous amount of money on her daughter’s first birthday, her husband released a song dedicated to their daughter, crediting her, and making her the youngest person to appear on the Billboard charts. She is also trying to trademark her daughter’s name to start a line of merchandise. The ever-ambitious Beyoncé continues to stay busy outside of her personal life by participating in many environmental causes and supporting the fight for marriage equality.

Even though I am a big advocate on saving money, I love to shop and indulge in a bit of retail therapy from time to time. I shop wisely to avoid overspending, but there’s nothing like bringing home a new pair of strappy sandals just when the weather starts warming up. With that said, there are also some things I dread having to shop for. After chatting with some friends, I discovered I’m not the only one who hates to spend a good portion of their paycheck on toothpaste, paper towels and razors, so I’ve come up with some cost effective ways to shop for the things we all hate to buy.  -Andrea Woroch

1. Batteries

2. Printer Ink

3. Razors

Razors are something that I should buy more often but don’t. That doesn’t mean I forgo shaving, it just means I use my razors well beyond their lifespan, or opt for pants in even the most blazing heat waves. Paying $25 for four replacement heads is highway robbery, especially since I could use that money for something cuter, like a top or new pair of sunglasses. Happily, we’re not the only ones to find this purchase irritating. DollarShaveClub.com is marketed at men but totally useful for the ladies, providing simply razor styles and replacement heads for as little as $1 a month.

4. Replaceable Toothbrush Heads

5. Feminine Products

Ever wait until the cute guy is out of the toiletry aisle to grab your monthly essentials? In addition to being a somewhat embarrassing purchase, feminine products cost more than we’d like them to. The best way to save on these necessities is not to fall for the latest hype. For example, products with “pearl technology” or “360 protection” are nothing more than advertising gimmicks created to squeeze an extra dollar out of women’s pocketbooks. Search online or in Sunday circulars for manufacturer’s coupons, or simply buy them in bulk for per-unit savings. If I see a sale advertised at my local drugstore, I often stock up for several months so I don’t have to worry about buying them for some time either.

6. Baking Products

7. Paper Products

There’s no purchase less glamorous than toilet paper. Most disposable items like face tissue, cotton pads and paper towels seem like ideal bulk buys but in fact, you can save more when purchasing these items at the grocery store. Timing is key, however, so make sure you stock up at the beginning of the month when store and manufacturer’s coupons become available. “Stacking” these offers will give you better savings.

8. Cleaning Supplies

Angelina Jolie is no longer the only recent example of powerful women in film. But let’s be frank: the film industry casts too many protagonists as men– and the amount of times the man “saves” the woman or “wins” her over in recent movies is enough to make us cringe. Thankfully, summer brings a few hidden gems. Here’s our list of new ultimate chick flicks, featuring some of our favorite leading ladies. -Meryl Lumba

1. Star Trek into Darkness

While most believe this film is Kirk-centric, with Kirk leading the war, Nyota Uhura plays a role that is just as crucial to the plot. She works alongside Kirk as a communications officer and helps translate dialects. Lastly, she is the only female in the core crew of the USS Enterprise and the crew (and the safety of Earth, to be honest) is completely dependent on her help. This film is released May 17th.

2. Violet & Daisy

Two female assassins in NYC- need we say more? Audiences watch this dynamic duo and their violent deeds until their latest assignment makes them question the intent of murder. A terminally ill man’s life is in the hands of these women. Will they “save” him from his misery? Find out on July 30th.

3. Malavita

Based on the book Badfellas, this French film shares the story of the Manzoni mafia family, who is under the witness protection program. Though Robert de Niro appears to be the protagonist who cannot seem to break old habits, it’s his wife, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who will come to the aid of her volatile husband by protecting their appearance through her charitable acts. Gleeks can also be excited to see Dianna Agron play their daughter. Check this drama out sometime in October 2013.

4. Catching Fire

This is a no-brainer. J-Law is not some helpless, teenaged girl waiting to be rescued. In fact, her influence and actions spark a nationwide revolution. The world watches and waits on her command. But before audiences can find out the outcome, our heroine fights in another Hunger Game- with double the participants. Join Katniss in the fight on November 22nd.

5. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Annoyingly lovable Ron Burgundy and his news crew are back, but not without co-anchor Veronica Corningston, played by Christina Applegate. And if you watched the first one, you know that Veronica fights for her position as co-anchor despite the sexism of her workplace. Kristen Wiig will also star. Watch two of comedy’s leading women share a screen on December 20th.

There are only a few days left to enjoy it, but here are the movies in the Tribeca Film Festival we’re most excited to see before it wraps up. For more info on times, tickets and venues, see the full schedule. -Cass Daubenspeck

1. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me

Esther Weary has only her clueless grandfather and his pet pug to rely on when it comes to growing up. So she’s pretty much on her own to discover the realities of becoming a woman. A comedy about a young woman’s exploration of ugliness and beauty. Playing 4/24 and 4/28.

2. Almost Christmas

Charming Paul Rudd and Paul Giarnatti are a pair of French Canadians who come to New York City and try to get rich selling Christmas Trees. Critics are calling this a “buddy comedy” which means it’s probably fun and funny; a perfect movie for a date! And Paul Rudd’s in it. Did we mention that already? Plays 4/24 and 4/28.

3. A Case of You

Justin Long (He’s Just Not That Into You) plays a young writer who woos a barista (Sienna Miller) with his slightly exaggerated online profile. Thing is, once they meet, he has to keep up the act or risk losing her. Vince Vaughn and Brendan Fraser also make an appearance. Plays 4/23, 4/25 and 4/28.

4. Atlantic Avenue

Seventeen-year-old male prostitute Jeremiah helps Celeste when she gets her scarf stuck in her wheelchair and blocks traffic. It’s love at first sight for her, but he’s too invested in his career. Things turn around, though, in this French romance. Plays 4/25 and 4/28.

5. Before Midnight

The third chapter of the love affair Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy started in 1995. This time, the passionate relationship continues on the streets of Greece. We wouldn’t miss it. Plays 4/24 at 6:45 pm

Another potential risk writers and directors of the film industry partake in is the film adaptation of popularized novels. Most of us wish that this industry would stop making terrible movie versions of Nicholas Sparks books (was anything good after The Notebook anyway?) and put tween-geared works like Beautiful Creatures to rest.

But we’ve found 5 book-turned-flicks that are definitely worth considering. Sit back with your overpriced bag of popcorn or sneak some candy in–2013 films are making a comeback. -Meryl Lumba

The Company You Keep

This political film is based on Neil Gordon’s 2003 novel whose two leading characters involve a fugitive-in-hiding for 30 years and an ethically conflicted journalist. Robert Redford and Shia LaBeouf make for an interesting duo. Both plots collide while both men’s loved ones stay in limbo. The Company You Keep debuted in limited theaters on April 5th!

The Great Gatsby

Most of us have read this classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. And Leo is still getting major screen time as this work’s sad and mysterious protagonist, Gatsby. Though the release date of this extravagant looking film has been pushed back almost an entire year, The Great Gatsby officially hits theaters May 10th (and in 3D too!). Let’s hope this film’s long-awaited debut is not too far from our expectations, unlike Gatsby’s green light.

World War Z

Even though The Walking Dead just had its season three finale, zombies are not too far away from our future. Readers of Max Brooks’ World War Z has argued that this work covers all of the apocalyptic things The Walking Dead hasn’t yet. Having Brad Pitt as the lead doesn’t hurt either! This novel’s historical account of the zombie apocalypse will definitely shake up jaded zombie viewers. World War Z raids theaters June 21st.

Catching Fire

Our girl crush J-Law is back and fiercer than ever. Catching Fire, the second novel of Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, will be packed with two different plots. First, the aftermath of the games. Second, the consequence of this year’s games. Viewers’ heart-strings will be pulled as Katniss’ affections toward two men get more diluted and conflict with life and death, leading the audience to the action-packed, final book of the series. Catching Fire’s trailer will be released April 14th, and the film itself will be out November 22nd.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This short story written by James Thurber will be adapted by Ben Stiller, who will have the lead role of Walter himself. Heavy-hitters Sean Penn (rumored) and Kristen Wiig will probably transform this short-story into something worthwhile. Based on a true-life adventure, Stiller will play a timid and daydreaming magazine photo manager until an important negative is lost. Though it looks like this film adaption will lean on the comedic side of things, let’s hope that its late release of December 25th promises lots of laughs.

Whether you decide to read the novels before the movie releases, it looks like the entertainment industry has some visually and intellectually compelling works for us to look forward to this year. So, laugh with Walter, cry with Katniss, or grab the green light (in 3D) with Gatsby–your film-filled future awaits.