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I never knew self-help books could be so funny. Before I recommend this book to anyone else, I would like to inform that it's a book written for the 'working-dating-women'. So it may not be of much help, but it's awesome-ly funny ! In this book, Greg and Liz unwind the so-seemingly-complicated-male brain :P Greg tells us that all those signs women have been discussing over coffee and cocktails just mean one thing - "he's just not that into you" - he also says that a guy who loves you will do everything he can. He says a lot more but you'll have to read it all :P 
What I love about the book - how the chapters are arranged. They start with a title on what sign means he's not into you. They go on with Greg's explanation. They get really funny when Greg answers mail by different women, wanting to know the meaning of some sign. The chapter ends by Liz telling us why the particular sign can be hard to not believe and then a small exercise [really hilarious]. 
Another thing I loved - the guy's sense of humor ! I love the names he invents for the stupid women who ask him advice for obvious signs and the way he motivates them. [I'll post the funniest quotes in our quotes section]. 
A self-help book with an edge - it's a light-hearted, funny read - it sure made me laugh my head off. [Also, gave us the explanations to a particular guy behaviour :P ]. I rate it 3 hearts. :)

With a big laugh :D
Dawn <3

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P.S. - Here's an excerpt to show what I mean :P enjoy

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/excerpts/2004-09-08-hes-just_x.htm
 
Let's just say - THIS BOOK IS WORTH READING. I wholeheartedly disagree with some critics calling it a "peice of literary trash" or "not entertaining in a way that it is too full of drama". Kkrishnaa's Konfessions is a hilarious tale that would keep you on the edge of your seat and will leave you craving for more. I love the spunky character of Kkrishnaa, our 20-something protagonist, the scriptwriter of a leading soap opera and the way her mind works. Smita Jain captures her character perfectly in this book which she has expressed so vivaciously. It may be a bit "too-much" for those who prefer peaceful reads, but for readers like me who simply LOVE some drama, humour and a fast paced read, this book is a go-to for sure. The reality check of behind-the-scenes of Indian soap production houses, Indian Police and the daily goings-on of the un-typical indian households is hilarious! I reccommend this book to all those seeking a concentrated dose of laughter and pure entertainment :)
Full-of-laughter-ly yours,
Kira ;)
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“Since I had had the misfortune of laying my hands on the cursed telescope my life had gone berserk, I thought miserably. I had witnessed a murder, been shot at (by a supari killer, no less), spent a night in the slammer and seen a man killed right in front of me. But having my story and screenplays stolen — that really took the cake.”    
How far would you go to get what you want?    
a) Steal b) Scam c) Seduce    
For Kkrishnaa, the 20-something, impulsive, gutsy and unapologetically ambitious scriptwriter of television soap operas, the answer would be d) all of the above.

And what she wants most right now is to retain her long-running, hugely successful primetime show Kkangan Souten Ke. Unfortunately for her, she has writer’s block and knows it. What is worse, her Creative Director knows it, and is threatening to hand over the pen to Kkrishnaa’s erstwhile love and current adversary, Dev Trivedi.

Kkrishnaa must find inspiration if she wants to keep the show. So she decides to spy on her neighbours, a decision that unfortunately leads to her witnessing a murder. And thence ensues a rambunctious, rollercoaster ride as Kkrishnaa desperately attempts to keep her job, resist Dev Trivedi’s charms – and oh yes – avoid getting killed….

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Best. Series. Ever. Period. :P
Literally, for me and Kira - we just luuurrrvvve all ten books. And everything about it ! The story, Mia's transition, her- oops, I think I'm getting a bit too carried away.

So, as of a review, The Princess Diaries written by Meg Cabot is a series of 10 books which take us through the story of Mia Thermopolis, a freshman in high school who has problems to deal with - a flat chest, no boyfriend and her mom dating her algebra teacher, a subject she tends to flunk. She is given a journal by her mother to record her feelings in and that's how the story starts. In the middle of the first book, she is told by her father that she is Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, Princess of Genovia - and THAT'S where the story starts. The whole series deals with how she gets used to being a princess, doing her duties and still being with friends. Also, how she gets a boyfriend after crushing on him for half her life. Through the course of the story, we learn how she tries to achieve self-actualization, deals with high school problems and the pressure of being a princess. The laughs, tears, girl-info (you know what I mean :P ) and the advice - this series has it ALL. 

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So, as for our views- the first was a ride on a roller coaster. One second she's a normal freshman, the next she's a princess. It was really interesting. The second was an awesome sequel - it had all the charm (and a lot more :P) of the first book. The third was one of my favorites ! The fourth was the first introduction of Mia as a princess - it tells us about all her duties and stuff. The fifth had some really funny incidents which made me laugh my head off. The sixth was a bit slow and boring since she talked about one thing in the whole book (a span of a few weeks). The seventh picked up pace again and a new character entry brought a whole lot of ups and downs. The eighth sped up like a train through a tunnel and left Mia (and me !) heart-broken. The ninth was an awesome rise - in Mia, her feelings and everything else about her ! And last but not the least - The Tenth Part. BEST BOOK EVER ! Everything changes and it's for the best. Mia and her friends graduate, the love of her life comes back and she achieves self-actualization. 

Even though all the incidents in Mia's life are very funny and strange, even though she's a princess - we all can easily relate. The story feels very real - all the cliques, weirdness :P , sleepovers, obsession about crushes and everything else - everything is just so similar to our high school experience.
I could go on writing about the ten books the whole night.
I just love this series. So does Kira. We've read the other books by Meg too but this will ALWAYS be our fave. :) 

If you're a chick-flick lover and you haven't read the books - Dude ! Stop living under a rock and read them ASAP ! 
5 Hearts forever. :) 

Totally Mia-ish-ly yours :P

Dawn <3

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Flipped is a story that takes an unusual journey through the usual story of childhood love. This book is written in a he-said-she-said manner, with alternating chapters from the perspective of our two protagonists presenting their thoughts on the shared set of events. Personally, I found the book a bit gloomy. For me, it lacked that "sunshine" that books like those of authors like Meg Cabot, Louise Rennison or Jennifer Rardin possess. Although it is a well written story with a sweet "first crush", I do not find it as entertaining as I had thought it to be. It is slow and some parts seem to be dragged forever. I did complete it which means it's a good enough book, but sadly I can't rate it higher than 2.5 hearts.

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The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.

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