Cover to Cover Book Club: Link-Up #1

Hi Everyone! Today I'm guest posting over on Katie's Blog, His Diamond and Mine and I'd love for you to stop by and check it out!

In other news, today is the first link-up for the wonderful blogger book club that I'm a part of, Cover 2 Cover! I'll be linking up with Ashley at Everyday AEM and Crystal at Coffee at Nordstrom along with many others for our first book review. 

This month's book: How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy

1. What do you think is the most important piece of advice that Jordan Christy gave in this book?

I think one of the most important bits of advice in the book was the title of chapter 4, "Choose Your Friends Wisely." During the past year, I have learned so much about people that I originally thought were my friends and then showed their true colors. The people that you surround yourself with have a huge impact on how you act and feel. I can't afford to put time into friendships when that friendship isn't reciprocated.

2. What do you think is the most obnoxious “Stupid Girl” characteristic?

One thing that annoys me to no end, is when girls don't wear suitable clothing when they go out. I understand if you have more to love in certain places, but there are clothes to enhance all body types, and personally, I don't want to see it. Also, language. I will never begin to understand why some women curse like they do. I have encountered this in person, online and in meetings. I think if women ever want to have a job and be seen as a professional, this is something that has got to go!

3. There were SO many great quotes in this book. Do you have a favorite?

I have a couple favorite quotes: 

p88 "...It's important that we take stock of our current relationships. Are we happy with our friends? Are they dragging us down? Can we count on them no matter what?"

p134 "Great style starts with always looking your best, no matter what day, time, or occasion."

p135 "People always remember a chic and classy outfit, so when in doubt, dress it up."

4. What do you hate most about how our modern day media portrays women? Which celebrity do you dislike the most?

I've never been much of a celebrity follower, but the way that the media portrays what is beautiful amazes me. No person should think that they have to be a size 00 to be perfect. There are so many beautiful women out there that think they have so be this small to be considered beautiful and it's really sad. I don't really dislike any certain celebrities, but there are some that I think serve as a great example to young women, such as:

Reese Witherspoon

Emma Watson

Kate Middleton

 5. Jordan Christy said that one of the best ways to cultivate a healthy self-image is by celebrating your positive and unique qualities. If you have the time, take the “9 Types” Personality Test here:http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/dis_sample_36.asp Did you discover anything new about yourself? Which type are you? Which traits do you feel are most representative of you?

After taking the personality test, I found out that I am a type 2, "The Helper." Some of the words that describe type 2's are caring, interpersonal, generous, demonstrative, people-pleasing and possessive. I think that many of these are very accurate to my personality while some are questionable. I think it's always nice to take personality quizzes like this one because it can make you aware of things you may not notice about yourself.

 6. What are the top 5 things on your Smart Girl list? (goals to become a more articulate, knowledgeable, and well-rounded person.. see Jordan’s list on page 62)

I have found that the items I put on my Smart Girl list are also many of my goals for the next year, so they are very close to my heart.

1. Graduate from college with honors

2. Decide what I truly want to do with my future

3. Be able to live out on my own

4. Find time to read all the books on my LONG list

5. Give back in some way

 7. One of Jordan’s suggestions for staying out of a rut with your group of friends is to travel together to your “signature cities.” If you have time, take the signature cities quiz here: http://www.testq.com/career/quizzes/84-whats-your-signature-city What’s your signature city? Have you ever been there? Do you ever see yourself visiting your signature city in the future? Would you ever consider traveling to your signature city with your group of friends?

My signature city is Savannah, GA. I have been there once, but I was simply driving through with my family on our way to Disney World, when I was younger. I don't think this really counts as a visit and I would love to go back someday! I love traveling in general, so this is definitely somewhere that I would consider visiting. Anywhere with great food, entertainment, and people is where I want to be!

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8. Overall, what did you think about the book? What was your favorite part of the book? Least favorite?

The book was a nice, quick read, but I usually like to read books that have a story line of some sort. Emily Giffin and Kristin Hannah are two of my favorite authors. My favorite part was the chapter about friends and how to surround yourself with those that support you. My least favorite chapter was "Let Him Come Calling." I agree with Christy in most of her views of how to act toward males, though there were some examples she used that I thought were a bit old school and did not apply to me.

Overall, this book was a nice read and I would recommend it to a friend.