Lately I have been all about the reading since I am doing a summer reading program through my library and just as a spur of the moment decision decided to add this to my list of things I can give an opinion on.

Yes, I have always loved reading and have done a number of different programs and been in a few book groups so it's not really a stretch for me to thing that I have a good opinion about books. Especially since I have an opinion about everything, right? :) Either way I hope you like this new addition and I can't wait to share some of the things that I have been reading with you. I also hope to have guess book opinions too. That should be fun.

For our first book review I chose a book that has been all over the airwaves lately. Not because it just came out but because it's being turned into a movie that comes out in a few weeks. That's right I am talking about The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

The Help is a fictional book roughly based on African-American maids in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's and what their lives might have been like. Stockett, who grew up in Jackson and had an African-American maid/nanny during this time gives an interesting and entertaining look into the good, bad and just ridiculousness of her three main characters lives.

In the book, Miss Skeeter, upset because of a suggestion from one of her friends decides to write a book about the truth of African-American maids in white homes. Driven by the love that she had for her maid she reaches out to Aibileen the only real maid that she knows and together along with Minny another maid they put together a book that blows a lid off some of the souths best kept secrets.

Each character; Aibileen, Minny, and Miss Skeeter (Eugenia), each get a chance to tell how working on the book affects them as the story is written in the first person. You get not only a look into their working lives but their family lives and the lives of each community. The separation of the 60's is clear but what also is clear is that there was a lot of love and togetherness also. That friendships and bonds can be created across any line, racial or otherwise, during even the most unlike of times and places, namely the civil rights movement and the deep south.

As an African-American woman at first some of the information was hard for me to stomach. An example would be when Aibileen takes about making .95 an hour and only bringing home $172 a month. Of course I knew that for that time that was more or less accurate but just the thought. I was however impressed that she was able to have a home on this salary considering when I found my first real full-time job I was making $14,000 a year and couldn't rent an apartment.

Yet once I moved past my own issues I saw the story for what it is, a reminder that although we may not be the same we aren't exactly all that different either and that we can love each other just as strongly as we can love anyone else. The author quoted one of the lines in the book that

remind us off this point.

"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."

I would definitely recommend this book and I do plain to see the movie and I might even take my cheap butt to the theater to see it. Sure I will end up paying more that $.95 but I also don't bring home $172 a month. Glad times have changed but as the saying goes, "those that don't know the history are bound to repeat it". Thanks Kathryn for making sure we remember our history.

If you have been watching the Bachelorette like all us other crazy people then you know that tonight is the night that she decides which bachelor she will spend her life with or at the very least the next six months.

It's come down to two luck fellas; Ben and JP. Both are handsome in their own way and both seem to have fallen for our latest bachelorette Ashley but which will she chose. Having watched the whole season I decided to come up with the top three reasons she should chose each.

Let's start with JP who is a 34 year old construction worker from New York. He seems to have been hurt before but which bachelor this season hadn't and he might be a little gun shy about truly committing even though he has sounded a little possessive of Ashley over the last few weeks. Here are my reasons that Ashley could possibly make a life with JP:

1. He is a really good listener: When everything happened with Bentley JP was the only guy that really sat and listened to her explanation without getting extremely upset. This could prove to be a great quality in the future.
2. He has given some great kisses this season: Chemistry is important in just about any relationship and if that is the case then these two have it is spades. Let's not forget the overnights where Ashley came out wearing just a shirt for bed.
3. He is a manly man: Think about it; a construction worker? That just screams someone that will take charge and make sure his woman is taken care of. That could be both good and bad but either way would probably be fun.

Then there is Ben; a 28 year old, winemaker from California. Ben has been changed and from the sounds of it challenged by the loss of his father and admittedly wasn't as open to falling in love just a little while ago. Still he seems to have gotten over his fears and really opened up to the processes. Here's my thoughts on why Ben could be good for Ashley:

1. He is sensitive I know a lot of people think that a man crying is a sign of weakness but I feel the opposite. After all the years of being told not to do it the fact that they can says that they are strong enough to take the criticism. No one likes a cry baby (Jason M.) but a few tears here and there aren't so bad and Ben has shown that he can get emotional with the best.
2. He makes her laugh: If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach than the way to a woman's heart it through her funnybone. Sure we love the sexy, brooding bad boy but that isn't the guy we settle down with. In the end we all want someone that can make us laugh even when we feel like crying and he has done that for Ashley.
3. He also has a serious side: Sure laughter is great but you don't want a clown. Yet finding some one that has a good balance of both is a hard task but Ashley seems to have found it. Ben hasn't been shy about his feels or sharing his past with her and that is a good thing.

Overall, my opinion is that she should chose Ben over JP. I think JP is a little older for her and at a different point in his life than she is. However, Ben while looking for a serious relationship and ready to propose I think still wants to have some fun.

Having said all that I wouldn't be surprised if she chooses JP considering that the only person that has ever chosen who I thought they should was Jason M. and that was Melissa. To say my enjoyment was short lived wouldn't be an understatement considering that he dumped her not five seconds later on national television.

Sure all the others have also gone boom in epic fashions and some not so epic, except Ali and Roberto and I'm really pulling for them, so I don't really hold out a lot of hope for either guy. Having said that I do also think JP would make an interesting bachelor to watch come next season so maybe I have some selfish reasons for waiting Ashley to pick Ben.

Either way in less than twenty-four hours we will know which it is going to be and how the other will take it (I've heard there will be anger). Be sure to tune in and as always leave those opinions for me.

Ps. Added bonus for Ben is that they are starting to look alike and according to my aunt that makes for a good marriage. I don't get it but do with that what you will :).

Hello all. I simply had to come here and tell you that I have a new title. I am the new

DVD Dork

I know, I know. Why would I be excited about such a title but it just seemed to fit and it call came about yesterday.

It started when a friend of mine and I went to see a play. As we were waiting for it to start and talking about different movies. I was going on and on about the actor commentaries and the behind the scenes special features and all the great extras and my friend just looked at me and said "you are such a DVD dork". As soon as she said it I fell in love. That is just like the most perfect title for me and the reviews that I have been doing with Cheap Girls Guide to DVDs because I really do get excited the more extras that a DVD comes with.

There you have it. So the DVD dork will be back soon to post some more DVD and movie reviews and let you know my opinion on all things DVD related.

Renting a movie I haven't seen had become something of a tradition for on national holidays. Well, everyone except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although some Easters and Thanksgiving have found me with my over filled plate in front of the television eyes glued to what was before me. But that isn't the point for today. I only really mentioned it because as most of you should know Monday was the 4th of July and lead to today's Cheap Girl recommendation; Red Riding Hood.

First off I have to tell you that I am having the darnest time not calling it "Little Red Riding Hood" as that was what I grew up with but I am trying to keep it in perspective and realize that this was suppose to be a Red Riding Hood for the new millennium and in that respect it didn't disappoint.

I have to tell you that although I remember reading the book as a child I don't one hundred percent remember it except of course for the line about the big eyes, ears and teeth. I knew that it was about a girl that lived in a village and that she was off to visit her grandmother while wearing a red hooded coat. I also vaguely remember that she is saved from the wolf by a woodsman. Past that they could have added vampires and I might have thought it was the same story (I only mention vampires because it was directed by the same woman that directed a little known movie named Twilight).

However even with my wary lack of knowledge of the story I have to say that in my opinion I think it held pretty true. There was a girl in a red hooded coat and a woodsman and a wolf. Really what more could you ask for? Moving past that into the heart of the movie I found that I was really confused as to who the wolf could be and when we found out who it was and why I was a little shocked.

Sure the acting isn't the best and if you have seen any of those Twilight movies this wolf looks more like a German Shepard than an actual wolf in comparison but it was entertaining. I really enjoyed Gary Oldman as the priest brought in to help destroy the wolf. There was a darkness to him that made you almost hate him even as you could understand why his character acted as he did.

I am sure that there were more love triangles in this version that my childhood book ever thought of and way more skin almost bared but again this isn't your grandmother's Red Riding Hood.

Overall, if you get the chance I would recommend taking it. It was well worth it and it didn't make me wish I had kept my money in my pocket. It didn't make me want to go out and buy a red coat but then again neither did the book.

Yes, after two weeks of leading previews and Ashley's "Bentley whine" he finally made an appearance. Bentley returned; let the drinking games begin.

We started in another country this week. Either sick of the rain in Thailand or just ready to move on we found ourselves in Hong Kong. A beautiful city that actually did make me want to rush out and buy a ticket to join them. But even with the beauty of the city we start with drama. Chris showed up bright and early to let Ashley know that Bentley was in the building. After talking about how fast her heart was beating and the craziness of him being there Ashley left her room for his to get the "closer" that she needed.

Bentley as slick as ever welcomed her with a kiss as if he hadn't once said it was boring kissing her and lead her into his room. They talked as Ashley told him how much she had missed him and asked why he didn't just end things when he left without leaving a dot, dot, dot for her to wonder about. He tried to make it sound as if he only really said that because he didn't know the future. He then proceeded to tell her that they should just make this a period to their relationship to which she asked why he didn't just call if that was all he had to say. She also grew a little back bone and asked if he only came there for the free trip for which he had no answer. Leaving she told the cameras how she was through wasting her time thinking about him and that she was ready to move on. Adding something that needed to be censured as an aside if he was watching. Enter the drinking game.

Yes Bentley was gone and yes she said she was over him and done thinking about him but I still played by Bentley drinking game for each time she said his name and while I wasn't as drunk as I could have been I was still quite buzzed by the end of the two hours.

Starting off the real dates was Lucas's one-on-one. I would love to give you all the details but truthfully I was as bored as Ashley looked. I can tell you that she did mention Bentley about three more times while talking about the date but for the most part it was dull. I do remember their dinner and thinking why is she giving him a rose and also remember there was no kiss for our fair Lucas because again I really think she was bored.

Then there was the group date which might be my favorite group date so far. They had to go out and find people to row with them in a competition that I don't remember the name of cause I was so busy laughing as they tried to ask people to help. To say things were lost in translation was an understatement. Three teams and they all had different approaches but all were hilarious. In the end Ames and Blake won but was well worth it. After the competition they had the group cocktail party that lead into more Ryan P. bashing and annoyance as she gave him the rose for the date. It was almost as funny as the first part of the date had been.

Lastly we come to the date of the week. JP received his second one-on-one, the only one to do that so far, and it really made me like him. See in this date Ashley decided to tell him about Bentley coming to Hong Kong and everything that she had been thinking and going through. Unlike some men that would have jumped in and asked questions or gotten upset (more on that later) he sat there and let her finish before he said anything. He really listened and in the end supported her decision to get the closer that she needed. Welcome to an adult relationship, if there weren't 7 other guys.

Now I really want to talk about the rose ceremony this week because after talking to JP and his understanding the situation Ashley decided to share with all the other guys and lets just say that the rest were not as open or understanding. They balked and showed their anger and Mickey went so far as to take himself out of the running and opted to go home. Okay look I understand that you might be upset that she was drowning on and on about someone else while you were getting to know her but come on. It wasn't like she cheated on you. Each guy knew going in that there was a chance that Ashley could fall for someone else so don't get mad because she was honest with you about it happening and being open to moving on. That is just silly. End of rant and on to my favorite part.

The kiss of the night goes to Ames this week. It wasn't during the rose ceremony but during the group date cocktail party. Here he took her for a ride in the elevator and while there decided to just pull her in and plant a nice long kiss on her. Lips off to you for making it so good that both of you forgot what you were talking about and where you were going. Can I get one of those elevator rides?

*Pictures provided by ABC and Google

The gloves have come off or gone on as the situation maybe and these guys are ready to fight for Ashley's love. Too bad some just aren't as prepared as the others. This week while we are still in Thailand the dates went a little smoother. Sorry that was a lie. The dates this week were an absolute train wreak leaving blood, despair and broken hearts all along the way.

We start simple enough. A nice one-on-one date with Ben F. who really impressed Ashley during the group date last week and who I have to say is a little cutey in an almost geekish way. I liked their date even if it wasn't all waterfalls and pop star serenades. The walk through the streets and took in the local culture almost breaking the rules of no public kissing in front of a sacred temple. Sure they did end the date with a candle troupe dance or something like that but still it was a nice date that made me like Ben F. just a little bit more. Added bonus was that the mentioning of Bentley was almost nonexistent but everything went down hill from there.

Now maybe it's just me but I don't think I would ever think it would be a good idea to take a group of men competing for a woman's affections and attentions on a date where they can literally beat the crap out of each other. But that is exactly what Ashley did. I don't know if it was her idea or the producers but who ever came up with it needs to see someone soon. I'm surprised they didn't play the "Let's get ready to rumble" song as the men were walking out in their little boxing outfits; wait I think I'm getting ahead of myself.

On the group date Ashley took the guys to learn Muay Thai which is a cross between boxing and kickboxing and almost street fighting. They learn the basics in what looked like a fifteen minute class and then they were given little boxing outfits, paraded out to the local street ring (yes they fight in the street) and paired up against each other. Can you say crazy? I'm not a big fan of boxing in general but at least those men have years of training under their belts. These poor guys were just going at each other in hopes of impressing Ashley or at the very least standing out and that was exactly what Ames did but not for the reason that he wanted.

Unlike some of the other guys sweet Ames admitted that he had never been in a fight or thrown a punch or had any physical altercations. Why then get in this ring? To impress Ashley and get her attention and that is what he did. He had her attention when he almost got knocked out. He had her attention when he was sitting on the sidelines looking dazed and confused and not in the I just got high way. He had her attention when she had to go get a ambulance to take him to the hospital and he had her attention during the group date when he showed back up with a concussion. Way to go Ames.

As if that wasn't enough then we had the dreaded two-on-one date where two go out but only one comes back. This time it was William and Ben C. on the chopping block. The went to ride elephants and hang out by the river. William who had been mostly quiet since is bomb and the bacherlorette roast was back in the game. He pulled Ashley aside and proceeded to tell her how Ben was ready to go home as he had been saying things about what he would do when he got home and the dating websites that he would be on. With this information Ashley promptly sent Ben packing in one of the quickest and almost heartless cuts of the season.

After Ben left William was all about the date thinking that he had won somehow. Yet Ashley still wasn't sure. She went through the rest of the date but in the end didn't feel like she and William would ever get back to the fun and chemistry that they had on their first date in Vegas so with a rose still on the table she also sent William packing too. This made me laugh until he started talking in the limo and I quickly became concerned for his safety as he sounded suicidal. I guess it's a good thing that the didn't get married on that first date.

Back to another rose ceremony. This week instead of telling you that she sent another guy home after all the drama I decided to start a new thing; kiss of the week. Yes, there was one kiss that did come in the middle of the rose ceremony cocktail party that to me was head and shoulders above the rest. Lips off to you JP for pulling Ashley aside during another rain storm no less and giving her a great kiss under your umbrella-ella-ella. We should all get so lucky.

Bentley didn't show up but Ashley still mentioned him and even went so far as to tell Chris Harrison that she needed closer. Again my previews showed him coming back so I guess we will just have to wait and see.

*Photos courtesy of ABC and Google.