Just one book, since most of the books I read are Cybils nominees and I may review them later.
Disenchanted Princess by Julie Linker
When her movie producer father is imprisoned for embezzling from his clients, West Deschanel is forced to move in with the only family she has left, her late mother’s sister and her family in Possum Grape, Arkansas.
West may be rich and spoiled, but she also has a good heart and manners, which was very refreshing. Toss in a humorous narration, budding friendships, an interest in fashion (as in making clothes, not just what to wear), and a hot guy, and you’ve got yourself an above average novel. I hate to use the term chick lit because so many people view it as a pejorative (though maybe I can get away with it because there really is a chick on the cover?), but this is really good example of the genre, and one that even people who don’t normally read it can enjoy.
In terms of other media, I have been listening to Iron & Wine’s The Shepherd’s Dog obsessively. Obsessively.