I finished Middlesex about two months ago, so hopefully I can remember the book well enough to write about it.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Euginides was a very interesting book. It took me awhile to get interested in it, but once I got into it, I could not put down the book. The main character, born as Calliope, later known as Cal, is a hermaphrodite. If you're thinking that this book is weird, I can promise that it is not. The reader is invited into the mind of the main character, getting to know her/him as she grows up and matures into a man.

What makes this book unique from other coming of age novels is the narrator focuses on three generations of his family, rather than just his life. When the book opens we are introduced to Cal's grandparents. We learn about their move to America, and raising a family. Next we learn about Cal's parents, how they meet, fall in love, and eventually raise a family together. We are able to see the hardships both families go through. After learning about the lives of Cal's grandparents and parents, we are taken through Cal's life, up to the age of eighteen.

I loved this book for two reasons. The first reason is Greek mythology was mentioned in parts of the novel. Senior year of college, I took two Greek mythology classes, and loved them. I find all mythology fascinates me, and being able to recognize the mythical creatures mentioned in the book made me happy. The second reason why I loved the book so much was because I enjoy being in the mind of my characters. Since the narrator was Cal, the reader knows exactly what Cal is thinking and how she/he is feeling at that exact point in the book. It is hard enough being a young girl going through puberty and your teenage years. It is much harder to experience those years when you never receive your period, even though you're supposed to be a girl; go to an all girls school when you don't have a female figure; or fall in love with someone who does not love you.

As difficult as it was to watch Calliope struggle through her pre-teen and teen years, it was difficult to put the book down. Reading about Calliope's different love experiences were exciting. It was nice to read about her finding someone who accepts her as she is. It was also hard to put the book down when Calliope was upset and hurting because I wanted to see her happy again, and to figure out what she wanted with her life. Eventually Calliope realizes what she really is, and takes control of her life. Rather than letting a doctor dictate what happens to her body, Cal escapes. It was powerful to read about Cal's running away, but it took awhile for him to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He went through a few rough patches, which may scare the reader into not taking control of their own life.

Eugenides did not sugarcoat Cal's life. The novel had highs and lows for Cal and his family. The reader was able to relate to some of the issues the familes went through, feeling connected to the book. There was no "happily ever after" ending, but there also was not a completely devestating ending either.

We have all seen He's Just Not That Into You, and I am sure many of you hated the fact that Alex (Justin Long's character) has taught us about The Rule versus The Exception. He flat out states that when it comes to men, there is always a Rule, and most usually not an Exception. Of course as every woman watches this movie, they probably think to themselves "I will be the Exception". We see this in the movie with Jennifer Aniston's and Ben Affleck's characters. We also hear a story about being the Exception when Drew Barrymore tells Scarlett Johansson's character about a man she knows who was married for fifteen years, then meets the love of his life, and now they have been married for twenty years.

As I am reading Something Borrowed, I am constantly thinking about He's Just Not That Into You. I am sure many of you already know what Something Borrowed is sort of about, but if not, let me tell you. Rachel is the main character. At the start of the book, she is turning thirty years old. She is still single, and working at a job that she hates. Oh, and she's also the Maid of Honor for demanding, self-centered best friend, Darcey. All of a sudden, on one not-so-drunk night, Rachel sleeps with Darcey's fiance, Dex. The scandalous affair does not end there. Rachel and Dex continue to see each other.

I have forced myself to put down the book long enough to write this blog. I am up to the point where I will find out if Dex will stay with Darcey (The Rule), or if he will be with Rachel (The Exception). Even though I am 260 pages deep into the novel, I can honestly say that I am not sure if I want him to be with Rachel or Darcey.

Since I have briefly told you about Rachel, it is only fair that I discuss Darcey. Think of the one best friend you have that is perfect (I am sure everyone has one, unless you're the perfect one). She is super skinny, extremely confident, knows how to get all the men, and ALWAYS gets what she wants. I have two of these best friends in my life. You love them to death, thinking that they help you come out of your shell, and be exposed to more things. But in reality, you're the one sitting on the sidelines watching your best friend be the life of the party: flirting with all the guys, getting them to buy her drinks, basically bending over backwards for her. And you're sitting there, being forgotten about by your best friend. This is Darcey.

Darcey is still 29, a few months younger than Rachel. Rachel and Darcey have been best friends since elementary school. They lived next door to each other, and were always inseparable. Darcey always had a boyfriend, breaking up with her current boyfriend to upgrade. Darcey was always taking what Rachel wanted. First it was a boy, then a backpack, and then took an acceptance spot that Rachel really wanted at a college. Darcey constantly thinks about herself, making sure to bring her name into every single conversation. She constantly reminds Rachel that she is single, and is not getting any younger. Darcey also tells Rachel what to do. I have been in a friendship like this, and I would joke that I was my friends bitch. This is how I feel with Rachel and Darcey. Rachel is Darcey's bitch, being forced to do things she does not want to do. Even with all of this, Rachel stayed best friends with Darcey. They consider themselves sisters.

So I said before that I wasn't sure who I wanted Dex to end up with. After reading the description of Darcey, you're probably thinking that Dex should be with Rachel. That is what I thought when I first started this book. I never realized that I could be rooting for the mistress in an affair, but here I am feeling for Rachel, and getting angry at Darcey (maybe because I am able to relate to Rachel to well). As I get more into the book I realize that Darcey puts up a front, making sure people don't walk all over her. She stays strong in the public, but when it is just her and Rachel, she wants Rachel to take control (again I can relate to this). Darcey is always so grateful to have Rachel in her life, and as much as I would love for Dex and Rachel be together, I do not want Rachel and Darcey to stop being friends.

Now its a month from the wedding, and the Maid of Honor is sleeping with the Groom. I am unable to put this book down, and I can't wait to buy the next books in the series, knowing that I will have no life the rest of the week until I get these books finished. I seriously hope everyone of you reads this book. I honestly don't know how I haven't read it yet. Once you do start reading it, please let me know what you think about it!