Trashionista

September 7, 2011 6:53 PM

BOOK NEWS: Katy Perry: The Unauthorized Biography

If you're a fan of chart sensation Katy Perry, then you may be pleased to know that a new autobiography will soon be published. Katy Perry: The Unauthorized Biography will be released on September 15th (with a cover that fits Katy perfectly) and is penned by Alice Montgomery, author of various bestselling autobiographies.

Ever since the international chart-topping hit, I Kissed a Girl, Katy Perry hasn't stopped making headlines. From reaching number one in charts worldwide to selling out concerts around the globe, her phenomenal success has propelled her to the A-list. But it didn't always seem like she was destined for stardom.

Brought up in a deeply religious community, Katy was allowed to listen only to church music. However, with her astounding musical gift, along with plenty of willpower, Katy was determined to follow her dream. Her rise to the top was cemented in 2010, when after a flurry of media gossip; she married the most controversial figure on British TV -­ Russell Brand.

Bestselling biographer Alice Montgomery traces Katy's steps to stardom from her choir girl beginnings to her breakthrough in the music business and her secret wedding ceremony in India, to reveal the intimate story behind the most exciting and unpredictable pop star around.

Packed full of photos, juicy celebrity insights and intimate facts, this is the must-have book for all fans, young and old, of Katy Perry.

Posted by Elle Symonds on September 7, 2011 in Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (16)

June 22, 2011 11:37 PM

NEW RELEASE: Self-Printed: The Sane Person's Guide to Self-Publishing

For all the aspiring writers out there, and especially those who are looking to delve into the world of self-publishing, here's one for you!

Catherine Ryan Howard penned the fantastic memoir Mousetrapped about her year working in Orlando. Surprisingly, the brilliant book was self-published - and now Catherine is sharing her expertise on the world of self-printing in a new book released on the Kindle.

Self-Printed: The Sane Person's Guide to Self-Publishing is packed with hints and tips on creating a professional self-published book. Being a fan of Catherine's writing (and being interested in the various ways of author self-promotion), I had to check this out. Watch this space for a review!

Read on for the blurb, or click here to check ut Catherine Ryan Howard's blog.

Do you think that no one has the right to stand between you and your published writer dreams? That the publishing industry is going down in flames and self-publishers are going to rise like a 99c phoenix from the ashes? That all literary agents are interested in doing is blogging sarcastically about the rhetorical question at the start of your query letter, that editors will just use your submitted manuscript for kindling and that you'll be senile before you hear back from either of them? That once you've uploaded the book you finished yesterday afternoon to Amazon, it'll be mere minutes before the money starts rolling in and you can quit your day job? Do you say things like gatekeepers, The Big Six, Dan Brown, legacy publishing and indie authors a lot? Are you self-publishing to "show them all"?

If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions then I do apologise, but this isn't the book for you.

This book is for writers who consider self-publishing to be a good Plan B, or even a sideline to traditional publication. Who want to do it the cheapest and easiest way possible while still producing a quality product. Who understand that much like Starbucks outlets and Nespresso coffee machines, traditional and self-publishing can peacefully co-exist. Who know that they don't have to sell a million copies of their book to start earning a living from their writing, but that they do have to work hard and treat it like a business. Who are blessed with common sense and live in the real world at least most of the time. Who find my jokes funny.

If this sounds like you, then Self-Printed: The Sane Person's Guide to Self-Publishing may be just the "How To..." guide you were looking for. It will tell you everything you need to know in order to publish a Print On Demand paperback and e-book, and - crucially - sell them, without sounding like anti-Big Publishing propaganda produced by the Ministry of Truth.

Be warned: you are now entering a No Saying "Gatekeepers" Zone...

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 22, 2011 in Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 10, 2011 5:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Handbag and Wellies Yoga Club

I'm a huge fan of memoirs and love discovering new ones, so I was pleased to come across The Handbag and Wellies Yoga Club by Lucy Edge. Lucy's first memoir, Yoga School Dropout, was published in 2006 and chronicles Lucy's adventures as she leaves her professional London life to head to India to find herself and learn more about yoga.

Unfortunately I hadn't read Yoga School Dropout before picking up this latest book, but it's now one for the wishlist. In The Handbag and Wellies Yoga Club, Lucy is back in London with new partner David. Tiring of bustling city life, they feel it would be a good idea to move to the countryside for a new beginning - especially with the family they're planning.

Lucy embraces the idea of moving to the idyllic countryside of Norfolk, and pretty soon she and David have found a house, complete with the usual country chores and welcoming neighbours in a place where everyone knows each other - a big difference to their London lifestyle. Pretty soon they're meeting new friends, and Lucy tries out yoga classes around the area. But how successful is yoga in close-knit Beccles? Will Lucy still be able to maintain her love for yoga?

Admittedly I have never tried yoga, and don't particularly know much about it. But that was what made this book interesting. I wanted to find out more about yoga and the premise of a yoga-loving professional finding her roots in the country was appealing. However, after the first 100 or so pages, I still couldn't really get into ths book. I loved reading about the move, but after that nothing much really happened; nothing that made this book as interesting as I'd hoped. I felt myself wanting to skip over the conversations with her middle-class girlfriends as they simply weren't that interesting, or funny for that matter.

However, Lucy does touch on the subject of infertility in women over 40, which was interesting although I feel that she could have written more about this issue in the book. Lucy is very truthful when writing about her struggle to conceive, and with so many women in a similar situation who could relate, I felt that this could have been more of a stronger subject.

I had high hopes for this book but really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. That said, I'm still looking forward to reading Yoga School Dropout, as I feel that Lucy's original travels to India would make a wonderful read. Lucy has an intriguing writing style which works wonderfully in her memoirs and I'd love to check out her first book - but this one just didn't grab my attention.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try The Exmoor Files by Liz Jones

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 10, 2011 in Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 31, 2011 9:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Being a writer (well, trying to be, if my agent likes the latest draft...), I'm admittedly rather fond of writing guides. Okay, so I've tried NaNoWriMo on quite a few occasions, and failed on every single one. I've attempted to work to a strict timetable, and failed on that too. So even though I'm not really in search of the guide to top all guides - the book that will guarantee me a place in the bestseller list - I still read them, mainly because it's interesting to read what advice other writers have to give. Especially published, successful and fun writers such as Jane Wenham-Jones.

I'd previously read Jane's writing guide, Wannabe a Writer? (which we reviewed back in 2007) but was told of her latest book, Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? by a published friend who highly recommended it. Needless to say, I'd ordered it within five minutes of her telling me how good it was, and was excited when it arrived.

Okay, so before I go on, this is not a writing guide. In fact, Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? is the next step to publishing success. Jane covered the subject of completing the novel in her first book, and this latest offering is all about what happens next. Mainly, after you're published.

If you're not yet published, or if you haven't snared an agent yet, don't be put off. This book can help you a LOT. In fact, if you haven't even finished your novel, this book can still give you a fabulous insight into what happens once your book is complete.

The book focuses mainly on the many ways in which an author can promote their book. It seems like an easy task, and many believe that once the book is in the hands of the publisher, that marketing is instantly taken care of. Wrong.

It's not that easy. And even though once a book is published, publishers and their PR teams work on promoting the novel to a certain extent, there is so much more that the author can do. And this is what Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? covers.

Jane provides tips and advice on a wide variety of subjects, such as the author photo, networking and how to use the media to your advantage. Again, many think that book signings, radio interviews and news pieces come to you, the author - but again, not always! An author has a lot to do in terms of promotion and this book covers every aspect, with advice not only from Jane but also contributions from a variety of other authors such as Joanna Trollope, Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and India Knight.

The book is packed with handy tips, and reading it I couldn't believe how much I hadn't thought about. Sure, we all imagine what it's going to be like after publication - the signings (visions may include having to fight off potential stalker-types who love your book so much), the launch parties with champagne flowing well into the night. But there are plenty of other aspects to think about, such as networking, social networking, and getting your book out there.

This is a fantastic book and I'm so glad I was told about it. I'd personally recommend it to anyone who'd like to become a published writer - whether you're almost there or just starting out, this is an essential tool. Wannabe A Writer We've Heard Of? is an absolute must for anyone who's interested in a career in writing. Once again, thanks Jane Wenham-Jones for providing us with such a great and helpful read.

Rating: 5/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 31, 2011 in Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 18, 2011 10:04 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Exmoor Files by Liz Jones

I have kind of a love-hate thing going on when it comes to Liz Jones. For those who haven't a clue who I'm talking about, Miss Jones is a controversial columnist in UK newspaper The Daily Mail. She's also a former editor of Marie Claire. Liz's weekly anecdotes in the press, along with her other articles that generally involve a lot of 'bitching and moaning' have gained countless negative comments and an army of readers who flock to her column out of sheer curiosity, to see what odd revelation about her life she'll come out with next.

I'm one of those readers.

Even so, despite often questioning Liz's security in herself (and sometimes even her sanity), I can't help but like her writing. As strange as it sounds, her written voice is addicitve and enjoyable. Back when it was released, I picked up Liz's novel Liz Jones's Diary, and even though I disagreed with a lot of the things Liz said and did, I read the entire book and, well, liked it.

So when I heard about her latest book, The Exmoor Files, I wanted to read it immediately. Anyone who follows her You column in the Mail each Sunday will probably recall Liz's divorce from cheating, lazy husband Nirpal and her move from London to the countryside. It certainly made for interesting reading.

The Exmoor Files: How I Lost a Husband and Nearly Found Rural Bliss begins with Liz's first visit to her new home, a large Exmoor farmhouse complete with a stable block, acres of land and a broken Aga. After her husband's numerous affairs, Liz has decided to trade her city life of luxury in for life in the country, hoping the change will be just what she needs after years of being unhappy, despite having the cash to own everything she's ever wanted. The move could be a fresh new chapter in her life.

But it's never that easy.

With the ex still being in contact, Liz is still trying hard to move on, albeit with her new animals - racehorses that she has rescued just in time. Liz is the ultimate animal lover and her affection for her cats and horses, as well as the determination she shows to keep her horses fully looked after, shines through.

Despite the fact that she's being somewhat shunned by the community, Liz is determined to get by and not admit defeat.

Without giving too much away about the book, which contains a lot more new material, I will say that The Exmoor Files does show a side to Liz that I hadn't read before. An endearing, softer side that's evident in this book. Which is a shame, as reading her columns my mind seems to automatically conjure a bitter, ageing cat lady with a hatred for absolutely everything. But after reading this book, it doesn't seem that way at all. Liz actually seems kinder than she comes across in the media and there were some aspects with which I could fully sympathise.

Liz's ex-husband Nirpal appears in the book quite a lot, which was to be expected. His actions are truly awful and I do wonder what made Liz put up with this man for an entire seven years, let alone take him back on numerous occasions. Even though Liz, at the very beginning, seemed to think that expense and possessions made for a great life (the designer name-dropping in her first book really grated on my nerves) there is no excuse for his behaviour.

This book made me sympathise with Liz just a little, and made me think that perhaps she's not the snotty person she portrays herself to be in her columns. Of course, it could be the other way round - maybe this book is making her out to be something she's not? Even so, I liked The Exmoor Files. Did Liz find the secret to a better life that she'd hoped for? Well, you'll have to read it to find out. But the book, although coming complete with Liz's slightly cynical side, is still refreshing.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 18, 2011 in Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 18, 2010 1:13 AM

CHRISTMAS READ: Fearne & Holly's 'Best Friends' Guide to Life'

Just like every year, at the first mention of Christmas the celebrities start releasing their autobiographies quicker than...well, quicker than some of us can wolf down mince pies. *Cough*. Even so, with TV talent (and the not so talented) releasing their life stories left right and centre, there are still some great gems. TV presenters and renowned best friends Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby released their offering, The Best Friends' Guide to Life, last month (the cover is so cute!). Here's some more information about the book...

What makes a great friend? Has Facebook ruined dating? What's the secret to effortless style? "Hello! This is a book written by proper best friends - us! - who have been hanging out together for over ten years. We thought that if we shared some of our own experiences and views on friendship, relationships, leaving home, studying or starting a new job, then it might help you on your own journey. Inside you'll find loads of stories - some funny, some sad, and some that make us cringe with embarrassment - as well as tips and advice on things like dating and looking good. We've included our best photos from over the years (even the dodgy ones!) and drawings that Fearne has done especially. Let's face it, life isn't easy at times so we hope that this book will make you laugh, entertain you, but most of all that it might be a bit like talking to your very best friend."

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 18, 2010 in New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 30, 2010 10:12 PM

BOOK REVIEW: How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley

For some reason, I've been attracted to rather a few non-fiction books recently. I'm not entirely sure why this strange yearning for memoirs has come about, resulting in re-reading some old favourites - perhaps it's the fact that there have been a few new additions to the genre which Trashionista has had the pleasure of sampling. One of them being Sloane Crosley's latest book, How Did You Get This Number?

Having not read any of Sloane Crosley's work before (her previous collection of essays, I Was Told There'd Be Cake, was released in 2008) I was unsure of what to expect. But the synopsis looked fun, and I couldn't wait to start. Sloane is a journalist whose credits include the New York Times, Playboy and GQ, so I was already in awe.

How Did You Get This Number is a collection of essays which focus mainly on the theme of travel. Sloane ventures back into aspects of her life as a twenty-something, beginning with a tale of her trip to Lisbon, finding her way around and meeting some rather peculiar people.

Sloane delves into her past to write about not only her travels, but her youth, and what it's like to live in New York (oh, and Alaska!). Her essays are engaging, funny and extremely witty and to be blatantly honest, I felt a twinge of envy at not only Sloane's adventures but her writing style that I wish was my own! My personal favourite of all the essays was the one about New York apartment-hunting. Sloane is funny and insightful and has a natural wit that's conveyed in each of her stories.

After reading How Did You Get This Number, Sloane's previous essay collection is now on the wishlist. So if you're looking for something a little different (and true!) to read this summer, then be sure to check this one out!

Rating: 5/5

You might like this if you liked: Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster, Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

 

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 30, 2010 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 23, 2010 4:45 PM

UPCOMING RELEASE: How Did You Get This Number?

Sloane Crosley, who has written for publications including the New York Times, New York Observer and GQ, has a new series of essays that's due for release. How Did You Get This Number is out on July 1st from Portobello Books. Here's the info...

What happens when the minibus full of your fellow wedding travellers hits a bear in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness? Or you hear the voice of your high school's long lost queen bee from a bathroom cubicle? For Sloane Crosley, these are the kind of transformative experiences that define our daily struggle to connect, however reluctantly, to our fellow man. While the title "Show Me on the Doll" refers to the afternoon TV specials of the 80s and 90s, it doubles as a plea from the author for a kind of instruction manual to navigate the difficult journeys of adulthood. From a lonely excursion to a Lisbon cafe to the sometimes disorienting experience of emerging from a New York subway, Sloane's new collection of essays will focus on a range of subjects related to travel.

Find out more about Sloane Crosley by visiting her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 23, 2010 in Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 7, 2010 10:23 PM

BOOK NEWS: Different For Girls

With so much great new fiction coming out this summer, it was also delighting to receive two new non-fiction releases in the mail this week: Catherine Ryan Howard's Mousetrapped and Different For Girls, a memoir focusing on the music world.

Different For Girls: A Girl's Own True-Life Adventures in Pop was penned by Louise Wener, lead singer of 90s band Sleeper. Sleeper disbanded in 1998, but Louise has since written four novels. Here's more information about the memoir, which is released on June 10th:

This is a story of an ordinary girl's transformation from awkward 80s suburban pop geek to 90s jet-set pop goddess. It's about the embarrassments of growing up and experimenting with who you are and how pop music is both the comic and life-affirming soundtrack that runs through it all. "Different for Girls" is for anyone who ever sang into a hairbrush and slow-danced to Spandau Ballet's "True". It's about growing up with "Look-In" and "Jackie" magazine and daubing your hair with poster paint to look more like Toyah Wilcox. It's about bad perms, bad boyfriends and the nagging feeling that no man will quite measure up to Nick Heyward from Haircut One Hundred. It's also about the journey from bad band to great band, from gigs in toilets to gigs in stadiums with all the mistakes, joys, disappointments and successes in between. It's a journey which starts with a 12-year-old perfecting her dance routine to Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" in front of TOTPs and ends, almost 20 years later, with the same girl having REM's Michael Stipe sing happy birthday to her on a warm summer's evening accompanied by 70,000 strangers. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 7, 2010 in Book News, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (66)

June 4, 2010 10:40 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Catherine Ryan Howard

Last month we posted about Mousetrapped, Catherine Ryan Howard's new memoir about living the dream of working in Disneyland. Mousetrapped sounds like a brilliant read, so we interviewed Catherine about her move to Disneyland, self-publishing and of course, how it all started...

Please describe your book in 15 words or fewer.
Mousetrapped is a travel memoir about searching for happiness in the happiest place on earth. (I hope I get bonus points for it being exactly 15!) 

What inspired you to write Mousetrapped?
I'd always wanted to be a writer since a very young age, but I struggled with the time and discipline needed to write a novel. (I also, crucially, didn't have any good ideas for one!) Before I left for Florida one of my friends joked about how I could write a book about the experience and call it 'Mousetrapped', and when my Disney dream took a few wrong turns to begin with, I started writing it all down. Over time, Mousetrapped began to take shape. I never intended to write non-fiction in a million years, but now it's looking like it all might work out for the best.

Was moving to Disney World a lifelong dream, or was it a last-minute decision?
Somewhere in between. I wanted to do it for years but I didn't know how - citizens of the Irish Republic can't apply to Disney World's International program, whereas UK citizens (among others) can. I ended up applying for something called the American Cultural Resort program which could have landed me in a resort anywhere in the US, but luckily they happened to find me a position in Walt Disney World. I got the job in May 2006 and then had (what felt like) a long wait until I started that September. 

Where do you do most of your writing?
I was lucky enough to spend two months writing the first draft of my novel by myself in a lovely little holiday home by the sea, but that was most definitely an exception. While I, ahem, pursue my published writer dreams (my mum calls it 'being unemployed'), I'm back living with my parents in Ireland, so all my writing gets done at a desk in my tiny bedroom. (Imagine three phone boxes strung together.) It's not so bad, really. The rent's free and there's very few distractions! 

What is your favourite book?
I can't do better than a Top 10, but for the purposes of this interview I'll pick one at random... Okay. Let's go with One Day by David Nicholls. I wasn't expecting to love it but I did, and it's very rare a book actually makes me cry. The relationships in it were so honest and true-to-life; it wasn't a happy ever after story but typical of the twists and turns that real life takes.


What part of Mousetrapped was most fun to write?
You mean other than 'THE END'? That's the most fun part of any book to write, for me. (!) It was probably the two chapters that deal with my favourite subject, NASA and its manned exploration of space. The chapter 'Mission Space' is about my first visit to my favourite place in the world, Kennedy Space Centre, and 'Go for Launch' is about realising my lifelong dream of seeing a Space Shuttle launch up close. One of my goals in life is to make everyone else as astronuts as me and I think it's working - readers have told me that those are their favourite chapters. I hope one day to write a book solely about space. 

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published authors?
I've always ignored the statistics. You know, those horrible ones that say less than one percent of one percent of one percent, etc. etc. of all books written get published. That's probably true, but it includes all the bad books, the confused synopses, the misspelled query letters and the people who don't even try to published in the first place. I'm sure the  published percentage of great books written by sane, determined people who know how to pursue publication professionally and persist at it is a lot greater and, at the end of the day, someone has to get published. Right? 

And what about those who dream of working in the Magic Kingdom?
It's easier to get there than you think, and it'll be the experience of a lifetime. Certain countries can apply to work directly for Disney via their International and College Programs (https://www.disneyinternationalprograms.com) and the regional recruiter for the UK and Ireland is the wonderfully helpful Yummy Jobs of London (http://www.yummyjobs.com). Prepare to smile a lot though - even when you don't feel like it - and see fireworks on your way home from work every night. It's sounds like a cliché, but working there can be truly magical. (Sometimes!) 

What made you decide to self-publish Mousetrapped?
The realisation that no one else ever would. Mousetrapped did the rounds of a few agents and some Irish publishers, but they all said the same thing: they really liked it, but they didn't feel there was enough of a market for it. After about a year's worth of rejection letter's, I started to explore other options. I found that using a Print on Demand service (I used CreateSpace) was perfect for a book like Mousetrapped, and then I used outlets like blogging, Twitter and Facebook to promote it. 

What are you currently reading?
I'm having a crime spree at the moment, reading-wise. I discovered Karin Slaughter last week after picking up Genesis, so at the moment I'm working my way through her earlier books. I also read Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain - which I probably shouldn't have, because it was the third in the series - which is the first novel I've ever read featuring a female serial killer. It was quite gory, but really good. 

On your blog, you mention that you've been snapped up by an agent for your novel. Can you tell us more about this?

Thanks, Catherine!

You can find out more about Catherine and Mousetrapped by visiting Catherine's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 4, 2010 in Interviews, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 25, 2010 11:16 AM

NON-FICTION RELEASE: Mousetrapped

Recently I stumbled upon the blog of Catherine Ryan Howard, author of Mousetrapped. With the summer on its way and the UK being sunny for once, many will be dreaming of heading off abroad to somewhere hot and exciting, and of course, many won't want to leave. And with Disneyland being dubbed the happiest place on earth, who WOULDN'T want to move there? Well, 29-year-old Catherine from Cork did exactly that. In Mousetrapped, her memoir, Catherine tells all about her move to paradise which isn't exactly as happy as it seems...

When Catherine Ryan Howard decides to swap the grey clouds of Ireland for the clear skies of the Sunshine State, she thinks all of her dreams - working in Walt Disney World, living in the United States, seeing a Space Shuttle launch - are about to come true. Ahead of her she sees weekends at the beach, mornings by the pool and an inexplicably skinnier version of herself skipping around Magic Kingdom.

But not long into her first day on Disney soil - and not long after a breakfast of Mickey-shaped pancakes - Catherine's Disney bubble bursts and soon it seems that among Orlando's baked highways, monotonous mall clusters and world famous theme-parks, pixie dust is hard to find and hair is downright impossible to straighten.

The only memoir about working in Walt Disney World, Space Shuttle launches, the town that Disney built, religious theme parks, Bruce Willis, humidity-challenged hair and the Ebola virus, MOUSETRAPPED is the hilarious story of what happened when one Irish girl went searching for happiness in the happiest place on Earth.

View the Mousetrapped book trailer here, or check out view Catherine Ryan Howard's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 25, 2010 in Book Extract, Book News, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (10)

May 10, 2010 6:40 PM

IN THE NEWS: Sarah Silverman autobiography

American comic Sarah Silverman delights many and offends an equal amount! And now she's written an autobiography that has 'wowed' the critics, according to the Guardian.

39-year-old Sarah's book, The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption and Pee, was released in hardback in April and is already gaining quite a bit of attention. The article states:

"Race and sex have been hot-button topics within the male-dominated comic world for decades. Silverman is cutting-edge because she is one of the few women to be openly offensive and make a name for themselves," said Ashley Dos Santos, a celebrity expert at Crosby Volmer International Communications.

But now Silverman has done, perhaps, the most unexpected and outrageous thing yet: she has written a heart-warming and revealing book that has critics swooning at its portrayal of the real Silverman behind the TV persona. It has also offered an intensely personal look at a comic who has zealously guarded her private life and revealed little about how her true personality differs from her potty-mouthed stage creation.

To read the full article, click here. Below is the synopsis of Silverman's autobiography (via Amazon):

Demonstrating that her penchant for swearing began at an early age, comedian Silverman begins her hilarious memoir by describing how, at age three, she gleefully responded to her grandmother's offer of brownies with shove 'em up your ass. Growing up in New Hampshire (where cows are well done and Jews are rare), Silverman naturally gravitated toward performing and moved to New York, where she attended and eventually dropped out of New York University to pursue a standup comedy career. Mixing show business moments (she wrote for Saturday Night Live for one season, but none of her sketches made it past dress rehearsal) with stories of her childhood and adolescence (punctuated by a persistent bedwetting problem), Silverman never shies away from poking fun at her own expense. Though she's best known for sexually explicit jokes, Silverman is able to address more serious subjects in the book without losing her edge, particularly her teenage struggle with depression and that her often abrasive public persona allowed her to say what I didn't mean, even preach the opposite of what I believed.... It was a funny way of being sincere.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 10, 2010 in Book News, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 25, 2010 8:54 PM

RECENT RELEASE: Shoo, Jimmy Choo!

It's coming to the end of January, which means that those of us who made resolutions ('what are those again?' some might say) will either be smiling with success, or have given up on their new year plights a couple of weeks ago. Even so, there's still time - and what with 'save more/spend less' being one of the top new year mantras, I thought I'd give you the heads-up on a rather interesting recent release...

Shoo, Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More is the new book from Catey Hill, money editor at the New York Daily News online. It promises to help you manage your finances and make way for a nice retirement. Whereas some of us have never owned a pair of Jimmy Choos (boo!) it might still make an interesting read...

Remember when Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw faced the brutal realization that she couldn't buy her apartment because she'd already spent her money on a closet full of Manolos? Well, if Carrie had met Catey first, she'd own her co-op and be on her way to a comfortable retirement!

Catey Hill is the online money expert for the Daily News Web site--and author of this humorous, practical "girlfriends guide" to personal finance for 20- and 30-something females. (The ones with the designer shoes...and maxed-out credit cards.) With a hip, "I've been there" voice along with worksheets and exercises, she helps women evaluate why they spend, get out of debt, and create a savings and retirement plan that even allows for the occasional splurge. Among the topics she covers: student loans, car payments, investing, saving for a home, and more.

To find out more about Catey Hill and Shoo, Jimmy Choo, check out Catey's website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 25, 2010 in Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2009 11:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Checkout by Anna Sam

I love memoirs, especially blogs-turned-books. And it turns out I really love this one. Anna Sam, a blogger from France who spent eight years working on a checkout, got her book break this year with her witty memoir, Checkout: A life on the Tills.

It's a book about working...well, on a checkout. Admittedly, it's somewhat refreshing to read from the point of view of someone in a 'normal' job - after all, some great stories can be gained from such work (heck, I've got some classics from my former job in a tech support call centre). Needless to say, I was pleased and curious, and just had to read this book.

Based on Anna's blog and translated from the original French, Checkout is a tell-all book about working as a supermarket cashier. Anna hilariously describes the array of customers, from the charming to the downright annoying. Anna, who intended to go into publishing though stayed on in her supermarket job, lets us in on the world of supermarket work with funny stories about the people she encounters and the perks (and frustrations) of the job.

The downside? It's a short book (174 pages) and took me less than an hour to read it. So I was disappointed, as I would have loved to have read more of Anna's checkout tales. In addition, I felt that it could have been funnier - and there was plenty of room for more funny customer stories. It's fantastic, but does feel kind of rushed.

However, Anna perfectly conveys both the humour and irritation of having to work with the less pleasant (and less hygeinic!) members of the public, and so needless to say, Checkout makes for a fantastic read. Anyone, checkout staff or not, who has ever been forced to deal with customers on a daily basis will relate to this book!

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 23, 2009 in Debut Novels, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 16, 2009 11:13 PM

FRIDAY FOUR: Writing Guides

We recently announced that it's almost time for NaNoWriMo, which means that aspriing novelists in their masses will be slaving away at keyboards all across the globe. So for this fortnight's Friday Four, here are some of the best writing guides out there to help NaNo challengers on their way.

No Plot, No Problem by Chris Baty

No Plot, No Problem (a 'low-stress, high-velocity guide to writing a novel in 30 days') is written by Chris Baty, the founder of the NaNoWriMo project. The book, specifically aimed at getting you through the month with a looming deadline, includes helpful information about managing your time, stop procrastinating and finally get down to writing that book, even if you ARE convinced that you're work in progress is utter rubbish. This is not necessarilly a guide to actually the novel - it's more of a motivational rulebook. And you know what? It works.

Will Write for Shoes by Cathy Yardley

This helpful writing guide by author Cathy Yardley is mainly geared towards chick lit writers. If you've ever fancied trying your hand at penning a chick lit novel but are having doubts, then this book is extremely handy. Each chapter details a different aspect of writing your book, with advice on characters, setting the scene and avoiding cliches. There's an FAQ by Cathy, and also plenty of addresses of agents and publishers who accept novels in this genre (however, the book is aimed at US readers/writers, so only US-based agents and companies are listed. Just a note to fellow Brits!) Will Write for Shoes is a fun read that's full of info to help you break into this specific genre.

See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs

See Jane Write, a Girls' Guide to Writing Chick Lit, is another guide aimed at chick-lit writers, but also contains some handy advice for when it coes to penning that potential bestseller. Whereas it does cover a lot of what's mentioned in other writing guides, the tips, quotes and anecdotes from not only the authors but also from well-known writers such as Meg Cabot and Sophie Kinsella, make this book a fantastic guide. (Again, the publisher information is targeted at those in the United States.)

Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones is the perfect how-to book for aspiring novelists, covering everything from starting the novel to coping with rejection and dealing with book signings. The information provided by Jane in this book is not only fun, but also highly useful, with additional quotes by writers such as Kate Long, Kate Harrion, and Jilly Cooper (to name but a few). If you're thinking of starting a book and dream of becoming a bestseller, then definitely take a look at this.

Are there any writing guides that YOU swear by? Let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 16, 2009 in NaNovember, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 19, 2009 9:24 PM

Interview with Monday Books

So, I've yet to read Catherine Sanderson's Petite Anglaise. Many a trip to Waterstones has resulted in me exiting empty-handed due to self-restraint reasons and a 'to be read' pile that rivals Everest. But I'm a sucker for the blog-to-book offerings and so it's only a matter of time before Catherine's French tale is in my hands.

Since blogging took off (rather a long time ago, now!), many popular bloggers have been offered book deals, with loads more aspiring writers hoping their daily web diaries will land them with similar luck. I got hold of Dan Collins of Monday Books, publishers of many a blog-based novel including Diary of an On-Call Girl, to ask just what perks a publisher's interest...

Hi, Dan! How many blogs has Monday Books put to print so far?

In order of appearance:

http://frankchalk.blogspot.com/ (It's Your Time You're Wasting)
http://coppersblog.blogspot.com/ (Wasting Police Time)
http://pcbloggs.blogspot.com/ (Diary of an On Call Girl)
http://theparamedicsdiary.blogspot.com/ (A Paramedic's Diary)
http://inspectorgadget.wordpress.com/ (Perverting The Course Of Justice)

Did you approach these writers?

Yes. We do get lots of approaches to us, too, but it just happens that these were all the other way.

Click over the cut to read more from Dan...

When did Monday Books start up?

Our first book appeared in August 2006. Prior to that I had been a journalist and then a sports agent (representing most of the England rugby team which won the 2003 Rugby World Cup). During my time as a sports agent, I ghost-wrote several rugby autobiographies, including that of the England captain (and now manager) Martin Johnson. After the RWC victory, we were approached to sell the business and after we did that in 2005 I had to think about what I would do next. A good friend of mine from my journalism days, Pete Walsh, runs Milo Books near Blackpool, and with some advice from him and my experience of the rugby books I decided to go into publishing full time.
 
So are you the only ones who know the true identity of EE Bloggs?

I think her parents and boyfriend know who she is, plus her sister and one close friend. And my wife.
 
Do you get many submissions from hopeful bloggers?

We get a few but although we have published a number of blog books we don't just do blog books. I'd say we get up to a dozen approaches a month.

If so, tell us some of the best (or weirdest. Your call...)

As someone who has had his own submissions rejected (back when I was a journalist), I know how painful it can be so wouldn't like to talk about those we have rejected.
Except to say that a rejection is often not a comment on the writing, in our case it has more to do with a) my subjective view as to whether I think a book will sell (and like all publishers, even major ones, I am sure I am often wrong) and b) timing, ie when the submission comes in in our business cycle.
Right now, with the recession underway and a lot of books stacked up like planes above an airport, we are rejecting pretty much everything and anything. In 12 months' time, we might suddenly be short of decent material. (Though this may well be more a function of us being a small and still relatively new and inexperienced publisher, than a situation you'd find across the board.) What I'm trying to say in a round about way is people shouldn't be disappointed if they are rejected - try, try and try again.

What do you look for when considering a blog for publication?

In this order:

Non-fiction - fiction is way too hard to get right for us.
Subject matter - is it something we believe in or find interesting? When we published Wasting Police Time, no-one had really talked about the effect of targets and bureaucracy on policing. Copperfield made it funny, revelatory and interesting. Conversely, there are lots of very interesting and well-written blogs which just wouldn't interest us (but would certainly interest other publishers).
Originality - if someone else has said it all, it's less likely that you will get interest from a publisher.
Readership - Copperfield at his height was getting 5,000 readers a day, and 100+ comments. That is a massive indication of interest and potential buyers.
Writing - it helps, obviously, if a blogger can write (though it's not essential if they don't mind being edited).
Not all can, and not all who can can write a book (there's a lot of difference, in terms of scale, scope and structure, between blogging 300 words every few days and writing a 100,000 word book which hangs together and reads coherently.)
Anonymity - is the blogger prepared at some point to reveal their ID, or risk it being revealed? Frank Chalk would never reveal his ID, even to journalists in confidence to prove his bona fides as a teacher (ie not just someone who was making it all up). We were offered a doube page spread in the Sunday Telegraph, for instance, and interviews on Simon Mayo and Newsnight. But he wouldn't do any of it because he didn't want his identity at risk. The same is true of Inspector Gadget - this week alone we have turned down the PM programme and You and Yours (both Radio 4). This obviously means less PR and therefore fewer sales.
Copperfield and Bloggs took the opposite approach - Copperfield did absolutely everything, at great risk to his job, from Newsnight, GMTV, local TV news down to national and local newspapers. As a result, we have sold not far off 100,000 copies of his book.
Stuart Gray - the Paramedic - blogs and writes under his real name, so less of an issue.
Personality - assuming you get the publicity, will the blogger be credible, articulate, amusing etc on radio or TV or in print.

Any tips for hopeful bloggers?

Don't write a blog desperate to see it published. Write it for fun, in the knowledge that if something comes of it that's great but if it doesn't that's not the end of the world. Life is a long game, which I think a lot of people forget these days.

Do you have any other upcoming projects?

A few non-blog books, one or two blogs we're interested in. Blogs are not our main focus - they just happened to come along at once at the start of the business, probably because we needed material and I had time to look around for it. The rights to WPC Bloggs' book have been bought by John Hannah's production company and we're hoping to see that as a BBC2 comedy next year. (Hoping being the operative word.) She's also working on a follow-up for us, which I will try not to ruin with the wrong cover and title as I did the first!

Thanks, Dan!

To see more from Monday Books, check out the website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 19, 2009 in Interviews, Non Fiction, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 18, 2009 9:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: Air Confidential and top tell-all career books...

Wicked Whispers: Confessions of a Gossip Queen

Former 3am girl Jessica Callan released her tell-tale book in 2007, detailing life as a showbiz journalist. Jessica dished the dirt on both the nice celebrities, and...well, the not so nice ones. Working as one of the most renowned showbiz journos in the country, Jessica and the 3am girls were subject to a vast array of celebrity shenanigans...and so, she penned this scandalous diary.

Tabloid Love

What are your favourites?

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 18, 2009 in Book News, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 14, 2008 2:45 PM

BOOK NEWS: Girls Are Best

I've seen this book by Sandi Toksvig in various places over the last few weeks, but have been put off by the title so didn't investigate further. Yes, even though I am a girl, I also have a son so I didn't like to think of one gender being *better* than another.

However, on closer inspection I actually really like the sound of what is inside. Women have played a huge part throughout history but their contribution has largely been ignored. For example, did you know that there were actually female Gladiators - Gladiatrices? No? Neither did I. See more over the cut.

For as long as history has been recorded, girls haven't had much of a look in amongst all the great men we remember. But that doesn't mean they weren't there. And it doesn't mean that they didn't achieve great things, come up with wonderful inventions or win battles. Lots of people have heard of Joan of Arc, Boadicea and Florence Nightingale, but...Did you know that Nimkasi was the Sumerian Goddess of Beer? Or that it was Mary Jacob Phelps who invented the bra? In this book, Sandi Toksvig shows that His-tory is actually Her-story. Though they're often ignored or overlooked, women have changed the world.

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 14, 2008 in Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 10, 2008 2:44 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Sense & Sensibility - The Diaries

With Lost in Austen still fresh in my mind, I was delighted when I found this little gem in the form of Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensibility diaries. Yes the diary was published in 1996 so I am a little behind here, but as Sense & Sensibility, along with Pride & Prejudice, is a timeless classic, then when it was written is irrelevant.

This isn't some huge celebrity tome however. Rather it is a slim one hundred or so pages full of Emma's warmth and honesty, giving you a fly on the wall account of how they put the film together.

It is written in diary form, i.e Little sleep. Left early to watch line up with Tom Wilkinson, which enhances the reading pleasure and Emma's humour is very apparent from the very first page. Lindsay goes around the table and introduces everyone - making it clear that I am present in the capacity of writer rather than actress, therefore no one has to be too nice to me.

I love this book. I found it fascinating and inspiring and if you are into the film or Emma Thompson then this is an absolute must.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Making of Pride & Prejudice by Sue Birtwistle and Susie Conklin

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 10, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 22, 2008 10:32 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Ugly Betty

I absolutely love the TV show, Ugly Betty (although somehow I've managed to pretty much miss the entire recent series), so when I heard about this glossy companion book, I had to get it.

Designed to look like an issue of Mode magazine edited by Betty, it's full of all the usual information and pics we've come to expect from these kind of books, i.e. interviews with the cast and crew, articles about the sets and the clothes and the inevitable episode guide.

What makes this book different is just how utterly gorgeous it looks. Like the show itself, it's colourful, fun and over the top.

It would make an excellent Christmas pressie for the discerning Betty fan.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Sex and the City - the book of the movie

Posted by Keris on October 22, 2008 in Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 20, 2008 10:16 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: All Balls and Glitter by Craig Revel Horwood

I love Craig Revel Horwood. I know he's meant to be the Mr Nasty of Strictly Come Dancing, but I find him the most consistent judge and the most consistently hilarious.

I'd read a lot about this autobiography before it was published. The papers were full of lurid tales of Craig's time as a rent boy and a drag queen, so I was expecting it to be scandalous, juicy and, since Craig is so honest on Strictly, rather indiscreet too. Yeah. It wasn't.

It was a good read, I'm not saying that, and it was certainly considerably more entertaining than Lorraine Kelly's yawnfest, but there just wasn't actually that much scandal.

Craig wasn't *really* a rent boy (he allowed an older man he wasn't actually interested in to take him travelling), being a drag queen isn't particularly shocking anyway (and judging by the photos, he was a very good one) and apart from that it was mostly about his career. Which has been solid and accomplished.

I had to stop myself skipping to the Strictly section of the book, where I thought his lips might get a little looser, but, no, it was all on-message. Everyone gets on. It's a great show to do. No, the producers don't tell him to be nasty, he just likes to tell it as it is.

Like I said, it was, in the main, an entertaining read, but it wasn't a particularly exciting one. Maybe he should have got the Mr Nasty side of his character to write it...

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Booky Wook by Russell Brand (much juicier)

And don't forget about my Strictly Come Dancing reviews over on TV Scoop!

Posted by Keris on October 20, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 17, 2008 2:37 PM

The Wonderful Weekend Book

Since January this year, when we decided to get the builders in, until very recently when the last of the decorators finally finished, weekends in our family have been Hectic. Yup, Hectic with a capital H. Oh and of course, I've been pregnant for a lot of this time too. So when I saw this book, The Wonderful Weekend Book by Elspeth Thompson, on Jane Brocket's blog, I actually heard myself exhale, then relax. Why? Well, read the blurb below.

Elspeth Thompsons original and inspiring book shows we can reclaim the weekend by re-charging our batteries and relationships through enjoying the simple pleasures in life. That means no more builders! (For more see over the cut.)

For too many of us the weekend has become just another overcrowded couple of days dominated by duties, traffic jams, hassle and expense as we dash from supermarket to superstore catching up with the weeks chores. But it doesnt have to be this way. From watching the sunset and the stars, making chutney and writing proper letters to borrowing a dog, going to dance classes and using the internet inventively, The Wonderful Weekend Book is packed with ideas that will help restore the balance in our lives, reconnect us to the seasons, and quite literally not cost the earth.

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 17, 2008 in Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Thin Is the New Happy by Valerie Frankel

I'd been looking forward to this book for so long. I love Valerie Frankel's novels (and her blog) and I do like a good weightloss/body image memoir, particularly when they're funny, and Thin is the New Happy didn't disappoint.

Frankel had been struggling with her weight and, more importantly, body image, since the age of 11 when her mother decided Valerie was overweight and something must be done. (She writes: “I could have food. Or I could have approval. I couldn’t have both.”) I'm constantly amazed at the terrible comments parents direct at their children in these kinds of books, but Valerie's mother's mother was even worse, so you can almost understand why she was so fat-phobic. This pattern also acted as a catalyst for Frankel to deal with her issues - she was determined not to pass them on to her own two daughters.

Frankel addresses these issues in a variety of ways. She gives up dieting. She contacts one of the boys who teased and bullied her about her weight at school. She attempts to have it out with her mother. She tackles her constant negative self-talk by buying a clicker to record just how many negative comments she makes about herself each day (the result is staggering). She has her (dull and functional) wardrobe overhauled by a style expert. She even poses naked for a national magazine.

All the while, Frankel is also relating stories from her life that relate to her body image and weight, so we learn about the death of her first husband and her subsequent relationship with her second. We learn much about her mother and sister and daughters. We learn about her time as an editor at women's magazine, Mademoiselle (not a healthy place for a woman with body issues - the chapter heading is "Ugly Valerie").

As I almost always find myself saying about memoirs, Thin Is the New Happy is brutally honest. It's also very funny. But more importantly, it's inspiring. And it left me with one image that I can't get out of my head - after deciding not to look at herself in a shop window she passes each day, Frankel instead looked down at her daughter, who smiled up at her "big and beautiful", causing her to wonder how many of these moments she'd missed "while frowning at my profile in storefront windows".  This was a wake-up call to me, as I'm sure it will be to many women.

If you've ever had any issues with body image (and I'll just bet you have), you need to read this book.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

Posted by Keris on October 17, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (16)

September 29, 2008 10:09 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Cherry Cake & Ginger Beer by Jane Brocket

Some of you may remember when I raved about this book in a book news post. I couldn't have been more excited about it. Now I've got it in my hands and have read it. And I'm still excited. It is a gorgeous book.

But a recipe book? On Trashionista? Well let me explain. It isn't just recipes, it's a sumptuous treat, bringing back memories of childhood reading, with food so tantalising. Who remembers Milly-Molly-Mandy when Little-Friend-Susan came over to stay? Sitting by the fire eating Muvver's Lid Potatoes wearing a red dressing gown whilst Little-Friend-Susan wore Grandma's red shawl.

I think many of us gained our love of reading from many of the books mentioned in Cherry Cake & Ginger Beer. We have The Famous Five, obviously, as they were constantly eating enormous amounts of food. Thick slices of ham, creamy milk, freshly baked bread. Aunt Fanny's Treacly Sticky Ginger Cake is a Famous Five recipe. Then we have food from Mary Poppins, Ballet Shoes, Swallows and Amazons, midnight feasts from St.Clares, Chalet School Apple Cake, rock buns from The Secret Seven...I could go on, but it is making me very hungry.

It isn't just a list of recipes though. Jane has divided them into sections such as Proper Elevenses, The Adventurous Life and Picnic Treats and then gives us a wonderful nostalgic description of the books and the characters before going on to describe the recipes.

The book describes food in a land before fast food, turkey twizzlers and microwaves. A land of innocence, when having a friend over to sleep wasn't the regular occurrence it is now, but a major event. It doesn't include fantasy food, but the sort of food you would want to eat whilst watching for smugglers or making a base in a cave.

This is a fabulous book, I just wish I had done the research and tested the food out myself!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Cooking for Mr Latte by Amanda Hesser

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 29, 2008 in More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 23, 2008 9:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Extreme Motherhood by Jackie Clune

I'm very sorry to have to tell you that I'm going through a bit of a book slump at the moment (it happens every now and then...). So this book - Jackie Clune's memoir of having twins - would probably ordinarily be a More on Monday, but if I don't review it today I'd have nothing - nothing!

It might just be permissible anyway, since Clune *has* previously written a chick lit novel, Man of the Month Club, which I, um, didn't like very much. But, thankfully, I LOVED Extreme Motherhood!

Unexpectedly pregnant - and with a daughter under a year old - Jackie Clune discovered that she was carrying natural triplets. (Even though I've read the book, I still came out in goosebumps when I typed that!) At first she is, perhaps understandably, horrified and devastated, but a combination of her practical nature and protective feelings for her unborn babies soon change her mind entirely.

Extreme Motherhood covers the period from the scan to the triplets' first birthday and it is, indeed, a rollercoaster of emotion. Jackie is fiercely protective of her babies and horrified at the insensitive comments strangers always feel the need to make, which range from the ubiquitous, "You've got your hands full" to how she's ruined her life. (Reading this, I felt furious on her behalf!)

But, like so many "mommy memoirs", Jackie is brutally honest. No, it's not easy having four children under two (obviously). Yes, sometimes she wants to run away and wishes she could have her old life back. Yes, it puts a massive strain on her relationship (so much that at one point I had to stop reading and Google her to make sure she and Rich actually made it - they have, phew!).

I found this book emotional, entertaining, inspirational and, now that I've finished it, I miss her. The triplets are three now. Can we have an update, Jackie, please?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

Posted by Keris on September 23, 2008 in British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 22, 2008 2:08 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Wife In The North by Judith O'Reilly

I have been looking forward to reading Wife In The North, the book of the blog, for some time. I had been reading excerpts from her website and was intrigued and wanted to know more. Wife In The North is the creation of Judith O'Reilly, a freelance journalist, who moves from London to Northumberland because that is where her husband wants to live. At the beginning she has two sons, is pregnant with another child and she really really really doesn't want to go.

The blog becomes her place to vent her frustrations with living away from her old home and trying to fit into her new one.

The book is in diary format and starts with Judith and her husband deciding they would move up from London to Northumberland, giving it two years to see if it worked. Judith then goes on to describe the loneliness, trying to fit in, builders, her son being bullied and living with an absent husband. Because even though it was his decision to live in the north he spends weeks at a time living in London. I couldn't get my head around this. I also wondered why she would stay up north if she hates it so much. Every time I opened the book I would feel slightly depressed when reading it. When describing something beautiful there would always be a pessimistic slant.

But as I read more I started to understand more. People may sneer at her for wanting to return to London, but London represents so much for her. Friends, the younger person she was before children, her career. Yes they also have good coffee but I think you'll find this in the Wife's sense of humour.

She mentions about a third of the way in that she has started her blog. After this, even though she still missed London, her tone seemed to become slightly more optimistic, as though the blog and the act of writing was helping her.

From doing a bit of research I see Judith has gained many fans but also has had more than her fair share of critics. She has been accused of being selfish. I don't see how she can be. After all she has sacrificed her own career and life in London because of her husband's wishes. She has been accused of being wealthy, middle class and having a nanny and therefore not allowed to complain about her emotional experiences after having children. Well excuse me. Depression, being low, feeling alienated crosses all boundaries. It is a feeling many new mothers can relate to. I certainly can which is maybe why I found the book hard going at times. Then when she describes the tragedy at the end which happened before their move up north, I was struck dumb.To have gone through all of that...well, I have nothing but sorrow and also admiration for her.

Her writing is beautiful, almost poetic at times. The way she describes Northumberland, with a stranger's eyes, makes me want to live there. I didn't find it detrimental about the north or Northumberland, but more feeling like a fish out of water, unable to cope, unable to call on someone when she feels unable to cope and putting a brave face on things. The book has been described as "funny". I didn't find that. I found it sad, poignant, real, and honest. Why the publishers gave it a cartoony front cover is beyond me.

Rating: 4/5

Like this?  Try Petite Anglaise by Catherine Sanderson

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 22, 2008 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 16, 2008 10:53 AM

BOOK NEWS: Moan About Men

You may not already know this, but I am, in fact, pregnant. And what does pregnancy mean? Hormones. What do hormones mean? Well...bad news for my husband, certainly. So this book by Juliana Foster, a brilliantly funny take on all the things men do that make women weep with frustration - and also with mirth along with an amusing and all-encompassing rant is exactly what I need right now.

Related posts: Men Are Wonderful | Love Letters of Great Men

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 16, 2008 in Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 15, 2008 11:02 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Celeb Diaries by Mark Frith

Like Miranda in Sex and the City I love to read about celebrities and gossip. As she would say "it is my thing." The only celebrity magazine I buy though is Heat. To me it is the original and the best. There are certain things that I became uncomfortable with, and even emailed them about on a few occasions expressing my outrage (though they weren't printed) but now I've read the book by Mark Frith, the ex-editor of Heat and the man responsible for it's huge sales, I can see what the intention of these features were (even if they didn't always work).

For those of you who don't know about Heat, I'll give you some background. Heat was a serious, wordy entertainment magazine that flopped as soon as it was launched. Mark Frith from Smash Hits magazine took over as editor and relaunched the magazine with a focus on celebrities. It was 1999 and that year everyone was talking about Posh and Becks' wedding. People weren't interested in a serious entertainment weekly. They wanted glamour, fashion and gossip. Heat got bigger and so did Joe Public's obsession with celebrities. Big Brother started and soon everyday people were famous just for sitting in a house for a few weeks. Put them on the front of Heat magazine and sales soared.

Mark Frith calls the last ten years the "celebrity decade" and cites its beginnings with Posh and Becks engagement. The Celeb Diaries details the magazine's growth during that time and it describes the decisions he made. In the beginning it was naive, fun, a bit mocking. Nobody took these people too seriously. But then there was a shift which Mark became uncomfortable with. Instead of tabloid photographs of Helen and Paul from Big Brother during their courtship, he was being sent pictures of Amy Whitehouse with slashes all over her arms. The world of celebrity had become darker. So he resigned as the editor of Heat.

Mark also talks about the obsession with being skinny. Whenever they put a headline on the front page saying, for example, "You are too thin" I was bothered. Why this obsession with women and the way they looked? Then from reading the book I see that Mark and his colleagues were genuinely concerned about women in the spotlight making themselves too thin, particularly in the glossy magazines and what impact this had on young girls. They even had a letter from a relieved mum whose daughter had just read the Heat article. This girl had been starving herself.

Mark writes terrifically well (and so he should as a journalist and ex editor). I don't think the world of celebrities is as shocking as we would have found it a few years ago. For "juicy gossip" there isn't really any that you don't already know. Although how celebrities react to their scoops was very insightful.

The Celeb Diaries is one man's take on a world that bemused him. I found the book absolutely fascinating, both in its description of the growth in the magazine and the growth in the celebrity culture. He is engaging but also honest. It was interesting to see that where I was "outraged" with certain features or stunts he admits that mistakes were made.

Then towards the end, we see the man who has played a large part in building up the celebrity culture, actually becoming a little ashamed by this shift to the darker side.

He summarises it all up when he is in the Maldives after the dreadful Boxing Day tsunami. The latest figures show that more than 250,000 people are dead or missing. And now I need to go to work and write about celebrities.

A great read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Don't You Know Who I Am? by Piers Morgan

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 15, 2008 in Celebrity Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 10, 2008 10:35 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Between You and Me by Lorraine Kelly

Everyone loves Lorraine Kelly, don't they. Don't they? I've always thought she seemed like a lovely woman, but, I must admit, when this autobiography came out I did wonder what exciting revelations it may contain. I mean, as far as I was concerned, Lorraine worked as a journalist, got a job on GMTV and then... stayed there.

But the press release promised it would be "mischievous" and the book itself claimed it was "a little bit naughty" so I was expecting, well, some entertainment...

Let's look at the inside cover of the book:

"From growing up in one of Glasgow's toughest areas..."

Well, yes, she did, but she had a lovely, comfortable upbringing and the family wasn't there long.

"To her early career as a journalist during which she covered such heartbreaking tragedies as Lockerbie and Dunblane..."

Well, yes, she did. But she didn't really have anything interesting to add about either situation. In fact, she says that there are no words to describe them. Plus the Dunblane chapter in particular is a good example of something that drove me slightly mad about this book. Much like Lorraine's GMTV show, serious subjects are immediately followed by more frivolous issues. So the Dunblane chapter ends "I hope that the monster who killed them is suffering all the torments of hell" and the following chatper begins "I love radio... you can sit there in your tracksuit, dipping HobNobs into your tea and no one will ever know."

Lorraine also seems to have led a rather lovely life and at times she reminded me of that old Fast Show character, "which was nice". Everyone is lovely and friendly and warm. Even people with a bad reputation like Elton John. Yes, people say he's a diva, but he "couldn't have been nicer" to Lorraine and her family.

So is there any shocking showbiz gossip at all? Well, apparently Anthea Turner and Eamonn Holmes didn't get on (yawn), but they're fine now. And then there's George Clooney and Will Smith. Both lovely and professional.

In fact, the only thing that could be described as "naughty" or "mischievous" in this book is the very last line and that's such a hackneyed joke it actually made me grown in horror.

So, yes, Lorraine does seem like a lovely woman, but why someone has paid her money to write an autobiography - and why that autobiography is currently in the Top 5 of various book charts - is utterly beyond me.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try My Take by Gary Barlow

Posted by Keris on September 10, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 9, 2008 1:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: A Modern Girl's Guide To The Perfect Single Life

Yet another guide for girls (however did we manage without them?), although, er, perhaps, this one isn't for me.

A Modern Girl's Guide to the Perfect Single Life by Sarah Ivens promises tips on going to events alone, fending off exes and enjoying your freedom, as well as advice and guidance on living on your own, surviving the weekends and holidays and dating rules for the single girl.

Related posts: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating | A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy | The Girl's Guide to Losing Your L-Plates

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 9, 2008 in Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 27, 2008 12:51 PM

BOOK(S) REVIEW: A Round-Heeled Woman and Unaccompanied Women by Jane Juska

I bought Jane Juska's memoir so long ago that, although the Waterstone's receipt was still stuck in the front cover, everything but the company name had faded away (I hate when that happens; how much better would that money have been in *my* bank account!).

Anyway, I finally started reading it and, after three chapters, loved it so much that I had to put it to one side so I could take it away with me. I loved Jane Juska's voice - wry, self-deprecating, honest - and I was desperate to read more about her adventures, but I am also always keen to have a good book to read on a plane, so I had to wait.

In case you've never heard of it, A Round-Heeled Woman is a memoir written after Juska decided to place the following advert in the New York Review of Books:

Before I turn 67 - next March - I would like to have a lot of sex with a man I like. If you want to talk first, Trollope works for me.

Incredibly brave, don't you think? Or, as Juska herself points out, foolish. I wanted her to find intelligent, entertaining, kind men and have, as she wished, lots of sex (great sex, in fact). This didn't exactly happen.

Juska's "sexploits" aren't the only focus of the book, though, she's also led an interesting life, teaching in high schools and San Quentin Prison and we learn a lot about this too, plus her family background, education in the fifties, marriage and problems with her son.

Of course, the dates with the advert's respondents and any subsequent sex are the bits that stick in the mind... actually, I'm not certain that's true. Some of the sex parts stick in the mind (ew), but I find myself thinking more about the way the men treated her. She falls in love (which she didn't intend to) with more than one of them and it doesn't work out well.

That was my problem with the book, really - and it's my problem, not the book's. I was hoping for a life-affirming memoir. I wanted Juska to get everything she wanted and more and she doesn't. In fact, she gets her heart-broken more than once. I found, as I read on, I was feeling sadder and sadder.

But not so sad that I didn't leap at the chance to read the follow-up - Unaccompanied Women - in which she's still looking for that elusive mate and, at the same time, somewhere secure to live. In fact, security is a major issue in both books, which made me worry for Juska even more. Security - financial and emotional - is one of my major driving forces and I'm "only" 37. I hate the idea that I will still feel the same in another 37 years.

I didn't enjoy Unaccompanied Women quite as much as A Round-Heeled Woman, simply because Juska reports the stories of a number of other women and I didn't find them quite as interesting as her own. Having read the books, though, I feel quite protective of Juska and hopes she gets at least some of what she really wants.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (for wittily written essays on ageing) or My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler (for a sex memoir)

Posted by Keris on August 27, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (9)

August 25, 2008 11:01 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: America Unchained by Dave Gorman

I started watching Dave Gorman's America Unchained documentary, but never actually finished it, so I was glad to get my hands on the book version. I've read Gorman's previous books and seen him live, and he's always very good value.

The premise of America Unchained is that Dave Gorman would drive (or attempt to drive) across America from coast to coast using only independent businesses, including hotels and gas stations. Avoiding Shell, Amoco, Best Western, Comfort Inns, etc., was always going to pose a problem, and so it proved. But that wasn't the only problem.

Because he was also making a film (this hadn't been the original plan, Gorman had just been going to do this by himself), he had a filmmaker with him, Stef. But holding the heavy camera at an awkward angle in an enclosed space (the car Gorman bought at the beginning of the journey), damaged Stef's back and so much of the early part of the journey was spent driving between chiropractors. And also garages. Gorman had bought at 1970s Ford Torino and it had a lot of problems.

For probably the first half of this book (much like the half of the documentary that I saw), I thought Gorman's plan was wrongheaded. Independents aren't necessarily good and corporations aren't necessarily evil, a fact proved by the scuzzy independent motels he stayed in and the corporate garage that rescued him from the motorway when he ran out of petrol, and didn't even charge a call-out fee (to be fair, I can't imagine that ever happening in the UK, but maybe I've been unlucky). As I continued to read though, I started to appreciate what Gorman was trying to do. No, it wasn't perfect, but who cares, it was still a noble goal.

Dave Gorman is such an interesting character. He often comes across as aggressive and combative, but there's a real sweetness and idealism underneath. It's the sweetness that is far more in evidence in this book than it was in, say, Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure. The book also works as a travelogue, making me eager to take another US roadtrip (although I'll be avoiding Mississippi).

Oh and the ending made me well up. You can't ask for much more than that, can you?

Rating: 4/5 (Why not 5? Since I've just said you can't ask for more. Well, it didn't make me laugh out loud and Gorman is a comedian, after all.)

Like this? Try Not Buying It by Judith Levine

Posted by Keris on August 25, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 18, 2008 11:20 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Mother Shock by Andrea Buchanan

I think I'd had this book - which is subtitled "Loving every (other) minute of it" - on my Amazon Wishlist since I was pregnant with my son, who is now 4. I'm now pregnant with my second child and finally got around to buying it. And I'm so glad I did.

This book is a collection of essays examinining Buchanan's experience, mostly of the first year of motherhood. She learned early on, that the transition to motherhood has much in common with the culture shock experienced when you move to another country and each section begins with direct comparisons, which are startling in their accuracy.

Buchanan then goes on to write about, as you would expect, her pregnancy, her daughter's birth, ambivalence (and fear) about having another child, miscarriage and more. Before she was a writer, she was a professional pianist and there's a beautiful essay about her daughter's burgeoning interest in the piano.

I'm constantly amazed and impressed by the honesty in these "mommy memoirs" and this one is no exception. Buchanan admits things in writing that I have barely even admitted to myself in my head. It's incredibly brave and incredibly comforting.

I actually loved *every* minute of it and would wholeheartedly recommend it both to new mothers and not-so-new mothers alike.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Making Babies by Anne Enright

Posted by Keris on August 18, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 14, 2008 8:30 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Diaries of Abigail Titmuss by Abi Titmuss

For those of you who don't know who Abi Titmuss is, well, she shot to fame as the girlfriend of a well known TV presenter in the UK (an ex of Catherine Zeta Jones) when he was arrested over rape and sex allegations. She was a nurse at the time and loyally stood by him whilst the press went mad and he was left a broken man. Because of all this press interest in her boyfriend's story, Abi herself started to get attention. Then, bizarrely, the Richard and Judy Show called her in to screen test as a presenter.

The screen test went well and she was offered a job as a roving reporter. Meanwhile she was still working as a nurse at the hospital. She did a couple of pieces for the show, then disaster struck. Someone sold pictures of her with two men and a woman (you know what I mean). Then there were drug allegations. So she was dropped from The Richard and Judy Show. In our crazy media obsessed world, however, this didn't stop the job offers. She went to work for a fantasy channel for a lot of money, FHM the men's magazine wanted to shoot some pictures of her, the tabloids were printing stories about her all the time, and she sort of *fell* into the world of glamour modeling.

This is not an autobiography. As the title suggests it is actually a diary from the date she met her TV presenter boyfriend and when she had just gone part time as a nurse in order to study acting. Unfortunately for her, with the scandal that followed and the career choices she made, her dreams of being an actress were beginning to look less and less likely. I thought the diary extremely well written, but when I read the first page or so properly I saw it had been written "with" Lucie Cave, the talented features editor from Heat Magazine.

The diary shows the world behind the headlines. What is printed versus what actually happens, staged paparazzi shots, the inordinate amount of money to be made from photographs. To me though, this is actually a sad book. When I finished it I actually felt sorry for Abi. If what is said in the book is true or even remotely true, it is a terrible example of the price of fame and the way women in particular are built up by the media, only to be torn to strips a short while later. The sadder part is, women or girls actually aspire to be like her. As Abi says in her advice, are you insane?

From the headlines and the photographs you would think Abi is having a ball and milking it for all its worth. Whilst she may be doing the latter, the former is achieved through lots of alcohol in order to make her more confident. Most women deal with self esteem, weight issues and fat days. Abi is no different. But then I think, why put yourself out there? Why go on a reality TV show? Why expose yourself in such a way? She complains that she feels violated at times so why keep on milking the cow?

Even if you aren't interested in Abi, but are interested in the celebrity media and the way it works, this gives you a small slice of behind the scenes action. As celebrity books go, it's not bad, and as it's not an autobiography but a diary - it's an easy read.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Jordan: Pushed To The Limit by Katie Price

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 14, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 23, 2008 8:31 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, ed. Jennifer O'Connell

I know I've been going on about Judy Blume a lot lately, but if you'd read this book, you would be too.

It's a collection of essays by “acclaimed women writers” including friends of Trashi, Meg Cabot, Megan Crane, and Shanna Swendson along with Megan McCafferty, Alison Pace, Laura Ruby, Diana Peterfreund and more. In fact, it's possibly the best line-up of writers I've ever seen in any collection (apart from the one I'm in, obviously!).

And that quality is reflected in the essays. I don't think I could choose between them, since I loved them all. Every single one. The writers write about various Blume books from Forever (of course) to Wifey, via Superfudge, Are You There, God? and Summer Sisters. The essays are honest, funny, sometimes painful and constantly reiterate how incredible and influential Judy Blume really is.

It not only made me want to go and buy all of Blume's books, it made me want to buy all the books by each of the writers included (and that's a lot of books). Even if you've never read a Judy Blume book, I'm confident you'll still enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris (nothing to do with Judy Blume, but another impressive collection)

Posted by Keris on July 23, 2008 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

July 21, 2008 10:10 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: My Booky Wook by Russell Brand

I'd been hearing such great things about this book for such a long time, that I planned to read it even though I'd never actually seen Russell Brand in action. Of course, I was aware of him - he's impossible to miss - but I'd never actually seen his stand up until a couple of weeks ago... and I thought he was hilarious so bought the book the very next time I was in a bookshop.

I started reading it on the train and was worried I would have to put it down because more than once I did those snorting laughs that cause people to turn around to see what you're reading (or consider moving seats).

In case you're unfamiliar with Mr Brand, he's a TV presenter, stand-up comedian and actor who used to be alcoholic and addicted to both heroin and sex. The book begins actually with his manager sending him to a clinic to recover from his sex addiction, but then we go back to childhood and the rest of the book is fairly chronological.

As you may guess from the title, My Booky Wook is written in an extremely conversational style, which feels as if Brand is talking to you (I generally read it in his voice, which was quite entertaining). It's extremely honest, often disgusting and frequently funny. I also found it inspirational since he originally set out wanting to be a comedian and actor, but kept sabotaging himself (he was sacked from practically every single job he ever got), but once he got clean he's managed to achieve those ambitions in a relatively short time. It just shows that however many mistakes you make, there's always the chance that you can pull your socks up (or, in Brand's case, your pants down) and get another chance.

Once I'd finished it, I searched my email so I could tell one of the people I thought had recommended it to me how much I enjoyed it. I found their email. It said, "Don't read Russell Brand's book, it'll make you feel dirty." And I'd taken that as a recommendation! And it did make me feel a tiny bit dirty, but it also made me happy and I was sorry to finish reading it.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Frank by Frank Skinner (THE best celebrity autobiography ever, in my opinion)

Posted by Keris on July 21, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 9, 2008 11:16 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Moose by Stephanie Klein

When I featured the video trailer for this book, I warned that it would make you cry... well, if you're anything like me, you'll find the book even more upsetting.

Subtitled, "a memoir of fat camp", it's exactly that - there's a little about Stephanie now at the beginning and end of the book, but the rest of it is about Stephanie's overweight childhood and summer spent at Camp Yanisin. The title refers to the fact that in eighth grade, boys at school started calling her "Moose". But not just Moose, a long, drawn-out, moose-call type of "Moooooooossse". I can't think about that without feeling utterly furious, so you can imagine how I felt when Stephanie reported that her father thought it was funny...

The book is filled with that kind of thing - Stephanie actually feels popular and relatively at home at fat camp, despite the fact that the camp itself sounds ridiculous and pointless (and that's assuming you don't find the very idea of fat camp offensive). The thing I found so depressing about this book was the relentless focus on Stephanie's weight - both by herself and her family. Yes, I know that's what the book's about, but it's just such a miserable thing for a child to have to spend her time worrying about.

Of course, it's certainly possible that I found this book so upsetting because I identified with it so much, but I've recently read two other weight memoirs - Shauna Reid's The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl and Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster - and, although I identified with those books too, I also found them amusing and entertaining (as well as poignant and inspiring); Moose made me sad and angry.

It's very well written and brutally honest (wincingly honest sometimes), but I was glad to finish it.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

Posted by Aigua Media on July 9, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 30, 2008 9:58 AM

BOOK NEWS: Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer by Jane Brocket

I am so excited about this book, I almost can't type fast enough. I know it isn't chick-lit and it isn't even a fictional book. But if you're like me and you like food and a bit of childhood nostalgia then you'll be excited too.

It is a recipe book of all the feel-good foods that feature so heavily in children's books. There is a recipe for Milly Molly Mandy's Treacle Tart, Famous Five Fruit Cake and St Clare's Eclairs amongst many others. The book, which is out on 10th July, is divided into High Tea Treats, Midnight Feasts and Seaside Picnics. For more information Jane has a gorgeous looking blog.

Related posts: The New Famous Five | Best Children's Books of all Time

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 30, 2008 in Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 23, 2008 11:33 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Making Babies by Anne Enright

I don't particularly want to read Anne Enright's Booker winning The Gathering - sounds way too bleak for me - but I've had her pregnancy and parenting memoir, Making Babies on the shelf for a while now so I finally read it. And I loved it. (Oh and apologies that both reviews these days are motherhood-y - just a coincidence!)

Enright is brutally honest and very funny as she writes about how pushing a buggy makes you look (um, rough), how much breast-feeding hurts (plenty), how babies are born knowing everything, how she fitted her writing life into her parenting life, how lonely parenting is, basically everything you could want to know about the subtitle, Stumbling into Motherhood.

Enright is utterly aware of how universal these things are, but, at the same time, how specific and personal they are. I marked pages thinking "I thought I was the only one who felt like that!" I laughed, I sympathised, I empathised and I cried (I always, always cry reading parenting memoirs).

And - just as you'd expect from a Booker Prize winner - the writing is gorgeous:

Yesterday, it was warm, and I took off her socks and stood her on the grass. She loved this, but maybe not so much as I did - her first experience of grass. For her, this green stuff was just as different and as delicious as everything else - the 'first' was all mine. Sometimes, I feel as though I am introducing her to my own nostalgia for the world.

Highly recommended if you're considering motherhood or, indeed, stumbling into motherhood yourself (although bear in mind that it's not pretty!).

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

Posted by Aigua Media on June 23, 2008 in Irish Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 10, 2008 8:04 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

I absolutely loved Jen Lancaster's first two books, so much so that, when this, her latest, arrived, I gave a little squeal, did a happy dance, started it immediately and pretty much didn't look up again until I'd finished.

Such a Pretty Fat is, as the title suggests, a memoir of Jen's attempted weightloss. Because she has such a healthy ego, Jen's weight has never really been a problem for her, but when she realises that it's possibly becoming a problem for her health (and also, of course, when an author friend suggests it might be a good subject to write about, she decides it's time to step away from the pie and step onto a treadmill.

Because Jen is Jen, of course things don't go smoothly, but that's good, because the book is even funnier the more honest Jen is about her failures and struggles with eating less and moving more.

Jen Lancaster is one of those writers that you feel like you know. I loved Such a Pretty Fat and will certainly be passing it on to all my friends. I just can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

(I just read on Jen's blog that her next book is to be called Pretty in Plaid. But what's it about, Jen? What's it about?!)

 

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

Posted by Aigua Media on June 10, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (10)

June 9, 2008 8:24 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Marketing Your Book by Alison Baverstock

I appreciate that this is rather a niche review, but I know we have an awful lot of authors (and future authors!) who read Trashionista and I think Alison Baverstock's Marketing Your Book would be extremely useful to them.

Marketing Your Book covers pretty much everything you could need to know about how to get your book to the biggest readership. From preparing your manuscript for submission to organising a launch event, it's all covered, along with an explanation of what marketing actually is!

With examples from the author's own experience and plenty of useful case studies, Marketing Your Book is full of practical advice written in an entertaining and accessible style.

Plus it contains the best advice you'll ever get: "Try not to act like a prat." :)

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on June 9, 2008 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (5)

June 5, 2008 10:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: I like You: Hospitality under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Reviewed by Diane Shipley (remember her?!)

I'd like to nominate Amy Sedaris as the anti-Martha Stewart. Although Amy has written a guide to entertaining and hospitality, it could possibly put any serious "homemakers" into an early grave. Like her brother David (who I love!) actress/author/comedian Amy is witty, intelligent... and more than a little strange.

I Like You... is made up of 29 chapters, giving advice on putting together different types of parties and get-togethers, from wakes to brunch. Plus there are recipes for quick and tasty meals for one and a number of cakes and desserts which sound positively mouth-watering. (Sedaris clearly knows her stuff: she has her own cupcake company in New York.)

Sometimes I couldn't work out whether the author was serious, such as when she talks about bringing home a group of Japanese business men she didn't know and cooking for them, or when she recommends holding impromptu twenty-five cent sales during a dinner party. But despite the sardonic tone, all of the recipes here are genuine and Sedaris is clearly enthusiastic about entertaining.

Unfortunately, the book reminded me of all the reasons I don't enjoy cooking or throwing parties (the effort, the clean-up, the small talk!) but that's a personal thing. It also made me laugh when Sedaris said she loved being a waitress, and would always rather eat at home than eat out. Reverse both those statements and you have my views exactly!

I do wonder if the wit and irony of the book might perhaps turn off people who don't realise the recipes should be taken entirely seriously. It might be better to have skipped the information on the best way to douche (!) and have made a few more concessions to conventionality... Also (picky, much?) I'd have preferred the book in an A3 format, that could have been laid flat so it was easier to follow the instructions. (I imagine...)

Despite a few reservations (and the caveat that this book is not for the easily offended!) I'd definitely recommend I Like You as a refreshingly modern guide to entertaining; an alternative to the likes of Martha Stewart and Delia Smith, who take it all too seriously for my liking.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

Posted by Aigua Media on June 5, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 30, 2008 9:03 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello

Even though I also write for our sister site, The Bag Lady, I must admit I knew very little about the Hermes Birkin bag before reading Michael Tonello's book. I knew it was an "It" bag, with a waiting list. I knew that Victoria Beckham has loads of them. I knewLogan bought one for Rory in Gilmore Girls. And ... that's it.

Michael Tonello knew even less about them than me, but it didn't stop him becoming an enormously successful Birkin reseller, managing to get hundreds of the bags without joining any waiting list. How? 

Well ... after moving to Barcelona, Tonello's job fell through. Stuck in Spain with no work permit, he had to find a way to work for himself. Trying to make some fast cash, he sold some of his stuff on ebay and was surprised to find how much he could get for Hermes gear in particular. Starting with scarves, he trawled Barcelona's Hermes stores for old stock, i.e. collectables, and was amazed to find he was making a huge profit.

Through those sales he made contact with a number of Hermes collectors who advised him on what to look out for and before long he was travelling all over Europe and selling Hermes on ebay full time. Since he'd developed wish lists for his clients, Tonello had begun to learn about the mythic Birkin bag and, after a while, decided to try and get his hands on one.

At first his requests were met with rudeness, but soon he developed a (ridiculously simple) formula and the Birkins started coming thick and fast. (One of the photo captions states that Hermes claim to only make 100 Birkins per year: "If that were truly the case it would mean that I bought the entire annual production that year - and then some!" comments Michael.)

Despite being unfamiliar with the Birkin, I found this book a hugely entertaining read. Tonello is a funny and charming writer and his Birkin-gathering life was so glamorous I got completely caught up in it (and enormously envious of the fabulous hotels he stayed in, the incredible food he ate, the amazing wine he drank... sigh). It's the kind of book that's so accessible, you miss the author when you've finished reading.

It's not just about a bag, it's about taking chances, seizing the moment, truly living your life. I loved it. (But it hasn't made me want a Birkin. I prefer the Chloe Bay...)

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight (nothing like it, really, but still great)

Posted by Aigua Media on May 30, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 27, 2008 12:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: All That Glitters by Pearl Lowe

The trouble with addiction memoirs is that they tend to be quite repetitive: doing lots of drugs, realising they've got a problem, vowing to give up, giving up, falling off the wagon, doing lots of drugs ... and so on.

Pearl Lowe's All That Glitters is no exception. Pearl Lowe was in a vaguely successful band in the indie decade, the '90s. She had a child, she got married, she got divorced. She met Danny Goffey from Supergrass and they fell madly in love. And she did loads and loads of drugs. And then she didn't. And then she did again.

I found All That Glitters veered between incredibly boring and strangely compelling. Each time Pearl fell off the wagon, it followed the same pattern and I found myself scanning pages. The bits that I found compelling were mainly either because I was so horrified by Pearl's behaviour (or the behaviour of those around her) or because I just didn't believe her.

I can't really be specific about the bits I didn't believe (we've got a no spoilers policy here), but I'm sure, if you read it, you would also doubt their veracity. I didn't exactly feel that Pearl was lying, more that she was being disingenuous, both about actual experiences and her motivations. (One thing I will say is that her behaviour towards Gavin Rossdale - who turned out to be the father of Pearl's eldest daughter, Daisy - was just horrendous.)

The main thing that disturbed me about this book, though, was that Pearl never seems to get to the bottom of her addiction and she constantly seems on the verge of another relapse, particularly since her friends and even her partner, Danny, continue to take drugs around her.

Rather than being "ultimately uplifting" as Cosmopolitan called it, I found the whole thing depressing.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try Drugs are Nice by Lisa Crystal Carver

Posted by Aigua Media on May 27, 2008 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 15, 2008 1:08 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith

Reviewed by Jill Hart

Part history, part armchair travel-guide, and part memoir, A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith put my travel bug in overdrive. Being a big Jane Austen fan, I can easily imagine what it might be like to walk where she once lived. A Walk With Jane Austin gave me a glimpse of the UK from the comfort of my couch (well, LoveSac actually).

When Smith decided to travel to Britain, she was looking for a change of scenery and a chance of pace from her hectic life. Smith heads 'across the pond', and begins her journey in Oxford. She continues on to London, Winchester, Bath and beyond. Throughout the trip, she shares thoughts and feelings straight from her heart.

In Oxford she meets Jack, who she finds intriguing and charming. In London, she visits an old friend and writes about the terrorism that is all over the news these days. In each chapter she shares how she's processing her journey and how her faith is being stretched, expanded and deepened.

Mixed in amongst her experiences, Smith shares the parts of Austen's life that took place in each location. She notes that in Oxford, where her journey began, was also where it's thought that George and Cassandra Austen, Jane's parents, met. In Steventon, Smith discusses that this, or something nearby, is Jane Austen's birthplace. The story intermingles with Austen history and it's a fun walk through time. The book also has a deeper dimension, where Smith shares her inmost thoughts and feelings.

Smith's book began as a blog where she wrote about her experiences. In the preface, she mentions that on the blog she often received questions from readers as to whether the entries were fictional or not. She makes mention that it's very much a work of non-fiction, although having been written after the trip from her extensive journaling, she may have added some additional perspective in hindsight.

Put altogether, the book does read like a novel and knowing that it's not makes it an ever better read in my opinion. I identified with Smith in many ways and found myself wishing I had been traveling along with her. Maybe she'll take another trip and invite me along? Hey, a girl can dream...

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Madonna and Me by Nikki Racklin

Posted by Aigua Media on May 15, 2008 in American Authors, Inspirational, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (8)

May 12, 2008 12:05 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Maeve Binchy Writers' Club

I have an abundance of how to writing books hidden under my bed. If I'm honest though and I mean really honest, I haven't actually read any of them. The ones I started to read, I didn't get past the first few pages, they just seemed so dull. When Maeve's book plopped onto my doormat however, I was excited. You see, Maeve is somewhat of a heroine of mine. I first discovered her when I was a teenager and I picked a book up on holiday that someone else had left behind. Since then I've been hooked. I have all of her books. Most of them in hardback. This woman can really tell a story. So I was interested in what she would have to say about the process of writing.

The book is composed of twenty letters written by Maeve. These letters were inspired by a course which ran for twenty weeks at the national College of Ireland. Every week Maeve would write the students a letter which included tips and advice for the students on the theme of the week. They also had guest lecturers from other authors, publishers and editors and ten of these also have contributions within the book including one by Marian Keyes.

The chapters cover themes such as how to maintain your motivation to write and deal with procrastination (this chapter really spoke to me), the road to success (hint: one percent inspiration ninety nine percent perspiration) and the writers journey.

The advice is a little obvious if you aren't a beginner, but this book is not giving you a magic formula of how to write. Instead every page of this book seemed to be telling me not to give up. It was telling me that I can do this. Because Maeve also struggled in the beginning, she used to write at 5:30 every morning before work and she used to visualise her first launch party in order to keep herself going, you feel that someone really understands everything you are going through and is willing you to succeed.

Just like her fictional work, this book is reassuring and comforting. But most of all it is encouraging and inspiring, filling me with self belief and enthusiasm for my own work in progress.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try: Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 12, 2008 in Irish Authors, More On Monday, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 1, 2008 1:49 PM

BRAND NEW BOOK NEWS: Postcards From Yo Momma

Blook news! Doree Shafrir and Jessica Grose have bagged a book deal based on their blog of mom emails, Postcards from Yo Momma.

Hyperion editor Gretchen Young bought the book at auction and is planning to market it as a Mother's Day gift book.

[Via Galleycat]

Related posts: Judging panel for Blooker Prize | From blog to book

Posted by Sarah Painter on May 1, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Non Fiction, You heard it here first! | Permalink | Comments (17)

April 29, 2008 11:41 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Candy Girl by Diablo Cody

I had to read Candy Girl after watching and completely ADORING the movie Juno, the screenplay of which was written by Diablo Cody.

Candy Girl is subtitled "a year in the life of an unlikely stripper" and does exactly what it says on the tin. After moving to Minneapolis, Cody was working in an advertising agency and living with a musician she met on the internet. Bored at work and passing a strip club one day, she wonders what it would be like to strip. And so she volunteers for amateur night.

Cody finds her first experience of stripping both terrifying and exhilarating and soon she's stripping regularly. From stripping she moves on to lapdancing, poledancing and more, eventually working in the Dollhouse, a revolting-sounding peepshow.

Cody's writing is enormously honest and entertaining, but even a couple of weeks after finishing the book, I haven't been able to work out what Cody got out of stripping. She suggests that she did it to challenge and frighten herself, but I didn't find that reasoning entirely convincing.

As I read the book, I argued with myself about whether I was for or against stripping - vacillating between it being a valid way to earn a good living by taking advantage of men's perversions and being, you know, a misogynist and patriarchal disgrace. By the end of Candy Girl I was totally resolved that it's a blight on society and no right-thinking woman should do it willingly. But, of course, I might be wrong.

Oh and remember when I read Good Vibrations and said there was one section that made me sick to my stomach? Well there's a bit in Candy Girl that's (arguably) even worse.

So Candy Girl is absolutely not for the faint-hearted, but it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Good Vibrations by Ayn Carrillo

Posted by Aigua Media on April 29, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (10)

April 28, 2008 12:01 PM

COMPETITION & EXTRACT: Cosmo's Guide to Red-Hot Sex

The winner of The Automatic Detective was Annette Thomas of Norwich.

Today's book is Cosmo's Guide to Red-Hot Sex and I've got three copies to give away, but it's going to have to be UK only because they're really heavy. And I mean really heavy - I can barely lift the three at once.

To be in with a chance of winning, email editor @ trashionista . com (remove spaces) with "Cosmo's Guide" in the subject line (I thought putting "Red Hot Sex" in the subject line might send all your emails to the spam bin). Don't forget to include your name and address and the competition closes at 12 noon GMT tomorrow.

If you can't enter then swallow your disappointment because there's a treat over the cut. An extract on how to generate a sexy story line. Enjoy!

(I tried to write this without any double entendres, but I couldn't keep it up.)

From Cosmo’s Guide to Red-Hot Sex (Feb. 2008, Hearst books/Sterling Publishing)

How to Generate a Sexy Story Line

Frisky thoughts beget more frisky thoughts, meaning once you tap into a fantasy that makes your pulse race, naughty scenes will flood your brain. Here, ideas for how to start manufacturing those visions.

Think With Your Panties All Day

Start tracking what excites you. Let’s say you’re cruising to work when you suddenly find yourself drooling over a hot highway billboard of a guy whose manhood looks as though it’s trying to break free of his jeans. Or you spot a sexy couple making out and envision what they’ll be doing to each other later that night. Be aware of images that you find sexy or arousing and let your imagi­nation begin to percolate.

Take a Star Turn

Fantasies are like finger­prints—no two are identical. But there is one universal component: You have to be the focus of the action, whether that puts you at the center of a sizzling three­some or in full view of a sex­ual encounter being acted out for your eyes only.

“Many women like to watch and be watched,” explains Melinda Gallagher, founder of CAKE, an enter­tainment and educational company that promotes female sexual empowerment. “Start your fantasy scene simply: Think about some­one watching you undress and see where that idea leads you.”

Peruse Erotica

If you find yourself in short supply of real-world inspira­tion, try reading an erotic short story or popping in a dirty DVD. “Pornographic films serve as visual valida­tion of things we might only dream of trying,” says Gallagher. And sexy movies come in different degrees—from very tame to hard-core skin flicks. “Watch one by yourself to see what stirs you,” says Ava Cadell, PhD, author of The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Oral Sex.

“Fantasies are about losing your inhibitions, so don’t censor your thoughts.” Let each scene wash over you, paying attention to what, in particular, pushes your hot buttons. Then put yourself in the flick, casting the guy of your choice as the male lead, says Cadell.

Posted by Keris on April 28, 2008 in Competition, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 17, 2008 8:19 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Further Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

We adored Marian's first collection of non-fiction essays, Under The Duvet, and I'm pleased to report that Further Under the Duvet is just as warm and funny.

Whether she is talking about her well-documented alcoholism, charity work, feminism, her love of Prada or the Irish air-guitar-playing championships, Marian is adroit and lovely.

As well as journalism (previously published in places like the Guardian and Marie Claire), Further Under Duvet has a small collection of short stories (two of which are previously unpublished) and Mammy Walsh's Problem Page.

A lovely warm hug of a read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: Under The Duvet (of course!) by Marian Keyes

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 17, 2008 in Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 15, 2008 1:58 PM

BOOK NEWS: Voluptuous Delights

Sophie Dahl, the model-turned-writer and granddaughter of Roald Dahl, is to follow her adult fiction debut (Playing With The Grown-ups) with a cookery book.

Dahl was first famous as a 'bigger' model and then slimmed down considerably to loud criticism from the fickle (and, dare I say it, hypocritical) press. Titled Voluptuous Delights, it marries her favourite recipes with personal stories. She says: "It's an anecdotal book about how to be slim but eat."

[Via Entertainment Weekly]

Related posts: Celebrity books and chick lit | Celebrity memoir mania

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 15, 2008 in Book News, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 11, 2008 6:09 PM

BOOK NEWS: I Was Told There'd Be Cake

This debut collection of snarky essays by Sloane Crosley sounds very funny indeed. Titled I Was Told There'd Be Cake,  the essays have headers like The Pony Problem and Bring-Your-Machete-To-Work Day.

Crosley has been compared to David Sedaris, recommended by Meg Cabot and the cover is great. It was published at the beginning of the month and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Related posts: Non fiction archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 11, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (18)

BOOK REVIEW: How I Write by Janet Evanovich and Ina Yalof

Since I love Janet Evanovich's books so much, it was only natural that I would want to read the guide she has written to how she actually *writes* them.

How I Write is basically a glorified collection of the writing FAQs gathered from Evanovich's website, with occasional interjections from co-writer Ina Yalof and Evanovich's daughter - and webmaster - Alex, but that's not to say it's not entertaining and valuable, just a bit, well, basic. There is little writing advice that you wouldn't already be aware of had you read any sort of introduction to writing.

What makes it different is Evanovich's experience and her openness and honesty. Also, writing tutorials are illuminated with examples from the Plum books, which is really helpful.

I'm fascinated by how Evanovich came to write the Plum books (after being a relatively successful author of category romance) along with how she treats the business side of being an author and there's a lot of enlightening information on those subjects in this book. It also features details of Evanovich's writing life, which, if you're as nosy about authors' lives as I am, you'll find fascinating.

If you're looking for a general writing guide there are other books I'd recommend ahead of this one, but if you're an Evanovich fan or as interested in writers as writing, then I have no doubt you'll enjoy this book.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Wannabe a Writer by Jane Wenham-Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on April 11, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 10, 2008 3:32 PM

BOOK NEWS: Listography

I know this is outside our remit, being that it's a journal, rather than a novel, but I feel confident that at least some of you are as dorky as me and so you too will love the idea of this book!

Listography is subtitled "Your Life in Lists" and features prompts from the obvious (greatest accomplishments, best friends, favorite food), to the more obscure (guiltiest pleasures, greatest acts of kindness, personal fashion trends), and each list is accompanied by hilarious illustrations.

[via decor8]

Related posts: Tuesday Three - lists | Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal | Ladybird notebooks

Posted by Aigua Media on April 10, 2008 in Bookish products, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 7, 2008 9:10 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: In Stitches: the Highs and Lows of Life as an A&E Doctor by Dr Nick Edwards

Reviewed by author and Corrieblog editor, Sue Haasler

I picked In Stitches up by chance - I love reading about other people's lives, and as I'm a huge fan of TV medical dramas I couldn't resist. However, any hope of buckets of blood and lashings of torrid linen-cupboard action are dispelled in the introduction: "It is a bit like what you see in TV programmes such as ER," the author says, "but with less sex and more paper work."

The book started out as a blog to vent his frustrations and Dr Edwards (not his real name) hopes the book becomes a campaigning tool against the privatisation and marketisation happening to the NHS. But it's also a damn good read.

The day-to-day realities of being on the front line of hospital services is passionately, often humorously and sometimes heartbreakingly conveyed. There are the funny stories of people with mobile phones stuck in places they really shouldn't have been, and the desperately sad ones like the 14 year old girl who took an overdose and left a note asking her parents to look after her guinea pig (she survived). And there's
top advice, too. I now know not to get ill on the first Wednesday in August or the last Friday of the month. Why? You'll have to read the book.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Heat by Bill Buford (an expose of the restaurant industry)

Being a full-time doctor, Nick's having trouble getting publicity for the book, particularly as he needs to hide behind his pseudonym.  He is hoping someone reading might be able to help him with marketing the book.

If you're interested in featuring the book or Nick on your site or blog - or are able to offer any other kind of marketing assistance - please email us and we'll put you in touch with him. Thanks.

Posted by Keris on April 7, 2008 in British Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 4, 2008 10:42 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Always Go to Bed on an Argument by Deborah Ross

I requested a copy of Deborah Ross's Always Go to Bed on an Argument after a friend sent me a hilarious extract that I immediately forwarded to friends and family. Inevitably, that extract was the funniest thing in the whole book, but the rest is plenty entertaining too.

Subtitled 'And other useful advise from the non-domestic goddess', Always Go to Bed on an Argument is a collection of essays, columns, letters, minutes of meetings, etc., generally purporting to relate to the Non-Domestic Goddess Club (which may be a real site, but I can't tell because it's not working).

Covering everything from housework to parenting to giving up smoking, Ross is very funny and frequently open about the kind of things you generally don't admit to even your closest friends (except perhaps by emailing them an extract of this book!).

Though it's probably a better book to dip in and out of rather than read straight through - I found it a little repetitive - it's still good fun and worth a good few belly laughs ... but, oh my goodness, how bad is that cover?!

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

Posted by Keris on April 4, 2008 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 2, 2008 10:26 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Carrie & Danielle

If you've been reading Trashionista for a while, you may have picked up on the fact that I have a somewhat obsessive personality. When I discover a book or author I love I become kind of evangelical about it and won't rest until everyone shares my opinion (bend to my will!). One such obsession is Carrie & Danielle's Style Statement.

I discovered the company a while ago, began reading their Friday Focus emails and have been waiting impatiently for the Style Statement book. Well, it's out in less than a month (1 May) and not only have Carrie and Danielle answered our questions, they've given us a copy to give away.

Carry on over the cut for the interview and your chance to win a copy.

The Style Statement is such a fabulous idea. How did you come up with it?

Thanks! Carrie was an interior designer and wanted to create a more meaningful approach to designing people's homes; design based on authenticity rather than dictatorship. So she began Style Statement as a simple questionnaire about what people loved in their living space. The process has since evolved into a deep and playful inquiry that covers every area of life-from your living room to your relationships, your career and your wellness plan!

How have your own Style Statements made a different in your life?

Carrie: My Style Statement is Refined Treasure, and it is my compass in everything I do. It reminds me to Treasure myself, my body, my time, and the people around me. It's a great filter for how I shop and what I bring into my home...and my whole life. The focus of it creates so much ease for me.

Danielle: I'm Sacred Dramatic. Style Statement works on the 80/20 principle: the first word represents your 80%, your foundation, the 2nd words is the 20%---your creative edge. In this way, mine really helps me to bring all of me to what I do-to embrace my contradictions. Things have got to be meaningful and impactful. I'm and introvert who feels at home on stage, a soul-seeking philosopher who loves trashy magazines and disco.

What can we expect from the book? Are readers going to be able to define our own Style Statements?

Yes! The book, Style Statement Live By Your Own Design, is a Discover-It-Yourself process. Guided by our Life Style Map, you'll ask yourself questions you've never asked yourself before. This is the place where you get to consider your choices in shoes, lovers, and careers!

Everything matters when you're taking your authentic self into consideration. You'll see patterns in what's working and not working for you in your wardrobe and your life at large, and with our Style Vocabulary as a jumping off point, you'll distill all of that down the two words that most meaningfully describe your genuine self. The book is an experience - a chance to define yourself on your own terms.

And...it's simply GORGEOUS!

Can you tell me more about your forthcoming e-magazine, CARRIE & DANIELLE?

Our e-magazine, www.CarrieandDanielle.com (launching in April) is really unique in that it's going to be an interactive newsletter. So, while we're offering inspiration and recommendations on everything from everyday Buddhism to eco-friendly jeans, we'll also be asking our subscribers what they recommend and desire and what inspires them. Of course, this is the beginning of an incredibly cool social site...watch out!

Do you get a chance to read? What are you reading at the moment?

Carrie: Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose is possibly the best book I've ever read. It's all about the space to "be." It's a lovely clear message - Accept Awake Aware - and I can feel myself expanding with it. I'm impressed that Oprah has created the seminar series (I just signed up). I want Eckhart to be my new best friend!

Danielle: Magazines are like an essential food group to me, and with all of the action around our book and new site launch, mags are where it's at for me this season. My essentials: Dwell, Fast Company and Inc., O, and Marie Claire can be smart. A friend just gave me Abigail Thomas' A Three Dog Life - it's waiting for my next holiday.

Who is your favourite fictional heroine and are you able to define her Style Statement?

Danielle: My favourite fictional heroine...Scout Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. She was a little badass with a big heart and her daddy's integrity. Inspiring. As for her Style Statement...we never, ever dare to guess. Seriously.

Carrie: Nancy Drew - she's young, strong, independent and kind.

Do you have a theme song?

Carrie: "Let It Be" by the Beatles, but I absolutely love the version by Carol Woods from the film Across the Universe.

Danielle: it's a cross between Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and The Commodore's Brick House << owww! >

Thanks so much, Carrie and Danielle!

For the chance to win a copy of Style Statement (and I'd recommend it because it really is gorgeous), just email us at editor @ trashionista . com (remove spaces) with your name and address and the words "Style Statement" in the subject line. Closing date is 30 April and it's UK contestants only, I'm afraid (it's really heavy!).

(Don't worry, this isn't today's competition, there'll be another one - open to all - along later.)

Posted by Keris on April 2, 2008 in American Authors, Interviews, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development | Permalink | Comments (9)

March 31, 2008 10:13 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Lucky by Alice Sebold

Alice Sebold's memoir of the brutal rape and beating she suffered as an eighteen-year-old college student is something I have been meaning to read for a long time. Knowing it was going to be tough, I kept putting it off, but I am so glad I got round to it in the end...

Yes, it is very hard to read in places, but the majority of the book is about Sebold's (interesting - and a little crazy) family and her triumphant battle to convict the man who raped her.

Sebold writes with amazing honesty and insight. The account of her horrifying attack  is given with terrifying, startling candour and I can only imagine how hard it must have been for Sebold to write it.

She is amazingly brave, not just for the account of the attack, but for honestly recounting the reactions of people to her after the event and her slow recovery.

Lucky is also a book of hope. Sebold survives. She wins against the man in a rape trial and she wins against him by healing and by going on to help others with this important book. Having read and adored The Lovely Bones, I already thought Sebold was an amazing writer - now I believe she is an amazing person, too.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 31, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 24, 2008 10:17 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: When You Eat At the Refrigerator, Pull Up A Chair by Geneen Roth

I know, I know, I'm always reviewing non-diet books, but they're such a revelation to me after years of reading actual diet books (okay, WeightWatchers magazine). Geneen Roth's When You Eat at the Refrigerator, Pull Up a Chair is a classic, given credibility in my eyes by having a foreword by Anne Lamott (who I love).

When You Eat... consists of 50 very short chapters (some are only a couple of pages in length) with titles like "Carry a chunk of chocolate everywhere" and "Remind yourself that it's already broken." Weirdly, the word that came to mind when I was typing that was "Californian" so I checked the About the Author page and discovered that Roth does indeed live in Northern California - what was my point? Oh yes, if you're not comfortable with self-development, if, like Beth Lisick, it's way outside your comfort zone and you're smirking now, I'd say read the book anyway.

I found it reassuring, funny, inspiring and frequently more down to earth than the chapter headings (and that "Californian" business) would have you believe. The subtitle is "50 ways to feel thin, gorgeous, and happy (when you feel anything but)" and that's not to be sniffed (or smirked) at, surely?

I kept it on my bedside table and read one short chapter each day. Now that I've finished it, I've turned back to the beginning to read it again until I get the chance to read another of Roth's books.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The 4-Day Win by Martha Beck

Posted by Aigua Media on March 24, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 21, 2008 7:30 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Meaning of Sunglasses by Hadley Freeman

Despite having no discernable interest in fashion (I work from home, mostly in pajamas, so there's no real need), I absolutely love Hadley Freeman's Guardian newspaper column. She's so dry, funny and down to earth. I think I gave a little squeal when I heard she'd written a book.

The Meaning of Sunglasses is subtitled "A guide to almost all things fashionable" and it's certainly that. Set out in alphabetical order (which took me a shameful amount of time to work out - I kept wondering how the topics had been organised. D'oh.), the book features everything from Accessories to Yoga.

The thing I love about Ms Freeman is that she often says just what I've been afraid to admit (sometimes even to myself) about fashion (see Coats, stuck at the nexus point between dull and stressful). She's totally straightforward in her criticisms of magazines (the products are featured because the companies have paid for the advertising - I know this and yet I still always fall for those "must-have" or "products of the year" articles) and even certain designers, and she's practical about the ridiculousness of much fashion.

And yet ... I didn't enjoy this book anywhere near as much as her column. Often, either me or my husband (yes, my utterly fashion-ignorant husband loves her too) will read bits out to each other. I didn't feel the need to share any of this book with  him. Her column frequently makes me laugh out loud. The book had me smiling once or twice. Granted, I did read it straight through and it may be a better book to dip in and out of.

If you haven't read any Hadley before, I'm confident you'll enjoy it as a common sense explanation of the madness of modern fashion, but Hadley fans may be disappointed.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones

Posted by Keris on March 21, 2008 in Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 12, 2008 9:49 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Helping Me Help Myself by Beth Lisick

I am a self-confessed self-help junkie, so I was really looking forward to reading Beth Lisick's second book, particularly since I'd heard great things about her first, Everybody into the Pool.

Unlike me, Beth is a self-help skeptic, but following the realisation that, at age 37, she was sleeping in a room with plastic sheeting covering a damp patch on the wall, doing a job for which she had to dress up as a banana, and too unfit to keep up with her four-year-old son, she decides self-help can't, well, hurt and so undertakes to examine (and hopefully improve) one area of her life each month for a year.

From Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles to a Richard Simmons weightloss cruise, via (Men are From Mars author) John Gray, The Artists' Way and a parenting book entitled 1-2-3 Magic!, Lisick repeatedly steps out (way out) of her comfort zone.

I approached Helping Me Help Myself expecting to find Lisick disagreeing with or mocking every self-help method she tries, but she really doesn't. She genuinely seems to approach them all (okay, almost all) with a totally open mind. She's charming, funny, enthusiastic and self-deprecating and (and I know I always say this) by the end I felt like we were friends. So much so that I kept thinking of books to recommend to her before remembering that I don't actually know her at all.

Plus it genuinely contains good self-help information while, at the same time, cheerfully (and without malice) exposing the money-making opportunities inherent in the self-help industry. I loved it.

Self-help addict or self-help skeptic, there's something here for everyone. Oh and it'll make you look at Richard Simmons in a totally different way...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Give it Up! by Mary Carlomagno

Posted by Keris on March 12, 2008 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 28, 2008 7:13 PM

BRAND NEW BOOK NEWS: The Celeb Diaries: Tears, Tantrums and Excess

Mark Frith, editor at heat magazine, has stepped down from his job in order to write a book called The Celeb Diaries: Tears, Tantrums and Excess.

Frith promises to dish the never-seen-before dirt (sorry, 'anecdotes') from celebrity culture. A behind-the-scenes peek from his days at the gossip magazine that will include the likes of Robbie Wiliams, Sharon Osbourne and the Beckhams. Cor.

[Via Bookseller]

Related posts: Poor show from celebrity memoirs | Celebrity memoir mania

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 28, 2008 in Book News, British Authors, Non Fiction, You heard it here first! | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 26, 2008 11:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Good Vibrations by Ayn Carrillo

Ayn Carrillo's Good Vibrations has been on my shelf for a little while, but I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. First there's the title. Then the subtitle - "One good girl's hilarious exploration of all things bad..." Funnily enough, I spotted the US version which is titled Pornology and has a much more sophisticated cover (see it over the cut). The US is often accused of dumbing down (the title of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone being changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone springs immediately to mind), but they're certainly winning in the chick lit cover wars!

Anyway, back to Good Vibrations. When Carrillo's boyfriend accused her of being "pornophobic" she made a list - she really loves making lists - a "Porn to do list" in fact. On the list were items like "meet a porn star", "visit a strip club", "test vibrators", "check out a brothel" and more. Here's a tip: if the previous sentence offended you, you're not going to enjoy this book.

I'm not easily offended and I enjoyed this book. Carrillo has a chatty and easy writing style, in particular she's good at writing about pretty full-on stuff in a lighthearted and informative way. Having said that, even though I'm no prude and am pretty open-minded about most things, there was one bit of the book that quite literally turned my stomach. Chapter 8. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.

As is often the case with memoir, I didn't believe bits of the book, usually bits that were meant to be funny. There's also a relationship with a man Carrillo met in a sex shop running through the book and that didn't ring true either (although, judging by the acknowledgments, the man exists, at least!). Mostly Good Vibrations is an entertaining and informative addition to the sex memoirs that have flooded the market lately. (Ew. Now I've reminded myself of Chapter 8.)

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

Posted by Keris on February 26, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 22, 2008 2:39 PM

BOOK NEWS: Helping Me Help Myself

Similar in scope to The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, Beth Lisick's Helping Me Help Myself is about the year she spent following the advice of different self-help gurus.

It's just come out in hardback (Rubin might be a little gutted, as her book isn't out until 2009), and  Beth has made some promotional book trailers. Hop over here to see them.

Related posts: The Joy Diet | Career Helium

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 22, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 19, 2008 2:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman

Have you ever fallen in love with a book? So in love that you just couldn't stop reading it. Or, if you had to stop, you'd be thinking about it and rushing to get things done so you could get back to it? That was me with Catherine Newman's Waiting for Birdy last weekend. (In fact, my husband was getting annoyed that I was talking more about Catherine's son, Ben, than our own son!)

Taken from Catherine's Babycentre blog, it's the story of gorgeous 3-year-old Ben and Catherine's mixed feelings about being pregnant with her second child, Birdy (don't worry, they didn't christen her that). Nothing dramatic or tragic (thankfully) happens, it's just the story of a family or, as the cover puts it "a year of frantic tedium, neurotic angst, and the wild magic of growing a family".

It's just a gorgeous book. It made me cry (repeatedly). It made me laugh (a lot). And sometimes it made me laugh until I cried.

Later that evening, we were all in the car together and a Cole Porter song came on. After we told him that it was called " 'S Wonderful" and that it was Ella Fitzgerald singing, Ben was silent for a while. "Like at the zoo?" he finally ventured, and Michael shot me a questioning look. "Like what?" I asked. "Like at the zoo. Like Elephants Gerald?"

Catherine articulates every single thing I've ever felt about motherhood. How joyful it is. How painful it is. How everything - everything - is bittersweet.

And the best thing is that, now I've finished the book, I've still got years' worth of blog posts to read! Highly, highly, recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday

Posted by Keris on February 19, 2008 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 8, 2008 11:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Career & Corporate Cool by Rachel C Weingarten

I wasn't sure that Rachel C Weingarten's Career and Corporate Cool would be much use to me. I work for myself so the "corporate" doesn't apply. The book is subtitled 'How to look, dress, and act the part - at every stage of your career' and since I work from home, often in my pyjamas, I didn't think Weingarten had anything to teach me in that area either. As is often the case ... I was wrong.

This book is packed with a lot of advice that you've probably already heard if you've ever read a women's magazine, but it feels somehow much more up to date. It includes questions on how to define your own personal style and then to use this in every area of your professional life.

Containing advice on everything from dress and make-up to behaviour inside and outside the office to the differences between masculine and feminine work styles and how to gracefully handle emergencies, Weingarten covers pretty much everything you'll ever need, no matter what your job. The abundance of post-its sticking out of my copy suggest it's just as useful if you work for yourself.

It's not at all stuffy or preachy, in fact it's entertaining, often funny and a very easy read.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Career Helium by David Thompson

Posted by Keris on February 8, 2008 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 4, 2008 5:14 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Psychology of Joss Whedon: An Unauthorized Exploration of "Buffy', "Angel" and "Firefly"

Joss Whedon is the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it's spin-off series Angel, Firefly (another series, which sadly only ran for one season) and Serenity (a film inspired by Firefly).

There has been lots of study - both light-hearted and academic - of Whedon's worlds and the amazing characters that inhabit them.

This latest collection of critical essays delves into the psychology of Joss himself, as well taking an analytical look at his creations.

Written by a variety of authors - all of whom have strings of letters after their names -  and with frequent reference to psychological theories and methods, this book had the potential to be very hard-going indeed.

Luckily, it's very readable, and the essays are well-researched and cogent. They cover topics such as neuroscience in Firefly and Angel's relationship with his mother. My personal favourites are the essays that refer to feminism in both Buffy and Whedon's own personality (Joss often refers to himself as a 'radical feminist', just another reason he is one of my personal heroes).

A couple of words of warning, however; this book is definitely not at the 'light' end of the fan-essay-market. Although by no means impenetrable, you really do need to have an interest in psychology as well as in Whedon and his works.

Also, the essays refer widely to the episodes of Buffy, Angel and Firefly, so there are plenty of spoilers.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Serenity Found

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 4, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Supernatural, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

BRAND NEW BOOK NEWS: Nothing But Good Times Ahead

Eep! I just heard that a book of academic essays on Jennifer Crusie's work is being written. Yep, it's not even got a publisher, yet; that's how new this book news is!

Titled Nothing But Good Times Ahead: The Novels of Jennifer Crusie, the book is edited by Eric Murphy Selinger and Laura Vivanco. It's going to cover topics like ageing, feminism, and symbolism in Crusie's work. We will keep you posted...

Related posts: The Crusie/Mayer writing workshop | Book Review: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 4, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Non Fiction, You heard it here first! | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 30, 2008 11:08 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty Confidential by Nadine Haobsh

I have to admit, I'm not a big beauty junkie, so I wasn't too excited about Nadine Haobsh's book, Beauty Confidential. I was, however, intrigued by the book's backstory - Nadine was a beauty editor about to start her dream job, when she was outed as the anonymous author of tell-all beauty blog, Jolie in NYC. The dream job offer was retracted ... after Nadine had left her current job. Fortunately, Jolie in NYC's popularity was such that Nadine got a book deal, plus the site is still going strong (although it's no longer anonymous).

Still, the backstory was summed up in a couple of pages and I worried the beauty stuff wouldn't hold my attention. Yep, wrong again. The thing about Beauty Confidential that distinguishes it from the generic beauty pages I flick past every month is Nadine's voice.

She's chatty, funny, down-to-earth and honest. She knows that singing the praises of Nars blush (in Orgasm) isn't going to change the world, but she also knows that if your hair looks good, your day goes better and that's not to be underestimated.

Not only did I fly through this book making mental shopping lists (and vows to spend more than one minute doing my "face"), I've actually referred back to it once or twice since finishing.

From thinking it wasn't a book for me to keeping it on my shelf as an indispensable reference book ... not bad for someone with no interest in the beauty industry. What I'm saying is, if Nadine Haobsh can fire my enthusiasm, she can fire anyone's. And if you're already a beauty junkie? Pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and enjoy!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Keris on January 30, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (18)

January 28, 2008 12:04 PM

MORE ON MONDAY & COMPETITION: The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World by Linda Jones

Full disclosure: Linda Jones has been one of my mentors as I changed career from administrator in corporate recovery and personal insolvency (hello? still awake?) to freelance journalist, so I knew in advance just how straight-talking, down to earth and exceedingly useful this book was going to be.

Linda's been a journalist for 20 years and has not only worked as a freelance, but also in newspapers, magazines, online media and PR, so these tips cover writing across the board and from both sides of the fence (I don't think there's a chapter about mixing metaphors, unfortunately).

Find out how you can win a copy over the cut.

This book covers everything you could need to know - from the business side of freelancing (invoicing, copyright and legal matters) to the fun stuff (interviewing, researching and actually writing).

Linda is generous with her advice, but at the same time she doesn't mollycoddle and that's what I liked the most about this book. Yes, it's encouraging and enlightening, but it's also realistic about your chances of making it as a freelancer, which, as I know from experience, will be vastly increased by learning from Linda.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Career Helium by David Thompson

For your chance to win a copy of The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World, please email us at editor @ trashionista . com (take out the spaces) with "Tips" in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the email (so we can send you the book!). Closing date 4 February 2008.

Posted by Keris on January 28, 2008 in British Authors, Competition, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (4)

January 25, 2008 1:22 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Charlie Wilson's War

Charlie Wilson's War is the kind of film that could go terribly, horribly wrong. A story about a Texas congressman's covert dealings with the rebels in Afghanistan (aiding them in combat against the Soviets), a main character with a flawed personality and a war film billed as 'funny'.

Of course, that's without banking on the screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. The man who brought us the West Wing - a series that effortlessly blends quick-witted, dialogue-heavy comedy with political drama.

Sorkin uses the same magic here and the script is every bit as good as I had hoped. It's moving, funny and thoughtful, and manages to cram a whole lot of story into 90 minutes without seeming rushed.

Of course his source material is also excellent. The film is based on George Crile's acclaimed non-fiction book - Charlie Wilson's War: The Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History.

And hats off to Mike Nichols for the direction, too. He navigates the different tones in the story smoothly and uses the A-list cast to great effect.

Amy Adams (Enchanted) is Wilson's personal aide and Julia Roberts plays against type as his socialite friend and confidente. Tom Hanks is fantastic as the playboy politician, but I adored Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust Avrakotos, the maverick CIA agent who aids Charlie Wilson.  He has such wonderful comic timing combined with a genuine edginess.

If it's still on at your local cinema, do catch it. If not, put the DVD on pre-order now.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 25, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (7)

BOOK REVIEW: Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big by Sarah Nilsen

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

Ever been in the situation where you’ve been lying down on your side and your tummy spills over, or perhaps you catch an unflattering angle of yourself in a mirror and think ‘Right, that’s it. Enough. Diet starts tomorrow.’ You then feel utterly deprived until you perk up as you realise that you now need to go through the ‘day before ritual’ when you can eat anything and everything on sight because tomorrow (once again) is Day 1.

Sound familiar?

For Sarah Nilsen, author of ‘Does this book make my butt look big (and who cares anyway. Its my butt)’ this is quite a common occurrence for her. And to be honest for me too, because as I was reading this particular chapter I could feel myself thinking ‘oh my God, she does that too!’

‘Does this book…’ is a collection of Sarah’s memoirs of what it is like to be a woman in modern times. The embarrassment (being fitted for a bra), the pain (deciding its time to visit the gym), and the responsibility (of being a Mum and left with the puppy poo) all make for a humorous account of Sarah’s life.

This book is like sitting down and having a natter with your best mate. Talking about all the embarrassing stories you have and finding they are remarkably similar, just a few details have changed. I don’t know if it scares me or reassures me that we all share the same foibles. But it is amusing none the less.

I did have a slight problem with the book though. Sarah is American and I am English. I must stress that this isn’t a problem with other American books I read but with ‘Does this book make my butt look big?’ written as if chatting over a bottle of wine, the language is, well, chatty, with the use of American terminology, slang and brand names. This meant the flow of the writing was interrupted for me whilst I tried to work out what things were. For example she refers to ‘In Touch’ magazine.  I’m not familiar with this one (this was important as a chapter is devoted to her love of magazines). Is it the equivalent to Heat or the Economist in the UK? As I read further on I deduced what it was but for a while it bothered me.

Nevertheless even though it is American in it's tone the issues that worry women cross boundaries. The stories are engaging, honest and real with a hefty dollop of humour and tongue firmly placed in her cheek. It’s designed to show the lighter side of female life, saying what women really think instead of what they should be thinking. Obviously we do have serious thoughts and our life isn’t all shoes, spas and diets but when we do become neurotic and irrational in our behaviour it is nice to know we are not alone.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes

Posted by Keris on January 25, 2008 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (14)

January 22, 2008 1:06 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

I've only just started reading Shauna Reid's wonderful blog - The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl - so I was keen to read the book version and catch up on everything I'd missed over the past seven years!

In 2001, after seeing a gigantic pair of her knickers on the washing line, Shauna decided it was time to go to WeightWatchers ... where she discovered to her horror that her weight had crept up to 25 stone. Knowing that she really needed to lose a significant amount of weight, Shauna came up with an online fat-busting alter-ego  ... Dietgirl!

For years, Shauna kept her identity a secret, while blogging about dieting, exercising, her struggle with depression and, eventually, travelling with her sister from Australian to Scotland, where her life was to change even more dramatically.

By the end of the book I felt like I knew Shauna and I was so proud of what she'd achieved, not just physically, but emotionally too. This book is a real journey and I didn't want it to end (although I'm glad it did, for Shauna's sake!).

Shauna writes honestly and movingly about her struggles, but she's also very funny. I think you'd enjoy this book even if you've never had any problem with your weight, but if you do have weight issues, I have no doubt you'll find it incredibly motivating and inspiring. I've been losing and regaining the same two stone for about fifteen years now, but Shauna has definitely changed the way I think about weightloss (for the better - just to be clear!).

I loved this book so much that I really can't recommend it highly enough.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster (when it comes out!)

Posted by Keris on January 22, 2008 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 21, 2008 4:14 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht

The first Worst-Case scenario handbook was published back in 1999. It had a print run of just 35,000 copies, but went on to become a best-seller and spawn an entire series.

Not only is this edition a lovely strokable square-ish hardback, but it's exceptionally good value, too. It collects more than 100 of the most popular scenarios from the previous handbooks. Plus, the entire contents of all 11 books are included on a fully searchable CD. Bargain!

The advice ranges from the truly useful (like how to drive when the road is icy) to the truly bizarre (how to escape from a sofa bed), while managing to be both funny and informative.

Plus, from a writer's point of view, it makes a handy reference volume.  I will now be able to have my character escape from a sinking car, jump from building to building, and land an aeroplane with accuracy.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Damage Control

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 21, 2008 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 16, 2008 11:23 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Madonna and Me by Nikki Racklin

I wrote about Nikki Racklin's Madonna and Me back in November and I finally got a chance to read it ... and I loved it just as much as I thought I would.

I expected Nikki to be American, but only a couple of pages in I realised she's actually English and, funnily enough, it sort of changed my whole perception of the book.

I was anticipating a kind of "growth" memoir - how I grew up and realised that Madonna is Madonna and I'm me kind of a thing, but instead Madonna and Me is more of a snarky where did it all go wrong? what was I thinking? book.

Nikki began her music career at the same time as Madonna, but where Madonna's career quickly went stratospheric, Nikki's stalled ... for about twenty years. She wasn't unsuccessful - she toured, she made a record, she had a lot of fun - but she never got a record deal and she certainly didn't come close to Madonna's level of fame. Throughout the book, Nikki compares her career with Madonna's and always comes out second best, often with very funny results.

What I loved about this book was that Nikki is under no illusions as to why Madonna made it while she didn't - star quality, charisma, the X factor. Plus she (Nikki, I'm not sure about Madonna) can laugh at herself (since she performed on French TV wearing a man's vest and boxer shorts that she'd decorated herself, that's a good job) and she's very down to earth about her career.

In fact, she's a little bit too self-deprecating at times - she can't have been as poor as she says since she was sought out by more successful musicians and worked as a session singer (which I used to think I wanted to be - despite not being able to sing - and I can remember reading about how hard it is and how good you have to be).

Madonna and Me is much more about Nikki Racklin than it is about Madonna, but that's okay - there are thousands of books about Madonna already and I doubt very many of them are as entertaining as this one.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Posted by Keris on January 16, 2008 in British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 14, 2008 11:28 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

I must admit I probably wouldn't have bothered reading yet another book about Shakespeare if it hadn't been written by Bill Bryson. Actually, I definitely wouldn't - I had quite enough Shakespeare at university (although I'd still love to see a really great production of my favourite play, Macbeth). But this biography - part of the Eminent Lives series - is written by Bill Bryson and so that made it a must-read.

As with all Shakespeare biographies, Bryson looks at the Bard's early life, the "missing years" when he began writing the greatest plays in history, his family life, and his death.

Of course, this all has to be put into context so Bryson also takes us on a journey to London and Stratford in the late 16th and early 17th centuries (which I never tire of reading about, since it all sounds so disgusting), the theatre scene and the monarchy.

Finally Bryson takes a gander at all those claims that Shakespeare wasn't Shakespeare at all, was, in fact, anyone from Christopher Marlowe to the Countess of Pembroke. (And points out that none of the claims have any basis in fact.)

All of which I have read about before on more than one occasion, but because Bryson is Bryson, I felt like I was reading much of it for the first time. One of the things I liked about this book was how Bryson makes it clear that barely anything we think we know about Shakespeare is fact. Even having studied him, I didn't know that practically everything I learned is actually conjecture and guesswork.

But the thing I loved the most about this book is the thing I love about all of Bill Bryson's books. And that's that infects everything he writes with his own joy and fascination in the topic. Plus, of course, he's funny. This is not the first book about Shakespeare I've read, but it's the first one that made me laugh.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (or, if you're studying Shakespeare, The Genius of Shakespeare by Jonathan Bate, which Bryson quotes, but nowhere near as widely as I remember quoting it in my essays).

Posted by Keris on January 14, 2008 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 2, 2008 11:43 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Growing Pains by Billie Piper

Yes, I know it's ridiculous a 23-year-old writing an autobiography, but Billie Piper has packed more into her 23 years than many people do in a lifetime.

In case you don't know her, Billie became a pop star at age 15. The record company wanted her to be a British Madonna and, while that didn't quite work out, she did have three very successful and, according to this book, gruelling years as a popstar.

I'd be lying if I said that, before picking this book up, I wasn't mostly interested to read about her marriage to Chris Evans (a British TV presenter and DJ who Billie married when she was 18 and he was 34), but I found the whole rise to fame section and even the chapters about her childhood (which can sometimes be a bit tedious *cough*Gary Barlow*cough*) absolutely fascinating. Clearly precocious, Billie was still forced to grow up too fast (once she signed her record deal, she lived alone in a London hotel - aged 15!).

Reading the book, I was thrilled when Chris Evans turned up because I knew that Billie's life was about to become considerably better. Suffering from anorexia, exhaustion and, by the sound of it, a bit of a drug issue too (which she, oddly considering the honesty of the rest of the book, glosses over), she met Chris and, before they'd even been on an official date, he turned up at her door with (famously) the keys to a Ferrari filled with roses and a marriage proposal.

From then on, Billie's next few years passed in marital bliss. They (again, famously) travelled the world together (getting drunk, gaining weight and barely bothering even to brush their hair) and then moved into Chris's cottage. At which point, I became quite envious. Their life just sounded gorgeous. Baking cakes, hanging out, travelling whenever they wanted to, and never having to worry about work. But, of course, that couldn't last.

Billie wanted to try acting, which had always been her first love and, once she got the part of Rose Tyler in the newly revived (and now incredibly successful) Dr Who, her marriage broke down and her "third act" - as an actress (first was "singer", second was "wife") began. (If you keep up with celebrity gossip - and you know I do - you'll know that on New Year's Eve Billie married again.)

As you might be able to tell from my slightly over-excited review, reading this book I fell completely in love with Billie. She's funny, honest, sensible, charming and inspiring. And she's still only 23. Good grief. It is a cracking good read though. I read it on a seven hour car journey to London (don't worry, I wasn't driving!) and was extremely put out when it got too dark to read with only a couple of chapters to go. Put your preconceived notions aside and give it a go. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try My Take by Gary Barlow

Posted by Keris on January 2, 2008 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 26, 2007 11:00 AM

Keris's favourite non-fiction books of 2007

Because I've read in the region of 150 books this year (!), I couldn't just pick a couple of favourites. I was going to do the Top 10 best books I've read this year, but I found I couldn't even narrow it down that far, so instead I've picked my favourite non-fiction, young adult and fiction. Non-fiction is

5. What Would Barbra Do? by Emma Brockes

If you’ve ever felt your heart lifted by The Surrey with the Fringe on Top or cried at Tony’s death in West Side Story (and what kind of cold-hearted creep would you be if you didn’t?) then you’ll love this book. Utterly fabulous.

4. Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Honestly, it's some time since I've been as excited about a book as I was about Summer at Tiffany. New York? The forties? The cover? 83-year-old Marjorie Hart's memoir of the 1945 summer she spent working for the famous and glamorous store almost seemed as if it was designed with me in mind.

3. The 4-Day Win by Martha Beck

Readable, fascinating and, because it's Martha Beck, hugely entertaining. Has a diet book ever made you laugh out loud before? No, me neither. (My favourite line: "Tracy and I agreed that she would try a two-pronged approach to changing her body and mind. So we got her a fork with only two prongs...")

2. Home by Julie Myerson

An incredible, joyful, inspiring and life-affirming book. I couldn't read it quick enough but also didn't want it to end.

1. Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I didn't actually review my favourite non-fiction book of 2007, Diane did (she said it was the best book she read in 2005!), but she then loaned it to me and I adored it too. Diane said, "This is one of those brilliant books that makes you wish you'd written it yourself." I couldn't agree more. It also made me want Amy Krouse Rosenthal for a best friend.

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2007 in Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Creating a Charmed Life by Victoria Moran

I love inspirational self-development books. I keep them by my bed and try to read a chapter in morning and another at night. I say I try, but I usually fail, which is why it's probably taken me a year to read Victoria Moran's Creating a Charmed Life.

That's not a comment on the book - I've read a couple of Moran's other books and found them to be charming, wise and entertaining, and this one, subtitled "Sensible, Spiritual Secrets Every Busy Woman Should Know", is no exception.

Moran defines a "Charmed Life" as one "in which serendipity is commonplace and things go right an extraordinary percentage of the time" and the book is filled with tips and advice on how this can be achieved. Both by practical methods like boosting your vitality, asking for what you want or keeping a journal, and in more spiritual and emotional ways: accepting things as they are and trusting your instincts.

I'm making it sound a bit wet, I know, but it's not at all. Moran illustrates each (very short) chapter with examples from her own life, which she has transformed, and which certainly sounds charmed. In fact, her authorial voice is so strong that I was shocked to find there's no photograph of her anywhere in this book - I can picture her so perfectly!

Creating a Charmed Life is a great quick introduction to various self-development concepts. If you're not sure what works for you, read this and see what resonates. There's even a Further Reading section in the back if you want to look more deeply into specific ideas.

But even if you just followed the advice contained in this small book, I'm confident you'd notice changes.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Behind on the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 24, 2007 10:20 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Save Karyn by Karyn Bosnak

I read Save Karyn a couple of years ago and I really loved it. I loved it so much, in fact, that when I realised we hadn't reviewed it for Trashionista, I decided to read it again.

In case you don't know the story (and, if not, where've you been?) Karyn Bosnak was a TV producer who moved to New York to find herself and ended up with $20,000 of debt. Basically, she was trying to support a New York lifestyle, but she wasn't yet earning New York money. She thought she had it all under control, but then she lost her job and it all fell apart. But then - after realising that if four rich people gave her $5000 or if twenty people gave her $1000 ... or if 20,000 people gave her $1, she'd be fine - she had the brilliant idea to set up a website asking people to help. The website was called SaveKaryn.com and it became a worldwide phenomenon, getting, eventually, over two million hits and enabling Karyn to pay off her debt in five months.

The book begins with Karyn's move to New York and how she got into so much debt - buying clothes, bags, shoes, cosmetics and using credit to pay for day to day living expenses like food and transport. (This is easily done - when I moved to London I did the same thing. Luckily because it was 1989 and credit wasn't the terrifying behemoth it is now, my Barclaycard limit was only £400. Still took me about five years to pay it off though...) Each chapter begins with her American Express and, later, other credit card, statements and, perhaps because I've been there, I actually found watching the debt rising quite stressful.

Luckily for me (and other nervous nellies), it's not long before Karyn hits rock bottom and then has her big idea and I got to see the debt coming down instead. Karyn's website was a success partly because of her honesty, but also because of her humour. She's very funny (which you'll know if you've read her blog or her first novel, Twenty Times A Lady) and she's also brutally honest. She's not afraid to reveal her frivolous purchases (which most of them were) and she also includes information about other websites that were set up to slag her off, plus the hate mail she received (and continues to receive).

I didn't enjoy Save Karyn quite as much the second time, but that's probably par for the course. Still, I'm in agreement with Marian Keyes whose cover quote says, "Funny, sweet, downright scary... and ultimately so uplifting." It really is. If you've ever been in debt, read this book and identify and if you've just got your first credit card, read this book as a warning!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella or Twenty Times A Lady by Karyn Bosnak

Posted by Keris on December 24, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 19, 2007 9:41 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sarah Nilsen

We'll be reviewing Sarah Nilsen's memoir - Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big? (and who cares anyway, its my butt) - in the near future, but since I thought I'd introduce you to her first. So here's Sarah!

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Cheerfully neurotic essays celebrating what it means to be a woman trying to find her inner zen in today’s crazy world.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I usually find myself writing at the computer in my home office. Interestingly, I write most of my best work late at night (early in the morning). When I have an idea swirling around in my head, I can’t sleep until I get up and get it out on virtual paper. So most of my book was written at 3am!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

The Devil Wears Prada.  I loved that book!!  I love books that I can relate to, or that I wish I could relate to! 

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

This is a great question. Since publishing the book I am surprised by how many people have the inclination to write a book…but for whatever reason haven’t done so. I think that it isn’t so much that the passion exists to put pen to paper, as much as the fact that people want to “be heard” or otherwise get their story out there. So, my advice is to make the commitment to start the project.

Don’t allow the daunting task of the finishing the book, securing publishing and strategizing marketing deter you from the act of ever starting. If you have a story that you want to share, you should do it. As with anything in life, the very first step is equally as important as the last step. Once you have something on paper, you might be surprised what opportunities present themselves!

What are you reading at the moment?

I am reading Hollywood Car Wash by Lori Culwell and The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

I am excited to report that I am working on my second book right now! It is shaping up to be a series of hilarious rants sandwiched between some rather thought provoking pieces that tackle more sentimental subjects. Laced with my signature sarcasm and written in the stream of consciousness, it will again resonate with a broad audience  looking for a good laugh!

Do you have a theme song?

“Glamorous Life” by Sheila E

I am a closet 80’s hair-band fan. What can I say? But this song still makes me toe-tap like I was 16. And…I love the message of the song!

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Q. What has been the best part of having my memoirs published for the world to read?

A. I love the feedback I get from readers. I love the voicemails, emails and notes from women who have read the book and feel normal! They laugh, cry and email me to let me know that they now realize that they aren’t alone in their feelings about themselves…and as a result they can let some of those feelings of confusion, inadequacy and discontent go.

I love knowing that by throwing myself under the proverbial bus, other women can lift their veils of shame and love themselves the way they are. “If Sarah’s okay the way she is, embracing her imperfections, then I must be okay as well!” I truly believe that’s a gift that the book has given to many, many women and I’ve, in turn, been blessed by that as well.

Thanks, Sarah!

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2007 in American Authors, Interviews, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 14, 2007 10:34 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Hopscotch & Handbags by Lucy Mangan

I love Lucy Mangan's columns for The Guardian newspaper, so I was keen to read her first book, Hopscotch & Handbags: The Essential Guide to Being a Girl and it was just as good as I expected.

In her typical hilariously dry style, Mangan looks at all aspects of what it means to be female. From early days at preschool, via senior school's obsessive collecting of stickers, keyrings and erasers (called "rubbers" when we were at school, but not any more), to living with a man (and explaining to him - at exhaustive length - why sausages are not actually a health food), motherhood and more.

Like sex, hair and beauty, exercise and health, friendship, working, and dealing with your mother.

Sometimes (and you'll probably already be aware of this if you've read her columns) Mangan has a tendency to be excessively verbose (she says with excessive, er, verbosity) and occasionally I found myself scanning a little to get to the point, but when I finished the book I still longed for more. Plus at least twice I literally laughed until I cried (once was in public and it was rather embarrassing).

Hopscotch & Handbags is one of those books you'll read out over the phone to your friends. Buy it for every woman you know (although, on second thoughts, maybe not your mum...).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try How to Bring Up Your Parents by Emma Kennedy or My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 28, 2007 11:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Coffee At Luke's: An Unauthorized Gilmore Girls Gabfest, edited by Jennifer Crusie

I have mixed feelings about this book since I wanted to have an essay in it and they turned me down - Me! Don't they know who I am? Ahem - but, at the same time, American TV show Gilmore Girls is one of my total obsessions. In fact, I'm watching it in the corner of my screen as I'm writing this ("The Festival of Living Art" from season 4, in case you're interested).

Plus the book is edited by Jennifer Crusie and we do love Ms Crusie here at Trashionista. Like other SmartPop books including This Is Chick Lit, Flirting With Pride & Prejudice and Perfectly Plum (which I do feature in - yay me!), Coffee At Luke's is a collection of essays about Gilmore Girls by a wide range of writers and pop culture experts.

Subjects range from personal relationships (including looks at fabulous secondary characters Kirk and Paris), to parenting (with a spirited defence of Emily Gilmore), to the wonder of Stars Hollow and Gilmore fixations food, books and sex. The last section is on Gilmore Girls and the real world and that, for me, was the least successful. I don't know if I'd just had enough GG at that point (doubtful) or whether I'm just not interested in how the show relates to the real world since I'd rather pretend it's all true.

My favourite essays were Television Without Pity writer Sara Morrison's analysis of how Stars Hollow businesses would fare in the real world. It doesn't sound particularly thrilling, but it's both interesting and really good fun. I was also totally blown away by Gregory Stevenson's Dining With the Gilmores, a jaw-dropping exploration of food as metaphor in the show. I never noticed it before reading this essay, but it makes perfect sense and served to underscore the complete brilliance of Amy Sherman-Palladino's writing.

Clearly only for fans of the show - despite the glossary (Coffee At Luke-isms) at the back, if you hadn't seen Gilmore Girls you would be flummoxed by most of these essays - Coffee At Luke's is interesting, entertaining and made me both want to watch certain episodes again and made me lament the show's cancellation.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Serenity Found edited by Jane Espenson

Posted by Keris on November 28, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (6)

November 20, 2007 1:00 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Liz Jones's Diary by Liz Jones

For anyone who doesn't know already, Liz Jones is the raven-haired columnist whose personal and marital exploits usually grace the Mail on Sunday's You magazine on a weekly basis. Now to tell you the truth, I (and many others) assumed that her column was fake; a fictional Bridget-like heroine who's nearing forty and has an obsession with organic groceries. But lo and behold, it's not.

She's actually real.

Pardon my stupidity here, but there was naive little me thinking that no real woman would openly divulge the details of her life and marriage to the entire nation in a column. Oops, I was wrong. So when I saw Liz Jones's book (aptly named Liz Jones's Diary), I was both curious and worried.

Let me just say that I LOVE girly memoirs - non-fiction offerings from authors, columnists and, well, bloggers-turned-authors. They all get my vote. And this one? This one is hard, because I love it...

...yet at the same time, I hate it. Trust me, it's odd.

Liz Jones's Diary (How One Single Girl Got Married) is basically a collection of her columns in diary form, from her days as a singleton to her first date with her (now ex) husband Nirpal. It's not THAT interesting, especially as the majority of the book seems to focus on her cats, yet I can't help but adore her writing style.

But there's one major problem about this book and the You columns that really gets to me.

Liz Jones herself.

Throughout the book, Liz comes across as a selfish, bossy, argumentative...well, to put it bluntly, bitch. Her entries tell of treating her younger boyfriend like a child, telling him off for small things and worse still, talking as though this is something ALL women do. Her excessive name-dropping really started to grate on my nerves shortly after starting the book, but no more than the overuse of 'organic' items. It seems as though poor Lizzie is unable to eat or drink anything unless it's organic and has great pleasure in telling us about a thousand times.

Don't get me wrong, she is a talented writer, and this book isn't at all a rubbish read. But sadly it's more scary than entertaining; this is no regular couple. Liz is fussy, snobby and treats her cats better than she treats her husband, and only comes across as more desperate, sad and seemingly frightened of aging what with the excessive amount of beauty products she uses (don't worry, she lists the prices of everything, too!) than stylish.

Is she like this in real life, or is it simply a case of over-exaggeration? I'm hoping the latter, but I guess we'll never know.

One thing I DO know though? Liz will never be Bridget.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try The Late Bloomer's Revolution by Amy Cohen

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on November 20, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 19, 2007 11:39 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Justice for Jill by Scott Lomax

This is a difficult book to review since I feel so strongly about the case in question.

For those too young to remember 1999 or for anyone outside the UK who might not know of the case, Jill Dando was a popular British TV presenter who was shot dead on her front doorstep in broad daylight one morning in 1999. The public were shocked and horrified and a huge manhunt took place to find the murderer.

The hunt was hindered by the fact that Jill was incredibly popular and beloved and the police had no witnesses, murder weapon or motive. In 2001, a local man named Barry George was arrested and charged with Dando's murder. It was announced last week that Barry George is to face a retrial after his conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal.

The reason it's difficult for me to review this book is that, having been horrified and fascinated by the case at the time, I never believed for a minute that George was guilty. The evidence was flimsy at best and it seemed to me to be a case of the police, under immense public and media pressure to solve the case, finding a local oddball and thinking he would do.

Justice for Jill isn't simply a history of the case, its author, Scott Lomax, also firmly believes that George is innocent and sets out the evidence fairly and in minute detail. It's a fascinating, compelling and deeply upsetting book.

It's not a sensationalist "true crime" style book and, as such, can get a bit dense, but it's not a book that you'd read for entertainment, obviously. If you're interested in the case, in law, in miscarriages of justice, it's a must-read. But expect to have your faith in the crimiinal justice system shaken.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Keris on November 19, 2007 in British Authors, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

November 16, 2007 11:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Star Von Bunny, A Model Tale by Kym Canter

I have absolutely no idea what this book is all about. You can watch a little film about Star Von Bunny here, but don't expect it to help (although it's worth watching for the use of the word "inspirate").

Star is a toy rabbit who wants to be a model. This is her story. From moving to New York, to changing to an all-white diet (including marshmallows and vanilla ice-cream), to working out with Christy Turlington and eventually moving to LA to become a MAW (Model-Actress-Whatever), Star's journey is accompanied by numerous photographs and one illustration that made me laugh out loud. 

The book is written by Kym Canter, a former fashion and style reporter (she was Special Projects Editor at Elle), currently Creative Director for ultra-luxury fashion house J. Mendel. A portion of the profits is going to Doctors Without Borders.

I read it in about 10 minutes. That's not to say I didn't like it because I kind of did. I just don't really know who it's *for*. I guess it's one of those stocking fillers that you read on Christmas Day and then give to the charity shop. If you're in the fashion industry, perhaps you'll find it hilarious. I'm fashion-challenged, so I just found it cute and charming, if a little pointless, but it didn't make me want to punch people like a certain other charity fashion book.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try This Little Piggy Went To Prada by Amy Allen

Posted by Keris on November 16, 2007 in American Authors, Fashion-Lit, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 15, 2007 11:53 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Hungry by Allen Zadoff

As you know, I was attracted to this book because of the fabulous cover and, as it turns out, you can't judge a book by the cover, because Hungry isn't at all the book I was expecting. The back cover describes it as "laugh-out-loud funny" as do many of the reviews on Amazon US.

I found it sad, wise, inspiring and interesting, but not funny (I think I might have smiled once or twice...).

Allen Zadoff was overweight from a young age and was, quite literally, killing himself with food. At 350lbs and just before a McDonalds binge, he decided to get some help. Now this is not a diet book - Zadoff explains what worked for him (cutting out trigger foods, sticking rigidly to three meals a day and therapy), but you won't find eating plans or exercises.

What it is is a memoir of an addiction just as damaging as drug addiction or alcoholism, but not yet recognised as such by society. I'm making it sound quite dry, I know - and while it's certainly not hilarious, it is entertaining. Zadoff is a brutally honest and engaging writer and I flew through the book (stopping at one point to eat an Aero ... sigh).

Zadoff also says Hungry isn't a self-help book, but I imagine it could be of enormous help to someone with an eating disorder or even to a self-diagnosed "problem eater" like myself.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by Keris on November 15, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 7, 2007 11:18 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Froth on the Cappuccino by Maeve Haran

I love books like Maeve Haran's Froth on the Cappuccino. Subtitled "How small pleasures can save your life" it's one of those books about how all the joys of life are right there in front of us and how we so often take this for granted.

Things like the titular froth on the cappuccino ("Can there be anything more delicious than sprinkling fresh chocolate onto your cappucciino and eating the froth, slowly and sensuously, as befits its amazing wondrousness?"), freshly baked bread, a cool pillow, watching the dawn come up, painting your toenails and tons more.

Yes, it's basically just short thoughts on each topic, but I found it compulsive reading.

Granted, at times Haran's tone can be a bit twee and I found myself thinking "Yeah, yeah, baking with children is delightful, blah blah," but that's probably partly due to my own cynicism and partly because I read the book in great chunks rather than dipping in and out of it. Oh and the chapter on "Scrunchy hair ties" seemed a bit out of date. "So this humble yet irreplaceable device is destined for a long and happy future" - tell that to Carrie Bradshaw!

But they're very small complaints. As a book to keep by the bed (or the loo) and dip in and out of, it would be both charming and inspiring. It would also make a good Christmas gift for someone who's finding life a bit joyless.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Posted by Keris on November 7, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 31, 2007 12:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Rex and the City by Lee Harrington

I've never owned a dog, but I do love reading about people who do, particularly if they write as well as Lee Harrington.

Rex and the City began as a column for The Bark magazine (which author Alison Pace has also written for) but it doesn't read like a series of columns, it's firmly a memoir and is as much about Harrington's relationship with her boyfriend, Ted, as it is about her relationship with her dog. Plus the "and the City" of the title isn't just an awful pun, New York - in particular Harrington's Lower East Side neighbourhood - is practially another character in the book.

Ted and Lee adopt Rex (who was, in reality, named Wallace) from a shelter primarily because of his beauty, but they soon believe they've taken on more they can chew. It's clear that Rex was badly mistreated, but the shelter won't give them any details. Rex is antisocial, frightened, untrusting and occasionally violent. But Lee and Ted decide not to give up on him and, eventually, he learns to trust them and they, in turn, learn to trust each other.

Like Marley & Me, Rex and the City is the story of a family being changed by a dog, but it's not as sweet as John Grogan's book. I suppose I'd describe it as less endearing and more "urban", which seems fair given the title. Harrington writes beautifully and the book is full of wisdom about relationships, both human and canine, but she never claims to have all the answers (in fact, I believe there's a second volume on the way, so she couldn't, could she).

I found Rex and the City totally engrossing and it made me both more determined to adopt a dog and more aware of the issues that involves.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Marley & Me by John Grogan

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 26, 2007 3:02 PM

BOOK REVIEW: How To Bring Up Your Parents by Emma Kennedy

You probably recognise Emma Kennedy from the Heat magazine TV ads, but she's an established comedian, writer and actress. How To Bring Up Your Parents is her first book and it's based on her popular (and very funny) blog.

I was a bit concerned when I started reading this book because the first section - "the science and history bit (because you're worth it)" - didn't really do much for me, but once Kennedy got onto the subject of her actual parents - Hysterical Mum Brenda (HMB) and Welsh Dad Tony (WDT) - the book really got going. 

Rather than just being a series of blog posts in book form, How To Bring Up Your Parents is arranged around "Practical Problems" such as Entertaining, Leaving Home and Sex and Other Embarrassments. Kennedy's parents do seem to be genuinely funny, but Emma's interpretation of them is utterly hilarious. It's a very affectionate portrayal too - they really seem to have an enviably close and honest relationship.

Reading this book will both make you appreciate your parents more and comfort you to learn that your parents aren't quite as mad as you always suspected (or perhaps that they are and that's okay too!).

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try The Yes Man by Danny Wallace

Posted by Keris on October 26, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 15, 2007 12:27 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Pies and Prejudice by Stuart Maconie

I didn't know what to expect from this book. I know Stuart Maconie from TV and radio, of course, but I hadn't (knowingly) read any of his journalism and I'm a bit wary of books about "The North", you know, because that's where I come from (and still live).

Maconie's book features his travels around a random selection of northern towns, basically places he's been in the past and wanted to revisit, or places of special interest like Oldham (race riots in 2001) or Newcastle (since the north east claims to be the "True North").

Sadly, Maconie neither visits the town I grew up in, nor the one I live in now, but it's not really about me so I'll try not to hold that against him. Via Liverpool, the Lake District, Durham, Bury, Manchester, Blackpool, Barrow in Furness and more, Maconie has created a brilliant travelogue cum social history that I could hardly bear to put down. Seriously. I absolutely loved this book.

Maconie writes passionately and articulately about the people and places and manages to cram in tons of tidbits and fascinating facts and not just about the north - I'd completely forgotten that those crane arcade games used to have packets of cigs amongst the cuddly toys.

I honestly can't rave about this book enough, but I'm probably starting to sound a bit crazed (starting?) so I'll stop, but let me just say that if you're from the north you need to read this book. And if you're not from the north you need to read it and learn what you're missing.

It reminded me of how great the north can be and left me a little bit in love with Stuart Maconie. Isn't it funny what books can do?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

Posted by Keris on October 15, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 1, 2007 10:32 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead by Ariel Gore

I'd never heard of Ariel Gore, but as soon as I saw the title of this book I knew I had to read it and I'm glad I'm did.

Subtitled "Your words in print and your name in lights", Ariel Gore's book is a collection of short essays, interviews with famous authors (including Marc Acito, Haruki Murakami, Ursula K Le Guin and Dave Eggers) and exercises (set by the famous authors), all designed to help you push your writing career to the next level.

It's a very easy read - most chapters are only a couple of pages long - but it packs in tons of information. From giving yourself "Lit Star Makeover" ("Develop a Superhero Alter Ego", "Choose a Good Vice") to mastering your craft, self-publishing and self-promoting ("Learn to Talk", "Stand out on the Corner in a Gorilla Mask and a Pink Tutu") there is something for you whatever stage you're at in the writing-publishing process.

It's going on my reference shelf and, if you're a writer, it should also be on yours.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty

Posted by Keris on October 1, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 26, 2007 9:51 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Perfectly Plum: unauthorized essays on the life, loves, and other disasters of Stephanie Plum, Trenton bounty hunter edited by Leah Wilson

Reviewed by Sarah Painter

Personally, I can’t get enough of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum bounty hunter novels, so I was most excited to get my hands on Perfectly Plum. It’s an (unauthorised) essay collection all about Stephanie Plum and her adventures in Trenton, New Jersey. Okay, so I probably would have been more excited about a new Plum novel, but this is a close second. Plus, it includes offerings from novelists such as Shanna Swendson and JA Konrath and - eep - Trashionista’s very own Keris Stainton.

The essays range from pure fun to the more thoughtful, and cover topics like The Stephanie Plum Diet, Exploding the Myth of the Jersey Girl and Noir in the Plum novels.

I particularly enjoyed the investigation into Stephanie’s car insurance options and Karen Kendall’s description of Ranger as Hairy Godmother.

Naturally, there is a whole section devoted to the sticky question of Stephanie’s love life: should she choose Joe Morelli or Ranger? Or stick with her pet hamster, Rex? He’s a cheap date, after all…

If you’re a fan (and you’d really have to be to ‘get’ this collection), this is a great book to dip in and out of – preferably with a supply of Tastykakes Butterscotch Krimpets on the side.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Keris on September 26, 2007 in Crime / Mystery, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 12, 2007 3:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: This Little Piggy Went to Prada by Amy Allen

This Little Piggy Went to Prada is a collection of traditional nursery rewritten for "the Blahnik Brigade". And if you find the idea irritating, wait until you hear what's inside.

This little piggy went to Prada
This little piggy went to Cannes
This little piggy went to Nobu
And this little piggy, Hakkasan
And this little piggy went "Wee wee wee wee!"
All the way home because she had a fat bottom!

No, I'm not joking, that's really one of the rhymes featured in this book. I found this book incredibly annoying. I know it's meant to be tongue in cheek and, yes, 10% of the profit from each copy sold is going to Save the Children, but still it's one of the most irritating books I've ever read.

It does have one saving grace and that's the illustrations - by Eunkyung Kung - which are stunningly beautiful.

Patronising, obnoxious and mildly offensive. Please avoid.

Rating: 2/5 (for the illustrations)

Like this? Try Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Keris on September 12, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 10, 2007 3:53 PM

BOOK NEWS: Things I Wish my Mother had Told me About by Lucia van der Post

I’ve always wanted to write to Lucia van der Post at the Times to solve my fashion dilemmas but sadly I’ve got so many I can never decide which one to ask her about. Luckily for me her book ‘Things I Wish my Mother had Told Me’ is out in November. It’s a complete guide to what to wear and when to wear it, along with advice on relationships, entertaining and lessons on grace and elegance. I adore books like this and I’m sure this one from Lucia van der Post will have me looking amazing by Christmas.

Related Posts: How to Walk in High Heels by Camilla Morton
| Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts by Regina Thomashauer | The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Posted by Nicola pedley on September 10, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts by Regina Thomashauer

Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts is subtitled Using the Power of Pleasure to Have Your Way With the World. It was recommended to me, otherwise it's probably not a book I would have picked up, since it sounds like a sex manual ... but it's not. No, really, it's not.

Instead it's actually a very well-rounded guide to having more fun and pleasure in all areas of your life (and, yes, while that does include your sex life, the book's got much more to offer). With chapters on flirting, beauty and bitchiness - plus one on "owning and operating men" - Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts is strangely old-fashioned while, at the same time, being distinctly modern.

Mama Gena uses examples from her own life and from those of the "Sister Goddesses" who have taken her course to illustrate how focussing on your own pleasure can bring you everything you want. Plus there are exercises at the end of each chapter that range from examining your lady parts (!) to keeping a scrapbook of all the fabulous things you'd like in your life.

Mae West is quoted more than once and it's that kind of witty yet sensual idea of womanhood that the book espouses. It works for me, but I appreciate that it might offend some women, while others might find it a bit old hat (Mae West's been dead for almost 30 years, after all)!

I enjoyed this book. There exercises are great both for adding pleasure to your life and learning more about yourself ... so that you can add more pleasure to your life. And I'm certainly not going to complain about that.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Keris on September 10, 2007 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 7, 2007 11:36 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty*licious by Lisa Clark

I absolutely loved Lisa Clark's first book - Think Pink - so I was keen to read her second Beauty*licious, tempered only by the fact that I don't have very much interest in beautifying myself. I skip the hair and make-up pages in magazines since I've been reading variations on the same ideas for about 25 years now!

But Beauty*licious really is different. For a start, Lisa Clark could write about anything (mortgages, pensions, Westlife) and make it entertaining. She really has got the coolest and funniest style. Plus the illustrations are so gorgeous they make you want to read every page.

Like Think Pink, the advice is given by the fabulous Lola Love and her funky friends (all with different beauty requirements: petite, curvy, afro hair, etc.). I even learned something (why didn't it occur to me that my sleep problems may just be related to the fact that I haven't done any exercise for about two years?).

Beauty*licious would make a fantastic gift for a teenage girl (Christmas is coming, you know), but it's a great read no matter how old you are.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Think Pink by Lisa Clark

Posted by Keris on September 7, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 6, 2007 12:10 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Mommies Who Drink by Brett Paesel

I had a bit of a confusing time with this book, Mommies Who Drink by Brett Paesel. (This cover pic and that link are to the UK version released on 1 November, but you can buy the US version on Amazon UK now).

Anyway, back to my confusion over this book: I received it for review in unbound format - basically just a sheaf (a big sheaf!) of papers. I thought it was a work of fiction, and was reading it in that frame of mind when a few chapters in I realised it... might actually be real. I checked on Amazon and yep, it was. Oops! So I had to re-adjust my feelings about the book in the light of it being true (I couldn't think "why would the character say that?" anymore...)

So! Despite the irresponsible, shock-value title, Mommies Who Drink is not about alcoholics who loll in the gutter leaving their children unattended. It's about Brett and her group of gal pals who meet up every Friday for beers/wine/cocktails (sometimes all three) to discuss their lives and give the moms among them the chance to let their hair down after a week of play-doh and nappy changes. And er, that's it.

I know this isn't a novel so I can't really be critical of the lack of story progression, but even the best memoirs usually follow some storytelling conventions. The problem I had with this book is that it jumps about too much - it's a series of anecdotes and stories and observations that aren't really tied together by anything. There's one particular story, where the author is scared to death of flying, which is written up to a dramatic crescendo... and then just stops and we're onto the next thing. The weekly meet-ups are supposed to give some kind of sense of time passing but there really isn't any story progression. I found it a bit disappointing.

But! I did like the authorial voice, most of the time. It's good to hear from a woman making motherhood work whilst also making cynicism work nicely for her! (Even if sometimes there might be a bit too much cynicism...) And the female friendships were very well portrayed.

I just can't help wondering if turning this into a novel after all might have been the best idea...

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Motherland by Maria Beaumont.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 6, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 5, 2007 11:49 AM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Laid Bare by Gail Porter

Out tomorrow, this book just manages to squeeze in as a Preview Review... (and yes, I am leaving, I just have a few loose ends to tie up first!)

Most people (in the UK at least) know Gail Porter. Or know of her, anyway. Short, bouncy, blonde Scottish TV presenter who married a rock star, had his baby, went through a bitter divorce and lost all her hair from the stress. After all that (not to mention an overdose that nearly killed her, years of self-harm, anorexia and undiagnosed bipolar disease and a difficult relationship with her dad) it was probably inevitable that Gail write a book about her experiences. Laid Bare is that book, and there's the inevitable reference to hair loss in the title, although it could have been a lot worse...

I was fairly interested to read this but really hoping that it wouldn't be a self-indulgent wallow. Because, to be honest, if I'd been through a lot of this stuff, it probably would have been!

Luckily, Gail is a charming and charismatic narrator as she tells the story of her first fascination with the entertainment business (an obsession with the first Star Wars film) right up to... well, I won't give it away, but the book ends on a poignant note.

She writes about her days at school (she was a super-swot, who became a black belt at Karate - and so was never really picked on!) and college (in Watford, which she didn't find very exciting...) and her early jobs in TV, including a lot of time as a runner/general dogsbody. What comes across is a strong work ethic, a lot of determination and the ability to bounce back from any rejection. I was impressed. After getting to know TV production inside and out, Gail realised that her dream job was to be in front of the camera, so she made a show reel dressed as Wonder Woman (of course) and started auditioning. Soon (after a few ups and downs along the way) she was presenting Scottish kids' TV, then national kids' TV in London, then iconic programmes like Top of the Pops, where she met her husband, Dan Hipgrave of (former) band Toploader.

When she writes about her relationship with Dan, it's clear that their marriage was a whirlwind mistake, and that there's no love lost between them! She is however, grateful to him for their daughter Honey (although her post-birth pain, which lasted for months, made me seriously wince). It seems that Gail has never done things the easy way, even when she sometimes could have done. She seems to have barreled her way through life without thinking too much about her actions. When she's diagnosed with bipolar and a thyroid problem, and admits to her anorexia and self-harm, it comes as almost as much of a relief to the reader as it must have to Gail herself. However, contrary to my fears, she doesn't wallow. In fact, she sometimes could do with wallowing a bit more, and with asking for help - as it doesn't come across that she's fully dealt with her problems and I was a bit disappointed with that although maybe that's more about my own control freakery than the book itself! It's also a shame that the book ends on the aforementioned poignant note, but it is also a sweet ending, and a realistic one.

I can't see any mention of a ghostwriter anywhere, so am choosing to believe Gail wrote this herself. In which case, she has talent as a writer, as the reader definitely becomes involved in her experiences. I found this a quick read, but not a dumb one, and I learned a thing or two about someone who's been in the news a lot.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn. 

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 5, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 30, 2007 10:33 AM

BOOK NEWS: Green Is the New Black

Unless you've been living under a rock, you can't have failed to notice that green issues are all the rage. But green has changed. It's not all muesli and Jesus sandals, oh no, green is now glamorous.

Our sister site, Hippyshopper, loved Tamsin Blanchard's Green Is the New Black, which features tips on everything from eco friendly holidays to recycled wedding attire along with the obligatory celeb input (including Lily Allen and Peaches Geldof).

Related posts: And now for "Eco chick lit" | Take Someone Like Me by Jayne Buxton | Sleeping With the Fishes by MaryJanice Davidson

Posted by Keris on August 30, 2007 in Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 27, 2007 4:49 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman

You know how much I love books, but I also really love books about books. The only thing is they can sometimes be a bit dry. I bought Anne Fadiman's Ex Libris on recommendation, but hadn't picked it up because ... I thought it looked a bit dry. Stupid me. I should know by now not to judge a book by its ... well, I don't know what I judged it by, but I was stupid. It's a gorgeous book.

A collection of essays on books and reading (it's subtitled "Confessions of a Common Reader"), Ex Libris is charming, funny and enlightening. The essays are personal, about Anne's relationship with books as fostered by her incredibly literate family and friends. I found myself nodding in recognition repeatedly.

My favourite essays were "The Joy of Sesquipedalians*" featuring "Fadiman U", her family's name for the team they formed to answer questions while watching TV quizzes (she knows it's dorky, but she doesn't care) and "Never Do That to a Book" about how different people treat their books (and which I quoted here), but it was hard to single any essays out since there was something wonderful in every single one.

Ex Libris is funny, moving, inspiring and, you know, readable. I loved it.

*Appropriately enough, Sesquipedalian means "long words". 

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson

The UK cover of Ex Libris is actually dark red rather than bright green, but otherwise the same (I couldn't find a good enough pic of it to use here). I just thought I'd share the covers of Fadiman's three non-fiction books because seen together they make me happy.

Posted by Keris on August 27, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

The £3 million book (yes, the world HAS gone mad...)

I once wrote about a really expensive book, but it was only £4,000, which is nothing these days, as it turns out!

The millionaire reader-about-town now has the option to buy a £3 MILLION book, according to the BBC. Special millionaire editions of Dancing With The Bear by British entrepreneur Roger Shashoua are made to order, and covered with 600 diamonds. The author and businessman is aiming the most expensive book in the world at super-rich Russian millionaires and billionaires, and says:

"There is so much money floating around in Russia that it seemed entirely logical to produce a book designed for the Russian market... I am just happy that conspicuous displays of consumption can now be associated with writing, rather than fashion accessories."

Personally, I think if someone has £3 million to splash on a book, it would be a lot more useful donated to a  charity than donated to a rich businessman's coffers. And almost as important, this seems like a waste of good diamonds to me...

What do you think?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 27, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Some lad-lit blogs

How could I not know that Nick Hornby had a blog? Perhaps because it's fairly new - that's my excuse anyway... If you're as in the dark as I was, read it for yourself here. He hasn't updated in a little while, but the rest of his website is a worthwhile browse, and hopefully he'll blog more soon...

Non-fic lad lit fave Dave Gorman, on the other hand, has been updating like billy-o (as my mum would say). Read his blog here, and find out all about what he's been up to, the music on Homes Under The Hammer and the deterioration in quality of a well-known chocolate egg. It's good stuff.

Finally, sometime Gorman collaborator Danny Wallace has a website, where he doesn't blog, but does post occasional news and... 'titbits' might be the right word. There's also the chance to download some video podcasts of the author/TV presenter/head of the Karma Army...

Related posts: Top 10 lad lit | From book to blog. 

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 27, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Technology, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 24, 2007 12:07 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Behind Every Great Woman There's a Fabulous Gay Man by Dave Singleton

Is it just me? Does everyone in the world have a fabulous GBF (Gay Best Friend) except me... And if so, where can I get one?

Dave Singleton argues that every woman needs a GBF - that's why his book is called Behind Every Great Woman There's a Fabulous Gay Man. But luckily for those of us who don't have our very own Stanford Blatch, Dave is happy to advise us on how to "avoid the pitfalls of the dating game, live stylishly and be even more fabulous than you already are." Which is nice.

The book is essentially a love and style guide for women from a gay man's perspective, divided into two parts: Dating, Men and Relationships and Style, Straight Talk and Self-Esteem.

Dave begins by talking about the importance of a male gay best friend for every straight woman, and about how wonderful his female friends are. Which is lovely for them, but doesn't help those of us without a GBF, now does it?!

There are some really interesting ideas in the first part of the book, such as looking at the part you play in your unsuccessful relationships - finding out where your love insecurities come from, and breaking self-destructive patterns. There are also useful and more light-hearted tips on checking if a man 'plays for your team' or not... The second part of the book is about appearance, plastic surgery and the like and is more superficial - although Singleton advises thinking about whether you're having a procedure done for your looks or your self-esteem, which is certainly good advice.

But a lot of the advice in the book seemed to be stretched a bit thin - I felt it was a bit repetitive and could probably have been squashed into a long feature article as I'm not sure there was enough here to build a book on. Some of the chapters in the second half of the book in particular just seemed there to make up the numbers, and didn't provide much useful insight - why it's okay to wear a short skirt to work, for instance. (Do we need to be told? And I'm still not gonna...) Plus, I couldn't help feeling that perhaps the idea for the book was a bit outdated - I mean, SATC is over and GBFs aren't exactly news. This book was only published in the UK this year, but in the US in 2005, which explains a lot.

It's witty, if not particularly original, and does contain some useful ideas, but may be one to skim rather than use as your style and dating 'bible'.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Jane Austen's Guide to Dating by Lauren Henderson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance, Self development | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 23, 2007 9:59 AM

BOOK REVIEW: My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

When I first heard about this book (it was excerpted in The Guardian's weekend magazine) I thought, Oh, big deal, I've got a fat, mad teenage diary and no-one's interested in publishing that! And then I read it. And it's great.

Rae is a normal 17-year-old girl. She lives in Leicester and attends public school (on a scholarship). She's overweight and insecure and obsessed with the things 17-year-olds were obsessed with at the end of the eighties: the charts, Nuclear war, raves, prawn cocktail crisps...

She has problems with her mother, with the boy(s) she likes, a bitchy best-friend ... you know, the usual teenage angst stuff. She's also recently spent time in a psychiatric hospital, but that's really glossed over in this book - it's less about serious mental illness and more about the random mental trauma we all go through as a teenager.

This is apparently Rae Earl's actual diary. If that's true  - and after reading it I do believe it is - then she has my utmost admiration. The contents of this diary are so similar to the contents of my own teen diary, that I was often hot with embarrassment while reading it.

It's compulsive reading and highly entertaining. If you were a teenager in the late eighties there is so much in here you'll identify with. Unless, of course, you were popular, thin and not mad as a teenager, in which case, get away from me.

Oh and the reason my diary hasn't been published? Because I destroyed it in the early nineties. The shame.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Can I just point out that the cover says "If Adrian Mole had a sister..." but Adrian Mole did have a sister (Rosie). And, yes, I know I'm a dork.

Posted by Keris on August 23, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 21, 2007 3:44 PM

Read Louise Doughty's 'Novel in a Year'

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love Louise Doughty's columns in The Telegraph. Last year, she documented her progress as she  attempted to write a novel in a year, and this book, unsurprisingly called A Novel in A Year is a compilation of her weekly columns. For anyone who missed a few, or indeed missed the whole thing, this will make not only educational but entertaining reading too. I'm planning on snapping it up asap.

Incidentally, Louise Doughty's excellent columns continue but at a more relaxed pace: they're now called A Writer's Year.

Related: BOOK REVIEW: Wannabe a Writer?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 21, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 20, 2007 8:21 PM

BOOK NEWS: Hopscotch and Handbags by Lucy Mangan

Both Keris and I want to be Lucy Mangan when we grow up, and even more so now she's written a book. The Guardian columnist's debut, Hopscotch and Handbags is a girly guide to... well, being a girl, really.

Apparently it's a bit more grown up than The Great Big Glorious Book for Girls, and Cosmopolitan calls it "hilarious". It's out this Thursday, but you can order it online now.

I want to read it, and soon!

Related: Book news archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 20, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 14, 2007 5:33 PM

(Reluctant) BOOK NEWS: That Bitch

I wasn't sure whether to write about this or not, but I know you're a sensible enough bunch to handle the bile this book spits out without letting it get to you. So I'll just advise you to be on your guard around British bookshops from September 27, when a book called That Bitch attempts to redress the balance against all those (zillions!) of women out to trap, manipulate and mistreat men. (Hmm. Let's have a closer look at domestic violence statistics, shall we?)

The blurb for this book claims: This new book tells you how to protect yourself against nasty women by understanding: why she picked on YOU, how she weaves her web of deceit, how she uses covert attacks and other tactics to beat her unsuspecting prey. Discover what makes her different from normal women who are looking for partners not victims, and how to identify her. Because she only cares about herself. She has no conscience and is capable of ruthless retribution, even though no one has actually wronged her.

Er... bitter, much?

I'm off to wash my brain out now...

Related posts: Chore Whore | Should the word 'bitch' be banned?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 14, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Men! by Isabel Losada

Isabel Losada has written non-fiction books on the inner lives of nuns, finding enlightenment and saving the world. (As well as Reasons to be Glad). Her latest release is a little more down-to-earth: ‘Men!’ she exclaims. ‘Where the **** are they?’

She believes there is a national shortage of interesting, available men over the age of 35. For the purposes of the book, her definition of an interesting man is: ‘One who when you meet them you’d like to have dinner with them and, having had dinner with them you are glad that you had dinner with them and would like to see them again.’ Available means emotionally available as well as single (and married men who tell women they’re separated don’t count!) The interesting, available man should also have travelled, be independent and free from addictions and other emotional problems. Is such a man so elusive? The evidence of her own love life and those of her friends suggests he is, so Losada embarks on a nine-month quest to find out where all the interesting and available men are, and to net one for herself in the process, if she can...

To find out where the eligible men are hiding, Losada visits some all-male environments on our behalf. She attends a Harley Davidson ‘ride out’ and a weekend plumbing course before spending two weeks working as the only woman on a building site. Dispiritingly, she finds that men are often quite literally hiding from women as they prefer to spend leisure time in the company of other men. The motorbike club is mostly a chance for men to drink copiously and tell sexist and homophobic jokes. The plumbing course is not set up for women although Losada copes admirably well and the building site workers treat her as one of them (after some initiation rituals) but their views on life and love are enlightening in all the wrong ways.

So Losada vows to try more new things. She attends lectures all over London, learns to drive a motorbike and goes on a diving holiday in Egypt. She also falls for two men, neither of whom is technically ‘available’…  She’s endearingly open and frank about her romantic missteps, admitting that getting over one of these men is so hard that she wouldn’t be interested in a new relationship anyway – so her experiment is flawed on a personal level. At the end of the quest, Losada confirms her hypothesis: as she suspected, there is a lack of interesting, available men for independent, intelligent women over 35. Our author claims she was hoping to be proved wrong but the words ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ don’t seem out of place here - throughout the book it’s more apparent that she wants to prove herself right.

However she does have suggestions for changing the situation she says she has uncovered. First, women seeking men should take a new approach: ‘Doing radical and exciting things with our lives is one solution’, and something that is never a bad idea! Losada also encourages us to look at the bigger picture, postulating that the reason so many marriages are unhappy is that people lack the courage to be honest with each other and to leave without fear of recrimination when a relationship is no longer working. If more people were honest when a relationship stops working, this would mean more available men let loose.

The author claims she’s not scared to be a single woman forever if she can’t find Mr Right. But her vision of ageing single women, though (I hope) tongue in cheek, is offensive and lazy: ‘I have so many wonderful female friends… we could all move into a house together that would become a glorious celebration of being old batty females. We’d all have to wear purple. And have lots of cats… pretend to be witches and have big bonfires and make strange sounds to frighten the local schoolchildren.’ If that’s what happens to single women of a certain age it’s no wonder Losada wants a man!

At times I couldn’t help having the un-sisterly thought that perhaps her standards are too high. If a man has different views to her, she’s not interested. If he enjoys spectator sports, she’s not interested. And yet she falls for two unavailable men in the space of nine months. Wouldn’t a football fan have been better?

Also, although she talks repeatedly about not needing a man she frequently presents being alone as the third-rate option. During her research mission, Losada goes on her first dive and absolutely loves it. She comments that it’s a shame she’s on her own as it would be ideal to share the experience with a partner or friend. Is an experience only worth having if you’re with someone else?

Although intelligently-written and well-considered with a spiritual angle not often found in books about love, ‘Men!’ isn’t as new and subversive as it wants to be. It is after all another book about how women can find men (isn’t it time they found us for a change?!) While part of me found it sad that a vibrant, intelligent and (not that it should matter, but it probably does) attractive woman like Isabel Losada finds it so hard to find a lasting relationship, a larger part of me thought, ‘So?’

Still, I found the author charming and frank and her look at love has more depth than other books of its ilk.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Dating Amy by Amy DeZellar.

Read this review in full at The F Word.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance, Self development | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 13, 2007 6:43 PM

And in blook news...

Yes, I'm on about blooks (blogs-to-books) again - I will shut up about them soon, promise. For now allow me to indulge myself with a round up of happenings in the world of blooks...

- Excellent online feminist 'zine The F Word has an interview with notorious sex-blooker Abby Lee, aka: Girl With a One-Track Mind. Provides a different perspective on the controversial author than our review... one I can't quite get behind, but interesting all the same.

- Something I found about a while ago via our sister site Dollymix (and was saving for - er, no apparent reason): Rudely-named and very popular blog My Boyfriend is a Tw*t has been turned into a book, out now. My co-ed Keris interviews a different woman blogger each week for the site's fab Women Who Blog series - well worth a read!

More news/linkage over the cut...

- A slightly old but still interesting thingummy about blooks from The Blog Herald.

- Voracious blogger, journalist of much repute and sometime Trashionista reviewer Linda Jones has an upcoming release all about freelance writing, to tie in with her popular blog. It's tongue-in-cheekily called The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World.

- Finally, a little while ago, I wrote this. I'm still waiting for my blook deal, however...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 13, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 9, 2007 11:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Around the World in 80 Dates by Jennifer Cox

When Jennifer Cox's workaholism - she's a travel writer and broadcaster - meant that she never had time to meet men, she decided to travel around the world dating. Entrusting her friends to fix her up with their friends, she set up 80 dates from Sweden to New Zealand to LA.

I thought this book would be the perfect summer book - I could do some vicarious travelling *and* some vicarious dating (I've been married for 11 years...), but it didn't quite work out that way...

Considering she's a travel writer I didn't find the descriptions of the places Jennifer visited particularly engaging. The men weren't great shakes either and I found myself scanning quite a lot. Until, that is, she arrived at the Burning Man Festival and met Garry.

Now usually our rule here at Trashionista is not to mention anything that happens after the first hundred pages so as not to risk spoilerage, but I'm going to make an exception with this book. But the thing is, the spoilers are built right in! The back cover features a picture of the author looking very loved up with Garry. The book's dedication reads 'To my parents ... with love and thanks for putting up with years of my nonsense. And to G. who has all that to come'. Why, how will I ever crack that code?!

Garry is date number 55 and once Jennifer meets him, her writing (and the story) really start to sparkle. She makes the Burning Man Festival sound fascinating and wonderful (albeit a little bit scary) and Garry sounds utterly gorgeous. They fall in love. And then Jennifer has to go off and do another 25 dates. Which Garry is cool with. Really. Jennifer isn't though and, since I've spoilered* once, I may as well spoiler again - Around the World in 80 Dates is mistitled. Yes, she gives up before the end.

There are some entertaining aspects to this book, but all in all I found it disappointing. Although I am very glad Jennifer and Garry are so happy.

*it's a word!

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try Dating Amy by Amy DeZellar

Posted by Keris on August 9, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Summer Special | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 6, 2007 8:37 PM

BOOK NEWS: Damage Control

This new non-fiction anthology sounds like a book most women will be able to relate to! Unless you've never had a disaster at the hands of a hairdresser, waxer, physiotherapist, plain ol' therapist...? (If so, I just might hate you!)

Damage Control is about all the things that can go wrong when you put your body/mind/life into someone else's hands...

Contributors include British author Emma Forrest and UK-to-LA transplant Minnie Driver. The success of Driver's essay has lead to talk of her being offered her own book deal, apparently... [Via Galleycat]

Related: BOOK NEWS: 21 Proms.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 6, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: By Jack Rosenthal by Jack Rosenthal

No, I haven't gone mad! By Jack Rosenthal is a book... By Jack Rosenthal. Are you still with me?

Legendary TV and film scriptwriter (and husband of Maureen Lipman) Jack Rosenthal had been asked many times to write his autobiography, but he  felt he wouldn't know where to start filling a book about himself. And then he hit upon the idea of writing the whole thing as a script, divided into the decades of his life: from his parents' marriage to the present day.

Unfortunately, due to cancer, Jack died before he could complete the last decade, so in a very literal Postscript Maureen finishes it for him.

At first, it's hard to get into the swing of reading a book in script form. I've never enjoyed reading plays, and I struggled a little at the start, trying to picture what was happening and follow the story. (I don't think a career as a playwright - or an actress! - will ever be my calling I'm afraid...)

But about a third of the way through the book I got used to the format and the abbreviations, and was able to focus on the story of Rosenthal's life from World War Two evacuee to university student, Coronation Street scriptwriter to colleague of Barbra Streisand, and finally loving husband and father. Rosenthal writes with honesty, warmth, compassion and good humour and comes across as completely charming. His life story is an ordinary one with occasional incredible starry moments, which never seem to affect his down-to-earth nature.

Although I'm sad that Jack never got to write about the last decade or so of his life, and that he died of such a horrible illness, I am glad that Maureen got to write the closing chapter as she gives a closer, more personal insight into the man the reader has got to know and her chapter is incredibly moving. It conveys just how much the couple loved each other, and is poignant without being maudlin. Like the rest of the book, it's fab.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try About Alice by Calvin Trillin.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 6, 2007 in Book related, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 27, 2007 1:30 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Yes Man

We wrote a while ago about how the movie rights to both of Danny Wallace's hilarious books - Yes Man and Join Me - had been snapped up and, at the time, we'd heard that Jack Black was to star in the first.

Well, we were wrong (not our fault - we got it from Danny's website!). Turns out Yes Man is now to star Jim Carrey. But don't get too excited (assuming you're excited at all), it's not due out until 2009.

Movie news archives

Posted by Aigua Media on July 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is The Great Big Glorious Book for Girls... an insult to women's intelligence?

In The Guardian books blog, writer Melissa McClements despairs of a new book, The Great Big Glorious Book for Girls, which apparently is (according to the book's website): "... an irresistible celebration of girlhood, exquisitely illustrated, deliciously packaged and packed with exciting things to keep every girl, from eight to 80, entertained throughout the years ... It will take women back to a time when we made cup cakes with our grandmothers and a campfire with our friends, we played hopscotch, and domestic crafts were celebrated."

But are books like this undoing the good work of feminism by encouraging women and men to adopt stereotypical gender roles? Or should the liberated woman bake if she wants to? Is it patronising to have a book for 'girls' rather than 'women' and is it even more patronising to assume we all like the same traditional pursuits?

Also... is it wrong that I became very excited when I saw the website contains instructions on doing a proper french plait? (Finally!)

Related: Gloria Steinem on chick lit.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 26, 2007 12:08 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Truman Capote

Yes, I know he's not a woman! But he's still a Trailblazer, and he created Holly Golightly so even though he was WRONG about Audrey Hepburn (he hated her as Holly and wanted Marilyn Monroe in the part) I forgive him.

The author of Breakfast at Tiffany's of course, he also wrote other novels, short stories, plays and a musical but his best work is probably In Cold Blood, the meticulously-researched (sometimes a bit too closely, perhaps!) work of 'faction', which inspired hundreds of writers to turn their pens to narrative non-fiction. The book is compelling, stark, brutal and perfectly evocative of the horrible murders it describes. It lives with the reader for a long time.

On a lighter note, Capote was a legendarily fabulous party host and gossip, and lifelong friend of Harper Lee, who used him as the basis for the character of Dill Harris in To Kill A Mockingbird. He was also openly gay in an era were being honest about homosexuality was much rarer than it is today.

Unfortunately in his later years, Truman descended into depression and alcoholism, dying at just 59, but his great works live on.

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 25, 2007 10:07 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Late Bloomer's Revolution by Amy Cohen

I'd never heard of Amy Cohen, but the title of her memoir - The Late Bloomer's Revolution - appealed to me. Add this to raves from Melissa Bank and O Magazine and I couldn't wait to crack it open.

Not long after her beloved mother dies of cancer, Amy gets both fired and dumped by the man she thought she was going to marry (this wasn't an idle assumption, he told her so just a week earlier), Amy has to accept that she's nowhere near where she wanted to be in her thirties. Once the hideous psychosomatic rash (on her face!) has cleared up, she starts dating again and encounters a catalogue of losers and idiots, with the occasional promising man turning out to be just another loser or idiot. (I've read this type of story in many, many books, so I guess it must be true - but what on earth would possess a man to say, "You know how I feel about you, don't you?", promise to call in ten hours and then never contact her again? What?).

I actually really enjoyed this book, but it wasn't at all as advertised. The back cover says "... the heartwarming story of how so many things came gloriously late for Amy Cohen" but they don't, not really. She learns to cook and ride a bike, she develops (following the loss of her mother) a fantastic relationship with her father, but this book was far, far more about dating than anything else and I found the ending to be a terrible cop-out - you can't spend 287 pages saying one thing and then change your mind completely on the 288th and call it a revolution.

I did love Amy though and the book was like listening to a particularly funny friend, I just wish the ending had been different.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Posted by Keris on July 25, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 23, 2007 1:15 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Complete Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby

Subtitled 'The Diary of an occasionally exasperated but ever hopeful reader", Nick Hornby's new work of non-fiction The Complete Polysyllabic Spree comprises 3 years of his What I'm Reading columns for The Believer magazine.

He starts each column with two lists: books bought that month, and books read that month, which often differ substantially! He then talks about what he read (and sometimes what he bought) that month, and why.

Anyone who's read Fever Pitch (or per haps 31 Songs) will know how good a non-fiction writer Hornby is. After falling out with the author (admittedly it was a one-sided argument) after reading his - ugh- How to be Good I was happy to find that I could still love this author's work!

His discussion of the reasons we read the books we do, and the influences on his own reading is intelligent but always accessible: although he often enjoys what could be called 'highbrow' books, his approach to them is down-to-earth. I knew I was going to love this non-snobbish analysis when in the introduction, Hornby rails against literary snobbery. He says,

"In Britain, more than twelve million adults have a reading age of thirteen or under, and yet some clever-dick journalist still insists on telling us that unless we're reading something proper, then we might as well not bother at all... reading for enjoyment is what we should all be doing."

Hear hear!

I just have a couple of slight criticisms about this otherwise excellent book: whenever Nick reads (and abandons) a book he hates, he isn't allowed to name it in his column, as the ethos of The Believer is to not slag people off. But surely he could have elaborated in this book? Second, although the inclusion of passages of books he enjoyed is probably a good idea, for me it slowed down the narrative - I wanted to find out what Nick read next!

But I raced through this, and it only inspired me to read more. Funny, entertaining and book-related - what more could a reader want?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 23, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 20, 2007 2:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Nine Summers by Rina Huber

I've never sailed. I've never actually had much interest in sailing. But I am interested in travelling around the Mediterranean, so I expected Nine Summers to be a vicarious travel treat. I wasn't disappointed, but it's more than that too.

When Felix Huber is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he and his wife Rina decide to retire and spend however many years they have left sailing around the Mediterranean. Starting in France, they spend the next nine summers sailing their yacht Galatea from Italy to Greece to Turkey, even Israel. 

On the way, they have numerous, significant problems - Felix suffers a stroke practically before they've set off, Rina contracts breast cancer and also has to have a potentially paralysing back operation, and then Felix has a heart attack - but their positive attitude, lovely natures and deep love for each other carry them through everything.

I loved Nine Summers. It's not just a travel memoir, but a memoir of a relationship. The sections about Rina' childhood in Israel and Italy following her mother's death are moving, but it's Rina and Felix's relationship that really shines through. Married for 50 years, they were still best friends who were happy - in fact more than happy - to spend 24 hours a day together in a very enclosed space.

By the end of the book I'd fallen in love with both of them. It didn't make me want to sail, but it did make me want to go and hug my husband.

A really lovely book.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Posted by Keris on July 20, 2007 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 19, 2007 12:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Wicked Whispers by Jessica Callan

Wicked Whispers is the new book by Jessica Callan who, if you don't know the name, was one third of the original 3am girls from The Mirror's much-copied gossip column. 3am was set up to be something completely new in the world of journalism: instead of begging PRs for the right to cover stars and being discreet about what they said, 3am laid it all bare. The 3 3am girls - or rather, women - tricked and cajoled stars into giving them photographs and quotes, hid in odd places (quite often public toilets) to get stories and mingled with the stars, placing themselves firmly in the story in a style that drew many imitators. Callan stayed at the column for 5 years, becoming 'head girl' before stepping down in 2005 to catch her breath (and presumably detox her liver...)

This memoir is her recollections of five fun-filled years of gossip. But does it make wicked reading?

Of course it does! It's not a book that dishes huge amounts of dirt on major celebrities, but there's enough goss here to surprise all but the most hardened celeb-spotter (even if she keeps some things to herself!) and I loved the insight into this style of journalism and the lifestyle (and the dilemmas) involved.

Callan shows that gathering gossip at glitzy parties isn't always as much fun as it sounds and lifts the lid on how the celeb PR game works, as well as telling a few tales on some celebrities who frankly, deserve it.

The one little thing that annoyed me was that there was at times a bit too much exposition through dialogue (and we don't like that) - for example, one conversation runs something like:

"You know that bloke John Hurt?"

"Yes, he was in --- and now he's starring in --- ... what about him?"

The author should trust her audience to either know who she's talking about or know how to look it up!

Still, I didn't have many complaints about this book: I found this a light and addictive read and raced through it, longing for more!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 19, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 18, 2007 4:58 PM

First Summer Special competition!

Okay, so here's how it's going to go. Every Wednesday throughout the summer I will be posting a competition. The competition will only be open until the following Tuesday and the book will be sent on to the winner on the Thursday (giving me Wednesday to find an envelope).

To win a copy of this week's book - Jancee Dunn's fabulous memoir, But Enough About Me - all you need to do is name that well-endowed woman there on the cover (not Madonna, they're just cones stuck on the front of the corset).

Send your answer along with your name and address to the usual email address (subject line: But Enough About Me) before midnight (GMT) on Tuesday 24th July and a copy could be winging its way to you in a matter of hours.

Posted by Keris on July 18, 2007 in Competition, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 17, 2007 3:54 PM

BOOK NEWS: You Never Call! You Never Write!

I may not be Jewish or have a Jewish mother (I guess those two things tend to come together) but I still think this book looks like fun.

You Never Call! You Never Write! promises to be "A mixture of stereotypes, culture and fable... told earnestly and humorously by Joyce Antler."

More information here.

Book news archives | Non fiction archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 17, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 16, 2007 4:22 PM

Maria McCarthy's writing for publication workshop

Put Saturday 8th September in your diary if you're interesting in going to Cardiff for a writing workshop with journalist and author (of The Girls' Guide to Losing Your L-Plates, which Keris loved) Maria McCarthy.

Maria says she'll be giving advice on getting fiction, non-fiction and journalism published including developing feature ideas, approaching editors, getting an agent and copyright and business matters. The workshop will be held from 2-4pm at Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff  and costs £10 (£8 concessions).

For more information or to book a place, check out Maria's website.

Related posts: Review: Wannabe A Writer? | Review: See Jane Write

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 16, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel

I was a bit wary about reading Mating in Captivity. For a start, it's called Mating in Captivity. And its subtitle is Sex, Lies and Domestic Bliss (that's in the UK; the US subtitle was Reconciling the Erotic and the Domestic). But it's actually a surprisingly readable and insightful look at sex in long-term relationships.

The author, Esther Perel's contention is that we need to look at sex in long-term relationships in a different way. She suggests that everything we've come to prize in relationships - equality, tenderness, honesty - is at odds with what we look for in sex (i.e. passion, eroticism and, you know, muckiness).

The quote on the back from the Sunday Times says, "Enormous fun," which I thought was a bit odd for a book on this subject, but it is very enjoyable and an easy read. Using case studies and anecdotal evidence, Perel looks at a number of different relationships and scenarios and her arguments are entirely convincing.

Whether out of nosiness or just because they were the more entertaining bits, I enjoyed the case studies more than Perel's analysis, but the entire book is entertaining and informative.

Much like John Gray's Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, Mating in Captivity could change the way couples look at each other and relationships. Recommended.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Women Who Think Too Much by Dr Susan Nolen Hoeksema

Posted by Keris on July 16, 2007 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 13, 2007 6:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: 'Style from A to Zoe' by a stylist to the stars

I may be a little fashionably-challenged at times, but we do love our fashion lit here at Trashionista, so we were interested to hear that Rachel Zoe, controversial stylist to the stars, is set to put her pen to paper. I say 'controversial' because she's been accused of pushing Nicole Ritchie to lose stupid amounts of weight (which she denied). I also say controversial because the young stars she dresses (including Lindsay Lohan and Misha Barton) tend to have real 'love them or hate them' wardrobes.

Anyway, whether you love her style or aren't really bothered, her book Style from A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour will be out in October.

[Via our fabulous sister site Catwalk Queen].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 12, 2007 9:15 AM

Get a new dictionary and help a charity at Waterstones

As a child, my mum was so excited by her first dictionary that she made it her bedtime reading for weeks. Ah, the '50s '80s were a more innocent time, weren't they?

But who doesn't love a good dictionary? For writers they're pretty essential, which is why I know some of you will be interested in a Waterstones offer that not only gets you money off a brand new dictionary, but helps a charity, too!

Carry on over the cut to find out how it works.

Hand in any old dictionary at your local Waterstones book shop, and they'll give you a voucher for £15 off the new Collins dictionary - instead of £35, this mammoth volume will cost you just £20. And your old dictionary will be sent to Book Link, a charity that sends books to schools in Africa. 

(It says on the site that this ended in June, but it's been extended until August, so if you need a new dictionary you might want to buy it soon!)

Related: Donate spare books to charity.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 12, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 10, 2007 4:50 PM

'How to Shop' - EXCLUSIVE Mary Portas giveaway!

The brilliantly savvy fashion/shopping expert Mary Portas, also known as Mary, Queen of Shops after her fabby BBC programme, has released a new book: How to Shop with Mary, Queen of Shops . It's a beautiful hardback, jam-packed with useful information from a mistress of retail.

And we have a copy to give away to one lucky Trashionista reader!

If you'd like to win, carry on over the cut to find out how...

To be in with a chance of winning:

Simply email us at editor@trashionista.com with your name and address and MARY in the title. Please also put 'no' in the body of the email if you wouldn't like to receive further information from Ebury/BBC books. I'm sorry, this giveaway is UK only.

And that's not your only chance to win: until the end of July there's the chance  for 5 people to win £100 Oasis vouchers over on Mary Portas's website, which is well worth a look in any case.

Good luck!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 10, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, British Authors, Competition, Fashion-Lit, New Releases, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 9, 2007 10:18 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Smoking Diaries by Simon Gray

If you live in England you might have heard just about enough about the smoking ban that came into force last week and occupied the media's attention for months.

Well, Simon Gray's memoir The Smoking Diaries provides a very non-PC alternative perspective to the anti-smoking lobby: the man loves smoking. He knows it's not good for him, and he does (kind of) try to give up (a bit) but mostly he just enjoys his filthy habit and finds it enhances his life. This very entertaining book documents a year in his life in which a few things happen, both good and bad (trying not to give anything away here!) and a lot of cigarettes are smoked...

I actually bought this book for my Dad, thinking he would relate. As an ex-nicotine addict himself and self-confessed 'grumpy old man' who loves going to the theatre, how could he not enjoy the memoir of a grumpy male playwright who smokes a lot? But although my Dad enjoyed it, I think I liked it even more. I'm not sure why: maybe because Gray's writing is so good, or because despite his curmudgeonly persona, he's completely charming. He's unexpectedly enthusiastic too, such as when he talks in great detail about why he loves the film Species, which is very entertaining.

This book is surprising, funny and (when he reflects on his younger brother's fate) also heartbreakingly poignant. In short, it's a great read, no matter what your personal relationship with nicotine may be.

Be warned though: despite Gray's horrible addiction to cigarettes, this book almost makes smoking seem appealing, so it may actually be harmful to your health...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 9, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (11)

July 5, 2007 2:52 PM

Like to read in the bath?

This Hot & Steamy Erotic Baths For Two is a Soapdish Edition: a series of soapdish-sized books printed on a unique waterproof, tear and stain-resistant material. I'm. Not saying. Anything.

Except that other books in the series include Tao of Bathing and Soothing Soaks and they cost £3.99 each.

Posted by Keris on July 5, 2007 in Book related, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2007 12:49 PM

Discover the New You with Kiss and Makeup's book giveaway!

Not content with giving you books for free here on Trashionista, our sister site Kiss and Makeup is in on the action too: they have 3 copies of beauty bible Discover The New You by Ceril Campbell to give away.

Says KAMU editor Charlotte: "Although beauty junkies will probably know about most of the book's product recommendations, everyone can benefit another of her tips: remember to smile! Those who aren't so handy with a make up brush will appreciate the plethora of information on all aspects of beauty - from applying false lashes to choosing a hairstyle for your face shape."

Sounds good! (Chuck me a copy, someone...)

Click here for details on how to enter.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 3, 2007 in American Authors, Announcements, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

TUESDAY THREE: Overboard!

When Diane mentioned the other day that we’d recently featured a couple of books with the word “Overboard” in the title, my Tuesday 3 radar went ping! (Tuesday 3 radar, £2.99, Argos. Probably.) So grab your life jacket as I splash out on three very different overboard books!

Love Overboard,  the second of the Janet Evanovich romance novel re-releases, features Ivan who is the proud owner of a two-masted schooner, and a descendant of pirates. During the holiday season he takes a charter of passengers out every week, the success of which relies on his trusted crew. Imagine his horror when, as he's preparing to take his final trip of the season, he's greeted by Stephanie - the woman he sold his beloved family home to only a matter of weeks ago.

The story chronicles the week aboard the 'Josiah T Savage' and then the aftermath, as the season draws to a close and everyone moves back onto dry land. Ivan struggles to regain his landlegs, and has to restrain himself as Stephanie refuses to return any of the approaches he makes. And then supernatural things begin to happen... what's haunting the house?

Sarah Smiley’s Going Overboard is subtitled "The misadventures of a military wife." It's a memoir of a year in the life of Sarah, whose husband Dustin is in the navy and, in this perilous political climate, often abroad in rather dangerous situations. Which means that Sarah is home alone with their two young boys, alternately worrying herself sick and cursing her husband for having joined up in the first place.

Aimee Ferris’s debut YA novel Girl Overboard focusses on the aptly-named Marina, whose ambition is to be a Marine Biologist. Leaving her ski-loving boyfriend behind in Vermont, Marina sets out on a six-week study tour of the Caribbean, where she'll be given the opportunity to swim with and learn about sharks, turtles and dolphins. Along with the inevitable teen angst and snogging, there's a message about ecology and endangered species making Girl Overboard as educational as it is entertaining.

Posted by Keris on July 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Non Fiction, Romance, Tuesday Three, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 27, 2007 5:59 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

You'll now no doubt all be aware of Tina Brown's book, The Diana Chronicles, released in time for the ten-year anniversary of Princess Diana's death. (Find out what The Guardian thought of it here).

So my question to you this week is simple: do you want to read it, or not? Is it an honourable tribute, or exploitation?

Do you care?!

Basically: is it a Yay or a Nay - and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (3)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jen Lancaster

I'm reading Jen Lancaster's first book, Bitter Is the New Black, on Diane's recommendation and I'm loving it. Jen's latest book is Bright Lights, Big Ass.

As this is Cult Classics Week, Jen's choice of favourite chick lit book fits in perfectly. Over to Jen:

Please describe your latest book in  15 words or fewer:

A humorous look at how NOT sexy-in-the-city urban life can be.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I used to write in bookstores and coffee shops, but due to our home’s gravity problem, I keep dropping my laptop computers and now it’s easier (and less expensive) to use a desktop.  It’s located in the alcove off my bedroom.  It’s convenient for my dogs so they can comfortably lie on the bed and stare directly into my soul while I try to write.  (Yeah, no pressure there.) 

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Hands-down, it’s Bridget Jones’s Diary.  I’ve read it no less than twenty times and it makes me laugh with each reading.  Helen Fielding was the first author to so neatly capture and immortalize the real life of post-collegiate, but not-yet-suburban women.  In one scene, Bridget works from home in order to be more productive and ends up taking a seven-hour nap, which made me wonder if Fielding had been spying on me. 

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

I love Bridget and also Becky Bloomwood from the Shopaholic series because they’re both so delightfully real with their foibles and imperfections.  (However, when I finally grow up, I want to be Patsy and/or Edina.) 

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Write for yourself, not an audience.  That way, you know at least one person will be happy and what ever you put down will sound so much more genuine.  Also, writing is a muscle that gets stronger the more you exercise it – so do it as much as you can and I promise you’ll see results.

What are you reading at the moment?

I have three different books going at any one time.  Right now I’m in the middle of Mary Janice Davidson’s Undead and Uneasy, Laurie Notaro’s There’s a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell, and Christopher Buckley’s Boomsday.  Admittedly kind of a schizophrenic mix, but I’m enjoying all of them for their humor and distinctly different writer’s voices.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My next book comes out in May 2008 and it’s called Pretty Fat.  It’s a true story about trying to lose 50 pounds by every means possible (and despite rampant laziness and an inflated sense of self-worth.)  I’ve hated the process but am delighted with the results and hope readers are, too!
 
What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

The question is: “Would you like to meet Vince Vaughn?”  And the answer is yes.  Yes, I would.

Thanks, Jen.

Posted by Keris on June 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Cult classic week, Interviews, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 25, 2007 7:25 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby came to most women's attention (sorry to be gender biased, but I think that's true!) with High Fidelity, his excellent lad lit novel about a music obsessive and his estranged girlfriend.

But if you haven't read Fever Pitch, you've missed a trick. The memoir of Hornby's obsession with Arsenal might be a bit much if you're a mad-keen Chelsea or Man Utd. supporter, or if you're American and think football's called soccer...(I tease!) but even if you're not a fan of the 'beautiful game', there's still a lot to enjoy in this book. It's a raw and touching story abut the power of sport to transform the emotions and the sense of belonging and bonding that football can provide. Even if you don't like sport, it's hard not to be won over by Hornby's enthusiasm and the excitement and tension at the end of the book is palpable.

I admit, I wouldn't ahve picked this book up had I not loved High Fideltity, or if it wasn't handy on my Dad's bookshelf. But I'm so very, very glad I did.

It's a cult classic of the footie field and beyond!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 25, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Cult classic week, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 20, 2007 5:30 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Kathryn Finney

I believe Kathryn Finney's first book, How to Be a Budget Fashionista should be on every woman's bookshelf, so I'm delighted she's joined the ranks of our interviewees!

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The ULTIMATE Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

For some strange reason I can't sleep on airplanes, so I do most of my good writing on them. Also, can't forget my mobile office (aka Starbucks). I also like to write while watching Oprah.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Guilty Pleasure:  The Shopaholic series.  When I want to expand my mind: Anything by Amy Tan and Jhumpari Lahri.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

I don't have a favorite, but I tend to be drawn to characters that challenge our concept of humanity. 

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Don't talk about it, BE about it. The difference between writers and aspiring writers is that the former writes. You  can't sell a book, if you haven't written anything down.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Barack Obama book (the first one) and Young Broke and Fabulous by Suze Orman

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My second book which, drum roll please, will be about fashion. I have a fiction book somewhere inside of me that I will start to work on at some point.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Question: What did your mom think about the book?

Answer: She loved it.

Thanks, Kathryn!

Posted by Keris on June 20, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 19, 2007 12:46 PM

Win five fab books with Shiny Shiny!

As if all the Trashionista competitions we give you aren't enough (some very exciting ones coming soon, I promise!), our sister site Shiny Shiny is giving readers the chance to win FIVE fab Friday Project books, including A Girl Called Madonna and Confessions of a Chatroom Freak.

Find out more, including how to enter, by directing your mouse in this direction.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 19, 2007 in Announcements, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Competition, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 15, 2007 2:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why It Often Sucks in The City, or Who Are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster

Wow, who could resist a subtitle like that? Not me, so I didn't.

Bright Lights, Big Ass is Jen Lancaster's follow-up memoir* to Bitter is the New Black, the story of her descent from rich dot-commer to almost-starving author, and the life lessons she learned along the way. In the new book, Jen's new favourite shops are Target and Ikea, she uses the library and public transport instead of bookshops and cabs and she even faces up to her phobia of gynae exams (in a hilarious chapter inolving a cautionary tale about hospital paper gowns). Lancaster is such an engaging and entertaining author with a bubbly personality that you can't help but warm to her and enjoy spending time absorbing her life.

But I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as Bitter is the New Black...

I wanted to know what happened between the time Jen decided to work on her book and the start of the new book, I wanted to know about the book stuff like meetings with Jen's editors and agent and what the marketing strategy was and... OK, I'm a book geek. But other readers might be curious too. I also felt (hey, let's make it three in a row) - it could have been a bit more... (say it with me, people:) cohesive! There isn't a definite trajectory in this book as there was in the first: Jen focuses on her more minor ups and downs (awful neighbours, having to temp for a while, transportation 'issues')and does so very well, but there isn't the tension of the first book. Which is good, as I don't want Lancaster to go through anything awful... but it makes slightly less interesting reading and is a collection of funny and random events more than a narrative.

It's still fun, fab and very worth reading, though and I can't wait for the next one!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.

*Huh - I haven't reviewed one work of fiction this week! Next week I will, promise...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids

I don't know what would tempt me to read this memoir/advice book more: the refreshingly honest and funny title...

...or the gorgeously yummy-looking front cover. (Go see).

And I don't even have kids!

Watch a video from the authors if you'd like to know more.

Related posts: The Hot Moms Handbook | Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 14, 2007 5:38 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Big Fat Bitch Book For Girls by Kate Figes

This week, I read The Big Fat Bitch Book For Girls... or did I read The Big Fat Bitch Book for Grown-Up Girls? Yes, this is one of those confusing, split-in-half books that you turn upside down halfway through: one side is aimed at teenage girls, the other at women. And that's not the only confusing aspect of this book (but more on that later)...

The Big Fat Bitch Book... is an interesting and worthwhile idea: it's a look at the history of bitching in life and on the big and small screens as well as an exploration of the role of bitching in women's lives. Is it an important bonding experience - or a form of bullying that hurts far more than physical aggression? Kate Figes shows that bitching can be both.

Back to the confusion thing, though - the book is an odd mix of iconic bitchy quotes from stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford (those legendary feuders!) and films like Mean Girls and Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf... mixed in with devastating stories of the effect truly bitchy behaviour can have on girls' and women's self esteem. This would have been better as a study of bitchery which asked us all to be a bit nicer or as a book for teenage girls (or their mothers) about how to cope with bullying bitching. OR it could have been devoted to good-natured bitching without delving into the darker side. It's hard to read about a fifteen year-old who self harms because of the bitchy remarks of girls at school and then to laugh about Katharine Hepburn slagging off Shirley Temple, for example. It seems like Kate Figes's argument is enjoy bitching... but not too much. It's a confusing message. If your moral argument is we all need to think more about what we say, don't then glorify hurtful remarks, however iconic.

I also didn't like the two books in one deal - I think it meant some of the material was repeated and while it's a fun gimmick, again, it meant the book wasn't very (my watchword of the week!) cohesive.

While I may seem very criticial, I did for the most part enjoy this book, even as I found its messages more than mixed. (But I mean that in the kindest possible way...)

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Watching the English by Kate Fox

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Sleeping Around by Catherine Townsend

Yesterday when we featured the book trailer for Sleeping Around, Sheila asked incredulously, "This is a book?!!"

Why yes, it certainly is. In fact, it's released today. Like "Sex and the City meets Girl With A One Track Mind", it's sprung from Catherine Townsend's column in the Independent, but the book contains "all new content".

You can read more here.

Posted by Keris on June 14, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 13, 2007 3:14 PM

Book trailer for Sleeping Around

This trailer left a bit of a nasty taste in my mouth - no (really disgusting) pun intended. I'm not sure yet how I feel about all these promiscuity memoirs that seem to be appearing, particularly following the popularity of so-called call-girl lit. On the one hand, yes, I'm fine with women expressing their sexuality, etc., on the other hand isn't it just exploitation (even if the women are exploiting themselves)? But most of all, I just find this trailer pretty tacky. What do you think?


Related posts: Two takes on call-girl lit - is it sexy or squalid? | Dork Whore by Irish Bahr | My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

Posted by Keris on June 13, 2007 in Book related, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: Forty Camel Girl: Letters from Turkey by E. Grace Beyler

Shiny Shiny's deputy ed, the lovely Alex Roumbas, reviews a recent read she thinks Trashionista readers will enjoy: Forty Camel Girl is available to buy from the website (above), and Alex highly recommends that you do so - read on to find out why...

In 1969, at the age of twenty six, E. Grace Beyler found herself bound for Turkey with her fiance, Hakan, ready to live with his family while he completed mandatory army service. Not yet speaking a word of the language and full of the independence of her American upbringing, she faithfully wrote home to her parents in the United States chronicling her experiences. Beyler has now drawn on these letters to create a funny, moving diary of this pivotal period in her life in Forty Camel Girl: Letters from Turkey.

Beyler's letters describe not only a turning point in her own life, but that of the nation she adopts as her temporary home. Describing the westernisation of Turkey and the enduring legacy of Ataturk, Grace is also forced to examine international attitudes to US foreign policy which remain strikingly relevant nearly forty years later. Beyler's alternately moving and hilarious accounts of learning to love and communicate with her new extended family take place against the backdrop of the shifting place of Turkish women in society and news from home such as the imminent deployment of her brother, Bill, to Vietnam. Written with passion and humour, Forty Camel Girl: Letters from Turkey is a highly readable personal memoir definitely worth missing your tube stop for.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Dork Whore by Iris Bahr.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 12, 2007 7:36 PM

BOOK REVIEW: What The Dog Did by Emily Yoffe

Temporarily taking over Keris's mantle as animal-themed book reviewer (pigs, dogs, monkeys, birds, she reads about them all), I decided to read What The Dog Did. The book is Slate agony aunt/writer Emily Yoffe's memoir about her beagle Sasha, and how she turned Emily's family life upside down.

A "formerly reluctant dog owner", Yoffe had always been more of a 'cat person', but when her young daughter became desperate for a dog, and her husband wanted one too, she caved in. What she didn't expect was to become a lifelong convert to the canine cause - not only becoming Sasha's main carer, but a doggie foster carer too.

I really enjoyed this book although some of the pieces have formerly been published as essays in Slate and I think it didn't have a cohesive feel as a result. It's well-written, entertaining and very informative, though - and has given me a soft spot for beagles for life.

Although it's definitely made me realise that it's important to think once, twice, three hundred times before you take on the responsibility of a dog. If you get one like Sasha, your life will no longer be your own! Thank goodness, for Yoffe, it's worth it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Marley and Me by John Grogan.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 12, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 11, 2007 3:58 PM

What's your "Judy Blume moment of truth"?

In honour of the release of the fabby-looking Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, Beth Kendrick of  The Literary Chicks.com is asking the above question. (Your moment might be that "that all the really cute, sporty boys preferred your busty, bubbly best friend to you, just because you were a freakishly flat-chested introvert who preferred Sylvia Plath to Seventeen,"  says Kendrick). Read more here.

Did you grow up with Judy Blume? I loved Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. Blume created teenage characters with real concerns that girls could relate (and sometimes aspire) to...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

I loved Bitter is the New Black and will be reviewing her latest, Bright Lights, Big Ass soon, so I was excited to hear about Jen Lancaster's next book, which she's currently both writing and losing weight for:

Called Pretty Fat, the book has another of Lancaster's trademark subtitles: One Narcissist's Quest to Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big; Or, Why Pie Is Not the Answer, and is "the story of the heretofore-unabashedly-plus-sized Jen's quest to lose fifty pounds in six months by any means possible", according to her website.

Book news archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Knocked Up author sues Knocked up director

Canadian author Rebecca Eckler is suing Universal Pictures and director Judd Apatow alleging that the story for the hit movie "Knocked Up" was taken directly from her non-fiction book of the same name.

Apart from the title, Eckler claims the book and movie's similarities include the fact that the Katherine Heigl character is an up-and-coming television reporter, and the main character in Eckler's book is an up-and-coming newspaper reporter. She also says that the movie and book have a secondary female character in common (to whom both main characters go to for advice) and that both of the secondary characters have screaming children.

I haven't read the book or seen the film (though I've heard better things about the film than the book). If anyone's familiar with both, let us know what you think.

Related posts: How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild and Got A Life | Reading Grey's Anatomy | Movie news archives

Posted by Keris on June 11, 2007 in Book News, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 8, 2007 6:04 PM

Oprah's book news - a new book club pick and a traitorous relative

After much speculation, Oprah has picked the not-exactly-new (but critically acclaimed) Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides as her next book club pick. Anyone read it? I hear great things...

Also, you may have heard this already but it bears repeating: Oprah's Dad is writing a book. About Oprah. That he "forgot" to tell her about. Nice man. [Via Galleycat].

Related: Oprah chooses The Road.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (7)

June 7, 2007 4:42 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Nora Ephron

Back in the early '80s, before anyone else thought to put together food-themed semi-fictional novels, Nora Ephron brought out the irresistible Heartburn, about a betrayed pregnant wife who cooks to stay sane. It's very funny, even over twenty years later.

Nora was always something of a pioneer: she was an early feminist and wrote on this and other hard-hitting topics for Esquire magazine as well as writing lighter articles on a range of subjects, which later were turned into essay collections including Crazy Salad and Scribble, Scribble.

She's also fiercely funny and clever, the screenwriter of my favourite film When Harry Met Sally, mother of two boys, an excellent non-fiction writer and blogger and a big player in Hollywood. What more could you ask for in a Trailblazer?

Read this: Heartburn.

Watch this: When Harry Met Sally.

Don't mention this: Bewitched.

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 6, 2007 12:03 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, I asked if you were excited about the swathe of upcoming Hillary Clinton biographies. Most of you said NAY, but my co-ed Keris admitted she'd be intrigued if they raked up new dirt. (Me too!)

This week: from one betrayed woman to several more - The Other Woman is a new collection of real-life stories from women about love and betrayal. Authors include Mary Jo Eustace, whose husband Dean McDermott left her (and their children) for 90210 star Tori Spelling. She spills all the details of her husband's betrayal - but should she? Is it a great form of revenge, or a little undignified perhaps?  [Via Mamapop]

And would you want to read this book?

Tell it to us straight: Yay or Nay - and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 6, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: Two Lipsticks and a Lover by Helena Frith Powell

When Helena Frith Powell moved to France from England she found that the difference between her and the French women around her was glaringly obvious: they all looked effortlessly stylish - and she didn't.

So in Two Lipsticks and a Lover she sets out to find out what is it that gives the French their certain Je Ne Sais Quoi, covering topics from fashion to affairs to the French attitude to sex (much more intellectual than the British one, apparently) .

iI found this a really enjoyable read. What could have been a very superficial book is made more interesting by the inclusion of just the right amount of facts about French food, culture and history. However I couldn't help feeling that maybe Frith Powell buys into the beauty myth a bit too much, being very disparaging about a woman she sees with unshaved armpits. (After all, there's no law that says we have to defuzz all over and spend hundreds of euros a year on face creams, is there? - If there was I might be writing this from the slammer!)

Take it all with a pinch of salt, however, and you might learn something and perhaps even, as the cover promises, 'Unlock your inner French woman...'

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 6, 2007 in British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 4, 2007 4:15 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

When Joan Didion's writer husband John Gregory Dunne dropped dead at their dining room table on December 30, 2003, she went into shock. Their daughter was seriously ill in hospital and although her friends rallied round, Didion didn't know how she'd cope. To record her feelings and try to make sense of them, she began keeping a diary of the year that followed: The Year of Magical Thinking.

Didion is one of America's most-respected modern novelists, even if she may not exactly be a household name over here. This book is the memoir of one year of her life, and how she coped with the loss of her husband and the perilous health situation of her daughter. Emotional and moving, the book is sentimental without being mawkish and dares you not to cry.

Although very emotionally raw, I think it could be very useful to anyone going through a similar loss, and even comforting to those who haven't: it shows that grief isn't easy, but it is possible to start to heal.

However, I can't help thinking that Calvin Trillin's book about the loss of his wife has ruined other grief memoirs for me forever. Short, sweet, restrained and totally lacking in self-pity whilst at the same time one of the most moving things I've ever read, that book was pitch-perfect. Joan Didion's book has a more literary tone which occasionally veers into self-indulgence (not that I blame her, I'm sure I'd be ten times worse!) and a lack of understanding that she's in a position of high privilege: able to afford to stay in expensive Hollywood hotels and have only the best doctors for her daughter, for example. At one point she says she doesn't know when she'll be able to work again, which will sound incredible to all the millions of people who have no choice but to return to work after the loss of a loved one, and try to manage the best they can. This aspect of the book can be a tad difficult to relate to, although I certainly don't begrudge Didion her time off.

I still found this a very good read, and a book that's extremely difficult to put down.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try About Alice by Calvin Trillin or My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

PS:  I said I would read this book, and I did! (Eventually).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 4, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 1, 2007 4:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Give It Up! by Mary Carlomagno

I first heard of Mary Carlomagno's book when the lovely Keris told me about her plans to emulate the concept of Give It Up! Which is: to give up one thing you love, per month, for a year.

It's an interesting prospect although (as with so many things) I decided I'd rather read about it than actually try it myself, so that's what I did.

Mary has an epiphany when she's looking  for something in her wardrobe one day, and is hit on the head by a barrage of shoe boxes. Her life is getting out of control: she's spending too much, accumulating too much, going on drunken nights out too much. So why not try a month without alcohol, then one without shopping, then one without elevators, newspapers... and so on.

I enjoyed reading about Mary's challenge and the things she learned but was disappointed this book didn't dig a little deeper: unlike Not Buying It , the author doesn't question or really look into the consumerist values of western society. And it didn't tell me enough about Mary's feelings and insights to qualify as a memoir, either.

Give It Up! is really more of a guide to streamlining your life than anything else, with suggestions on how and why to give things up. (Which is appropriate as that's now Mary's job - she's founded a company to help people streamline their lives, based on her own experience).

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Not Buying It by Judith Levine or The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 1, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 30, 2007 5:47 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

As election fever hots up in the US, a lot of attention has turned to the most famous prospective Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. Galleycat reports that at least three H. Clinton biographies will be rushed out this summer (does that mean publishers don't think she'll get the democratic nomination?) so what I want to know is this: after her own (admittedly tepid) memoir, Bill's autobiography, and eight years of seeing and hearing from her as First Lady...

Do you want to read any more about Hillary? Is there more to learn, anything you specifically want to know? Or aren't you that bothered?

Tell us Yay or Nay - and why!

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones

The book also has a website.

[Luisa Plaja]

Posted by Keris on May 30, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Read 'Cancer Vixen' online at The First Post

I was surprised (in a happy way) to learn that daily news website The First Post is featuring Marisa Acochella Marchetto's Cancer Vixen online, for everyone to read (yay!) 

I'd still recommend buying the book but you can now see why it's so good by clicking here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 28, 2007 5:11 PM

BOOK NEWS: Non-fiction from Lisa Alther

Our fabulous Guest Blog by Levi Asher on 1970s chick lit highlighted the importance of Lisa Alther's iconic novel Kinflicks to the genre.

Alther hasn't had a novel out since 1995's Five Minutes in Heaven, but her first nonfiction work, Kinfolks: Falling Off the Family Tree - The Search for My Melungeon Ancestors, is out now and getting great reviews.

Related posts: Top 10 chick lit precursors | Best women authors of all time

Posted by Keris on May 28, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Marley & Me by John Grogan

I'm not sure whether it's because of the cute pup on the cover, but Marley & Me has the dubious honour of being the book I've most frequently picked up and put down again without buying of the past year (do you think they should make that a category in the next British Book Awards?). So when my sister-in-law offered me her copy, I almost bit her hand off.

John and Jenny are young and in love and decide to get a dog. Partly because they both have fond memories of their own dogs growing up and partly because they think it will be good practice for the children they hope to have. They pick Marley from a litter after meeting his sweet and placid mother. Apparently it's important to check out a dog's parentage before buying and the Grogans realise why when Marley's father rounds the house like a demented wild animal.

Reading up on the subject later, they discover that labrador retrievers are a particularly  demented breed and Marley's a good example. He eats everything - all and any food, paychecks, a gold necklace - later, horribly, cat poo. He escapes one day and returns with a pair of knickers in his mouth. He's neurotic too - terrified of thunderstorms to the point of trying to dig his way through the wood and concrete of the garage (and succeeding to a point). Despite all his faults the Grogans love him. Until the babies come along and his destructive behaviour threatens their marriage.

Marley & Me isn't just about the dog or the family's relationship with a dog, it's also the story of the Grogans themselves. Babies, jobs, miscarriages, depression, loving and living. It's beautifully written, sometimes very funny and it even made me cry. Well worth waiting for.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this, try The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

Posted by Keris on May 28, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (10)

Posh's new read asks - do you want to be a 'Skinny Bitch'?

Journalist Ursula Hirschkorn in the Daily Mail says no: not if it involves reading books like diet tome Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, which is apparently a fave of her thinness,  Mrs Victoria Beckham.

Since Posh was seen reading (yes!) the book, it's been doing big business, which is a bit sad really, considering one of the recipes involves making a 'pretend' fried egg... Just say no, kids.  [Diane]

Non-fiction archives.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 28, 2007 in Book related, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 23, 2007 7:06 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Persepolis

I was fascinated by Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, Persepolis and I knew there was a movie in the pipeline, but didn't have any hard info ... until now. The animated film, co-directed by Satrapi, will debut at the Cannes Film Festival. [via Galleycat]

Posted by Keris on May 23, 2007 in Book related, Memoirs, Movie News, Non Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Honestly, it's some time since I've been as excited about a book as I was about Summer at Tiffany. New York? The forties? That cover? 83-year-old Marjorie Hart's memoir of the 1945 summer she spent working for the famous and glamorous store almost seemed as if it was designed with me in mind.

Along with her college friend Marty, Marjorie got a job as a Page at Tiffany, making the two of them the first women to work on the shop floor. Customers included Judy Garland and Marlene Dietrich and the job was wonderful, but poorly paid. Marjorie and Marty shared an apartment, which was used as a weekend city base for their other college friends as they enjoyed New York's sights and nightlife.

I loved this book just as much as I thought I would. Adriana Trigiani's comment on the cover, "Charming and delicious..." is spot on (and Trigiani's novel of working in a department store in '50s New York, Lucia Lucia, is equally charming and delicious). I loved all the details: joining two million people in Times Square to read the announcement of Victory in Japan, lunch from the Automat (which you may remember from That Touch of Mink), getting sunburned at the beach...

It seems like another (and despite the war, much more civilised) world. Summer of Tiffany is a book I can see myself rereading when modern life gets to be just too much.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Lucia Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

Posted by Keris on May 23, 2007 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Going Overboard by Sarah Smiley

Subtitled "The misadventures of a military wife" Going Overboard sounded very intriguing...

It's a memoir of a year in the life of Sarah Smiley, whose husband Dustin is in the navy and, in this perilous political climate, often abroad in rather dangerous situations. Which means that Sarah is home alone with their two young boys, alternately worrying herself sick and cursing her husband for having joined up in the first place.

I read a review of this which suggested that the U.S Navy and Secretary of Defence would be quaking in their boots at the revelations herein, so was looking forward to some real insider intrigue from the front lines of war... but that wasn't what this book was like at all. It's about how hard it can be to be a military dependant, something Smiley has been all her life, as her Dad was in the Navy too.

I found the insights into military life interesting, and have to admire the strength of wives (and husbands, of course) in Sarah's position. But most of the book is about the ups and downs of her time alone, and these would be true of any long-distance relationship. (I know, I've been there - never again!) Sarah struggles with her attraction to another man, long-distance arguments with Dustin, and feelings of loneliness and overwhelm. She writes about all of this very honestly, and is very open about her own flaws and frustrations, which makes her a very likeable narrator. She's also very funny, if at times frustratingly helpless! I raced through this book and enjoyed every minute, but I think I would have liked to have read something to make the Secretary of Defence quake at least a little bit!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Job Hopper by Ayun Holliday.

Related: TV NEWS: Going Overboard | More memoirs.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 21, 2007 12:50 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Never Have Your Dog Stuffed by Alan Alda

Never Have Your Dog Stuffed is one of veteran actor Alan Alda's life philosophies. When he was young, his favourite dog died and he was devastated. So his dad had the dog stuffed, as a kind of consolation. But the expression on the dog's face was all wrong, and instead of comforting, he was just scary. It taught Alda an important lesson: you can't go back and change the past, and if you try to, you'll just create a horrifying, upsetting mess.

In this book, Alda shares his other life philosophies, and tells the story of his life - from his childhood growing up among the stars of vaudeville (one of whom was his father) to his marriage, his acting roles, and his near-death experience whilst filming in a very remote part of the world...

I hadn't realised that as well as being an actor, Alan Alda is an acclaimed writer, director and producer - and a highly intelligent and reflective person, too. He hasn't had an easy life: his mother was severely mentally ill and he had a difficult, competitive relationship with his father. Although Alda desperately wanted to be an actor, and started acting at a young age, his success was by no means guaranteed until he was lucky enough to be offered his iconic role as Hawkeye in M*A*S*H.

Books by celebrities are a dime (or rather £1.25 million) a dozen, but this one is a bit different, and digs a bit deeper. It's a chronological history of Alda's life,  but it's also a reflection on what he's learned. And he's learned a lot. NHYDS is an entertaining, heart-breaking and very intelligent read. I loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 18, 2007 10:00 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Adaptation

Adaptation has to be the weirdest Friday Flick yet. It's both an adaptation of Susan Orlean's non-fiction book The Orchid Thief (a fascinating study of a not-always-legal orchid collector's world) and a fictional film about... adapting Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief for the big screen.

Confused yet? You will be... Nicholas Cage plays writer twins Donald (who doesn't exist in real life) and Charlie Kaufman (who actually did write the Adaptation script). In the film, Charlie is trying to do justice to Orlean's book and struggling, whilst  his brother, who has far less writing talent but boundless enthusiasm, is racking up huge success with a pulpy thriller. So Charlie decides that the only thing to do is ratchet up the tension in his script, even if it means deviating from the truth of the book...

As this is happening, we see the events he writes about with Orlean and her subject John Laroche portrayed brilliantly by Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper, who throughly deserved his Oscar win for supporting actor.

I really enjoyed this film, although I think it might an acquired taste as it's definitely very odd. And it's important to remember that the ridiculous escalation of events at the end of the movie is satirical, and not meant to be taken seriously - but it's lucky Susan Orlean has a sense of humour!

Like this (kind of): Stranger Than Fiction.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Non Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 17, 2007 2:01 PM

Reading Cagney & Lacey

It's been a while since we've looked at television books so, inspired by my column about them on our sister site, DollyMix, I thought I'd see what's out there on the subject of '80s American cop show Cagney & Lacey.

The book on the left - Cagney & Lacey and Me - is written by Hollywood producer and husband of Sharon Gless (Cagney) and is getting rave reviews. Subtitled "An inside Hollywood story OR How I learned to stop worrying and love the blonde" it's his chronicle of the rise and fall of the show.

Defining Women: Television and the Case of Cagney & Lacey "explores the social and cultural construction of gender and the meanings of woman, women, and femininity as they were negotiated in the pioneering television series."

And that appears to be it. Huh.

Related posts: Reading 24 | Chick lit authors' favourite TV shows | What Would Murphy Brown Do? review

Posted by Keris on May 17, 2007 in Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 16, 2007 11:02 AM

BOOK REVIEW: How To Be A Budget Fashionista by Kathryn Finney

I’m no fashionista, budget or otherwise. I can’t stand most of my clothes, have no idea what suits me and can never find anything to fit, so I wouldn’t have bothered reading this book if I hadn’t been reviewing it ... and that would have been a big mistake.

How to be a Budget Fashionista is full of good, common-sense and practical advice about finding your style, streamlining your wardrobe, shopping for new clothes and getting rid of old. It’s aimed at an American audience and so many of the links to shops, references to discounts and coupons are no good to anyone outside the US, but there is plenty of other information that Brits - or anyone interested in fashion or interested in becoming interested in fashion - can make good use of.

With chapters on budgeting (of course),finding your own personal style (this was a great one for me) and everything from undergarments to accessories, outlet stores to department stores, this book will arm you with everything you need to create both a basic wardrobe and a signature style and build on it as time goes on.

I’ll certainly be using its tips as I scrap the entire contents of my wardrobe (well, I say wardrobe, most of my clothes live in a pile in the corner of the room) and start from scratch, but even if you’re an established fashionista there should still be plenty here for you too.

How to be a Budget Fashionista manages to be practical and personable without being at all patronising. Recommended. (As is Finney's website, The Budget Fashionista.)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Aigua Media on May 16, 2007 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 15, 2007 12:34 PM

Wannabe a Writer? Head to Charing Cross Road this Saturday

Where better to launch a new book called Wannabe a Writer? than London's most literary address, Charing Cross Road?

Fiction author Jane Wenham-Jones will be signing copies of her new non-fiction book, and also giving out a bit of advice to aspiring writers. Other authors who have contributed to the book will also be there, including Maria McCarthy.

Head to Borders on Charing Cross Road this coming Saturday between 12-4 if you're interested.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 15, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 14, 2007 12:45 PM

Upcoming bloggy book from Fussy and Finslippy

Two of the wittiest women in the blogosphere, Eden Kennedy of Fussy and Alice Bradley of Finslippy are currently at work on a new joint book about... well, they're not saying. But I can't wait to find out!

And uber-blogger Dooce is now at work on her (court-ordered) book too.

If you're a blook fan like me, this is the mother lode.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 14, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 10, 2007 9:36 AM

Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty's quick and dirty audiobook!

As a podcast fan, I've been aware of the Grammar Girl phenomenon for some time. If you're not, here's the scoop: it's a hugely popular website and podcast where grammar expert Mignon Fogarty (yes) gives her "quick and dirty tips for better writing". There's actually nothing dirty about it, it's just good grammar sense, delivered in a fun and intelligent way.

Which is probably why Oprah recently had Mignon on her show to explain the accept/except and lie/lay distinctions, among other points of English. According to Galleycat, the Oprah experience has created huge demand for the book Fogarty will release next year. To take advantage, she's mixed an audio version herself in super-fast time and it's available now via her site.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction, Podcasts, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 8, 2007 10:59 AM

TUESDAY THREE: Lists

I do love a good list and this week's three books use lists in different, but equally entertaining, ways.

E Lockhart’s The Boyfriend List is the story of Ruby Oliver, a 15-year-old girl who's been referred to a psychiatrist after suffering a series of panic attacks. Ruby's psychiatrist notices that she's talking about boys quite a lot, so asks her to make a "boyfriend list", listing every boy she's ever had any kind of romantic liaison with, however insignificant. Most of the chapters of this wonderful book are named after one of the boys on the list, and Ruby narrates the story of what happens with each boy within each chapter, allowing the narrative to switch around, and also feeding in information about her family, her rift with her best friend and the causes of her anxiety.

Karen Bosnak’s Twenty Times a Lady is a novel about that most sensitive of sexual subjects: your "number".  You know, THAT number. Delilah Darling has just been made redundant. Even worse (in her eyes): she wakes up after a particularly  regrettable one-night stand and realizes she's now slept with 20 men. She's shocked, especially as she's just read that the average girl's number is half that... so she vows that she won't sleep with another man. Ever.

This leaves her with a bit of a problem really, as she's hoping to get married and have children eventually. So she takes her redundancy payment, her hire car and her Blackberry and sets off on a journey across America to track down her lost loves. After all, she reasons, surely one of her ex-lovers must be the right guy for her... her romantic instincts can't be that bad. Can they?

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life is Amy Krouse Rosenthal's autobiography - kind of. It's an alphabetised account of her experiences and thoughts on life, large and small, interspersed with a chronology of her life experiences, from how she came up with the idea of the book to why she could never concentrate during Laverne and Shirley. Although it's a very funny book it's not a superficial or silly one - Amy shares some very personal facts and difficult experiences, including unexpected deaths of loved ones. It's a completely absorbing read.

Posted by Keris on May 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Non Fiction, Tuesday Three, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

See some stylish book reviews over on Catwalk Queen

I say 'see' rather than 'read' because lovely CQ editor Kim and her (and our) ed-in-chief Gemma have made a video in which they review some fashionable releases.

The books include The Goddess Guide and The Cheap Date Guide to Style and you'll have to watch it to see what they think.

I'm just glad no-one's asked me to make a video yet...

Fashion Lit archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Technology | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 7, 2007 2:00 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Not Buying It by Judith Levine

Could you go a whole year without buying anything? No clothes, no books (argh!), no cinema tickets or meals out?

What would you do if you weren't part of the consumer economy and only bought the barest of essentials?

And how would other people react?

To answer all those questions and more, Judith Levine (along with her partner, Paul) took on a mammoth challenge: a year of Not Buying It.

Told in chronological order, I found it really interesting reading about Judith's fluctuating attitude to the project, her occasion slips and loopholes and the conclusions she and Paul drew by the end of the year. I find it hard to go a week without buying a book, so I particularly applaud her efforts in that respect, especially when she was trying to navigate the impoverished New York library system. Also interesting was the different issues the experiment brought up in the two areas of the country the author lives: Vermont and New York.

This book was more wide-ranging than I expected: I thought it would be a personal journey, but it looks at issues of world economics, environmental concerns and social responsibility and in this sense is enlightening, if a bit depressing at times! It's a very thought-provoking read, and I can't imagine that anyone who reads it will ever forget some of the lessons of the book.  There really is something for every consumer here...

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Sweet and Low by Rich Cohen, or my co-ed Keris's Dollymix column Giving Up...

More on Monday archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 4, 2007 2:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Home by Julie Myerson

I knew from the moment I first heard about it that I would love Julie Myerson's book, Home. The story of everyone who ever lived in her house? Who wouldn't want to know that? And I know, from reading one of her novels, Something Might Happen, what an amazing writer she is. So I sat down to read Home with anticipation and, if I hadn't had responsibilities, I wouldn't have got up again until I'd finished it.

Home is not just the story of everyone who lived in the Myersons' Victorian house, it's also Julie's story and the story of how books like this come to be written. So we learn about the residents - their fascinating and sometimes incredible stories - and we learn how Julie researched it all, how she chose to expand on the facts she found. All the little details that add up to make this book completely fascinating.

Researching the history of her own home also piqued Julie's interest in the homes she'd had in the past and so she goes back to visit them and, in doing so, reveals her own history and how homes shape memories (and, I suppose, memories shape homes).

It's an incredible, joyful, inspiring and life-affirming book. I couldn't read it quick enough but also didn't want it to end.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Posted by Keris on May 4, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 3, 2007 12:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: How Sassy Changed My Life

Being British, I never read Sassy magazine, but I did have a love affair with Just Seventeen, and later adored Seventeen, its glossier American equivalent. In fact, I've been addicted to buying and reading all sorts of magazines for as long as I can remember, so if you're anything like me, you'll know how great this book sounds...

How Sassy Changed My Life: A Love Letter to the Greatest Teen Magazine of All Time is by by Kara Jesella and Marisa Meltzer and out now in the US.

Non-fiction archives | More book news.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 25, 2007 10:35 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Women Who Think Too Much by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema

A while ago I asked my husband how he copes with the constant chatter in his head. He looked at me blankly. I gave him some examples of the arguing I do with myself, going round and round on the same topic and ended saying, “You know?” He didn’t know. He had no idea what I was talking about. It was only then that I realised it might not be normal, that perhaps it wasn’t something everyone does. And that’s when I discovered Dr Susan Nolen-Hoeksema’s Women Who Think Too Much.

Subtitled, "How to break free of over-thinking and reclaim your life", Women Who Think Too Much explains, with examples, exactly what overthinking is, why we do it (and it’s much more likely to be women than men who do) and how we can stop it. Chapters then focus on some specific circumstances that are likely to cause us to overthink - marriage, parenting, work, family, weight - using real life case studies.

This book was an absolute revelation to me. I suspected I wasn’t alone in overthinking, but seeing people’s spiralling thought processes written down was so comforting - I’m not barmy after all! I realise now that, though common, overthinking is not normal, healthy or useful and I’m taking steps to stop it (and it hasn’t even been that hard).

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Behind on the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on April 25, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (5)

April 23, 2007 1:07 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Television Without Pity by Tara Ariano and Sarah D Bunting

Anyone who reads (and like me, LOVES) the website Television Without Pity will understand what to expect from this book: the same snarky, madly observant tone of that brilliant site, delivered in encyclopaedia format. Subtitled ‘752 things we love to hate (and hate to love) about TV’,  Television Without Pity is an A-Z about everything televisual: from Acting, Wooden to Zeiring, Iain... (I swear that juxtaposition was unintentional!)

I got this for my birthday (thanks, Mum!) and spent a whole weekend totally absorbed, often screeching with laughter and recognition at Ariano and Bunting’s brilliant insights.

Often the section headers were enough to set me off: Weakest Link, British-Lady Edition or Fashion, Hilarious Attempts of TV Guys in the 90s at. Their take on watching a whole show on DVD over a weekend is exaggerated, yet familiar: "We try to ration the 24 episodes, one at a time, but we can't... the next thing we know it's Sunday night and we're sitting in adult diapers on the couch, surrounded by forty-eight hours' worth of snack bags and Diet Coke cans, heads pounding, cracked out on Keifer..." Fellow TV addicts will relate. Except maybe about the 'diapers'...

As you might have guessed, this book is American, and the one drawback for UK readers is that a lot of the cultural references will be unfamiliar (I’m an American-TV junkie from way back and there was a lot I didn’t understand). But that didn’t stop me laughing at and loving this book. It’s not all fun and games though: there’s also a lot of intelligent, thought-provoking analysis about the way pop culture functions.

In fact, it’s pretty much the perfect book.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.

Television archives | TV Scoop: Blogging the Gogglebox

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2007 10:45 AM

BOOK NEWS: It's A Wonderful Lie

Yes, more book news! Unfortunately, my twenties are but a dim and distant memory, but I still like the sound of this new anthology. It's a Wonderful Lie: 26 Truths About Life in Your Twenties features essays from writers including Anna Maxted, Megan Crane, Pamela Ribon and Megan McCafferty and is edited by Emily Franklin.

Posted by Keris on April 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Drugs Are Nice by Lisa Crystal Carver

Moving right away from Austen for a while, let's look at a lifestyle Jane could never have imagined in a million years...

I have to be honest, I'm not sure how to describe this book - but I'll try. Drugs Are Nice is a memoir, but a very unconventional one because Lisa Crystal Carver has had a very unconventional life. The book begins when Lisa's father tells her, age six, that he's going to prison. She describes the next few years as uneventful, but she lives alone with her mother, who has major health problems which entail regular surgeries. Lisa is home alone during her mother's hospital stays, and often the sole carer as her mother recovers. Understandably, this puts a strain on their relationship, and as a teenager Lisa moves across the country to live with her now-released dad for a while. But his violent and verbally abusive style of communication means she moves back home with her still-ailing mum after about a year, and finds sanctuary in her intense friendship with best friend Rachel, with whom Lisa forms the band Suckdog. Touring with Suckdog seems to entail meeting some very disturbed people and having very little vocal talent, but the girls persevere...

The next few years involve Lisa getting into more and more weird forms of performance art (pretending to poo on people, actually urinating on people, writing and performing plays on all manner of disturbing subjects) and forming relationships (both platonic and sexual) with some very weird people - including her much older French husband, who she admits looks like a weasel and acts very oddly, with whom she has an open relationship.

At times, this book is a really uncomfortable read, and I couldn't understand why Lisa, clearly intelligent and talented (more at writing than singing/performing, perhaps) was choosing to live in this way. Finally, at the end of the book, Lisa shows some insight into her behaviour, looking into her past and talking about her need to live outside of the constraints of 'civilised' society. This part of the book is the most interesting and thought-provoking bit but doesn't last as long as I would have liked! It's a very well-written read, and a book that makes a huge impression, but it's not a book you 'enjoy' as such, and it's definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 16, 2007 1:18 PM

Blogger's quest to read only celebrity biographies for a whole YEAR

Now this is an interesting proposition: we've all read a celebrity autobiography or two, haven't we? (And some of us - even I! - may have read a ghostwritten one...)

But Mark Farley, blogger at Bookseller to the Stars has taken things one further, by challenging himself to read nothing but  celebrity memoirs for one whole year, from March 1 2007 onwards... Why? Well, read more about it here and find out!

Have you ever attempted any type of year-long reading quest? Are you tempted to?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (5)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Mark Bittner

I’ve wanted to read Mark Bittner’s The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill for years. The parrots appeared in one of my favourite novels of all time, Tales of the City, and I became fascinated with Telegraph Hill on a visit to San Francisco (but I didn’t see any parrots, sadly).

Subtitled “A love story ... with wings”, it’s the true story of Mark Bittner who, homeless, disillusioned and working a series of odd-jobs for a pittance, becomes interested in the flock of parrots he sees around his Telegraph Hill neighbourhood. Thinking that some connection with nature might add some meaning to his life, he starts feeding the birds and begins a relationship that both lasts for years and changes his life entirely.

The flock becomes so comfortable with Bittner that he is able to hand-feed them and even catch injured and sick birds and nurse them back to health. Like many of these kinds of books, his relationship with the birds also helps Mark come to terms with his own place in the world and aid him in the spiritual journey he’s been struggling with for 30-odd years.

I really enjoyed this book. Bittner conveys the distinct personalities of each bird entertainingly and movingly and it’s interesting learning about parrots in general. I didn’t think it was quite as successful in showing Bittner’s own feelings towards the birds. Often he’s a little dispassionate - possibly intentionally, he’s certainly uncomfortable with exposing himself so personally - and my favourite parts of the book were those in which his love of the birds (particularly Tupelo and Dogen) shone through.

That said, it is an enchanting book and now I really want to see the accompanying movie.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

Posted by Keris on April 16, 2007 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 12, 2007 11:36 AM

Reading The Apprentice

We're pretty obsessed with The Apprentice here at Trashionista. Diane's reviewing it for our sister site, TV Scoop, and I'm dreaming about the contestants *shudder*. Of course, the applicants on The Apprentice are (apparently) hip young go-getters, so the first thing they are likely to do, whether or not they win the coveted position in Sir Alan's firm, is to write a book, isn't it.

Just out is Series Two winner, Michelle Dewberry's Anything Is Possible. Feebly subtitled "From the checkout to The Apprentice and beyond" (because Michelle has already left Sir Alan's employ), it's described as an "inspirational autobiography ... revealing how Michelle triumphed over a violent and abusive childhood to excel in the cut-throat world of business - and defeat 15,000 hopefuls to win BBC TV's The Apprentice". 

Arguably the star (though not the winner) of the first series was Saira Khan, whose book P.U.S.H. for Success is a motivational guide featuring "brilliant ballsy strategies" to help you achieve anything you want using Saira's unique (I bet) P.U.S.H. approach: P = Be Proactive; U = Understanding; S = Sell Yourself; H = High Standards.

Of course, there's also the obligatory official guide and you'll no doubt be happy to know that the inimitable Ruth Badger has her own book coming out later this year. What, no Syed?

The American contestants are at it too, of course. Season One winner, Bill Rancic has written two - his latest being Beyond the Lemonade Stand.

Rather fabulously, Season Three's Tana Goertz has written her own life story as a children's picture book. Called I'm Bigger Than This, it's "an inspirational tale that teaches kids how to think BIG! and let nothing get in the way of their dreams".

Season Two's Wes Moss features 21 entrepreneurs in Starting From Scratch and Season Three winner Kendra Todd encourages you to Risk & Grow Rich. And of course The Donald has got plenty to say...

Television archives | Self development archives

Posted by Keris on April 12, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Self development, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 11, 2007 8:50 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Bitter Is The New Black by Jen Lancaster

Jen Lancaster fully admits that at the height of the dot-com boom (heck, in the years leading up to it, too) she was rather a demanding beyotch.

But after the American economy took a nose dive in the early '00s she and her husband Fletch both lost their well-paid jobs and had to downsize their life until they were living almost at the breadline, not knowing how they would pay their rent. Jen decided to blog about their troubles (yes, she's a blooker) and eventually this book was born...

Bitter Is The New Black describes their riches to rags story, and has to have the best subtitle of all time... (Are you ready? Take a breath):  Confessions of a condescending, egomaniacal, self-centred smart-ass, or why you should never carry a Prada bag to the unemployment office.

OK, I admit it: I didn't exactly warm to Jen at first - her sense of entitlement coupled with her arrogance wasn't exactly a winning combination. (Plus, y'know, she's a staunch Republican...) But over the course of the book she shows both her human side and her inner strength and I really came to enjoy her story, and to hope her situation would turn around. Most of all, this book is full of cynical humour (is there any better kind?) that often had me in stitches, and I really admire the way Lancaster is so open about her flaws and sometimes skewy motivations.

If you're anything like me, you'll start off hating her, and end up loving her. Roll on her next book: Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why It Often Sucks in The City, or Who Are These Idiots and Why Do They Live Next Door To Me?

Hee.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 10, 2007 6:37 PM

Lionel Shriver loves Nora Ephron, too

First we brought you the breaking news that Lionel Shriver likes snooker (ha! 'breaking' - geddit?!) Now we bring you the news that she loved Nora Ephron's latest - just like us.

Although I still think the US cover is far nicer...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 9, 2007 8:46 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Sound Of No Hands Clapping by Toby Young

Toby Young's memoir How to Lose Friends and Alienate People is the best example of what could be called self-sabotage lit.

Here is the sequel, The Sound of No Hands Clapping, in which Toby attempts to crack Hollywood, with not one but two screenplay attempts - including one for an uber-producer whose identity is kept hidden (make your own mind up)...

Although this memoir is enjoyable, it's a bit fragmented - we go from his first meeting with the producer to  reading about one of Toby's terribly misjudged best man's speeches. Then back to his writing, then off to an argument with his wife, etc. I think the simple truth is that, much as he would like us to believe he's still making stupid mistakes and getting things all wrong, Young has clearly grown up and moved on from his days of stupidity in New York. He still misjudges situations and makes bad decisions, but is a lot more self-aware, and his relationship with his wife and kids proves he's not the ignorant fool of his first book.

Perhaps all that is why I didn't find this book quite as enjoyable as the first - in that book, Toby was making a right old hash of everything from his love life to his friendships to his career. In this one, he seems more settled, happier, and as though he's working harder to dredge up instances of shoddy judgement. Which is probably much better for Young as a person - but not quite as interesting to read about!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Watch the author talk about the book.

Like this? Try How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young or The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 9, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 6, 2007 4:30 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dork Whore by Iris Bahr

Iris Bahr's memoir Dork Whore (yup) is about, as the subtitle has it: "My travels through Asia as a twenty-year old pseudo-virgin".

Hmm. Now to describe a "pseudo-virgin"... well, you're probably better off reading the book for a full explanation as I'm far too nice to tell you in any detail! Let's just say Iris was very sexually inexperienced and hoping/desperately looking to improve her sex life. So at the age of twenty and after three years in the Israeli army, she decided to travel around Asia with her friend Boaz. Unfortunately, Boaz hated Bangkok and hopped on the next flight to Paris after just one day, leaving Iris alone and desperate (in more ways than one...)

Okay, so we all know that sex sells, but in this book it really wasn't necessary. Bahr is a witty talented writer and comes across as flawed and insecure but essentially very likeable. I would have much rather read a straightforward account of her travels, or perhaps of her childhood and what it's like to be transplanted from Brooklyn to Israel at the age of twelve. We get a bit of that, but not enough - and it would have been far more interesting than learning about just how many times a week Iris likes to... um.. "pleasure herself". The sex stuff is on the lewd side and seems like the author's trying too hard to give the book an interesting angle.

When she writes about other aspects of her trip however, the book's a really good read. And I love the cover! [DS]

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler.

Posted by Aigua Media on April 6, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

FRIDAY FLICK: Marie Antoinette

Oh, how I wanted to see this film. I expected a punky, fun version of the legendary French Queen's story, sort of like Baz Luhrman's Romeo and Juliet, but with bigger hair. But despite a couple of visually stunning montages of Kirsten Dunst shopping - in house, sorry palace, of course - and a big cupcake fest later on, Marie Antoniette definitely doesn't rock.

There is a modern soundtrack, but the music is so bland and un-iconic it's barely noticeable. I liked the sympathetic portrayal of Antoinette - her age and lack of experience is highlighted, and it's made clear that she never actually said "let them eat cake"! As PR, it's pretty well done. But the story rambles, the dialogue is sparse and uninspiring and I couldn't have cared less about any of the supporting characters. The only bit I found even vaguely amusing was possibly the best scene, at the start of the movie. Kirsten Dunst/Marie Antoinette was woken up by her lady's maid to find a room full of royal women, the most prestigious of whom gets the honour of dressing her. As more high-ranking women keep entering the room, her undershirt is passed from one to the next while she stands shivering and nude. "This is ridiculous!" she cries.

The response? "Madame, this is Versailles."

Which made me want to learn more about palace and its inhabitants through the years, I must admit.

But I  couldn't help thinking that reading the book this film was based on would have been a better use of my time.

Still, at least it gave me the chance to come up with a new nickname for the director: Sophia (not much) Coppola. Ha. [DS]

Like this, but more fun: Clueless.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by Aigua Media on April 6, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 3, 2007 4:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Job Hopper by Ayun Holliday

Job Hopper is the third of Ayun Holliday's books we've reviewed (check out what we said about her others here and here).

As the title would suggest, it's about her inability to hold down employment for long, a history of her time flitting from one low-paid job to another in the time before she became a mum (and a writer). The subtitle says it all: The checkered career of a down-market dilettante.

I always enjoy Ayun's books. She comes across as such a fun, likeable and quirky character and her love of life is obvious. If I wrote about my stints working in a high-street shop and an Essex cafe, they wouldn't make half as enjoyable a read - the fact that she finds joy in, and even misses this type of low-paid work is testament to her ability to make the most of every experience. Which isn't to say I understand why anyone would miss waitressing (I know I don't!) Describing her time working as a museum security guard, a masseuse without the necessary paperwork and what has to be the world's worst temp, among other jobs, this book held my interest and made me laugh.

However... I didn't like it as much as Mama Lama Ding Dong. The stories here were clearly written separately and then made into a book later, making it a little disconnected, with no real narrative tension. And seeing as the book is all about how (as a busy stay-at-home mother) she can no longer do that kind of work, learning more about how her 'career' ended would have been appropriate.

Still, it's a good read, and I'd especially recommend it to anyone in low-paid work in need of tips to make life more interesting!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

£1.5 million for Dawn French's memoirs

Yes, apparently that's what the life story of the famous funny lady is worth. Despite celeb memoirs in general not selling as well as expected, Peter Kay's book, The Sound of Laughter sold brilliantly over Christmas and has clearly inspired publishers to fight over Ms French: she's apparently being paid £1.25m just to discuss her book proposal. [Via The Times]

Interesting side note: did you know that Kirstie Alley is lined up to play Dawn's role in the US version of The Vicar of Dibley? (Although it won't actually be set in Dibley, of course...) [More TV news over at TV Scoop].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 3, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 29, 2007 11:49 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Fabulous Mum's Handbook by Grace Saunders

I'm always a bit conflicted when faced with a book like Grace Saunders' The Fabulous Mum's Handbook. On the one hand I feel like it's going to be a load of rehashed magazine articles about "me time", not feeling guilty, and "just a bit of time management and you too can cook a 3 course meal/work a 40 hour week/ climb a mountain". On the other hand I, like a lot of mums, need all the help I can get.

The Fabulous Mum's Handbook does indeed contain chapters on me time, reclaiming intimacy with your other half (that's your partner, not your bottom half) and getting your fashion groove back. There are even some nice recipes (if rather labour-intensive - a recipe that begins "cut the pumpkin into really thick slices" is never going to wash with me).

Grace Saunders used to work on Elle magazine and you can tell. She's friendly, chatty and supportive, but occasionally drifts into talk of wafting around in floaty tops, dinner parties, glamorous shopping expeditions and other concepts that are completely alien to me.

Supported by Grace's own experiences and those of numerous other mums, plus a variety of "gurus" including nutritionist Jane Clarke, interior designer Amanda Smith and Little Angels' Dr Tanya Byron, this book is absolutely packed with useful information. I would have liked some photos or illustrations and for the text to be a bit more bite-sized (we harried mums have short attentions spans, you know) and it's all a little bit too fabulous for me, but it would certainly make a great pressie for a yummy mummy friend.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlan or The Shops by India Knight

Posted by Keris on March 29, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing by Alison Houtte and Melissa Houtte

Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing by Alison Houtte and Melissa Houtte is a memoir/fashion advice book based on Alison's experiences as a model and later owner of a vintage clothes shop in Brooklyn, Hooti couture.

Each chapter begins with a recollection of a much-loved vintage clothing item, and its importance in Alison's life. The chapters then progress in a mostly chronological order, detailing Alison's journey from a clothes-obsessed teen to a model in Germany, Paris and New York and her later adventures opening a shop. It's a treat for any fan of vintage clothing (which I am, big time) and I loved reading Alison's memories of customising clothes and finding bargainous second-hand finds. It made me want to take a tour of my local charity shops (or even better, her local charity shops) post-haste. But I did have a little problem with this book...

Perhaps naively, despite the title I hadn't actually realised that Alison had no problem with buying, selling and indeed wearing vintage fur coats and alligator skin bags, which is not something I want to do - or read about. I read these sections of the book thinking "no, no, no" and hoping they'd be over quickly! But that's just a small part of an overall very enjoyable read. I also understand that not everyone shares my views on fur, and some think that vintage fur/skin is acceptable as the animal has already died (but...yuk). So although I give the author 0 out of 5 for her stance on animal products, I didn't let that tarnish my reading expereince too much (as I said, it is a very small part of the book!) - we don't all have to think the same, after all.

Moving on, the appendices at the back of the book, which include what to look out for in vintage shops/markets, and the best internet resources, are packed with detail and very useful (although understandably American-oriented, this being an American book).

All in all a good read (just don't tell PETA I said so).

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try It's Vintage, Darling! By Christa Weil

Fashion lit archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 28, 2007 6:48 PM

BOOK NEWS: To My Dearest Friends

Patricia Volk's Stuffed has to be one of my favourite memoirs of all time, about her adventures growing up with a food obsessed family (they ran a restaurant). So I'm delighted that she's releasing a new book soon: To My Dearest Friends is a novel which sounds deliciously Elinor Lipman-esque, and it's out in hardback here on 17 April.

Not long to wait!

[Via O magazine]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 28, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2007 4:24 PM

Karyn Bosnak, 'internet superstar' number 30

Readers in the States may have already seen this on TV last Friday, but Karyn Bosnak, author of the infamous Save Karyn and the fabulous Twenty Times a Lady reached the dizzy heights of number 30 in a recent VH1 poll. She was chosen as one of the "Greatest Internet Superstars" for her Save Karyn blog, which she set up to - successfully - pay off her 20K credit card debt (starting an internet begging trend in the process!)

You can watch her segment here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 26, 2007 5:11 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: About Alice by Calvin Trillin

"I wrote this for Alice. Actually, I wrote everything for Alice."

That was the poignant dedication at the front of Tepper Isn't Going Out - the last book Calvin Trillin wrote before the death of his wife Alice in 2001. Alice had been the star of many of Trillin's autobiographical stories and articles, his muse and mentor, as well as the mother of his two children and a brilliant writer and teacher in her own right.

About Alice is his tribute to his much-loved and much-missed wife, friend and partner, and it's just as poignant and heartbreaking as that dedication.

Which isn't to say that it's sentimental; it isn't. Everything about this book is understated, from the plain cover to the emotional tone to the length (it's just over 77 pages). Trillin chooses not to dwell on the details of Alice's death, which was caused by heart problems brought on by chemotherapy from lung cancer - although she was never a smoker - many years earlier.

Instead he writes with great humour, love and restraint about their life together, Alice's tenacity and intelligence, the support she gave him and their life together. It's wonderful to read this account of a truly happy marriage, and sad to realise it's over. Thankfully, this book made me laugh, but it also made me cry, not least at the end. I won't spoil it by quoting any more of Trillin's words for you now, but read them yourself - you won't be sorry.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

*DID YOU KNOW?* Calvin Trillin is one of Sara Nelson's most favourite authors, although the book of his she loves best, Floater, is sadly out of print.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 19, 2007 9:00 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Heat by Bill Buford

Heat is, according to the subtitle, 'an amateur's adventures as a kitchen slave, line cook, pasta-maker, and apprentice to a Dante-quoting butcher in Tuscany'. And for a quick precis of the book, you couldn't really ask for a better description. What the subtitle leaves out, however, is that the book also covers the author's disenchantment with his day job, his love affair with most things edible, and pedantic obsessions with points of food history.

The first 50 pages of Heat were dull, dull, dull. Buford makes friends with and begins to work for Manhattan celebrity chef Mario Batali, hero of the Food Network and the man behind a restaurant empire headed up by the legendary Babbo's. The problem is, the beginning of the book is in essence a potted history of Batali's relationship with food, and while the relevance of this is made evident later, at first I was left wondering why I was reading the biography of a chef instead of the memoirs of the author.

Once Buford takes over the narration of the book, however, things improve rapidly. We follow him as he learns to hear and smell the kitchen, and cook by instinct. We watch his progress through the kitchen, see him falling in love with food as a professional, not an amateur, and travel with him as his growing passion for Italian food takes him on several trips to the country, making tortelli in Emilia-Romagna, and butchering in Chianti.

Buford is a likeable narrator, and the descriptions of the food he eats and learns to cook border on the erotic. Erotic, not pornographic. This is food writing by a sensualist who considers the textures, colours, and smells of food to be as important as the flavour, and whose total immersion in the food he's cooking becomes a love affair in itself.

But Heat is not just a book about food. It's a book about consistency, and history, about the relationship between where people live and the food they eat, the way they choose to cook it, and the importance it has in their lives. In amongst the sentiment - which comes across as natural, not forced - there are a number of academic asides about the history and progress of Italian food, making Heat a book that makes you hungry, feeds your brain, and fills you with a sense of continuity and history. Brilliant, once the Batali biography is out of the way.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try:  The Nasty Bits, by Anthony Bourdain

Posted by Aigua Media on March 19, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 16, 2007 11:23 AM

BOOK NEWS: Shaggy Blog Stories

As everyone in the UK will know, it's Comic Relief this evening. (If you're not in the UK and have no idea what I'm on about, click here for all the info).

Anyway! Blogger troubled-diva decided to set up an ambitious project to raise money for Comic Relief:  he put together in just one week a book of 100 amusing blog entries from British bloggers, with profits going to Comic Relief. Called Shaggy Blog Stories, you can buy a copy from Lulu.com and benefit a great cause.

With my declared penchant for bloggy books, I'm definitely going to snap one up!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 16, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (8)

March 15, 2007 2:38 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Not long ago, if you’d told me I would find myself gripped by a graphic novel memoir of a childhood in Iran, I would’ve been, well, surprised to say the least. But I was utterly gripped by Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.

For the majority of Marjane’s childhood Iran was at war with Iraq. She saw many friends and family members arrested, injured and killed, both in the war and by the fundamentalist Iranian regime. At the age of 14 her parents sent her to Austria alone to finish her education, but, desperately unhappy, she got into more and more trouble, which culminated in her living on the streets.

I found Persepolis absolutely fascinating. I didn’t know very much about Iran before, but as I’m around the same age as Marjane and remember news reports of the war during my own childhood, to read such a book and understand what someone my age was dealing with on a day to day basis at a time when all I had to worry about was whether my leg warmers matched is sobering.

Marjane was brave in a way we’d struggle to comprehend. Stopped by the police for running because “When you run your behind makes movements that are ... obscene”, Marjane responded, “Well then don’t look at my ass!” Her subsequent comment that “I yelled so loudly they didn’t even arrest me” highlights the kind of world she was living in.

I’m a graphic novel novice and I found Persepolis much harder work than Marisa Acocella Marchetto’s Cancer Vixen but it certainly rewards the attention. An amazing book.

N.B. This edition includes  two volumes: The Story of a Childhood and The Story of a Return

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto or Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Posted by Keris on March 15, 2007 in Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 14, 2007 11:17 AM

The Mums' book: perfect for mother's day

With Mother's Day (in the UK and Commonwealth) this coming Sunday, expect us to feature a raft, perhaps even a slew, of books relating to mums. The Mums' Book would be just the thing to show your ma just how much you appreciate her, especially as it's subtitled 'For the mum who's best at everything'.

And I love the vintage-look, kitschy orange cover, too.

Related posts: The Hot Mom's handbook | Read mum lit novel online... as it's written

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 14, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 13, 2007 12:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: On Becoming Fearless by Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington is the creator of the hugely successful online news and opinion blog, Huffington Post. She claims to have been inspired to write this book by her two daughters, to encourage them to lead fearless lives.

Each chapter focusses on being fearless in a different area of your life, such as parenting, love, money, work, health, even changing the world.

Huffington has a very friendly and accessible writing style and illuminates the text with many stories from her own fearless life. Further insight is given between the chapters by a number of famous women including Nora Ephron and Diane Keaton.

Apart from Huffington's own experience, there isn't much here that you probably haven't already read in various women's magazines, but it's inspiring to read it all in the one place and as written by a woman who has experienced everything she is writing about. I surprised myself by finding the chapter about her political career the most interesting - despite knowing how women are treated in politics, it's still shocking and disturbing to read it first hand.

Interesting and inspiring.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron or Think Pink by Lisa Clark

Posted by Keris on March 13, 2007 in Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 12, 2007 3:54 PM

BOOK NEWS: Live to Tell by... Madonna's ex-Nanny

Madonna's former nanny Melissa Dumas has obviously been influenced by the success of The Nanny Diaries (now being made into a film) and You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again (which she might find to be true) - she's got a book deal for the September '07 release of her memoir, Live to Tell. No exact details of the contract are available yet but according to Galleycat, she'll get at least a $500, 000 advance.

But should nannies be allowed to tell all? And can't employees prevent it? On one hand, I don't really agree with dishing the dirt on your past employer (if they treated you well, anyway - which begs some questions...), but on the other, I'm as intrigued as anyone else to find out all about the inner workings of the Ritchie household! Should be interesting...

What do you think?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (4)

MORE ON MONDAY: Sweet and Low by Rich Cohen

Rich Cohen's maternal grandfather was Ben Eisenstadt. That name might not ring a bell, but his most popular invention certainly will: Sweet n' Low, those popular pink packets of sugar substitute sent everywhere from England to Israel from a packing plant on a small Brooklyn street. The story of an artificial sweetener isn't necessarily the makings of a great story, but the clue to Sweet and Low's appeal is the subtitle: A Family Story. Taking in disinherited relatives (Cohen's side of the family), mafia connections, strange relatives (a lot of them!) and young Ben's abandonment in the big city as a young teenager, this book is a personal look at how big business affects a family - and tears it apart.

This book wasn't really what I expected, though. I thought it would be, frankly, a slimmer volume, all about Rich Cohen's family and nothing else. It's actually more in-depth and far less lightweight than I would have guessed (don't you hate it when you have to concentrate?!) I learned about everything from accountancy practices (kosher and dodgy - I'm ready to launder money now... not really, FBI!) as well as the history of Brooklyn since its early settlement. Oh yes, and the history of sugar and its alternatives is covered in some detail too. The book is well-researched, very thorough and very well-written.

However, at times I would have preferred a more family-centric chronicle of events, with some of Cohen's research weaved in and worn a little more lightly, rather than entire chapters of history. But I guess that would be a completely different book. I was hooked nonetheless, and there's no doubt it's an interesting, informative and personal (if not always personal enough) read. And if it doesn't make you want to run out and do your own taste test of different alternatives to sugar... well, maybe that's just me!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 5, 2007 9:45 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

I must admit, when a publisher sent me Sy Montgomery’s The Good, Good Pig, I laughed. A memoir about raising a pig? Not exactly my kind of thing. How wrong I was.

When Sy and her husband Howard’s friends asked them to adopt the “runt of runts” of one of their pigs’ litters, they had no idea how much they would come to love him or what he’d mean to them. Tiny and sickly and cute, they named him Christopher Hogwood and built him a makeshift pen. Almost immediately they noticed he was special. Everyone who saw him loved him and, as he got healthier, he began to show signs of prodigious intelligence (pigs are very intellligent animals - who knew?).

Christopher loved his food and, with the assistance of slops and leftovers provided by practically everyone in the neighbourhood, got bigger and bigger, finally topping out at 750 pounds (that’s over 50 stone!). Local children came to feed him and bathe him. He was photographed for national newspapers and “interviewed” for TV and his loving, accepting and joyful personality profoundly affected those who got to know him.

Despite my originaly misgivings, after hearing Sy Montgomery interviewed on To the Best of Our Knowledge I knew I’d love this book and I was right. Montgomery writes delightfully about the joys of Christopher’s life and the joy he brought to her life. As an award-winning naturalist, Montgomery enthusiastically conveys inforrmation about the lives of pigs and other animals in such a manner as to make me think about the place of animals in our world in a completely different way.

This book made me cry, laugh out loud, look at the world in a different way and want a pig of my own. And there are not many books you can say that about.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris

Posted by Keris on March 5, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 1, 2007 10:22 AM

THURSDAY THREE: Nannies

The life of a nanny is ripe with possibilities for entertaining stories - I know cos I used to be one - so this week we're going to look at three very different books about what can happen when you move in with not just complete strangers, but children too.

First up had to be the most famous book about a nanny since Mary Poppins - The Nanny Diaries. Described as 'a modern chick lit classic' by our own Diane, Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin's debut novel features Nan who, while studying for her master's in child education, turns to nannying for rich Manhattan families to pay the bills.

Suddenly she has to juggle her studies with the ever-more demanding, unreasonable and distant family she works for whilst also trying to avoid her difficult flatmate (which isn't too hard, as Nan barely has time to eat or sleep anymore!). The real focal point of the book is Nan's relationship with her little charge, Grayer, and it provides a great insight into the emotional issues around caring for children who are not your own.

In Under My Spell, Deborah Wright's modern magical fairy tale, Cara, a 25 year old witch, is so desperate to escape the clutches of her batty mother that she applies for a live-in nannying position with the Wilkins family. She’s delighted to get the position, and even more sure that this is the right move for her when she meets her gorgeous next door neighbour Sean, but Cara must remember all day, ever day, to act normal. If anyone finds out about her secret double life she’ll lose everything.

Carry on over the cut for the third - non-fiction this time - choice.

Aged just 19 Suzanne Hansen moved to L.A and accepted a post looking after three children whose father just happened to be one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, super-agent Michael Ovitz. You’ll Never Nanny in this Town Again: The True Adventures of a Hollywood Nanny describes how what had at first seemed like a dream job quickly became a nightmare: too shy to negotiate a fair contract, Suzanne found herself on call at all hours of the day and night. She also found her employers had very little respect for her, the work she did, or even their own children. But when she thought about quitting, the family turned nasty (or nastier), with Michael uttering the words that make up the book's title. Was he right? Would she ever nanny in Hollywood again? Well, there's only one way to find out!

Posted by Keris on March 1, 2007 in American Authors, British Authors, Debut Novels, Non Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 28, 2007 10:16 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Ruth Graham

Diane will be reviewing Ruth Graham’s book The Break-up Bible: 101 True Stories to Make You Glad You’re Single when she gets back (which is soon, Diane fans!), and before she went away, she got Ruth to answer our questions.

How would you summarise your book?

It's like a big girly night in with lots of laughs.
 
What do you enjoy about writing non-fiction?

It's easier for a start! No plotlines and sub-plots to worry about. And life is so bizarre (well mine is) that the stories suggest themselves. I mean, how many times have you heard someone utter 'you couldn't make it up'?
 
What's an average writing day like? (briefly!)

I do lots of other things too (belly dance, mentor a refugee, work for a magazine), so that provides me with ideas, contacts and inspiration. When I do write it's graft - either at the computer, writing, surfing the net, visiting the library or trying to get ideas for the next thing.
 
What's your favourite novel by a woman?

Bridget Jones’s Diary. Not because I'd love it if I read it now, but it was very of its time. It made me scream with laughter back then.

Who is your favourite female character (fictional or real), and why?  

I was enthralled by the story of Ingrid Betancourt - a Columbian politician in her 30s who was, until she was kidnapped a few years ago, trying to stamp out corruption. A true heroine.
 
What are you working on next? (If you can give us a hint!)

The 'Bible' concept has turned into a series, so it's the next one in the ever-expanding chain. Visit my blog for information on the next ones etc. You can also contribute stories via the comments there too.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Well, it's not a question that I should have been asked, but I'd like to have been. 'Why are your legs so long? (lol!)

Thanks, Ruth!

Posted by Keris on February 28, 2007 in American Authors, Interviews, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 27, 2007 4:55 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Off the Record by Allison Samuels

Off the Record, by ‘award-winning’ US journalist Allison Samuels, is subtitled ‘A reporter unveils the celebrity world of Hollywood, Hip-hop & Sports’ and includes background on her interviews with and articles about various black celebrities including Denzel Washington, Snoop Doggy Dogg and Kobe Bryant.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. At first I thought it might be a sort of in-depth look at the history and influence of black entertainment, but once I read Samuels’ charming introduction I thought I was perhaps in for a sort of memoir with gossip along the lines of Jancee Dunn’s But Enough About Me. It turned out to be neither.

Samuels writes about how and why she got each interview, where they took place and what the interviewees were like, but very little of the actual interviews is included and, from what Samuels says of her published interviews and how they were received, I would have liked to actually read at least some of them.

It’s kind of like sitting next to a reporter at a party, repeatedly trying to get her to dish about celebrities and instead hearing about how lovely everyone is and how much she enjoys her job. Fair enough as it goes, but it’s not really an attention-grabber.

There were a few revealing stories - the chapters about Eddie Murphy’s bewilderment with what happened to his career, Bill Cosby’s grief and anger over the death of his son and Whoopi Goldberg’s bitterness at being missed out of Halle Berry’s Oscar acceptance speech were excellent. The Aretha, Whitney and Janet chapter was good too, but mainly because there was actually a bit of dish on Whitney.

The author mentioned more than once her reluctance to reinforce black stereotypes (a comment Angela Bassett made about turning down the film Monster’s Ball caused huge problems for both Bassett and Samuels) and so rather than writing about Death Row Records founder Suge Knight as ‘a menace to the entertainment industry’ she tells us how delightful his parents were and how his mother named him Sugar ‘because he was such a sweet baby.’

Often an interview looks to be on the brink of disaster (and therefore a little more entertaining for the reader) but everything turns out fine. For example, during a photoshoot, Snoop Doggy Dogg does a ‘gangbanger dance’:

With as stern a voice as I could muster, I calmly informed Snoop that this photo shoot was not for a hip-hop magazine, where there probably wouldn’t be a backlash. Also, I told him that in all likelihood his fellow Crip members would not see his shout-out, however thoughtful. He seemed to get the message, that is, until he began blowing marijuana rings into the camera, requiring another sideline meeting. Fortunately, he complied the second time as well, and the rest of the shoot went off without a hitch.

Do you remember the character on The Fast Show who ended every story with the words “... which was nice”? I found myself muttering them as I finished a lot of the anecdotes in this book.

Despite the above, I was enjoying this book, but the last line blew it for me. The book’s Epilogue is a tribute to Coretta Scott King, widow of Martin Luther King Jr and an activist in her own right. The book ends "As the one-year anniversary of the death of this great woman approaches, I felt it was only fair and fitting to dedicate this book to her and her lifelong struggle to see that equality wasn’t just a dream but a reality."

Unfortunately, the majority of the book before this only serves to disprove that point. From Denzel Washington’s disillusionment with the racism of the film industry, to a chapter about Atlanta pole dancers, which includes this quote from a former stripper named Daisy, “I think black women are seen as the lowest of the low in society. We don’t count, so why not violate us? ... I’d be cool when I left the stage, unless a white man was up-front and center looking at me in a way that sent chills up my spine.”

Off the Record is an interesting book, but it’s certainly no proof of equality.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Posted by Keris on February 27, 2007 in American Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 26, 2007 7:22 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Independence Day by Jim Keeble

Subtitled 'A Broken Heart's Voyage Around The USA', Jim Keeble's first book is a travelogue with a difference - or, if you like, a purpose - as he traverses the States with a mission to get over being dumped by the love of his life. In the honeymoon capital of the world (Niagara Falls). Just after he's asked her to marry him.

From Las Vegas to Florida, and LA to Minnesota, Keeble goes in search of something, or somebody, to help him over his heartbreak and get his self-esteem back on a level. I would imagine mentioning to a prospective date that he's on the almost immediate rebound wouldn't go down too well, and so it proves when Mary in LA gets spooked by his tearful reminiscences of his former girlfriend and flies to the other side of the country, ostensibly to visit her brother. You can't help thinking the author had a little do with it.

Thankfully, he soon bucks up and finds that the various cities he visit mirror their female inhabitants and he's soon back in the saddle. (Quite literally when he goes to a dude ranch in Arizona and falls for the surgically enhanced charms of Debbie, an ex-cheerleader from Phoenix). 

From what I'd been led to believe by Hugh Grant-heavy movies and er, Vanity Fair, an Englishman barely has to open his mouth in the States to have a bevy of American women falling over themselves to date him, but it takes the hapless Keeble over 200 pages before he gets lucky (at his best friend's wedding). Fortunately he has a wry way with prose and by the time he jets out of JFK back to the UK, he feels reborn in the USA and the reader is cheering along with him.

Independence Day is a fine, funny read and could almost be a self-help book if, like the author, you've been left distraught by the person you thought you wanted to marry but also have an inkling to see the USA in all its glory. And who hasn't been in that position?! [David Stainton]

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Marry Me by Carey Marx or My Fat Brother by Jim Keeble

Posted by Keris on February 26, 2007 in British Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 16, 2007 4:39 PM

BOOK REVIEW: What Would Barbra Do? by Emma Brockes

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love a good musical. I was brought up on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singin’ in the Rain, Calamity Jane and some of my earliest crushes were Howard Keel, Gordon McCrae and Gene Kelly, so when I heard about Emma Brockes’s What Would Barbra Do? How Musicals Can Save Your Life, I couldn’t get hold of it fast enough.

Emma has always been mad about musicals and, at university, formed the Young Fogies club with a friend. She describes how she came to love musicals, how they informed her relationship with her mother, father, friends, even with colleagues, and goes on to look at specific musicals, unpicking the appeal of The Sound of Music and describing “bad” musicals Xanadu and The Jazz Singer in such a way as to make me immediately stick them on my LoveFilm list.

This is a fascinating and very funny book. Emma writes intelligently and fondly about everything from Barbra Streisand to Andrew Lloyd Webber (Elton John gets short shrift though). I absolutely loved it. In fact, it was the type of book I would have bunked off work to read (if I wasn’t self-employed and working from home, which takes all the fun out of skiving).

If you’ve ever felt your heart lifted by The Surrey with the Fringe on Top or cried at Tony’s death in West Side Story (and what kind of cold-hearted creep would you be if you didn’t?) then you’ll love this book. Utterly fabulous.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip or But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

You can read an extract here.

Posted by Keris on February 16, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 14, 2007 3:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: One Hundred Ways to Say I Love You by Celia Haddon

Since it's Valentine's Day (What? You didn't know?), I thought I'd review a romantic book. Celia Haddon's One Hundred Ways to Say I Love You is one of those books that men pick up at the last minute, thinking "That'll do," before buying a bunch of carnations from the garage, but don't let that put you off, it's actually a very sweet book.

A selection of (mostly) romantic quotes, separated by themes like "Reasons for love" and "Let's get physical," One Hundred Ways to Say I Love You opens with every chick lit fan's favourite (I imagine):

In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

Mr Darcy to Elizabeth Bennett, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, 1813

I never read that without getting a little skip in my stomach (although that may be because it makes me think of Colin Firth).

I also loved this, in an 1872 note from Benjamin Disraeli to his wife:

I have nothing to tell you, except that I love you, which, I fear, you will think rather dull.

This is a slight book, but a sweet book. I read bits of it out loud to my husband - he found it funny rather than romantic, but that might have been because I was reading it - but if you're looking for a little romantic inspiration you could do a lot worse. But do not accept those garage flowers!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Did I Wake You? by Beth Lapides

Posted by Keris on February 14, 2007 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 12, 2007 9:32 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Child of the North by Josephine Cox

I’ve never read a Josephine Cox book. I read an extract of one as part of my English degree and I really didn’t enjoy it at all, so why did I read Child of the North? Because it’s not a Josephine Cox novel, it’s written by Piers Dudgeon with Josephine Cox for a start and it’s more the story of Josephine’s childhood in Lancashire, very near to where I live now.

Josephine Cox grew up as one of ten children in an extremely poor family in Blackburn. Her mother worked in a cotton mill. Strangely - since at school we seemed to study the Industrial Revolution to the exclusion of almost everything else - I’m still pretty interested in the subject and Piers Dudgeon (with Josephine Cox) writes extremely evocatively about the industry and related hardships.

The main problem with this book is that Josephine’s memories are illustrated with extracts from her novels, which are generally sentimental and overblown (if you’ve never read any of her novels, just the titles should give you an idea of what to expect: Angels Cry Sometimes, Her Father’s Sins, Cradle of Thorns). Even the memoir bits suffer from this - Josephine talks about how times were hard but “we made our own fun,” even about how she once received an orange for Christmas. It’s a bit like listening to your grandma after a couple of sweet sherries.

Having said that, I did enjoy the historical aspect of the book and it’s quite entertaining to walk past our local florists and say, “Josephine Cox lived there.”

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

Posted by Keris on February 12, 2007 in British Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 8, 2007 5:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW: How to Walk in High Heels by Camilla Morton

Subtitled 'The Girl's Guide to Everything' and with a forward by John Galliano, this pink tome was seemingly designed for the Sex in the City crowd, cosmo-drinkers in search of the fashionable way to live life and get it right. And it is, to a certain extent.

Like any good fashionista, Morton name drops like it's going out of style. But like the best sort of fashionista, she doesn't do the name-dropping herself. Sections written by the likes of Kylie Minogue (How to enhance your finer assets), Vivienne Westwood (How to appreciate art and where to start), Gisele (How to look good in a photo), and Christopher Bailey (How to be inspired - gorgeous places to go to) tell you all you need to know about just how chic Morton is. And if advice from her nearest and dearest won't help you attain uber-fabulousness, then there's just no hope for you, dahling.

Or is there?

While the book is undoubtedly an amusing read, it's definitely more loo book than style bible. It's divided into sections which I called 'vaguely useful' and 'duh' in my head - can you guess which fell into which category?

* Greeting Your Public (grooming, walking in high heels, applying makeup, and hat-wearing)

* Being Socially Adept (manners, cooking, art, culture)

* Tackling Your Technophobia (gadgets, gizmos, the workplace)

* Homes and Gardens (house-buying, home economics, gardening, home maintenance)

* Joining the Jet Set (travel, driving)

I won't claim to be the best-groomed, most stylish woman out there. I'm usually quite scruffy, and I hate filing my nails. But there was nothing in the beauty section of the book that you won't have learned from friends, relatives, or [insert style bible of choice]. The more practical advice about home ownership and associated life skills will also have been passed on to you by people you know, and while it may not have been so wittily prettily presented, it's the same advice. Get a mortgage, talk to your bank, buy what you can afford, don't put offers down on 36 places at once. Gee, thanks. I never would've figured that one out for myself. And mummy and the bank manager telling me the same thing never sunk in. But now that someone in the fashion world put it in a pink book, it all makes sense. Hurrah!

But I'm making the book sound more awful than it is. It doesn't take itself remotely seriously, and that's its saving grace. This is light-hearted fluff with a few nuggets of gold (Gisele's photo advice being one), and as long as you don't pick it up expecting anything more, you won't be disappointed. Loo book, no question.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Aigua Media on February 8, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 7, 2007 3:41 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Amy DeZellar

I'm sure you remember how much Diane enjoyed Amy DeZellar's memoir, Dating Amy (you do study Trashionista in great depth, don't you?) and now Amy kindly answers our questions:

How would you summarise your book?

It's a funny memoir about going on 50 dates and also learning how to date. You can see my choices (and tactics!) about men evolving as I discover more about myself.
 
What do you enjoy about writing non-fiction?

That it's so easy. Really, it's just like taking notes on life and then having them published.
 
What's an average writing day like?

I'm proud to say that I now have a full-time staff writing job after five years of unemployment (during which I wrote Dating Amy). I ride the bus to work and pray that someone thin sits next to me. I write about vibrators, lip venom and yogurt-based hand cream once I get to work. I email with my work girlfriends about Jared Leto or similar. I take the bus home, which sometimes takes three hours even though it's about 14 miles. I'm streamlining by writing my next book while on the bus, though, so I'm excited.

What's your favourite novel by a woman?

I like some of the funny British authors. My secret favorite book is Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes, even though I'm not marriage-hungry, I swear. [The lovely Marian's Irish actually! - Keris]
 
Who is your favourite female character (fictional or real), and why?

Scarlett O'Hara, she gets away with everything.
   
What are you working on next? (If you can give us a hint!)

Fiction. I think thinly veiled people will cause far fewer problems than real ones.  
 
What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

No one's every asked me if I've regretted writing about men without them knowing. The answer is: yes.

Thanks, Amy!

Posted by Keris on February 7, 2007 in American Authors, Interviews, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 5, 2007 10:05 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Nul Points by Tim Moore

Tim Moore’s five books to date have been (mostly) hilarious travelogues, where he puts himself through epic journeys, suffering for our enjoyment whether by trawler across the Arctic Circle (Frost On My Moustache), following the route of the Tour De France (French Revolutions) or recreating the Grand Tours of Renaissance Europe in a knackered Rolls Royce (Continental Drifter). When he’s taken the easier route (a tour of the Monopoly board locations in Do Not Pass Go), the results were patchy, in my opinion. His last travelogue, Spanish Steps found the hapless Moore on a pilgrimage across Spain accompanied by a truculent donkey, and was a rather-him-than-me return to form.

Given that I’m not Scandinavian, the owner of a mullet (anymore) or, shall we say, flamboyant, I’m not exactly in the ideal demographic to review a book about the Eurovision Song Contest (Moore attends the 2005 Contest and describes it like “going to the gay World Cup”). Specifically, Nul Points is Moore’s quest to track down each of the 14 contestants who, since 1974, have returned from their respective Eurovisions with a big fat zero against their country’s flag. Or as he puts it, “the unfortunates left to wander the lonely, windswept summit of Mount Fiasco without a point to their names.”

Many of the zero ‘heroes’ refuse point blank to meet Moore, on the grounds that Eurovision ruined their lives, or in the case of Cetin Alp of Turkey, because he was dead. Celia Lawson of Portugal (her dad was from Bolton) was a nul pointer in 1997 and seems to have suffered some sort of breakdown in the intervening years, and it’s her story which has the most poignancy. The writer (who clearly had a crush on her) only just resisting the urge to hug her and tell everything’s going to be ok when she reveals that she regrets doing Eurovision, after which she could only find work as a chamber maid.

To misquote Kipling (Rudyard not Mr), Moore meets both triumph and disaster on his way round Europe and treats both imposters in the same (mostly) impartial manner. Although, always divertingly entertaining enough, the thing that’s missing for me is Moore’s self-deprecating asides as he pursues his solo goal. It’s all a bit easy for him, and apart from a funny episode when he’s busted for the world’s smallest amount of cannabis at Oslo airport, all the humour is at his subjects' expense. Maybe if Moore himself had attempted to try for Eurovision as a sub-plot it would have perked things up, but perhaps then he would have been entering “Round Ireland With A Fridge” territory, which would have been infinitely worse.

As it is, it’s an agreeable enough read, perhaps one to dip in and out of on holiday. Lets hope next time his destination is a little more challenging. [David Stainton]

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try The Yes Man by Danny Wallace

Posted by Keris on February 5, 2007 in British Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 2, 2007 4:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Think Pink by Lisa Clark

How I wish I’d had Lisa Clark’s Think Pink when I was 14.

Subtitled ‘the ultimate “go-for-it” guide for girls!’ Think Pink takes us on ‘a kick-ass road-trip to self discovery’ accompanied by 14-year-old Lola Love and her friends.

It includes advice, anecdotes and quizzes on subjects from increasing your self-esteem to making (and keeping) friends, avoiding toxic boys and making future plans, and is not only entertaining and useful, but looks gorgeous too - Holly Lloyd’s illustrations complementing the text perfectly.

The first in a much-needed series (have you looked at the teen non-fiction shelves lately? There’s nothing there!) Think Pink will show you how to ‘fill your life with sunshine-filled, candy-kissed moments.’ And who wouldn’t want that?

And it’s not just for teens, I found it entertaining and inspiring and I’m *cough* in my thirties.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Being a Girl by Kim Cattrall

Posted by Keris on February 2, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 31, 2007 6:56 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lisa Clark

Lisa Clark is the author of non-fiction teen book, Think Pink (review coming Friday). You can read all about Lisa, Lola Love, and the other stops on Lisa's Think Pink blog tour on her website. Catch her tomorrow here.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Think Pink is the ultimate go-for-it guide for girls! Did it in 11  - get me!

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I'd love to be one of those super-cool author types who sit in a coffee shop with their macs or like SJP in Sex and The City who 'couldn't help but wonder' while she tapped away in a cute vest and knicker combo, but instead, I generally sit at the dining room table in my tea-stained PJs!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Just one? Geez...The Truth About Ruby Valentine by Alison Bond is awesome - in fact, so was her first book How to be Famous...oh, I can't choose - they're both a salacious insight into the movie industry and I love 'em!

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Besides Lola Love - leading lady of Think Pink who I love, not because I created her but just because I think she's too-cool-for-school, I love Viva in Emma Forrest's 'Namedropper' - she's what I wish being a
16 year-old me was actually like!

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Persistance and perserverence, a good idea and the ability to toot your own horn, because nobody is going to know more about your book than you, so don't be afraid to big it up to anyone that will listen!

What are you reading at the moment?

Because I'm a multi-taskin' kind of girl I've got a few on the go right now - Cupcake by Rachel Cohn, Fearless by Adrienne Huffington* and the latest editions of Grazia, Bust and O magazine - I love me
some Oprah!

* Review coming soon - Keris

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

As well as being a newbie author type, I'm a journo-girl too so I'm constantly pitchin' and writing features for teen titles here and in the US, book wise though, I've just finished editing Beauty*licious,
the second in the Think Pink series, out June 07, I'm working on books 3 and 4 right now and I'm developing some fiction ideas for Lola and the Pink Ladies too!

What question have you never been asked, but wish you had (you can answer it too if you like)?

Q. Lisa, would you like this super-swanky apartment in New York City, a Marc Jacobs account card and a breakfast of pancakes and syrup?

A. Why, Trashionista, yes I would!

Thanks, Lisa! (Sorry we can't help with the above ...)

Posted by Keris on January 31, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Interviews, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tina Brown on Princess Diana

Tina Brown, former editor of Vanity Fair and the New Yorker, has written a book about Princess Diana - The Diana Chronicles. It will be published this June to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Diana’s death. [via Booktrade.info]

Posted by Keris on January 31, 2007 in Book News, British Authors, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 26, 2007 5:09 PM

Oprah’s latest bookclub choice

Is The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier.

While this is I’m sure an interesting and well-written memoir, I’m kind of put off by the fact that Sidney Poitier is one of Oprah’s closest friends, but should I be? What do you think?

Posted by Keris on January 26, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls' Guide to Losing Your L-Plates by Maria McCarthy

It’s coming up to the one year anniversary of passing my driving test, both at the third attempt and a full 17 years after I first got my provisional licence. I really could have done with Maria McCarthy’s The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L-Plates.

Subtitled simply, How to Pass Your Driving Test, this is a fun, practical and informative guide and would be just as useful to men as women; yes, there are some aspects geared particularly to the female driver - things like crying in front of your instructor (although I imagine men do that too) and a section called “Personal safety for girls on the go,” but it’s mainly full of useful information like how to find the perfect instructor (and which to avoid), how best to approach both your theory and practical tests, how to recover if you fail and even how to go about getting insurance once you’ve passed your test.

Written in a lighthearted and accessible style, The Girls’ Guide to Losing Your L Plates is such an excellent resource I can’t believe no-one’s thought of it before.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Read an extract on Maria's website

Posted by Keris on January 26, 2007 in British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development | Permalink | Comments (6)

January 24, 2007 6:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Cooking for Mr Latte by Amanda Hesser

Amanda Hesser is a trained chef and food writer for the New York Times. For her, food - preparation, appreciation, contemplation, and consumption - is more than a passion, more than a way of life, it is who she is and what she does. So when she meets a man who is happy eating in restaurants that have more in common with frat houses than haut cuisine, and who unashamedly orders lattes after dinner (the Italian rule is no milky drinks after 11am), she's not convinced they're well suited.

Fortunately for her, and us, time and Mr Latte prove her wrong. Cooking for Mr Latte is the history of their courtship as told through food. Food eaten in restaurants, glamourous and neighbourhood stalwart; food cooked for each other, and each others' parents; food cooked with friends, for parties, for solitude, comfort, or nostalgia.

While the book is technically a memoir, that makes it sound drier than it is. Latte is rather a touching tribute to a developing relationship, and an imaginative take on the traditional love story. Although not fiction, it bears many of the hallmarks of successful chick-lit - there are celebrity encounters, New York apartments, glamourous cast members who are the cream of the Manhattan media elite, cocktails, and chance encounters in the places to be seen. The fact that all these things happen to a real person would be enough to have me screaming with jealousy were Hesser not so obviously likeable.

Like all good chick lit heroines she is flawed, and admits her mistakes. She obsesses, and nitpicks, and starts fights over nothing. She has kitchen disasters, gets food poisoning in front of gods of the food world, and is in hiding from one half of the Merchant Ivory film-making duo. Best of all, however, she cooks.

Hesser ends each chapter with a selection of recipes based on meals described on the preceding pages. Although she's been trained to professional standards, each recipe is accessible, and I've cooked four in the two weeks since finishing the book. None have gone wrong.

While this is a book tailored to foodies, anyone with a sense of romance will enjoy watching their relationship develop. It may be as predictable as many works in the chick-lit oeuvre, but I defy anyone to put it down without a renewed enthusiasm for food, for cooking, and for eating, and to read the recipes without doing a mental kitchen inventory. Fabulous as she is, how often can you say that about Marian Keyes?

Rating: 5 out of 5

Liked this? Try Heartburn, by Nora Ephron

Posted by Aigua Media on January 24, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 21, 2007 11:55 AM

BOOK NEWS: Don't Chew Jesus!

Okay, you HAVE to admit that title's got you intrigued!

You remember we enjoyed Welcome to Wisteria Lane, This is Chick Lit and Flirting with Pride and Prejudice? Well, the publishers of those great titles have a new book with a more... religious (sacrilegious?) theme: Don't Chew Jesus. It's about people's experiences of Catholic education - sad, odd or just plain funny, such as the nun who told one contributor during mass, "Don't chew Jesus! Suck on him instead..." 

Okay then.

Read an excerpt here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 19, 2007 12:10 PM

BOOK NEWS: Isabel Losada's 'Men!'

Non-fiction author Isabel Losada, who normally concerns herself with global issues, self improvement and reasons to be glad has a new, more romantically-themed book due for release here at the end of April.

Called 'Men!' her working subtitle was 'Where the **** are they?!' but she's now settled on 'Forget the fiction! Where are the interesting and available men?' (Answers on a postcard, please...)

On her blog she discusses the vexed issue of covers, and why she picked red rather than white (less self help-looking, apparently).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Romance, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Mommy Confidential by Melinda Roberts

Mindy Roberts began her blog to record the lives, escapades and hilarious remarks of her three young children. Before long she was blogging about her great, but incredibly stressful and exhausting job, her difficult relationship with her husband of twelve years, illness, ant and rat infestations and much much more.

Mindy’s blog, The Mommy Blog, is one of the longest-running and most popular “mommy blogs” on the net (and, yes, she’s still writing it). Unlike many mommy bloggers, Mindy can really write - she’s self-deprecating, funny, brutally honest, intelligent and entertaining. And her children sound adorable.

Still I do have a couple of criticisms of Mommy Confidential. The first is that, at 500 pages, it’s too long. The trouble with blogs is that there is a tendency to write pretty indiscriminately and though things may be interesting at the time they are taking place, they’re really not so interesting after the fact. There are memes and quizzes included in this book and random anecdotes about Mindy’s history and friendships which, while mildly interesting, don’t hold with the theme of the book and didn’t really need to be included.

The second is that, as the back cover blurb has it, “Mindy began to write about her life and children in the sleepless hours in an effort to capture her young family’s world in real time.” While that’s fine for a blog, it didn’t really work for me as a book. I think it would have been better to restructure the narrative as a straightforward memoir, but as it is, it really does just read as a blog in book form.

Having said all that, I did enjoy this book. Mindy is not only a wonderful writer, she’s also an incredibly strong woman. Honest about the challenges of work, marriage, motherhood and balancing all three, she is inspirational as well as entertaining and I found myself wanting to get back to the book to find out how she was coping with each crisis. I also found myself reading chunks of the book out to my husband and my friends.

Mommy Confidential is a good book, but I think with a bit of restructuring and a lot of editing, it could have been a great book.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday

Posted by Keris on January 19, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

January 18, 2007 4:06 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Danny Wallace

Ah, Danny Wallace. How I love him. I adored both of his books - Join Me and Yes Man, so I was excited to hear that film versions of both books are in the pipeline.

What’s possibly even more exciting is that Jack Black will be playing Danny in Yes Man and Frank Cottrell Boyce (author of the utterly brilliant Millions) is writing the script for Join Me. So many of my favourite men, together at last. [via Evening Telegraph]

Posted by Keris on January 18, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (7)

January 16, 2007 11:29 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I have not survived against all odds.

I have not lived to tell.

I have not witnessed the extraordinary.

This is my story.

So begins this wonderful book.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life is Amy Krouse Rosenthal's autobiography - kind of. It's an alphabetised account of her experiences and thoughts on life, large and small, interspersed with a chronology of her life experiences, from how she came up with the idea of the book ('evolution of this moment') to why she could never concentrate during Laverne and Shirley...

I love the odd touches throughout the book: from the photocopied documentation of Amy's attempts to get out of a parking ticket on the grounds of karma (read the book to find out if it worked) to the reader's agreement that begins with a standard 'you agree not to reproduce, replicate or reprint...' and continues to 'at the end of each page you agree to thrust your arms upward and emit a loud, staccato hey!') But although it's a very funny book it's not a superficial or silly one - Amy shares some very personal facts and difficult experiences, including unexpected deaths of loved ones. It's a completely absorbing read.

Although this was without doubt the best book I read in 2005, I've hesitated in reviewing in for this long because I wasn't sure I could do it justice. The only way to really grasp how great it is is to read it, but you can read excerpts on the book's own site. It's definitely quirky and might not be to everybody's taste, but I think most people will appreciate the witty chronicling, the dry humour, the superb writing and the occasional moments of real sadness and poignancy.

This is one of those brilliant books that makes you wish you'd written it yourself.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto.

DID YOU KNOW? In a lovely gesture, if you read the book and love it, you can email the author via the site and tell her so - and she promises to write back individually and thank you (I've done this, and she's fab).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 15, 2007 10:56 AM

The Year of Magical Thinking on Broadway

Looks like Keris was right: The Play IS the thing. Fresh from the disaster of High Fidelity  Broadway is bouncing back with another book adaptation, this one a little less unconventional. Veteran author Joan Didion has adapted her hit book The Year of Magical Thinking into a monologue, to be performed by Vanessa Redgrave. The book (and play) is about how Didion coped with the sudden death of her husband and the terminal illness of her daughter in the same few months, so it's not exactly cheery, but is meditative rather than self-pitying. (Or so I hear - I've had my copy since October but haven't cracked the cover quite yet... it looks great though!) [Via Vanity Fair].

Related: The Glass Castle on stage

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

MORE ON MONDAY: Screen Burn by Charlie Brooker

A collection of Charlie Brooker's Guardian TV columns, Screen Burn is acerbic and hilarious.

Brooker mainly reviews things he hates which makes for fantastically vicious and entertaining reading. His description of Jonathan Wilkes replacing Lisa Riley as presenter of You've Been Framed is a perfect example:

'... like substituting a lump of sick for a lump of snot: equally bad yet somehow worse.'

I can't recommend this book highly enough. Yes he's violent (frequently suggesting, fantasising about and delighting in stabbings, massacres and even the beating of children) but he's always hilarious and there are so few books which provide a laugh-out-loud on every page. And how can you not love someone who calls mediums 'corpse whisperers'.

Put it in the loo and you'll look forward to going.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About by Mil Millington

Posted by Keris on January 15, 2007 in British Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 12, 2007 3:46 PM

Can I offer you some Seduction, for free?

Ha - bet that title woke you up on a dreary Friday afternoon (if not, nothing will...)!

I loved Catherine Gildiner's very funny memoir of her unusual Canadian childhood Too Close to the Falls, and now she's written a novel, called Seduction, which for some CRAZY reason isn't available in the UK yet. But you can read an excerpt on this website here, and I think it reads a bit like a Jennifer Crusie novel... which can only be a good thing.

Let's hope it hits these shores shortly!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 12, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 11, 2007 6:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Amy by Amy DeZellar

Amy DeZellar's Dating Amy is a memoir of, as the subtitle says, "50 True Confessions of a serial dater".

Amy went on fifty dates (although not with fifty men!) and chronicled her adventures on her website, datingamy.com. Her goal was to get some paid writing work, maybe publish a book... and perhaps even find love, too.

And we know it worked at least partly, as here's the book of the experience, which she adapted from her dating blog...

Amy goes out with men she meets via internet dating sites, meets at parties or bars, and men her friends set her up with. Sometimes I wasn't clear why she was going on a second date with some of these men, as the first one had gone so horribly! It all makes for interesting reading though. (Could that be why...?)

The book looks at some perennial dating questions: is it nicer for a man to say he doesn't want to date you again after just one date - or better to ignore you forever more? Why are some men so great on paper and a let-down in real life? And are men really all about sex and women all about commitment?

There's nothing hugely original about the concept, we've had a raft of similar books, both fiction and non-fiction, about serial daters. But this book is an enjoyable addition to the genre, and although I sometimes felt frustrated with Amy's choice of man (!) and the fact that she often said she couldn't get any paid writing work (had she sent out freelance ideas? Anything? We never find out) I'm still glad she wrote this book, and even more glad Amy dated all those men... so no-one else has to!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

NON-FICTION AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Hillary Carlip

Finally! The chance to sit down and speak to (okay, email with!) the very funny and talented Hillary Carlip in our second non-fiction author interview! (Find the first one here). Over to Hillary...

How would you summarise your book?

Well, let’s just say it took a lot of work with my publishers to come up with the summary on the back cover of the book. And it’s always easier to have someone else toot your horn rather than yourself! So here it is:

A hilariously offbeat memoir about an adventurous young woman's escapades as she defies conventions and transforms an ordinary Los Angeles life into a star-studded, extraordinary miracle of self-discovery. Queen of the Oddballs: And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan forms a chronology of Hillary Carlip's habitual straying from roads more traveled -- from a wisecracking third-grader suspended from school for smoking (while imitating Holly Golightly), to a headline-making teen activist, juggler and fire eater, friend (NOT "fan") of Carly Simon and Carole King, grand prize-winning Gong Show contestant, cult rock star, and seeker of spiritual and romantic truths that definitely defy expectations. Illustrated with ephemera -- from diary entries and photographs to a handwritten letter from Carly Simon -- Queen of the Oddballs presents a virtual time capsule of pop culture's last four decades and celebrates a creative life lived to the hilt.

More from my favourite memoirist of 2006 over the cut!

What do you enjoy about writing non-fiction?

It’s important to me that whatever I write has the potential to inspire people – to live their lives more fully and creatively, and to embrace who they are. It feels easier for me to do that with non-fiction.

What's an average writing day like? (briefly!)

I personally need to flit. I prefer to focus for some time, then go do something else, then return to writing. It’s like when I learned how to juggle when I was a teenager. If you continue doing it for too long at one time, you’ll just start dropping everything. But if you leave and come back, there’s more focus.

What's your favourite novel by a woman?

As you may be able to tell by the stories in Queen of the Oddballs, I don’t like limiting myself, or narrowing anything down!! So it’s incredibly hard to pick one piece of writing as my favourite when there are countless books and authors I adore.

Who is your favourite female character (fictional or real), and why?

Same as the last question. Impossible to pick just one! However, I will name one female character I definitely related to as a child, and is included in my book. Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Daring and darling, she shoplifted and had only one friend, her cat named Cat. She was strong and independent, saying things like: “You don't have to worry. I've taken care of myself for a long time," and had such a unique sense of style.

What are you working on next? (If you can give us a hint!)

I’m working on several projects. One is a top-secret novel, the other is an anthology book of personal essays from my literary site, Fresh Yarn.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

THIS ONE! For the last six months I have been doing scores of TV, radio, print, and web interviews. I can’t think of one question that’s not been asked… until yours. So, good job! Very original! :)

Thanks Hillary! (And that was Keris's idea!)

Interview archives / Non-fiction archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

THURSDAY THREE: Desperate measures

As I mentioned last week, critics of chick lit think it’s all about finding a man and that’s just not true. Except that sometimes it is. Earlier this week we showed you the trailer for Lorelei Mathias’s Step On It, Cupid, in which the main character, Amelie, decides to try out speed-dating. It made me wonder what other lengths characters had gone to to find that elusive perfect man.

In Chris Manby’s Getting Personal single friends Ruby, Lou and Martin are fed up of failed relationships and decide to place personal ads for each other with mixed results.

The Last Available Man by Cindy Blake features follows step-sisters Georgina and Jessica, who, sick of ending up on dates with no future, decide to put their skills as head hunters - along with their lengthy client list - into action to find themselves some real romantic prospects.

Carry on over the cut for the final - and most impressive - book of the three.

It's a non-fiction book - Maria Headley’s The Year of Yes. In the bravest (or maddest) idea of the three, Maria decided to say yay to everyone who asked her for a date: the homeless, the chronically weird and - despite being straight - women, too. Now that’s dedication.

Posted by Keris on January 11, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Romance, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 10, 2007 2:44 PM

The £4,000 book!

Much as I love books, I'd never, never ever even if I was a millionaire, pay £4,000 for one. (Spend that much on lots of different books? Possibly).

But there's obviously a market for exclusive luxury books, as niche publisher Gloria has announced the success of its first book (about Brazilian footie star Pele). The book was priced at £4,000 for a special edition and £1,000 otherwise. Gloria's next book, due in June, is called Superyachts...

To each his own!

[Via The Guardian].

Related: Amazon.com launches a podcast, Amazon founder launches rocket?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 10, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

Reading "24"

With Day 6 of 24 coming soon to Sky One (in the UK), I thought I'd see if there are any books on offer (I watched the first series, but haven't watched any more since I got so fed up of the female characters - particularly Jack's wife and daughter - being so pathetic. Do like Kiefer though.)

"24": Behind the Scenes by Jon Cassar, the show's Director/Co Executive Producer and features a behind-the-scenes DVD as well as everything you would usually expect from an official guide.

There's a biography of Kiefer Sutherland and an official companion to seasons one and two, plus - yes! - some novelisations, like Operation Hell Gate and Veto Power. There's even something called 24: The House Special Subcommittee's Findings at CTU.

Blimey. Smell that testosterone.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading ... Desperate Housewives / Alias / Friends / Sex and the City / Angel / Dawson's Creek / The O.C. / Gilmore Girls / Veronica Mars / Grey's Anatomy / The West Wing / The Sopranos / Will and Grace

Posted by Keris on January 10, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 9, 2007 12:22 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Beyond Chocolate by Audrey and Sophie Boss

Yes, it's that time of year again - resolution time. And the most popular resolution year after year is apparently to lose weight, which is something sisters Sophie and Audrey Boss hope to help you do with their book Beyond Chocolate.

But it's not a diet book, or even a traditional weight loss book. And no, it's not even one of those 'no diet' diet books that try and convince you the weight will fall off if you don't eat protein or only eat protein or eat porridge for every meal. No, Beyond Chocolate is part of the 'mindful eating' revolution, a similar method to the one promoted by Paul McKenna: eat whatever you want, when you're hungry, pay attention and stop when you're full. Good advice, but does it work?

Well ... I don't know. Beyond Chocolate is an excellent, practical, encouraging and, yes, liberating book, but I haven't lost any weight ... yet. Then again, losing weight isn't the most important thing, changing your attitude to food is and that is something to do in the long-term, not to be undertaken lightly just at the beginning of the year.

Sophie and Audrey write from their own experience and there are numerous examples of behaviours around food that many women will identify with. Plus there are worksheets to complete and numerous tools to help do this on the website to help keep you on the right track.

I absolutely believe that if I stick with the Beyond Chocolate 'method' then I will lose weight and change my feelings about food. Unfortunately, I'm still at the 'eat whatever you want' point and it'll probably take me a while to move on, but if one of your resolutions is to lose weight (or even to have a healthier relationship with food), I'd definitely suggest you start with this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on January 9, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 8, 2007 2:23 PM

Plum Sykes's brother publishes book... about his alcoholism

Yes, glam as former assistant to Vogue editor Anna Wintour and author of Bergdorf Blondes  and The Debutante Divorcee Plum Sykes's life may seem, for her brother Tom, the past few years have been a different story as he battled alcoholism.

Now recovered, he too has written a book, an aptly-named memoir of his experiences: What Did I Do Last Night?: A Drunkard's Tale. It's out in paperback on the 11th.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 8, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 5, 2007 6:21 PM

Richard & Judy bookclub 2007

Yes, they've been announced! The titles of the books that are going to be flying off the shelves for the rest of this year:

The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld
The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This Book Will Save Your Life by A M Homes
Restless by William Boyd
Love in the Present Tense by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Semi-Detached by Griff Rhys Jones

They'll be officially announced on Richard & Judy's UK TV show on 31 January and you'll be able to buy them from the website. [via Galleycat]

I've only heard of two of the books and three of the authors, so I have to disagree with Mark Lawson's assertion that the couple choose books that would have done well without their help.

So what do you think? Is it a good list? Have you read any of them? Do you want to read any of them?

[Richard and Judy archives]

Posted by Keris on January 5, 2007 in American Authors, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Did I Wake You? by Beth Lapides

Haiku have always appealed to me. With their rigid structure (seventeen syllables, in lines of 5/7/5) and sweet but meaningful observations, they're a true and somewhat under-appreciated artform.

Did I Wake You? by Beth Lapides is a collection of haiku about modern life. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of an old Japanese poetic form with modern subjects like terrorism, lip gloss and the cost of fertility treatments, written in English.

It's an inventive and brilliant idea. But does it work?

Yeah, it does! Not all of the haiku are genius - some are nice but don't have much point and there were some I just didn't get, but there are a lot of really entertaining poems here , and several which I found really meaningful. I had to admire Lapides's skill at conveying so much, so well, in so few words. It even compelled me to write my own haiku. But I'm not sure they'll ever be seeing the light of day - it's a lot harder than it looks.

Of  course I related to this one:

Stopped searching Google

Started searching my soul. It

said get back online.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Mixed by Angela Nissel.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

FRIDAY FLICK: Girl, Interrrupted

Aka: the film that won Angelina Jolie an Oscar (remember when she kissed her brother slightly incestuously to celebrate? Good times).

Girl Interrupted is adapted from Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same name and is the story of her time in a mental institution in 1967. She "accidentally" downed a bottle of painkillers and more than a little alcohol and so has to have her stomach pumped and be institutionalised with a group of young women, all of whom seem considerably more disturbed than she is.

I found the book moving, funny and touching. But what about the film?

Well, the film is good too, and stands up on its own - it's more than just an adaptation, it's a story in its own right. I wouldn't say it's a movie you enjoy exactly, but considering it's about depression, more severe mental illness, the changing role of women, family issues and the start of Vietnam, it has great moments of humour and isn't bleak. There are some fabulous performances here - a pre-scandal Winona Ryder is overshadowed by Jolie (she's overwhelming at times, but seriously deserved the Oscar for best supporting actress) and a thoroughly disturbing Brittany Murphy (who's much better at serious stuff than the fluff she sometimes leans towards).

I believe it's on TV soon, and I'd recommend trying to catch it if you haven't seen it already. As our TV guide has sprouted legs yet again, I'm afraid I can't tell you when it's on (anyone know?) but keep your eyes out, 'cos it's definitely worth a watch.

DID YOU KNOW? Kaysen's follow-up, a book about her vaginal-health problems, was far less of a success - and thankfully, hasn't been made into a film! (Yet).

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 4, 2007 6:39 PM

Augusten Burroughs latest author to face accusations of lying

Yep, another day, another hoax/faux-memoir accusation! Now Augusten Burroughs, whose autobiographical (or so he says) Running with Scissors divulged details of the weird and sometimes sordid time he spent living with his mother's psychiatrist and his family is facing a lawsuit from said family, who say his allegations have caused them stress, illness and irreparable harm to their reputations. They also say he lied. A lot. There's conflicting evidence and so it looks like we'll have to wait for the courts to decide on this one... Honestly. It's enough to make me swear off memoirs...

Well... almost!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

Top 5 Beauty Books by our expert beauty book picker!

If you've been burying your head in a book (or reading Trashionista) far too much to even glance over at our sister site Kiss and Makeup, you've really been missing out. But you can make up for it now by heading over there to check out their Top 5 Beauty Books, as picked by beauty expert and KAMU editor Charlotte. I can never get the hang of foundation and am flummoxed by the beauty counters at Boots, so these could be some very useful guides for me!

Related post: Posh is a signing sensation .

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 3, 2007 10:18 AM

India Knight's diet book and dirty bits!

And if that title doesn't get your attention, nothing will... First, the diet book: Sunday Times journalist and chick-lit author (of My Life on a Plate, which I loved, and How do you Want Me? which I didn't) India Knight has teamed up with her friend and fellow slimmer Neris Thomas for a new book, designed to be a straightforward guide to weight loss - as reflected in the title: Neris and India's Idiot-Proof Diet Book. The Guardian does another fabulous Digested Read of the book (in the style of the original) here.

Secondly, The Dirty Bits for Girls is India's second new release, designed to raise your temperature! It's a compilation of all the memorable mucky bits from literature, for, well - girls. With a bit of commentary too, I think - if you're interested in that...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 3, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 2, 2007 6:03 PM

BOOK REVIEW: My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

Maybe because I'm such a good, sweet innocent young woman (stop laughing at the back!) but I love reading about people who are totally politically incorrect and absolutely shameless, and comedian-turned-author Chelsea Handler certainly fits that bill. In her memoir of one-night stands, My Horizontal Life, she wants to dispel the myths around one-night stands: that they're something to be ashamed of, make you a bad person, or that only slutty people have them. They're something to be re-joiced in, laughed at and looked forward to, she says...

Despite the theme of the book, it's actually not sexually explicit. We learn a lot about Chelsea's family, her upbringing and her friends, and we learn perhaps more than we need to about some aspects of her life (do NOT ask her how she got RSI!) But she never gets down to the real sex stuff nitty-gritty, and for that I was grateful! Her book is more about her encounters than the actual sex itself, which stays behind closed doors. Trust me, the men she meets and situations she gets into are weird enough, we don't need to know more...

This book made me laugh, but was at times very mean-spirited (she hates and mocks her former roommate for being a virgin at 28, and frequently lies to men). I don't think I'd want Chelsea for a friend (finding out she likes to try to make her friends pee themselves in their sleep confirmed that for me) but as an author she's entertaining and I admire her self-confidence and lack of hang-ups and the fact that she offers a new perspective on sexual mores.

But her romantic life -and her everyday life, too-  seems a little shallow, and at times I had to stop reading because she was just being too mean or annoying! Definitely an improvement on Girl with a One-Track Mind-type tell-alls though, and a fast and fun read, if you can cope with a dose of attitude and more than a little superficiality...

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: How Not to be a Desperate Housewife... and the long-awaited Gilmore Girls collection!

They're baaaaack! Yes, those crazy ladies of Wisteria Lane are back tomorrow with a double bill (9.30 PM, Channel 4, lock the doors and unplug the phone) and if you don't want to end up like them, this book might help: How Not to Be a Desperate Housewife by Charlotte Williamson.

[Via Cupcate].

In other book/TV tie-in news, the WAY too overdue essay collection, Coffee at Luke's: An Unauthorized Gilmore Girls Gabfest is finally listed on Amazon, although won't be out until May. Jennifer Crusie will be editing once more, and I can't WAIT!

Related posts: Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Gilmore Girls. And don't forget our sister site, TV Scoop!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Dirty Sugar Cookies by Ayun Halliday

Dirty Sugar Cookies is an example of the increasingly popular food memoir. In other words, Ayun Halliday writes about her life via memories of meals she’s eaten and cooked. We learn about the New Boys and Girls Cookbook with such delights as Enchanted Castle and Bunny Salad, how Ayun’s relationship with her mother and grandmother is processed through food, plus we hear all about boyfriends, jobs, even the birth of her second child (this was my favourite chapter).

I did enjoy this book, but I found it a little hard to read. Ayun has a very particular writing style with a lot of diversions and if I didn’t concentrate I lost my thread, but it’s interesting - and often very funny - reading. Plus each chapter ends with a recipe, written in Ayun’s irreverent style. Examples include Monkey Brain Tartare (which is actually delicious-sounding shrimp sandwiches), Post-coital Pancakes, and, um, Quiche. My favourite instruction “drink the remaining butter.” You don’t get that from Delia Smith!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday

Posted by Aigua Media on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Kitty Kelley on Oprah

Infamous unauthorised biographer Kitty Kelley has chosen Oprah Winfrey as the subject of her next book. Kelley has previously written about celebrities including Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. Her book about Nancy Reagan was the fastest selling biography in publishing history.

Although controversial, Kelley has never been successfully sued for libel, but her biography of the British Royal Family, The Royals, wasn’t published in the UK due to concerns over libel laws.

Kelley’s publishers claim the author will “interview hundreds of sources, many of whom have never before spoken on the record about her subject.” Something tells me the book isn't destined to be a future Oprah’s Bookclub pick!

[via Publishers Weekly]

Posted by Aigua Media on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 27, 2006 12:55 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

The LAST Yay or Nay of the year! So let's make the most of it shall we - BOMBARD us with your opinions, please!

As we've just had Christmas (well, most of us), here's an xmas-themed question. Richard and Judy devoted a whole TV show/book party to discussing the best Christmas gift books... but do you like them? Are Schott's Miscellanys and Almanacs or books answering all those annoying little questions you've (n)ever wondered about actually worth the money? Do you read them after a quick flick through on December 25th, or are they consigned to a dusty old corner of the book case forever more?

In other words, for the last time this year, please tell us - Is it a Yay or a Nay, and Why?

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by Aigua Media on December 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Recent Release, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (6)

December 26, 2006 12:00 PM

NON-FICTION AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Robert Rave and Jane Rave

This is an exciting first for Trashionista, so of course we had to save it for Super Interview month: our first non-fiction interview!

We spoke exclusively (via internet) to Robert Rave and Jane Rave, the mother-son team behind entertaining memoir/advice book Conversations and Cosmopolitans.

How did the idea for this book come about?

Robert: It was about sharing our story really. Coming out stories aren’t really anything new, and when my mom and I discussed writing this together we wanted to tell some of the conversations and situations we encountered over my process of coming out which even today continues to evolve. We wanted these stories to be told in a way that could open up a dialogue between families through both the funny and sometimes sad stories we tell.

Did you enjoy working together on the project?

Robert: She was probably the most difficult person I’ve ever worked with in my entire life, a real witch.

Only kidding! It was incredible. How many people can really say they truly know their parents. I feel fortunate to say that I do.

Jane: Yes, we had a lot of fun, but we also really laid a lot out there because we thought being authentic was the only way people gay or straight, teenager or adult, would be able to relate to us. During the writing process we both laughed a lot, and each of us probably silently cried for the other one.

Did Robert's infamous "gay letter" bring you closer?

Robert: That letter was either going to bring us closer or set the stage for a very expensive therapy bill!

Carry on over the cut for Jane's answer, and more from the Raves...

Jane: We were close already. However, I think through that letter Robert was opening a door to my husband and me, and not seizing that opportunity wasn’t an option.

What advice would you give to anyone in the same position as you guys at the start of the book- a parent and gay son or daughter who's just come out- and who might not be quite as comfortable talking to each other as you are?

Jane: I think as a parent, you have to first realize you love your child unconditionally. I know it sounds so simple, but so many parents forget that. Don’t be afraid to tell your kids that your love has no conditions and more importantly make them feel it. Let them open up slowly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions that’s how a dialogue begins. Or just give them a copy of our book- and after you finish-you’ll be able to decide what to do or in some cases what not to do.

Robert: It’s important to feel the situation out. I know wholeheartedly that not every parent wants to hear about waxing, dating, and body images issues whether gay or straight. It’s all about finding your “in” to bring up the topic. Trust me, I hate confrontation—I wrote a letter to come out to my parents! Take it a day at a time. It’s a good idea to also keep a healthy supply of cosmopolitans nearby in case of emergencies.

What's in this book for people who just want a darn good read? Robert: It has sex, booze, family drama, and body image issues- it sounds like a typical episode of “Footballer’s Wives” to me, so what’s not to like?

What are some of your favourite books? What are you reading now?

Jane: I like all sorts of books. I just finished A Perfect Evil, and that was so intense that I had nightmares from it. I picked up the book by Nora Ephron, I Feel Bad About My Neck, and it gave me a good laugh which I needed after A Perfect Evil.

Robert: Lately, I’m really into memoirs. I’m a HUGE fan of Josh Kilmer Purcell’s book I Am Not Myself These Days. I can’t wait to read more from him. I enjoyed Jen Lancaster’s Bitter Is the New Black as well. I’ve also read everything written by David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs.

Thanks guys!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 20, 2006 1:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

The title page of The Goddess Guide says ‘Gisele Scanlon, a writer, illustrator and seeker of all things stylish and eclectic, has exhausted her passport and gathered together the best of her findings into one unique collection ... From the practical to the frivolous, the fun to the profound, the stylish to the surprising ... sprinkle a little Goddess magic into you life.’ I couldn’t have put it better myself (which is why I didn’t bother.)

Chapters include Style, Beauty, Travel, Home, Havin’ Fun, Joie de Vivre and Pillow Talk and are illustrated with photographs, drawings, hand-written notes from such style luminaries as Serena and Joe from Agent Provocateur and Tracey Emin (although I can’t read her writing at all.

Absolutely packed with information and tips; it’s practically an encyclopedia of 21st Century style. It looks and feels gorgeous and it has clearly been a labour of love on the part of Ms Scanlon.

Some of the tips and recommendations are beyond me - I won’t be spending $38,000 to get my teeth done by Sarah Michelle Gellar’s New York dentist any time soon - but it’s no more aspirational than most women’s glossies and there is great advice within for everyone, whatever their age, earnings or lifestyle. Indispensible.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight

Posted by Keris on December 20, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 18, 2006 12:13 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Feel by Chris Heath

A few years ago I read Literally, a biography of The Pet Shop Boys by Chris Heath. It was utterly compelling, brilliantly written and totally transporting. So I was excited to see that Chris Heath had written a biography of Robbie Williams, whom I lurve.

I was a bit worried it wouldn’t meet the high standard set by Literally, but Feel is everything I expected and more. It's not just a biography of a star, it's a meditation on - and expose of - celebrity and modern culture. And it's really very funny.

Chris Heath got to know Robbie extremely well and has captured brilliantly the contradictions that, in my opinion, make Robbie such a fascinating character. For example, if Robbie values his privacy as highly as he claims, why did he agree to a journalist spending a year with him and writing a book which includes intensely private moments and emotions? You don’t get any answers (well, not many), just more questions about why anyone would choose to be famous in this age of total celebrity obsession.

Feel is a brilliantly written, thought-provoking, gripping, funny book. Whether you love, like, hate, or are indifferent to Robbie Williams, I highly recommend you read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 15, 2006 3:11 PM

Reading "Will and Grace"

One of my favourite shows of all time finished earlier this year: Will and Grace. Yes, it should really have been called Jack and Karen, but this show about a gay man, his best friend and their best friends was consistently funny over eight seasons.

I'm guessing that since it's only just finished, more books may be on the way, but currently there's just a guide called "Will and Grace": Fabulously Uncensored with all the usual guide stuff - interviews, deleted scenes, photos, plus the scoop on the special guests (Matt Damon was my favourite).

And I know it's not book-related, but I was excited to find out that Megan Mullally who played Karen has a CD out called Big As a Berry. Intriguing.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading ... Desperate Housewives / Alias / Friends / Sex and the City / Angel / Dawson's Creek / The O.C. / Gilmore Girls / Veronica Mars / Grey's Anatomy / The West Wing / The Sopranos

Posted by Keris on December 15, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 8, 2006 5:58 PM

MOVIE NEWS: The Innocent Man

George Clooney has bought the screen rights to John Grisham's recent non-fiction book "The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town."

"The Innocent Man" is the true story of a gross miscarriage of justice that sent Ron Williamson to Oklahoma's death row for 11 years for a murder he did not commit. Clooney will produce the movie, but there’s no news yet on whether he’ll also star and/or direct.

With this purchase, Clooney has sealed himself a place on Trashionista’s list of literature-loving stars, which includes Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst and Scarlett Johanssen. Previously, Clooney’s appeared in The Good German by Joseph Kanon, The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger, Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard and The Thin Red Line by James Jones.

But if you think bringing you this news wasn’t at least partially motivated by the urge to look at a pic of George Clooney looking handsome, you’re kidding yourself.

Movie news archives

Posted by Keris on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 7, 2006 9:21 PM

The Glass Castle on stage

While we’re on the subject of non-fic chick lit, Jeannette Walls’ huge-selling (more than 1 million copies in print) memoir, The Glass Castle, has been turned into a one-woman stage show.

The book - about Walls' poverty-filled and dysfunctional childhood - was selected for the American Place Theater's Literature to Life programme, which aims to give students a new way to access literature by bringing books to life. After a performance in New York, the show will travel to schools around the US.

Previous Literature to Life adaptations include The Secret Life of Bees and The Kite Runner. [via Publishers Weekly]

Related posts: The play’s the thing (apparently)

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: What Would Murphy Brown Do? by Allison Klein

Murphy Brown was a 1990s TV show, hugely successful in the US, but less well-known in the UK. The titular character was a tough female journalist and in What Would Murphy Brown Do? Allison Klein examines not only Murphy, but a number of other strong and influential women TV characters, from Roseanne to Ellen to Rachel in Friends.

Starting with "the first overtly feminist sitcom", The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Klein looks at every aspect of women on TV, from the life of the unmarried sitcom woman to body image and ageing to women behind the scenes, supported by quotes from the shows themselves.

I found the essays "Doing 'It' for Fun: The New TV Sexuality" and "The Wonder of Womanhood: TV Friendship" to be the most interesting, but it's all thought-provoking stuff and it also means I've added Roseanne, The Golden Girls and Kate and Allie to my DVD wishlist.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Wisteria Lane ed. by Leah Wilson

Television archives

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

Top ten non-fiction chick lit

Continuing Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza, we bring you....

The top 10 non-fiction chick-lit books! After all, there's nothing to say that chick lit has to be fiction, is there? And we've reviewed some fabulous non-fiction chick lit since Trashionista's incarnation. But what were our favourites? (And why?) Read on for the Top 10 Non-Fic Chick Lit, and what we said about it - in quotes, below - and find out!

10. You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen. Aka: The book that spilled the beans on nannying for the Hollywood elite... truly jaw-dropping.

"I'd definitely recommend it to anyone else who loved The Nanny Diaries, for a real-life perspective (truth really is stranger than fiction)."

9. Conversations and Cosmopolitans by Robert Rave and Jane Rave. A gay man and his mother write alternate chapters about their lives and experiences after Robert gave out as gay via a typo-strewn letter. Cute, funny, and surprisingly  moving:

"I'm a sucker for a good memoir, and this is a very good one. It made me cry in a couple of places, and some of Jane's experiences showed that sometimes straight people are looked down on for their sexuality too- which was a very interesting and unexpected angle... But mostly, it made me laugh and kept me hooked."

8. But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn. Rock chick / journalist Dunn dishes about interviewing famous stars, dodgy boyfriends and an unfortunate cocaine episode... oh, and journalism too, of course!

"If you're at all interested in music or journalism or even if you remember the Eighties (although if you can remember the Eighties you weren't really there, right?), you'll love this charming and funny book."

7. Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison. The story of a British journo looking for love in New York - a real life Bridget/Carrie hybrid!

"I found her story particularly fascinating being a frustrated Lois Lane myself, but you don't need to be a journalist-wannabe to enjoy this book: if you like reading about big cities, love, and the ups and downs of a modern woman making it on her own (and if none of those things interest you, what are you doing here?!) then you'll love this memoir."

6. Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday. A wonderful and unconventional mothering memoir!

"Mama Lama... is a feel good story about being yourself and having fun- even if you have children or are on the verge of giving birth! Ayun and her family are loving and happy, but far from conventional- they dress their little boy in girls' clothes if they fit him and look cute and their little girl was born with an extra thumb! Plus, their ultra-aggressive cat has an embarrassing sexual fetish..."

Carry on over the cut for our top 5 non-fic chick lit books, and to see if you agree!

5. I'm Celibate, Get me Out of Here! A true-life venture into the world of internet dating... with hilarious results.

"This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining. You really feel the roller coaster sense that is associated with the search for Mr Right - at the end of the day we're all either doing it or have done it. The anecdotes are hugely amusing at times, but Elliott never feels the need to be downright rude about any of the men she came across. The idea for the book is very original, who knows it may join the likes of Adrian Mole and Bridget in years to come."

4. Mixed by Angela Nissel. Full of warmth and laughs, but tackles some serious race-related stuff too. My only complaint? It's not long enough!

"This book made me think, while entertaining me, making me laugh and just generally being a joy to read. That's not an easy feat so I can't wait to see what Ms Nissel writes about next..."

3. Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto.  Bit of a departure, this one: a chick-lit memoir in graphic novel form! But if you're not into comics, don't be put off... or you'll miss out, big time.

"There are some sad moments, of course. There's a moving interlude about Marisa's experience of 9/11 and something that happens as a result of her [cancer] treatment actually made me sob, but in the main this book is hilarious, uplifting and, yes, unputdownable. Read it."

2. Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip.

"I simply loved this book... Hillary really is an interesting and unique individual who's taken an inspiring yet down-to-earth "Oddball" journey through life. And I'm so happy she decided to write about it!"

And now for number 1! Can you guess what it is yet? Drumroll please...

It's...

1. Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes! Yes, it has to be, didn't it? Arise, Queen Marian of Keyes, goddess of chick lit - fictional or not! The book that made us discuss kidnapping an author for the very first time (see the comments...) We also said:

"Can she be as successful in non-fiction as she is in fiction? Course she can, silly! This is Marian Keyes we're talking about! The signature humour, warmth and poignancy that we love in her novels is all here as she talks about her real life... If you want a book to curl up with, laugh at and just generally cherish (particularly if you're having a 'duvet day' yourself) then you can't go far wrong with this. And if you've only ever read Marian Keyes's fiction, then you're missing a treat!"

Trashionista Top 100 archives / Non-fiction archives / Memoir archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 5, 2006 12:05 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Fur

Fur, an upcoming film starring Nicole Kidman, sounds like a bit of an odd one... Kidman plays real-life photographer Diane Arbus, who was known for her weird and shocking boundary-pushing photographs. The film is based on Patricia Bosworth's book Diane Arbus: a biography, but the film has added some fictional elements so is subtitled An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus. Fur also stars Robert Downey Junior and is either going to be very very weird, or weirdly compelling- here's when I say "find out from..." but I couldn't get any info on a release date, so I'm guessing next year. [Via Wikipedia]

Movie News archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 4, 2006 12:58 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Hot Mom's Handbook

A new book, The Hot Mom's Handbook seeks to unify hot mothers everywhere! Erm... how nice for them. Actually, despite the throwaway title, it's not a bad idea: the aim is to shatter mothering stereotypes, and show women that motherhood can be fun, and doesn't mean you have to lose your identity, be frumpy or have no life (unless you want to...) But author Jessica Denay does of course have to start off this promotional video by telling us that people often say she's "too hot" to be a mom. I can't help thinking that confession alone would have Lynette Scavo throwing rocks at her PC!

Related: Confessions of a Naughty Mommy by Heidi Raykeil / Book Trailerpark / Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman / Technology archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 4, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Technology | Permalink | Comments (12)

MORE ON MONDAY: Watching the English by Kate Fox

Watching the English is Kate Fox's attempt to make sense of our island race. (Sorry Scots, Welsh and Irish!) She wanted to discover and describe the essence of Englishness - asking what unique attributes do the English have, and how can they be best described - and made sense of? She did some painstaking research to find out: spending a morning bumping into people to see how many of them would apologise (clue: more in England than anywhere else in the world!) or having a pleasant afternoon queue-jumping to see what people's responses would be. (If you guessed out-right violence, you're not English, are you?)

The book is subtitled "The hidden rules of English behaviour" and Fox attempts to uncover and explain what these rules are, and then explains them. To some extent...

Obviously the author has an advantage in some ways - she is English, and she's an anthropologist, so used to the systematic and scientific observation of a society in order to understand its rules. But she can't help getting caught up in them herself - for example she really dwells a lot on the class system, giving it great importance in the book. And here she's only really speaking from one perspective - her own. She talks about how only middle and upper-working class families use coasters, and is at pains to point out that she never would - to prove her upper-middle class credentials. Not exactly an impartial scientific observer, but as she's writing about her own experiences that's probably inevitable! I certainly enjoyed her personal observations and think she made some fascinating discoveries - especially about the unspoken rules of pub behaviour, and the very English approach to sporting events.

I think this book would be a brilliant help to those nations who sometimes find the English cold or have trouble understanding our behaviour (Americans spring to mind, as there are several examples of cross-pond cultural misunderstandings in the book). It's also a very entertaining read for English - and probably even non-English British - people. But the book was sometimes a tad too subjective, sometimes a tad too analytical and I'm not convinced that Kate Fox truly explained what Englishness is, although she certainly makes some interesting and enlightening discoveries about us.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 4, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 1, 2006 12:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Welcome to Wisteria Lane ed. by Leah Wilson

As you might guess from the title, Welcome to Wisteria Lane is a Desperate Housewives-themed collection of essays, by the people who brought you Flirting with Pride and Prejudice and This is Chick Lit.

Of the three books, I think this one is actually my favourite! A whole book about the inhabitants of Wisteria Lane, especially in the show's off-season (as it is now in the UK) is a wonderful treat, like curling up in front of a winter's fire with a cup of hot chocolate... which, now that I think about it, is a good way to read this book... Essays by authors including Shanna Swendson, Lani Diane Rich and Deanna Carlyle explore everything from the hazards of suburban living, to the best housewife role model, to a deconstruction of how cultural differences affect the way the show plays in different countries.

I found all of this very entertaining, and a lot of the essays made me think deeper than I expected- I came away from the book thinking that yes, Lynette is more selfish than I thought! And yes! I have been too hard on Edie, and yes! the men of Wisteria Lane are some weak caricatures... My Favourite essays were Lani Diane Rich's, "Why the best nighttime soap ever is not a nighttime soap, dammit" (about the programme's great writing), Beth Kendrick's "Growing up Wisteria" (the kids of Wisteria Lane) and Sarah Zettel's "Something familiar, something peculiar" (about why men love watching the show).

There were a couple of essays I liked a little less- including one that got too silly for my liking,  and one which got too serious- but which other people might enjoy, so it seems unfair to single them out. As a whole, it's a very strong book, providing a great, intelligent and often very fun insight into 'the Lane' that DH fans will love.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Burnt Toast by Teri Hatcher.

*DID YOU KNOW?* You can catch up with any episodes you've missed on the Channel 4 site.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 30, 2006 8:00 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Marriage and mayhem

Almost everyone I know is getting married lately, and it got me thinking about the number of books devoted to the subject of weddings- especially the ones with madness and mayhem involved! Here are three picks of the bunch- but feel free to read on and suggest your own...

Laura Wolf's Diary of a Mad Bride is a "will there be a wedding disaster or won't there?" classic. Amy vows that when she gets married, she'll be far more level-headed than her taffeta-obsessed engaged girlfriends. But when her boyfriend proposes, she finds she's just as bad as everyone else: "Marriages are made in heaven - but weddings are made in hell...What is it about getting married that can turn a sophisticated, level-headed woman into an obsessed wreck?" A great fast and funny farce- just don't use Amy as your role model...!

Carry on over the cut for more wedding fun...

The next book is about a sister of the bride, rather than a mad bride... If you hated the Debra Messing film The Wedding Date (everyone I know who's seen it does!) then don't be put off by the book it's based on- they're nothing alike! Liz Young's Asking for Trouble is about Sophy, who doesn't have a date for her sister's wedding, so asks an attractive escort to accompany her... of course, things don't go quite to plan!

Finally, Marry Me by Carey Marx is the true-life story of a comedian's quest to find true love and get married... within six months! It's very, very funny- but you'll have to read it to see if he achieves his goal...

What are your favourite marriage/wedding themed books?

Thursday Three archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (5)

Reading Smallville

Back to another show I've never watched, I'm afraid. Smallville is a series about Clark Kent/Superman's early life and I've heard it's rather fab (and not just because Tom Welling is undeniably cute).

First up is Smallville: The Visual Guide. Featuring the first five seasons, it includes all the usual profiles and pics along with "specially commissioned, never-seen-before maps of Smallville and Metropolis."

There are official companions to Season 1, Season 2 and Season 3 along with a series of novelisations including Arrival, See No Evil, Sparks and the rather exciting-sounding, Animal Rage.

No cultural study as yet, but the show does feature prominently in The Man from Krypton, which is "a closer look" at Superman in general.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading ... Desperate Housewives / Alias / Friends / Sex and the City / Angel / Dawson's Creek / The O.C. / Gilmore Girls / Veronica Mars / Grey's Anatomy / The West Wing

Posted by Keris on November 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Non Fiction, Series, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 29, 2006 5:12 PM

BOOK NEWS: I Want Those Shoes

The ladies over on our sister site Shoewawa were very excited to hear about a new shoe-related book that I think Trashionista fans will like, too. Obviously, we like to read about something other than shoes occasionally, but a book about why women love shoes sounds fantastic - and even more so if I can put my feet up whilst reading it, instead of hobbling around in punishingly high heels just to look good... not that I don't do that too, on occasion! Anyway, the book in question is called I Want Those Shoes and it's by Paola Jacobbi...

Visit the Shiny Fashion Forum for more hot shoe chat and buying advice!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 29, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 27, 2006 12:44 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Martha Beck is not just a life coach, she's "Oprah Winfrey's life coach", and if you need a better recommendation than that, there's probably no helping you!

The Joy Diet isn't a weightloss diet. Martha explains in the introduction that she's using the original meaning of the word diet, "a way of living or thinking," and the book's subtitle is "10 daily practices for a happier life".  The thing I love about Martha Beck is though she's that very new agey thing - a life coach - she's profoundly practical.  She's also extremely funny. 

The ten practices (or "ingredients") of The Joy Diet are "nothing" (i.e. meditation), "truth" - telling the truth about your life and situation (you should also, as Martha puts it, "offer compassion to your inner lying scumbag"), "desire", "creativity", "risk", "treats" (my favourite), "play", "laughter", "connection" and "feasting".  See, Martha is all about being good to yourself and listening to your body (and soul) to work out what's wrong with your life and how you can make it right. 

It is impossible to read anything written by Martha Beck without feeling inspired.  She recommends that you work through the practices in order, making sure each one feels like second nature before moving on to the next.  I've had the book for years and I've never managed it (she flummoxed me by putting "nothing" - which she admits is the hardest one - first) but I will often pick the book up and read whichever chapter feels most meaningful to me at the time. 

I know I sound like an infomercial or something, but I really am evangelical about Ms Beck.  I first discovered her when I read an article she'd written on "seizing the day" in an American magazine.  It's absolutely not too strong to say it changed my life.  Her book, Finding Your Own North Star, is brilliant if you're still looking for your "right life", but if you are doing what you love and yet still feel a bit "bleh" then you need The Joy Diet.  (Even if you're not doing what you love, I'd still recommend The Joy Diet, but I'd suggest you run to a bookshop - or click like you've never clicked before - and buy Finding Your Own North Star first). 

Rating 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard

More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on November 27, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

TV News: Going Overboard

Yep, normally it's movie news, or play news (news about plays, rather than pretend news, that is!) around here so I thought it was about time for some TV-themed book goss.

Kelsey Grammar, TV producer (of lots of stuff, including a big fave of mine, Medium) and ex-Frasier, is helping turn American author Sarah Smiley's memoir, Going Overboard (subtitle: The Misadventures of a Military Wife) into a sitcom for American network CBS.

[Via SarahSmiley.com]

DID YOU KNOW? Jennifer Weiner's Good in Bed was optioned to be made into a TV series by HBO (makers of SATC, of course) but sadly nothing came of it... boo. Get Kelsey on the case!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 23, 2006 12:05 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Will Write for Shoes by Cathy Yardley

In the midst of madness of NaNoWriMo, I'd bet my Versace specs that the chick-lit writers of tomorrow are going at it in their masses.

Writing, that is. What did you think I meant?

Being the not-so-proud owner of a feeble NaNo attempt myself, I'll admit that often, a guide book is required. It's not that the majority of us don't know our stuff (and personally I read and own so much chick-lit that I swear my cheapie Argos bookcase is about to explode and give me massive papercuts courtesy of the Shopaholic series) but hey, what's wrong with a bit of assistance?

Following Trashionista's recommendation of how-to chick-lit book See Jane Write, I must give credit to another title of similar nature: Will Write for Shoes - How to Write a Chick-Lit Novel, by Cathy Yardley.

It's pretty, it's pink, and more importantly, it's chock-full of writing tips for any aspiring chick-lit writer.

So, you want to write a girly masterpiece? Where to begin? Of course, those who read a lot of the genre obviously have a vague idea of where such a book should be heading. But if you're just starting out, Will Write for Shoes is a brilliant resource for your first-time writing needs. Yardley covers the brief history of the chick-lit genre, from its birth in the form of Bridget Jones to the recent bout of novels as the genre has burst forth with so much to offer.

There's also a handy 'Chick-Lit 101' detailing the traditional aspects of the chick-lit novel, along with advice on trends and the numerous cliches which get really old, really fast. So before you even THINK about putting that overly-camp gay hairdresser of a best friend into your novel for 'comic relief' - seriously reconsider. You have been warned.

Aside from the ever-so-handy tips on the genre itself: what it's all about, what to avoid and what can make one's novel prosper, the rest of this book reads quite like any other how-to writing guide, only with a sweet, candy-like covering. It doesn't go into immense detail but does provide some personal insights from the author, who has several published chick-lit books to her credit, and this made fascinating reading.

Topics such as agents, publishers and various steps of novel-writing are covered, each topic being well-written and fun to read. There's also a section covering various publishers, along with a handy contact list, though this is only a bonus if you're based in America. UK chicks will be forced to look elsewhere, I'm afraid! There's also a great FAQ chapter and a variety of samples (query letter, synopsis etc) to help you on your way to published success. (Although British readers beware! UK publishers usually want first three chapters, not a synopsis - so best to do your own research).

In any case, Will Write for Shoes is a fabulous addition to the bookshelf of any upcoming chick-lit writer. It can't guarantee you instant literary fame and a spot on the bestseller list, but it will certainly guide you on your way to creating a decent plot and - hopefully - a well-written first novel.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs; No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on November 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 22, 2006 5:05 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, we weren't exactly flooded with answers (come on, we can do better this week!) but those who did Yay or Nay decided that graphic novels should be allowed to be nominated for literary prizes. So there, lit snobs!

This week, another hot book (and relationship!) topic: I read this week in Glamour that famously fiery chef (and now star of Hell's Kitchen both here and in the U.S) Gordon Ramsay refused to read his wife's cook book (threatened, much?) Lovely This Morning agony aunt Denise Robertson's husband also never reads her novels... and she's quite happy about it. But how would you feel if your partner didn't want to read your work- rejected... or relieved?

Are partners even 'allowed' to shirk their duties in this way? Or is it perfectly healthy to draw a line between work and home?

In other words: your other half reading your masterpiece... is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

Posted by Aigua Media on November 22, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (8)

Reading The West Wing

The West Wing is my favourite TV show of all time and I know that Diane is equally obsessed, so it's amazing I haven't featured it sooner. In case you've never seen the show - and if you haven't, you really should (put this on your Christmas list) - it follows the Presidency of Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his brilliant staff. It's sharp, funny, thought-provoking and inspiring. And, no, you don't have to be interested in or understand politics to enjoy it.

The official guide, The West Wing Companion, features the usual episode guide (for the first two seasons) and character profiles.

Inside Bartlet's White House is an unauthorised guide but an informed and informative one. It features background, quotes, inaccuracies, and explanations (very handy to decipher all that political jargon). Inside the West Wing is along the same lines and includes critical responses to the show.

There are two script books - Seasons 1 & 2 and Seasons 3 & 4 which are not only brilliant in their own right, they also help you catch all the bits you missed (The West Wing is a very fast show!).

If you do happen to be interested in the political aspect of the show, then try Mr. Sorkin Goes to Washington: Shaping the President on Television's the "West Wing" or "The West Wing": The American Presidency as Television Drama

There's also a book about the creator of The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin. In Considering Aaron Sorkin: Essays on the Politics, Poetics and Sleight of Hand in the Films and Television Series, eleven writers "explore the subtle, pervasive and often contradictory messages woven throughout Sorkin's work, from politics to portrayals of women, and consider his impact on film, television and culture." The book also features an interview with Aaron Sorkin himself.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls / Reading Veronica Mars / Reading Grey's Anatomy

Posted by Keris on November 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 21, 2006 2:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Naughty Mommy by Heidi Raykeil

Before their first child was born Heidi Raykeil and her husband, JB, had a wild marriage (if you know what I mean). But Heidi's shocked to find that following the arrival of daughter Ramona, her libido has completely left the building. At first she's unconcerned. She's tired, she's totally engrossed in her baby, that is all she needs, but as time goes on and she realises her lack of enthusiasm is actually damaging her marriage, she decides to do something about it.

It's not as simple as a trip to that shop with the plastic knickers in the window, Heidi needs to examine every aspect of her marriage, her own attitude to - and history of - intimacy (can you tell I'm trying to write this without using the "S" word?) and what motherhood means to her and to her relationship with her husband.

And she does it with a startling and admirable openness. It's not just that she shares intimate details of her life with her husband (but she does; she really, really does), she shares intimate details of everything, which is so important because this is still an issue that is rarely discussed (although Oprah has featured it!). Heidi also writes beautifully about the all-encompassing nature of parenthood.

I really loved Confessions of a Naught Mommy. Despite the Carry On-style title, it's entertainingly written and incredibly brave. I don't doubt that all parents would find something important in it, even those of us who weren't "bouncing each other off the walls" even before we were parents!

Rating 4 out of 5

Like this? Try .. er .. The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy by Polly Williams

Did you know? Heidi answers readers questions here - not for the fainthearted!

Posted by Keris on November 21, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 20, 2006 1:00 PM

Trashionista Recommends: Fresh Yarn

You know how much we love Hillary Carlip here at Trashionista, so we were excited to discover Fresh Yarn, a site she set up to feature personal essays by some great memoir/essay writers. (The current issue includes a very timely essay, The Federlines and Us by Elizabeth Crane). Hillary edits the site and it's updated with six new essays every month with past issues still available to read in the archives. If you're already up to date, the new issue will is due on 1st December.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Non Fiction, Opinion, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 17, 2006 12:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron is one of my heroes. Not only is she a wonderful novelist (read our review of her novel, Heartburn), she also wrote and directed my favourite film of all-time, When Harry Met Sally. So when I sat down to read her latest collection of journalism, I Feel Bad About My Neck, I was excited.

Subtitled 'and other thoughts on being a woman', this is a slim book and I read it in about an hour, but it was a blissful hour. Chapters include 'I Hate My Handbag' and 'Anything you think is wrong with your body at thirty-five you will be nostalgic for at the age of forty-five' and every word is intelligent, insightful and often very funny.

Nora writes about her love affair with an apartment building (it sounds gorgeous), her failure to have an affair with JFK, despite working as a White House intern, and just how much time and money it takes to stay looking good as you get older (she says it's a second job). Plus her chapter on parenting offers some of the best advice I've ever read (and I've read a lot). The 'What I Wish I'd Known' chapter offers more of the kind of life tips I'd like to cut out and stick on my walls or carry around in my purse - 'If the shoe doesn't fit in the shoe store, it's never going to fit', 'The plane is not going to crash'.

It's not all funny - she writes wryly about accepting the inevitability of death and movingly about the death of her best friend - but it is all honest, beautifully written, and so true.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

I Feel Bad About My Neck isn't out in the UK until 1 March 2007 (though the US version is available now). The UK version has a different, somewhat softer, cover. Which do you prefer?

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

BOOK NEWS: Perfectly Plum

Who doesn't love curling up with a good Plum? A Stephanie Plum book, that is... Janet Evanovich's series of books about Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter (the latest of which, Twelve Sharp, came out this year) have been one of the most popular series ever. Their kick-ass, take-no-prisoners heroine has become a female icon and the books are simultaneously fun, inspiring and edge-of-your-seat dramatic. So it's not surprising that BenBella books, publishers of This is Chick Lit, Welcome to Wisteria Lane and Totally Charmed have an upcoming anthology devoted to all things Plum. Called Perfectly Plum (subtitle: Unauthorized Essays on the Life, Loves and Other Disasters of Stephanie Plum, Trenton Bounty Hunter) it will be released in June.

And the best part? Trashionista's very own Keris Stainton is one of the contributors, with an essay on Stephanie's relationship with her sister- you won't want to miss this!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 16, 2006 2:11 PM

Reading Grey's Anatomy

Yes! I series I actually watch! Or did, until I missed most of the second series ..

Anyway Grey's Anatomy in a hospital drama in the ER vein, it features Patrick Dempsey as the delicious Dr McDreamy (not his real name) and it's one of Alison Pace's favourite TV shows. That's all you need to know really.

There's only one Grey's Anatomy book so far, but it sounds so good I thought I'd go ahead and tell you about it.

Written by Stacy McKee and Chris Van Dusen - both writers for the show - Grey's Anatomy: Notes from the Nurses Station and Overheard at the Emerald City Bar is two books in one. Read it from one side (Notes from the Nurses Station) and get Debbie's hospital gossip; read it from the other (Overheard at the Emerald City Bar) and get Joe the bartender’s take. Cool.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls / Reading Veronica Mars

Posted by Keris on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 14, 2006 11:39 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

Show me a chick-lit fan, and I'll show you a woman who loves Marian Keyes (at least 99% of the time). Her book Under The Duvet was a bit of a departure for Marian though. It's a collection of pieces of journalism, opinion pieces and slices of autobiography- some previously published, some published only in Ireland and some that had never before seen the light of day. First published in 2001 (and with a sequel, Further Under the Duvet released in paperback this autumn) it seems about time we reviewed it. We 'Yay or Nay'-ed you on whether you wanted La Keyes to just stick to fiction, and the answer was a unanimous no, even from those who hadn't read about any of her Under The Duvet experiences (um, so to speak!)

So can she be as successful in non-fiction as she is in fiction? Carry on over the cut to find out.

Course she can, silly! This is Marian Keyes we're talking about! The signature humour, warmth and poignancy that we love in her novels is all here as she talks about her real life. She sets the record straight about what life as a writer is like, letting fans into her daily routine (lots of typing and banana-eating in bed, apparently!) talks about her research trips and travel experiences and why she can never get enough shoes. But this isn't just a cosy romp through chick-lit subjects. Marian comes across as intelligent and astute, very kind and very appreciative of her good fortune. She also handles more serious subjects than those I've just described, telling the story of her alcoholism, her recovery, and how she came to be a writer as a result- which is extremely moving.

If you want a book to curl up with, laugh at and just generally cherish (particularly if you're having a 'duvet day' yourself) then you can't go far wrong with this. And if you've only ever read Marian Keyes's fiction, then you're missing a treat! When I told my co-ed Keris I was reviewing this she said, "LOVE it. Doesn't it make you just want to move to Ireland, hunt her down and force her to be your best friend?" Much as that makes us sound like stalkers, it's true.

(My one complaint is that more women writers don't try this type of non-fiction collection!)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes.

Marian Keyes archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 14, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 13, 2006 2:14 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty

Since it's NaNovember, I thought a NaNo related More on Monday may be appropriate. Chris Baty is the founder of NaNoWriMo and his book No Plot? No Problem! was written with the NaNo challenge in mind (it's subtitled A High-velocity, Low-stress Way to Write a Novel in 30 Days).

Even if the thought of writing 50,000 words in a month fills you with horror - but you've still got that novel idea in the back of your mind - this could still be the book for you.

What you get in No Plot? No Problem! is a more detailed (and hilarious) account of why NaNoWriMo works - your first draft is not meant to be great, in fact it's better if it isn't. What you need for a first draft is words on the page.

It's not about how to write (there are tons of books for that) but rather how to force your bum on to the seat, learn to ignore your inner critic (the one that tells you what you're writing is rubbish), stop procrastinating with endless cups of tea and chocolate digestives (oh, right, that's me) and actually get some work done.

It's motivational, inspirational and, like I said, very funny. You could use it to challenge yourself to write a novel in any month (it doesn't have to be November, you know!) or just as a practical and entertaining back-up to any sort of writing.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Intro to NaNovember / More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on November 13, 2006 in American Authors, More On Monday, NaNovember, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Guides to modern manners

Yes, following the popularity of programmes like Ladette to Lady, and perhaps in some part prompted by a resurgence of interest in old-fashioned romance novelists, guides to etiquette are all the rage just now.

New releases include Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners by Henrietta Webb and Josephine Ross and "Mr & Mrs Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen"'s A Pinch of Posh: A Beginner's Guide to Being Civilised. For lads, there's Mr Jones' Rules for the Modern Man, by GQ editor Dylan Jones.

But are these guides actually any good?  Lucy Mangan spent a week trying to live by their rules for The Guardian and it makes great reading!

Related: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating / Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne / It's Vintage, Darling!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 13, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 9, 2006 5:19 PM

That Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham digested by The Guardian

If you've never read The Digested Read in The Guardian, you're missing out. It's a hilarious (and very biting) feature that summarises new releases in the style of the original. The latest victim is Victoria Beckham's new book, That Extra Half an Inch, and it's hilarious!

The digested read begins: I have no qualifications to write this book; that's why I've got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I'd like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They've both got far too many calories...

Read it in full here.

Related: Posh is a signing sensation / Kylie joins celebrity authors / Celebrity memoir mania

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 9, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Celebrity Authors, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

THURSDAY THREE: Breast Cancer Vixens

Yeah, I know, last month was breast cancer awareness month, so this might have been more appropriate then... but deal with it! (Sorry to be bossy, but today's Thursday Three is about three butt-kicking women who dealt with breast cancer and still kept their senses of humour...)

First up, of course, is Cancer Vixen, the wonderful memoir by Marisa Acocella Marchetto which explodes the myth that graphic novels can't be moving, interesting, poignant pieces of work. Marisa writes about her diagnosis, chemo and radiotherapy (and the problems this causes) in such a way that anyone can relate- and anyone whose been through it will appreciate. She goes through some hard stuff, but comes out of it a vixen, not a victim.

Carry on over the cut for more vixens...

When it comes to surviving breast cancer, Tania Katan is something of an expert. In her memoir, My One-Night Stand With Cancer, she talks about what it's like to be a two-times breast cancer survivor after she's diagnosed first at the age of 21, and then again ten years later. She goes through not only biopsies and chemotherapy but two mastectomies. She's angry and upset by her experience- but uses it as a way to express herself creatively too, and ends up finding someone who truly loves and accepts her, so she has a happy ending.

Of course, not everyone survives breast cancer, no matter how hard they fight or how well they write about their experience. Another graphic novelist, Miriam Engelberg, the author of Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person, had initial success with treatment but sadly died on October 17th this year. A memorial will be held for her on November 19th.

Related: My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett / Thursday Three archives.

Breast Cancer Care UK.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 9, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (7)

HILLARY CARLIP ON... Being an oddball

In a guest essay for Trashionista, one of my favourite memoirists of all time, Hillary Carlip, author of the fabulous Queen of the Oddballs, talks about why it's good to be odd...

What is an Oddball?

A lot of people keep asking.

To me an oddball is someone who's on the sunny side of weird. Its someone who's an eccentric, a trailblazer, somewhat mistrustful of the tasteful and the restrained; has an irresistible impulse to gild lilies, act forty-five when they're thirteen and thirteen when they're forty-five, travels off the beaten path. Its anyone who's ever been called an iconoclast or a cock-eyed optimist, and those who are not afraid to do things unaccording to plan.

I've been on the road for the past several months for my Queen of the Oddballs book tour, and my suspicions have been confirmed -- there are major oddballs everywhere! It's been so incredible hearing that my specific and unique escapades and adventures are so universal, touching a nerve in those who at one time or another have felt like an outsider -- like they didn't belong. That's what Queen of the Oddballs is really about. It's not only a fun-filled romp through a creative live lived to the hilt, and true stories of my growing up on the fringe of celebrity, it's also about coming to terms with feeling different and actually taking that a step further by embracing that, going for it fully, and celebrating your inner oddball!

It means the world to me to hear from people who have been entertained and inspired by the book, and are giving their oddballness a chance to thrive.

Remember: Be an oddball! Rebel, reinvent, creatively express. Commit random acts of oddness, and let your freak flag fly. Do things unaccording to plan. I hope you enjoy my book!

ps: There are a few mo' dates added to my tour! If you're in LA, Pittsburgh, Chicago, or Sioux Falls South Dakota, I'd love to meet you! (OH, and I might be doing an event with my Memoirists Collective peeps in NYC in October -- stay tuned!) And lots o' news and fresh new video clips on my website www.queenoftheoddballs.com.

Thanks Hillary!

Excerpted with kind permission from Hillary's Myspace page. (Make us your friend, too!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 9, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 7, 2006 10:47 AM

Dirty Blonde- Courtney Love's new book

As Keris just mentioned, Courtney Love "allegedly" made off with a copy of  Stupid and Contagious recently, without you know, paying.

Now she's released a book of her own: out this week, Dirty Blonde is a collection of diary entries, poetry, song lyrics and photographs from the singer/actress/alleged book thief. Perhaps she'll offer Caprice Crane a free copy...?

[Via Bookslut].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 6, 2006 12:11 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris

Woman's Best Friend is a collection essays about women and their dogs. I know, it doesn't sound like the most fascinating read, does it? But it really is, and I'm not even a dog person (I thought I was until I read this book, but now I realise I'm more of a dog dilettante).

Edited by Megan McMorris and with a foreword by the wonderful Pam Houston, Woman's Best Friend includes essays on subjects as varied as a disturbed Pug in need of "behavioral modification", dogs that talk, falling in love with a dachshund named Cutie, and being unable to fall in love with your dog at all. Of course, the essays aren't just about dogs. They are how dogs fit into lives, inform relationships and choices, teach us how to live and love.

I enjoyed every single one of these essays (actually, that's not strictly true - Rebecca Skloot's The Truth About Cops and Dogs, while brilliantly written, important and heart-breaking, really shouldn't be read by anyone not interested in serious dog attacks. I could not stop thinking about it and it continues to upset me.) Deadwood vs Dogwood by Margaret Littman describes how she fell in love both with her dog and her garden. Gail Hulnick's Sixth Sense is about Casey the keeshond, who always knew she was pregnant before even she did. Marion Winik's Seven Reasons Not to Get a Dog is funny and true (and more than convinced me).

If you love dogs, you'll love this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me reconsider my plan to get a dog (I don't want to have to get up at 5am to let it out!). Even if you don't love dogs, you'll love the writing. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Pug Hill by Alison Pace

Posted by Keris on November 6, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 3, 2006 1:17 PM

BOOK REVIEW: My One Night Stand With Cancer by Tania Katan

By the time Tania Katan was 31, she'd had breast cancer twice- the first time at 21- and a double mastectomy. My One Night Stand with Cancer explores what it's like to be faced with a life-threatening illness, twice! and also tells the story of Tania's family life, her upbringing, her work to make it as a writer and her struggle to find a good, healthy relationship.

At times, I found the narrative a bit confusing, as the action moves from Tania's first bout with cancer to her second so it's very choppy at times. She's living in different cities and has different (both awful!) girlfriends but I still forgot which decade I was in occasionally! However, it's not that hard to catch up and I can see that organising things this way helps show the parallels between the two diagnoses but for me a chronological explanation would have worked better.

Still, I found the story completely absorbing, scary, full of emotion and at times very funny and I had a lot of respect for Katan at the end of it. Not because she survived breast cancer twice but because she's so brave about being herself and demanding that others accept her for who she is. For example, she refuses reconstructive surgery because she wants to accept her new body, and for others to do the same, and when they do it's one of the most poignant parts of the book (yes, I cried).

I can see that this memoir probably isn't everyone's cup of tea- Katan is very upfront about her feelings, her sexuality (in some detail- although nothing too crude!) and her inner struggles. Anyone from the "keep-it-to-yourself-stiff-upper-lip" school of thought might not appreciate her approach! But it works for her: she survived cancer times two, found happiness and inner peace- and I really enjoyed reading about it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto; Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 3, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 2, 2006 6:18 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Bitch Lit

Is it me, or is the book world getting a little bit... bitchier this year? With anthologies created purely to rail against chick-lit, and chick-lit anthologies created to show them who's boss, women writers are sparring like never before. Today's Thursday Three is about saying damn it to nice cutesy heroines, and celebrating the inner bitch in all of us...

Bitch Lit, edited by by Maya Chowdhry and friend of Trashionista Mary Sharratt, is a collection of stories about bad girls and anti-heroines, "women who take the law into their own hands, who defy society's expectations, put their own needs first and don't feel guilty," according to the blurb on Amazon.  It's a book that celebrates the fact that sometimes being powerful means being a bitch- or at least, being thought of as one.

What bitchy books will we find over the cut? Be nice to me and I'll tell you...

The title of memoirist Elizabeth Wurtzel's book Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women (follow that link to read an extract) is pretty self-explanatory. She considers why women are called bitches by the media and society, and why victim-hood is too often celebrated, rather than bolshiness! In five essays, she writes about women as diverse as Hillary Clinton, Sylvia Plath and Nicole Brown-Simpson (O.J's unfortunate ex). She draws few conclusions but asks some worthwhile questions- although she was criticized for her choice of women (!)

Back to fiction, Martha O' Connor's debut novel The Bitch Goddess Notebook [The Bitch Posse in the U.S]caused quite a stir when it was published earlier this year. The story of three friends whose lives are ripped apart by a violent crime, it also has a main character who celebrates female sexuality quite er, actively.

So what do you think- is 'bitch' a huge insult, or a word women need to reclaim? Does it mean we're seen as ambitious and powerful- or unpleasant and overbearing?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Short Story Collections, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (2)

Lisa Clark's NaNoWriMo

Author of the forthcoming Think Pink (the ultimate go-for-it guide for girls!) and all-round Pink World goddess Lisa Clark is taking part in NaNoWriMo so I dragged her away from the computer (and America's Next Top Model) long enough to ask her what she's working on.

I don't really know what my book is going to be about yet, I'm not a plot outline kinda girl. The very, very basic premise is based on an angsty English teen girl called Flo who finds herself in a hot New York City for the summer. Why she's there I don't know yet, but I do know that it will be a summer of re-invention and transformation ...

Sounds fabulous! If you want to let the world know what you're working on for NaNoWriMo (you never know, an agent or publisher could be reading!) then either leave a comment or email us.

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, Non Fiction, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

Anne of Green Gables anniversary

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original publication of the classic novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, novelist Budge Wilson has been commissioned to write a prequel, to be called Before Green Gables.

Along with the prequel, there will also be a special collectible 100th anniversary edition of Anne of Green Gables featuring the original cover art, and Imagining Anne: the Scrapbooks of L. M. Montgomery will also be published. [via Galleycat]

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in Book News, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars is another show I've never seen, but fully plan to catch up with on DVD (one day, when I've finished Buffy, Alias, Charmed and all the others I've been instructed to watch!). Diane mentioned a novel by a Veronica Mars writer, but what else is there for the discerning VM fan?

Well the first one I found isn't just about Veronica Mars, but it sounds great. Teen Dreams: Reading Teen Film and Television from Heathers to Veronica Mars is by Roz Kaveney. Along with VM ("Watching the Teen Detective"), she also looks at how Jane Austen's Emma became Clueless and, of course, Buffy.

And that's pretty much it, I'm afraid. There are two novelisations due out in June next year - The Case Files of Veronica Mars Book One and Book Two, but apart from that you'll just have to comfort yourself with a calendar (except it appears to cost almost £50 on Amazon UK; that can't be right ..).

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls / Reading Beverly Hills 90210

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 1, 2006 6:07 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, we discovered that most of you have nothing against a nice novelisation, with one lone dissenter who'd prefer authors left  well enough alone. This week, I want to know what you think about a different genre altogether: misery memoirs, also known as 'grit lit'. With JT Leroy and James Frey exposed as fraudsters and questions raised about the authenticity of  other authors' recollections, the genre has been under scrutiny as never before.

Since the popularity of A Child Called It, there's always one of these books in the top ten lists every week. You can recognise them by the black and white picture of a sad looking child, and the handwriting font of the title, and some people specifically look for that type of book. But should they? Is it interesting and helpful to read memoirs of abject misery, or is it intrusive and gruesome? Are vulnerable people being exploited, or causing themselves more pain and misery, by writing this type of book- or is it healing and cathartic? Do you enjoy reading them, or not?

Basically... is it a Yay or a Nay- and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (6)

Win books on Corrieblog!

We're a little late mentioning it but yesterday our wonderful sister site Corrieblog turned one- Happy Birthday Corrieblog! I can't imagine the blogging world without you- what a sad place it must have been...

Anyway, to celebrate, they have three signed copies of Julie Goodyear's autobiography to give away on the site- click here to find out more about the book and how to enter!

Related: Celebrity Memoir Mania / Ghost writers are in the money / Posh is a signing sensation.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 1, 2006 in Announcements, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Competition, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posh is a signing sensation*

While we're on the subject of celebrity authors, Victoria Beckham broke store records on Monday when 3,000 fans turned up to Selfridges in London for a signed copy of her style guide, That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between.

Some fans queued for over 12 hours to make sure they got their book (described by the publishers as a “revealing and practical” guide to “fashion, beauty and style”) and Victoria stayed at the store until they had all been signed. [via book2book]

It's a bit different from Paul Burrell's recent experience, isn't it? (By the way, if anyone's starved for Paul Burrell/Diana news, you can read all about his "last Christmas with Diana" in the latest issue of Eve magazine. No, really.)

* No, not a singing sensation - obviously.

Posted by Keris on November 1, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Felicity Huffman

Not long ago, we wrote about Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall's books, including her latest - for teens this time - Being A Girl.

Now it seems - not to be outdone - Desperate Housewives' Felicity Huffman has her own book coming out. Published next January, it's snappily titled A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants to Be One/For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One and is described as a blithe, bold, and bawdy guide to building a better boyfriend (filled with humor, ribaldry, common sense, and assorted outdoor skills). Sounds, er, interesting. (But she is married to the wonderful William H Macy, so I'm happy to take her advice!)

Related posts: Reading Sex and the City / Reading Desperate Housewives

Posted by Keris on November 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 31, 2006 10:15 AM

BOOK NEWS: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

Anyone who's read any David Sedaris will know that his family's a little...kooky, to say the least. So when I tell you that his little sister, actress/comedian and now author Amy Sedaris, has brought out a new book about entertaining, you'll understand that she's not exactly positioning herself as the new Martha Stewart. The title of her book, I Like You: Hospitality Under The Influence might be another clue, too!  The recipes are real, but the delivery is definitely tongue-in-cheek.

According to her website*: "Sample chapters include: A Greek Dinner Date; Grieving; Entertaining Children; A Rich Uncle Comes to Visit; Baby Shower; The Elderly; Cooking for Oneself; Picnic; and a variety of courtships, such as dating a hunter, a dieter, or an alcoholic."

*great name! Nothing wrong with some healthy self-esteem.

If you like this type of fun and determinedly non-politically correct home entertaining guide, you might also enjoy A Slob in the Kitchen (Recipes and Entertaining Advice from a Housewife Superstar ) by the ever-humble U.S TV presenter/model/author Karen Duffy.

Fanny Craddock must be turning in her grave.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 30, 2006 11:03 AM

More Richard and Judy book news

What's the best gift book to get your mum, dad, boyfriend or best friend? Well, as you should already know, Richard and Judy will be helping you make that choice on December 9th, and we now know (thanks to Bookseller.com) that Rupert Everett, Billie Piper, Gordon Ramsay and the Little Britain boys Matt Lucas and Matt Walliams will also be there to help decide on the best books for Xmas 06.  Discover the top picks on Saturday 9th December.

And! Over on the 4 Radio website you can download discussions of this year's R & J book club picks (or the first four of them, anyway: Arthur & George, Empress Orchid, The Farm and Moondust). The new Richard and Judy book club will be coming up early next year (I'm excited!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Richard and Judy, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2006 5:45 PM

MOVIE NEWS: A Guide to Recognising Your Saints

Based on the book by Dito Montiel, which gives an autobiographical account of growing up in Queens, New York in the 1980s,  A Guide to Recognising Your Saints is a new film starring Robert Downey Junior and Rosario Dawson. (It was also co-produced by Sting). It was released on 13 October in the US, and is coming to the UK on 23 February. Watch a trailer here.

[Via The Ellen Degeneres Show, Amazon and Allocine].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

Book stuff on Handbag.com

Handbags and books have been linked for a long time. Not only is, "A handbag?!" a famous funny line from The Importance Of Being Earnest but they're the perfect place to stash your latest read for bus journeys or a quick lunchtime catch-up.  Plus, you can buy bags that look like books.

So it's no surprise that women's website Handbag has a thriving books section- with book news and reviews and a recently-revamped books message board, which even has its own monthly book club. Plus, they're offering an exclusive free story, The Commuter, as a podcast for your journey to/from work. (The blurb uses the phrase "agony of single life" which frankly makes me blanch, but you don't have to let that put you off!)

If you want to read more bag-related news, visit our sister site The Bag Lady.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 27, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 26, 2006 3:46 PM

Reading Beverly Hills 90210

Lord, did I ever love Beverly Hills 90210. I loved Brandon. I loved Dylan. I hated Brenda (didn't everyone hate Brenda?). I wanted to go to school there and work on the newspaper with Aaaaandrea and punch Ian Ziering in the face during the opening credits (playfully and in time with the music, of course). Ah, those were the days.

If you miss it as much as I do (although I seriously doubt you do), you'll be delighted to know there are LOADS of 90210 related books! Unfortunately, because the show's been over for so long, many of them are out of print, but I'll do what I can ...

After that introduction, I'd better start with a serious one. How about Beverly Hills, 90210: Television, Gender, and Identity (Feminist Cultural Studies, the Media, and Political Culture) by E Graham McKinley? Based on, according to Entertainment Weekly, "intense sessions of anthropological research", the book focuses on how watching the show informs the construction of identity for young female viewers. Blimey.

Carry on over the cut for more frivolous picks.

I can't see an authorised guide, but there's an unauthorised guide with a startlingly boring cover.

There are loads of novelisations, like Two Hearts, Senior Year and More Than Words.

And - oh look! - The "I Hate Brenda" Book!

There's also a book called All I Need to Know I Learned on Beverly Hills 90210 which I really want to read, but can't find anywhere. Damn.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls

Posted by Keris on October 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 24, 2006 2:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto

We recently told you that Marisa Acocella Marchetto's Cancer Vixen is to be made into a film starring Cate Blancett.

I was desperate to read it from the minute I heard about it and I got the chance last weekend. The word 'unputdownable' is overused in book reviews. I mean, it's not true, is it? There's no book that you literally can't put down, but there are some books that once you start reading you don't want to stop and, for me, Cancer Vixen was one of those books. I've never read any graphic novels so I opened the book not knowing quite what to expect, but it sucked me in from the very first page. Carry on over the cut to find out why.

Marisa was a successful New York cartoonist and about to get married - quite late in life, it has to be said - when she found a lump in her breast. We find out that it's cancer on page 2 and from there we're thrown straight into her reaction, and that of her family and friends. Plus how is she going to tell her fiance? And how's she going to pay for the treatment? She's freelance and she's let her insurance lapse.

Luckily Marisa's friends, family and fiance are all wonderful and she keeps her spirits up by working and making sure she wears the most fabulous shoes to all her chemo and radiotherapy appointments.

It sound stressful and sad, doesn't it? But Marisa's very funny and her illustrations add to the humour. Her drawing of 'angry' cancer cells 'magnified 3 gazillion times' giving the finger with their tongues stuck out made me laugh out loud. There are some sad moments, of course. There's a moving interlude about Marisa's experience of 9/11 and something that happens as a result of her treatment actually made me sob, but in the main this book is hilarious, uplifting and, yes, unputdownable. Read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett

Posted by Keris on October 24, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

Blogger Dooce forced to produce a book

Dooce is a huge popular American blogger, and I've written before about bloggers turned authors on the site- so the idea of a blook by Dooce was a mouth-watering prospect to me and thousands of Dooce fans. But it's not going to happen- or at least, not quite as planned... She'd signed up to produce a book for publishers Kensington- then apparently changed her mind. Instead of letting it go, Kensington took her to court to compel her to produce a book for them (and not just a notebook with 'I hate Kensington' copied 100 times)- and they won. Dooce (aka Heather Armstrong) will now be editing an anthology for the publishers- I'm sure that will be great fun on both sides, with no hard feelings!  How about The Awkward Anthology for a title?

[Via Galleycat].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 23, 2006 4:07 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

American David Sedaris is well-known across the pond for his humorous essays about his eccentric family and the strange things that happen to him, but he's a lot less well-known over here, despite the fact that he lives in Europe (in France). Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is his most recent book, published last year. After loving one of his earlier offerings, Me Talk Pretty One Day (click that link to read an extract), I was a little disappointed by his other books Barrel Fever and Naked, which I found a bit patchy. Thankfully, with Dress... Sedaris is back on very funny form.

The autobiographical stories/essays in this collection span from Sedaris's childhood- taking in his weird neighbours, rich old relatives and childhood bullies-  to the modern day and the problems of how to get rid of mice in your French farmhouse (drown them on your front doorstep?) There's some very unusual characters here but most entertaining are David and his family, which includes his chain-smoking mother and perma-swearing brother Paul, and his sister Tiffany, who likes to chat whilst on the toilet... they're an odd, colourful bunch, and an endless source of amusement. Not because we're laughing at them, but with them (and maybe feeling a little bit better about ourselves in the process...) David is also endearingly honest about his somewhat obsessive-compulsive tendencies and those odd thoughts that most of us tend to keep to ourselves!

It's hard for me to believe, but I know not everyone loves this type of humour. If Woody Allen's films leave you cold and you think Oscar Wilde, Dorothy Parker and Carrie Fisher are over-rated hags (what?!), you probably won't enjoy this book. Likewise, if you're offended by swearing and sexual innuendo (not to mention mouse-drowning) there's moments here that will make you cringe. But if you like a book to make you laugh and reading about someone else's problems makes you feel better, this book is a dream.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Conversations and Cosmopolitans by Robert Rave and Jane Rave; Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip.

More on Monday archives.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 19, 2006 12:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate? It's like Lynette Allen's taken my life and put it in a book! Luckily she's not writing about my unmentionables on the radiators and how I had four Fox's Classics for breakfast, but rather 'Life changing strategies for busy women'. Sounds too good to be true. Is it?

No, it's fab.

Obviously, laundry and chocolate issues are unlikely to fill a book (well, laundry issues anyway) and Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate basically consists of short chapters of tips, advice, inspiration for all aspects of a busy life. You can start at the beginning and read everything, you can close your eyes and pick a chapter, or you can just read the chapters relevant to your situation.

Chapters include "Green Cross Code for women - stop, listen and act!" (decision-making tips), "Calm your environment, calm your mind!" (this one is actually about dealing with your laundry pile!) and "Are you sitting just a little too comfortably?" (inspiration if you're bored with life and afraid to try new things).

Obviously with such short chapters, you're not going to get in-depth advice, but there is definitely great common-sense information and inspiration to be had - and who has time to read in-depth advice anyway? Plus the book comes with a CD of tips (read by BBC Radio 2's Janey Lee Grace) which is a great idea - you can listen in the car or even while you finally tackle that laundry!

Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate (you can tell I love saying that, can't you) is an excellent book and one I'll definitely be dipping into again.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard or Behind with the Mortgage and Living off Plastic by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on October 19, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

The 'Stuff On My Cat' book!

Popular website Stuff On My Cat treads a fine line between hilarity and mild cruelty. Believing that "stuff + cats = awesome" the site features a variety of pictures of cats with... stuff on them. (Cats + remote controls = unhappy cats). Chick lit author Karyn Bosnak even chronicled her attempts to get her cat Elvis onto the site (she eventually succeeded with the photo on the right).

Now Galleycat reports that Stuff On My Cat the book is coming- and in honour of this, publishers Chronicle are holding a competition for cat-owning booksellers with a place in Stuff's upcoming 2008 calendar up for grabs...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 18, 2006 5:35 PM

The titles that got away

An article in New York Metro reveals the working titles of a bunch of bestselling books.

Would Marisa Acocella Marchetto's Cancer Vixen (review coming soon) about her battle with breast cancer be creating such a buzz if she'd stuck with the title Breast Case Scenario?

I actually rather like the original title of Kate Atkinson's One Good Turn - Jolly Murder Mystery. Very Enid Blyton. [via Bookninja]

Posted by Keris on October 18, 2006 in American Authors, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip

Author of Queen of the Oddballs Hillary Carlip is a bit of a female Forrest Gump. Not because she has sub-normal intelligence and rambles about the similarities between life and Thorntons's finest (she doesn't!) but because she seems to have been on the edge of so many pop cultural moments: from stalking (sorry, "befriending") seventies songbirds Carly Simon and Carole King, to having a bit part in Xanadu with Olivia Newton-John, seeing John Cusack with his zit cream on and being all but ignored by Oprah on an episode dedicated to her first book (and much more besides!)  Hillary's seen it, done it and taught herself to juggle and breathe fire (really). Her memoir's subtitle is "...true stories from a life unaccording to plan". Very, very apt!

I simply loved this book. Part of its charm is, to be honest, that Carlip has a lot of quirky celebrity stories to share (I guess growing up in L.A will do that). But the biggest selling point of the book is Hillary's sense of humour, wit, and honesty. She's not afraid to make herself look stupid or insecure if it makes her story more honest and true, and that's what I responded to most. There are moments of almost unbearable poignancy, especially towards the end of the book, which made me weep. But more than anything, this book made me laugh.

The book moves chronologically and at the start of each chapter, there's a summary of events from that time period (usually illustrated with a picture of the author at the time) which I found informative and very entertaining. Example from 1980: " I use a whole sheet of paper to remind myself to try the newly released new product by 3M- post its." The author also uses different formats for some of the chapters (a script, a diary, a letter to Olivia Newton-John) but this never becomes gimmicky or annoying, which must be a reflection on the talent of the writer.

Hillary really is an interesting and unique individual who's taken an inspiring yet down-to-earth "Oddball" journey through life. And I'm so happy she decided to write about it!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

*DID YOU KNOW?* Hillary is also a talented web visionary. You can check out her home page here, with links to her other fabulous sites, including the Queen of the Oddballs site. (So pretty!)

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 18, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 16, 2006 2:04 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Eat, Pray, Love

Remember how much I loved Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love (you do memorise my reviews, don't you?), well it's being made into a film starring Julia Roberts and produced by Brad Pitt. Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy will adapt the book and direct. Apparently, it's going to be 'a large-scale epic that covers four countries'.

Pitt and Murphy are also working on a film version of Augusten Burroughs' memoir, Running With Scissors.

In fact, looks like Brad's a bit of a bookworm. If you check him out on IMDb, he's also listed to produce The Time Traveler's Wife (possibly with Mean Girls' Rachel McAdams as Clare), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and A Million Little Pieces (which is apparently being "reconsidered").

[via Romantic Times]

Posted by Keris on October 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 13, 2006 5:16 PM

Poor Paul Burrell

Last month Diane told us how bored she is of Paul Burrell and it seems she's not the only one.

The Sun has reported that only five people turned up to a signing of his latest book The Way We Were (which is, of course, about Princess Diana) and one of them did it for a dare (and didn't even buy the book)!

Posted by Keris on October 13, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book Trailerpark- for book trailers news!

I've talked about blogging this week and last, and we've told you about the popularity of book trailers before. I guess the logical amalgamation of both these things is Book Trailerpark, a new blog about book trailers. It's only been running since October 9th, but it's fascinating already- although they could include a bit more about women's fiction... I'm sure they will soon! Anyway, here's a trailer they recommend, for Julie Powell's fabulous Julie and Julia (vegetarians beware...)

[Via Galleycat].

(Clearly we're in a techie mood here today!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Technology, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 12, 2006 11:09 AM

Reading The O.C.

Who doesn't love The O.C.? Much like Beverly Hills 90210, The O.C. features a bunch of spoiled-ish rich kids hanging out, talking a lot and generally being glamorous, but this time in Orange County, California, rather than Hollywood, California - so it's completely different, see? While 90210 lasted out a good few seasons before becoming unacceptably ridiculous, The O.C. only managed one perfect season before jumping the shark.

In its favour The O.C.'s got Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) - darling of geek-loving women everywhere - not to mention Jim Robinson from Neighbours. (Apparently some people find Ryan attractive. I can't see it myself, but those people will probably like the Lads of The O.C. calendar.) While I'm on that subject, there is an unofficial biography of both Adam Brody and Benjamin McKenzie entitled Meet the Boys of Summer.

The official book is called Meet The O.C. Superstars and is apparently "a must" for fans of the show. Amazingly, I can't find an unofficial book.

There are novelisations like Spring Break and the fabulously titled The Summer of Summer (who thinks these things up?) plus, brilliantly, 'Twas the Night Before Chrismukkah but that seems to be about all. Shame.

Posted by Keris on October 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 11, 2006 11:55 AM

Knit Lit?

I'm sure you all know how popular knitting is with models and Hollywood actresses (as well as my predecessor Jenni and our ed in chief Gemma!) So I knew there HAD to be at least one novel involving knitting out there, and here it is: the intriguingly titled Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton is a 'knitting mystery' (who knew?)

The majority of knitting books are unsurprisingly non-fiction, but Stephanie Pearl-McPhee writes knitting memoir/advice books that sound funny and interesting whether you can knit one, pearl one (like Julia Roberts) or not (like... me). Her latest is Knitting Rules and despite my lack of knitting know-how, I'm still tempted to read it! Her blog, Yarn Harlot however, is pretty hard core knitting natter, but a good read all the same (and includes four free patterns, too).

Are there any other knit-heavy novels out there?

Oops! I almost forgot about the timeliness of my post- it's actually National Knitting Week in the UK from this Saturday, 14th October, when there will be a Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. More on Knitting from Catwalk Queen.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 11, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

October 10, 2006 4:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Conversations and Cosmopolitans by Robert Rave and Jane Rave

I loved the idea of Conversations and Cosmopolitans: a gay man and his mother alternately discuss life, love and relationships, sharing details of their own experiences, particularly Robert coming out as gay and how that changed their family dynamic.

It promised to be sweet, witty, insightful and funny- and maybe a bit moving, too.

But was it?

I'm glad to say yes, it was! I'm a sucker for a good memoir, and this is a very good one. It made me cry in a couple of places, and some of Jane's experiences showed that sometimes straight people are looked down on for their sexuality too- which was a very interesting and unexpected angle... But mostly, it made me laugh and kept me hooked. So hooked, I read it in a day, eschewing other petty responsibilities like eating and sleeping to do so!

My favourite chapters were The End, about Robert's coming out letter (which he shares, typos and all) It's Getting Hot in Here, about Jane's first experiences of Cosmos- and meeting Rupert Everett! and The Gay Glossary, explaining gay terminology (the first made me cry, the last two made me laugh. A lot).

Conversations and Cosmopolitans could have been a bit longer though... why are good books so often so short?

Rating: 4 out of 5

PS: We're going to be bringing you an exclusive interview with Robert and Jane Rave very soon- I recommend reading the book in preparation, perhaps with a cocktail on hand...

Like this? Try Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 10, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

The unexpected bestseller...

What would you guess the twenty-second most popular book on Amazon UK would be?

This? This? Maybe this?

It's actually this! Hmm... maybe more engineers should be reading Trashionista for some more exciting ideas?!

[Via Galleycat].

Posted by Aigua Media on October 10, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 9, 2006 6:24 PM

Amazon shorts and plogs (explained)

I know, I'm always bringing you news about what the 'folks' (as George Bush would say) at Amazon are up to (like this, this and this) but it's not my fault they're so darn innovative! So at the risk of becoming an unpaid stooge, I wanted to share a couple more of their good ideas with you. (Yeah, I sound like I'm on staff over there, but I'm really not):

Amazon shorts are short stories available for download for 49 cents each at Amazon.com (I'm not sure whether non-US customers can download them, but it's worth a try!) Authors include Lauren Baratz Logsted, Richard and Judy fave Audrey Niffenegger and Paul Reiser, who I'm slightly obsessed with after belatedly discovering Mad About You via cable TV- but you don't need to know about that...

Amazon Plogs is another Amazon.com service, this time for published authors- a blog that is seen by anyone who looks at your book(s)- so you can use it to provide your loyal readers with insider news like tour information or just have a gossip! It's free to anyone with one book or more for sale. Read the FAQ here.

Hopefully all of these wonderful American Amazon innovations will be making their way this side of the pond very soon... please?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 9, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

That was the week that was!

Anyone who visited our site last week couldn't fail to have picked up on the party atmosphere! Wasn't Bafab just brilliant? We had a great time, and we hope -and suspect- you did, too! Maybe we even inspired some of you to buy a friend a book... if we did, tell us about it!

We have to thank all of our lovely readers for helping make the week such a brilliant success, as well as the Shiny team for promoting us and for answering our question "If  you could buy a friend a book, which would you choose and why?"

And of course, the week would have been nothing without Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Shanna Swendson, Hester Browne, Lily Burana, Laura Dave and Jo Elliot, our wonderful guest blogging authors, for generously writing for us AND donating a book each. PLUS, we had very generous donations from Snowbooks & Seal Press, Faber, Andrea Semple, Kathryn Finney and... I hope I haven't forgotten anybody!

You can still enter our giveaways over the next couple of days, if you were silly- I mean unlucky- enough to have passed us by last week... Check out the Bafab archives for a full list.

Here's to another great week on Trashionista this week- we may not have quite the star line-up of Bafab, but we can promise you great book news and reviews all delivered with our trademark sense of fun. So stick around!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 9, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Bafab, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (5)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

If you haven't read any Bill Bryson yet then all I can say is where have you been? Since Notes From A Small Island hit the bestseller lists, Bryson has been enormously successful and popular. Books about travelling around the US and Europe, Africa and Australia followed and earlier books on the English Language were quickly rereleased. A departure into popular science with A Short History of Nearly Everything was another hit and now, with The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, he's written a memoir. Except he hasn't really. Read on to find out why not.

Bryson was born in 1951 and this book is predominantly about the 1950s, most of which he presumably was too young to remember. I've read a number of reviews that claim The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid just doesn't cut it as autobiography, but that's missing the point. This book is less an autobiography and more a travelogue of Fifties America - a fascinating time in a fascinating place. (I imagine it has been marketed as memoir to capitalise on people's interest in and goodwill towards Bryson himself - he really does come across as a sort of lovely favourite uncle.)

We do learn about his childhood and family - his mother was absent-minded and an appalling cook, his father liked to walk around the house naked from the waist down, and we of course learn about Bill's "Thunderbolt Kid" alter-ego - but the majority of the book is given over to a time before couscous, but of enormous wealth and change (in the US). I found it absolutely fascinating and often hilarious.

No, it's not really a memoir, but it's still a fabulous and funny read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

If you like this, try Candyfreak by Steve Almond

Posted by Keris on October 9, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 6, 2006 4:30 PM

GUEST BLOG and GIVEAWAY!!: Jo Elliot

Jo Elliot is the author of I'm Celibate, Get me out of Here! which we raved about back in May ("This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining... 5/5") and her guest blog for us gives us an insider glimpse into the topic of her book, about looking for the love of your life online.

AND! One lucky reader can WIN! a free copy by emailing us your name and address with Celibate in the subject line- you won't regret it!- Sorry, we love our international readers but this one's UK only.

Jo Elliot on Finding the Love of Your life... or not

Internet dating. Isn't that for freaks and weirdos? That's certainly what I thought when I inadvertently joined a dating site 6 years ago. Having been single since God knows when, I was strangely flattered when 'Handsome_Gentleman' landed in my inbox telling me I was his ideal woman. However, one click on his profile revealed that he most certainly wasn't my ideal man.

Tom Evans was, but he broke my heart in 100 places (one of them was Soho). But if at first you don't succeed, then try, try again. Surely there was someone for me in this enormous virtual meat market? And what's more, I could search for them from the comfort of my own desk. And so began a journey that sometimes made me wonder if I'd joined a joke site, and other times took me to such salubrious places as Birmingham Travelodge. Who says romance is dead?

It's just on a life support machine. My friends' hysterical laughter as I recalled my dating stories made me realise I'd be doing the rest of the world a disservice if I didn't share the amusement. So I wrote 'I'm Celibate...Get Me Out Of Here!' I'm glad I'm not Bridget Jones, with two rich, handsome men fighting over me.

I'd never have met The_Hairy_Cornflake.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 6, 2006 in Bafab, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (27)

More "If we bought a friend a book" for your delectation...

Kat, editor of The Bag Lady says: "The books I would recommend to anyone would be Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel, and the sequel, More, Now, Again [follow those links to read extracts] - although both are not particularly well-written, it's more the subject matter which interests me, mainly mental illness and drug dependence.

They're a must-read for anyone who lives in the 21st century, when 1 in 3 are going to go through some form of mental illness in their lifetime. It really gives you a perspective on what it's like to be in that situation. And, for those affected by depression or drug dependence, it's a relief to know that other people of the same age are going through the same traumas, and that yes, you too can pull through as well. I'd also recommend Vice's 'Do's and Don'ts', a capsule of all their best do's and don'ts over the years - only for the young at heart and those  who have a strong sense of humour. A real leave-in-the-toilet book that will have you bursting out laughing whilst on the job, to the worry of your housemates!"

Stuart writes for lots of Shiny's technology and pop culture sites, including the hugely popular Tech Digest. What does he recommend?

"Peter Ackroyd's London: The Biography. It's an amazing warts'n'all (and there are LOTS of warts) biography of the capital, organised by themes rather than chronologically. The best thing I can say about it is that it makes you want to get out there and explore the streets and locations he talks about, from wandering along the route of the old London Wall looking for old bits of masonry, to poking around where Newgate used to be or wondering if you can get a whiff of the noxious River Fleet. As someone brought up on the edge of London, I never really had much interest in its history, but this book really brought it alive. And even though it's huge, the writing crackles along with real pace, so it's never dull."

Meanwhile, John of TV Scoop says.... "OK, you said it's a "generic friend" so I don't know whether they're a lover of sci-fi/fantasy or not, but I am, so maybe I'm trying to convert them;) In which case... I would have to pick something well written, well known, well loved (as in I've reread it many times) and epic in scope. It also helps that it's the first of a trilogy and the world it inhabits is explored in two further trilogies, one set after it in time and one before. Heck if I was feeling generous I might even BAFAT (Buy A Friend A Trilogy). It's The Many-Coloured Land by Julian May, the first book in the Saga of the Exiles series" (No, I'm not sure what's going on in that photo, either...)

Finally, Gemma, our lovely editor in chief and head honcho at  Shoewawa and Catwalk Queen (for starters!), is on a business trip to Las Vegas all week (not for the first time- and she's off there again in January, lucky woman!) so it's not surprising that she suggested Divas Las Vegas by Belinda Jones...

Want to know more? Remind yourself what Mof and Keris, Star, and I all said in answer to the question. Or check out the Bafab archives... it's been quite a week!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 6, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Opinion, Series | Permalink | Comments (13)

October 5, 2006 6:00 PM

THURSDAY THREE: From blog to book

With the news last week that Catherine Sanderson of the Petite Anglaise blog is the latest in a long line of bloggers to be offered a book deal (I'm sure the publicity when she got sacked for blogging earlier this year didn't hurt!), today's Thursday Three couldn't be much more timely: Blooks. That's blogs turned books, of course...

Julie and Julia has to be up first, as it was the inaugural winner of The Blooker Prize earlier this year. It's about Julie Powell's attempts to to cook every recipe in classic American chef Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, within one year. Funny, frank and educational, it's about so much more than cooking... The original blog's no longer active but you can read the archives (including a very moving tribute), here. Ever the blogger, Julie also has a new blog.

Continue over the cut for more, dear bleaders (that's blog readers, apparently...)

No mention of women bloggers turned authors would be complete without featuring Jessica Cutler, whose sensational Washington-based 'sex blog'  propelled her to literary fame. Perhaps because of the delicate nature of some of the material, her book The Washingtonienne is firmly filed in the Fiction section. But how fictitious is it really...?!

And finally, a huge favourite of mine! Mimi Smartypants is a wonderfully witty and intelligent blogger (even though she prefers to call it her 'online diary'), whose book The World According to Mimi Smartypants she is typically (and erroneously) self-defacing about. It's wonderful!

Which blogs would you like to see made into books? (And don't just say your own!)

Other blookers: Abby Lee and the wonderful Angela Nissel.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 5, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

If Diane bought a friend a book ...

It would be The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.

I know very few people who've read it, and yet I can't think of anyone I know who wouldn't find it fascinating and change the way they look at the world.

His second book, Blink is also well worth reading, but I think The Tipping Point is a guaranteed success- buy it for your friends today... (I swear I don't get paid to say that!)

Brought to you by Bafab! (.. and the letter "D" ...)

Posted by Keris on October 5, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

October 4, 2006 9:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Journey Out Of Darkness by Jean Darby

Jean Darby is a retired teacher and has based this book on her own experience of fostering a young girl who was raised by a satanic witch.
 
Journey Out of Darkness traces a girl’s struggle to overcome her abusive past. Rita is one of twins. She clings to her sister Maureen throughout her childhood until their lives take different paths. The mother, who calls herself Cassandra communes with demons, making them do her evil bidding in return for her faithful worship.

Jean Darby has written a large number of children’s books and unfortunately it shows. This book seems to be written in a style aimed for a lot younger reader, with the exception of the rather grim sex scenes. Obviously Darby has had experience of this situation herself, as the book comes across as very believable.
 
Journey Out of Darkness reminds me of afternoons watching Channel 5 movies - the ones labelled ‘American family drama’. The plot, script and acting are all a bit dodgy, but you feel compelled to keep watching. The situation is so terrible and depressing you just have to find out what happens in the end.
 
I felt this book said a lot more about Darby’s opinions and prejudices than the topic of child abuse. She is so obsessed with preaching ‘God good/Satan bad’ that she avoids the real issues. She fails to tackle the complete failure of the government systems to deal with abuse. She is so busy with the fact that the mother is evil due to the fact that she worships Satan, that she fails to notice that the character she’s created is obviously clinically insane. This seems to be yet another failure of their systems that she has remained undiagnosed.
 
Considering the subject matter this book was never going to be an easy read. However, I found it very frustrating that no one questioned the way their schools, social services and medical systems worked. If you want an exciting read that’s full of demons and the occult, give this one a miss.

Rating: 1 out of 5

[Angela Richardson]
 
Like this? Try A Child Called “It”: One Child’s Courage to Survive by Dave Pelzer.

Posted by Keris on October 4, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 1/5, Rubbish Books, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 3, 2006 10:00 PM

EXCLUSIVE FORUM GIVEAWAY!

If you haven't yet joined our lovely Shiny Forum, then you've still got time before the winner of this prize is drawn... but get to it, or you'll miss out!

We have an extra copy of Queen of the Oddballs, and we're giving it away to one of you... (I'm sorry, this is UK only). It's a FANTASTIC book, a memoir about Hillary Carlip, who's starred in films with Tom Hanks and Olivia Newton John, seen John Cusack with his acne cream on and taught famous chat-show hosts to breathe fire. Of course!- But who hasn't?

She's had an odd and wonderful life and her book makes a fantastic read. (I'll be reviewing it soon, but let's just say it will be very favourable!)

To win, you need to sign up for forum membership here (it's free, and simple!) and then answer the question on this WIN A BOOK! thread. Go on, you know you want to...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 3, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book News, Book related, Competition, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (54)

BOOK REVIEW: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating

Lauren Henderson is best-known as a chick-lit writer (I can't believe we haven't reviewed any of her stuff before!) but she's also a Cambridge University graduate who wrote her second-year dissertation on courtship rituals in Jane Austen. So she's well placed to bring us Jane Austen's Guide to Dating (or Jane Austen's Guide to Romance if you have the paperback!)

A mixture of case studies from Austen's novels and real people from the twenty-first century illustrate the points that Henderson has to make about dating. There are ten important principles, from 'If you like someone, make it clear that you do,' to 'If your lover needs a reprimand, let him have it.'  I've never really considered Austen's novels in terms of what we can put into practice in our own lives, so I was interested in this new angle. Plus, as a single girl, I wondered if I'd learn a thing or two...

But I'm just indulging in some minor quibbling! This book is an enjoyable opportunity to revisit Austen, and gives an insight into other people's love lifes that you may learn something from. Any Janeite would enjoy this, whether looking for love for not.

Rtaing: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Flirting with Pride and Prejudice; Getting Personal by Chris Manby.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 3, 2006 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 29, 2006 11:39 AM

Adora Svitak- the eight year old bookaholic who puts us all to shame!

Two days ago, Keris brought us news of an eleven year-old with a book deal- now here's an eight year old!

American Adora Svitak practically defines the term "genius overachiever" and makes the rest of us look, quite frankly, a bit dim. A fan of books on French philosophy and debates about politics, her book Flying Fingers (from www.aultbeapublishing.com) contains writing advice for those of us less prodigious, along with samples of some of her four hundred short stories and poems.  She's even been on Oprah. Oh yeah- and she routinely reads three novels a day, but hey, who doesn't?! (Oh yeah- me...)

[Via The Mirror].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

MOVIE NEWS: Five Men Who Broke My Heart

It's been a big week for movie news this week, hasn't it. Yet another one in the pipeline is Susan Shapiro's memoir Five Men Who Broke My Heart, the screenplay of which is being written by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin, authors of the highly successful The Nanny Diaries and the highly unsuccessful Citizen Girl.

Posted by Keris on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 28, 2006 11:59 AM

MOVIE NEWS: Cancer Vixen

I can't wait to read Cancer Vixen*, Marisa Acocella Marchetto's graphic novel about her diagnosis of and subsequent recovery from breast cancer, so I was excited to hear Cate Blancett is in negotiation for the film rights.

You can watch the book's trailer here.

* instead of "victim", you see?

Posted by Keris on September 28, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading Dawson's Creek

By special request from Diane, yet another TV show I've never seen. I know! (But if you think I was too busy having a life to watch all this stuff you'd be sadly mistaken.) Dawson's Creek was supposedly about a bloke called Dawson, but all I ever heard about was Pacey and Joey (Katie Holmes before she was the future Mrs Cruise). They lived near a creek, talked a lot and all snogged each other. Does that summarise it? Diane?

And are there books? You betcha! There's an official companion to Seasons 1 and 2 and an Official Scrapbook with a foreword by the show's creator Kevin Williamson. There's even an official Postcard Book!

Read on over the cut for more, much more ...

Troubled Waters is the unofficial guide containing the usual episode and character guide. There's also a "fanatic's guide" called Way Too Much Information.

Fiction-wise there's there are some novelisations like Calm Before the Storm and Major Meltdown but there's also the Dawson's Creek Suspense Trilogy, starting with Lighthouse Legend, which sees the Joey, Pacey and Dawson solving mysteries. Kind of like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Probably. It was close, but even better than that is My Fantasy Dream Date With ... James Van Der Beek (amongst others).

Talking of James Van Der Beek, if you're so inclined there's The Boy Next Door: The James Van Der Beek story, a biography of Joshua Jackson, Girl Next Door: All About Katie Holmes (from 2000) and a more recent biography (which might be a little more interesting).

Also available - and I love this - are school curriculum materials (presumably out of date, but still) like
The Beginning of Everything Else. They come with an audio CD and you can download the worksheets from Macmillan's site. (Examples: "Here is a picture of Joey and Dawson at the end of the story. What is each of them thinking?" "Read Dawson’s movie script on pages 10 and 11 again. Dawson is going to make a movie of Pacey’s rescue of Joey. Write Dawson’s movie script ..." "A year after the end of this story, Joey and Dawson are talking together. Write their conversation.")

There's even a book of sheet music of the Songs from Dawson's Creek for "piano/vocal/guitar".

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel

Posted by Keris on September 28, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Jancee Dunn has been a Rolling Stone reporter and an MTV veejay and But Enough About Me is a memoir mixed with anecdotes - often disguised as tips - about interviewing rock stars. (For example, 'It can be done: manipulating your way into the kitchen cabinet' heads the story of how Jancee managed to talk Dolly Parton into showing her around her apartment.)

Growing up in New Jersey as part of an extremely close family, Jancee never dreamt she'd one day be flying around the world interviewing rock stars for the world's most famous music magazine and after reading But Enough About Me I can't quite believe it either. Read on to find out why not.

Given her background, I expected Jancee to be cool. She's not. Well, she is in that this book is honest and funny, but not in the way you would expect a Rolling Stone writer to be, i.e. she's a self-confessed dork. She seems too nice, too sweet, too shy to have had such an amazing career and you don't really get much of an indication from the book as to how she managed it. One minute she's an assistant at Rolling Stone, the next she's got her first interview and then she's off. It's not all sweetness though, there are some dodgy boyfriends and an unfortunate cocaine episode (of course), but there's very little celebrity dirt-dishing. Funnily enough though - particularly for a showbiz gossip-hound like myself - the best bits of the book are the memoir parts rather than the rock star parts (Ha! Rock star parts. Sorry.).

Jancee has the most charming family and the bits about her sisters (whether about their childhood or their relationships as adults) and parents are lovely. In fact, rather than wishing I worked at Rolling Stone (I would never, never, want to interview Johnny Rotten, let alone have that be my first interview, as was the case for Jancee) I was left with an extreme case of family envy. The only off-note for me was that the romantic subplot (with, of course, a happy ending) seemed unnecessary. Can't we ever have a book about a strong, capable, successful woman which doesn't end with her living happily ever after with a man? Having said that, by the end of the book I felt like I knew Jancee and really wanted her to get her happily ever after.

If you're at all interested in music or journalism or even if you remember the Eighties (although if you can remember the Eighties you weren't really there, right?), you'll love this charming and funny book.

Jancee also has a great blog where you can read outtakes from the book and watch clips of her time on MTV (if you can get them to work, which I can't).

(I've included both the UK and US book covers because I much prefer the US cover for once.)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison

Posted by Keris on September 28, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 25, 2006 1:53 PM

Celebrity Memoir Mania

Celebrity memoirs are worth big bucks to celebrities - Big Brother winner Pete got a reported £1million advance for his - and publishers alike, and with Christmas approaching, get ready for a celeb book frenzy.

Don't worry if you haven't started your Christmas shopping there will be an estimated 60 to choose from - Michael Palin (for dad), Terry Wogan (for mum), Gary Barlow (for me, please), Kerry Katona, Peter Kay, Rupert Everett, Billie Piper, even Corrie's Julie Goodyear.

It's hard to know who (if any) have actually written the books themselves and who's had a ghostwriter, but as long as there's plenty of gossip and bitching (probably less of this from Michael Palin, admittedly) then who cares?

What we thought of Teri Hatcher's Burnt Toast

Posted by Keris on September 25, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (6)

Book News: It's Vintage, Darling!

This lovely-looking new book had me at "hello, what's this?"

It's Vintage, Darling! by Christa Weil instantly appealed to me as I'm a vintage obsessive from way back (remember when we used to call it 'second-hand'?) With tips on how to tailor your second- sorry, vintage wardrobe to suit your figure and style, rather than just having an odd mish-mash of un-matching outfits (hmm, someone's been peeking in my wardrobe, haven't they?) as well as hints on spotting classic items and inspirational stories of finding perfect outfits, it sounds like perfect escapism.

The subtitle is 'how to be a clothes connoisseur'- something the ladies over at our sister site Catwalk Queen are already experts at! Over at the new shiny forums, you can even ask the CQ girls for advice. (And there's a Trashionista section too, of course, book lovers...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 25, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 22, 2006 8:12 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard

A little while ago we hosted author Gabriella Goddard on her virtual book tour to promote Gulp! Gulp! is a "seven day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge", something I sure most of us would love to be able to do.

Before I do anything else though, let me remind you of our Gulp! competition. We've got two copies of Gulp! to give away and to win one all you have to do is email us at editor@trashionista.com and tell us about the challenge you would take on with the help of Gulp! Our favourites - or those we think most need Gabriella's help - will win a copy.

Carry on over the cut to see what I thought of Gulp!

The seven day course which Gabriella outlined in her own post is explained, summarised and recapped - so even complicated issues (and there are some) are easy to understand. Each chapter ends with a practice - questions for you to complete so that you can see how the ideas apply to your situation. This is followed by an Action Plan which includes my favourite thing about Gulp! - there are different actions depending on "the size of your Gulp! and how nervous the situation makes you feel": Espresso, Mediano and Grande. This is great for someone impatient like me. I can start with Espresso and work my way up to Grande.

I've read a lot of self-help books and the problem is that it all makes perfect sense and seems inspiring when you read it, but then you stop reading, go back to life and forget all about it .. until you find yourself buying another self-help book. What I'm saying is, it's hard to say if Gulp! works, but it's certainly interesting and thought-provoking - I have marked an awful lot of pages to return to - and if you follow Gabriella's advice, I'm confident you'll be able to crack any challenge.

Posted by Keris on September 22, 2006 in Competition, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

FRIDAY FLICK: Mean Girls

You may not know that Mean Girls was based on the non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman (I didn't until Luisa told me).

It was recommended to me repeatedly following my review of Kaavya Viswanathan's How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild and Got A Life. Unlike me, Gemma read the book before all the plagiarism accusations, but was struck by its similarity to Mean Girls. Gemma was absolutely right - the similarities are startling. But what about the movie?

Lindsay Lohan is Cady Heron who has previously been home-schooled in Africa and is facing high school for the first time. She's befriended by a couple of "misfits" - Goth girl Janis and her gay best friend Damian - but (because she's "hot") soon attracts the attention of the "Plastics" - Regina and her two dim cohorts. She agrees to spend her lunch breaks with them and report back to Janis and Damian on the stupid things they say and do, but soon she's becoming one of them - changing the way she talks, dresses, even failing "math" (which she's great at) to get closer to a boy.

It all sounds like typical teen movie fare - and it is - but it's also clever and absolutely hilarious (the screenplay was written by Tina Fey - famous in the US for Saturday Night Live and who also plays Ms Norbury).

I absolutely loved it.

Posted by Keris on September 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 21, 2006 11:58 AM

Reading Angel

As you know, I'm only just starting to catch up with Buffy and now there's Angel too. I've reached the point in my Buffy-watching (season 4) when I apparently need to start alternating episodes with the first season of Angel and who's got the time? Honestly, all this great TV to catch up on. I need to cut down on sleeping or something (cos I can't cut down on reading, of course!).

Anyway, there are, of course, reams of Angel books. Five Seasons of Angel features essays by Jennifer Crusie and Sherrilyn Kenyon. The unofficial guides include Once Bitten and Reading Angel and the official guide is The Angel Casefiles.

Carry on over the cut for more Angel.

There's Angel fiction too, written by Jeff Mariotte, who has also written a Charmed book, Mirror Image. There's even an Angel graphic novel: Angel Spotlight.

Related posts: Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows

Posted by Keris on September 21, 2006 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (10)

BOOK REVIEW: Mixed by Angela Nissel

I loved Angela Nissel's first book, The Broke Diaries, which was taken from the blog of the same name that she wrote as a VERY poor student in Philadelphia in the nineties. Her second book, Mixed takes on a completely different subject: growing up mixed race in the eighties, and how it affected Angela. It touches on her parent's divorce, her self-esteem issues, family relationships, romantic relationships and mental health issues.

And it's brilliant.

Angela Nissel (pronounced 'nizzle') was born to a white father and a black mother, and that's what she always told anyone who questioned her about her origins- which they often did, and still do. Growing up, she never knew anyone who looked like her, and in an effort to reassure her, her mother would tell her that swarthy-looking white people were mixed-race, too. This culminated in Angela giving a school report on well-known biracial TV star, David Hasselhoff... and her mother re-thought her tactics.

When her parents split up, Angela, her mother and brother (who had darker skin than hers) moved to all all-black neighbourhood, where Angela still didn't fit in. Back and forth she went to different schools, never fitting in, always singled out and adding to the problem bu being deeply uncomfortable in her own skin.  This book moves from the hilarious to the heartbreaking within pages- and I mean that in a good way!

It's not a heavy book, and it's not a long or difficult read at all. Somehow Angela manages to be both moving and thought provoking whilst never hectoring, lecturing or allowing herself to become a victim. She's been through some difficult times and struggled to fit in as a child (and a young adult) but she's now made peace with herself and her life so far. I'm sure it helps that she's happily married, living in L.A and working on Scrubs as a consulting producer, too...

Seriously though, this book made me evaluate my own attitude to race- I think most white people are like the people Angela meets, who class her as black. But isn't she as much white as black? Or does being mixed race automatically make you part of the black experience (whatever that may be)? We'd all like to think race isn't important, but aren't we classifying people every day without even thinking about it? The quotes at the start of each chapter were illuminating and brought homes these points. This book made me think, while entertaining me, making me laugh and just generally being a joy to read. That's not an easy feat so I can't wait to see what Ms Nissel writes about next...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 21, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 20, 2006 6:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

I loved Stephanie Calman's Confessions of a Bad Mother (subtitled: in the aisle by the chill cabinet no-one can hear you scream!) - I was relieved to find there are other mothers who are bewildered and improvising - so considering I also don't feel at all grown-up (I bet you're shocked to hear that, aren't you?) I was really excited about reading this book.

Did it live up to expectation? Read on over the cut to find out.

Stephanie is married with two children. She's (sometimes brutally) honest about her marriage, her children, her parents and upbringing and she writes movingly about her father's death, but there is a laugh (or at least a smile) on every page. Plus I lost count of the times I said, 'That's just like me' or 'Listen to this!' to my husband (who just rolled his eyes).

She doesn't want to exercise (but she really wants to eat - scoffing pillow chocolates within seconds of arriving in a hotel room), she lets her children watch Saturday Night Fever (and if I remember anything about that film it's that it's not suitable for children) and thinks about leaving her husband (but decides that once you've got the kids up and packed, it's easier just to stay), and she can't believe she's allowed to drive. In other words, she's a real woman.

Reading this book is like reading emails from your funniest friend - the one who always understands, makes you feel better and then makes you laugh until you wet yourself. Probably.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight or Marian Keyes's Under the Duvet and Further Under the Duvet

Posted by Keris on September 20, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 18, 2006 7:22 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

Jean-Dominique Bauby was the editor-in-chief of French Elle and the father of two young children when he had a stroke that left him completely paralysed with "locked-in syndrome". In other words, he had full consciousness, but was unable to move anything except for blinking one eye (the other eye was sewn shut to prevent infection).

Someone - he doesn't explain who - came up with a system in which the alphabet is rearranged in order of the letters used most frequently in French and then the person with whom he wanted to communicate would read this alphabet and Bauby would blink to alert them to stop at the required letter. And in that manner the entire book was dictated. I know. It's incredible. But is it readable? Carry on over the cut to find out.

I heard about this book years ago and have always wanted to read it, but I was put off - in a strange way - by my expectation that it would contain some secret of life, some advice on how to live that perhaps I wasn't ready for (who wants to know how to live when there's so much good stuff on the TV?!) and at first I was disappointed that it didn't.

I expected Bauby to be serene and accepting and wise and he really isn't. He's just a man, trapped in a failing body, angry that he's missing out on his life and upsetting his friends and family, annoyed when an orderly forgets to turn off the TV, and, by the end of the book I found that just as inspiring as whatever life lessons I thought he might provide.

What this book teaches and what I believe Bauby wanted to convey is that this could happen to anyone at any time. The things he thinks about aren't big life questions, but lighthouses, beaches, a cup of coffee with a friend. In other words, the things we all take for granted.

So, yes, the lesson of the book is take time to smell the roses because, well, you know, we're all dying - in other words, something we all know anyway - but the incredible lenghs Bauby went to to get the message across reinforces the fact that we really should pay attention. No matter what's on TV.

Posted by Keris on September 18, 2006 in Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

September 14, 2006 11:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Yes Man by Danny Wallace

When Danny Wallace realised he'd been saying no far too much and limiting his life as a result, he decided to say yes more. Well, not more - all the time. To everything. "Every favour, request, suggestion and invitation."

Yes (yes!), I know it seems far-fetched, but Danny Wallace is a man who has formed a collective (not a cult!) and started his own country, so saying yes to everything should have been a piece of cake.

Read on over the cut to see if it was.

Well, yes. And no. He won £25,000 on a scratchcard, but then lost it again almost immediately. He learned that accepting an invitation from your ex-girlfriend to join her and her new man for dinner leads to an extremely uncomfortable evening. But not as uncomfortable as being asked, 'Are you looking for a smack in the mouth?' He buys a car, he meets a girl, he even goes to see We Will Rock You. And his life improves immeasurably.

If you've ever seen Danny Wallace on TV, you'll know how charming and funny he is and that totally comes across in the book. You want to go to the pub with him, look after him, be his best friend. Some aspects of the book stretch credibility, but I for one didn't care.

I really want to say 'should you read it?' but that's too cheesy even for me. So just read it, okay?

Watch the Yes Man book trailer here.

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley or Marry Me by Carey Marx

Posted by Keris on September 14, 2006 in British Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

THURSDAY THREE: Bridget, meet Carrie...

"Bridget Jones meets Sex and the City." Yep, that old chestnut. Sounds like it would be the perfect way to describe a chick-lit novel, doesn't it? It's pretty much an author's dream to hear their work is an amalgam of two of the most influential books in the whole genre (unless you were aiming for something a little more Martin Amis-esque, of course!) But it's been overdone. Some reviewers still seem to think it's an original remark, and trot it out at every opportunity. It's been devalued by being used about every author who so much as mentions Manhattan.  Let's stop the madness! And discuss whether these three contenders are worthy of the cliche...

First up, Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison, and this one actually IS well described as a cross between Bridget Jones's Diary and SATC- it's a memoir about a single British girl called Bridget looking for love in NYC, who has a Carrie-style relationships column in a popular newspaper. No wonder the quote on the cover is actually from Candace Bushnell herself...

Second, we have Girls' Poker Night by Jill A. Davis, this time a novel but again about a young woman in NYC who's looking for love (kind of). And playing some poker (which is more of a Desperate Housewives kinda thing, no?) This time the label "Bridget Jones Meets Sex and the City" is from Library Journal- and I'm not convinced.

What will the third book be? Read on to find out (I'll make it worth your while!)

Amy Cameron's Playing with Matches is a collection of true-life tales from herself and other women, focusing on disastrous dating. As you can see from the above link, the first line of its blurb is "Part Sex & the City, part Bridget Jones’s Diary." Quelle original! Read a wry/mocking article on this overexposed/lazy book description here.

In other Canadian book news, Leah Mcclaren's debut novel has also been described in the press as... well, take a guess! Watch this trailer for her book The Continuity girl [warning: lots of flashing lights] however, and marvel at the surprising use of the phrase "sperm bandit." Now that's not a phrase book reviewers see every day!

(These last two books appear to only be available via Amazon.ca at present).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in American Authors, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Television, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 13, 2006 11:50 AM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

I think it's time for another Marian Keyes Yay or Nay, don't you? This time we're turning our attention to her non-fiction works, Under The Duvet and Further Under the Duvet (largely inspired by the fact that I bought the latter last week!)

SO... How do you feel about one of Trashionista's firm fiction faves moonlighting as a journalist? Do you enjoy her non-fiction or should she stick to the stories- Going under Marian's duvet (so to speak!): is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 13, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 11, 2006 3:00 PM

CNN on Chick Lit

This interesting article on CNN.com includes a typically spirited defence of chick lit from Marian Keyes:

"I actually think it's quite a serious movement," Keyes said in a recent phone interview from her home in Dublin, Ireland. "It's articulating the concerns of this unique generation of women. I wasn't getting the answers I needed from magazines, so I started writing about people like me."

Make sure you also click on the video link to see Farrin Jacobs and Sarah Mlynowski talking about chick lit and their book, See Jane Write (in which they reveal the original title of the book was 'Like Life, But Funnier').

Posted by Keris on September 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell is This? by Marion Meade

If you haven't heard of Dorothy Parker, you'll at least have heard one of her poems ("Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses-" yep, that's the whole poem!) or witty/barbed remarks ("If all the girls who attended the Yale prom were laid end to end, I wouldn't be a bit surprised"; "She runs the gamut of emotions from A to B"... etc.) One of the founder members of the Algonquin round table, an influential group of writers in 1920s and 30s New York, Dorothy Parker was a gossipy journalist, well-known short story writer, clinical depressive with a tendency to suicide attempts- and a famous wit.

"What Fresh Hell is This?" was her favoured reply to anything from the doorbell or telephone ringing, to a friend's new outfit. It's also the title of Marion Meade's magnificent biography.

From her grandparents' lives, through to her childhood, disastrous love life, alcohol abuse and depression, this is a through and brilliantly well-researched look into the life of Dorothy Parker.  Pondering whether her fiction is underrated (due to sexism or her own inability to take herself seriously, perhaps?) or just not as good as her male counterparts, and why she married an alcoholic and a gay man (surely the ultimate in self-sabotage?) as well as why she was such a funny and warm woman in print but an often spiteful human being, Meade pulls no punches.  Parker comes across as frequently nasty and misguided, but talented and ground-breaking too- she was one of the first female Hollywood screenwriters, campaigned vigorously against the death penalty and helped set up the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League.

A lot of her mental instability could probably have been helped by modern treatments, and perhaps if she hadn't drunk as much as she did, she could have been happier and made better decisions.  But maybe part of her enjoyed being a tortured artiste.

This is a hefty book, with a large index and impressive photo collection.  It's sometimes heavy in tone as well as volume, but well worth reading and not hard to whizz through, as the story of Dorothy Parker's life, whilst often sad, is always compelling.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*Did you know?* Jennifer Jason Leigh won plaudits for her portrayal of Dorothy Parker in the 1994 film, Mrs Parker and the Vicious Circle.

Dorothy Parker is an inspiration for many women writers including Sandi Toksvig and Nora Ephron.

Like this? Try My Life So Far by Jane Fonda; Postcards From the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 11, 2006 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 8, 2006 12:09 PM

Paul Burrell, Give it a Rest!

I generally ignore/avoid/am oblivious to any and all news about book serialisations, Princess Diana's untimely death conspiracy theories etc.

But even I in my ignorance can not fail to notice the biggest publishing news of the season: Paul Burrell's written a book (yes, another one!) about Diana. Called The Way We Were (he keeps getting camper, that man!) I'm sure it tells you much more than you ever wanted to know about his close friendship with the princess... Hmm, I hope all my friends sell stories on me after I've gone!

Apparently he fled to his home in Florida (I guess dishing on Di is profitable) to escape the media furore this week... wise move.  A family friend of Diana is unimpressed with his actions: "To say that he is addicted to the spotlight is an understatement, it is as if he cannot help himself." [Via Galleycat.]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 8, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (6)

FRIDAY FLICK: How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days

Based on the self-help satire by Michele Alexander and Jennie Long, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days stars the ever-gorgeous Matthew McConaughey, and Kate Hudson who I find myself liking more and more (but not in the same way I like Matthew).

Kate plays Andie, a journalist at Composure magazine who suggests a feature on the dating mistakes all women make (being too clingy, baby talk, incessant phonecalls, etc). Her editor challenges her to drive a man away in 10 days. Matthew (swoon) plays Benjamin, an ad exec who, conveniently, accepts a bet to make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days (in order to win a prestigious diamond account). Of course they end up dating each other with - yes - hilarious results. No, really.

For their first date Andie is "herself" - sexy, funny, charming - but once she's got Benjamin hooked she turns on the dating no-no's and Benjamin is alternately flummoxed and horrified, but of course he can't dump her. Kate Hudson plays kooky/crazy brilliantly and Matthew McConaughey is so effortlessly charming that it really works.

I loved this film. It's funny, looks great (not just Matthew; it's set in New York) and while there was no chemistry between Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in Alex & Emma, Hudson and McConaughey's makes the screen crackle.

Plus it's got the line: "If I had a nickel for every time I got in a fistfight during a chick flick .." What's not to love?

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 7, 2006 5:18 PM

Reading Friends

They were there for us and then they weren't anymore and I for one still miss them, but Friends provides a pretty poor haul, book-wise.

There's the official book of the entire series, Friends... 'til the End: The One with All Ten Years, an Official Trivia Book (do you remember what Chandler did for a living?), an unofficial guide, Friends Like Us and finally The Very Best of Friends which is, I think, an official guide to the first three seasons.

And that's it! No novels, no prequels, no cultural/feminist studies. Very disappointing.

Posted by Keris on September 7, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett

A few years ago I followed Erin Zammett's monthly diary in American Glamour (which I read avidly at the time) with great interest but I have to admit that a strong selling factor in this book's favour was its title's similarity to my favourite TV programme of the 1990s. (Shallow, me?)

When Erin Zammett was 23, she had everything she could have hoped for: a close family, loving boyfriend, fantastic friends and fabulous job on the staff at U.S Glamour in NYC.  Then she went to a routine doctor's check-up and was told she had cancer.  And not just any cancer: CML, a chronic form of leukaemia with a survival rate of 30% at best. "No symptoms, no heads-up, just cancer handed to me on a perfectly nice Tuesday afternoon."

Determined to try anything to beat her odds, Erin wrangled a place on a trial for a new and revolutionary cancer drug, Gleevec.  If it worked, it would give her many years of good health. But there was a downside: she's have to travel to Portland, Oregon (ie. the other side of the country) regularly for monitoring, it might make her infertile, and she'd have to take it for the rest of her life.

I can understand the market for 'sob story' cancer memoirs (especially where the outcome is bad or uncertain) but this book isn't one of them.  It's actually more about love and appreciating life than it is about cancer- not in a nauseating 'I'm glad I got ill' kind of way, but in the sense that being ill gave Zammett the chance to stop and appreciate all the good things in her life, which she admits she never did before. This book is hopeful, but down-to-earth and very personal, written in a warm style, with lots of humour.  I loved the portrait of a large, close-knit family, and the stories and pictures of Erin's family weaved throughout the book.  I also admired Erin's honesty in describing the strain cancer can put on a romantic relationship! 

I hope the author will write much more about her experiences in future- but that those experiences no longer include a struggle with CML.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Read more, including an extract from the book, here.

Like this? Try My Life So Far by Jane Fonda, Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 7, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 6, 2006 7:58 AM

Gulp!

Funny how I was just talking about Virtual Book Tours the other day and now we get a chance to host one!

Gabriella Goddard is the first UK author to undertake a virtual book tour. Read on for her top change-your-life tips and for a chance to win a copy of Gulp! : The seven-day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge.

If you'd like to win one of two copies of Gabriella's fab book (review coming soon) then send us an email telling us about the challenge you plan to take on with the help of Gulp! Our favourites - or those we think most need Gabriella's help! - will win a copy of the book.

Now on to Gabriella's excellent advice.

Just Gulp! and Get Going by Gabriella Goddard

The summer holidays are over and the grey skies of winter are looming.  But now there is a remedy for post-holiday blues – “Gulp! time”. 

Do you want a pay rise?  Is it time to change jobs?  Do you want to do something adventurous? Is it time to break up? Or is it time to start dating again?

Take advantage of your leftover summer energy and seize this moment.  Make the commitment to do something about it – right here, right now. 

Just think for a minute:

What one thing would make the biggest difference to your life over the next six months?

What is the biggest obstacle or block standing in your way?

Get started today by working through the Gulp! 7 Day programme.   And join us for Gulp! Together Week where other brave souls are pledging their Gulp! and raising money for charity at www.gulptogether.com.

After all, if not now…when?

Day 1:  Dare & Defy

The challenge is there, whether you like it or not.  So what are you going to do about it?   Face your challenge head on by writing it down and naming it.  Set yourself a deadline for achieving it and make the pivotal decision to go for it.

Day 2:  Breakdown & Breakthrough

The biggest thing holding you back is fear; fear of the unknown, fear of failure and the list of fears goes on.  Rather than tar the whole situation with the same brush, break it down and identify the specific fear trigger points.  Put strategies in place to minimise these and then focus on the positive benefits rather than the negative possibilities.

Day 3:  Centre & Connect

When you silence your mind and connect to your deeper wisdom, there is no fear.  Here there is only what is aligned to your true essence and what “feels right”.  Spend time centring yourself; meditating, taking walks in nature, doing yoga or simply breathing. Listen to what your wise inner sage has to say.

Day 4:  Imagine & Invent

This challenge could be a catalyst for really great things to come. So create “space” for new ideas and insights to emerge.  Spend some time at a café, in the park or with a group of friends brainstorming new ideas and expanding the options open to you.

Day 5:  Plan & Prepare

Now it’s time to put together a plan and start moving forward.  The C.I.G.A.R. model is brilliant for this – Current Reality, Ideal Outcome, Gaps, Actions and Review. Make sure you keep you energy levels high with good food, plenty of water and fitful sleep.

Day 6:  Focus & Flow

As you move into the “unknown”, let go of control and learn to let your intuition and instinct guide you. When you have to make a choice or a decision, tune into the situation and listen to what your gut feeling says.  As you know, it’s usually right.

Day 7:  Gulp! & Go

You’ve done the thinking and you’ve done the preparing.  You’ve even built some foot bridges.  Now it’s time to take that leap of faith.  So tie up any loose ends and just Gulp! and go for it.  You never know what’s around the corner.

© Gabriella Goddard, 2006.

Gabriella Goddard is the author of “Gulp! : The seven-day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge” (Penguin, £7.99).  A popular speaker, she is regularly featured in the national media.  www.gulptime.com

Posted by Keris on September 6, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (9)

September 2, 2006 1:29 PM

Conversations and Cosmopolitans

There's a huge amount of book buzz around upcoming title Conversations and Cosmopolitans  (subtitle 'how to give your mother a hangover') by mother-son writing team Robert Rave and Jane Rave.  When Robert came out to his mother, it was a difficult and confusing time for both of them as they re-negotiated their relationship. Their book shares the difficulties as mother and son "tackle compelling issues such as love, dating, sexuality, body image, and identity."

If that sounds pretty heavy, it isn't! The authors also discuss: “point-if-ication,” being brainwashed into counting everything you eat and putting it into a point system; “me but Latin,” what most gay men are looking for in a potential mate; and an “M’Lynn moment,” based on Sally Field’s character in Steel Magnolias who lashes out at her friends in a fit of despair."  In other words, it's frank and funny.  It's not released until October but online magazine out.com features an extract from the book in its latest issue, and you can bet we'll be reviewing it soon!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 1, 2006 10:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski, Farrin Jacobs

So you loved Sarah Mlynowski's novels (Milkrun, As Seen on TV, Fishbowl, Monkey Business and most recently Me vs. Me) but as you read them you had this nagging feeling. "I could write a book like this," you thought. "But where would I begin? If only a writer and her editor would share their stories and give me friendly advice..." Then - behold - you find See Jane Write, a Girls' Guide to Writing Chick Lit by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs. Could this be what it takes to convert you from avid reader to bestselling author?

Continue over the cut to find out.

The book is full of sound advice from big names. Sarah Mlynowski is the main one, of course - she's a bestselling author who also used to work for Harlequin. The co-writer, Farrin Jacobs, is an ex-Red Dress Ink editor. Other participants, with quotes peppered throughout, include Meg Cabot, Emily Giffin, Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella.

Part 1 of See Jane Write contains general information such as the history of Chick Lit and advice about how to get writing and stop making excuses. Part 2 gets into the nitty gritty: writing tips, style hints and how to submit.

I found this book fun and friendly. It didn't really say anything I hadn't read in other How To Write books (except the 'What is Chick Lit' part and the section on avoiding Chick Lit cliches), but it laid everything out in an approachable and interesting way, and I loved the sidebars (especially "It Happened To Me", with anecdotes from Sarah Mlynowski's writing life). The advice on publishers etc., however, is entirely US-centric and probably not much use for a UK author (unless you're targeting US markets).

It's great to read a how-to-write book that concentrates entirely and entertainingly on this genre and doesn't tell you off for using first person present tense. See Jane Write is also worth reading for the discussion of Chick Lit labels ("Assistant Lit", anyone?) and the ridiculous prejudice against Chick Lit (quote: "Although one BBC critic attacked chick lit by claiming the novels 'merely hold up a mirror to women's lives,' we say, 'Yeah, so what?'").

Read it and... write!

[Luisa Plaja]

Posted by Keris on September 1, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 31, 2006 12:48 PM

Reading Alias

Alias is yet another popular series I've never managed to catch. It's about Sydney Bristow (played by Jennifer Garner) an international spy recruited out of college and trained for espionage and self-defense. [via link] There's more, but I didn't understand any of it!

The essays in Alias Assumed: Sex, Lies and SD-6 include one by Parenting guru Britta Coleman on why shooting your first born just may be the best parenting decision you’ll ever make, which definitely has me intrigued!

The official companion is Alias Declassified and includes the usual stuff: episode guide, storyboards, cast quotes, etc.

Of course, there're also a couple of unofficial guides: Uncovering Alias includes 'a map of Rambaldi artefacts uncovered by the operatives' and Authorized Personnel Only features 'a mission-by-mission analysis of the series and a catalogue of the agents' personal histories and psychological profiles'.

Like, Charmed, there's a series of Alias novelisations including Namesake which has just come out and Recruited, a prequel to the TV show.

Posted by Keris on August 31, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 29, 2006 11:01 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Girl with a One Track Mind by Abby Lee

What kind of girl keeps a sachet of lubricant in her handbag in case she needs to give a hand job? A girl with a one track mind.

Abby Lee is the no longer anonymous (she was recently unmasked as London-based Zoe Margolis) author of the award winning blog Girl with a One Track Mind which records her search for satisfying, adventurous sex. The book charts one year in her life in which she tries everything from one night stands to swingers evenings  via domination and lesbian encounters...

Abby Lee is a woman of contradictions. She wants a loving relationship but picks up men in bars and on the internet and then seems surprised when all they want is a one night stand. She thinks her ex-boyfriend is emotionally immature because he’s found a woman he wants to spend time with and be faithful to, rather than taking Abby to a swingers evening.

Despite thinking of herself as adventurous Abby Lee has a very blinkered view of sex. She describes sex as being either vanilla (plain) or BDSM (bondage domination sado-masochism) and can’t see anything in between. She thinks her friends are stuck in sexually boring monogamous relationships yet as her sexual searching doesn’t even produce sex once a month at times, I’d guess that her friends are having far more sex than she is!

Unfortunately this book doesn’t work as a story or a memoir. The main character is not likeable enough and the supporting cast are easily forgotten as most only appear for one night. The details of her sexual encounters are wholly un-erotic. We are given cold hard facts - what she did, who she did it with and how many times she orgasmed - but there is no passion behind her words, no real enjoyment. And I was glad when she finally had sex for the first time that year as I was very bored reading about her tedious masturbation sessions.

I can see why this works as a blog (let’s face it most things are better than working and that’s when people would read it, as a work substitute) but it just doesn’t cut it as a sexual memoir. If you want erotic memoirs go for Anais Nin. If you want deeply disturbing then read The Story of O. If you want annoying and dull then read this. [Nicola Pedley]

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl by Tracy Quan.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 29, 2006 in Bonkbusters, Book Websites, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (14)

August 28, 2006 4:07 PM

Reading Chick Flicks

I love reading (of course) and I love chick flicks so how excited was I to find this site which features feminist critiques of chick flicks? (And it helps that it looks gorgeous too.)

In their introduction to these essays, Beth Gilligan and Jenny Jediny assert that "Within popular film criticism, the chick flick has yet to gain recognition beyond the glib and dismissive jargon reviewers of both sexes typically attach to this much-maligned subcategory." They then go on to review chick faves such as When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman and Bridget Jones's Diary from a feminist perspective.

Not only is it interesting, it's given me some great ideas for forthcoming Friday Flicks!

Posted by Keris on August 28, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 25, 2006 8:35 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Under the Tuscan Sun

Adapted from Frances Mayes' enormously successful memoir/travelogue, Under the Tuscan Sun stars Diane Lane who, following a bitter divorce, heads to Italy to try and learn how to be happy again. (I'm sensing a theme here.) I haven't read the book, so I don't know how faithful an adaptation this is (though a disclaimer at the end of the film would suggest not very) but is it a good film? Read on and find out.

I should probably admit at this point that I have quite low standards when it comes to movies. I'm not interested in cinematography or direction or any other technical bells and whistles, all I want is a film that entertains me, featuring characters I care about, and Under the Tuscan Sun absolutely delivers this.

It helps, of course, that Diane Lane is a wonderful actress (and annoyingly gorgeous) and that screen-time isn't wasted on the end of her marriage; we're pretty much thrown right into her heartbreak. (She moves into a short-term apartment complex populated by divorced, unhappy people. The landlord tells her everyone has different skills and when she tells him she's a writer he says she can help the other tenants with their suicide notes.)

Before long we're in Italy (which looks, of course, stunning). Frances is only supposed to be there on holiday, but she falls for a run-down house and buys it on the spot. As you do. And you know the rest. She charms the locals, makes friends, walls fall down, things/hearts break, etc. We've seen it many times. But I never stopped wanting it to work out and I never doubted for a moment that it would. There's a great supporting cast too: Sandra Oh (from Grey's Anatomy and Sideways), Lindsay Duncan and Vincent Riotta (who I totally fell in love with).

The perfect film for a Friday night with a bowl of pasta and a bottle of red wine.

Posted by Keris on August 25, 2006 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 24, 2006 7:39 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

When her horrendous divorce is followed by a devastating break-up, Elizabeth Gilbert decides to take a year out just for herself. She comes up with a plan to spend the year pursuing three very different things in three very different countries: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India and balance in Indonesia. The fact that the countries all being with "I" is coincidental, but, Gilbert thinks, a good sign. Can she recover from her past and find herself and her future all in the space of a year? Read on and see.

In Italy Elizabeth learns the language, makes friends, eats tons of pasta, and gains 23 pounds, but her depression and loneliness have followed her there and she's afraid she'll never be able to leave them behind. The Indian part of the book, i.e. the "Pray" of the title, was the part I was a bit worried about - I'm not religious and I thought reading about someone's experiences on an Ashram would be a bit much, but Gilbert never loses her sense of humour and that, combined with the vivid descriptions of the characters she meets there make this section completely different from, but just as enchanting as, the first third of the book. But it's in Indonesia that Elizabeth really starts to recover and find what she was looking for all along.

I loved this book. Gilbert writes beautifully and the book is threaded through with gorgeous description (I need to go to Italy - the food!) and self-deprecating humour. Like this (about the devastating post-divorce break-up):

His withdrawal only made me more needy, and my neediness only advanced his withdrawals, until soon he was retreating under fire of my weeping pleas of, "Where are you going? What happened to us?" (Dating tip: Men LOVE this.)

If you've ever wanted to take a year off, if you've ever wondered if there's more to life than this, if you've ever had to recover from a bad break-up - surely that covers everyone? - you'll enjoy this book.

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley

Posted by Keris on August 24, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 21, 2006 10:00 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People by Toby Young

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People is a hilarious book, which makes you root for the author- but find him frequently annoying and offensive, too!  Toby Young moved to New York when he got the cream of journalism assignments: contributing editor at Vanity Fair.  Unfortunately, he chose to interpret the 'smart-casual' dress code as meaning 'turn up in old jeans and a Keanu Reeves t-shirt with a lewd slogan on the front'.

And thus the alienation began...

This is car-crash reading: even someone who knows nothing about journalism or American society shouldn't make the  kind of career-suicide mistakes that Young does.  And so it's not surprising that things don't quite work out for him on the other side of the pond.  He's brazen, lecherous, inappropriate at every turn- and doesn't really work that hard.  Why does he squander the biggest opportunity of his life like this?  I'm not sure he even knows himself.

Clearly, although it didn't work out for him in at Vanity Fair, it has worked out for him in the publishing world, as this gossipy memoir was a big hit both here and in the U.S (they love laughing at us crazy Brits!)  Reading this book, you've got to admire Toby Young's shamelessness and ability to laugh at himself- if I'd made half this number of stupid mistakes, I wouldn't even tell my closest friends; he tells the world.

If you're interested in America, the magazine world, or crazy Brits behaving badly, then you'll love this book... although the behaviour of its author might well baffle you!

*Watch a 'meet the author' video of Toby Young talking about this book and its sequel, The Sound of No Hands Clapping. *

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Marry Me by Carey Marx.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 21, 2006 in British Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 17, 2006 11:07 AM

Reading Lost

Last month a novel called Bad Twin knocked The Da Vinci Code off the top of Amazon's bestseller list. Amazon's author information gives us a clue why that might be the case:

"Bad Twin is the highly-anticipated new novel by acclaimed mystery writer Gary Troup. Bad Twin was delivered to Hyperion just days before Troup boarded Oceanic Flight 815, which was lost in flight from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles in September 2004. He remains missing and is presumed dead."

In Lost series two the manuscript was found in the wreckage by Hurley and then passed to Sawyer. Gary Troup is an anagram of purgatory and the book was ghostwritten by the novelist and essayist Laurence Shames.

There are more straightforward Lost novels though featuring new characters and original adventures that cross with the characters and events from the show. The first is Endangered Species by Cathy Hapka.

On the non-fiction front you could try The "Lost" Chronicles featuring the usual mix of cast interviews and behind the scenes info, but with the added bonus of an hour long outtakes DVD.

Unlocking the Meaning of Lost is an unauthorised guide focussing on the show's themes, including Second Chances, The Nature of Faith, Facing Fear and Loss, and Finding One's True Path.

Finally there's the snappily-titled Getting Lost: Survival, Baggage and Starting Over in J. J. Abrams' Lost, a collection of essays (edited by science fiction writer Orson Scott Card) and including an essay by Trashionista fave Lani Diane Rich.

Posted by Keris on August 17, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, New Releases, Non Fiction, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 16, 2006 12:36 PM

Reading Sex and the City's Samantha

When I ran through the books for Sex and the City fans, I completely forgot about the fabulous Kim Cattrall's own oeuvre!

Written with her then-husband, Mark Levinson (and containing what you may consider to be too much information about their intimate relationship), Kim's first book bears the Samantha-esque title of Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm (when I worked in Waterstone's only one customer ever asked for this and I don't know which of us blushed harder).

After splitting with her husband, Kim followed Satisfaction up with Sexual Intelligence, a sort of historical and cultural study of sexuality.

She's now bringing her not inconsiderable expertise to teens with Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life out at the end of September.

Posted by Keris on August 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 14, 2006 1:43 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: My Life So Far by Jane Fonda

I was more familiar with Jane Fonda as workout queen than anything else so I probably wouldn't have picked this book up, but I read a preview and was hooked. Fonda has had an incredible life (so far). From enormously successful actress to (enormously successful) exercise instructor to (enormously successful) activist, she is an inspiration.

Much more than a movie star memoir, My Life So Far covers everything from Fonda's mother's suicide and her lonely childhood to her three marriages, two children, and the scandal surrounding her anti-Vietnam War campaigning. Of course, her painful relationship with her father is threaded throughout as is her own growth and development as a person (and a woman). Occasionally a bit of ego creeps through - I wonder if the guests at her 60th birthday party were as delighted with the gift of a 20 minute video of her life as she imagined - but with someone as famous Jane Fonda you can't really complain.

Not only is this book enthralling and inspiring, it's also brilliantly written (I don't know if it's ghostwritten, but from what I've just read I wouldn't put it past her to have written the whole thing herself). This is a wonderful book everyone should read.

Posted by Keris on August 14, 2006 in American Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 11, 2006 1:07 PM

Isabel Losada's Reasons to be Glad

An upcoming release by Isabel Losada looks like just the thing to perk us up at the end of summer: 100 Reasons to be Glad is out next month and available to order on Amazon and other sites now. Or you could order it from your local bookshop- the author is hugely keen on supporting local, independent bookshops so you might want to follow her lead just this once...?

In the past, Losada has written about personal fulfillment and saving the world in a down-to-earth, funny and touching way, so she seems the ideal person to encourage us to appreciate the little things in life- in fact the book is based on the popular 100 reasons to be glad section of her website, where you can also read her "occasional blog".

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 11, 2006 in Book News, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 7, 2006 9:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson

As someone who has 117 items on her Amazon wishlist and an entire separate bookcase (three shelves) for as-yet-unread books, I was never going to be able to resist a book entitled "So Many Books, So Little Time". It's the non-fiction account of fellow "readaholic" Sara Nelson's experiences following her decision to read a book per week for a year.

Intertwined both with memoir and stories from Sara's daily life, Sara describes how she chooses to read the books she reads. She meditates on the experience of reading, why we read, how we read and why some people can't get enough of books.

"So Many Books, So Little Time" is funny, interesting, wise and inspiring. Plus, of course, it will make you want to read more books and there's nothing wrong with that!

If you like this, try Book Lust or Bibliotherapy: The Girl's Guide to Books for Every Phase of Our Lives

Posted by Keris on August 7, 2006 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

This week's More on Monday is even more of a departure than usual: not only is it not chick-lit, it's not even fiction- and it's written by (gasp!) a man, albeit one with a reassuringly funky afro hairdo.

"The Tipping Point" refers to the moment in time when an idea grabs hold of the public consciousness: when something becomes a trend, or a popular behaviour, or a best-selling book.  How and why these things happen is of course partly due to media hype, but how does the media know what to hype?  Why do some ideas take off and not others- and how can this be accurately predicted?  The Tipping Point answers all of these questions and more and its revelations will challenge your long-standing beliefs and turn some popular misconceptions on their head...  For example, did you know that environment has a huge influence on behaviour, that suicide can be catching, or that Blue's Clues is the most educational TV show ever?   You soon will...

Subtitled how the little things can make a big difference, that's exactly what this book sets out to prove.  Using examples from popular culture and real life, Malcolm Gladwell shows that the best way to consider word-of-mouth, fashion trends and even human behaviour is to think of them as epidemics, and then consider how they are spread.  He looks at the different personality types that facilitate these 'epidemics' (connectors, mavens and salesmen) and the set of circumstances that have to be in place (the 'stickiness factor' and the law of context) in order for them to spread.  He also explains how using this information has helped clothing companies stay in business, New York City reduce its levels of crime and why teenage smoking will always be a problem unless Tipping Point-type principles are used to help combat it.

I always thought that Sesame Street held kids captivated, that suicide was only the province of the seriously mental ill and that teenage behaviour could usually be blamed on the parents... but it turns out I was wrong about all of that and more- and Gladwell has the case studies to prove it.

If you'd told me that a book that talks about principles of science, sociology, epidemiology (!) and economics would be fun, interesting and downright unputdownable, I'd have found it hard to believe- but The Tipping Point IS that book!  It's a book that everyone should read, so powerful and interesting are the ideas it contains.  It's not just a book of ideas though- it's written with warmth and humour, and in a general interest style, aimed at everyone, rather than a dry thesis just for academics.  Perhaps the review from The Telegraph puts it best: A wonderfully offbeat study of that little-understood phenomenon, the social epidemic ... THE TIPPING POINT is a very subtle piece of work, coming out with ideas -not necessarily his own -that make conventional solutions to social problems seem criminally naïve ...

You'll even learn why the well-known game should be changed to "Six Degrees of Rod Steiger", instead of Kevin Bacon... and if that's not worth the cover price,  then frankly, I don't know what is.

For more info, check out Malcolm Gladwell's website.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossieni, Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 7, 2006 in American Authors, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 29, 2006 1:53 PM

BOOK REVIEW- The Between Boyfriends Book by Cindy Chupack

Cindy Chupack was an award-winning writer on Sex and the City.  (Did I need more information that that before buying and reading her book?  No, I did not!)  The Between Boyfriends Book is a collection of essays about life and love in New York, from the perspective of a single woman (as the title might suggest!)   Who better to write on this subject than an SATC writer (award-winning, no less) and columnist for U.S Glamour?  No-one, that's who...

This book is hilarious and hugely enjoyable- with topics ranging from being dumped without explanation, to flying long-distance alone, to the best and worst places to go on dates (playing a sport together turns out to be particularly bad).  Chupack introduces the concepts of  "Halloweenies"- people who break up around Halloween to save the agony of enduring the holidays together, "Sexual Sorbets"- a palate cleanser after a break-up and before your next boyfriend- and the need for a "Relationship Equivalency Exam": so you could get credit for your failed relationships and wouldn't have to start from the beginning with a new partner.  (I like that idea!)

Single women will love this book, but you don't have to be single to find it funny.  Most women will find something to relate to and laugh about (For example: "I am going on a ten-day fast. In preparation for this fast I have eaten most of the contents of my refrigerator, including leftover spare ribs (which I don't even particularly like) and the not insignificant remains of a birthday cake.  I now feel sick enough to abstain from eating for a day, if not longer.")- Sadly, I've been there, more than once...

My one criticism of the book isn't really a problem with the book at all- it's that the unmarried women Cindy Chupack writes about (herself included) aren't out enjoying themselves with their friends, or even -gasp!- alone instead of spending time on dates with men they hate  and desperately wishing, hoping and searching for a partner.  The effort and energy they put into all that could surely be put to better use- they could do charity work, or invent a new cocktail, or slob out with the TV (I'd have a Gilmore Girls marathon, but that's just me...) After all, it's a truth universally acknowledged (well, pretty much) that you'll meet the right man eventually, so why waste so much time worrying about it?  Then again, Manhattan is a hugely competitive place and the ratio of men to women in NYC is tipped against us gals, so maybe that explains it...

Of course, I wish Cindy luck in meeting her ideal partner- but from a selfish point of view, I hope she doesn't find him just yet, so she can write another book or two like this!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Read an interview with the author and more about her involvement with SATC here.

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley, Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 29, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 19, 2006 2:15 PM

BOOK REVIEW- Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison

The cover of this book seems to have been designed for me. OK, maybe not just me- like Keris, I'm a sucker for a New York skyline, and this book has that, plus courier font to lend it a serious journalism/Woodward Bernstein-y edge... and for the hard sell, a cover blurb from Candace Bushnell: "A Real-Life Bridget Jones meets Sex and the City", which aside from being the biggest compliment the creator of Sex and the City could give, is actually a really accurate description of Bridget Harrison's memoir, Tabloid Love.

At the age of twenty-nine, Bridget (great chick-lit name!) had her life all settled: a great relationship with a boyfriend everyone expected her to marry, her own home, a job as assistant features editor at The Times and a fabulous circle of friends. But something was nagging at her, something she couldn't quite put her finger on...

If she was truly contented, then why was the opportunity to go on a work exchange to New York for four months so incredibly tempting?   She loved her life, but this seemed too good to pass up so after a few sleepless nights, Bridget decided to risk it.  She rented out her house and left for NYC and a job at super-tabloid and gossip rag extraordinaire The New York Post, saying a sad goodbye to her boyfriend and friends...  But not that sad:  after all, she'd be home soon.  Wouldn't she?

Well, maybe not as soon as she thought! When she arrived in New York, she loved it instantly.  (Okay, that's not entirely true: it took her some time to adjust, but after that, she adored it). She certainly suffered culture shock at first, though: running down subway steps in her high heels (she was used to being office-bound), she struggled to make herself understood and find her way around town in time to get her story. Plus she had to learn the lingo, local etiquette and how to cope in risky areas of the city. 

Just when she felt she was getting the hang of things, it was time to leave. Could she tear herself away? Or would she stay put, even if she risked losing her man and the life she'd built back in England? Doubting her own sanity Bridget tentatively began to break the news to her loved ones: she wasn't coming back anytime soon. And that's when things really started to get interesting...

This is a hugely evocative book that gives a fascinating insight into New York life (sometimes horrifying, often funny!) and the difficulties of keeping your head above water in a hugely competitive industry. Sometimes I was completely jealous of Bridget (she scooped her own Carrie-Bradshaw style column), other times I was mortified on her behalf (the difficulties of making friends in the big apple). What I most admired about her story is that she took a risk in order to expand her horizons- and came to realise than being happy is more important than ticking off career and relationship goals. I found her story particularly fascinating being a frustrated Lois Lane myself, but you don't need to be a journalist-wannabe to enjoy this book: if you like reading about big cities, love, and the ups and downs of a modern woman making it on her own (and if none of those things interest you, what are you doing here?!) then you'll love this memoir.

One warning though- because of the large print in this format, the book's thicker than a Manhattan phone directory!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley, Pug Hill by Alison Pace.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 19, 2006 in British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Candyfreak by Steve Almond

If women had to name something they couldn't live without, I bet chocolate would be high on the list. (In fact, give me a good chick lit book, a cup of tea and some dark chocolate and I'm a very happy camper indeed.) Yes, my name is Keris and I'm a chocoholic, but American Steve Almond takes chocoholism to a new level. An example: when he suspected that his new favourite dark chocolate Kit-Kats were going to be discontinued, he bought 36 .. boxes. (Can you get dark choc Kit-Kats here? The way he writes about them really makes me want to try one.)

Candyfreak was originally supposed to be about Steve Almond's life in chocolate, but he soon realised many of America's older and smaller confectionery companies were being driven out by the "big three" - Mars, Hershey and Nestle - and so he decided to travel around America talking to the owners of these smaller companies, touring the factories and, yes, collecting a lot of free chocolate.

Candyfreak is a wonderful book. Almond has a charming, chatty way of writing that makes it a very easy read and it's fascinating to hear about the production of the different chocolate bars (honestly, it is!). My only criticism is that I now have a huge list of chocolate I want to taste, but can't because it's only available in the US. (The Twin Bing is high on the list because it sounds and looks revolting.)

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Posted by Keris on July 19, 2006 in Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 17, 2006 9:00 PM

Movie News: Julie and Julia

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell won the first Blooker prize (for blogs  turned into books) earlier this year.  And deservedly so!  The book chronicles her attempts to cook every recipe in classic American chef Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, within one year. (Hence the book's subtitle: "365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen...")   It's not just a book about cooking, though: it's about ambition, achievement, love, friendship and how to find joy in life, and it's wonderful.

And now, it's being made into a film!  With queen of rom-com Nora Ephron ('When Harry Met Sally', 'You've Got Mail', 'Sleepless in Seattle' etc.) lined up to direct (appropriately, given her love for cooking and a good story), it's a mouth-watering prospect...[from Bookslut].

(It's not active anymore, but you can read the original blog here).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Movie News, Non Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (18)

July 12, 2006 12:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW- You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen

The success of The Nanny Diaries led to a resurgence of bean-spilling books (Snitch-Lit?) and here Suzanne Hansen adds her non-fiction tale to the pile, with You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again: The True Adventures of a Hollywood Nanny.  In the mid-1980s, aged just 19, nanny-school graduate Suzanne moved to L.A and accepted a post looking after three children whose father just happened to be one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, super-agent Michael Ovitz.  John Travolta and Tom Cruise would regularly call the house,  Dustin Hoffman and Paul Newman would drop by for private screenings and the family frequently went on vacations with the likes of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.  So far, so fabulous. But there was trouble in paradise...

What had at first seemed like a dream job quickly became a nightmare: too shy to negotiate a fair contract, Suzanne found herself on call at all hours of the day and night- except for her weekends off, when despite being promised the use of the family jeep, she ended up stranded in her room.  She also found her employers had very little respect for her, the work she did, or even their own children- she was the primary if not only caregiver for their very young baby, yet they considered her insignificant, and treated her as such (on their Hawaii vacation, she left her room just twice, babysitting the rest of the time).

But when she thought about quitting, the family turned nasty (or nastier), with Michael uttering the words that make up the book's title.  Was he right? Would she ever nanny in Hollywood again?  Well, there's only one way to find out!

I enjoyed this memoir from start to finish- it's deliciously gossipy, and I can't believe she's kept almost everyone's real names (must have a great lawyer- or be telling the absolute truth).  Of course, it has a lot in common with Hollywood producer Julia Phillips' landmark tell-all, You'll Never Eat Lunch in this Town Again, except that documented the author's excesses too.  The only excesses Suzanne indulges in are some disastrous beauty treatments and a few too many cookies. But her Oregon wholesomeness doesn't detract from the enjoyability (if that's a word!) of this book- in fact she provides a counterpoint to the opulence, waste and superficiality she sees around her, and the book wouldn't work without her naive new-girl perspective.

I was disappointed for her and as a reader that her Hollywood experience wasn't more glamourous- and that she never really triumphed over her evil oppressors (if Mr Ovitz or his staff is reading this- I promise that's just a turn of phrase! Sir).  But it's still an infinitely readable account of a very interesting time and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone else who loved The Nanny Diaries, for a real-life perspective (truth really is stranger than fiction).

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try An English Psychic in Hollywood, Househusband by Ad Hudler.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 12, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 6, 2006 10:20 AM

Book News: The Apple Store Memoir

The news that  self-described "amateur nude model" (erm, whatever that is) Isobella Jadeco wrote the whole of her memoir Almost 5'4" whilst standing in front of a computer (in towering heels, no less) in an Apple computers store in New York  has been greeted with some skepticism in the US.   Living from a suitcase and lacking internet access, she apparently saved the pages to her Yahoo email account... Which begs the questions: don't libraries have free internet access in the US? And why didn't she wear more comfortable shoes?

But there's s no denying her book's gimmicky incarnation has gained her the kind of publicity most first-time authors would kill for.  Isabella doesn't have a book deal yet, but the amount of publicity and attention she's getting means it can't be long- and a movie deal wouldn't surprise me either!

In the meantime, she's giving readings at Apple stores  around America... and of course, she's on myspace.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 6, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Memoirs, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 4, 2006 3:00 PM

BOOK REVIEW - The Year of Yes by Maria Headley

Is twenty too young to be so jaded about life and love that you decide to say yes to anyone who asks you out- anyone at all? For Maria Headley, the answer was no. Or rather, yes: she was going to say yay to everyone who asked her for a date: the homeless, the chronically weird and- despite being straight- women, too.  Hence her book's title: The Year of Yes...

In this entertaining and frequently surprising New York memoir, Headley spills the beans about her year of nodding her head- to men, to women, and to life.  Honest and brave, she lets us in to her world, sharing the disasters, the rare successes and the ups and downs of being a young woman in a tough city.  She has her fair share of horrible dates: men who reject her and publicly humiliate her, weird millionaires with a penchant for eye-licking... oh, and then there's her huge unrequited crush on her male flatmate, which she tries to fight, with limited success.

I must be honest, when I read the blurb for this book, I couldn't understand why the author was so desperate to find a man.  Call me a commitment-phobe but isn't being twenty and single in a buzzing place like NYC every young girl's dream? (Or is that just the Sex and the City addict in me?)  But this is deeper than just another fluffy 'girl seeks man' memoir (not that there's anything wrong with those, of course).  Maria clearly had a troubled childhood, and so her slightly precocious need to settle down and find stability is probably understandable.  She also comes across as an 'old soul', someone who perhaps doesn't always relate to other people her age. Which doesn't mean this book is hard to relate to: it's a great story, often inspiring, sometimes sad and frequently very, very funny.

Maria clearly learnt a lot from her one special year.  She opened her eyes to new possibilities (and then quickly and wisely slammed them shut in many cases!) and became more confident.  She really began to believe in herself and in the possibility that the right man for her was out there, somewhere... but you'll have to read the book to find out if she met him.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Beautiful Bodies by Laura Shaine Cunningham

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 4, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 20, 2006 11:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW - The Nervous Girl's Guide To Nip & Tuck by Patrick Bowler

I have an admission to make. I'm secretly hooked on TV makeover shows. When there was a series on weekday tv about women having their lives transformed by a combination of surgery, restyling and therapy I couldn't miss an episode - my VCR was overworked for a few weeks. So when I got my hands on "The Nervous Girl's Guide To Nip & Tuck : Look 10 Years Younger With 80 No-Surgery Treatments" written by Dr Patrick Bowler from the UK series '"10 Years Younger" (another personal favourite) I couldn't wait to get reading.

The book is simple, and well organised. Bowler begins by explaining what he aims to do with the book - to explain what no-surgery options are, what they can and can't do, and to highlight the risks associated with them. The book is then split into two major sections. The first contains chapters devoted to specific parts of the body e.g eyes, cheeks, lips, chin. Each one talks first about the possible problems that people might want to seek treatment for, and then explains the procedures that are available. Each procedure is explained, including risks associated with it, the cost you should expect to pay, and how painful it is reported to be (something I think anyone contemplating one of these procedures would want to know!) The second section then deals with the major treatments available e.g. botx, peels, light treatments and includes accounts of the procedure by some of Bowler's own patients.

The book aims to find a balance between being light hearted and entertaining, and being informative and educational. I felt at the end of it that Bowler had achieved this completely. I found the book a fascinating read, but came away with things to think about.

Being in my early twenties, I'm still lucky enough that many of the problems recounted in the book haven't hit me yet. The book explains preventative actions you can take to look after your skin, circulation etc. I know I'm going to get a lot better about my daily routines and avoid being tempted by a lot of these procedures in twenty years time!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Its not gory and squeamish, its just a thorough and informative guide to a currently growing industry.

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Everything A Girl Needs To Know About Football" by Simeon De La Torre and Sophie Brown

Posted by Jenni on June 20, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 14, 2006 4:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW - Everything A Girl Needs To Know About Football by Simeon De La Torre and Sophie Brown

A couple of weeks ago I told you about this book which had been produced to help girly girls get to grips with the beautiful game. I have now managed to acquire a copy of the book, and have given it a thorough going over to see whether, as I expected, it would be a tool to help some women save their relationships! As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm a big football fan, so I felt that I was in a good position to judge whether this book was worthwhile or not.

The book is organised into manageable chunks, each with a real purpose. Issues such as the various tournaments and leagues, an explanation of some of the most commonly used phrases by commentators, and how to win the perennial arguments at the pub are all well written and clear. Also present is a great chapter walking the reader through a match both watching it live at the ground, or on a screen (either at the pub or at home).

I liked the tone of the book. At times it veered slightly toward the frustrating, but I think that is more to do with the fact that it was telling me something I already knew. The information is well presented, and aims to amuse as well as to educate.

My one word of warning to anyone who is thinking about reading it (and I would really recommend that you do) is to be aware that as it was written a little while ago a couple of the teams have either been promoted or relegated, and some of the players have moved clubs. 

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on June 14, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 23, 2006 12:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW - The Prize Winner Of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan

This is one of my favourite memoirs of all time: witty, poignant and most of all thoroughly entertaining, it captures a more innocent era whilst conveying the struggles of a typical 1950s American family with too many mouths to feed.

Terry Ryan’s mother Evelyn had ten kids, no money, and an alcoholic husband prone to drinking his wages. So how did she manage to feed and clothe her family and put a roof over their heads? Simple: by winning competitions...

During the 1950s and 60s, the golden era of natty sloganeering, she blagged everything from the deposit on a house to new bikes, holidays and household appliances all through her genius at the art of ‘comping’. Comping involves anything from collecting sweet wrappers to inventing new slogans or writing poems for use in advertising in order to win prizes ranging from bars of chocolate to huge sums of money. Working diligently from her ironing board ‘office’, Evelyn became one of the most successful competition winners of the time (if not of/ all time/) and, as the subtitle of the book says, raised her kids on ‘25 words or less.’

The ‘Defiance’ of the title is the town the family lived in but it equally describes Evelyn’s attitude to life. Housewives and mothers in small Ohio towns in the pre-feminist era weren’t supposed to upstage their husbands by becoming the main breadwinner (or prizewinner!), but she did what she needed to do to support her family- gaining self-respect along the way. Her skills really were quite extraordinary: to win one of these major competitions was a huge feat; to win such huge amounts, and then keep on winning, shows true talent.

One of the best bits of the book is Evelyn’s winning entries, which are dotted throughout the story. Over forty years later, some of them seem incredibly quaint, but her talent at writing, especially Ogden Nash-style poetry, is still evident. Anyone who enjoys writers like Nash, Dorothy Parker and Erma Bombeck will find lots to appreciate here- but then so will any reader, in my opinion.

It’s a really uplifting read despite some of the hardships the family goes through. In fact, my only slight reservation about the book is that the tougher side of life is a little glossed over- life with an alcoholic must be really rough at times, but Ryan, perhaps out of loyalty to her dad, barely touches on this.

Now an upcoming film starring Julianne Moore, this heart-warming story deserves the wider audience a movie should bring. If the film captures even ten percent of the warmth and joy of the book, it will be wonderful. [Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee" by Meera Syal

Posted by Jenni on May 23, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 1, 2006 11:00 AM

I'm Celibate - Get Me Out Of Here

The premise of this memoir really caught my attention. This book chronicles author Jo Elliott's real life experiences using an internet dating agency. This is a topic that seems to hit most of the magazines on a pretty recent basis these days, and even some of our favourite television programmes have hit on it (Dr Karl was semi-successful really) but is it really as easy as people would have us believe? I couldn't wait to read and find out.

The book begins with Jo explaining how she became persuaded to give an internet dating agency a try - in a nutshell, she's thirty-something, working in advertising in London, and hasn't managed to find Mr Right via any traditional routes. So when a friend of hers jokes that she ought to try the internet, to her own surprise Jo registers with 'Digital-Cupid' and waits to see if she gets any responses. The book then chronicles some of the responses, the email and instant message interchanges between Jo and her would be suitors and the various dates that she ends up on.

The book follows Jo's progress for a couple of years and charts her highs and lows... or more often the men that lie only a little, and the men who ought to be recruited for the secret service they're so accomplished at creating an alternative life for themselves. Along the way she punctuates events with her own observations, and here her sense of humour shows itself. I found myself laughing from only a couple of pages in - not because the author was trying to amuse, but because everything she was saying I could identify with.

This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining. You really feel the rollercoaster sense that is associated with the search for Mr Right - at the end of the day we're all either doing it or have done it. The anecdotes are hugely amusing at times, but Elliott never feels the need to be downright rude about any of the men she came aross. The idea for the book is very original, who knows it may join the likes of Adrian Mole and Bridget in years to come.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 1, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 19, 2005 12:58 PM

The Shops

After bashing out two successful chick lit novels, India Knight managed to pursuade someone to let her write a book about shopping. 'The Shops: How, why and where to shop' is an unashamedly self-indulgent gem filled with tales of the author's shopping excursions and littered with product recommendations, shopping favourites and gift ideas. If you love shopping, you'll love this...

Though essentially a non-fiction shopping guide, the narrative thread running through 'The Shops' makes it as easy to devour as any good girly novel. How much you get out of it depends on how much you agree with Knight's shopping habits, but regardless of that, her tales of early shopping trips (throwing up after drinking Dr Pepper, a secret passion for cheap chocolate, finding the 'Pants of Steel') are described in such a laugh-out-loud, relatable fashion that you feel like you're reading an email from a good friend, choc full of secret shopping tips 'just for you'.

Where India Knight succeeds in constructing a good shopping guide is that she doesn't just relay the same information as every magazine in the country. There are a lot of online finds, which is great considering most of Britain is still scared to shop online and needs some serious education. Even a seasoned shopper will find herself discovering new secrets when reading this book. Knight obviously loves being pampered and enjoys life's little luxuries, and spends pages discussing the perfect way to shape an eyebrow, how to lose pounds without going on a diet (it's those Pants of Steel again) and why kareoke is so brilliant. The product and gift recommendations, though generally expensive, are great. This was one of the first places I read abou Liz Earle's unfaultable cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser, and I love the idea of buying a live butterfly or bug farm (from insectlore.co.uk) for a child!

Whether you're a seasoned shopper or the kind of person who dreads a trip to Oxford Street, this book is a mine of information and a great read to dip in and out of. It covers everything from maternity clothing to organic food, and is full of top tips, personal recommendations and silly stories. Invest in it now and halve your christmas shopping time!

This book is also available in paperback for £5.59

Posted by gcartwright on October 19, 2005 in Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)