Category Archives: Book Reviews

May I Be Happy: Book for yogis and women who struggle with body image

Posted on January 27, 2013 | Comments Off on May I Be Happy: Book for yogis and women who struggle with body image

I reviewed a book this month by yoga guru Cyndi Lee called “May I Be Happy: A Memoir of Love, Yoga, and Changing my Mind.”  It’s about a world-famous yoga teacher– and founder of the OM yoga studio in New York– who despite her ability to stand on her head and other feats of will and strength, always hated how she looked.

may i be happy cyndi lee yoga book review

I get to choose the books I review and this one appealed to me because I love yoga, and– like millions of women–  have never been happy with my body.  It’s an interesting read, especially for anyone who has sat on a yoga mat and marveled at a teacher’s ability to do some impossible pose, or chant Sanskrit without any fear or insecurity.

I revere many of my yoga teachers and am often motivated by their strong, lean bodies. So it’s fascinating to read the intimate details of a teacher’s mental struggle to accept herself.

Like, Lee, I began feeling insecure about my body soon after puberty when it changed in ways that made me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. Although never grossly overweight, I have never felt satisfied with the way I look and believed if I could only be disciplined and lose 10 pounds, then I’d be happy.

But as Lee finds out, it doesn’t always work that way. There are reasons we struggle with self-acceptance that usually have nothing to do with a number on a scale. We beat ourselves up and let that ugly voice in our heads dictate our moods.

Lee– who’s now in her 50’s– had allowed those voices to shame her for decades. The book chronicles her journey to discover the root of her body issues and the tools to get over them. She interviews many experts and tries everything from meditation to positive affirmations to find the happiness she seeks.

Yoga guru and author Cyndi Lee

Yoga guru and author Cyndi Lee

The writing is not strong, but the message is, so if the subject appeals to you, it’s worth a read.  You can read my full review in the New York Times here.

I know women struggle with body image because it’s a constant topic of conversation among my friends.  Let me know in the comments your thoughts on self acceptance and whether you’d read this book. Namaste!

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Best books lists: what are you reading?

Posted on January 24, 2013 | 1 comment

I love to read so I get that question a lot. The irony is, I’m in two book clubs and I review books for work, so I rarely have time to choose the books I’m reading.

Yet I still obsess over my mushrooming reading list on my Blackberry. If I hear or read about a book that interests me, I’m compelled to add it. Just like my DVR saved programs screen, my book list is full of unmet potential.

Sigh.

But I won’t stop adding books to my list because, unlike TV, it’s never too late to read a great book, no matter how long ago it was published. I fantasize about a mild illness or subtle injury that causes very little pain and discomfort but keeps me laid up in bed for days on end. Or maybe it’s the fabled desert island where I’ll bring my pile of books to devour in the sun.

Someday.

In that spirit, I offer you fellow book lovers a terrific list I found last month. Many magazines, websites and newspapers offer their own best books of the year lists, but books are so subjective, and there are so many to consider in a year, it’s difficult to find one list that’s agreeable to all.

best best books 2012 list

But this Flavorwire link is the mother of all lists. They compiled a tally from 14 great book sites– from Publisher’s Weekly to the New York Times to The Daily Beast– and then named the books that were listed most often in all the lists combined.

I’m embarrassed to say that the only book on the Flavorwire big list that I’ve read is Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl (which I loved.) But I was so jazzed by some of the other titles, I brought them to my book club meeting and hopefully will get to read a few in the coming months.

I’m most pumped to delve into Kevin Powers’ The Yellow Birds, Jess Walters’ Beautiful Ruins, and Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, by Ben Fountain.  Thoughts?

I have so little time to read for pleasure that I hate to waste it on flimsy fiction. Check out the Flavorwire list on the link above and let me know if you’ve read any of the books and whether you’d give a green or red bookmark… and tell me in the comments.

Happy reading!

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I got Zen with Tony Bennett

Posted on November 25, 2012 | 1 comment

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. One of the things for which I’m grateful is the opportunity to write about pop culture for sites that people actually read. Last week I reviewed crooner Tony Bennett’s new book, “Life is a Gift, The Zen of Bennett,” (Harper Collins) for the Associated Press.

It’s a quick read that offers some sage advice from a guy who’s been in show business for 60 years, so he knows a thing or two about how to stay relevant.  I was surprised to learn that Bennett fought the Germans in World War II  and risked his life to march with Martin Luther King Jr. for civil rights in the 60’s. He’s sung for every president since Eisenhower (guess which one is his fav?) and has worked with all the greats– including his best friend and mentor, Frank Sinatra.

The book is chock full of photos of Bennett with tons of celebs — from Babs to Lady Gaga. Bennett casually mentions Christmases with Ella Fitzgerald, discussing poetry with Allen Ginsberg, Bob Hope giving him his stage name, and taking Judy Garland to parties. He soaked up career advice from Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, and Duke Ellington…and comments on singing with Paul McCartney, John Mayer, and Elton John. He also adds his take on Amy Winehouse with whom he recorded right before she died.

Many of Bennett’s drawings are also included in the book. He’s an accomplished artist and even has one of his works hanging in the Smithsonian. Who knew?

At the end of each chapter, Bennett sums up his experiences and offers Zen advice. While none of it’s mind blowing, it’s a good reminder and often inspiring, especially for any kind of artist trying to maintain his/her integrity while achieving success.

Here are a few of Bennett’s Zen teachings that stuck out for me:

–“When you choose your friends, realize you are also choosing your teachers.”

–” If you don’t care what you’re doing, why should the audience?”

–“Fame comes and goes but longevity is the thing to aim for.”

–“Obstacles are necessary for success. Be persistent and you will reach your goals.”

–“Being angry is a waste of time. Instead, count your blessings every day.”

–“In the end, all we really can rely on is ourselves.”

–“Everything you do should be done with love.”

I’d love you to give the review a read here and let me know what you think in the comments.

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Author Alex Witchel Nourishes the Soul in “All Gone”

Posted on October 21, 2012 | Comments Off on Author Alex Witchel Nourishes the Soul in “All Gone”

I recently reviewed a book for the Associated Press that exceeded expectations. The non-fiction work , “All Gone: A Memoir of My Mother’s Dementia with Refreshments,”  sounds like a downer but was surprisingly funny, relatable, and beautifully written.

The author, Alex Witchel, is a writer whom I admire for her insightful and engaging celebrity interviews as a staff writer for the New York Times magazine. She also had a regular food column for the Times and now writes a column called “Stage Fright” about new art, theater, and restaurant endeavors in New York.

(That’s my latest dream job: writing about celebrities, artists, and food for the New York Times. Where do I apply?!)

You might balk at a story about a woman caring for her ailing mother as she loses her memory and sense of self. But this book is more than that– detailing Witchel’s childhood in Scarsdale, her complicated family relationships, and how she came to work at the Times. She also includes some family recipes for comfort food that evoke nostalgia and tie her themes together.

I’d love you to read the review here and let me know if I sold you. The book will make you think about your relationship with your mother and maybe hanker for some meat and potatoes.

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Stephen Colbert’s America: How the father of truthiness is changing politics

Posted on October 17, 2012 | Comments Off on Stephen Colbert’s America: How the father of truthiness is changing politics

As we get closer to the election, the political conversation is becoming more shrill on both sides. I’ve noticed several loyal Facebook posters threatening to  sign off until after November 6th, though I doubt they actually will.

This is not a political blog so though I’m a news junkie and following the race closely, I will refrain from taking sides here. But I recently wrote an interesting  story about when pop culture and politics collide.

I interviewed a Penn State professor on how Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,”  has changed modern politics.

Professor Sophia McClennen has written a book called “Colbert’s America, Satire and Democracy,” which is pretty readable for an academic endeavor. She argues that Colbert and Jon Stewart are brilliant satirists who have captured attention by lampooning political and media figures, while pointing out the stupidity and folly of the way Washington works.

But Colbert has taken satire to a new level by actually motivating his fans to get up off the couch and become political activists.

Stunts on his pretend conservative talk show have spurned viewers to tweet en masse,  and donate money to both worthy causes and his Super PAC. He not only makes us laugh, he’s teaching us a lesson by exposing how money flows in our political system.

McClennen was engaging and smart and made me think about the power of satire and Colbert’s influence on politics in a new way.  Colbert seems to be everywhere these days. He was on “Meet the Press” last Sunday and “Oprah’s Next Chapter” featured Colbert recently as well.  In both interviews, I found him bright, charming, and authentic– probably why he has such a huge following. You can see a clip of Oprah’s interview here.

I’d love you to take a look at my story on how Colbert is changing politics here and let me know what you think.

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Posted in Book Reviews, Fav TV, In the News

“How to Look Hot in a Minivan” Review: Celebrity Style Tips from the Inside

Posted on September 26, 2012 | Comments Off on “How to Look Hot in a Minivan” Review: Celebrity Style Tips from the Inside

I reviewed a book this week that’s great for moms who need a style lift. And who doesn’t really?! If you need advice on anything from buying jeans to eye cream check out “How To Look Hot in a Minivan.”

When I first received the book, with the subtitle “A Real Woman’s Guide to Losing Weight, Looking Great, and Dressing Chic in the Age of the Celebrity Mom”– I rolled my eyes and expected shallow nonsense.

I was wrong!

Author Janice Min is the executive editor of the “The Hollywood Reporter” and previously edited “US Weekly” so she knows her celebrity stuff. She divulges the inside info, from the perspective of a less than perfect real mom of three. She’s a great writer and includes many personal stories of her own pregnancy and parenthood experiences that are extremely relatable– from the time someone asked when she was due weeks after the baby was born… to the guilt of working motherhood.

The book gets into specifics on clothing and beauty products with scoop from celebrity stylists that is actually very helpful. Did you know you can zap a zit with Visine or use dry shampoo to save a bad hair day?  Min also dishes about Gwyneth’s best hair accessory, Sarah Jessica Parker’s favorite cleanse, and Kelly Ripa’s workout DVD of choice.

She also gets into detail on exercise programs, and nutrition with useful lists of healthy snacks and bad food traps– especially when feeding kids. She includes a whole chapter on plastic surgery that was fascinating and abhorrent all at the same time.

The book offers valuable advice in a funny, easy way with a message of being good to yourself. It would make a great gift for new moms as it’s filled with stories that most people won’t tell you when you’re pregnant (stretch marks, hair loss, cellulite!) Somehow Min breaks it to them gently, with lots of pretty celebrity photos.

Please click here to read my review and let me know in the comments if you would read it or buy it for a friend. My copy is dog-eared already.

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Candy Book Review: Happier at Home

Posted on September 12, 2012 | Comments Off on Candy Book Review: Happier at Home

I recently wrote a review of Gretchen Rubin’s new book, “Happier at Home” for the Associated Press. Some of you may know Rubin from her bestselling self-help memoir, “The Happiness Project.”

Happier at Home/Crown Archetype

I had read the first book and related to Rubin’s claim that she had slipped into a “midlife malaise.. and experienced a recurrent sense of discontent,”  even though — on paper– she had everything going for her. Despite her loving, supportive husband, healthy children, successful career, and Manhattan home, she thought she should be feeling more joy, and less agitation.

The book followed her journey through a year of very conscious living, reported in organized, thorough detail. It offered some concrete, helpful suggestions for getting more out of the life you have. I was impressed by Rubin’s commitment, and appreciated her sharing her research to help others.

But the book kind of bored me.

Rubin is clearly incredibly smart and articulate, but this book did not make me laugh. I guess I really dig a sense of humor with my happiness.

Much like the first book, “Happier at Home” provides some tangible steps to increase happiness in many aspects of life, including family, possessions, and time management.

But there’s not one laugh. Not even a chuckle.

And at no point did I feel like maybe Rubin wasn’t completely in control of her every thought and movement. While she includes many personal anecdotes, her life seems too deliberate and sensible. Just once I would have liked to read about the time she took her top off in Whole Foods or cried when she burned the pancakes. Wasn’t gonna happen.

So I wrote what I think is a thoughtful and fair review, detailing her process and complimenting her helpful hints. Then I snuck in a line towards the end about her writing that wasn’t so sunny. It might have even affected her happiness. 

I gotta keep it real, no?

Of course after the review was published and got picked up by many big national sites I felt waves of guilt. As a writer, should I be criticizing other writers? Am I a traitor to my tribe?

You be the judge. Read it here.

I’d love to hear what you think in the comments. I promise not to critique them!

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Candy Reading List: More Picture Books Ages 3-10

Posted on July 2, 2012 | 1 comment

I’m adding to the Candy Reading List this month with a few more picture books for ages 3 to 10 that are among our favorites. Summer is a good time to get to your local library to pass the time and escape the heat. Check out these picture books and let me know what you think. I’d also love to see your favorites so tell me about them in the comments.

Let’s talk about books!

Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox/Erin Dealey

This book’s brightly colored, animated illustrations look like pop art. Goldie Locks is sick with dots so the whole neighborhood— from Henny Penny to Red Ridinghood to Bo Peep– pays a visit to check her spots. The rhyming stanzas are clever and funny and we love the ending, when her pesky little brother gets his just desserts.

Mr. Mumble/Peter Catalanotto

Most kids love animals and this book is chock-full of them, showing up in unexpected places, which always gets a laugh. Mr. Mumble is not speaking clearly so his day of errands turns into one crazy mishap after another. My boys love trying to figure out what he’s really saying. Just when he’s getting ready to page Dr. Doolittle, the mumbling mystery is solved!

Sakes Alive A Cattle Drive/Karma Wilson

Wilson is a wonderful author and illustrator who has a gift for farm farce. Hilarity ensues when two cows escape in the farmer’s pickup and the whole town chases them down. These bold and brave bovines make quite a scene, one that your kids won’t forget.

Pout-Pout Fish/Deborah Diesen

While this sea story is aimed at younger kids, all readers can learn from the message of turning that frown upside down. Mr. Fish’s spirits have sunk as low as the ocean floor and he feels doomed to the depths until another fish turns him around. It’s a good lesson that we all have a choice to prevent the pout.

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Joan Rivers’ New Book: She’s into Hard Core Scorn

Posted on June 8, 2012 | 2 comments

I reviewed Joan Rivers’ new humor book, “I Hate Everyone… Starting with Me” for the Associated Press this week. I’ve always been fond of Joan and find her self-deprecating, bitchy humor amusing. But in this book she goes too far with the negativity and 242 pages of insults and mocking was too much. You can read my review here.

The piece was on several sites but I chose the Yahoo version because I want you to scroll down to the comments following the review. Most criticized Joan with cheap shots about her age, comedic abilities, and plastic surgery. Others accused her of causing her husband’s suicide and being a greedy Jew.

Really? That’s the level of discourse we’re at?

Perhaps I’m naive because I don’t spend much time making or reading many comments online besides my blog, but people always shock me with their levels of spite. Of course it’s easy to say nasty things when you’re sitting alone with a keyboard. I wonder how many of those hostile cowards would make similar comments in a crowded room.

The last paragraph of my review suggests that if you look at almost any online story these days, you can usually find hateful, angry comments so perhaps that’s the crowd Joan is addressing with this book. Ironically, I bet none of the haters who commented even read the review (or the book)  before making their judgments. If they had, they might have realized their own folly.

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50 Shades of Meh

Posted on May 10, 2012 | 7 comments

The cultural phenomenon surrounding E.L. James’ book, 50 Shades of Grey baffles me.  Who knew that all it took to awaken the libido of thousands of women was a handsome billionaire who dabbles in S & M?

 The erotic novel has struck a chord with women of all ages who apparently like the idea of a dude with a helicopter and a garage full of fancy sports cars controlling their every move.

As I’ve said before, I’m a joiner when it comes to pop culture trends so I wanted to see what all the excitement was about. I downloaded 50 Shades to my Kindle for my vacation read. (No one needed to know I was reading porn at the pool.)

Maybe it was all the hype, but I don’t get it.

The characters and plot are implausible at best, ridiculous at worst.  The protagonist—a young, pretty woman with the soap opera name Anastasia Steele—is graduating from college and we are supposed to believe she is a virgin who doesn’t have a laptop computer or smart phone. In comes the hero— 27-year-old entrepreneur Christian Grey– to save her from the rock she’s been hiding under. Really?!

The first book takes place over just a few weeks and despite his presumably busy schedule making million dollar deals and running a giant company, Christian manages to show up wherever Ana is, to make sure she’s not misbehaving. Hmmm.

It often felt like I was peeking at the daisy-covered journal of a high school girl experiencing her first crush.  The hackneyed writing is repetitive and made me cringe more than once. A search on my Kindle determined Ana says holy shit 56 times and crap 93.  If I had to hear about the “electric charge” between them once more, I might have electrocuted myself.

Of course, no one’s reading it for the eloquent prose. The curious want to check out the dirty parts.  James paces the many sex scenes well and does create a sense of suspense and passion between Ana and Christian. I was unfamiliar with the world of domination so the details about the expectations and practices were eye-opening.

But even the leather riding crops and fur gloves weren’t enough to overcome the cheesy story. I was not expecting fine literature but the tawdry writing and silly narrative were distracting to the flow of the story. I kept getting pulled out of the action by another eye roll-inducing line. Here’s one of Ana’s thought streams:

“Jeez, he looks so freaking hot. My subconscious is frantically fanning herself , and my inner goddess is swaying and writhing to some primal carnal rhythm. She’s so ready. I lick my lips instinctively. My blood pounds through my body, thick and heavy with salacious hunger. What is he going to do to me?”

Out of context, it’s almost funny, right?

Nearly everyone I know who has read 50 Shades has enjoyed it and immediately purchased the second and third books in the series. I guess I understand the escapism and the fantasy of that intense attraction– especially when you are either lonely, or have been with the same person for a long time (or sometimes both.)

I’m sure this post will make me wildly unpopular with those who have so willingly converted to Christi-Ana-ty. But there are about 20 other books on my night table that I would rather read. Maybe that makes me cynical or even prudish.  I prefer to think of it as selective.

For those of you who love the books and can’t wait for the movie, you can vote for who you think would be the best actors for the roles of Ana and Christian when the lusty lovers hit the big screen here.

And check out this hilarious “Saturday Night Live” spoof of women enjoying the book perhaps too much here.

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