Released today, Your So-Called Life: A Guide to Boys, Body Issues and Other Big-Girl Drama You Thought You Would Have Figured Out By Now (Harper, 2010) is a self-described guide for thirty-somethings. This is a phase of life when friendships are in flux as women mate, marry and mother---so this time, the authors who previously teamed up to write Friend or Frenemy? (Harper, 2008), grapple with friendship issues in a more serious way. After all, they've aged and moved on too.
But they've maintained their humor and whether you're part of the demographic or not, you'll thoroughly enjoy this effortless romp through pop culture and find yourself laughing out loud with them.
One example: "Here, we take a look at the changing face of adulthood from Before the Common Era to the present TMI Era, a time when our life choices are endless and we feel the need to write about it all over Facebook and Twitter> (@everyone-in-the-freaking-universe: should I choose the honey mustard, Grey Poupon, spicy mustard, chipotle mayor, or horseradish?)."
Your So-Called Life is a fast, fun and an easy read---filled with charticles, listicles, quizzes, tips, and factoids---but the book also carries some gravitas because the authors call upon 30 experts (from physicians to psychologists to career counselors and financial planners) to answer the burning questions faced by this age group. Full disclosure: I was the friendship expert Andrea and Jessica called on for the chapter entitled, "Ladies who Lunch Versus Girls' Night Out: Your Ever-Evolving Social Circle.".
This is the third collaboration of authors Andrea Lavinthal, a beauty editor, and Jessica Rozler, who works in book publishing and I think the authors have hit their stride with this one. Perhaps, I liked all the "grown-up" voices of experts they've added to their own. Or maybe I was won over by Andrea's confession that she calls her mother at least once a day, not because she needs to but because she wants to.
Yes, the authors have a handle on the questions and quandaries of young women on one side or other of the big 3-0. But they also offer something else to those old enough to be their parents: a glimpse into the mindset of their generation.
Friendship by the Book is an occasional series of posts on The Friendship Blog about books that offer friendship lessons.
BOOK GIVEAWAY:
Win a free copy of Your So-Called Life: Post a comment here or on The Friendship Blog telling why you would like to read the book. Please include an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.
One winner will be selected at random from all entries received by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, September 21, 2010. U.S. shipping addresses only, please. Good luck, girlfriends!
