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Things I Want My Daughters to Know
A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life

By Alexandra Stoddard

    How does a woman who has earned a living as an interior decorator claim the right to advise others on life? If you think about it, the subjects aren't too far apart. A beautiful home should be bright, balanced, functional and pleasurable. Shouldn't those same qualities apply to life, too?

   Unlike other books filled with advice on how to cope, Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life centers on enjoying life. Topics covered in the 57 essays range from parenting ("Don't Lay Down a Law with a Child That You Are Not Prepared to Enforce") to nurturing oneself ("Love Your Own Company"). At first glance, some of the essays may seem to contradict each other. For example, how can you "Stick to Your Plan" and still "Embrace Change"? After reading both entries, you'll understand their correspondence.

    Ms. Stoddard's guidance is not fast food meant to be quickly digested; it is a seven course meal intended to be slowly savored. The author uses humor ("Learn to Style Your Own Hair"), grace ("Do Your Best and Leave the Rest"), and wisdom ("You Don't Have to Prove Anything to Anyone") to encourage readers along their quest for a more fulfilling life. By the time dessert comes around, you, too, might embrace Alexandra Stoddard's mantra, "Love and live happy."

The Book

Harper Collins
October 1, 2004
Hardcover
006059487X
Nonfiction / Inspirational
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Excerpt

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The Reviewer

Lynda E. Lukow
Reviewed 2005
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© 2005 MyShelf.com