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
Reviewer |
Lynda E. Lukow |
Reviewed
2005 |
NOTE:
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