Maria Menounos

Self-help books seem to be a dime a dozen these days and the 'guide to life' ones often promise more than they deliver. I usually pass. So why am I reading and reviewing this book? Well, I have a family member that is headed off to college out-of-state and while she may think she knows it all she's about to have a rude awakening on exactly what she doesn't know. And while advice from an older (read ancient) adult often gets brushed off, that same advice coming from a savvy older sister or cousin is appreciated and heeded. Maria Menounos is that sister and this book is that advice neatly packaged. In the interest of full disclosure I had not heard of Menounos before reading this book - she is a broadcast journalist/entertainer and frankly I'd rather read than watch TV. But I was attracted to this book by its cute cover (I never said I couldn't be shallow) and I read the book before giving it to the intended recipient.

I was impressed.

This is not some celebutante tell-all but a nicely written and oh so practical guide for girls just starting out. Menounos bases the entire philosophy of the book on the principle of 'kaizen' - which means to see yourself as your main competition and to focus on besting your last best. Menounos has put this principle to good use - from the humble beginnings of a working class immigrant family (which she is intensely proud of)on to Hollywood, a successful career and strong personal relationships. She shows you how she got there, tells you what she has found important and warns against the pitfalls. Topics covered are home/office organization, personal style, relationships, health and business. The advice is concise, practical and frugal - her message is that you can have it all if you have a plan and are willing to work hard and believe in yourself. It does not miss a trick in covering what every young woman needs to know in order to be a success. Sprinkled throughout the book are interesting photos of Menounos' life plus a simple (yet effective) workout routine, healthy recipes and an appendix with a number of organizational checklists. The tone of the book is most appreciated - Menounos maintains a very positive attitude throughout, no nasty tell-all here.

This book goes to the top of my list of graduation/starting out gifts for any young women I know. The only complaint I have about the book is that I wish it had been bound in a ring binder type format; it would have been more useful if it were able to lay flat as you refer to certain sections or copy any of the checklists. Other than that, loved it.… (mehr)