Synopses & Reviews
In a society that puts so much emphasis on perfection, Veronica Chambers mischievously casts aside the guilt-inducing litany of “shoulda, coulda, woulda” that seems to define modern-day life and replaces it with a resounding call to live with “foolish bravery.” Refreshingly open about the personal failures and limitations that once weighed her down with shame, Chambers describes how she turned her less-than-perfect qualities into sources of delight and satisfaction. From belting out off-key renditions of torch songs while washing the dishes to seeing even the most unlikely career opportunity as a chance to spread ones wings, Chambers shows that a willingness to fall flat on ones face heightens the joys of everyday life and opens a new, wonderfully liberating perspective on work, motherhood, aging, friendship, failure, and success.
With a winning combination of lighthearted anecdotes and heartfelt musings, Chambers encourages readers to follow her example and do the things that tickle their fancies and fire their imaginationsno matter what other people (and that little voice inside) may say. Like Chambers herself, theyll discover that “what we consider our failures have a surprising ability to charm . . . we are loved for our imperfectionsfor our funny faces and walks and dances and songs.”
About the Author
VERONICA CHAMBERS is the author of
When Did You Stop Loving Me (aka
Miss Black America),
Having It All?, and
Mamas Girl. She was formerly the culture writer for
Newsweek, a senior associate editor at
Premiere, and an executive editor at
Savoy. Her writing has appeared in many magazines, including
Glamour,
Vogue,
Esquire,
New York Times Magazine, and
O,
The Oprah Magazine. She lives in California with her husband.
Visit Veronica at VeronicaChambers.com. To receive her Joy newsletter, send an e-mail to [email protected], with I want some JOY! in the subject line. For college lectures and Joy workshops, please contact Veronicas lecture agents at www.soapboxinc.com.
SUJEAN RIM is a freelance illustrator and shoe designer living in Brooklyn, New York.