Wednesday, December 28, 2016

"Small Admissions" by Amy Poeppel in Bookstores and Online Now! A Laugh Riot



The debut novel by Amy Poeppel is one of the funniest books I've read this year.

If you're a fan of chick-lit, this has got to be on your reading list for 2017.

It was hard to feel sorry for the book's main character,  Kate, who endured many pitfalls throughout the novel, when she kept me in stitches.  I want to be Kate's new best friend.

There's something here for everyone.  There's the college roommates meet adult life scenario.  There's the "my boyfriend dumped me," scenario.  There's the dysfunctional family scenario.  There's the "mom and dad like you best" sibling rivalry scenario.  There's the helicopter and over-ambitious, private school parent scenario (translated "I'll do anything to get my kid into this elite school).

And, last, but not least, there's the "nothing is ever as it seems" scenario. 

A thoroughly enjoyable read.  You'll devour it.  I promise.



When ambitious grad student Kate Pearson’s handsome French “almost fiancĂ©” ditches her, she definitely does not roll with the punches, despite the best efforts of family and friends. It seems that nothing will get Kate out of pajamas and back into the world.

Miraculously, one cringe-worthy job interview leads to a position in the admissions department at the revered Hudson Day School. Kate’s instantly thrown into a highly competitive and occasionally absurd culture, where she interviews all types of children: suitable, wildly unsuitable, charming, loathsome, ingratiating, or spoiled beyond all measure. And then there are the Park Avenue parents who refuse to take no for an answer.

As Kate begins to learn there’s no room for self-pity or nonsense during the height of admissions season or life itself, her sister and friends find themselves keeping secrets, dropping bombshells, and arguing with each other about how to keep Kate on her feet. Meanwhile, Kate seems to be doing very nicely, thank you, and is even beginning to find out that her broken heart is very much on the mend. Welcome to the world of Small Admissions
.  (from Aria Books).

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Don't Be Tardy to the Holiday Party


I hope I'm not too late for my annual list of "Do's and Don'ts" for the Holiday Party.

For those of you, who haven't already had your celebrations here are some of what I like to call "helpful hints."


  • Arrive "on time."  Meaning don't be the first one there.  But don't be obviously late.
  • Don't be the last one to leave.  Because if you are, that means that you didn't follow the below
  • Don't over-imbibe.  Everyone loves holiday cheer but no one wants to be the stuff that office party folklore is made of
  • Don't wear anything too revealing.  While you might be super proud of your yoga body this year, resist the temptation to let it all hang out - less is not always more
'Tis the season to be jolly - in moderation.